DDLETB Sallynoggin College of Further Education Flower Show

Floristry Show At SCFE

DDLETB Sallynoggin College of Further Education Flower Show 1DDLETB Sallynoggin College of Further Education Flower Show

An Exhibition of Wedding Flower Designs by the Professional Floristry Students

At Sallynoggin College Of Further Education (SCFE) we would like to invite you all to our beautiful Floristry Wedding Fair which takes place on Wednesday 19th April at 5 pm in the college.
Please also look out for our students who are taking part in an 8-hour painting competition in the Lexicon Library on Tuesday 28th and Wednesday 29th of March.
The results of the competition will be on display at our annual Art and Fashion Exhibition which will take place in the Lexicon Library on Monday 8th of May.
All Welcome!

About the Professional Floristry Course at SCFE

Students on the floristry course develop the skills to design, create and arrange floral and plant displays for retail, event, and domestic floristry. All flowers and plants are provided and students work in a bright, dedicated floristry room with award-winning teachers.
DDLETB BFEI Erasmus Malaga

Sun, Sand and CPD in Spain

Today we have a guest post by Irene Goldrick, a teacher at Blackrock Further Education Institute, who participated in a five day, fully funded, Erasmus+ CDP course in Malaga, Spain last month.

Getting there

Around 1pm on Sunday 19th March, eight BFEI (Blackrock Further Education Institute) teachers gathered in Dublin airport in an atmosphere of anticipation, excitement, and a little trepidation prior to our flight to Malaga, Spain for five days of CPD (Continuing Professional Development). The CPD was fully funded  through the Erasmus+ programme coordinated by Leargas.  Landing around 8pm we were collected and brought to our amazing accommodation on Calle Constancia and unpacked. Shortly after we headed out on foot to explore, get out bearings and attend to our rumbling tummies!

DDLETB BFEI Erasmus Malaga

DDLETB BFEI Erasmus Malaga

Day 1

An early start on Monday to ensure we arrived on time at our training centre. En route we found a delightful bakery – Pasteleria La Canasta, this was to become our regular spot for breakfast, where we could enjoy a Malaga delicacy – the “torta loco” a custard-based pastry. Fortified with our café con leche and a substantial amount of carbs we went to meet our wonderful facilitator, Nicole, in Innovation Campus, Malaga Urban Technopole on Calle Carretería. A beautiful, period building, thoughtfully renovated, setting the tone for what would be a stimulating, yet mentally challenging five days of professional development.

Our first day focused on Mindfulness – the practice of being present in the moment, which in turn trains us to become more mindful throughout the day, particularly during demanding situations. All of us felt this practice would be hugely beneficial in a teaching environment. To wind down after, some of the group opted for a quick dip in the Mediterranean Sea whilst others opted for a relaxing walk along the beach.

Day 2

Up early and off to Innovation Campus. Today our focus would be on developing our Leadership skills. Again, through Nicole’s skilled facilitation we explored the characteristics of a good leader and identified in ourselves our leadership qualities and how we might apply these skills in a professional context.  This session was particularly insightful and helped to awaken and develop our leadership qualities.

After an intensive morning, it was time to relax and explore some of the rich historical sites in Malaga. The amazing Castillo de Gibralfaro sits on a hill overlooking Malaga port dating back to the 10th century. The castle is famous for its three-month siege by the Catholic monarchs, Ferdinand and Isabella, which ended only when hunger forced the Malagueños to surrender.

DDLETB BFEI Erasmus Trip Words

DDLETB BFEI Erasmus Trip Words

Day 3

Rested and refreshed, Conflict Resolution was the theme for day 3 of the training.  A welcome development brought the arrival of some Italian colleagues from a school in Rome to join our session. Our warm and friendly Italian colleagues brought an interesting and insightful understanding of how culture, language and traditions can affect how we approach conflict resolution.

A stunning day in Malaga, the Irish delegates opted in the afternoon for a wonderful boat ride to take in the fresh air, sun and beautiful coastal scenery. As a group, we reflected on how Malaga looked very different from a coastal aspect. This paralleled with the day’s learnings from Conflict Resolution – we need to take time to reflect on how perspective on an issue can be very different, depending on the viewpoint.

Day 4

Our fourth training session took a deeper dive into Conflict Resolution – this culminated in a role play where diametrically opposed sides sort to resolve the conflict by understanding each other’s needs. Facilitating the process, Nicole gave us a greater understanding of Marshal Rosenberg’s Non-Violent Communication (NVC).  Rosenberg developed NVC in the 1960s as a tool to implement the desegregation of schools in the United States. The key tenet of this approach is to help people connect with their own humanity and that of others respectfully, compassionately, and peacefully.

This was quite an intensive session, and all later welcomed some cultural relief by viewing the Cathedral of Malaga, a magnificent building styled on renaissance architecture. Close by the Museo Picasso. A debate ensued as to those who favoured Picasso’s modernistic artistic approach or “Cubism” and those that favoured impressionism.   What better way to put Conflict Resolution into practice!! To conclude the evening, one thing that we all agreed on was the superb Flamenco concert. An enriching display of Spanish dancing, singing and guitar playing that brought clapping and smiling in unison.

Day 5

Up earlier than usual to pack and check out. Today’s session focused on Decision Making, this challenged us to reflect on our decision-making approaches and to consider our needs and feelings but also the needs and feelings of those who may be impacted by our decisions.  In a teaching environment, being able to articulate clearly the reason for our decisions helps us to communicate openly, honestly and effectively with students and colleagues.

To mark the end of our CPD a wonderful lunch was enjoyed, reflections and experiences shared and a final stroll through the beautiful streets of Malaga before our flight home.

DDLETB BFEI Erasmus Trip Malaga

DDLETB BFEI Erasmus Trip Malaga

Reflection and thanks

It was an incredible opportunity to progress our CPD in Malaga.  Being away from our normal routine gave us the space to reflect and engage in Mindfulness, Leadership Skills, Conflict Resolution and Decision-Making in a meaningful and challenging manner.  A sincere thanks to our management team and colleagues in BFEI for all their long hours of work managing, supporting, and encouraging the Erasmus+ programme for students and staff.  Thank you to Nicole for facilitating such a challenging and interesting CPD agenda. Also, thanks to European Era for their support and partnership. Finally, to my experienced colleagues that I had the pleasure and privilege to spend time with, learn from, laugh with and continue my personal professional development journey – thank you.

ESOL For Professionals DDLETB

ESOL (English Language) For Nurses & Healthcare Professionals

Free Intensive Intermediate English Language Course for Nurses and Healthcare Professionals

A unique opportunity for qualified Healthcare workers (Nurses) who are availing of International Protection (from a refugee background who have permission to work in Ireland), who have trained outside Ireland to get intensive support with their English to achieve B1 on the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).

This bespoke course will cover language needed by healthcare professionals working towards taking up employment in a hospital/healthcare setting.

Attendees on the course will sit the Cambridge English B1 Preliminary exam on 27th July 2023 in Tallaght and receive certification of their language level.

To get onto the courses, applicants will need to be assessed face to face in Dublin City Centre to ensure they are at the right language level to start the course. This course is blended (6 hours online and 6 hours face to face) and will take place in 2 centres; Tallaght, Dublin 24 or a location in Dublin City Centre.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

On completion of this programme learners will receive internationally recognised certification at B1 level. The course is designed around the language that will be needed by healthcare workers in a hospital/healthcare setting.

FURTHER DETAILS

Please note that this course involves a commitment of 12 hours per week class attendance in addition to personal study for a 15 week period – approximately 250 hours time commitment.

Apply Now
https://www.fetchcourses.ie/course/finder?sfcw-courseId=385457

 

Target Group:
Qualified nurses and healthcare professionals, who have qualified outside Ireland.

Status:

• Asylum seekers with work permits.
• Refugees with Stamp 4
• People with Subsidiary Protection or Leave to Remain and Stamp 4

You must have pre-intermediate level of English (A2 level)
Accreditation: Cambridge English B1 Preliminary (PET)
Course Content: English language required by healthcare professionals for employment in a hospital/healthcare setting.
Blended learning. (6 hours online and 6 hours face to face) 12 hours x 15 weeks class

Face to face locations will be either be in Tallaght, Dublin 24 or in a location in Dublin city centre.

 

DDLETB Youth Club Equipment Grant

Youth Club Equipment Grant Scheme – Apply Now

The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (D/CEDIY) has made funding available in 2023 for a small capital equipment grant for youth clubs or similar organisations that have or are in receipt of a grant under the Local Youth Club Grant Scheme.

Completed application forms must be returned no later than Wednesday 18th May 2022.

Capital grants of up to a maximum of €750 per funded organisation will be made available for eligible expenditure incurred over the period 1 January to 31 December 2023.

Each ETB has been given an allocation and has been asked to assess applications and prioritise these to make the best use of this allocation.  It is important to note the following:

  • All grants are made at the discretion of the Education and Training Board.
  • There is a limited amount of funding available and not all applications may receive funding on this occasion.
  • Any applications that cannot be funded on this occasion may be reconsidered should additional funding become available.
  • Eligible funded organisations/information centres/clubs

Eligible funded organisations/information centres/clubs

The scheme is open to those at 1 January 2023 which are operating or will operate during 2023 as a youth club/organisation that:
received a grant under the Local Youth Club Grant Scheme in 2022, or has applied for or is in receipt of a 2023 grant under the Local Youth Club Grant Scheme.

Download The Application Form

Youth Club Equipment Grant 2023 Guidance and Application Form

Please ensure you complete every section of the form; please DO NOT leave any section blank. Please state NOT APPLICABLE in sections not relevant to your application.

If you require any assistance in completing this application, please contact your local Education and Training Board Youth/Liaison Officer.

Applications that are submitted with incomplete information will lead to a delay.  It may not be possible to assess such applications and as a result the applicant may lose the opportunity to be included in the scheme.

Submitting your Application/deadlines

Applications must be submitted to the local Education and Training Board by the specified closing date. One application is permitted per youth club/organisation.

Completed application forms must be returned no later than Wednesday 18th May 2022 to:
Kayla O’Hara
Dublin & Dun Laoghaire ETB
1 Tuansgate
Belgard Square East,
Tallaght Dublin 24

Send your completed form to kaylaohara@ddletb.ie

DDLETB BFEI ETB DAy

ETB Day At BFEI

Today we have a guest post from Sheila Maher at Blackrock Further Education Institute.

10 years of the ETB was marked by a week of celebrations and for everyone in BFEI this culminated in a packed and fun-filled day on Friday 3rd March.

DDLETB BFEI ETB DAy

DDLETB BFEI ETB DAy

The tone of the day was set by staff and students being encouraged to wear denim from top to toe in support of “Denim for Dementia” day. There were some great looks swanning around the college in double and triple denim ensembles.

BFEI began the day’s events by hosting a beauty competition like no other! Students and staff were invited to enter a Beautiful Bake-off, with their bakes judged on aesthetics and visual appeal alone. The fact that they tasted delicious was a bonus. The winning cake was a mouth-watering white chocolate flavoured cake with a delicate green icing, coloured naturally using spinach leaves. Hidden talents abound in BFEI. Winners of 1st, 2nd and 3rd place each walked away with a voucher to acknowledge their achievements.

Following the competition and ensuring everyone had the opportunity to taste some bakes, there was a tea-party for all staff and students, hosted by the college. Coffee and tea were consumed in vast quantities from quirky mugs dug out from the back of kitchen cabinets or off the top shelf, and dusted down. The buzz around the cafeteria was infectious and everyone joined in.

DDLETB BFEI ETB Adrian and Tina

Tina Reddin, the College Principal and Adrian Flynn, Director of Schools at DDLETB

At 11am a dramatic and colourful balloon drop was released by Tina Reddin, the College Principal and Adrian Flynn, Director of Schools at DDLETB. Caught on phones and circulated widely this made for a dramatic moment of celebration.

For those who still had energy in the tank there was an 8km cycle to Sorrento Park with a picnic overlooking the panoramic views from Dalkey Island all the way around to Howth. The hot tea and treats at the summit were well deserved and fuelled the cycle home

Youth Club Grant Scheme 2023 DDLETB

Local Youth Club Grant Scheme (LYCGS) – Apply Now

The Local Youth Club Grant Scheme (LYCGS) supports volunteer-led youth club/group activities at a local level. Funding for the Scheme is provided by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY) and is administered locally by Education and Training Boards (ETBs) on behalf of DCEDIY. The ETB is considered to be a co-grantor for this Scheme.

The Scheme supports voluntary youth club/group activities for young people; with priority given to clubs/groups catering for young people aged 10–21. The primary focus of the Scheme is to assist local, volunteer-led youth clubs/groups that provide a programme of youth work activities for young people. In addition, other clubs/groups that work with young people, but are not specifically providing youth work, are also entitled to apply for funding under the Scheme.

To support the work of volunteers, and to ensure that quality standards are adhered to in their work with young people, DCEDIY has incorporated the National Quality Standards for Volunteer-led Youth Groups (NQSVLYG) into the Local Youth Club Grant Scheme (LYCGS).

Download the LYCGS 2023 Application Form.

Download the Guidance Document Here.

Closing date for complete applications is 14th April 2023. Please send it to kaylaohara@ddletb.ie

Air Corps at DDLETB

Air Corps Celebrate QQI Achievements

As we enjoy 10 years of DDLETB this week, here’s another reason to celebrate.

DDLETB Adult Education Service South West and the Air Corps celebrate QQI achievements and the end of a project!

Seven Air Corps personnel received their QQI certificates at a celebration event in head office on 21st February 2023. The group were the third and final group to take part in the Tobar RPL project here in DDLETB.

Tobar was a national project in the recognition of prior learning involving the Defence Forces and 10 ETBs. It set out to provide a pathway to potential certification for DF staff members who had extensive on-the-job learning and experience but not the accreditation for it. The Adult Education Service in Lucan partnered with the Air Corps to facilitate staff in their RPL applications, with support from the QA Unit.

DDLETB congratulates the participants on their achievements. The project has provided valuable learning to inform RPL policy and practice in DDLETB.

Air Corps at DDLETB

Air Corps at DDLETB

Caption: Air Corps personnel receive QQI certificates. Pictured with DDLETB CEO Caitriona Murphy and Air Corps guests, are some of the project participants, Lorraine Mullally and Monica McGrath who acted as RPL mentors, and Fiona Fay QA Unit.

 

 

DDLETB Our Hero Jack McFadden

DDLETB and Coláiste Pobail Setanta present our ETB Hero, Jack McFadden

DDLETB Our Hero Jack McFadden

DDLETB Our Hero Jack McFadden

Our ETB Hero for 2023 Jack was a student in the Croi ASD class for 6 Years in Colàiste Pobail Setanta and graduated in May 2021. Jack is on the ASD spectrum and also has Dyslexia.Jack accessed all his classes in Croi for the 1st three years of his post-primary education. With the support of the School leaders, staff and students and in particular his SEN Coordinator Frances Shannon and his SNA  …….He then attended Transition Year in mainstream and went on to sit 6 Leaving Certificate subjects with the additional difficulties of the recent pandemic.

Jack graduated in May 2021 and is currently a student at Trinity College Dublin.

DDLETB Our Hero Jack McFadden with Adrian Teacher and Caitriona

DDLETB Our Hero Jack McFadden with Adrian Teacher and Caitriona

Jack is a prime example of how our students over time progress from intense scaffolding in the Croi classroom (or support classrooms) in their earlier years to mainstream in Senior Cycle supported by SNA and SET hours.

Jack is a dedicated swimmer and not only did he excel academically, but he also excelled in his sporting endeavours.   Jacks dedication and hard work took him to the 2019 Special Olympics in Abu Dhabi, where he went on to win two Gold medals and one bronze medal for the 100m and 200m breaststroke.

“Training started at 5 am,  five days a week, and then I had galas at the weekend. I was always aiming to beat my personal best. But I always managed to balance my swimming commitments with my academic work” Jack McFadden.

Jack began swimming when he was four years old and joined the Special Olympics club Phoenix Flyers in Coolmine, back in 2014. He believes that swimming has taught him the benefits of life, how to deal with failure and setbacks, and how to be part of a team.

DDLETB Our Hero Jack McFadden with mum

DDLETB Our Hero Jack McFadden 

“For me, I have seen my confidence grow, and I have developed resilience and independence through my hard work and dedication to the sport” Jack McFadden.

The entire DDLETB community is very proud of Jack’s academic and sporting achievements.

“All of these things that I have achieved were with the help of my family, friends, teachers, school community, teammates and peers” Jack McFadden.

On March 3rd at ETB Day celebrations Jack was celebrated as 1 or 5 chosen ETB Hero’s.  You can view Jack’s full promotional video here…..

Jack embodies Colaiste Pobail Setanta’s 3 Core values of Brod, Misneach and Meitheal and is a wonderful ambassador for our ETB core values.
We are delighted and proud to present our ETB Hero, Jack McFadden.

DDLETB Our Hero Jack McFadden with Adrian Teacher and Caitriona

Sinead Hyland With Quiz Winner Deirdre

ETB Week: The DDLETB Literacy Awareness Quiz

Today we have a guest post from Sinead Hyland. Sinead is the Regional Literacy Coordinator for Further Education and Training in DDLETB.

Have you ever wondered how Rugby scores are worked out? Or have you ever helped someone use a new piece of technology?  Or have you wondered whether you should start, begin, commence or initiate a task? Well, if you have done anything like this you have engaged with literacy learning.

Literacy is now much broader than reading, writing and numeracy. To get along in life we need to be developing our literacy skills – for example to book a flight for a holiday or to look at our bank accounts online. Some activities that are second nature to some people are a real challenge for others which can lead to exclusion and inequality.

Sinead Hyland With Quiz Winner Deirdre

Sinéad Hyland (Regional Literacy Coordinator) celebrating with Deirdre O’Regan, one of the winners at the #Teamddletb #ETBDay Literacy Awareness Quiz in DDLETB Head Office.

Through the #AdultLiteracyForLife Strategy, DDLETB is working to increase awareness of literacy, numeracy and digital inclusion, including in the workplace. Head Office in Tallaght hosted the DDLETB Literacy Awareness Quiz in Head Office. Treats were provided and participants filled in the quiz over a cup of coffee with their colleagues in a team and some undertook the quiz individually.

Finance Department Quiz Team

The team from Finance – one of the winning teams at the DDLETB Adult Literacy Quiz – Kayla O’Hara, Tracy Duff, Gráinne Butler and Aoife McMenamin

There were nine questions on the quiz plus a bonus question, all teams got nearly all of the questions right, but three teams got 10 out of 10. So, it was good that there were plenty of prizes to go around!!

Jenny Marcella HR Laughing Quiz

Jennie Conway Marcella and McDonagh working it out at the DDLETB Literacy Awareness Quiz

The Dizzy Doras won the prize for the best team name and the team from Payroll (with one member from Finance) gave the best original answer: Q: “What is the best way from here to Tallaght Adult Education Service?” A: “Cycle to work scheme available with tax relief from payroll”

We are all winners when there is more awareness of ever changing literacy needs to engage in work, leisure and family life #AdultLiteracyForLife

 

Siobhan Mairin and Fiona

Máirín Uí Ríain, Siobhán Lynch, Director of FET and Fiona Fay relieved that their answers were in.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ETB Week DDLETB

It’s ETB Week!

Celebrating 10 years since the establishment of Education and Training Boards

DDLETB is joining 15 other Education and Training Boards throughout Ireland for a week-long celebration of heroes and learners from 27th February – 3rd March.  To mark the milestone, a national ‘ETB Week’ is being coordinated by Education and Training Boards Ireland, which will run from 27th February – 3rd March. The week will showcase the services they provide to learners in local communities throughout the country: from Community National Schools to Community Colleges, Youth, Adult Education and Further Education and Training.

The celebrations kick off this morning with a launch at Liberties College. RTE Newsreader Ray Kennedy, Laura Byrne, 3rd year Media student in Colaiste Dhulaigh College of Further Education and Music Generation South and Firhouse Community College students.

We will be keeping you updated throughout the day and the week about all of the great events taking place to mark the milestone.

ETB Excellence Awards

ETB Week celebrations will culminate in the ETB Excellence Awards, which will take place in Croke Park on 2nd March. The Excellence Awards will recognise individuals, initiatives and groups in ETBs across the country, that have had a significant impact on their community, and are going above and beyond to embody the ETB ethos.

Over the past month, ETBs across the country were invited to submit entries to a number of categories, including ‘ETB Hero’, ‘Excellence in Education Award’, and ‘Excellence Award for Equality’, amongst others. The winners will be announced at the upcoming awards ceremony.

Commenting on the milestone year, Paddy Lavelle, Chief Executive of Education and Training Boards Ireland, said: “This year marks 10 years since the establishment of Education and Training Boards across the country – which is an extremely important milestone for us. The 16 ETBs operating across the country play a vital role in providing a route to education for people within their community – no matter what stage of their education journey they are on.

“As we reflect on 10 years of ETB education provision, we are delighted to be able to celebrate some of the people and groups across the country that are doing exemplary work at our upcoming ETB Excellence Awards, and we are looking forward to recognising all the achievements of our ETBs across the week.”

Overview

In 2023, Ireland’s Education & Training Boards are celebrating 10 years since their establishment. To mark this event and showcase the services Education and Training Boards provide to learners we will have a number of initiatives including:

ETB Heroes

ETB Heroes

  • ETB Heroes media campaign featuring former and current ETB learners and staff who have excelled in their chosen field and who represent the best of what ETBs do. Heroes include RTE1 Newsreader Ray Kennedy, Singer Tolu Makay whose stunning interpretation of the Sawdoctors’ N17 charmed us, TG4 Rugby presenter and producer Máire Treasa Ní Dhubhghaill, Teacher Michael Farrell and Olympian Jack McFadden. We will also meet current and past ETB staff and learners who have been inspired by their ETB Heroes.
  • National ETB Excellence Awards hosted by Ray Kennedy. Large in-person event taking place on Thursday 2nd March in Croke Park with awards presented by ETB Heroes and special guests.
  • ETB Anthem competition: ETB learners are invited to compose a national anthem for Education & Training Boards
  • “My ETB” creative multimedia competition

  • Staff tea party and other events at local ETB level
  • “Your ETB” National Staff video competition