Madam, - It was with great disappointment that I read the report, based on comments by Ictu general secretary David Begg, headlined "Secondary schools exclude foreign nationals" ( The Irish Times, March 9th). The voluntary secondary school sector has shown a strong commitment to enrol and fully integrate newcomer students into their schools over the past decade. Statistical data available from the Department of Education and Science indicates that there is an even spread of newcomer students across all three sectors at second level.
Admissions policies are published by our schools and comply with best practice and legislation.
The voluntary secondary school sector has shown a willingness, both at national and local level, to ensure that newcomer students are welcomed and receive a high-quality education. Innovations at national level include the setting up of a school support group called LYNS in 2001 and the publication of intercultural education guidelines for Schools in 2002, as well as regular seminars.
At local level some voluntary secondary schools have up to 40 per cent of their student population from a newcomer background. Principals and teachers in voluntary secondary schools have recognised the rich learning experiences that are now available through the sharing of the cultural heritage of the diverse group of students in the school. Schools have provided vital support and care to newcomer students who find themselves in a strange country with, in many cases, little or no command of English and some, unfortunately, as unaccompanied minors with no family support.
With the above in mind it is easy to see how David Begg's factually inaccurate and divisive comments caused so much hurt and frustration to so many people in voluntary secondary schools who have reached out in the true spirit of the founding mission of their school to make sure that the newcomer felt truly welcomed and included.
- Yours, etc,
FERDIA KELLY, General Secretary, Joint Managerial Body for Secondary Schools, Milltown, Dublin 14.