IPPN

Published: 04 February 2005

IPPN statement following the address by Dr Diarmuid Martin, Archbishop of Dublin to the Irish Primary Principals' Network Conference at CityWest Hotel.

The statement that "The primary ethos of the school should be an educational one" by Archbishop Martin in his address to 700 Primary School Principals has been warmly received by IPPN. This is an important statement coming from the Primate of Ireland in his first major address to an education conference. In a wide-ranging speech, Dr Martin displayed a clear understanding of the challenges facing Principals in their leadership of the modern primary school where diversity and plurality form the order of the day. Whilst 90% of primary schools are under Catholic patronage, it is to be welcomed that the Head of the Catholic Church in Ireland recognises 'that education in the fullest sense of the word' is common across all religious ethos. This is a comforting message for principals in their efforts to reflect the traditions of the multi-ethnic school population within the context of a single denomination school. Archbishop Martin stressed that the Catholic school is inclusive rather than exclusive and should continue to be attractive to parents of all faiths.

IPPN was pleased that Dr Martin displayed a particular insight into the challenging role of Principal Teachers and reflected upon the need for the profession to be both highly regarded and well rewarded. He indicated that the status of the teaching profession in the eyes of the public correlated highly with the quality of education provided. 'Any undermining of that status - which is linked also with remuneration - has serious negative effects on the effectiveness of any education system' stated Dr. Martin.

The Archbishop speculated that the shape of management and governance of our schools is unclear for the future. IPPN welcomes the Archbishops invitation "to get it right together". IPPN is extremely eager that the issue of school governance be addressed as part of any examination of principal's workload. The conference heard research from 850 schools outlining widespread dissatisfaction with the level of support principals receive from their Boards of Management.

In response to Archbishop Martins praise for principals and teachers for the role they play in the religious formation of children, IPPN expresses concern at the extent to which the school is depended upon to pass on the faith. Regardless of the nature of religious ethos, principals believe that parents have primary responsibility for the religious upbringing of children. The parent's role should come first, supported by the parish and its clergy and in turn by the primary school. Principals believe that the opposite is the case at present where virtually all responsibility is left with the school to prepare children for sacraments and provide for children's faith formation and religious instruction. Having left behind an era where all children in a given school shared a similar religious ethos, it is essential that the school return to its true role of supporting parents and parish rather than assuming complete responsibility. Declining numbers of parish clergy has seen a corresponding reduction of 'chaplaincy' to schools. Principals recognise that it cannot be assumed that every teacher is willing or capable of providing religious instruction. In the context of the changing nature of schools, principals would welcome meaningful support from appropriately trained chaplains.

In response to a question concerning the Catholic churches requirement that primary schools remained closed on Church Holidays, Archbishop Martin agreed that progress could be made in this area through dialogue and consultation with IPPN. It was clarified that this issue has arisen as a result of negotiations between unions, management and the DES. IPPN was not party to these negotiations, however notes that it is principals who have to deal with this issue at school level. IPPN welcomes the Archbishops recognition of the need to provide a better solution to the issue of 'Holy Days'.