ISSU 01/12/2014 ISSU 01/12/2014

Students Locked Out

PRESS STATEMENT

The National Student Executive of the Irish Second-Level Students’ Union (ISSU) regretfully confirms that second-level schools will close tomorrow (December 2nd) due to industrial action by the ASTI and TUI.The ISSU is very supportive of the proposed reforms to the Junior Cycle, and believes that this is in the best interest of the students.Speaking this evening, Craig Mc Hugh (President) said:“Teachers are using students as pawns in this industrial dispute, whilst students and their parents are ultimately powerless to the system. The new JCSA is good for students, and we want Teachers to re-enter talks with the Minister to ensure this does not escalate any further.Taking students away from their timetabled classes is creating a barrier for students as they prepare for their Junior and Leaving Certificate exams this upcoming summer. Furthermore, disruption on this scale impacts on all students as they prepare for Christmas exams. This strike is not conducive to progressive reform and meaningful discussions with the Department of Education and Skills.” ***ENDS***Notes to editor:The Irish Second-Level Students’ Union has engaged with Junior Cycle reform discussions and consultations since 2011, and our stance on supporting this reform has been mandated by three annual assemblies, our internal advisory panels and nationwide student focus groups.

ISSU 21/01/2013 ISSU 21/01/2013

Dates for Stand Up! 2013 Announced

On behalf of BeLonGTo, we're pleased to be letting you know about the new dates for Stand Up! Awareness Week in 2013: 11th - 15th March. Stand Up! tackles homophobic bullying by encouraging all young people to support their lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) friends. More and more organisations are joining our work to tackle homophobic and transphobic bullying. We are really honoured that Stand Up! has been endorsed by many education partners, including the ASTI, TUI, NAPD, IGC, JMB, LOOK, ISSU and IVEA! Look out for the Stand Up Educational Packs which will be posted to all schools. Full details are available here.