| Educate Together petition for second level patronage |
|
|
|
| Thursday, 02 October 2008 | |
|
NORTHSIDE teachers and parents rallied together last week to fight for Educate Together to be registered for secondary school patronage. Hundreds of parents signed petitions at Educate Together schools such as that on the Navan Road and in Glasnevin on Thursday in an effort to put pressure on the Government to consider the body for future secondary schools. Anne Phelan’s children attend the Educate Together school on the Navan Road. She believes that there needs to be a greater choice of schools to cater for the multi-cultural community. “When it comes to secondary schools there are really only single choice, single sex schools despite the growing cultural diversity in areas such as Phibsborough,” she told Northside People. “I have been very involved in the Local Area Plan for Phibsborough and I have been really pushing for the secondary school planned for the area to be designated for Educate Together. “I would like my children to be able to go to a school which carries the same ethos as that in Educate Together.” As principal of Glasnevin Educate Together, Attracta Hayden feels that children need to be better prepared for life in 21st century. “Irish society has been undergoing huge social, economic and demographic change in recent decades,” she explained. “Calls for a different approach to education, one which can better prepare young people for life in modern globalised Ireland, have come from bodies as diverse as Combat Poverty and Forfas. “Therefore the need for an education system, such as that which Educate Together provides, promoting innovation, creativity, responsible citizenship, social inclusion and cohesion has never been greater.” Local councillor Emer Costello (Lab) is on the board of management with the school on the Navan Road. “I support the petition which we hope will put pressure on the Minister for Education,” she told Northside People. “There really should be an Educate Together for the post-primary sector which could be catered for in the plans for Phibsborough. “Parents rightly feel that they want their children to continue in the type of schooling which they received at primary level.” A statement from Educate Together said that thousands of families are feeling increasing frustration that their right to choose the Educate Together ethos is being ignored. “Ever since the first Educate Together primary school opened 30 years ago, pressure has been mounting on us to expand the successful model to second-level,” the statement read. “With 12 new schools opening this year, and the number of pupils in the sector’s primary schools approaching 10,000, parents are becoming more vocal in their campaigns.” Emer Nowlan, Second-level Project Manager with Educate Together explained that the body has already drawn up a second-level project. “We are keen to implement the Educate Together ethos at second-level and are ready to open schools, either in partnership with other providers or on our own,” she said. “There is great support for this move from parents, teachers and other interested parties in Irish education. We look forward to the opportunities that it presents for our organisation and for the system as a whole.” A spokesperson for the Department of Education said that they were in the process of “identifying the area where significant additional accommodation will be required at primary and post-primary level for 2009 and onwards”. “Factors under consideration include population growth, demographic trends, current and projected enrolments, recent and planned housing developments and the capacity of existing schools to meet demand for places,” it was stated. “Having considered these factors, decisions will be taken on the means by which emerging needs will be met within an area. “Educate Together applied to the Department for registration as a patron at post-primary level in December 2007.” It was added: “The matter of registration as a patron at post primary level is currently under consideration.” |
- Latest News
- 'We wanted life for life'
- Disabled waiting months for lift repair
- Education cuts may force pupils out
- Locals pull together to bring David home
- Roadside TV ad switched off after complaints
- Liberties group to appeal Frawley’s demolition
- Council urged to release levy money faster
- Search for stolen parrot continues
Island Banners
Navigation Menu
| Home |
| About Us |
| News |
| Private Ads |
| Classifieds |
| Advertising Rates |
| Distribution |
| Web Design |
| Online Advertising |
| Contacts |
Website Poll
Advertise
Advertise Online with the Dublin People. Great rates available. Click Here
Latest Comments
I have no sympathy for him. If he wants to own a dog, ...
Private Ads Login
Newsletter Headlines
Copyright © 2005 - 2008 Dublin People. Terms and Conditions
North Dublin Publications, 80-83 Omni Park, Santry, Dublin 9. Phone 8621611 | Fax 8621625/6
Developed by Kevin Flynn
North Dublin Publications, 80-83 Omni Park, Santry, Dublin 9. Phone 8621611 | Fax 8621625/6
Developed by Kevin Flynn