Jean's Journal: Mary O'Rourke's legacy

By Jean Farrell

When Mary O’Rourke was Minister of Education she persuaded Charles Haughey to appoint a teacher, in certain schools, who would act as a contact person between home and school

Mary did this because, as a teacher herself, she was aware of the following fact. Many things affect how a child learns – things like how many pupils are in the class or the quality of the teaching. However, research has shown that what most affects how children learn is the attitude of their parents towards school. Isn’t that interesting?

If children’s parents have very negative memories of their own school days, they pass on this negative attitude to their child. The youngster then fails to learn, as he or she should.

I had been teaching in The Fair Green (now called St Mary’s NS) for many years when, in 1999, I saw the advertisement for a ‘Home School Liaison Teacher.’ I read all that was involved. I would be based in my own school, not teaching anymore, but working with parents instead. I decided to apply and got the job.

During my training, it was stressed very clearly that we were never to be seen as someone who just visited the home of the child who was having difficulty. We were advised on how to set up a parents’ room in the school and what should happen there.

I was very apprehensive at first. I wondered would parents accept me and allow me into their homes. Three factors worked very well, in my favour. Parents knew me, indeed I had taught some of them!

My father had a pub in town. He was a quiet kind man, who treated everyone the same. I’d introduce myself as Mrs Farrell, at a door. “Aren’t you Mickey Coyle’s daughter?” a father might ask me and then welcome me in warmly.

Many parents knew that my brother, Paul Coyle, had been a drug addict before his sad death. They, too, were very accepting of me. I listened to their own awful stories of watching their adult child destroy himself. They knew I understood and I did indeed.

My approach was to be always positive. However, the following scenario occurred over and over again. (I’ve changed names here.) A very irate teacher, Mr Black, would approach me and say, “Will you go out to Johnny Smith’s house and tell his parents that he’s as bold as brass, he’s disturbing the class all day long, he’s late every morning and never ever does his homework.” That is exactly what I was NOT supposed to do, in my new role.

So, this is what I would do. I’d find out what other children, in his class, lived in the same estate. Then I’d ask the teacher about each one, always making sure that I had positive things to say to parents. Then, I’d ‘force’ Mr. Black to tell me one positive thing about Johnny. Usually, the positive comment was, “Everyone loves him, because he’s the class clown.”

I’d head to the estate then. At each door I’d introduce myself and say that I was visiting all the parents of fourth class children that day. I’d be invited in and we’d chat about their child. I’d listen well. Eventually, I’d arrive at Johnny Smith’s house. And this was what his very irate parent always said. “That teacher HATES my Johnny. He has it in for him, that’s why he won’t go to school. It’s ALL that teacher’s fault. Go in and tell him that.”

Much much diplomacy was needed here! I’d mention that the teacher told me how popular Johnny was and about his great sense of humour. His Mammy would smile. I’d listen well and eventually would hear about big problems in the family, sadly.

My aim was to try and persuade Johnny’s mother to come into the school and talk to the teacher herself. This often happened, after a few visits to her home. I’d arrange that she would call into the parents’ room, in the school. I’d make her a cup of tea there and chat for a while. Then I’d go and mind Mr Black’s class while he went and met her. This was so much better than a hurried angry consultation, on the corridor, outside the classroom.

Throughout the few years that I worked as Home School Liaison Teacher I learnt much. I began to understand why certain children loved coming to school. This was because some mothers whom I met were suffering from depression, sadly.

Their mood was so very low that they had no interest in their home or, sometimes, their children. I saw the child, after school, return to a house where the curtains hadn’t been opened and their mother was asleep on the sofa, in the dark sitting-room. No food was prepared for them. How sad!

I honestly think that all teachers should spend some time working as a Home School Liaison Teacher, for a few years. By doing so, they would be much much more understanding of their pupils’ backgrounds and subsequent behaviour.

The parents’ room in the school was great. When I got to know them, I’d invite parents in here to attend activities they chose. By degrees, mothers attended lovely gatherings in it. This helped them to have a more positive attitude towards school. Some, eventually, came into their child’s classroom and helped with basic games. Their children LOVED this.

Thankfully, during my time working in such a very worthwhile role, I was always welcomed and treated with great respect by parents.

And now I must go and launch my new book!