‘Embarrassed’ by Red High PFA

SIR, — I am writing as a former student of St Patrick’s Grammar School. Over the last number of weeks, I have become increasingly embarrassed at the actions of my former school and the Red High Parents and Friends Association.

The issues surrounding the amalgamation are complex and serious. However, I feel that St Patrick’s Grammar School and the Red High PFA have not sought to resolve these issues, rather they have dug their heels in and refused to move on a proposal that I feel will benefit the young people of this area.  

Since the proposal was brought to staff and parents of the four schools involved back in March, the Red High PFA have engaged in a campaign of fearmongering and personal attacks and have not sought to deal with any of the genuine issues that this amalgamation creates.

The tactics that the PFA have employed, such as having students canvass local residents during school hours, attacking local politicians for the views they represent, and segregating students from other schools out of discussions have done nothing but create ill will among the local community. 

I feel that instead of turning their backs on these proposals, the school and its supporters would be much better served by engaging with the process, finding solutions for the outstanding issues and actually seeking to improve the education that all children and young people in the area receive.

Yours etc,

EMBARRASSED.

(Name and address supplied).