PARENTS ENCOURAGED TO PARTICIPATRE IN ONLINE SCHOOL SURVEY

The Department of Education and Youth has published an online survey for parents and guardians of children in primary school or who will enter primary school in the coming years.

According to Dr Marie Griffin, chairperson of the Catholic Education Partnership, “It is critical that parents of pupils in both pre-school, and in primary school, avail of this opportunity to decide on the future ethos of their local school.  In this regard, the Department of Education and Youth is currently conducting an online ‘Primary School Survey’ to determine the future provision of primary schools in the State.  Crucially, the outcome could lead to lasting changes in your own school.  In simple and direct terms, this survey invites you to choose if you want your school to stay as a Catholic school, or if you want that to change.   I strongly urge parents not to leave it to others, and have your say before the closing date of the survey on 16 December 2025.”

Commenting on the survey and encouraging parents to take part in it, Archbishop Eamon Martin said: 'The Catholic Church does not wish to have a monopoly on education, and we encourage all those eligible to participate in the survey to do so. At the same time, a faith-based education can be highly valuable for young people today.  That is why those parents, who value their current school ethos, should be sure to fill-in this short survey.  Otherwise, the choice of future school provision will be made for them.

Pope Leo describes Catholic education as an act of hope, and a labour of love, that is handed down from generation to generation.  It is one of the highest expressions of Christian charity, and something which draws new maps of hope for the world at this troubled time.'

Here in Ferns, Bishop Ger notes that: 'Too often, only those seeking change respond to such surveys, so it is equally important for those who wish to maintain what is good and life-giving in our schools to make their views known'.

To participate in the survey, please click the link below:

Primary School Survey