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ISSU News

ISSU New Logo launch!

We are changing up our look here in the ISSU.

We have created a restored version of a time-honoured logo, refurbished for today's world and it needs both present and future.
After five demanding months of research, designing, feedback analysis and decision making to get to where we are today, we are honoured to say that this version of the logo was successfully passed by the Coiste Gnó on 24/10/2021.

See ISSU Communications Officer Statement below.

ISSU COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER STATEMENT

"When I first started working on the logo redesign back in July 2021 and spent the first month creating a vectorised version of our logo. Formulating colours, shapes, typography and creating a more clear overall look to our logo.

The first draft to change the logo was proposed at the Coiste Gnó meeting on 07/08/2021 by myself, Quinton Kelly. Following a presentation, made to the Coiste Gnó and Secretariat, the Coiste Gnó voted and agreed on some of the minor adjustments to the current logo be introduced in the near future. This could include; vectorisation, change of green colour tone in the current logo and looking at further expansion of research and analysis.

The next month was spent investigating different approaches to the current logo and making slight adjustments and modifications based on feedback and graphic studies.
The possibility of changing the look of the crest was then brought into play and heavy groups of hours upon hours went into finding out information on the psychology of colour, symbolism, emotions of colour, understanding, contrast, balance, harmony and interaction of colour. A narrowed down, 2 categories and 5 variations of different logos came to light from this extensive research. In this time, a total of 57 logos were created from scratch based on all information gathered.

On 09/10/2021 a presentation of these 57 logos was broken into 2 categories and 5 variations were made to the Coiste Gnó. After many debates, discussions, constructive criticism and comments were made, the individual identities making up these logos were further narrowed down and voted on. Two proposals were voted on that day. 1. A vectorised version of the current logo was approved with minor adjustments in size and colour. 2. The agreement that a second proposed logo was more favourable and the Coiste Gnó recommend some further adjustments and readjustments made before a final vote was taken.

After carefully evaluating the evaluation from the Coiste Gnó meeting on 09/10/2021.
I went back and have spent 2 weeks looking at the project from a new viewpoint.
This proposed logo will be in place for at least the next 5 years and I feel it is time to take the elements that we love from the current logo and combine that with the age that we have grown into and create a restored version of a time-honoured logo, refurbished for today's world and it needs both present and future.

On 24/10/2021 a final vote took place, the revised logo including the adjustments and modifications based on hours of extensive research and feedback. This logo was proposed to the Coiste Gnó and was voted on as in line with the ISSU Constitution. I am honoured to say that this version of the logo was successfully passed by the Coiste Gnó on 24/10/2021.

After spending almost 5 months looking at different versions of this logo, this new logo we will introduce and welcome into the ISSU family is one I can look back on and say with pride that "I made that". I can't bear to look in contrast to how far we've come and the difference from the logo back in July 2021. I understand that a lot of you are only used to seeing the old logo and are comparing it to the old logo and maybe notice a drastic change and don't know how to feel, well I can assure you as your Communications Officer that this is the conclusion to hours and months of committed time in research, analysis and consultation into making the perfect rebranded logo to transition it a world we live in.

Many thanks to you all for all your feedback, criticism, comments and ideas to make this a reality." - Quinton Kelly (ISSU Communications Officer)

Official logo of the Irish Second-Level Students’ Union CLG 2021

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Anxious Students and Parents Voice Health Fears, Seek New Supports Ahead of Schools Reopening

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Survey reveals concerns around lack of communication, facilities and resources

The ISSU, NCPPP, IGC, and UNICEF are urgently calling on the Government to provide the additional resources students need this Autumn, as preparations continue for the safe reopening of schools after COVID-19 closures. There are serious concerns about student welfare and the impact of distance learning. Plans for the reopening of schools must consequently be developed in consultation with the wider school community, and communicated clearly, ahead of the fast-approaching 2020/21 school year.

The representative groups are reacting to a recent survey of 11,615 students, parents and guardians by the ISSU and the NPCPP, which indicates significant concern around the return to school. 

The groups have joined together to ensure the needs of students are addressed. Key concerns are: missed educational/developmental milestones for young people transitioning from primary to post-primary school, and out of post-primary education, health and wellbeing impacts and learning loss.

 

Survey findings

The core findings of the survey, conducted in June and July 2020, are outlined below. The full survey and its results can be found here .

Transitions: 

  • 24.08% of respondents raised concerns around transitioning back to school in September. 2020 and the lack of guidance provided to date, specifically for incoming first-year students

  • Participants sought an induction programme for adjusting back to school.

Health and well-being:

  • 29% of respondents had concerns around their physical health amid reopening.

  • 662 comments were made regarding stress, of which 62% were contributed by students.

  • 353 comments relating to anxiety were made, 70% were made by parents/guardians.

  • Additional mental health resources were highlighted as a priority need.

Learning Loss:

  • Over 51% of respondents noted concerns regarding academic issues. 

  • A common concern for students was that distance learning leaves them at a disadvantage, starting the new school year already behind. 

In assessing the concerns highlighted, the groups are making the following recommendations: 

Support students’ health and wellbeing, especially those most disadvantaged by school closures

  • Increase one-to-one support for students through the reinstatement of dedicated Guidance Counsellor hours to support their social-emotional wellbeing, and deal with anxieties around academic and vocational challenges. 

  • Provide extra guidance to students transitioning through educational/developmental milestones or transitioning from primary to post-primary, and out of post-primary. 

  • Provide a back-to-school wellbeing programme to address the social, mental, physical and environmental consequences of the pandemic and school closures. 

  • Implement additional learning programmes and social supports to address learning loss, particularly for vulnerable or at-risk students, and/or those with special educational needs.

Adapt courses to account for the loss of learning due to school closures 

  • Immediate review and adaptation of syllabi and examinations for all subjects at both Junior and Senior Cycle to ensure they are carried out in an equitable way. 

  • Adaptations made to specific years or programmes - like Transition Year - must ensure learning, skills and experiences are not compromised. 

Safeguard the health and safety of the school community 

  • Provide the necessary sanitation facilities and implement social distancing, hygiene and cleaning practices. 

  • Share clear, concise and accurate information about COVID-19, to combat the spread of misinformation which exacerbates fear and anxiety 

ISSU, NPCPP, IGC and UNICEF further recommend that the Department of Education & Skills designate schools’ COVID-19 liaisons to coordinate the implementation of these measures, monitor health and safety and oversee contingency planning and the strengthening of remote learning practices in the event of future school closures.

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ISSU Calls for Renewal of Department of Children & Youth Affairs

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The Irish Second-Level Students’ Union (ISSU)  is calling on all political leaders to ensure the retention of the Department of Children and Youth Affairs.

In 2011 the Irish government established the Department of Children and Youth Affairs (DCYA). This was a milestone in Irish history and a proud achievement - our government recognising the value of Ireland’s youth and beginning to address the issues that we faced.

In spite of the achievements and accomplishments over the last nine years, recent media reports have suggested that the Department of Children and Youth Affairs is to be abolished. Instead of a strong youth advocate working to include young people in policy, the ministry may be closed and the work of the DCYA diluted and distributed to other ministries - this is not sustainable.

The ISSU is appealing to the incoming government to recognise the importance of the Department of Children and Youth Affairs and allow it to continue its pivotal role as the advocate for children and young people at the cabinet table.

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Call for ISSU Charitable Trustee: Student Advocacy Director (Irish Second-Level Students' Union)

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Please note: Shortlisted applications will only be considered from Alumni of the Irish Second-Level Students' Union former officer panel as recent intimate organisation knowledge is vital for this post.  

The role:

The ISSU are seeking a trustee to act as a Student Advocacy Director. The Board are particularly interested in individuals with recent and relevant experience in/or knowledge of the Irish Second-Level Students’ Union.

The organisation:

The Irish Second Level Students' Union is the umbrella body for student councils in secondary schools in Ireland. Founded in 2008, it works towards an education system in which students are recognised as an official partner in creating a student-centred education that truly caters to their needs.The ISSU believes in empowering students, regardless of their background, to use their voice and become active citizens in society. The ISSU continues to grow as an organisation and bring the student voice to issues of a national interest

General Trustee duties of a Charity Trustee & Company Director:

  • Comply with the charity’s governing documents

  • Ensuring charity is complying with its charitable purpose for the public benefit

  • Acting in the best interest of the charity

  • Act with reasonable care and skill

  • Manage the assets of the charity

Charity trustees may not profit from carrying out their duties as a charity trustee. Board members do not receive remuneration for Board membership. Travel and Subsistence will be paid in line with ISSU policy and public sector rates.

Grounds for being disqualified from being a charity trustee include if a person:

  • is adjudicated bankrupt;

  • enters into a formal court approved insolvency arrangement with the Insolvency Service of Ireland;

  • is convicted on indictment of an offence; and

  • is a company that is in the course of being wound up.

Candidate specification requirements and responsibilities include the following:

  • Providing input to the strategic direction of the organisation and contributing with insight

  • Providing oversight and experience of strategy formulation

  • Organisational administrative policy formulation and implementation, as required 

  • A deep appreciation and knowledge of the Irish Second-Level Students’ Union’s objectives and structures

  • Advocating for and providing a voice for Student’s interest at voice at Board level, liaising with the National Student Executive, Monitoring Committee and Regional Fora on a regular basis.

  • An understanding of and commitment to our mission and values 

  • Commitment to highest levels of corporate governance

  • Additional experience with youth organisations/student representative organisations would be an asset

Board Meetings:

There will be a minimum of 4 board meetings a year, with some committee work outside of these meetings. Meetings are held in Liberty Hall, Dublin. Meetings can also be held virtually from time to time and voting would take place virtually.

Term of Office: 

The term of office will be two years with the possibility of renewable by agreement of the Board for an additional term of two years, if the trustee desires.