On Thursday November 27th , 4 lucky pupils from Queen of Angels attended a consultation day for children on school attendance in the famous Clock Tower Building in the Department of Education and Youth, Marlborough Street. Only 12 primary schools in Ireland were selected to attend this special event.
We travelled to and from the city centre by Luas. Before we arrived at the Department, we popped into the recently renamed St Mary's Pro Cathedral.
As you may have seen in the media recently, the Department of Education and Youth and Tusla Education Support Service (TESS) are launching a national campaign to improve school attendance. There is considerable research available that confirms the link between school attendance and children’s wellbeing, overall progress and their holistic development.
The Department wished to hear from children and young people in primary, post-primary, and special schools in relation to school attendance. During the consultation day, Angela, Sophia, David and Christy engaged in a series of child-friendly activities where they shared their views on attendance and ways that encourage them to come to school every day. The children created visual posters with their ideas and opinions. The activities were carefully designed and with the assistance of experts in engaging with and listening to the voices of children and young people.
The children’s perspectives will inform and improve national policy. Dr Bernadette Ní Áingléis led the consultations with children and young people. Bernadette has significant experience as a teacher, researcher and report-writer on student voice in policy development and has led the consultation processes underpinning Bí Cineálta, the Student Participation Unit, and the forthcoming revised Guidelines for Schools (Code of Behaviour).
It was a very enjoyable day for all the children. They enjoyed a hot lunch and were provided with a prize for their efforts. Angela, Sophia, David and Christy represented Queen of Angels with distinction. We are all so proud of them participating in this special day!
C Downes