iamwhoiam wrote: » Certainly from day one the advice was if you were sick with Covid you should isolate in a well ventilated room The spread is more likely in poorly ventilated crowded room Open windows are not going to get rid of Covid but it is part of the overall strategy to try to beat it I heard one virologist say that we should be opening all windows every day to all free flow of fresh air
AustinOC wrote: » I agree - on the strict condition that the virus was heading towards zero in specific areas or counties, the above proposals or similar should be considered on a cost v benefit basis before June. Kids / teachers could attend on a voluntary basis. Outdoor classes etc, anything at all to close the psychological gap in the kids' minds. The blanket closure to September regardless of what the virus does seems premature. Other European countries are prioritising their educations systems, the debate here is all about re-opening the pubs while people throng the off-licences and chippers. And in the likely event that the pandemic rages through the southern hemisphere through the next few months, our schools will be closed again most likely from October on. Did NPHET consider that? June should be the best month in terms of weather (outdoor classes, open windows in classes etc) and in terms of immunity (Vitamin D). As with all these matters, it would have been very helpful to know what scenarios / risks / benefits NPHET considered here.
Scoondal wrote: » The teachers want their paid two months off. We should give them June and July. August ... we split classes ... 2 hours morning and 2 hours afternoon. Can we give our children some normality. Unions and Department of Education both oppose this. What is the best thing for parents and society ?
eclipsechaser wrote: » If the Department of Education don't think they can even run a variant of the Leaving Certificate in August with 1/6 of a secondary school pupils in large halls and generous spacing, I've got some bad news for those of you hoping that primary schools will open in June.
History Queen wrote: » So teachers aren't parents or part of society? There are fears over the safety of sixth years attending exams in August (approx 1/6 of the post-primary population) but the only reason schools can't open is because teachers want time off. Ya.
Dravokivich wrote: » If that were simply the case, teachers also play teachers salaries.
Dravokivich wrote: » So spread'em out... good. And what if they cant get to those other nominated locations?
Scoondal wrote: » I pay teachers' salaries. Teachers are still on full salaries doing an hour of poor online "work".
CinemaGuy45 wrote: » Total utter rubbish nonsense post.:rolleyes: I bet most of them don't even bother with an hour of any kind of online work.;)
eclipsechaser wrote: » As I was saying:https://www.irishtimes.com/news/education/leaving-cert-exams-set-to-be-cancelled-and-replaced-with-predicted-grades-1.4247877?mode=amp IT now reporting that the LC will be cancelled.
History Queen wrote: » Now don't get me wrong I completely understand that they need a viable plan b in place in case things worsen, but surely calling off an exam (that is over two months away) with our current outlook being cautiously optimistic, would be madness?! Just from the point of view of the knock on effect it will have on students and education in general. I still think all projects/practicals should be awarded 100% to further level the playing field (I didn't agree with decison initially but now think it should be all or nothing) Positives from the current situation for students (the negatives are well documented): 1. Extra study time 2. Most students have a passing grade achieved in at least one subject 3. A chance to see if you are adept at independent study as you will need to be at third level rather than finding out you hate this way of working six months (and fees paid) later 4. One to one contact with teachers via email/messaging etc that you may not have had in school Again, not denying the negatives but I do feel strongly that in the long term proceeding with the exams if possible is best all round.
Benimar wrote: » The desire for predicted grades will change once students start being awarded grades they didn’t predict they would get!
Scoondal wrote: » Department of Education must answer questions. The minister and the civil servants. I say sack them all. They have proven that they are useless by closing primary schools for 23 weeks without health evidence.
Scoondal wrote: » They do 2 hours work at a salary of €35000. and they need their holidays in July and August. That is not fair for ordinary citizens.
Multipass wrote: » And another thing - fears for their safety? By August I guarantee you that teenagers will be socializing, and meeting up in large groups. In fact I’d be surprised if parties don’t start up again by June. And the leaving cert will be gone for absolutely no reason.
Scoondal wrote: » Teachers remain on full salaries.
khalessi wrote: » In my classroom the windows dont open properly for good ventilation something to do with health and safety, apparently we didn't want to lose a kid out of a window. Of course you will take as a teacher creating difficulties, sadly I didnt design the school. They open at an angle and the children constantly complain about the lack of air. We were sweltered last year with all the windows open, it was dreadful.
Scoondal wrote: » There is no evidence of Covid9 being spread by under 10 year olds. If teachers have a problem they can wear full PPE including face masks. Children under ten years old are not spreading this virus. There is no published medical report in any country. If any Irish teacher has a problem about working in June, they should provide a medical document to their employer.
iamwhoiam wrote: » Of course you have no idea how I would take that fact . I didn’t at any stage think a teacher would be designing a school We had windows in our ward in a paeds hospital that barely let air in ! A very poor design by someone but certainly not by a nurse . Madness not to have good ventilation in a school or a hospital in my opinion After I saw the virologist explain how a virus could drop to the floor in a through draught or hang in the air in a warm poorly ventilated room I fling my windows wide open !! It might not kill Covid but its an added precaution I suppose . The thought struck me when I saw it was anyone opening up building to allow the air through them before reopening them after so long closed up ?
khalessi wrote: » This may be true because parents are too afraid and lazy to say no. No socialising no hanging out with mates. A school however will have to follow directives on social distancing etc.
Multipass wrote: » Really, my son sitting the leaving cert is 19 - an adult, so I’m not interested in telling him no. Nor would I because I don’t believe it is necessary. Social distancing will be over by August, people are not going to live in fear for that long. As far as I can see when I’m out, it’s practically over already, and a good thing too.
