Participating at the Welcome Schools launch (front row, from left) Meabh Toman, Remik Machowski, Eibhnin Derby, Elze Pranckienaite from Presentation and Tanaghmore Primary Schools with (back row, from left) John Novak, International Fund for Ireland chair Denis Rooney and Jane Simms, Welcoming Schools project manager.

A Faculty of Education professor was in Northern Ireland this fall to help launch a project to make schools more welcoming.

John Novak was the guest speaker at the launch of the International Fund for Ireland’s Welcoming Schools Project. The three-year initiative aims to make schools more welcoming and inclusive. Novak, an expert in invitational education (making schools welcoming to everyone) participated in the initial training for schools.

Twenty-four Irish schools will take part in the pilot project. At the Sept. 23 launch, Novak said it could impact education globally.

“Connecting with the inviting school movement is a chance for educators from around the world to sustain creative practices that make a difference in students’ lives,” he said.