Smith condemns cuts to teacher numbers in disadvantaged schools [fiannafail.ie]
- Published: 13 December 2011
The Government has singled out disadvantaged schools for significant cuts to teacher numbers next year in another series of callous cuts in Budget 2012, according to Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Education & Skills Brendan Smith.
Under the plans, 428 posts allocated to disadvantaged schools around the country will be removed on a phased basis, beginning in 2012. The rules on class sizes under the Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools (DEIS) programme will also be changed under the Fine Gael/Labour plan, meaning class sizes in many disadvantaged schools will be increased to 22 pupils.
Deputy Smith said: ““The Taoiseach today told the Dáil that his Government has ‘protected pupil teacher ratio’ in Budget 2012. This could not be further than the truth. The Fine Gael/Labour budget targets disadvantaged schools for cuts to teacher numbers from next year. This is yet another example of their Budget hitting the most vulnerable groups the hardest, while those on higher salaries escape the bulk of the cutbacks.
“Schools in disadvantaged areas face the greatest challenges and can least afford cuts to their staffing levels and services. The cuts announced in Budget will result in larger class sizes in most disadvantaged schools and will have a direct impact on the students who are the most vulnerable in our education system.
Full Story: www.fiannafail.ie
Disadvantaged schools set to lose 400 teachers [news.eircom.net]
- Published: 13 December 2011
In a range of measures that avoided cuts to class sizes across all the country's 3,300 primary schools, Education Minister Ruairi Quinn is axing almost 430 teaching posts schools were allowed keep from previous schemes after a unified programme to tackle disadvantage started in 2005.
These so-called legacy posts are in 270 primary schools and include more than 40 support teachers who gave counselling and dealt with extreme behaviour.
However, the Irish National Teachers' Organisation (INTO) said these and other measures buried in the detail of the budget will take more posts out of primary classes for children who need most help. The union claimed that many of the jobs being lost would be re-allocated to schools in better-off areas.
Full Story: news.eircom.net
Chronic fatigue syndrome is 'major' cause of school absence: research [Independent.ie]
- Published: 13 December 2011
CHRONIC fatigue syndrome may be ten times more common than previously thought and be one of the major reasons children are absent from school, researchers have said.
A study has found that one per cent of schoolchildren aged between 11 and 16 had CFS, which is also known as myalgic encephalitis or ME.
Previous estimates had suggested only about 0.1pc to 0.5pc of children suffered from the condition.
Most are undiagnosed and untreated, despite evidence that treatment is effective in youngsters, the researchers found.
The condition is a 'major cause' of school absence, they said.
Chronic fatigue syndrome can result in severe, disabling fatigue and affects mental and physical functioning. It may include insomnia, low mood and muscle pain or headaches.
Previous studies have found that an acute illness, often viral infection, appears to occur in two-thirds of children who go on to develop CFS.
Full Story: www.independent.ie
U2 launch scheme for young musicians [IrishTimes]
- Published: 12 December 2011
Rock giants U2 pledged today to nurture and inspire more of Ireland’s young musicians with the rolling out of a tutoring programme.
The Music Generation scheme will invest €1.7 million to help children and young people in Cork city, Laois and Wicklow get access vocal and instrumental tuition in their local area.
U2 guitarist the Edge said: “Access to music for children and young people is something that is very close to our hearts. We believe that every child should have the choice to get involved in music, irrespective of their background.
Full Story: www.irishtimes.com
Private schools 'suing parents' over non-payment of fees [schooldays.ie]
- Published: 12 December 2011
Some of Ireland's leading private schools have begun taking legal action against the parents of pupils due to failures to pay fees.
According to a report in the Sunday Times, one establishment to seek redress through the courts is St Columba's College, which is the most expensive institution in the state with average fees of 12,000 euros per year for day students and 21,000 euros for boarders.
Other schools to seek judgements include Alexandra College and St Conleth's College.
One parent of a student at St Columba's told the newspaper she was "shocked" at the drastic steps taken by the establishment.
Full Story: www.schooldays.ie
