is_that_so wrote: » That's looking increasingly doubtful. The clock is ticking on it - 5/6 weeks to go. How exactly is the plan being developed?
FishOnABike wrote: » Plan? There's a plan?
Zahir Bitter Cellist wrote: » The schools should have been opened before now, given what happened this year they should have opened as soon as things were improving. You think 2 months summer holidays was warranted under the circumstances? Just in time for September they won't be able to open again because of case numbers. Every opportunity should have been taken to get kids back to school. Schools opening a week here or there or 2 days a week or split groups, that all happened to facilitate schools remaining open or even partially open. But here nobody even bothered to try.
Blondini wrote: » In the absence of a crystal ball, how do you know what's going to happen in 5/6 weeks, and also how do you know what's going on behind the scenes? Getting frantic over something that might not even happen.
wirelessdude01 wrote: » And so we continue to wait on this plan but the current position as stated by the government is 'pack 'em in and stack 'em' high boys!
Blondini wrote: » If someone had a grudge against teachers and were missing out on free childcare, this is what they might say.
Zahir Bitter Cellist wrote: » Even if we had criteria for handling things for future it would be something e.g if cases rise above a certain level locally (an actual specific number based in the population) in one electorate then localised restrictions happen. If there's a case in a school all staff and pupils plus contacts are tested swiftly to minimise the duration of further closures and the level of disruption. No return to school for 14 days for children who've been outside of ROI, nobody should have a problem with this. If you choose to go abroad then you know what your decision involves and the consequences. Enchanced cleaning and hygiene, robust sick policies, maintain class groups and minimise unnecessary crossover of class bubbles where possible. Special arrangements for vulnerable students/teachers, be that PPE screened area in classroom or smaller bubbles for these people, I don't know. Other than these measures what steps would teachers like to be made to make schools "Covid Safe?"
Smacruairi wrote: » That's fine. We will, and always have said we will, take those and be happy. Now if you could get the dept to provide those, perfect. And when the schools come up with local arrangements for staggering the kids back, you'll support the efforts, rather than allowing the "well Marys school down the road is doing this, and Pauls is doing that, can we have all of that as well please".
jlm29 wrote: » That old chestnut about “using schools as free childcare” again. It’s been bandied around a lot on this thread, and it’s ridiculous.
iamwhoiam wrote: » Yes its very insulting to parents who care about education . For donkeys years parents ( mainly women ) have worked around the school calendar , not because they use it as childcare but because they children are in school they can work those hours . I am retired now but work a night shift for years , I could sleep while they were in school and work my shifts around that knowledge. At no point did I consider it childcare and when they were sick or days off I either stayed awake or found someone to look after them .
frillyleaf wrote: » I am starting to get a hunch schools for secondary level won’t be open in September. Unless there is a huge amount of work going on that I’m unaware of? Primary schools possibly in September but secondary schools maybe at a reduced capacity. It’s only 5 weeks away and teachers for post primary will be back the last week of August.
khalessi wrote: » Garda clearance is not just a form, it is a method of finding out if a person has a criminal record which would prevent them working in certain areas, like with children. You make it sound like it is a minor inconvenience to be gone through. Secondly, if the schools are closed for health reasons and to maintain distancing, why do you think it is ok to go against health advice and gather in groups to teach children in a GAA hall? They're closed to prevent the spreading of infection. Thirdly, just because it is a bunch of children that are carrying out the same maths does not mean they will work together, they will all have different levels of understanding and concentration levels. They might not be even on the same level if in the same class. I just taught 6th class last year and the level I was teaching ranged from 1st class to 6th class in one group.
mcsean2163 wrote: » I thought that an implicit statement could be followed but let me try again but in a more explicit form. Garda vetting is a form that must be completed and includes a list of former addresses. Many occupations require Garda vetting not just teachers. The form is returned to the gardai and they assess whether the person is ok by them for the proposed role etc.
Bananaleaf wrote: » Best of luck to everyone: teachers, parents, students, axe grinders(!) Let's hope we are all happy come September Email yisser principals with questions or concerns now!! It will likely be too late at end Aug.
khalessi wrote: » Quote: Originally Posted by mcsean2163 View Post Garda clearance is basically an application form and that's it. The parents may not be good at teaching but Garda clearance shouldn't be an issue. I was thinking the same myself. I'm pretty good at math and it would be easier teaching a bunch of primary school kids than one child as the children work together. If the schools are closed it sounds like a good alternative, especially for families living in cities, maybe two parents could teach at the same time for child safety? Garda clearance is not just a form, it is a method of finding out if a person has a criminal record which would prevent them working in certain areas, like with children. You make it sound like it is a minor inconvenience to be gone through. Secondly, if the schools are closed for health reasons and to maintain distancing, why do you think it is ok to go against health advice and gather in groups to teach children in a GAA hall? They're closed to prevent the spreading of infection. Thirdly, just because it is a bunch of children that are carrying out the same maths does not mean they will work together, they will all have different levels of understanding and concentration levels. They might not be even on the same level if in the same class. I just taught 6th class last year and the level I was teaching ranged from 1st class to 6th class in one group. __________________ Good of you to quote to explain but you never answered this question
mcsean2163 wrote: » How would you feel if you were going to be fired if the schools stayed closed?
Zahir Bitter Cellist wrote: » Also with all the parents that will not have any other choice than to leave their jobs (if schools remain closed), I would find it difficult to see how the department could continue to justify fully paying staff who are excess to requirements if it comes to long term blended learning. Less money coming into the coffers and huge debt to pay along with investment to allow "blended learning" means in the event of not opening their budget will probably be cut.
