Catholic Schools Fail On Inclusivity

by Letters Editor · February 13, 2017

Thank you for your article on the matric results of private Catholic schools (January 11).

However, do spare a thought for those parents whose children have recently started their schooling and are faced with an education system that does not include all children as per the Government White Paper on Inclusive Education.

We would be very interested in an article on inclusivity at Catholic schools. How many Catholic schools cater for those who are intellectually very capable, but face some barriers to learning and require more individualised tuition?

Schools have wonderful mission statements which actually count for very little when you find yourself, as we did, Catholic parents with a child at a Catholic school, being asked to find another school.

It seems as though the emphasis these days is more on the curriculum and not on children, and that some Catholic schools are more concerned with their business model and financial status. It leaves one feeling very disillusioned with Catholic education.

Our journey with our intelligent, gorgeous son has been years of constant struggles to be accepted and embraced for his differences.

As parents we know that our son will succeed in life, but certainly no thanks to Catholic education.