Sir, - The mothers of Dublin 7 Educate Together National School are justifiably proud of their achievement in setting up a new multi-denominational, coeducational democratically run school from scratch. However, contrary to the impression given by Kathryn Holmquist (EL, October 3rd), we would like to stress the huge contribution made by fathers to the school.
The treasurer of the board of management is a father. Other fathers minded children to enable the mothers to attend meetings of the school board. Tradesmen, professional and other fathers gave of their highly-prized skills and labour free to refurbish the school. It has been very much a successful result of both sexes acting in support of each other through their individual talents and strengths, exactly what we strive to achieve for our children through the co-educational ethos of the school.
Another misunderstanding could arise from her description of the Chief Justice as a "contact" of ours. Much as we would be proud to claim such an acquaintance, no such prior relationship existed. We contacted the King's Inns "cold" and were all the more surprised and delighted by their good will, which was based on the local community nature and the multi-denominational ethos of the school. - Yours, etc.,
Sheila Hanley, Chairperson, Board of Management, Dublin 7 Educate Together National School, Henrietta Street, Dublin 1.