Cork school children awarded for unbroken school attendance

81 students from 28 primary and secondary schools in Cork gathered in Cork City Hall today to receive awards from the Cork Lord Mayor for never missing a day in school for eight or more consecutive years. Five children were rewarded for the incredible achievement of 13 years’ unbroken attendance and a further three were recognised for never missing a day of school throughout their time in primary and secondary school. 

This year 10 sets of siblings received awards and in one family from Carrigaline three siblings – who between them have a cumulative total of 32 years (5,720 school days) unbroken attendance at school – received awards. 

Speaking at the ceremony, Dan O’ Shea, Regional Manager, Tusla Educational Welfare Service, said “Research has shown again and again that regular school attendance lays the foundation for good relationships and a successful life at work. Children who attend school regularly are more likely to stay in school and therefore to be emotionally, financially and socially secure in later life.

“The achievements of the students here today are even more impressive when you take into account that the average primary school pupil misses 11 days each school year and the average secondary student misses 13 days a year,” he added. 

Congratulating the students, Lord Mayor Councillor Tony Fitzgerald 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. 

“I would like to take the opportunity to congratulate the other people in your lives who made your perfect attendance possible – your schools and your families. Finally, I would like to thank Tusla’s Educational Welfare Service for organising the ceremony here today and for their hard work and endeavours to secure a better education for those experiencing difficulties with school attendance,” he added.

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