Students log online early to accept college courses offered in second round

BUDDING freshers were out of bed early yesterday morning waiting for a second round college offer, and 304 early birds had accepted their course on-line by lunchtime yesterday.

Others who might have missed the acceptance deadline but can prove they posted their data to the CAO on time will get that college place, the head office in Galway last night confirmed.

Some students blamed delays because of the postal dispute for missing out on a round one offer. But the CAO said that if such students followed its recommendation of securing a certificate of postage which can be provided as evidence, their places will be secure.

“We advise students to get a certificate of postage for this very purpose. Once they can provide evidence of posting to us, we will definitely secure their place for them,” a CAO spokesman said. Meanwhile, a parents group is demanding it should have a voice in key decisions on child education, including curriculum development and policy decisions, along with teacher unions and school management bodies.

The Congress of Catholic Secondary Schools Parents Association last night accused the Department of Education and Science of discriminating against parents.

“We would remind the Minister that Parents are confirmed in both the Constitution and the Education Act 1998 as the primary educators of their children,” PRO Barbara Johnston, said.

The group is now demanding the Department of Education and Science invite it onto all committees where decisions and discussions about the education of children occur.

“CSPA represents the parents of children in voluntary Catholic secondary schools in Ireland and do have a right to represent the views and opinions of the parents in this sector,” said Ms Johnston. “It is no longer acceptable that parents are not represented in the development of curriculum and policies that affect our students.

“We demand that the Department of Education treat all the partners in education equally. If Parents must work through an umbrella group, selecting one representative where representation is required, then so too should Management Bodies and Teacher Unions.

“CSPA now say very clearly to you Minister that we no longer want or accept your brand of token partnership but are seeking an equitable participation that will confirm our rights as primary educators. We will take whatever steps necessary to secure those rights,” Ms Johnston added.