The 2022 Annual General Meeting was held on Saturday 7th May 2022 in Bremore ETSS, Balbriggan. Members travelled from across the country to participate and contribute to the democratic practices of our organisation.
Morning
The morning started with workshops hosted by directors and national office staff on the themes of ‘Educate Together as a Democratic Membership Organisation’, ‘Ethical Education from 4 years to 18 year olds’, and ‘Educate Together Ethos Quality Framework Tools’.
It was a busy morning, with the adoption of standing orders, approval of 2021 minutes following one amendment, presentation of the financial report for 2021 and appointment of auditors for 2022, presentation of the annual report and a report on motions carried and referred.
Board of Directors
The Board formally thanked Colm O’Connor for his contribution as he stepped down and gratefully acknowledged Danny Haskins for his many years of service in different roles with Educate Together.
Miriam Hurley, principal of Dalkey School Project and Lesley Byrne, principal of Clogher Road Community College were formally welcomed to the Board of Directors.
Admissions and Adoptions
Gorey ETSS and Blackrock ETSS were formally admitted as members of Educate Together. Educate Together’s Strategic Plan and Senior Cycle Ethical Education Curriculum were formally adopted.
Policy Motions
There were three successful policy motions proposed and carried:
2022/01 This AGM calls on the Board of Directors to establish a working group including representatives from different Educate Together members for the purpose of researching and providing guidance to schools regarding good practice related to including and actively supporting LGBTQ+ children and families and addressing relevant issues of equality in keeping with the Educate Together ethos.
Boards of Management Kilcolgan ETNS, Knocknacarra ETNS and Galway ETSS
2022/02 This AGM requires that Boards of Management of Educate Together secondary schools can include a priority category for children coming from Educate Together ‘feeder’ primary schools in their Admissions policy.
Board of Management of Stepaside ETSS
2022/03 This AGM calls on the Board of Directors to open discussions with the Education and Training Boards to extend their co-patronage relationship at second level to primary schools with a view to working together in the future to open and manage primary schools in Ireland.
Board of Management Carlow ETNS
Afternoon
In the afternoon, we bid a fond farewell to Paul Rowe, the former and founding CEO of Educate Together, and Deirdre O’Donoghue who was Educate Together’s first employee. We are grateful to these two stalwarts for their dedication and commitment to Educate Together. Read more about Paul’s achievements as CEO here and Deirdre’s accomplishments over the past 27 years here.
