ETBI along with all 16 ETBs celebrated their 10-year anniversary by organising a national ‘ETB Week’ 27th of February – 3rd of March and ‘ETB Day ‘on the 2nd of March 2023, coordinated by ETBI. The weeklong event allowed each ETB to showcase the services they provide to their local communities throughout Ireland. Starting off ETB Week, there was an official launch on Monday the 27th of February in Liberties College, City of Dublin ETB with Ray Kennedy, Laura Byrne, Music Generation South and Firhouse Community College students. A focus on Schools and ETB Ethos was emphasised on Tuesday, followed by a FET focus on Wednesday. On Thursday all 16 ETBs gathered in Croke Park for the ETB Excellence awards and celebrations. Finally on Friday, all ETB staff members were invited to take part in a staff tea party and post their staff initiative photos on Instagram, for a chance to win the Staff Initiative competition.
During ETB Day, Guests were welcomed by Reelig, Music Generation Carlow before the ETB Excellence awards ceremony, sponsored by IPB Insurance which was hosted by RTÉ newsreader and former ETB student, Ray Kennedy. The awards recognised 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. (Winners and Runners-up are listed below) Sparkling Strings from Cork ETB entertained the audience whilst they enjoyed a delicious desert break.
The ETB Heroes video was officially launched which featured 5 ETB heroes – including famous faces and former ETB students Ray Kennedy, Tolü Makay and Máire Treasa Nà Dhubhghaill as well as teacher Michael Farrell and former student Jack McFadden-matched with 5 current ETB learners/ staff members , exploring what their ETB means to them and the impact it has on their life.
The ETB Anthem Competition was also launched in Croke Park, which is inviting ETB learners from across the country to compose a national anthem for Education and Training Boards. The judging panel includes Bill Whelan, Ellen Cranitch and MuRli. The winners will record their anthem with Windmill Lane Recording Studios and perform at the ETBI Annual Conference in Cork 2023.
ETBI staff, ETBI Board members and ETBI past Presidents gathered in the ETBI headquarters in Naas, Co.Kildare on Friday the 3rd of March to celebrate with our own staff tea party.
Staff were entertained by heard Fionn Whelan and Julie Gardiner (12) from Music Generation Kildare & Wicklow.
Winners
| Award | Name | ETB |
|---|---|---|
| ETB Hero Award | John Lavin, Ballinrobe Youthreach | Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim ETB |
| ETB Excellence Award for Community | The Urban Farm Project by St. Fintan’s Community Education Service, in collaboration with Midlands Rehabilitation and Recovery Services | Laois and Offaly ETB |
| ETB Excellence Award for Equality | Carrie Archer, Professional Learning and Development Co-ordinator | City of Dublin ETB |
| ETB Excellence Award for Respect | The Building Restorative School Communities initiative | Kilkenny and Carlow ETB |
| ETB Excellence Award for Care | Karol Topey, School Chaplain at St. Anne’s Community College | Limerick and Clare ETB |
| Excellence in Further Education and Training Award | Recognition of Prior Learning provision | Donegal ETB |
| Gradam Sheosaimh Mhic Dhonncha, Barr Feabhais sa Ghaeloideachas | Seán Holt, student at Gaelcholáiste Cheatharlach | Kilkenny and Carlow ETB |
| ETB Excellence in Education Award | The Boston Professional Learning Tour by staff members from Mullingar Community College | Longford and Westmeath ETB |
| ETB Excellence Award for Organisation Support and Development | Procurement Office Green Innovation | Galway and Roscommon ETB |
| ETB Excellence Award for Youth Services | The ACT Gateway Youth Project | Longford and Westmeath ETB |
| My ETB’ Creative Multimedia Learner Competition | Henry Ncube and Dunamase College | Laois and Offaly ETB |
| ‘Your ETB’ National Staff Competition | Sharon Fields-Lockwood of Baldoyle Training Centre | Dublin and Dún Laoghaire ETB |
Runners Up
| Award | Name | ETB |
|---|---|---|
| ETB Hero Award | Olga Walsh from the Adult Education Service Balbriggan and Swords | Dublin & Dún Laoghaire ETB |
| ETB Excellence Award for Community | Positive Behaviour Liaison Group, Coláiste Fionnchua | Cork ETB |
| ETB Excellence Award for Equality | RCC LGBTQI+ Allies from Roscommon Community College | Galway and Roscommon ETB |
| ETB Excellence Award for Respect | Abbey Community College Respect Week | Kilkenny and Carlow ETB |
| ETB Excellence Award for Care | Anne Malone, co-ordinator of Portlaoise Youthreach. | Laois and Offaly ETB |
| Excellence in Further Education and Training Award | Recognition of Prior Learning for the Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Hairdressing | Limerick and Clare ETB |
| Gradam Sármhaitheasa sa Ghaeloideachas | Foireann teagaisc Choláiste Oiriall | Cavan and Monaghan ETB |
| ETB Excellence in Education Award | Provision Mapping Initiative: A systematic, collaborative approach to inclusive and special education. | ETB Sectoral Initiative |
| ETB Excellence Award for Organisation Support and Development | MyCETB | Cork ETB |
| ETB Excellence Award for Youth Services | No Shame Mental Health Board Game | Louth and Meath ETB |
| My ETB’ Creative Multimedia Learner Competition | Mia Hughes from Cavan Institute | Cavan and Monaghan ETB |
| ‘Your ETB’ National Staff Competition | Gavin Lowndes for his entry on behalf of Blanchardstown Community Training Centre | Dublin and Dún Laoghaire ETB |
Staff Initiative Competition
| Competition | ETB |
| Best Staff Pictures | Waterford and Wexford ETB |
| Best Staff Pictures | Longford and Westmeath ETB |
| Best Staff Pictures | Cavan and Monaghan ETB (Cavan Institute) |
| Best Staff Cake | Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim ETB |
| Best Staff Cake | Cavan and Monaghan ETB (Cavan Youthreach) |
ETB Excellence Awards 2023
Further details of all winners, runners-up and those shortlisted here:
ETB Day Gallery
