Applications are being sought for examples of outstanding pastoral care in schools.
Education Minister, Peter Weir and Valerie Watts, Interim Chief Executive of the Public Health Agency, are encouraging more nominations for this year’s awards.
The Minister said:
“Exceptional pastoral care is about the help and support offered to pupils by teachers or the school community to the challenges and difficulties young people face today. Schools that go above and beyond to make a real difference to their pupils lives. There are many schools that provide exceptional care and should rightly be recognised for their important work in this area.
“The nominations received last year, demonstrate the value that communities place on our schools and I would encourage more entries this year.”
The Derrytrasna Pastoral Care Award provides recognition to school communities that have demonstrated exceptional co-operative effort in supporting the pastoral care of pupils and their families. There will be one award for the pre-school, primary and post-primary sectors.
Valerie Watts said:
“The Public Health Agency is delighted to be involved with the Derrytrasna Awards. Good pastoral care is integral to supporting pupils in terms of their personal and social development, including mental and emotional wellbeing, educational attainment and future life outcomes. Children who enjoy and thrive at school are more likely to achieve good qualifications, which in turn are more likely to lead to a fulfilling job directly benefitting health and quality of life. I look forward to hearing about the examples of outstanding practice through this year’s nominations.”
The Derrytrasna Pastoral Care Award provides recognition to school communities that have demonstrated exceptional co-operative effort in supporting the pastoral care of pupils and their families. There is one award for the pre-school, primary and post-primary sectors.
The winners of last year’s awards commented on their success.
Valerie O’Brien, Principal of Victoria Nursery School:
"The Derrytrasna Award for Exceptional Pastoral care 2016 for Victoria Nursery School was a most welcomed recognition of the contribution that our school is making in developing a more caring and responsive society. In achieving this award our vital role as teachers and educators of the youngest children in our education system is highlighted. The positive impact made on the lives of many children and their families whom we, as a school community, support in a variety of ways is valued and appreciated."
Heather Watson, Principal of Phoenix Integrated Primary School:
“We were absolutely delighted to have won the Derrytrasna Award for exceptional Pastoral Care in Phoenix IPS. Like many schools, we recognise the vital link between wellbeing and learning and each member of staff work alongside parents to meet the needs of every child. To be recognised is humbling and deeply appreciated by the whole school community.”
Jarlath Burns, Principal of St Pauls:
“To receive a Derrytrasna award is probably the pinnacle for a school in terms of affirmation that we are making a difference to children’s lives. It is a privilege for schools to be able to play such a part in the development of our next generation and to get an accolade which is in memory of the wonderful Adele Madden and her outstanding school St. Mary’s Derrytrasna is a great honour for us.”
Applications should be made by no later than 16 December 2016 using the form available on the DE website.
Notes to editors:
- The Derrytrasna Pastoral Care Award is named after St Mary’s Primary School in Derrytrasna, the school whose exceptional pastoral care for terminally ill pupil, Adele Madden, inspired the award.
- Victoria Nursery School, Phoenix Integrated Primary School and St Paul’s High (Bessbrook) were the 2015/16 winners of the award, at an event 20 June 2016, held in the Senate Chamber, Stormont Buildings.
- The application period will be open from 7 November 2016 to 16 December 2016.
- Further information about the award can be viewed on nidirect
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