'Classroom sizes tell a sad story' [thecorknews.ie]
- Published: 03 September 2010
Almost 22% of primary school children in West Cork are in classes with over 30 pupils. According to new figures released this week, 1,482 primary school children are in classes with 30 to 34 pupils while a further 322 are in classes with 35 to 39 pupils.
Labour Party Senator, Michael McCarthy has described the news the news as "very worrying." Senator McCarthy said, "The fact that over a fifth of all primary school children in West Cork are in classes of over 30 pupils highlights the damaging impact that cutbacks are having in our primary schools.
"This is real evidence showing where the government’s strategy of cuts is having its most detrimental effect. As Labour Party Spokesperson on Education, Deputy Ruairí Quinn put it, “This Fianna Fáil Government has not only wrecked the economy, it is seriously damaging our education system too”.
Full Story: www.thecorknews.ie
How to protect your children in cyber bully war [Herald.ie]
- Published: 03 September 2010
THEY'RE making life a misery for thousands of teenagers -- many of whom fear there's no escape.
Cyber bullies prey on their victims via text messages or on the internet, using technology to spread lies or abuse about individuals.
But now a campaign has been launched to stop the spread of the frightening phenomenon.
The Carphone Warehouse and Professor Mona O'Moore of the Anti-Bullying Centre in Trinity College have come together to highlight the risks posed by cyber-bullying and offer tips for parents to prevent and deal with it.
SIGNS
A recent study showed one in four girls was affected by cyber-bullying, and as many as one in six boys were suffering harassment. But experts say parents can help protect their children.
Professor O'Moore urges parents to look out for the signs that their child is being bullied.
Full Story: www.herald.ie
School principal resigns over enrolment row [Independent.ie]
- Published: 03 September 2010
A principal has resigned from his school following a probe which confirmed that some of his pupils were also enrolled in another school run by his wife.
The Catholic Church authorities, who run St Oliver Plunkett's school in Navan, Co Meath, had originally decided to suspend John Hand as principal after a hearing in July.
But in a U-turn, the church has agreed to lift the suspension as Mr Hand had gone on sick leave and has now resigned entirely from the school.
No comment was available from any of the participants last night except the INTO, which issued a one-line statement saying that "Mr Hand is on sick leave. He is not suspended and has indicated his intention to resign from the school."
Full Story: www.independent.ie
Truant pupils face tough penalties [schooldays.ie]
- Published: 03 September 2010
Pupils in primary and secondary schools face tough penalties for playing truant.
More than 130 children could land themselves in jail or have to pay fines as the government tries to crack down on problems of truancy in Irish schools, according to the Irish Independent.
It revealed that more than 100,000 pupils in primary and secondary schools are absent for more than 20 days of the school year.
The National Education and Welfare Board regional manager for north Leinster and north Dublin city Michael Doyle told the newspaper that "parents are either unable or unwilling to address" the problem.
He added that "everyday in school counts".
Full Story: www.schooldays.ie
Children's charity struggling with record demand [Independent.ie]
- Published: 02 September 2010
The ISPCC's TeenFocus had 317 referrals within the first six months of the year, with another 119 desperate families on a waiting list.
It revealed staff were battling to meet the surge in demand as children went back to school.
Tess Noonan, TeenFocus manager, said parents, teachers and young people were calling the service in unprecedented numbers.
"It is clear families and young people are under immense pressure," she said.
"This pressure can manifest in many ways which has a negative impact on both home and school life."
Last year, a record 502 teens were referred to the service, which supports young people at vulnerable stages in their lives, like making the transition to secondary school, tackling bullying or refusing to attend classes.
Full Story: www.independent.ie
