The event was introduced by Student Union president, Una Kelly and Professor Peter Finn who spoke about how delighted the college was to welcome the Sinn Féin Education minister.
In her speech, Caitriona Ruane explained,
“For decades ministers appointed from London ran away from making any definitive decisions. We did not. We took the decision to end the practice of academic apartheid. The 11 plus is gone and isn’t coming back.”
Caitriona continued,
“Choosing teaching as a career is not an easy option. The role of the teaching profession is continually changing and we must recognize the increasingly complex role which teachers play in their day to day work.”
In her closing remarks Caitriona said,
“The 21st century teachers must be adaptive, collaborative, creative, reflective, visionaries, mentors and leaders. Together we can achieve an education system where there are no barriers to success and where every child can set their aspirations high and achieve their ambitions.”
Speaking at the conclusion of the event, St Mary’s Sinn Féin member Stiofan Scullion said,
“The focus of our presentation today is to articulate our party’s positive influence on education reform in the six counties since accepting this ministerial portfolio in 1999 and present the wide range of initiatives which we have implemented. Trainee teachers were today given the opportunity to hear about how our party will continue to shape and transform education provision across Ireland. Sinn Féin is committed to ensuring that the 21st century classroom is a centre of academic excellence providing and catering for everyone regardless of their social, religious or economic background – instilling high expectations and allowing all children to fulfill their unique potential.”
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