Gold star for students’ attendance

Can we get a bualadh bos for the diligent pupils who haven’t missed a day in school in at least eight years?

Employers will no doubt have their eyes on 100 students from primary and secondary schools in Cork who were awarded yesterday, Wednesday, for never missing a day in school for eight or more consecutive years.

This year 16 sets of siblings received awards while one family with four siblings have a cumulative total of 43 years unbroken attendance at school.

Speaking about the ceremony, which took place in City Hall, Dan O’Shea, Regional Manager, Tusla Educational Welfare Service, said: “Research has shown again and again that regular school attendance lays the foundation for developing good social skills and relationships and acheiving success at work. Children who attend school regularly are more likely to stay in school and achieve better educational outcomes.

“The achievements of the students today are even more impressive when you take into account that the average primary school pupil misses 10 days each school year and the average secondary student misses 13 days a year,” he added.

The annual school attendance award ceremony is a historic event dating back to the 1920s is the only event of its kind in Ireland.

Congratulating the students, Lord Mayor Councillor John Sheehan, said: “Cork city is proud of you all and I applaud your efforts. Unbroken school attendance is a remarkable achievement and is not simply down to good health.

“It is only possible in a school environment where young people feel secure and fulfilled and where there is a strong foundation of support and encouragement from the family.”

Each recipient receives a trophy and a certificate of merit. The ceremony is a joint venture of Cork City Council and Tusla’s Educational Welfare Service, which is charged with promoting children’s attendance, participation and retention in education.