Time for parents to ask the primary question [IrishTimes]
- Published: 07 August 2010
Divesting some schools could be liberating for the Catholic Church, writes BREDA O'BRIEN
SO, THE process of divesting some primary schools of Catholic patronage has finally begun. It is an important moment, not just for parents and educators, but for the future of Irish society.
Irish society is no longer as homogenous as it once was, but that is no bad thing if we learn to deal with our differences in an atmosphere of respect. If handled well, this dialogue could provide a model for helping us to face other challenges.
It is an opportunity for a real debate about the values, virtues and attitudes we want for our young people and for education.
It is important to remember that we are not talking about dismantling a failed system. By many criteria, including structure, management and maintenance of discipline, Irish primary schools are judged internationally to function exceptionally well, particularly in spite of decades of under-funding.
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