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Monday 20 March 2023 Dublin: 13°C

# Schools

All time
# Coronavirus
'Our desire is to lift restrictions on Kildare as quickly as possible': HSE pressed on schools and testing at briefing
On schools, the HSE said today “the risks of keeping schools closed now outweigh the risk of Covid for children”.
Voices
Parents: 'We're both excited and nervous about the return to school'
With many of Ireland’s schools reopening this week, we asked a number of parents from around the country to share their thoughts on what’s ahead.
# Back To School
'For the love of God': Anger as shed to be used as Covid-19 isolation room at Athlone school
The school’s principal said the situation is “not ideal”.
# Covid-19
Students who refuse to wear face masks will be sent home from secondary schools, Norma Foley says
The Education Minister has said all pupils must wear face masks, unless there is a medical reason not to.
# covid committee
Covid committee: HSE boss to be questioned on clusters in meat plants and re-opening of schools
Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly and Acting Chief Medical Officer Dr Ronan Glynn will also appear today.
# about face
U-turn in England as secondary pupils advised to wear face coverings in lockdown areas
Face coverings will not be recommended in schools more widely in England, but will be at the schools’ discretion.
# Back To School
'It's up to everyone to try their best to get this right': Inside a Wicklow school preparing to reopen
We paid a socially distant visit to St Kevin’s Community College in Dunlavin.
# Your Say
Poll: Are you concerned about schools reopening?
Students will be returning to schools around the country this week and next week.
# test and trace
South Korea orders all schools in Seoul to switch to online classes as outbreaks continue
The country’s education minister said there’s been an “alarming emergence of mass infections” since the start of the month.
# Schools
40% of teachers concerned about how play-based lessons will be affected by Covid-19 restrictions
That’s according to a new study published by DCU researchers.
# England
30 Covid-19 outbreaks happened in schools in England after they reopened in June
Public Health England said 121 cases were linked to the outbreaks, 30 in children and 91 in staff.
# Schools
School closures prompt changes to 2021 Leaving Cert and Junior Cert exams
The changes were announced this evening by the Department of Education.
# Education
Foley confident every child will return to school next week but says extra 1,600 buses a 'logistical challenge'
The Minister for Education said that parents of eligible children who make alternative transport arrangements “will be recompensed”.
# Coronavirus
Martin confronted by teacher in Skibbereen over 'unsafe' plans for reopening schools
The Taoiseach had earlier visited Nagle Community College in Cork.
# put back
GAA activity in Dublin primary schools deferred until after Christmas due to Covid-19 regulations
Cumann na mBunscol games in Dublin are planned to start on the week of 25 January.
# Back To School
The mental health system is preparing for a 'tsunami' of cases from young people - staff are worried it can't cope
Long waiting lists and a disjointed system have already caused major issues.
# Scotland
Explainer: What led to Scotland's school results fiasco, and why does it matter to Ireland?
Ireland’s Department of Education said that it was “aware” of Scotland’s exam results being released.
# Back To School
Secondary students: 'If you want us to wear face masks in the classroom, we'll do it'
Students at third level institutions have been advised to wear face coverings if they cannot maintain a distance of two metres.
# The Lancet
Very low risk of students and teachers transmitting Covid-19 at school, Australian study suggests
When epidemic control measures are in place, the risk of transmission between children is minimal, Sydney researchers found.
Voices
Opinion: Government must break down the bureaucratic walls faced by teachers returning to Ireland
One experience teacher who returned from Australia said she battled the Teaching Council to be allowed transfer her qualifications to Ireland, but eventually gave up.
Voices
View from a teacher: 'Nobody wants to return to remote learning'
One teacher is hoping for the best but says she cannot understand why the government took so long to release the ‘return to school’ plans.
# Education
Teacher takes High Court action over refusal to be recognised by the Teaching Council
Fiona Roche has taught at several post primary and primary schools since 2002 and registered with the council since 2006.
# Podcast
The Explainer: What's Ireland's plan for reopening schools - and how does it compare to other countries?
What was in Minister Norma Foley’s announcement – and how does it differ from what countries like Denmark are doing?
Voices
Opinion: When it comes to schools re-opening, why is no one talking about Switzerland?
Liam Printer is Irish and lives in Switzerland, where he teaches in a secondary school. They’ve been back in the classroom for some time and here, he describes what it’s been like.
# Back To School
'If ever there is a time to reduce class sizes, it is during a pandemic': Opposition react to reopening plan for schools
The government published its plan to reopen schools yesterday.
# Coronavirus
NPHET says a school won't necessarily close if it has a case or cases of Covid-19
Guidance is also being prepared for parents if they think their child has a respiratory illness.
# Back To School
Pre-assigned seats and face masks: The new rules for Irish schoolchildren getting the bus
The rules will be in place on School Transport Scheme services operated by Bus Éireann.
# Back To School
Here's a breakdown of where the government's €376m funding to re-open schools will be spent
The plan includes €53 million for 1,000 extra teachers at post-primary level and a €52.2 million school cleaning grant.
# reopening schools
'Very, very big plan' - Government to unveil school reopening plan today
A planning document from the Department of Education will be brought to the cabinet today.
# Schools
Return of schools will see more teachers, extensive cleaning and PPE, Varadkar says
The Department of Education’s planning document is to be brought to Cabinet tomorrow.
# Back To School
'Clarity takes time': Education Minister responds to criticism over schools plan
A plan for the full reopening of schools will be revealed on Monday.
# Education
‘Significant’ amount of extra staff needed to reopen schools, Covid-19 committee told
Seán Ó Foghlú said students coming out of teaching college this year will be “a main source” of extra staffing.
# Coronavirus
US tops 3 million Covid-19 cases as Trump pushes for schools to reopen
The virus is surging in several southern hotspots including Texas, Florida, Louisiana and Arizona.
# Education
Covid-19 'assistants' needed in schools when they return, say principals
The NAPD has also called for a financial package to ensure adequate levels of cleaning in schools.
Voices
View from a teacher: No, we have not been 'sitting at home on full pay' in lockdown
One reader is frustrated at what she believes is the unfair portrayal of teachers throughout the lockdown period and ahead of term start in September.
# new guidelines
Social distancing rules mean it's inevitable students won't be back in school full-time - ASTI
Teachers’ unions will appear before the Dáil’s Covid-19 committee today.
# Coronavirus
Lack of safety guidance on schools putting staff and students 'at risk', warns trade union
Fórsa was critical of the Department of Education in a submission to the Dáil’s Covid-19 committee.
# Schools
Two-metre rule 'would mean one day at school weekly for primary pupils'
McHugh said if the rule remains in place, students will engage in blended learning from home on the other days.
Voices
Professor Sam McConkey: The reality is it could be November before schools are back in full
But Professor McConkey says if we went for a trial return this month, schools could be up and running by September.
# reopening
Pupils begin returning to schools in England despite concerns from scientists and parents
It is part of a wider easing of measures that will also see groups of up to six people allowed to meet outdoors.