Six months of reflection on an acceptable formula for admission to Catholic schools has not led to a satisfactory solution for all. The teachers of these schools are opposed to the drawing of lots, the selection method favoured by the Bureau of Catholic Education (BCE). The government, which has not given its opinion officially yet, does not look enthusiastic either.

This measure still has the advantage of being fairer than the religious criterion, (considered illegal by the Privy Council) for the allocation of the 50% reserved seats in catholic colleges. However, the Secondary & Preparatory School Teachers & Other Staff Union (SPSTSU) thinks that it will have a negative effect on children. This criterion does not reflect in any way the values associated with the Catholic faith, according to the union. ?If the BCE decides to adopt this method, it will give a non-verbal message to our youngsters that their future depends on pure luck.?

The SPSTSU wants further discussions. It appears to be frustrated at being ?by-passed? by the BCE. In other words, the teachers may believe that it is a unilateral decision that will nevertheless concern many more people than those actually involved in the decision-making. ?There was no collective reflection on the issue.?

Mere number

Although teachers were given the occasion to voice out their opinion since questionnaires were circulated in all catholic schools, the drawing of lots proposal does not seem to have been brought forward.

This method seems to go against the basic principles of the Church that the BCE normally advocates. The drawing of lots reduces the child to a mere number, which totally contradicts the education given by the catholic authorities, supposed to be aimed at the whole development of the child. The academic side has of course always been important in catholic education but these schools also emphasize the importance of moral and psychological factors in education.

So, it may seem a little shocking to see the same authorities preaching a totally different approach to education. And they really seem to be convinced that their method is the right one. They are sticking to their point and this proposal will be submitted to the government by the end of the month. It is the government, which will make the final decision as to whether the proposal is ?acceptable.?