Survey that will shape the Future Shape of Education in Ireland!

A survey has been launched by the Department of Education regarding three aspects:
Would you prefer your primary school to be a co-educational school or a single-sex school?
Would you prefer your primary school to be under a religious patron or to operate under a multi-denominational?
Would you prefer your primary school to provide education primarily through the English language or through the Irish language?

This survey is for parents and guardians of children in primary school or who will enter primary school in the coming years. There is a separate survey for primary school staff and board of management members.

Parents and guardians will need Eircode to do the survey. The Eircode operates as a PIN for this purpose.

This survey is really, very important and is most significant as a marker that will determine the shape of Primary Schools that exist in the future. It is very important that every single eligible person makes their voice heard as it will make a difference to the next generation of primary school children and each family.

Before completing the survey, give serious consideration to what each question and response really means. If considering the ethos of a school, consider all the implications for you and for your children's children. Consider what would change for you is the ethos were different. It will have impact that will drive towards whatever shape parents, teachers and members of Board of Management determine in this survey.

What practical and aspirational differences would each choice make in the life of your family now or in the future?
What are the implications of each choice in each of the three questions? Talk with people in your circle and outside your circle to form an objective opinion.
What family values are reflected in the choices offered to you in the choices in survey?

Your participation really matters!
Your choices really matter!
Your answers really matter!
Every single voice matters!
Use your voice for the sake of your children and the children of the nation now and in the future!

Cathy Burke
Catechist in the Lucan Partnership of Parishes