Sir, - I am writing this not only as a concerned parent of a Leaving Cert student but as someone who is trying to understand what goes on in the mind of teachers at this time. To this aim I have compiled a little test. Teachers, please answer the following questions.
How can you deny our children the right to attend school and be taught? How can you act in such an irresponsible way? What about Christian values - is greed one of them? What kind of example are you setting? How can your pupils ever respect you again after being let down in this way? Do you really want to add the new subjects of lack of commitment, irresponsibility and selfishness to the curriculum? I appeal to all teachers to reflect, and reconsider their actions. There are other ways to negotiate wages; victimising our excellent young people is not an option. - Yours, etc.
Ann Vogelaar, Westport, Co Mayo.