Editorial: School's out in Kilkenny - but worries continue
From this week’s Kilkenny People
While summer time means holidays and fun for many, parents in one South Kilkenny community are facing a stressful time as concerns grow regarding teaching numbers in their rural school.
The loss of a full-time teacher means Our Lady of Lourdes NS in Slieverue will have eight teachers for the new school year. This pressure will be increased as a smaller number of teachers have to look after class numbers which are only growing.
According to Aontú rep Gary O’Neill, one teacher will now be responsible for managing 34 infants at one of the most important stages of their development.
And it's not just in the classroom where parents are concerned – the county has also had issues with bus services, gaps in which have left children without transport to and from school. With so much uncertainty, it is little wonder parents need a break.
Meanwhile, it is a daunting time for second-level students, with the Leaving and Junior Cert exams starting earlier in the week.
No doubt homes all over the county will have young people set for a busy few weeks where all their work over the last three and six years will be put to the test.
While a stressful time, remember that exams are not the be-all and end-all. While the Leaving is a direct route to college and chosen courses, remember there is more than one route to get to your career of choice. Stay calm – and good luck!
Motorists not getting message
Despite a nationwide plea, the Garda Roads Policing Operation which was carried out over the June Bank Holiday Weekend saw more motorists penalised for offences.
More than 4,000 drivers were detected for speeding during the operation – including one offender caught driving at 161km/h in a 100km/h zone in Kilkenny – while a total of 187 people were arrested for driving under the influence of an intoxicant.
On top of this, more than 400 drivers were detected for holding a mobile phone or not wearing a seatbelt during this period. It is simply not good enough. Clearly, some motorists are not getting the message.