Sir, – Hillary Molloy’s suggestion that schools should encourage children for first communion to donate “half of their takings” to charity is well made (May 3rd) and in the case of Scoil an Chroí Ró Naofa Íosa in Huntstown, Dublin, is well practised.
Our recent confirmation classes donated a substantial amount of their confirmation “takings” to three very worthy charities. The realisation of the boys and girls of the importance of their commitment to community in a practical way deserves recognition at a time when society is cynical of the materialism of youth.
It is important also to recognise the role of teachers in the unsung, unassessable contribution they make to the moral development of children on a daily basis.
Department of Education please copy. – Yours, etc,
Sir, – Hilary Molloy’s proposal that schools should nominate a charity and take responsibility for donating half the “proceedings” of intending communicants is ludicrous.
In an age where class sizes are increased, temporary teachers are losing their jobs and curriculums are overcrowded, her “nice idea” is simply unrealistic.
Ultimately, parents and guardians roles should take the initiative and responsibility in addressing the monetary aspects of first communion and support schools in what they do best – education. – Yours, etc,