Thought for the week

NWRC’s Learning and Teaching Conference Wed 30th January 2019

NWRC’s Learning and Teaching Conference will take place on Wed 30th January 2019 - ‘Building Hope and Resilience’

The Keynote Speaker is Lemn Sissay -  Poet, Author, Broadcaster, Poet Laureate and Chancellor of the University of Manchester

For more information and a place at the conference book now through the Staff Development booking tool.

http://nwrc-vweb2/mis_public/tools/staffdev_training/booking.aspx?EventID=1175

Thought for the week

Christmas Carol service - Thursday, December 20 - 1.15 p.m.

A Christmas Carol Service with Long Tower Primary School Choir will take place in the New Tower Garden in the college on Thursday 20th December at 1.15pm followed by the Christmas Tree Draw.
All are welcome.

Thought for the Week

Staff consultation on Social Media

The College is consulting with staff on the Social Media Policy.  The policy, together with response proforma, is available on the website at

http://www.nwrc.ac.uk/sf-social-media-policy-30nov18doc/

The closing date for comments is 22 February 2019.

Please forward comments to HR Services.  If you require any of these documents in an alternative format, please contact HR Services.

Sleigh-ing Christmas GDPR myths

“He’s making a list, He’s checking it twice,
He’s gonna find out who’s naughty or nice,
Santa Claus is in contravention of Article 4 of the General DataProtection Regulation (EU) 2016/679.”

There have been suggestions that Father Christmas should be reported to the IC Ho Ho Ho…

It has been asked if naughty children can utilize their ‘Right to be Forgotten’ to make sure they still get a present…

At the College we have been doing great work over the last year to ensure we are compliant with GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018. We still encourage all staff to complete the E-Learning module on understanding our obligations: GDPR StaffE-Learning. In 2019 there will be departmental tailored GDPR training to assist staff in understanding what GDPR means for their everyday work.

For further festive learning on GDPR principles I encourage staff to visit: https://howgdprstolechristmas.com/

DREAM CAREERS TEAM NOMINATED FOR BEACON AWARD

The Careers Academy team at North West Regional College has been announced as a finalist for Association of College’s prestigious Beacon Awards.

The team which encompasses a dynamic group of Senior Career Advisors, work across five campuses and in the community, offering guidance on a number of educational and vocational avenues for personal career development including Further and Higher Education courses and Apprenticeships.

Finneen Bradley, Careers Manager at NWRC said:  “The Careers Team at NWRC are delighted to have been shortlisted for the Education and Guidance Award. 

“The work my team and I undertake is changing and enhancing lives in our college and in our community on a daily basis.

“Career Development within the Careers Academy takes a 3E approach which is Employability, Enterprise and Enrichment.

“At the Careers Academy we provide a one-stop support service for students, and an open door policy for career planning and guidance interviews. The Academy also delivers bespoke programmes and interactive workshops.

“I am extremely fortunate to have an amazing team of staff around me who all have the same, shared vision and we continue to go from strength to strength.”

Leo Murphy, Principal and Chief Executive of NWRC said: “I’d like to offer my warmest congratulations to Finneen and her team on making it through the Beacon Awards finals, which are highly regarded as the Careers Oscars of Further Education.

“Our Careers Academy team do an outstanding job with their innovative approach to enriching the lives of Further and Higher Education students and apprentices.

“NWRC is committed to building the skills needed by our young people in the modern world of employment, and our Careers Department is central in helping to nurture the next generation.”

Now in its 24th year, the AoC Beacon Awards showcase best practice and innovation in colleges. The winners will be announced on March 22, 2019.

Carole Stott MBE, Chair of the AoC Charitable Trust, said: “The Beacon Awards were created to highlight the great work that goes on in colleges every day.

Colleges do great work transforming the lives of more than two million people each day and are deeply embedded within their communities. North West Regional College has done exceptionally well to get this far and we wish them the best of luck.”

Thought for the Week

NWRC’s first Christmas Tree of Remembrance

Many staff and students have lost a loved one and their grief is still palpable. The Remembrance tree will give staff and students an opportunity to leave a poignant message. Write your personal message on a yellow ribbon to remember a loved one who has passed away, or a living family member or friends – who for one reason or another – can’t be at home for Christmas, or just to send a ‘Happy Christmas’ message to someone. Your ribbon will then be attached to the Remembrance Tree.
One Yellow Ribbon will cost £1, which will go to the College’s nominated charity, Foyle Search & Rescue. You will also be given a ticket, to include you into a draw for a beautiful Christmas tree from the Ardmore Garden Centre which can be planted in a garden and will grow to approximately 10ft.
The Yellow Ribbons will be removed from the tree on 21st December and placed in advance of the Carol Services and Christmas Celebrations in the City’s two Cathedrals where prayers will be offered for all included:

• St Columb’s Cathedral, London Street at their Festival Service of Nine Lessons (through song and music) on Sunday 23rd December at 7.30pm.
• St Eugene’s Cathedral, Creggan Street at their Carol Services on Sunday 23rd December at 4pm

We will be in the Garden to place your ribbon on the tree on Monday, Thursday and Friday mornings between 10am – 11am and lunch times.
Come along and write your message and place your ribbon on our tree. Ribbons can also be obtained from Donna or Danny at room C257, 2nd floor, Tower Building.

Movember charity events at NWRC

Join us this Movember  for a range of men’s hair and facial treatments.  All proceeds in aid of ‘Foyle Search and Rescue’.

Services provided on the day by the Level 2 and Level 3 Barbering students.

·         Hot Towel Face Shave & Massage

·         Hair Cuts and Design Patterns in the Hair

·         Beard & Moustache Trims/Shaped

·         Shampoo Conditioning & Styling Hair

Monday 3rd – Thursday 6th December 2018 9:00 am – 9:00pm Monday - Wednesday 9am – 5pm on Thursday

Foyle Building, Level 6 Barbering / Hair Department, Salons 2 and 3 Strand Road Campus, NWRC

There will be tea, coffee, hot chocolate drinks, biscuits and nibbles for clientele.

For Appointments

Telephone:  028 7127 6303  or  Email:  grainne.mccollumn@nwrc.ac.uk

Christmas Craft fair at NWRC - Thursday December 6

The annual NWRC Christmas Craft fair will take place on Thursday, December 6 from 10.30 a.m. to 1.30 p.m. at the ground floor of the Tower Building.

Come along and view the handmade crafts, beauty treatments and sweet treats.

All proceeds in aid of Foyle Search and Rescue. 

NWRC’s Emma Battles Her Way to Win Ninth Gold Medal

A Sports student from North West Regional College (NWRC) has won her ninth successive Gold medal in Kickboxing, competing at the World Championships in Dublin.

Emma McGilloway, who is currently in Year 2 of a Foundation Degree in Sport at NWRC’s Strand Road Campus, won Gold in Light Contact and Silver in Point Fighting when she represented Northern Ireland.

The 20 year-old fought her way through eight rounds, beating competitors from across the globe, to clinch the title of World Champion.

“This was the toughest competition I have come through,” said Emma, “it was my ninth year competing, but also my first year competing in the Senior category, so I am absolutely delighted to have come home with my ninth Gold and also a Silver medal.”

Bernie Rutherford, Lecturer in Sport at NWRC said: “On behalf of everyone at the Department of Sport I would like to congratulate Emma on this tremendous achievement.

“Emma is fantastic Kickboxer a great ambassador for the world of Sport. The staff and her fellow students at NWRC wish her continued success.”

Emma who is in the final year of a Foundation Degree at NWRC, is currently completing the work placement requirement of her course, at the PE department of her previous school, St Cecilia’s College.

She said: “My plan is to continue with my studies to go on to become a PE teacher, so studying for the Foundation Degree in Sport at NWRC has been hugely beneficial for me, rather than jumping straight into University. I have had great support from the lecturers here.”

Top nomination for Performing Arts Lecturer Carie Logue Houston

North West Regional College lecturer Carie Logue Houston has been announced as a finalist for Tutor of the Year at the NI Creative & Cultural Skills Awards.

The finals, which this year will be hosted this year at NWRC’s Strand Road Campus, celebrate the many unsung heroes of the creative industries who continue to inspire young people in Northern Ireland.

Dancer Lecturer Carie, who first started teaching at the college’s in 2004 said she was honoured to be put forward for the award based on her contribution to dance and education.

She said: “The nomination was a complete surprise, to even be shortlisted feels like an award. It is so lovely to be considered and recognised for my contribution to dance.

“Teaching dance, nurturing and developing movement and creative skills is immensely rewarding. To see a young person’s confidence and abilities develop in the dance studio is simply wonderful and then to see them apply these skills as a step towards their dance journey is the greatest. I feel very lucky.

“To get the opportunity to work with young people who come into our Performing Arts courses and develop their dance skills and creativity is gratifying.  In particular, working with students with little or no dance background prior to the course and then seeing them connect with dance and embrace it gives me an enormous sense of pride – some students from this introduction to dance have gone on to pursue dance at Degree Level.”

Carie, who delivers the dance units in the Level 3 Performing arts course ( Dance technique & performance) and HND Performing Arts course ( dance criticism & analysis/ choreography/ physical theatre), has also established an extremely successful student dance company – Ascent.

She explained: “Ascent was created for students who wish to expand their dance skills further and provide opportunities to enhance students dance experiences.

“Ascent also gives students a ‘Taster’ of the industry – with dance performance opportunities in various public events, including the annual NWRC Hair and Beauty events, Talent North-West  (Ascent made it to last  6 acts in the Final at Forum), An Turas production @ the Forum,  O-Bon Japanese Festival ‘Little Tokyo,’ and City of Derry Jazz Festival performing alongside Sicilian Swing Band ‘Jumpin Up’ (Finalists of Italy’s Got Talent).

“I’ve always encouraged our Performing arts Students to embrace opportunities that can arise during their time at NWRC and make connections with creative bodies in the industry which can lead onto developing their skills and possible creative career enhancement.”

Carie, who has previously taught dance in London, also works as community dance artist at Studio 2, whilst continuing as a freelance choreographer for various events in the city such as: Assistant choreographer in The Return of Colmcille/ The People’s Procession for The City of Culture and  Choreographer for other major events in the city such as: O-Bon Japanese Festival of Light event (Playtrail), City of Derry Jazz Festival, Foyle Maritime Festival ‘Voyages’ Showcase, Derry City & Strabane District Council - Annual Halloween & Spring Carnival Parades.

She is also a regular dance facilitator for the Millennium Forum’s annual Interact Youth Festival and Studio 2 Summer dance schemes.

Carie Logue Houston was nominated for the award by NWRC’s Curriculum Manager for Music and Performing Arts, Ronan O’Callaghan.

The winner will be announced on December 6.

Health and Wellness Luxury Spa Event - Thursday, December 6,

A Health and Wellness Luxury Spa Event will take place at Level 5, at the Foyle Building, on Thursday, December 6, from 9.30 to 3.30 p.m.

Please bring a swimsuit or bikini and flip flops for all spa treatments. Complimentary light refreshments provided. Book early to avoid disappointment!

Luxury Spa treatment - £10/1 hour
This treatment begins with body brushing, followed by full body poppy seed scrub, followed by one of the following wraps:
* Seaweed Mud Wrap
This wrap acts as a detox to the body
* Thermal Wrap
Detoxifying and remineralising properties
* Body contour wrap
For inch loss, cellulite and lymph drainage

This is followed by either a sauna or steam room treatment

The treatment is finished with an application of Eve Taylor Body Butter while cocooned in a heated blanket.

Full Body Massage / £10/ 1 hour
Relax and unwind with an indulgent full body massage using a range of aromatic oils

For appointments
Call: (028) 71 276336/6073
Email amanda.white@nwrc.ac.uk
bridget.o'malley@nwrc.ac.uk
karen.bradley@nwrc.ac.uk

Last chance to nominate a colleague

NORTH WEST REGIONAL COLLEGE

Staff Award Scheme - 2018/2019

Purpose: To recognise and celebrate a member of staff’s contribution to the North West Regional College.

Any employee of the North West Regional College can nominate another employee for the award. The process will be confidential.

• Nominations should be submitted prior to 30 November to be awarded in December.
• Nominations submitted between November and April will be awarded in June.

Staff wishing to make a nomination should complete a written citation of no more than 200 words explaining why the nominee is being put forward.

Nominations will be considered by a panel made up of representatives from each campus and an appointed chairperson. The panel will use the terms of reference to decide on successful recipients.

A £50 gift voucher for Foyleside Shopping Centre and a recognition award will be presented to the successful recipient(s).

Terms of reference

• Excellence

Description: Quality of excelling, providing exceptionally good service or bringing exceptional status to team, i.e. in academic areas retention, success, outcomes, in non-teaching areas recognise based on exceeding expected standards or good audit outcomes.

• Uniqueness / Innovation / Creativity

Description: Having the ability to demonstrate originality of thought or creating something unique and innovative.  May include use of new technologies.          

• On-going quality

Description: Producing and maintaining outstanding standards in provision of service.    

• Equality and Diversity

Description:  Promoting and/or embedding equality and diversity within the College.       

• Cross College Role / Activities

Description: Providing outstanding service affecting all staff and/or students in the College.            

• Individual Contribution to a Team

Description: Providing outstanding contribution to a team that enriches the working of the team.

• Pastoral Care of Students

Description: Providing an outstanding support service to students underpinned by demonstrating a caring and supportive ethos.   

• Employability

Description: Promoting or embedding employability in a manner that is outstanding with exceptional standards.       

• Contribution to STEM

Description: Promoting STEM activities or delivering STEM provision that achieves outstanding results or demonstrates innovation and creativity.          

• Employer Engagement

Description: Evidence of working with employers and meeting needs of employers in an exceptional/innovative and effective manner.

           

CONFIDENTIAL

STAFF AWARD SCHEME NOMINATION FORM
Name:
Department:
Job Title:
Location:
DETAILS OF THE PERSON YOU WISH TO NOMINATE
Name:
Job Title:
Department :
Location:
REASON FOR NOMINATION
				Please tick ONE only
Excellence
Uniqueness / Innovation / Creativity
On-going Quality
Equality and Diversity
Cross College Role / Activities
Individual Contribution to a Team
Pastoral Care of Students
Employability
Contribution to STEM
Employer Engagement
PLEASE PROVIDE SUBMISSION IN NO MORE THAN 200 WORDS
Signed			Date

Please submit to:   Mrs Kate Duffy, Director of HR and Learner Services, Tower Building, Strand Road Campus.

This document can be made available in a range of formats, please contact HR Services with your requirements.

Workshops for staff

•Active Learning Strategies Wednesday 21st November 3.00-5.00


•Basic Project Management with Trello Friday 23rd November 1.30-3.00


•Learnspark: Resilience in Working Life/ Handling Daily Challenges Wednesday 28th November 1.30-4.30
•
•
•
•Using Smartphone for Learning and Teaching Friday 30th November 1.30-3.00

Please book using the tool below

http://nwrc-vweb2/mis_public/tools/staffdev_training/index.aspx

North West Regional College hosts Academy Awards

North West Regional College has recognised staff who recently completed courses at their Academy of Excellence at a special ceremony at their Strand Road Campus.

More than 100 staff have undertaken training in a number of areas including Teaching, Employability, Leadership and Quality Improvement.

For more pictures see https://www.flickr.com/photos/mynwrc/albums/72157703052856845

Vice chair of the College’s Governing Body Gavin Killeen who was special guest at the celebratory event, congratulated the many staff who were presented with their certificates.

Emer O’Sullivan, Teaching & Learning Development Manager at NWRC said: “I’d like to congratulate our many staff who have graduated from the Academy of Excellence.

“To date 101 members of staff have completed Academy courses and all agree that they gained much from the experience. One participant on our teaching courses has told us how the Academy has enhanced her approach to teaching.’

The Academy courses have been designed to support all staff and are available to all NWRC employees free of charge. They provide you with an opportunity to engage with CPD activities that are relevant, focused and have an immediate impact on your practice. All courses are OCN accredited and are designed to meet the specific needs of staff in our College. Our teaching courses specifically give lecturers the opportunity to develop new ideas and extend teaching skills in a collaborative and supportive environment.

Check out the courses available on the link below
http://online.fliphtml5.com/cljl/hfbj/

If you are interested in doing one of our Academy courses just complete a SD1 form online and come along and join us.

Copy of notice sent to all Staff on 31 October 2018

Dear all

I would like to thank each and every one of you for the contribution that you make to life in the College.

You will likely know by now that members of the University and College Union (UCU) have voted to declare a dispute with the College following a recent meeting.  

I would like to make it clear that the Governing Body and others are working hard to resolve the matters of concern to UCU members.

We are currently working on these issues at both local and sectoral levels. Salary Placement is a sector-wide matter being dealt with by management and UCU through the Lecturers’ Negotiation Committee.  Other matters are more local in nature and will be addressed within the College.

We will continue to work on the issues through the appropriate channels and we are committed to taking whatever action is deemed appropriate following the conclusion of this work.  We currently expect the work to conclude between now and the end of December.

I would like to reassure all staff members that we are listening and remain fully committed to the best working relationships possible in the College. We are also committed to delivering the benefits that these improved working relationships will bring for our staff, our students and the community that we serve.

We will continue to engage on these matters and we have the good of the College, the well-being of our staff and the needs of the community at the forefront of our minds as we do so.

Thank you again for all that you do to make the College what it is.

With very best regards,

Gerard Finnegan

Chairman

NWRC

gerard.finnegan@nwrc.ac.uk

GRADUATION PICTURE SPECIAL

Pictures from NWRC's Higher Education Graduation Ceremony can be viewed here.
Well done to everyone who took part.
You can view more pictures at https://www.flickr.com/photos/mynwrc/albums/72157699710106912