Category: Stranmillis News

Stranmillis University College was delighted to welcome the United States Department of State Special Envoy to Northern Ireland for Economic Affairs , Joseph P Kennedy III, as the Keynote speaker for the inaugural Dr Éamon Phoenix Memorial Lecture.

The Dr Éamon Phoenix Memorial Lecture at Stranmillis was established to honour the legacy of our esteemed and greatly missed late colleague – one of the pre-eminent historians of our time, with a unique ability to bring history to life, and an educator whose unwavering dedication to fostering innovative teaching approaches, promoting critical thinking, and nurturing a vibrant intellectual environment left an indelible mark on colleagues, students and Northern Ireland society as a whole.

Speaking at the Lecture, Principal and CEO of SUC, Professor Jonathan Heggarty, said: “It is a mark of Dr Éamon Phoenix’s reputation and respect that we are thrilled to welcome the US Special Envoy  as our Keynote speaker for this inaugural event. Education has, and continues to be, a passion for Joe Kennedy III, not just in words, but in positive action through driving policy reform and plans for education that addresses each step along a child’s path; through promoting early childhood learning that prevents the achievement gap; continually advocating for universal proficiency and dynamic innovation in the classroom; and ensuring higher education is accessible to all. Themes and actions that would resonate strongly with Dr Éamon Phoenix.”

In his keynote speech, ‘Education as a Catalyst for Economic Progress’, the Envoy spoke passionately about educational disadvantage, early years education, the need for educational innovation and education as the foundation and cornerstone of economic prosperity:  “No one doubts the role of education as the catalyst of economic progress. It’s self-evident in a world growing increasingly interdependent through technology and increasingly reliant on the products of research labs and institutes to develop heat-resistant crops, more efficient appliances, smarter grids and genome-altering medical advances.”

“It all begins with education. Northern Ireland has one of the most highly educated work-forces in the world. The talent here has drawn investments from over 230 U.S. firms who now employ over 30,000 workers. Northern Ireland is the number one destination for cyber-security investments in Europe. Innovations in AI, genome-sequencing, film industry CGI and aerospace are reaching everywhere from the River Foyle in Derry to the docksides of Belfast.”

“I would be remiss not to mention when learning begins: at birth.  Research shows us repeatedly the dramatic impact of early childhood education not only on education attainment, but on economic opportunity, as well. Access to early education sets children up to be ready for primary school, improves early literacy, and is critical to a child’s social-emotional development. It directly contributes to a higher likelihood of completing secondary school and advancing to higher education. The early years are when we learn how to work with others, make critical decisions, and relate to each other: all skills needed not only in the classroom, but in the workplace as well. It also builds stronger communities. Access to early education not only sets children up to thrive, but it also provides families with greater financial security. When children are in care, parents can work; student parents can achieve degrees. Early education is perhaps the best investment in education – and economic opportunity for families – that we can make.”

“And it is where Northern Ireland has a chance to stand apart.  You want to keep that young talent from going to London or Boston?  Provide those young parents access to affordable childcare.  You want to get more caregivers back into the workforce?  Provide more access to affordable childcare.  You want to build the earning capacity of young couples?  Provide more access to affordable childcare.  You want to increase opportunities for integrated education?  Provide more access to affordable childcare.  You want to increase the prospects of peace and prosperity?  Provide more access for affordable childcare.”

“Why?  Because kids are kids.  In all of my travels to almost every corner of our world, I have yet to find a child where if you don’t throw a ball to them they won’t throw it back.  Kids laugh and play.  They don’t know how to hurt or hate.  Their wants and needs are the simple, basic things that unite us all.”

“That is, of course, the great lesson that Northern Ireland teaches the world.  A lesson that Dr. Phoenix knew well, and that has certainly taken hold of me.  That despite our differences and divides, our future is shared.  Our prosperity is linked.  That there is, in fact, only one path forward — together.  It’s a lesson demonstrated again last evening, and one, I’m certain, that would have Dr Phoenix cheering.”

The inaugural lecture was also addressed by Dr Jayne Brady MBE, Head of the Northern Ireland Civil Service, who paid a heartfelt tribute to the work and impact Éamon Phoenix made to so many on the island; a fascinating lecture on Partition and Education Policy divergence in the 1920s by Prof. Noel Purdy (Stranmillis) and Dr Tom Walsh (Maynooth University); and closing remarks from Éamon’s wife Alice, including an announcement on the creation of the Éamon Phoenix Foundation.

 

 

 

The Daily Mile Network in Northern Ireland hosted their third annual Santa Run on Friday 1 December.

Over 320 schools across NI joined the fun, with staff and children putting on their Christmas jumpers and Santa hats and taking part. Dr Barbara McConnell and Dr Brenda McKay-Redmond from the Early Childhood Studies Department at Stranmillis University College joined other members of The Daily Mile Network at Rosetta Primary School.

Dr McConnell said: “It was lovely joining the Nursery and P1 children of Rosetta Primary to complete their Daily Mile Santa Run. What better way to get into the Christmas spirit!”

“The Daily Mile challenge offers a fun and interactive way for children to get moving more and incorporate physical activity into their daily routine. Being physically active helps to build strong bones, muscles and a healthy heart, supports the development of social skills, and encourages a sense of wellbeing. It also benefits children’s mental health, so it really does have a wide range of benefits.”

Simon Melville, Teacher at Rosetta Primary School, said: “We love taking part in the Daily Mile challenge every year and the Santa Run is a great way for us to kick off the countdown to Christmas – our pupils loved it! Doing challenges like this is good for our children to get outside and reap the many benefits of physical activity. We always notice they come back to class reenergised and ready to learn. We would highly recommend the Daily Mile challenge to other schools!”

Speaking about the Daily Mile, Dr. Brenda McKay-Redmond, Co-Chair of The Daily Mile Network, said:

“The ethos of The Daily Mile is for physical activity to be social, non-competitive and fun. It encourages children to be aware of their health and aims for inclusiveness for every child, regardless of age or ability. Increasing physical activity levels for all children in Northern Ireland is critical and The Daily Mile is committed to supporting the implementation of The Daily Mile across the country and creating an evidence base that is relative to Northern Ireland.”

Dr McCourt, Physical Activity Co–ordinator of the PHA and member of the Daily Mile Network said: “The PHA would encourage as many families and schools as possible across Northern Ireland to get involved in the Daily Mile programme this year. It’s important that children are introduced to a culture of being active from an early age as it is something that will stay with them and benefit them throughout their lives.”

To find out more about The Daily Mile, visit www.thedailymile.co.uk.

Pictured (L-R) Ben Hanvey, Physical Activity Lead at Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Iain Sneddon, Active School Travel Officer at Sustrans, Beth Harding, Active School Travel Manager at Sustrans, Dr Barbara McConnell, Co-Chair of The Daily Mile Network, Dr Hannah McCourt, Senior Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement Officer at Public Health Agency, Dr Medbh Hillyard, Post Doctoral Research Fellow, Ulster University, Brenda McKay-Redmond, Co-Chair of The Daily Mile Network and pupils at Rosetta Primary School.

It was with sadness that the College learnt of the passing of a long-serving colleague and former Principal, Professor Richard McMinn, on Friday 3 November after a period of illness. Announcing the sad news to staff and former colleagues, Stranmillis Principal and CEO, Professor Jonathan Heggarty, said: “Professor McMinn was know personally by many current staff, having dedicated over thirty years of faithful service to the College until his retirement in 2007, serving as Principal for fourteen years during what was a very significant period of change for the College. Our condolences and thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time.”

Speaking about his time at Stranmillis and the impact he made, his successor as Principal of the College, Professor Anne Heaslett, said: “Professor Richard McMinn gave a lifetime of dedicated service to education in Northern Ireland. He was the first member of his family to benefit from a university education. His appreciation of gaining a place at Queen’s University, where he graduated with a BA in History (1968), signalled a lifetime commitment to opening educational opportunities for others. Completing his Dip Ed (QUB) he entered the world of teaching and a career primarily focused on roles within Stranmillis University College.

His association with Stranmillis College began with his appointment to the History Department in 1974 where he developed a successful lecturing and research career. This academic background equipped him with the critical tools to analyse the complex Northern Ireland educational landscape. Such knowledge proved invaluable as he steered Stranmillis through a number of challenging episodes when he became College principal in 1993.

For the next fourteen years he presided over a period of change. As Northern Ireland emerged from conflict with the signing of the Good Friday /Belfast Agreement in 1998, it provided him with the ideal context in which to promote the concept of Mutual Understanding and partnership working. He was a firm believer that the education system should promote mutual respect and tolerance. This belief went beyond mere rhetoric. It was part of who he was – a gentleman and a professional of the highest integrity.

One of the most significant achievements during Professor McMinn’s tenure was the introduction of new degree programmes to complement the teacher education courses. The successful introduction of Early Childhood Studies and what is now the Health & Physical Education courses were the fruits of his careful, diligent leadership and helped ensure the College had a strong academic foundation to meet the demands of the 21^st century. These developments also reflected Professor McMinn’s lifelong commitment to promoting academic opportunities for young people, especially those, like him, who came from homes where there was no tradition of going to university.

The strengthening of the College’s academic profile, including the conferment of the title University College in 1998, are part of his legacy on which the College continues to build.”

Educators have been challenged to rethink the way they teach reading to ensure young people learn to read for pleasure, in their own time and develop their identities as readers. That challenge was posed by Professor Teresa Cremin from the Open University, at a conference to celebrate the 20^th anniversary of SCoTENS (Standing Committee for Teacher Education North and South), the all-island network of 34 Higher Education Institutions, teacher unions and other education bodies with a shared interest in teacher education.

Professor Cremin, invited delegates to move beyond a vision of ‘readers for the system’, to one where learners become readers for life: “When it comes to teaching reading, there has traditionally been a focus on what is measurable, on short-term gains, and performing in line with traditional notions of decoding and comprehension. If, as educators, we want our young people to be readers for life, we need to pay attention to their identities as readers, and support them in developing sustainable reading behaviours and in discussing the texts they choose to read”.

The conference was opened by Dr Mark Browne, Permanent Secretary at the Department of Education: “Since its establishment, SCoTENS has brought together educators, researchers and policymakers from both sides of the border, reflecting the collaborative nature of our jurisdictions in the provision of education to our children and young people. Much has been achieved across the spectrum of teacher education provision over this time and that is to be celebrated.

Professor Noel Purdy, Director of Research and Scholarship at Stranmillis , added: “This conference represents an important milestone for SCoTENS, and we are proud of what we have achieved. But we are not resting on our laurels. Today, we are looking to the future with hope, and are more determined than ever to build on our achievements, and on the constructive cross-border partnerships that have been developed to date.”