Paul Close, Barry Corr, Victoria McGimpsey, and Sean Pettis IEF Harbour Commission
The Integrated Education Fund (IEF) was delighted to host a very special event to celebrate ‘Journeys of Transformation’ on Thursday 30 January at the Harbour Commissioner’s Office in Belfast.
This event showcased the challenges and achievements of school communities across Northern Ireland who have transformed or are in the process of going through the Transformation process to Integrated status.
‘Journeys of Transformation’ highlighted the positive impact that Integrated Education has on students, schools and society in building peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland, whilst reflecting on the commitment and work involved in the ongoing process.
Jim Fitzpatrick chaired the event, which included personal experiences from Principals of three schools who have recently undergone the Transformation process. These schools covered all levels of education starting with Brefne Integrated Nursery School (INS) in North Belfast, which was the first nursery school to transform to Integrated status.
Paul Close, Paul Caskey OBE, Jill Caskey, Jim Fitzpatrick IEF Harbour Commission
Victoria McGimpsey, Principal of Brefne INS, reflected:
“In the heart of our nursery, we nurture not just young minds, but a shared understanding and respect for one another’s differences, laying the foundation for a shared future.”
Next Barry Corr, Principal of Seaview Integrated Primary School (IPS) in Glenarm, shared his experiences as his school was first Catholic school to transform to Integrated status. He talked of how they worked as a school to welcome those from non-Catholic background, ensuring the school catered for the whole community.
Finally, the event heard from Integrated College Glengormley’s Principal Ricky Massey who commented on the huge difference in the diversity within the school body and the increase in enrolments since the school became Integrated.
The event featured display boards from an additional 12 Integrated schools, showing how Transformation has impacted their schools. Furthermore, each table had a representative from a transformed school who was able to share more about their school’s unique experience and perspective.
Sean Pettis, Frances Donnelly, Jill Caskey, Lynn Johnston, Paul Caskey OBE IEF Harbour Commission
A comprehensive panel discussion was comprised of parents of Integrated pupils who have gone through the Transformation process, and a member of the Integrated AlumNI. The event concluded with an uplifting performance by Glengormley Integrated Primary School choir.
Paul Caskey OBE, Chief Executive of the IEF commented on the event:
“The event today offers a very unique opportunity to bring together schools from across Northern Ireland, schools who have all gone through the experience of transforming to Integrated status. The IEF were delighted to gather these schools together to celebrate and share their individual ‘Journeys of Transformation.’
“Given the recent headline news, where the Education Minister has rejected proposals for two schools to transform to become Integrated, it is timely to celebrate what makes a school Integrated, whilst a reasonable balance between the two main traditions is important, Integrated schools also bring together children, staff and governors from all faiths and none within a single school community where they celebrate diversity and inclusivity. We see here today so many examples of how that integration works in practice.
“Transformation to become Integrated is a significant commitment, where school communities must be engaged and informed, before ultimately parents vote to decide whether or not the school will take the next step towards integration. The final decision rests with the Education Minister who then decides to approve or reject the Development Proposal for the school to transform to Integrated status.
“Transformation is a journey and an ongoing process which does not happen overnight. I want to congratulate each of the schools present today for their dedication and commitment, for taking those steps towards integration.”