Process to be put in place to decide on future of Catholic post-primary schools in Castlebar

THE two CEOs of the organisations in charge of two large Catholic post-primary schools in Casltebar have this evening released a statement regarding the future of the schools in the county town.

The statement, issued on behalf of Marie Therese Kilmartin, CEO, Le Chéile Schools Trust and Gerry McGuill, CEO, CEIST (Catholic Education, an Irish Schools Trust), is as follows:

“Post-primary education in Castlebar is provided by two excellent Catholic Secondary Schools under the patronage of the Le Chéile Schools Trust, and CEIST. St Joseph’s Secondary School and St Gerald’s DLS College are an integral part of a deeply valued and rich historical tradition maintained and supported by local communities in Castlebar and surrounding areas over the years. “In appreciation of the rapidly changing educational landscape and the significant service the schools are providing, the two Patrons have agreed that it is an opportune time, in collaboration with each of the school communities, to explore together the form that current and future Catholic post-primary educational provision in Castlebar and surrounding areas should take.

“A consultation process is now commencing which will seek to gather the perspectives of Boards of Management, staff, students and parents, including primary school parents. Throughout this consultation process, the Patrons have no pre-determined outcome in mind and wish to hear what local education partners and the parents of future post-primary students have to say about the future of Catholic Post-Primary education provision in the area. The views of local education partners will guide the Patrons in any future decisions. This process will be guided by an independent facilitator, Mr Frank Smith.”