Mother blasts belated recognition after son’s 8 year perfect attendance
By Maurice Garvey
A MOTHER has blasted a belated recognition for her son – who completed a perfect attendance record over eight years at primary school.
Jack Shiggins (12), from Ballyfermot Drive, never missed a day of school – from Junior Infants to First Class in St Gabriels, and Second Class to Sixth Class in De La Salle National School, according to his mother Carol Shiggins.
“He was the only kid in his school to never miss a day,” said Ms Shiggins.
“On graduation day at the end of June, Jack received the same graduation certificate that everyone else received, but he got nothing to acknowledge his perfect record of attendance.
“The school said they would send something out in the post, but where is the recognition in that.”
A subsequent letter sent out in the last few days, acknowledged Jack’s perfect record of attendance over the eight-year period.
“It looks like it was written in black marker,” said Ms Shiggins, who was not impressed.
Last week, Principal Naomi Plant said the issue was the result of an “awful oversight.”
“There was a lot of stuff going on at the end of the school year, but he will be recognised. To reach eight years and not miss a day of school is a fantastic achievement,” said Ms Plant.
Ms Plant said the letter had to be delivered via correspondence with the National Education Welfare Board in order to authorise “official recognition.”
A spokesperson for the Department of Education said board of managements are responsible for school governance and have overall responsibility for policies including encouraging regular school attendance.
“The Education Welfare Services of the Child and Family Agency (Túsla) promotes school attendance and provides education welfare services to support and monitor children’s attendance, participation and retention in education,” said the spokesperson.
The Echo contacted Túsla but received no reply before going to print.
TAGS Ballyfermot
