Press Notice: Portobello Educate Together Start-Up Group Family Fun Day

PORTOBELLO EDUCATE TOGETHER SCHOOL START-UP GROUP
www.portobellomds.org

PRESS NOTICE

Family Fun Day and Teddy Bears' Picnic
2-4pm Sunday 12th September 2010
Harold's Cross Park, Dublin 6W
(Photo Opportunity at 3pm)

On Sunday 12th September in Harold's Cross Park, a Family Fun Day and teddy
bears' picnic event will be hosted by the Portobello Educate Together school
start-up group. The group aims to establish a new multi-denominational school
to serve the communities of Dublin 2, 6, 8 and 12.

The demand for multi-denominational education in these areas of Dublin is far
greater than the small number of places available in primary schools locally.
This is clear from the large numbers of parents who have already joined the
Portobello group. The Family Fun Day event is being held to highlight the lack
of suitable primary school places in south central Dublin, and the need for the
establishment of more Educate Together schools generally.

Speaking about the event, Chairperson of the Portobello group, Senator Ivana
Bacik, said:

“There are less than 60 Educate Together multi-denominational schools
nationally, out of a total of 3,200 national schools. More than 90% of primary
schools are still controlled and run by the Catholic Church. This no longer
reflects the changing needs of parents and children in an increasingly
pluralist and diverse society.”

Families are asked to join in the Family Fun Day by bringing along their own
picnics and teddy bears. There will be a photograph opportunity at 3pm.

Activities on the day will include games provided by Claphandies – egg and spoon
races, art workshops, baking play, magic tricks, balloons and hula hoops.

ENDS