This week, Kilkenny Education Centre played host to a visit from An Tánaiste, and Minister for Education and Skills, Mary Coughlan TD.
The minister was greeted by a group of samaba drum players from Gaelscoil Osrai who played their drums expertly in the sun as she approached the new state-of-the-art Kilkenny Education Centre.
During her tour of the centre, the Minister witnessed at first hand some of the projects that are currently underway between the Education Centre and various primary and post primary schools across Kilkenny.
Following a series of presentations on several aspects of the modern educational system, Minister Coughlan heard the Presentation Secondary School choir perform three pieces of music, following which the Minister wished the girls well in their forthcoming All-Ireland Choir Competition.
During her speech at the centre before a select audience, which included Minor hurling team manager Richie Mulrooney, Joe Dunphy ex-principal of Ballyhale NS and editor of ‘Our Watery World DVD, public representatives and educational experts, the Tánaiste congratulated St Colman’s National School in Clara for their involvement in the ‘ipod touch project’.
In this project, students from second and third classes use the ‘ipod touch’ to help with their learning. The Minister congratulated the school and Kilkenny Education Centre for their vision in developing the project.
A number of other projects also caught the attention of the Minister including, the Scriobh Leabhar project, a project with the Health and Safety Authority, a project with the National Crafts Council, and a project with the Butler Gallery Kilkenny each of which was presented to the minister during her visit.
Paul Fields centre manager joked that the minister was lucky enough to be privvy to the launch of a series of projects which had got underway in Kilkenny in recent months, for which they waited to officially launch until her long-awaited visit.
The Minister reiterated her Department’s commitment to supporting schools and teachers and praised Mr Fields the Education Centre for its promotion of continuing professional development for teachers.
In particular the Minister praised a new project underway in the centre called, an Excellence Award. Mr Fields said, “this project brings teachers into the education centre to look at teaching practices and methodologies in their school.”
The director thanked the Minister for her attendance, and also all of the teachers who visit the centre and participate in the multiple of courses on offer.
The presentation concluded with the Presentation choir and refreshments.
The minister later attended a private Fianna Fail party meeting in the Springhill Court Hotel.
