29 June, 2006 - Minister De Valera opens second Biennial Conference of the International Froebel Society

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Science,  Síle de Valera, TD., today, opened the second Biennial Conference of the International Froebel Society in  Froebel College, Blackrock.

Speaking at the conference today Minister de Valera said ;

'Froebel College in Ireland has a distinguished history in the education of primary school teachers for the last 65 years. The College established by the Dominican Congregation in 1941, is one of the five State funded Colleges of Education recognised by the Department of Education and Science for the training of national teachers. The vital role played by the Dominican Order in shaping the Irish Education Landscape will always be recognised through its involvement in Froebel College.'

'There are distinct resonances between the educational philosophy of Froebel and the aims, principles and defining features of our own Primary School Curriculum.  Among the principles that are truly Froebelian in origin are those that uphold the uniqueness of the child,  seek to develop the full potential of the child, and acknowledge the importance of activity and discovery methods.'

'Graduates of Froebel College of Education have played a very valuable role in Irish Education for generations and it would not be an exaggeration to say that, through their past pupils, schools throughout the State have benefited from the Dominican ethos to an extent that would have between unimaginable when the Order initially became involved in teacher education.  This truly is a lasting legacy and one to be very proud of.'

Ends