Principals, Governors and Trustees came together at the 24th Annual General Meeting of NICIE, which took place on Friday 22nd November at 5.00pm in Riddel Hall, Stranmillis Road, Belfast, followed by the annual NICIE dinner.
The AGM opened with the beautiful singing of pupils from Priory Integrated College.
Noreen Campbell, CEO reported on a very busy year for NICIE, she highlighted the important issues which had engaged NICIE, including Area Based Planning, Shared Education and Positive Pathways to Integration and invited discussion on these areas.
Noreen Campbell with Michael Morrow, Helen McLaughlin and Colm Cavanagh
She outlined the successes of the year: the first International Integrated Education Week in March, when children and young people connected with other countries, embraced cultural diversity and shared their learning experiences locally and globally.
International partnerships had flourished with a memorandum of understanding signed with Nansen Dialogue for Integrated education, Macedonia. A delegation from NICIE visited Macedonia for an international conference as part of IIEW in March and hosted a reciprocal visit.
Noreen paid tribute to the work of Bernie Kells for the Sharing Classrooms: Deepening Learning project and thanked the International Fund for Ireland for their support. The work of the Facing the Past Shaping the Future project was also commended and Noreen thanked Sheelagh Deane and NICIE Development Officer Denise Morgan for their work on this project.
Noreen then outlined the NICIE’s draft strategic plan for 2013 – 2016. After discussion, it was ratified by the AGM. Noreen finished by thanking staff and directors for their continuing work and support for the cause of integrated education.Financial reports were presented and approved and the reports from Standing Committees: APTIS, Teacher s Committee and IEF were presented.
The AGM closed with a tribute to retiring Director, Michael Morrow, Treasurer and Chair of the Finance and General Purposes and Staffing Committee. Vice Chair Helen McLaughlin presented him with a beautiful sculpture, in recognition of his many years of service and commitment to the cause of Integrated Education in Northern Ireland and to his work in NICIE.
NICIE post AGM reception took a more informal approach this year. It was much enjoyed by all including colleagues from the wider world of education and NICIE Patrons.
Entertainment was provided by Aidan Mulholland and Vicente Isidro.
NICIE annual seminar ‘Advancing Education’
NICIE Seminar – Canada Room QUB – 22nd November 2013
The AGM was followed by NICIE’s annual seminar . on Saturday, 23rd November in the Canada Room, Queen’s University, sponsored by the Sharing Education Programme at QUB. NICIE was particularly pleased to be joined at the seminar by a range of people: academics, governors, principals and parents. For the first time, students from an integrated schools, Hazelwood integrated College, attended the seminar; their contribution was invaluable. The theme this year was ‘Advancing Education’ and an ‘open space’ format was used, ably guided by facilitator, Sean O’Boyle. This ensured full participation by all and an engaged and active debate. The findings from this seminar will be published on the NICIE website.
Political conferences
This year NICIE has attended the various political conferences. This has provided us with an opportunity to promote integrated education directly to the politicians. We have taken part in two fringe events on education. Students from Hazelwood College ably supported NICIE staff at two conferences and made an outstanding impression on delegates. They were wonderful ambassadors for their school and for integrated education.
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