I’m feeling physically sick…lunch is just about to be put ont he table so will have to go but I mght return.

Jo, you will never regret the time you invest in your children

He is disgusted by the fact that parents pay so much for free education, when they already pay taxes on that money. He pointed out how ridiculous it would be to see the gardaí holding a bakesale, or colleges fundraising.

He told a story of one principal who’d been given a new school, but the money ran out before it was furnished. SHe’d got a personal loan to get the kids back in. Insane.

He suggested that it was coming near time for parents to start refusing to fundraise and force the govt to take responsibility. He was pretty outraged, on all our behalfs.

My kids are going to go to our local Project School, and they’re always struggling - so we’ll be involved whether we like it or not, though that’s one of the reason’s I’ve chosen it. Primary school needs a huge overhaul in Ireland in so many ways. I wish there were more alternatives, but as yet, there just aren’t.

We still have dampness but self-help has made the place presentable, clean and a fresh coat of paint works wonders.

A new Board of Management was put in place last November ….. the previous Board were well versed and well informed by me as to the daily routine, work and requirements but it still didn’t stir the Board into practical action. The Board were happy to talk til the cows came home but not many volunteers to do the work.

Having learned the hard way …. it’s easier to DIY it than to ask/beg/appeal for support…… one can only ask so many times for help.

Addendum:

My use of the word ‘fictional’ in relation to the story of Jesus is subjective to me and is not intened to offend other people’s personal beliefs!

My blog …. my thoughts …. and the word ‘fictional’ applies to how I view the the story of Jesus.

I will read Paddy’s post, but my first reaction is that if I was a member of the board of management of a school where such comments arose I would be embarrassed in the extreme and would be looking at what could be done. (Last Friday I assisted the caretaker carry a new teacher’s desk up four flights of stairs!)

When I see pictures of bad facilities, I ask ‘what’s the board of management doing?’

I made a conscious decision to be a full time wife and mother. Time was the one ingredient I felt was important. We were always available to the school helping with PTA’s and fates etc. I filled the car and drove to hockey matches, I helped out on school outings and stuffed envelopes when needed.

Elly was my child my responsibility, a gift for life and not just for Christmas. All the time I and her teachers invested in her was well worth it. She is a very well rounded independent young lady, well capable to stand on her own two feet, deal with people on any level in any part of the world.

The thing is this whole Celtic Tiger business has made productivity is the watchword of the powers that be, and the lifestyle that is encouraged is one that I believe robs the family environment to feed the false god of economic growth. Yes parents need to take responsibility and be involved, but by God the government has a lot to answer for in encouraging them to abdicate that responsibility.

Sorry if that sounds ranty, it’s not directed at your good self