NURTURING THE SEED The First Ten Years of the Edmund Rice Schools Trust 2008–2018 A Our Vision

Promoting full personal and social development in caring Christian communities of learning and teaching.

Our Mission

To provide Catholic education in the Edmund Rice tradition

Contents

1 10 Years in Numbers 2

2 Care, Safety and Student Happiness 6 What matters to us at your Trust 3 Our Students and our Schools are our Lifeblood 8

4 Handing on the Flame for Future Generations 12

5 Ten Things That Distinguish the Edmund Rice 18 Schools Network 6 6 The Impact of Edmund Rice Education and Values 26

7 A Decade of Development and More to Come 31

8 Highlights and Special Moments 34

9 A Small Dedicated Team 39

10 Education Equality for All 41 Our network of 96 schools Blown Away: Scoil Cholmchille Blarney Street Primary school 1 Brass Band in 2010.

2 10 Years in Numbers

Reflecting On a Decade

It must have been a bittersweet experience for the many Christian Brothers who gathered in Castle ten years ago to witness the inauguration of the Edmund Rice Schools Trust. I am sure that many of them were heartbroken at the realisation that the cause to which they had devoted their lives “ was in danger of failing because of an absence of vocations. In a tremendous act of faith and hope they decided to hand over the ownership of their almost 100 schools to a lay trust. They reposed faith in us and hoped we would continue the provision of education in accordance with the traditions of Blessed Edmund Rice. I will never forget the experience of Dublin Castle that day. Although sad, there was a tremendous energy and enthusiasm shown by all to ensure that the ideals of Edmund Rice would continue through the agency of this trust. I hope that the Brothers’ act of faith has been honoured and their hope realised by the work of the trust for the last 10 years. The Charter, so carefully drafted so as to ensure that the vision of Edmund Rice would be maintained, has been given effect to in all of our schools. I wish to express sincere thanks to the principals and teachers who have played such a vital role in ensuring the continuation of education in the Edmund Rice tradition.…

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I also thank and pay tribute to the past and present directors of the trust who gave and give so generously of their time and expertise. The small but very dedicated executive staff have played a huge role in ensuring the success of the trust. Thanks to them. My fellow members of the trust have been no less generous in their commitment to ensuring its success. I am very grateful to them. The proof of the success of the trust is, of course, to be found in our students. They – in a world that is largely unsympathetic to the Edmund Rice ideals – have proved themselves to be enthusiastic ambassadors for those ideals. We are very proud of them.

Peter Kelly, Chairman of the Members, Edmund ”Rice Schools Trust

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37,000 33 students in primary schools 170,000 students worldwide

96 schools 63 secondary schools 4 school changes to co-education 5 amalgamations 2 brand new 768 schools voluntary Board 3 of Management schools members transferred 6 into ERST Gaelscoileanna

300,000 futures: 7 We estimate that over 300,000 staff 1 students have passed through equivalent new Irish our schools since we were established, many from primary stream to secondary and then beyond to new futures.

5 Care, Safety and Student Happiness 2 WHAT MATTERS TO US AT YOUR TRUST The Seed Will Grow

Is cúis áthais is onóra dom fáilte a chur roimh an leabhrán comórtha seo. Is deacair a chreidiúint go bhfuil deich mbliana curtha i gcrích ag Iontaobhas Scoileanna Éamonn Rís agus nach iontach an rud é go bhfuil an Iontaobhas agus a chuid scoileanna ag dul i láidre in aghaidh na bliana. Ten years have passed since that special day in Dublin Castle when “ the Edmund Rice Schools Trust was launched. What a generous and courageous step it was for the Christian Brothers to hand over the trustee- ship of nearly 100 schools to a new lay trust after over two hundred years of intimate and accumulated experience of patronage of their schools. The new patron had a lot to live up to but it was taking on the challenge emboldened with a fierce passion for the vision of Edmund Rice, for our schools, for the students and their communities. It has to be a source of great satisfaction that the vision of Edmund Rice as expressed in the Charter has been embedded in all our school communities in a real and life-giving way. Our principals and teachers have made a tremendous contribution in bringing to life the values of Edmund Rice and we owe such gratitude to parents all over the country who have expressed such confidence in Edmund Rice education. The most remarkable achievement has been the way our students – in a very changed world – have immersed themselves in the ethos of our schools and see in the values of the Charter guiding principles for living meaningful lives. Tá ard-mholadh tuillte go mór ag gach duine a raibh baint acu leis an leabrán seo a ullmhú agus tréaslaim go mór leo. May the spirit of Edmund inspire us all as we face the future in confidence.

Noel Merrick, Chairperson of the Directors 6 ” Care, Safety and Student Happiness Unveiling the Whitaker Collection: St Joseph’s CBS, Drogheda, unveiled the Whitaker Collection of documents kindly entrusted to the school by Edmund Rice Schools are a dynamic, We do this in three ways: the family of Dr TK Whitaker in early diverse and thriving network of 96 2018. The Whitaker Alumni was also 1. We encourage our students to be relaunched at the same event. secondary and primary schools across independent thinkers and young Ireland, working every day to inspire social justice leaders by participating and guide over 37,000 children and in our internationally recognised young people. Edmund Rice advocacy, volunteering All of our schools are defined and and immersion programmes. shaped by our unique Charter. It sets 2. We provide every opportunity to out the values of quality teaching and our schools to be at the cutting learning, care, equality, leadership edge of education and innovation and faith at the heart of Edmund Rice by supporting quality teaching Education. and learning methods that focus Our primary aim, as the patron body on bringing out the best in our for this dynamic network, is to support students and teachers. We prioritise our schools to bring these values to life pioneering initiatives for young and to make them an integral part of people with special education and modern school life and experience – in social needs particularly. the classroom, on the playing fields and 3. We appoint, train and support in the community. quality Boards of Management, Principals and Deputy Principals to manage our schools, providing them with specialist advice and support on a range of issues, including governance, child welfare, finance and school developments. 7 3

Diversity Unites Us: Pupils from Oatlands Primary School in 2011. Oatlands Primary is one of the most diverse schools on Dublin’s Southside. Over 55% of ERST Primary schools are providing education and learning for children from disadvantaged communities or with specific education needs.

8 Our Students and our Schools are our Lifeblood

There’s always something special about marking an anniversary. It gives you a chance to reflect on what has happened – the people and events that have enriched that time span. And in our case, particularly, the Teachers, Principals, Deputy Principals, Boards of Management, Parents and of course “ Students that have been such an integral part of the Edmund Rice Schools Trust story over our ten years together since 2008. Our students and our schools are our lifeblood. The creativity, diversity, resilience, energy and innovation within our network is simply amazing. As a Trust team we are here to do one thing – and that is to provide the framework that supports and facilitates this vibrant network and the teaching, learning, support and encouragement that goes on every day in our 96 school communities. We are also very aware that 10 years, on the scale of things, is a very short time indeed, particularly when we consider the two century legacy that precedes our establishment.

9 Blessed Edmund Rice, the extraordinary man who Marking any anniversary is also a great time to founded his first school in 216 years think about the future. While we are celebrating “Our collective task is to enable ago, lit a flame that was to give opportunity to years gone by with this booklet, we are also looking children and young people to hundreds of thousands of children living in Ireland forward with anticipation to the years that have and around the world. Where there were no yet to come. live to the best of their ability in options, he provided a solid choice which started dignity, with hope and a strong with a set of values enshrined in the Catholic faith. There is a strong demand for the broad range of schools within our network. The quality, diverse sense of belonging.” In 2008, the Christian Brothers very generously and social justice ethos of our schools has never handed on responsibility for their schools in been more relevant, nor more needed. Ireland to the Edmund Rice Schools Trust, to hold the schools in trust, so that they would continue Our collective task is to enable children and young to provide Catholic education, in the Edmund people to live to the best of their ability in dignity, Rice tradition. It is precisely because of this – and with hope and a strong sense of belonging. The in the spirit of Edmund himself – that we are so respectful, happy, well-structured and safe school open to everybody. environments we are providing already gives them the very best start – now and into their futures. We welcome children from many faiths and none into our schools. We pride ourselves on our real I want to acknowledge all of the voluntary Trust diversity. In many of our schools we have children Members and Directors, and the small Trust from over 40 different cultures and backgrounds. executive team who have worked tirelessly over Our schools are located in inner cities, in suburbs the past decade to help keep the flame originally and in small provincial towns. This diversity, this lit by Edmund Rice in 1802, burning brightly today. acceptance, this embracing of difference is what unites us as a modern and always evolving network. As we face into our next 10 years, we will continue to do everything we can to support you as caring So while we are rooted in the past, we are very much schools that are welcoming, learning homes for all. connected to a modern, globalised and increasingly diverse world. Our unique ERST Charter, developed with our schools, provides us all with a set of Gerry Bennett, values and beliefs that continue the Edmund Rice Chief Executive, tradition of compassion and social justice. The Edmund Rice Schools Trust establishment of Edmund Rice Education Beyond Borders (EREBB) during our first 10 years has also strengthened the commitment to global equality, ” interconnectedness and human rights.

10 Booked In: President Michael D. Higgins opened the new Library at Francis Street CBS in January 2018. The development of the new library was supported by pupils from CBC Monkstown through a special partnership between the two schools for many years.

11 4 Handing on the Flame for Future Generations

Riding a rollercoaster at Deerpark

If there is one word that sums up what an ERST school is, it’s inclusive. There is an amazing atmosphere here in Deerpark. It’s a place where every child may be different but they know that they all have a special place in the school. It’s so different to the old “ idea that education in some way was exclusive. For a while there we were in danger of going back to that notion of exclusivity but thankfully we seem to be realising that inclusivity, rather than exclusivity, is the way to go. Perhaps what really speaks to this value of inclusivity is that we are not just inclusive in terms of our students but to the whole community. Our doors are completely open. We are home to four music organisations. We are home to the Cork Chinese Community and the Cork Hungarian Community. We are also home to the Calvary Church, testament to our religious inclusivity. Every night our carpark is packed. We are riding a roller coaster here. It can all be a bit mad sometimes. But, we are living and breathing the gospel, trying to be servants to our students and to our community, as Edmund Rice did hundreds of years ago.

Kevin Barry, Principal, Deerpark CBS 12 ” Handing on the Flame for Future Generations

“Rapid changes have taken place The Edmund Rice Schools Trust was launched on in Ireland in recent years. Ireland June 18, 2008 by the then Minister for Lifelong Learning Seán Haughey TD, at Dublin Castle. is now a more complex place. However, the vision and mission The launch saw the historic handing on of over 200 years of education by the Christian Brothers. The of the Edmund Rice Schools Trust Congregation placed their trust in the Edmund Rice is so relevant today as our children Schools Trust as a lay organisation to continue the go out into the world to live tradition of Edmund Rice education into the future. meaningful and satisfying lives. Given the role and influence of the Congregation This significant formal handover was in reality the I am confident that the Trust and other religious organisations in the culmination of a process which actually began with establishment and development of education in the appointment of the first Boards of Management and the schools will rise to this Ireland for over two centuries, this was a watershed in our primary schools in the 1970s and in our challenge in the years ahead.” moment, not just for ERST, but for the entire Irish secondary schools in the 1980s. That process education system. continued with the appointment of the first lay principals in our secondary schools in the 1980s Seán Haughey TD, and in our primary schools in the 1990s. Minister for Lifelong Learning The move to the Edmund Rice trusteeship was carefully planned; our development was firmly rooted in the very same values and ethos that led Edmund Rice to establish his first school in Waterford. Members of school communities in the early 2000s will remember the consultation process that invited them to reflect on the values that form the basis for our Charter today and underpin the distinctive ethos of the Edmund Rice School.

Br Paul Oakley, CFC, visits Ireland 2018: Br Paul Oakley, CFC, President of the Edmund Rice Education Australia Council and Mr Justice Peter Kelly, Chairperson of the Members of the Edmund Rice Schools Trust.

13 Directors and Members

Trust Directors 2008 Br Mark McDonnell Gerry Rowley Drawing History and Willie Pat Hallihan Future Together in a Logo Geoff Meagher Catherine McDonagh Patrick B Diggins (Chairperson) Helen Ó Murchú By now we will all be familiar with the Edmund

Rice Schools Trust logo. However, choosing our new brand and identity was an important task in Trust Members 2008 2008. We wanted our new identity to communicate Justice Peter Kelly (Chairperson) our values and aspirations, our past and our First Board of Directors: Mr Pat Cox future, as well as our dedication to professionalism Back: Br. Mark McDonnell, Mr Dr Daniel O’Hare and confidence as a strong network of schools. It Gerry Rowley, Mr Gerry Bennett Mr Patrick O’Neill also had to be relevant and completely connected (Chief Executive), Mr Willie Pat to who we are. And so, the designers drew on Hallihan, Mr Geoff Meagher, Professor Eunice McCarthy Ireland’s early alphabet of Ogham, alluding to our Front: Ms Catherine McDonagh, Ms Carmel Naughton connection to the past and to our Irish culture. Mr Pat Diggins (Chairperson), Dr Fiachra Long In addition, Blessed Edmund Rice’s headstone is Ms Helen O’ Murchú. Br Michael Murray engraved using Ogham. Moreover, the logo spells Ms Patricia McCrossan out the letters “ERST”, providing us with a marque that is both original but relevant. Trust Directors 2018 Mr Noel Merrick (Chairperson) Ms Dympna Glendenning Mr Michael McDaid Ms Mary Moorhead Ms Anne Tuohy Mr Michael Walsh Mr Brendan McCauley

ERST Members 2018 Our logo spells out ERST: Keeping our connection The Hon Mr Justice Peter Kelly (Chairperson) with our past, the headstone Dr Daniel O’Hare (Vice Chairperson) on Blessed Edmund Rice’ Mr Patrick B Diggins grave is also engraved Dr Daire Keogh using Ogham. Ms Patricia McCrossan Mr Joe McLoughlin Br Michael Murray Mr Gerry Rowley 14 Setting up ERST was not just a landmark development. The last 10 years have challenged the school community to take what the Brothers asked them to do and to continue to develop the traditions and values of Edmund Rice education in a way that is meaningful and authentic for our rapidly changing contemporary culture.”

Ferdia Kelly, Chief Executive Officer, Catholic Schools Partnership and former General Secretary, JMB.

15 Joint effort: Our Charter cards form a basis for reflection and were developed following consultation with our student leaders in a variety of schools.

16 The Charter – Underpinning Our Values

Our guiding principles of equality, respect, fairness, religion and spirituality are laid down in the Edmund Rice Schools Trust Charter, which was also introduced in our start-up year of 2008.

The consultation that took place with our schools leading up to our establishment and launch formed the basis for the Charter. It is a document that, 10 years on, continues to express the hope and commitment, the values and the priorities of our school communities. Write On: Students from Naas CBS The beauty of the Charter is that it is a living interpreted the values document. It is a manifesto that came from our of the Charter as part schools and so one that will continue to evolve of their calligraphy as our school communities change and develop. work.

17 5 Ten Things That Distinguish the Edmund Rice Schools Network

Nothing is permanent but change (Heraclitus)

ERST is proving itself to be a worthy custodian of the Blessed Edmund Rice tradition. Through its Charter, ERST is ensuring that the traditional values of the Christian Brothers school remain central to the ethos of the now ERST school. And now that we can no longer leave this work solely to the Congregation “ of Christian Brothers in our schools, we must all rise to the challenge, particularly when there is greater need than ever to maintain vibrant the charism of Blessed Edmund Rice in our schools. Again, thankfully, we need not worry. Despite the scale of the changes in Irish society, even in the ten years since the founding of ERST in 2008, the Edmund Rice Schools Trust remains the school of first choice for so many parents nationwide. This is further evidenced by the opening of a number of new ERST schools during its first ten years. As we celebrate the tenth anniversary of the founding of ERST, we thank the Christian Brothers for the spiritual and educational legacy which they pass on to us and we pledge to maintain and enhance, albeit in a modern context, all that was great about the Christian Brothers school in the Irish context for over two hundred years.

Dr Larry Jordan, Christian Brothers College, Cork 18 ” Schools of the Future: Mount Sion was awarded a 21st Century Future Vision Award for its entire campus. Ten Things That Distinguish the Edmund Rice Schools Network

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We are the largest network of Spotlight on: We bring together a diverse and schools with a common founding Mount Sion, Waterford inclusive network of schools. intention. What’s distinctive about our schools is that they are Leading the way for over 200 years genuinely diverse and inclusive. Our students We trace our common history back to 1882 when represent every culture, every ability, every Blessed Edmund Riced founded his first school Mount Sion was the first school to be founded by economic background. That’s the healthy and diverse in Waterford. We are bound together by the core Brother Edmund Rice in 1802. It provided then, way we will keep it as we face into the future. values of our common Charter. as it does today, a quality education for the boys of Waterford City. Today, Mount Sion’s campus is ERST schools are notable for our welcome for and made up of a pre/play school, a primary school, inclusion of children whose families have recently a secondary school and the Edmund Rice arrived in Ireland. Many of our schools have over International Heritage Centre. 20 nationalities amongst the pupils with upwards of 10 or 15 languages being spoken within the school Just as Brother Edmund Rice’s decision to found community. In one of our South Dublin schools, the school was based in an ethos of care and there are 44 nationalities represented with no less foresight, Mount Sion remains on the cutting edge than 30 languages being spoken on a daily basis. of development. In the Spirit of Edmund Rice, a high number of This year, the entire Mount Sion campus was our schools serve students who face the challenges awarded Trinity College’s “21st Century Future Vision of coming from disadvantaged communities. Our Award” following a similar award for the primary schools in Charleville, the CBS Secondary School school. The campus was given this prestigious award and CBS Primary are recognized for their Traveller for working together for the holistic development inclusion work to ensure that everyone knows of the students from pre-school to secondary and understands the unique culture of the school, with notable links to third level institutions. Traveller Community. We are the trustee for 34 primary schools. Eighteen of those schools are designated as DEIS schools with eight autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) units; this means that 55% of ERST primary school are serving pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds.

19 3 Thumbs up for Immersion: Spotlight on: We are part of a growing global CBC Monkstown has been St Joseph’s Secondary School, Drogheda community. fundraising for its immersion projects in Zambia since 2002. Cultural Week 2018 ERST is unique in that it is part of a global community of over 170,000 students in nearly 280 St. Joseph’s CBS Drogheda held its inaugural Culture schools across five continents. Our worldwide Week in Spring 2018. Boasting students from over network is connected through Edmund Rice 40 different nationalities the school and the local Education Beyond Borders (EREBB), which was community came together for a week- long series formally established in 2014. At an Edmund Rice of events and activities sponsored by Drogheda global gathering in Nairobi, six priority action Credit Union. It is one many schools in our network areas were agreed for EREBB, including an action that celebrate international and cultural weeks. to encourage one voice for justice across the net- work and another to promote inspiring leadership. The school hall and the outside railings were decorated with the flags of each of the nationalities These priority action areas have been the inspiration represented in the school. The week got underway for many of the lively international connections with an inter-faith ceremony and the launch of that have been forged between our schools here the school’s India Project and it continued with in Ireland with Edmund Rice schools overseas. workshops, presentations, sporting events and One of the cornerstones of this international musical performances to celebrate the rich vein work is our Immersion Programme, whereby Irish of cultural diversity within the school. students visit ERST schools and programmes in developing countries in a spirit of communion, social solidarity and equality. Many schools including St. Fintan’s High School in Sutton, Spotlight on: Coláiste Iosagáin in Booterstown, Co. Dublin, St. Coláiste Eamann Rís Aidans in Whitehall, CBS and Midleton CBS, to name but a few of dozens, have developed First Feet Into Immersion long lasting relationships with Africa and Asia. Students at Coláiste Eamann Rís, Callan have developed strong links with Zambia since 2014 when an initial 10 students took part in the school’s first Immersion Project.

Preparation for the now annual Zambia Immersion International Taste: trip involves two elements. Firstly, ensuring that St. Joseph’s, Drogheda, Cultural everyone knows about Zambian culture, history, Week ended with an international politics and geography and that they are well food fair. Students prepared their prepared to learn from the rich culture in which national dish to give everyone they are guests. Secondly, the whole school a taste of the world within their community is encouraged to fundraise for projects school gates. that the immersion group identifies for support, providing a vital ongoing link between the two . school communities as the funded projects continue to grow and develop.

20 4 5 Spotlight on: We are providing immersion at We are supporting caring school Deerpark CBS home with a strong and growing communities. partnership approach. Ghosts, dinners and fundraising Partnership across the schools network has been At a meeting of Principals in 2018, the words care keeps caring on the agenda growing steadily over the years, providing many and caring were used over and over again as they students and staff with an important immersion discussed what it was that they felt distinguished Deerpark CBS is the oldest secondary school programme on home soil. their schools. Our schools have a duty of care to on the south side of Cork City and can trace its all students and particularly to those with special origins back to 1828 when the Christian Brothers We have established a variety of networks and learning needs. Schools like Deerpark CBS, Cork established a school at Sullivan’s Quay in Cork. The partnership opportunities for our Principals, Arklow CBS, Scoil Chiaráin, Donnycarney, the school caters for about 250 students and has DEIS Deputy Principals and Teachers to learn from one High School Clonmel and have status. It has one of the largest ASD programmes another. In addition, many of our schools now pioneering ASD programmes and classes for in the country and is recognised for its pioneering have established partnerships, often between children with learning difficulties, for example. approach to students with special learning needs. primary and secondary schools – like Scoil Its overall ethos is one of caring and concern for all Cholmcille, Blarney Street in Cork which has a Care as a core value also extends beyond the of its students. It is one of the only schools in the strong partnership now with CBS Midleton and school gates. Our schools also ask students to take country, for example, to hold a Christmas lunch, CBC Cork, or Scoil Chiaráin and St. David’s CBS in their education and to use it to show care for their when the teachers and staff lay on all the festive Artane. One of the key objectives of ERST is that communities, at a local, national and international trimmings for the boys. It is also well known for every pupil in our primary schools can have a level. To mark this, our Winter 2013 edition of its sense of fun and innovation in its approach reasonable expectation that there is a place for the Síol newsletter was entitled “We Care”. The to teaching. In 2017, a Deerpark ghost video went them in an ERST secondary school. contributions that our schools and students make viral and was reported on by news stations from to their local communities are phenomenal, from the United States to Japan. While on the face of Partnerships also go way beyond local area personal visits by students to community centres it, it may seem like a bit of fun, the video and the connections. CBS Mullingar went to visit the boys or hospitals to projects that are aimed at making many other imaginative ways that the school taps at O’Connell Secondary School CBS in the centre wider communities, and indeed Ireland, more into the student talents and interests, shows how of Dublin, for example, and the link between the sustainable and environmentally friendly. Deerpark works hard to create an environment two quite different schools – one an inner city that keeps students interested and involved. school and one a school located in a town with a large rural hinterland – has been deeply beneficial for the students in both schools. Links are also developing on the sports fields. In 2018, the Pioneering: Deerpark CBS, inaugural Edmund Rice soccer tournament took Cork is recognised for its place amongst a number of Munster based schools. pioneering work to include Also in 2018, the inaugural Dublin Northside students with ASD in its primary school sports day took place, organised by caring school environment. Scoil Chiaráin. Both events are only going to get bigger in the future.

21 Historic legacy: The O’Connell school community were invited 6 to the re-opening of the Daniel O’Connell Tower staircase in Cemetery in April 2018. We are fostering an atmosphere Spotlight on: The pupils buried a time capsule of co-responsibility to ensure all Ryan Donnelly, Francis Street CBS at the site, which will be opened students benefit. and CBC Monkstown in 2068. Antoni Sniesek is pictured The network is unique in that it operates in an with Paschal Donohoe TD, atmosphere of mutual benefit and co-responsibility. Minister for Public Expenditure This means that our schools support one another, Ryan Donnelly is a fabulous young man. At age and Reform. sharing experiences and resources to ensure that 12, like many others his age, he is finding his feet . all our students can benefit from the full potential in his first year in secondary school – getting of the vibrant network. This co-responsibility will used to having a locker, to moving around for his be deepened over the coming years. different classes, and to his packed timetable with nine subjects a day. He’s excited. He’s meeting new friends. He is playing rugby for the first time ever. Although, as a soccer player already with the renowned DDSL (Dublin and District Schoolboys League), he will no doubt be a handy sportsman on any field for his new school, CBS Monkstown.

Ryan’s transition to secondary school is particularly interesting because he is the first recipient of a full scholarship from CBC Monkstown, one of only Spotlight on: two private schools within the ERST network, in keeping with ERST’s value of co-responsibility. For O’Connell Secondary School, Dublin many years, there has been an incredibly strong relationship between Ryan’s former primary school At the forefront of educating together Scholar: Ryan Donnelly started school at Monkstown Francis Street CBS, a small school in Dublin’s south Located in Dublin’s North Inner City, O’Connell CBC in 2018 after being inner city, and CBC Monkstown, located in Dublin’s Secondary School – named in honour of Daniel awarded a scholarship for south suburbs. Ryan is a bright, determined O’Connell – is one of the best known schools in his amazing work as a student who never missed a day of school at his the ERST network. A number of the students are student at Francis Street Primary school. In sixth class, he received an award foreign nationals who have settled in Ireland CBS Primary School. for this remarkable achievement as well as an from countries in Eastern Europe, Africa and award for English and literacy, which was presented Asia. Without any roadmap, the school has found by author Joe O’Connor, whose father attended itself at the forefront of a new debate concerning Francis Street Primary. While he misses his school the assimilation into formal education of these around the corner, he loves his new school and first-generation ethnic minorities with their own has already made many new friends – even religious practices. This debate concerns broad driving across the city with his father to watch the and complex issues not only of language and race school’s senior rugby team in action on a Saturday relations but also of culture and identity. O’Connell afternoon. Ryan wants to be a doctor when he Secondary School is proud of the manner in which leaves school and he feels that he will have a it has responded to this educational need within great chance at making his dream come through its community where the school leads the way in at Monkstown and with the support of his proud educating together. and hugely supportive parents.

22 7 We provide faith and value based education that welcomes all. We are Catholic schools that welcome children of all faiths, and none. There is a place for children of every ability, nationality, culture and ethnic group in our schools. Since our establishment ten years ago, we have been conscious of the changing attitudes and needs of communities in an Ireland that has become more secular. There is room for gospel based values like tolerance, equality, love and peace in a pluralist society and so our schools Future Leaders: will continue to uphold these values as we move The Student Council into our next ten years. Conference has become an eagerly awaited day on the ERST calendar.

8 Spotlight on: Spotlight on: Drimnagh Castle Secondary School We are building young leaders Student Council Meeting 2018 for the future.

In 2015, the pupils of Drimnagh Castle Secondary The first Edmund Rice Student Council conference The 2018 Student Council was prepared and facili- School, located on the Longmile Road in Dublin was organised by students in 2014 to celebrate the tated by a core group of 12 students from Coláiste prepared the opening reflection for that year’s strength of the young leadership in our schools. Mhuire, Dublin 1, St. Vincent’s CBS Secondary Religious Education Teachers Conference with a Since then, our Student Council gatherings have School, Glasnevin, O’Connell’s Secondary School, collection of prayers and readings that also reflected gone from strength to strength, culminating in this Dublin and St. Joseph’s CBS, Fairview, also in Dublin. the many cultures and faiths within their 650 year’s meeting in Croke Park, which was attended student population. The students used readings by over 127 student leaders from 29 Edmund Rice Over four months, the group developed an from the Qaran and the Bible, as well as readings Schools. Christian Brother schools have long innovative and inspiring programme using the and prayers from Hinduism and from Judaism. produced many national leaders in politics, World Café format to allow students move from business, charity and sport and Edmund Rice one table to another to share ideas and wisdom. schools are no different – encouraging students The day started with a reflection and a presentation to be progressive leaders into the future. from student leader Adam Daly from St. Vincent’s CBS on what makes the Edmund Rice school unique. This was followed by a mindfulness session, again led by a student from St. Vincent’s. Following this, students from Coláiste Muire, Cabra, Ard Scoil Rís and St. Joseph’s CBS, Fairview, led sessions on shared practice, achieving wellbeing, mindfulness and advocacy. Students then got the opportunity to discuss how these ideas can be developed further in their own schools.

23 9 We are fostering a commitment Spotlight on: to advocacy, human rights and Ardscoil na Mara social justice Advocating for an end to homelessness Advocacy for progressive change is core to Edmund Ardscoil na Mara in Tramore, Co. Waterford, a large, Rice education. ERST is the only Irish Trust body with co-educational school of over 1,000 pupils, came access to UN Universal Period Report advocacy under sole ERST trusteeship in 2015. That year, TY Home Delivery: Students in Geneva (through Edmund Rice International). students initiated the One Campaign for Change developed their own One of the primary aims of ERST’s work is to make to end homelessness. For over two years, the Proclamation to mark the our students more aware of the fact that the UN students worked with local housing and homeless centenary of 1916, enshrining reviews and reports regularly on the human rights organisations in Waterford to understand the the right to a home for all. performance of member states, and that they can complex reasons why people and families often make submissions as young citizens. find themselves without a home. They then worked with other ERST schools to gather signatures on A highlight of the advocacy programme has been a petition asking the Government to act on the the Walk in My Shoes days, which started in housing crisis. In January, 2017, they took their 2017. In 2018, 270 students form 30 Edmund Rice leadership to a new level, and along with CBS schools attended the event in Croke Park where Midleton and Edmund , Carrigaline, they heard stories from students who came to they presented nearly 10,000 signatures to the Ireland as refugees and who are experiencing then Minister for Housing, Simon Coveney to homelessness. They also linked up via skype with register their concern. Their work continues today. an urban rapper attending our Edmund Rice school in Cape Town to hear about his campaign to make the life-saving ARV treatment for people with HIV more accessible.

24 Excellence in and out of the classroom: Coláiste Phádraig Lucan celebrated winning the Senior Football title in 2018.

10 We are providing quality education Spotlight on:

We support inspired and innovative teaching Coláiste Phádraig, Lucan methods that make learning exciting, both as part At the forefront of educating together of the state curriculum and out of the classroom. We support our schools to provide the best Colàiste Phàdraig Lucan opened in 1969 and will resources, curricula, programmes and teaching celebrate its 50th anniversary next year. In recent methods possible. St. Mary’s Academy and St. years, the school community has come together David’s CBS in Artane pioneered the one hour to develop a plan to ensure the success of the classes allowing students more concentrated time school into the future. “In 2018, a remarkable four of on their subjects. Many of our schools have had the seven students nationwide huge success in cutting edge science and innovation A new ‘Classroom of the Future’ was designed to programmes and competitions, including Synge provide an innovative and collaborative way for who achieved 8 H1s in the Street, Colaiste Phádraig, Lucan, CBS Kilkenny, and students to learn. Instead of the traditional design Leaving Certificate were attending Cork, to name just four out of of having computers around the sides of the room, dozens. Ensuring a positive school atmosphere students now work in pods using computers to ERST schools at Coláiste Phádraig, is key to quality learning. All of our schools have carry out research before moving to the other Lucan, , positive behaviour policies that allow all students half of the room where the furniture is set up to , CBC Monkstown and to thrive and develop in an atmosphere of mutual encourage group work to complete their task. In respect for one another. addition, the school’s wireless network has been CBC Cork.” extended to classrooms to allow BYOD (bring your In 2018, a remarkable four of the seven students own devices). The Board of Management has also nationwide who achieved 8 H1s in the Leaving provided a bursary to encourage teachers to take Certificate were attending ERST schools at Coláiste up CPD. This combination of investment in learning Phádraig, Lucan, Oatlands College, Stillorgan, CBC and facilities has greatly enhanced teaching and Monkstown and CBC Cork. learning at the school at all levels. In addition, the school takes great pride in its sports as part of it holistic learning approach. In 2015/2016, it was named as the Evening Herald Sports School of the Year, proving that you can have excellence in and out of the classroom.

25 6 The Impact of Edmund Rice Education and Values

Building an empathy for the lives and challenges of others

Perhaps what’s really unique about being part of the ERST network is the sense of real connection with other schools. We have had a phenomenal connection with CBC Monkstown for a number of years. The two schools are so different yet the relationship that has built up has been amazing for both “ the pupils in our small inner-city school and the boys from Monkstown. The Monkstown TY students have fundraised for our new library, for example, they have collected books and presented them to the school. They have gotten to know the pupils here and have been great male role models for them. But it works both ways. The relationship has also given the TY students a look into the lives of others – to help ignite a strong sense of empathy with and understanding about the lives, challenges and resilience of young people and families who may not be as privileged or advantaged as they may be. Fiona Collins, Principal, Francis Street Primary School” 26 The Impact of Edmund Rice Education and Values

Teamwork: In 2017, Scoil Cholmcille Blarney Street Senior Classes produced their own superb video to 1. Underpinning Learning 1. Faith, Christian spirituality say that sometimes it’s ok and values for a modern not to feel ok. with a Living Charter world Our schools promote the message of Jesus by cultivating a living faith in Christian At the core of Edmund Rice education and learning communities based on Gospel values for are the values encapsulated in our shared Charter, a modern world. We provide for the full which was developed following consultations with development of each person and respect the our school communities. Here are the five ways beliefs and values of each member of the that our ERST Charter shapes everyday life school community. We celebrate diversity and value difference. It’s what unites us as in our schools today. a pluralist network. 2. Creating a caring school 3. Everyone’s voice is heard community Our schools form one large community. We are part of a unique network that works Everyone is treated equally with fairness and together by sharing experiences, resources, dignity at an Edmund Rice School. Student traditions and expertise so that schools and needs are important. But so are the needs pupils can benefit from the strength of the of the wider community. The Charter whole network. encourages students to be aware of social issues and take action for social justice. 4. A commitment to excellence in learning and teaching Students all learn differently, in different ways and at different paces. Our schools are dedicated to providing inspired and innovative teaching that has one aim only – to bring out the best in young people. 5. Inspiring transformational leadership What’s the Story?: Students Young people’s ideas and views are really at St. Lawrence O’Toole’s valued. Students are encouraged to be leaders Primary School beat off stiff and people who can inspire others, particularly competition to win a national on issues that they are passionate about. film award for Original Storytelling in 2009.

27 2. Putting in Place Structures to Encourage Networking and Shared Learning

The Annual Principals’ Conference New Teacher inductions One of the key aims of the Trust is to have sustained first appeared on the ERST networking calendar in throughout the year provide new teachers to our contact with all of our schools – either in person or 2008. We have had some amazing guest speakers network an introduction course to get to know the through modern technology – and to ensure that from Baroness Nuala O’Loan, the first Northern Edmund Rice school values. schools can contact us easily when they need to. Ireland Police Ombudsman to Brother Pinto, World Leader of the Christian Brothers to national Over the past 10 years, ERST has put in place broadcast stalwart Marian Finucane in 2016. The structures for regular network meetings and events Principals’ Conferences will continue to take place A Parent Conference for Principals, Deputy Principals, Teachers, as well and will be reviewed to ensure that they are even has also become a regular ERST event, underpin- as Parents and Pupils. livelier, more interactive hubs for sharing and ning the importance of parents and guardians as face-to-face networking. partners in our wrap-around education approach. These events and structures mean that people can meet and learn from one another, benefiting from the strength and experience of the full network. Principal and Deputy Principal This work will continue, using technology where network meetings Student Council meetings possible to make networking and knowledge have been organised since 2013, providing cross-school student teams with the opportunity sharing even more accessible on a daily basis. are a regular feature of the ERST calendar, and like to design and organise these lively events. the Principals’ Conference, these will be reviewed to ensure that they meet the needs of our school leaders in an ever-changing education environment.

The Primary Principals’ Seminar The Gathering: was introduced in March 2017 to focus on the First Primary Principals specific needs of principals in our primary schools. Seminar in 2017.

28 3. Supporting Quality Leadership and Scoil Glas: Young students at Gaelscoil Sáirseal, Governance Limerick celebrating their Green Flag presentation in 2013. Appointment of Senior “…if the enthusiasm at Bunscoil Management Synge Street is anything to go by, ERST has been intrinsically involved in the this two-stream approach could appointment of our top quality Principals and actually turn out to be the best Deputy Principals over the past 10 years. way to ensure that the flourishes and grows, Policies and Leadership not just for a minority, but for Over the past 10 years we have reviewed all everyone into the future.” admission policies at our secondary schools to ensure that they are in keeping with our network Victoria McQuaid, policy of openness and inclusivity, and ensuring particularly that admission policies are compliant Answering community needs Principal, Bunscoil Synge Street with education and equality legislation, and our own Charter. Over the past decade, we have worked hard to respond to evolving educational and learning We have taken stands on issues that affect our needs of communities. In Tramore, for example, students and the quality of their education. We we were integrally involved in the amalgamation actively sought solutions to Government cuts to of Tramore CBS – an all-boys school – and Stella DEIS schools, introduced as a consequence of Maris – an all-girls school – to form the new,

Governance and Funding of austerity. We were also active participants in innovative co-educational college Ard Scoil na Mara. Voluntary Secondary Schools collating evidence and then calling for equitable in Ireland funding for secondary schools. This work has In Dublin, one of our oldest and best-known continued as part of our membership of broader schools, Santa Maria Synge Street Primary School, Merike Darmody Emer Smyth education networks and associations, like the now called Bunscoil Synge Street, opened a Catholic Primary School Management Association, co-education, all-Irish sruth, in response to an RESEARCH SERIES NUMBER 34 the Association of Trustees of Catholic Schools and identified community need for education through the Catholic Schools Partnership. the Irish medium. Likewise, the community need October 2013 for Irish medium education has been responded to at Gaelscoil Sairseal Limerick and Bunscoil Highlighting Inequity: Coláiste Muire in Dublin. ERST contributed to the ESRI report on governance and funding in secondary schools in 2013.

29 4. Facilitating Global 5. Encouraging Advocacy Inspiration and Human Rights

ERST and our schools are connected to a global One of the most successful EREBB inspired community of nearly 280 schools with over developments over the past ten years has been 170,000 pupils. This network opens up a world of our Walk in My Shoes Advocacy programme. connections and possibilities for our schools and pupils, from primary to secondary, brought to Starting with our first EREBB Walk in My Shoes practical life through the Edmund Rice Education Conference held in Cork in April 2017, and followed Between Borders (EREBB) programme. ERST was by our national conference in Croke Park in April a founding member of EREBB. 2018, our students have focused on four key areas Preparing for Immersion: in which they would wish to see change. In over 20 countries we are actively promoting Students from St.Aidan’s global solidarity and offering a transformational CBS, Dublin, visited Irish At the core of the Walk in My Shoes programme education for justice and liberation to students Aid in preparation for their are the personal experiences of our diverse from a wide variety of faiths and cultures. upcoming visit to Arusha, students. We have heard inspirational and heart- Tanzania. breaking life stories from students who have An everyday example of EREBB in action is the arrived in Ireland as refugees – often forced to connection that has grown between Scoil make perilous journeys to get here, and separated Cholmcille Blarney Street in Cork with Colegio from their parents and families. Others have spoken Cardenal Newman in Buenos Aires. Principal Billy about living with homelessness. Our Students Lynch visited the Argentinian school as part of have also been inspired by the experiences of EREBB and forged the relationship. In the class Edmund Rice students looking for social justice in room, this has meant that school children in Cork other countries – like South Africa – encouraging and their peers in Buenos Aires have been able to them to campaign for issues that don’t affect them share experiences and projects, giving both sets of personally but which would make a life-changing students a window into a completely different part difference to their peers across the globe. of the world. As part of Scoil Cholmcille’s work on improving oral language, for example, the students there started to share their book reviews with the children in Buenos Aires, who in turn shared their book reviews with the classes in Cork. The children not just improved their powers of expression, Building Understanding: but learned about going to school in a completely Students from many of different culture, climate and environment. our schools join forces at our Walk in my Shoes Days Numerous secondary schools have also benefitted from Immersion Programmes with ERST schools in the developing world over the past decade. Other schools, like St. Paul’s CBS North Brunswick Street, through their work in supporting global education initiatives, have welcomed fellow student groups from Cambodia, India and Nepal.

30 7 A Decade of Development and More to Come

Always looking beyond ourselves

When I first saw the representation of Edmund Rice the first thing that stood out was that he was looking out – reaching out beyond himself and beyond the relatively privileged world that he belonged to. “ Being part of the ERST network today presents a daily challenge to us all to continue to look out, to reach out beyond our schools, to see and understand the communities around us, and particularly the more disadvantaged or vulnerable communities around us. The ethos of social justice in the ERST Charter is not just a stated value or a nice view to have, but a challenge to act, to look beyond the school gates, to actively live our faith. Lived faith is something that is not just witnessed within the schools themselves but something that reaches out beyond ourselves and that gives us the motivation to advocate for positive change. Aoife Denton, Deputy Principal, Ardscoil Na Mara, Tramore ”

31 A Decade of Development and More to Come

Over the past 10 years, many changes have taken place in the network. We have assisted schools with amalgamations, facilitated extensions, new cafeterias, new all-weather pitches, computer rooms and language rooms. We have welcomed many new Principals and have said goodbye to Co-educational: others who have retired over the decade. The new Woodbrook College, Bray, opened Many schools have become co-educational, in as a co-educational line with our supported policy. Others have found secondary school innovative ways to respond to community needs. In in 2017. addition, we have been awarded patronage of two brand new schools – one in Cork and one in Dublin. We are confident that ERST will continue to grow New: The first class at and develop over the coming decade and beyond. the newest ERST school Carpensterstown/ Castleknock

Amalgamations: Then Minister for Education and Science Ruairi Quinn visited the newly amalgamated Ardscoil na Mara, Tramore in 2014.

32 Here’s a snapshot of major school developments over School Development When the past decade. 1. , Co-educational Sept 2011 Waterford

2. Scoil San Seamus, Amalgamation with Mater Dei into new Sept 2013 Dublin 8 school – St James’s, NS

3. St Fintan’s CBS Secondary School, Amalgamated with St Joseph’s Secondary Sept 2013 Doon, Limerick and St Michael’s College to form Scoil na Tríonóide Naofa

4. Wexford Primary, Green St, Wexford Co-educational Sept 2014

5. Ardscoil na Mara, Tramore, Waterford Amalgamation of the Tramore CBS and Sept 2014 Stella Maris to form the new school – Ardscoil na Mara.

6. Gaelscoil Sairseal, Limerick Transferred into ERST July 2015 (Co-ed Gaelscoil – infants to 6th class)

7. James’s Street, Dublin 8 Co-educational Sept 2015

8. St Munchin’s, Limerick Amalgamation of schools in the parish Sept 2015

9. Woodbrook College, Bray, Co Wicklow Co-educational Sept 2015

10. Coláiste Rís, Dundalk Transferred into ERST Sept 2016

11. ERC Carrigaline, Co Cork New school awarded to ERST in 2013. Sept 2016 Development of new school building

12. Scoil Colm, Dublin 12 Amalgamated with St Agnes’s Crumlin Sept 2016 into a new school – Scoil Úna Naofa

13. Synge Street Primary, Dublin 8 Establishment of a co-educational Irish Sept 2017 language Srúth – starting with Junior infants

14. ERC Carpenterstown/Castleknock, ERST awarded patronage of new school Sept 2017 Dublin 15 in 2016. Development of a new building. Temporary location at Le Chéile Secondary School

15. St Joseph’s Primary School, Boys starting from Junior Infants Sept 2018 Sunday’s Gate, Drogheda 33 8 Highlights and Special Moments

This school has always been part of my life

The school building that was Scoil Sheamais has always been part of my life. When I was young myself I used to go to discos there and then my own children all went to the school. And then when it closed down, it was my job to look after the building, to make sure it was safe and secure. “ When the school closed we were concerned that we might lose that special connection. But, ERST took into consideration how the community felt about the importance of having continuing access to the school and made an arrangement for us to have two community rooms, so that we could continue our decades long connection with the school. The rooms are invaluable to our community. They house our after-school programme. Our old folks can attend meditation and relaxation there. They are base camp for our summer programme. They host our Christmas luncheon, coffee mornings, and women’s group. We have never been forgotten by ERST and we have never forgotten our old school.

Phyllis Fitzgerald, Basin Lane Community Group

34 ” Highlights and 2. Blown Away by the Blarney Special Moments Street Brass Band When you think of music in primary schools, you think of things like recorders, tin whistles and choirs… maybe at a stretch in some schools, fiddles and bodhráns. Scoil Cholmchille It’s hard to pick highlights over a decade Blarney Street Primary school has all of these of activity. There have been so many things but it also boasts a full-blown brass things that have stood out – like the band, which started first in 2008. development of the EREBB programme, When we featured the band in our Autumn or the many inspirational presentations 2010 edition of Síol newsletter, the boys we’ve heard from our Principals, the comprised cornet, baritone and euphonium keynote speakers we’ve listened to at players as well as a percussion section. From the Principal’s conference, the Homeless humble beginnings – and it’s no joke to learn 1. Flying the Edmund Rice Flag and play brass instruments – they quickly project championed by our students or progressed from simple tunes in unison to the amazing ideas we received for our for Diversity and Unity quite difficult music in three parts. In no time Edmund Rice Flag. May 5th 2017 – Edmund Rice Day – was a at all, they were playing marches, popular really significant day for the ERST network. tunes and themes from Harry Potter, Titanic In keeping with the ten-year theme, On that day, the first Edmund Rice Flag was and James Bond. They have played for Lord here are our top ten highlights – as a raised in almost all of our 96 schools, Mayors, entertained in shopping centres and synopsis only of the amazing work that signifying their unity and yet their individual given packed-out concerts, making them one identity and history. It was designed by then of our stand out memories of the past decade. has taken place over the last decade first year student Elizabeth Butler from our and an indication of what is to come then newest school Edmund Rice College over the coming decade and beyond. Carrigaline, Co. Cork, following a network- wide Design a Flag competition. Elizabeth’s design was combined with each school’s individual crest so that the flags could be both a national and a local reflection of the network’s ethos and history.

35 3. “We Care” Inspired Síol

Every six months we have the honour of capturing in the pages of Síol the contributions, achievements and significant events in the schools of the Trust. Within just three years of the newsletter’s production it became really evident that the underlying theme of many of the reports and article was that ‘We Care’. And so, in recognition of this, we published our special We Care Síol Opening Day: Principal in Winter 2013. Its 28 pages were packed with Adele Flynn and then Cork stories about creative fundraising appeals County Mayor Cllr Seamus for national charities like St. Vincent de Paul, McGrath cut the ribbon Concern or Barnardos, about connections on ERC Carrigaline in 2017. with and support for fellow students in Nepal, India and Africa, about visits to old people’s homes, coffee mornings for the Hospice, 5. Gaelic Games Safe in the Immersion programmes, community clean- Hands of ERST ups and other environmental programmes 4. Cutting the Ribbon on ERC concerned with maintaining a more sustainable We can’t let a 10-year celebration go by future and activities. Carrigaline without celebrating the enormous wealth Edmund Rice College (ERC) Carrigaline was a of sport, art and cultural activities that take significant development for ERST as the first place in our schools every year. school to be awarded to ERST patronage by the Department of Education and Skills in response We have a proud tradition in sports in to the requests of the local community. It particular – many of Ireland’s treasured opened its doors to 52 first year students in sports stars started their careers on ERST September 2016 in temporary portakabins school teams. on the corner of the school site. However, just one year on, and with intensive ERST support, Two stand-out moments happened just this the new rapid build school was completed in this year, 2018. In mid-August, the victorious April 2017. Shortly afterwards, in November Limerick team manager John Kiely, 2016, we welcomed the decision that the a Principal at Abbey CBS in Tipperary Town, new post-primary school in Carpenterstown received the Liam McCarthy Cup from the and Castleknock would also be under the new President of the GAA, John Horgan, a patronage of the Trust, again, in response to Principal at another ERST school, St. Vincent’s community preference. We look forward to CBS in Glasnevin. In addition, many of the continued growth as we face into our next winning Limerick players were former students decade. at Ard Scoil Rís in Limerick. Two weeks later, at the All-Ireland Football final, the Sam Maguire was passed into the hands of an ERST Teacher, Dublin captain Stephen Cluxton.

36 6. Abdallah, Mohamed, Samir, 7. One Campaign for Change Oznam and Mihaita Much has been written about the One We estimate that we’ve been lucky enough Campaign for Change initiated by the then to have influenced in some small way the TY students at Ardscoil Na Mara, Tramore in lives of at least 300,000 young people since 2015. It is one of our highlight developments we were established, and so it’s difficult of the past decade because it embodies the to single out any individuals. However, ERST commitment to advocacy for social through our student advocacy programme change and has been an inspiration for more we have had the privilege of getting to campaigning on critical social issues – many know more about brave students who have of which affect our students every day. The stepped up and spoken out about difficult students continue to campaign for solutions life experiences that they are dealing with. to what is an ongoing and increasingly Abdallah (North Monastery Cork), Mohamed, challenging national housing crisis. We will Oznam and Samir (Westland Row) have continue to support them and their teachers spoken about the brutal reality of war, of into the future. 8. Volunteering and Fundraising forced emigration, of family tragedy and death and of the dangers and struggles they We want to say a huge thanks to the 768 have endured in their young lives to find Boards of Management members who give safety in Ireland as unaccompanied minors their time freely and voluntarily to ensure our seeking asylum. Oznam told his peers that schools are governed to the highest standards. what he and others need is empowerment not handouts. Mihaita, a student from The pages of our Síol newsletters are O’Connell Secondary School, has spoken burgeoning with stories about amazing about the challenges of homelessness – fundraising and generous volunteering. something that we know many of our We have been inspired by the hundreds of students are experiencing. We salute their ERST volunteer awards that we have had bravery, their tenacity and their amazing the pleasure of presenting to students resilience and hope that they are finding a throughout the network. We want to expand welcoming home in their ERST school. the Edmund Rice Volunteer Awards as we move forward, to recognize nationally the differencethat our schools and our students are making to their local communities. Inspiring Change: O’Connell Secondary Student Mihaita shares his story with other ERST students.

37 9. Looking After One Another

In 2016, we initiated a network-wide programme to emphasise the importance of mental health and well-being. We were astounded by the enthusiastic, creative, practical and caring responses to this programme. Scoil Cholmcille, Blarney Street sixth class boys made a heart-warming video with the message that it’s ok to worry, supported by classroom work around coping mechanisms and meditation to off-set 10. Edmund Rice 250 anxieties that young children about to In October, 2012, one thousand members transition to secondary school might feel. of the Irish and UK Edmund Rice community Many schools took part in the nationwide gathered in the Convention Centre Dublin for #schoolsgoorange campaign, backing this Edmund Rice 250 – an event organised by outward activity with great programmes to past pupils and friends of Christian Brothers emphasise the vital importance of students and Edmund Rice schools across the island looking out for one another. This work to of Ireland. underpin the ERST dedication to nurturing caring communities will continue. The theme of the evening was to reunite, reconcile, give thanks and look to the future in the 250th anniversary year of Blessed Edmund’s birth. We were delighted to welcome former President Mary McAleese as our keynote speaker. She was joined by RTE presenter, Damien O’Reilly, President of St, Patrick’s College and John Hope Prize winning academic, Dr Daire Keogh, and noted activist and author, Fr. Peter McVerry.

In addition, there were memorable musical performances from the Artane Band, Naas CBS, a joint group from Coláiste Íosagáin and Coláiste Eoin, the Artane Senior Band and a special video guest appearance by Brendan Joeys on Ice: TY Students Grace. from St. Joseph’s CBS Fairview organised a pop-up ice-cream treat for all students back in 2013 as part of their Think Big programme aimed at making a difference to young people’s mental health.

38 9 A Small Dedicated Team

We just experienced love

It has been over a month since our visit to Ireland. It is such a privilege to belong to the EREBB family and the sense of belonging is what makes our schools unique. From the moment we stepped off the plane to our departure, we just experienced love. “ The school visits were most inspiring. Ciara (NicAirt) can be so proud of what her school (Scoil Ciaran CBS) is achieving. There are not many schools who are willing and able to accommodate children who need to learn differently, but Ciara is leading the way. I was particularly inspired by the motto of the staff and students, Not every day is going to be a good day, but there will be something good in every day. The moment I stepped into Kate’s school, Westland Row, I got the feeling that this was a safe place, a place where everyone was welcomed and accepted irrespective of the journey that brought them to the school doors. The history attached to the school is wonderful and as for their performance of their school song, I have no words to describe how beautiful that was, other that I am using the recording of the school song as inspiration for my staff in the new year.

Sharon Van Vuren, Head of College, CBC St. Johns. Cape Town

” 39 A Small Dedicated Team

Members The work of the Trust for our 96 schools Finance & Property is carried out by a small team of seven Committee whole time equivalent staff.

Directors HR Committee

Ethos Committee Gerry Bennett Chief Executive

Siobhan O’Toole Natasha Kearns & Eleanor Gammel Senior Administration Administrator /Receptions

Senior Management Team

Louise Callaghan Eddie Bourke Helen O’Brien Finance & Coordinator Coordinator Property of Ethos of Governance

Schools Support Services Team

Leo Hogan Pat Keating

40 10 Education Equality for All

We strongly promote and try to live lives of respect

In CBS Secondary New Ross we can see our growth running in tandem with the beginning of ERST 10 years ago. This was also a significant time for us as we decided our future. We can identify clearly with the Charter and it has been a blueprint for us going forward. Thankfully our school is growing in numbers, “ both in students and teachers, but also in environment. We strongly promote and try to live lives of respect. We want all our school community to flourish in all aspects of their lives, not only in academic progress and results. I believe that this is a happy and genuinely caring place to come every day. Sport and music play a large and valuable part of our day to day life. Every student is encouraged to participate. With our student population of 365 there is a place for all. Pat Rossiter, Principal, CBS New Ross ”

41 Primary Schools

Scoil Íognáid Rís An Daingean Co. Chiarraí Scoil Sancta Maria Primary School Synge Street Baile Átha Cliath 8 Scoil Náisiúnta Mhuire na mBráithre Carrick-on-Suir Co. Tipperary Bunscoil na mBráithre Criostaí Doon Co. Limerick Drimnagh Castle Primary School Drimnagh Dublin 12 Christian Brothers’ College Junior School Sidney Hill Cork City C.B.S. Bunscoil Ennis Co. Clare Nenagh C.B.S. Nenagh Co. Tipperary Mount Sion Prmary School Barrack Street Waterford City Christian Brothers Primary School Charleville Co. Cork Francis Street CBS John Dillon Street Dublin 8 Gaelscoil Choláiste Mhuire 4 Cearnóg Pharnell Baile Átha Cliath 1 Scoil Mhuire Fatima North Monastery Road Cork O’Connell C.B.S. Primary School North Richmond Street Dublin 1 Scoil Ailbhe Thurles Co. Tipperary Scoil Chiaráin C.B.S. Donnycarney Dublin 5 Scoil Cholmcille Blarney Street Cork City Scoil Iognáid de Rís Stephen Street Kilkenny Bunscoil McAuley Rice Callan Co. Kilkenny Scoil Íosagain Crumlin Dublin 12 Scoil Íosagáin Sexton Street Limerick City Scoil Mhainchín C.B.S. National School Ennistymon Co Clare Oatlands Primary Stillorgan Co. Dublin Scoil Mhuire C.B.S. Marino Griffith Avenue Dublin 9 Scoil Mhuire na mBráithre Tralee Co. Kerry C.B.S. Primary School Green Street Wexford Scoil Treasa Naofa Donore Avenue Dublin 8 St. Joseph’s C.B.S. Drogheda Co. Louth St. Joseph’s C.B.S. N.S. Fairview Dublin 3 Naomh Lorcan O’Tuathail Seville Place Dublin 1 Gaelscoil Sairseal Shelbourne Road Limerick City St. Paul’s C.B.S. North Brunswick Street Dublin 7 St. Vincent’s Primary School Glasnevin Dublin 11 Scoil Eoin Crumlin Dublin 12

42 Secondary Schools

Arklow C.B.S. Arklow Co. Wicklow Ardscoil Rís Griffith Avenue Dublin 9 Ardscoil Rís North Circular Road Limerick City Ardscoil na mBráithre Clonmel Co. Tipperary Christian Brothers College Cork Sidney Hill Cork City CBC Monkstown Park Dun Laoghaire Co. Dublin Ardscoil Na Mara Tramore Co. Waterford Meánscoil Iognáid Rís, Drimnagh Castle Drimnagh Dublin 12 Scoil na mBráithre Dungarvan Co. Waterford C.B.S. Secondary School Kilkenny James’s Street Kilkenny C.B.S. Secondary School Midleton Midleton Co. Cork Christian Brothers Secondary School Mitchelstowní Mitchelstown Co. Cork Coláiste Mhuire Mullingar Co. Westmeath St. Mary’s C.B.S. Portlaoise Co. Laois C.B.S. James’s Street St. James’s Street Dublin 8 C.B.S. Secondary School Westland Row Westland Row Dublin 2 Meánscoil na MBráithre Inis Diomáin Co an Chláir C.B.S Secondary New Ross New Ross Co. Wexford Mount Sion C.B.S. Barrack Street Waterford CBS Thurles Thurles Co. Tipperary C.B.S. Secondary School Charleville Charleville Cod Cork Clonkeen College Blackrock Co. Dublin Coláiste Choilm Swords Co. Dublin Coláiste Eamonn Rís Thomas Street Wexford Coláiste Éanna Ballyroan Dublin 16 Coláiste Eoin Baile an Bhóthair Co. Átha Cliath Coláiste Íosagáin Baile an Bhóthair Co. Átha Cliath Coláiste Mhichíl C.B.S. Sexton Street Limerick City Coláiste Mhuire Bóthar Ráth Tó Baile Átha Cliath 7 Coláiste Phádraig Lucan Co. Dublin Coláiste Éamann Rís Callain Callan Co. Kilkenny Deerpark CBS St Patrick’s Road Cork City Gaelcholáiste Mhuire (A.G.) An Mhainistir Thuaidh Corcaigh Meánscoil Iognáid Rís Naas Co. Kildare C.B.S. Secondary School Carrick on Suir Co. Tipperary Nagle Rice Secondary School Doneraile Co. Cork

43 Secondary Schools

North Monastery Secondary School North Monastery Road Cork City Oatlands College Stillorgan Co. Dublin O’Connell Secondary School North Richmond Street Dublin 1 Rice College Westport Co. Mayo Rice College Secondary School Ennis Co. Clare St. Aidan’s C.B.S. Whitehall Dublin 9 Woodbrook College Bray Co. Wicklow St. David’s C.B.S. Artane Dublin 5 St. Declan’s College Cabra Dublin 7 St. Fintan’s High School Sutton Dublin 13 St. Joseph’s C.B.S. Secondary School Fairview Dublin 3 St. Joseph’s C.B.S. Nenagh Co. Tipperary St. Joseph’s Secondary School Drogheda Co. Louth St. Kevin’s College Ballygall Road East Dublin 11 C.B.S. Roscommon Galway Road Roscommon St. Mary’s Academy C.B.S. Railway Road Carlow St. Mary’s C.B.S. Enniscorthy Co. Wexford St. Paul’s C.B.S. Secondary School North Brunswick Street Dublin 7 C.B.S. Secondary School Synge Street Synge Street Dublin 8 St. Vincent’s C.B.S. Glasnevin Dublin 11 The Abbey School Tipperary Town Co. Tipperary St. Mary’s C.B.S. The Green Tralee Co. Kerry Waterpark College Park Road Waterford City Edmund Rice College Carrigaline Co. Cork Coláiste Rís Dundalk Co. Louth ERC Carpenterstown/Castleknock C/o Old School of Horology Blanchardstown

44

For more information contact Edmund Rice Schools Trust Meadow Vale, Clonkeen Road Blackrock, Co. Dublin

Tel: 01. 289 7511 Email: [email protected] www.erst.ie