At the same time, the congregations also entered into another collaborative arrangement, to be known as the EDUCENA Foundation. EDUCENA operates with a twofold mission: upholding the distinct Catholic character of their schools and overseeing the management of entrusted properties meant for the advancement of Catholic education's mission and stability.[2]
Organisation
CEIST CLG was incorporated in May 2007. The religious congregations appointed 16 CEIST members - 11 religious and five lay. The board of directors has 12 members - three religious and nine lay.[3]
Day-to-day management remains the responsibility of each school's management, in accord with the Education Act 1998.[4] The schools are supported by the trustees from the central office.[5]
It currently[when?] oversees approximately 58,000 students and 4,000 teachers and administrative staff. Currently,[when?] one in six second level students in Ireland attends a CEIST secondary school.[6]
Background
The origins of CEIST lie in the five Catholic Religious Congregations, with a history of over 350 years in post-primary education. Nonetheless, the challenges of the 21st century prompted the need for innovative frameworks, guaranteeing the relevance of Catholic secondary education as a viable option in today's diverse Ireland.[1]
On that basis, provincial leaders of the five Religious Congregations signed the Charter of a new education organisation to be known as CEIST, an acronym for Catholic Education, an Irish Schools Trust. The Trust was officially established on 1 February 2007.[1]
Education
The 107 CEIST schools are well distributed across the whole island of Ireland.[7] CEIST schools are Catholic voluntary secondary schools and are inclusive schools, welcoming those of all faiths and none. Students in CEIST secondary schools[9] follow Ireland’s Department of Education Curriculum.[8] The schools provide students with an opportunity to grow and prepare for adult life and pay special attention to the intellectual, emotional, moral, and spiritual development of every single student. CEIST schools integrate faith formation into their educational programs in the context of a modern, pluralist society. Students are provided with opportunities to deepen their understanding of religion, participate in prayer services and liturgical celebrations, and engage in spiritual reflection and growth.[9]
Going Forward
As one of the biggest trustees in Ireland, CEIST is expanding its presence. The key vision is to continue providing a holistic education for second level students.[10] Through the Strategic Plan 2022-2027,[11] CEIST seeks to shape national policy development in education and to assert the role and contribution of the Catholic School in Ireland. Furthermore, in the promotion of a high-quality in teaching and learning, CEIST provides a large variety of training and facilitates a high commitment from the whole school community including teachers, students and parents in order to enhance the level of education and achieve inclusion and diversity.[2]
A recent review of its development over the past ten years identified certain strengths and weaknesses.[43] There continues to be debate about state-sponsored denominational education in Ireland.[44]
