Comments for PACCS Forum

Comment on What should you do if online bullies are tormenting your child? by Tom

Tom — Sun, 02 Jan 2011 15:37:15 +0000

I would agree with Gabriella, I know adults who were bullied as teenagers and still remember it vividly. Protection is vital for our young teenagers, especially phones and laptops. Speak to your teenagers and let them know your role as a parent/guardian is to love and protect them even if they “think” they know everything. We only get one chance, no trial runs, no manual included.

Comment on What did you think of Conference 2010? by Catherine C

Catherine C — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 19:58:51 +0000

PACCS 2010 was my first conference also. I enjoyed the presentations, the project maths and mental health workshops, and meeting the PACCS team. Eileen Aiken’s short talk was wonderful — great to put things in perspective. Thanks to the organisers for a great day.

I suggest future workshops on using technology in schools (what is the vision of the Department?) and online resources for students and parents.

My one suggested improvement for next year: a different venue — more accessible from major driving/rail routes and better food (the food at the hotel and at the college was pretty poor).

Comment on One-third of schools may drop science subjects by Carole Trodden

Carole Trodden — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 14:32:02 +0000

The current round of cuts to the SNA services is not driven by a reasoned approach to the needs of children. Jobs are being shed from the system despite a continuing need for the service, meaning that vulnerable children will loose out on continuing access to education, despite existing legislation to facilitate access to education for children with special education needs. The crude cuts is more by the McCarty report than by any attempt to meet the rights of children with special education needs and le but it must continue to be a needs-based service with the best interests of children at its heart, and ensure the rights and needs of our children are protected.

Comment on Review has cut 1,600 special needs posts by Catherine Riordan

Catherine Riordan — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 09:49:23 +0000

Not only is every child entitled to an education, but entitled to an education which meets their needs. The problem seems to be that the government has decided to go with a policy of inclusion and has shoved children with special educational needs into mainstream classrooms without making remotely sufficient provision for meeting their needs. Teachers do not receive adequate training in special needs and there are inadequate resources to back them up in any case. Everyone loses…the kids with special needs which are not met, the average kids whose teacher’s time is spent dealing with those that struggle, and the teachers who do their best to look after everyone against the odds and with little back-up.
What says it all is the fact that, unless they fall into the bottom 10% in terms of achievement, a child does not qualify for any extra provision at all. They must fall below 3% to be deemed in need of special education outside the mainstream.
And don’t get me started on gifted children. Firstly, they are mentioned as a special needs group in the 1998 Act, but have disappeared in the EPSEN Act of 2004 which refers to DISability rather than difference in ability. So whether they qualify at all or not is in doubt. Up to 20% of them have a learning disability as well as exceptional ability in some areas (known as twice exceptional). However, because of their high ability, they can make up for, or mask the disability and are unlikely to fall into the bottom 10% of their class, so have no hope of extra help even for what may be a severe learning difficulty. Whatever about the other special educational needs, giftedness is rarely, if at all, covered in pre-service teacher training and is not always as easy to recognise as you might think. By the time a gifted child reaches secondary school, many have given up or switched off. Whether just plain gifted or twice exceptional, their education falls well short of meeting their needs. These children are at real risk of mental health problems directly as a result of our educational system.
Rant over!

Comment on What did you think of Conference 2010? by Liz

Liz — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 15:01:26 +0000

I have attended a number of Conferences over the years and have always found them beneficial from the point of view of shared information and interaction with other parents. One aspect that impressed me when I attended first was the welcome afforded to newcomers in particular. This opportunity presented itself, more so, at the dinner following end of Conference. This tradition must continue as it enhances the image of parents working together and becoming friends in the process.
The presentations worked well but Open Forum was delayed because of confusion over late motions which was a pity as a number of delegates had already left.
Inspirational speakers are a must in order to lift the mood and tap into positive energy so delegates go back re-juvenated!
Well done to all who worked so hard to put the weekend together.

Comment on Review has cut 1,600 special needs posts by Teresa McSweeney

Teresa McSweeney — Sat, 03 Apr 2010 13:32:44 +0000

I think the cutting of special needs posts is an absolute disgrace and indicative of a government who have lost touch with the ordinary people of Ireland. According to the constitution “every child is entitled to an education” but obviously some children are more entitled than others, the children with education and/or behaviour difficulties or gifted children are not going to be given an opportunity to reach their full potential. The system is only going to look after the “average child” just as it did in the past. Education has been set back at least 30 years!!!

Comment on One-third of schools may drop science subjects by Catherine Riordan

Catherine Riordan — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 21:32:04 +0000

I find it incredible that this can happen against a backdrop of third level and business voices and indeed the government itself, all shouting loudly about the need for STEM subjects to be promoted. You can hardly open a newspaper or listen to the radio nowadays without being told that Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths must be a priority in education. Yet another example of talking the talk, but not walking the walk. Much like the Project Maths venture, which is a great idea but totally dependent on having appropriately trained teachers to deliver it. And we find that just 50% have a maths qualification. Well, the way we are going, there will be even fewer adequately qualified teachers to teach any STEM subjects in the future. A downward spiral.

Comment on What did you think of Conference 2010? by Catherine Riordan

Catherine Riordan — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 21:18:04 +0000

This was my first paccs conference and I thoroughly enjoyed it. In particular, I loved Barney O’Callaghan’s inspiring presentation. I knew that my school did Gaisce awards in TY, but I hadn’t really understood what they were all about. The project maths workshop was great too because it related directly to what my children will be doing in school. It was great to meet parents form other schools and hear what goes on elswewhere too.

Eileen Aiken spoke on the Friday evening and was not heard by people who only arrived on Saturday. She was a true inspiration and it is a pity so many missed the opportunity to hear her speak. Maybe something that could be borne in mind for next year?

I was well impressed with the handouts as it meant I could pay attention to the speakers without worrying about taking notes. Great idea.

As for suggestions for next year, my burning issue of the moment is the early sexualization of girls and the devastating impact it has on our teenagers and our culture in general.

Comment on What did you think of Conference 2010? by Carole Trodden

Carole Trodden — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 09:38:26 +0000

I have attended a lot of PACCS conferences in the past. For me 2010 conference was the best by far.
Our president was on the button and controlled the proceedings with great expertise, and dealt with challanges with equal professionalism. The workshops were a roaring success most of the parents I spoke with were very pleased. And to top it all off we go some new parents to join our executive happy days!!!!! Carole Trodden

Comment on What did you think of Conference 2010? by catherine

catherine — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 08:29:29 +0000

I think conference was a great credit to all those that put in so much hard work. . I feel parents would like more interaction and more discussion on topics that concern them and you do a good job of choosing the matters of concern. . mental health and project maths were both very interesting as was the gaisce awards and ciaran flynns presentation. Think the presidents address very important as it makes PACCS real for parents who would not be so familiar with the organisation. . Hopefully lots of parents will log on and give their suggestions for topics of concern they would like to see discussed at next conference. Meanwhile take a bow on a job well done