The Department of Education’s ‘primary patronage determination process’ for 2016 ends this Thursday 24 March. Three brand new schools will open in Dublin this September and Educate Together is applying for patronage of each of these schools: Drumcondra/Marino/Dublin 1, Cabra/Phibsboro and Goatstown / Stillorgan.
That means that parents and guardians in these areas have just a few more days to state that they want these schools to be equality-based Educate Together schools. Patronage will be awarded on the basis of a number of factors, including ‘parental preference’, manifested by numbers of ‘Expressions of Interest’ made by families living in catchment areas of the proposed schools.
Parents are campaigning hard for Educate Together schools
Said Gerry McKevitt, Regional Development Officer at Educate Together:
‘Educate Together would like to recognise the work of parents and supporters who, despite numerous demands on their time, have worked hard to prove demand for Educate Together’s equality-based model of education through leafleting, organising meetings and advocating for their communities. Educate Together is a parent-led organisation. We could not have asked for more dedicated or enthusiastic parents and supporters.’
On Thursday, we will submit each school application and we have been assured by the Department that the result of the process will be announced in May. We hope to welcome new classes of Junior Infants to three brand new Educate Together national schools in September.
What does Educate Together offer your child?
Educate Together is unique in Irish education. Since its establishment in 1978 it has evolved a model of education that is based on equality and human rights. Right now, there are 21,000 children in Educate Together schools and constant demands from families for more places. This is testament to the value and success of our model of education.
Educate Together schools do not perceive children as representatives of the faith or beliefs of their families. There is no faith formation within school hours: your child will never be separated from their classmates according to religion. Your child will learn about morality and spirituality, ethics and justice, equality and human rights as part of the Learn Together ethical education curriculum that is explored in the place of religious instruction. Learn Together is applicable and of value to children from all belief backgrounds.
Children are open-minded, curious, inquisitive and imaginative. In Educate Together schools this receptiveness is employed to discuss how ‘difference’ is not something to be shunned but to be explored and appreciated. Your child will be encouraged to think freely and critically. Your child will never be made to feel like an outsider: there is no ‘them’, there is just ‘us’ in an Educate Together school.
There is still time to express your interest:
Drumcondra/Marino/Dublin 1: The Drumcondra/Marino/D1 school planning area is bounded by the river Liffey on the south where it extends from Inns Quay to the North Docks. It includes the entire north inner city area, Drumcondra, Marino and all the docklands area north of the River Liffey.
Cabra/Phibsboro: The Cabra/Phibsboro/D7 school planning area is bounded by the river Liffey on the south and Tolka Valley Park on the north. It stretches from Arran Quay to Glasnevin, including the area of the Botanic Gardens. It includes all of Cabra, Phibsboro, Stoneybatter, Grangegorman, the Phoenix Park and Ashtown. The new school will be located in its permanent premises from the outset on Bannow Road in Cabra and it will be ready for occupation in September 2016
Goatstown/Stillorgan: The Goatstown/Stillorgan school planning area is a large area in south Dublin. It includes part of Milltown, Windy Arbour, a large part of Clonskeagh, part of Churchtown, Goatstown, Stillorgan and a large part of Dundrum
