09 May Spiritan Schools during Covid -PERSEVERANCE IN ADVERSITY

All school communities within the Spiritan network have been involved with an innovative and pioneering educational and pastoral outreach to students, families and the wide school community since COVID-19 restrictions were put in place. Templeogue College Blackrock College Rockwell College St. Michael’s College St. Mary’s College The focus of this outreach from our school community has been educational and holistic. The contributions I have witnessed from the schools focused on community building within the school and outside it. Much of the mainstream media coverage has focused on the delivery of education to students. However, Spiritan schools’ contribution will continue to be. When we come out of this crisis or find a new routine, the commitment of Boards of Management, Senior Management teams and teachers should be celebrated and recognised. Currently, they may not be considered ‘front-line workers’, but they are playing in the same orchestra. This type of commitment from the school community goes to the heart of understanding Spiritan Education. Claude Poullart des Places’ first educational community was rooted in prayer, high standards of education and social outreach. It seems today that Spiritan schools in Ireland are striving to follow this example.

Ronan Barry