'Last appeal' for Brannoxtown NS
It was made in a letter sent over the weekend by Gerry O'Donoghue, who has been appointed as the Single Manager of the school by the patron, the Archbishop of Dublin, following the recent disbanding of the Board of Management.
In the letter he 'unreservedly apologises' on behalf of the school for the 'agonising, worry and trauma' which the current situation has brought to the families and homes which are associated with Brannoxtown NS. "I am acutely aware that your children were upset and worried and that they keenly felt the unease which the impending closure of the school caused."
The school did reopen on 31 August, and three boys — brothers — were enrolled. The school is continuing with those three as a one-teacher school, by the Principal Dolores Burke with the help also of a teaching aide.
Gerry O'Donoghue says that the situation will be reviewed by the Department of Education on 30 September. If there are still less than eight pupils on the roll, the school will be closed.
"If there are eight students on the roll, the school will continue as a one-teacher school. If there are 17 or more students enrolled on 30 September, it will continue as a two-teacher school."
Mr O'Donoghue, who is himself retired from teaching, has had long experience in schools in County Kildare, culminating in being Principal at Scoil Bhride Athgarvan. He says he understands that parents who withdrew their children from Brannoxtown have already made what they consider to be the best decision for their child.
"I realise that reviving all those worries is a hugely unwelcome intervention, and it is not an intervention which I am making lightly. I know that in most cases, your child has already coped with moving school and transition to new surroundings."
He says this last appeal is 'not about saving jobs', nor is it about 'solving problems' for the Department of Education or the Dublin Archdiocese. "This is about preserving the school where it belongs, at the centre of the Brannockstown community."
In his letter he says the intervention is about relaunching the school 'with new determination and resolve', about 'listening, communicating and learning together'. "Dwelling on past mistakes is understandable, but ultimately unhelpful. We will not be making false promises or inducements, but the school is committed to a partnership with you, to provide a quality, holistic and affirming education for your child."
Mr O'Donoghue concludes by saying he fully respects the decisions which the parents and guardians have already made, and that he is very aware of the standards and traditions of the school. "On behalf of the school, I sincerely thank you for your contribution to making Brannoxtown NS 'the place for children' which it has always been. If you decide to return, now or in the future, your family will be warmly welcomed home."
A public meeting had already been arranged in Brannocktown for tonight to discuss the school situation. Gerry O'Donoghue says he plans to attend, and will answer any questions which may be asked of him.
