Madam, - I refer to the recent articles regarding the role of the Catholic Church in schools written by Mary Raftery (Oct 27th and Nov 3rd).
Since the Education Convention, parents, teachers, patrons, trustees, members of boards of management, the Minister for Education and Science, and the Department officials are described as education partners.
"Boards of Management of National Schools Constitution of Boards and Rules of Procedure" is the document, published by the Department of Education and Science, that governs the primary school system and the day-to-day management of primary schools.
Before this document is published at the beginning of the four-year term for boards of management of primary schools, the Department of Education and Science convenes and chairs meetings between the National Parents' Council Primary , the INTO, and the representatives of the management bodies of Educate Together Schools, Muslim Schools, Church of Ireland Education Board and the Catholic Primary School Management Association.
The purpose of these meetings is to review and agree the procedures for the governance and day-to-day management of all aspects of the management of primary schools.
During the four-year term of boards, the department at regular intervals convenes meetings to review and if necessary to amend, following consultation with the education partners, aspects of the constitutions.
Ms Raftery may not be aware of this procedure.
The National Parents' Council Primary, the INTO, the patrons, trustees, and boards of management of all primary schools are bound to follow these constitutions.
The education partners involved in primary education are obliged to comply with the Education Act.
For their part, boards of management of primary schools are obliged to comply with the Equal Status Act, and the legislation governing primary schools.
Schools affiliated to CPSMA are required to follow the National Guidelines for the Protection and Welfare of Children (Children First).
Catholic primary schools are required to teach the Stay Safe programme and the Relationships and Sexuality Education programme following consultation with the parents.
The 2004 figures for Catholic primary schools show that 908 Catholic primary schools are chaired by lay people.
CPSMA are in consultation with the officials of the DES and the Department of Health and Children regarding the vetting of all school employees.
Trusting that this clarifies the position of CPSMA and boards of management affiliated to our organisation. - Yours, etc,
DAN O'CONNOR (Rev), General Secretary, Catholic Primary School Management Association, Veritas House, Lower Abbey Street, Dublin 1.