A Church of Ireland school will review its requirement that pupils attend the school’s religious ceremonies after a complaint by a secular group. [1] No complaint seems to have come from any parent at the school.
St Andrew’s National School in Lucan, Co Dublin is part of the local church community with strong links to the Parish church in Lucan village.
Its ethos statement [2] notes they teach the Primary curriculum including religious education, which is normal for denominational schools.
“The essentials of the Christian faith are explored and pupils are encouraged to think independently and develop a personal faith by which they may later live”.
It adds: “Pupils are required to participate in all subject areas and attend all school religious ceremonies. As part of the culture of this school children are informed about Santa Claus, Halloween and the expectation that surrounds this. We do not permit any other view within school.”
However, the lobby group Education Equality have taken issue with the requirement, claiming children have a constitutional right to attend publicly-funded schools without attending religious instruction.
In response, Robert Grier, chair of the board of management, said the school noted the concerns raised and will review the Ethos statement.