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Mon 11 Nov 2002Preserving school spirit in a changing worldThe Conference of Religious of Ireland is considering the best way forward for schools run by its member congregations. Eithne Woulfe explains the trusteeship and patronage options involvedSchools are changing and so is society. Look at a class photograph from the 1950s and compare it with one taken today. It is a changed world. Now there is a mix of races where once all the faces were white (half of whom would have left Ireland then by the time they were 35). And the teacher has changed. The stereotypical figure in black suit, habit or gown is gone, often replaced by a young man or woman in fairly casual, colourful clothes.