St Patrick’s National School
Slane, Co. Meath
(041) 982 4229
office@slanens.ie
www.slanens.ie
Roll No: 18040L
Principal: Paul O’Donnell
9th September 2013
Dear Parents/Guardians,
There has been a lot of discussion in the media recently about the cuts to education, and more specifically, about the threat
of an increase in class size in the coming budget. I touched on this topic while delivering an update at the most recent Parent
Association meeting. On completing my report, it was suggested by members of the PA that I would outline what is
happening in St. Patrick’s National School to the wider parent/guardian body.

Class size – Class sizes have not been increased to date in schools of our size. Each year, based on our pupil
numbers, we have to allocate classes for all the pupils. As much as possible, we try to prioritize keeping at least one
of the infant classes small and keeping individual classes together. As a result, several classes have a lower
pupil/teacher ratio and several have a higher one. This year, as in previous years, we will be putting targeted
resources into the larger classes to maximize teaching and learning. Parents of pupils in these classes will be issued
with the details of these resources later this month. However, it is very likely in future years that a number of
combined classes will be necessary. In most schools this is the norm.

Finances – another school in Meath of a similar size to St. Patrick’s N.S. estimates that their school has to budget
with €10,000 less than a few years ago. This is mainly due to a cut in amount of money the Department gives per
pupil to run the school each year and the suspension of the summer works scheme which helps with annual building
repairs. However, we are on a stable financial footing, have a well maintained school building, a second to none
value Book Rental Scheme and an excellent fundraising Parent Association which contributed over €5,000 towards
resources and equipment last year alone.

Delays in applications and cuts in resources for pupil with specific educational needs - It now takes longer to
get pupils with specific needs assessed and resources granted to them are being reduced.

Posts of Responsibility – There has been a cut in the number of posts of responsibility in schools. Post holders
assist in the running of schools. However, again in St. Patrick’s N.S., many jobs and roles are taken on by the staff
on a purely voluntary basis with no financial gain. At the first staff meeting of this year, the following areas were
taken on by staff on a voluntary basis;
Green Schools’ Committee, BOWOW scheme, co-ordinating Active Schools’ Week, school choir and sacrament
masses, rounders, Olympic handball, girls’ and boys’ internal school leagues and inter school competitions, 5 a side
boys’ and girls’ soccer, athletics, school gardening, school website updates and the planning of curriculum areas
Gaeilge, History, Literacy and Maths.
Cuts are a reality in primary schools around the country in the current financial climate. However, as indicated above, we
have done our best to minimize the effects on pupils in St. Patrick’s National School. The undertaking of all the voluntary
activities is not only a reflection of the hard work ethic of the staff but also of their excellent relationship with pupils and
parents and their desire to make the time of pupils in Slane N.S. a hugely positive experience. I would also like to thank you,
the parent body, for your continued input, support and assistance.
You will find a card attached to this letter which the Board of Management of St. Patrick’s N.S. would ask you to post to
your local representative to highlight the need to maintain the current levels of funding and resources for all primary schools.
If we don’t shout stop, nobody else will do it for us.
Regards,
_____________________
Paul O’Donnell Principal
Proud of our school’s achievements