20.06.2014
Statement from Archbishop Michael Jackson and Dr Anne Lodge on the launch of the denominational paper for the new Institute of Education at DCU
The launch of the report outling the vision and structure of the new Institute of Education at Dublin City University (DCU) has been warmly welcomed by the Church of Ireland Archbishop of Dublin, the Most Revd Dr Michael Jackson. A New Vision of Education for the Children of Ireland, the vision document for the incorporation of St Patrick’s College Drumcondra, Mater Dei Institute of Education and the Church of Ireland College of Education into a new Institute at DCU, was announced today (Friday 20 June 2014) by the Minister for Education and Skills, Ruairi Quinn, TD.
Archbishop Michael Jackson stated: ‘This is a significant moment. The new Institute at DCU signals a fresh era for education in Ireland and the Church of Ireland is pleased to take its place as a constituent part of this exciting institution bringing together partners who meet as distinct equals. The document presented today which encompasses the Institute of Education’s governance and vision will enable all four institutions to move forward together while safeguarding the ethos and identity of the individual bodies within a secular university.’
‘Today’s announcement is the fruition of detailed negotiation and collaborative discussion which has been brought about as a response to the emerging needs of a pluralist Ireland. The new institute will meet these educational needs while maintaining the Church of Ireland’s existing links and honouring our commitment to our schools, our teachers and our children,’ he added.
Dr Anne Lodge, Principal of CICE, also welcomed the announcement of the document. She said: “This is the culmination of many months of dialogue and discussion. All parties share a vision that the new Institute will provide a genuine opportunity to strengthen and deepen the heritage of each incorporating body. I am convinced that the new arrangements will provide a real opportunity to celebrate the culture and traditions of CICE. It will enable us to safeguard CICE’s ethos and to protect and enhance its crucial links with the network of primary schools under Reformed Christian patronage throughout the country. It offers a very positive opportunity to facilitate the flourishing of all CICE’s students and staff.“
A New Vision of Education for all the Children of Ireland states that the new Institute of Education at DCU will draw together each institution in order to facilitate and enhance the delivery of teacher education of the highest quality. In a first for Ireland, DCU will remain a secular university but will provide a framework to bring together institutions representing the Roman Catholic and the Church of Ireland/Reformed Christian traditions. These strands will each bring their own heritage and distinctive engagement in teacher education to the university.
The core curriculum for teacher preparation will be denominationally neutral. In order to ensure that the distinctive identity and values of core aspects of teacher education in both traditions are maintained on an ongoing basis, two Centres for Denominational Education will be established within the Institute.
Among those invited to the launch by the Church of Ireland were:
Mr Leonard Abrahamson, representing the Jewish community; Ms Suzanne Campbell, Bursar CICE; Mr Adrian Clements, Chief Officer and Provincial Secretary Church of Ireland; the Revd Dr Maurice Elliott, Director of Church of Ireland Theological Institute; the Revd Canon Dr Ian Ellis, Rector of Newcastle, Diocese of Dromore and Editor Church of Ireland Gazette; the Revd Dr Ian Ellis, Head of Education, NI General Synod Board of Education; Dr Kenneth Fennelly, Head of Education, RofI General Synod Board of Education; Miss Ruth Handy, Board Member CICE; Mr Samuel Harper, Lay Honorary Secretary of the Church of Ireland General Synod; Mr Scott Hayes, Head of Cultural Outreach, Ecclesiastical Insurance; Dr Susan Hood, Church of Ireland Archivist and Board Member CICE; the Revd Canon Neil McEndoo, chaplain CICE, Rector of Rathmines and Harold’s Cross and Chancellor of Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin; the Revd Canon Horace McKinley, Rector of Whitechurch and chairperson of Whitechurch National School, longest serving priest in Dublin and Glendalough Dioceses and Canon of St Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin; Ms Sue Miller, Head of Library Services, CICE and Staff Rep to Board of CICE; Mr Daithi O’Mailcoille, Board Member CICE; Mr Ian Packham, Headmaster Kildare Place Schools, Rathmines; Mr Geoffrey Perrin, Head of Finance and Board Member CICE; Dr Ali Saleem, Head of Cultural Outreach in The Islamic Centre, Clonskeagh, Dublin; Mr Tony Walsh, Director of Centre for the Study of Protestantism in Ireland, NUIM; others from the Methodist and Presbyterian communities.
Photo caption: the Minister for Education, Ruairi Quinn, TD, greets Archbishop Michael Jackson and Archbishop Diarmuid Martin at the Department of Education prior to today’s launch.