How will schools be able to go back in September?

Lillyfae · 24-07-2020 03:28PM

scrubs33 wrote: »

I get the feeling that opening the schools is the Department’s main goal: keeping them open will fall to individual Boards of Management at a local level to use that particular phrase...

I’m not too sure what they do otherwise to be fair. I hope that the principal who told the vice princ. and teachers in their school (as featured earlier in the thread) that any organization was entirely their responsibility gets a fire lit under them.

nelly17 · 24-07-2020 03:30PM

scrubs33 wrote: »

I get the feeling that opening the schools is the Department’s main goal: keeping them open will fall to individual Boards of Management at a local level to use that particular phrase...

Bit of a Trump move that, but thats what it looks like to me too

Sierra Oscar · 24-07-2020 03:35PM

Boggles wrote: »

FF doing a solo run here.

The Devil will be in the detail.

Particularly how they plan to keep schools open at that level if their is a resurgence.

Are they? The Tánaiste has been very outspoken in the last 24 hours stating that schools will have to return. FG seem on board, I would imagine the Greens are too.

Parents will not tolerate schools remaining closed for another few months, that much seems pretty obvious now. Patience is running thin.

nelly17 · 24-07-2020 03:38PM

To be honest were all speculating a bit here with the full plan due to be released Monday - hopefully we have a better picture

Sierra Oscar · 24-07-2020 03:56PM

nelly17 wrote: »

To be honest were all speculating a bit here with the full plan due to be released Monday - hopefully we have a better picture

True, the one thing we don't really need to speculate about is the fact that schools will be open. How they manage it remains to be seen, but they will be open.

I don't think teachers will get much public support if they decide to engage in an all out strike over this.

wirelessdude01 · 24-07-2020 04:02PM

Sierra Oscar wrote: »

I don't think teachers will get much public support if they decide to engage in an all out strike over this.

Why do people keep bringing this up? This is not even being contemplated.

Bobtheman · 24-07-2020 04:05PM

Zahir Bitter Cellist wrote: »

Healthy debate doesn't mean you personally have to repeat something over and over, that's just your way of doing things.

Just because you might not agree with someone's views doesn't make them a 'numbskull' as you eloquently put it, that's entirely your opinion (which you are entitled to do long as you know everyone else is also entitled to theirs).

Yes teachers teach, but they also follow DOE policy and according to some posters here they cannot do their job without the policy so they really go hand in hand.

If DOE had any sense it would have engaged large numbers of teachers in any policymaking.
As is often the case, and many companies recognise the fact, that it's the people on the ground who can give a first hand insight into what works and what doesn't.

No I'm afraid wrangler is a total idiot for peddling his views bull**** views on education. He obviously had a bad experience in school or can't handle his own kids.

Sierra Oscar · 24-07-2020 04:07PM

wirelessdude01 wrote: »

Why do people keep bringing this up? This is not even being contemplated.

It's not going to happen. At this stage it's the only way in which schools won't reopen at the end of August, i.e. if teachers refuse to cooperate with the Government plans. As you say, that isn't going to happen.

Bobtheman · 24-07-2020 04:08PM

wirelessdude01 wrote: »

Why do people keep bringing this up? This is not even being contemplated.

Because they are misinformed idiots or just into teacher baiting because a teacher once told them the sun doesn't shine out of their arse or their kids.

is_that_so · 24-07-2020 04:10PM

Murple wrote: »

To put the €75 million in perspective.
€75 million in grants was announced for creches and preschools.(0-5 year olds)
€75 million in grants for all primary and secondary combined. (4-18 year olds)
€168 million in grants for third level.

Just to add some context to that big 3rd level number, they usually get a lot of money from overseas students and that's not going to happen for this academic year. You might even call it a bailout!

Bobtheman · 24-07-2020 04:12PM

Sierra Oscar wrote: »

It's not going to happen. At this stage it's the only way in which schools won't reopen at the end of August, i.e. if teachers refuse to cooperate with the Government plans. As you say, that isn't going to happen.

Your idiotic optimism knows no bounds. Those of who have watched the departments " progress' don't have huge faith in its planning capability. They have not really consulted which is worrying. As for me as a teacher - I am willing to go to my job so long as the same norms that apply to your workplace or any workplace apply.
If you want evidence of the government s ineptitude just look at what happened with the LC.
Remember Leo's hook or by crook statement on the LC in May?
Remember any political manifesto you care to remember.
Don't worry we will probably go back to raising your kids shortly !

lulublue22 · 24-07-2020 04:13PM

is_that_so wrote: »

Just to add some context to that big 3rd level number, they usually get a lot of money from overseas students and that's not going to happen for this academic year. You might even call it a bailout!

Fair enough - pity the gov won't bail out primary/secondary ed and provide adequate funding to ensure work place Health & Safety guidelines can be implemented and our schools stay open.

wadacrack · 24-07-2020 04:13PM

Great video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eaP76TArMRU

Sierra Oscar · 24-07-2020 04:17PM

Bobtheman wrote: »

Your idiotic optimism knows no bounds. Those of who have watched the departments " progress' don't have huge faith in its planning capability. They have not really consulted which is worrying. As for me as a teacher - I am willing to go to my job so long as the same norms that apply to your workplace or any workplace apply.
If you want evidence of the government s ineptitude just look at what happened with the LC.
Don't worry we will probably go back to raising your kids shortly !

I'm really not arguing whether teachers are being hard done by or whether or not the Government is inept.

I'm just making the point that, at this stage, a political decision has been made ensuring that schools will be reopened. I wouldn't be entirely optimistic that much consultation will actually happen.

It's entirely political at this stage as TD's are getting hammered by parents and it is all feeding into the Government's decision making.

alroley · 24-07-2020 04:18PM

wirelessdude01 wrote: »

Why do people keep bringing this up? This is not even being contemplated.

It's ridiculous at this point. I have only seen teachers saying they want to go back to a safe work environment.

I am so hoping that I can go back to teaching my full classes as safely as possible. I want to go back to as normal as we can, but I want the same protection as workers in other professions.

Teaching full classes in the classroom is the easiest way of teaching. Online teaching or teaching half classes is much more difficult and time consuming.

Teachers want to go back to school asap. But, we do deserve the same safety as others.

I understand that there are some people on this forum and elsewhere that just hate on teachers for the sake of it, but literally no one but the posters that regularly hate on teachers have brought up strikes etc. It's sad that people spend their days hating on a profession and people wanting to be safe at work.

downthemiddle · 24-07-2020 04:36PM

Sierra Oscar wrote: »

True, the one thing we don't really need to speculate about is the fact that schools will be open. How they manage it remains to be seen, but they will be open.

I don't think teachers will get much public support if they decide to engage in an all out strike over this.

I presume you have something concrete to back up your comment about all out strike. Please produce your evidence to show that teachers are engaging in talks about strike action or withdraw the comment based on it being ill informed and slanderous to a whole profession.

Bobtheman · 24-07-2020 04:38PM

A big point is being missed. Sure schools will be opened but not necessarily for every pupil everyday.
However I think the real problem will be maths and Irish at secondary level. It's pretty hard to recruit teachers in these subjects and these are the classes where practically all pupils must attend- meaning class sizes are big.
English teachers easier to recruit

Boggles · 24-07-2020 04:41PM

Sierra Oscar wrote: »

Are they? The Tánaiste has been very outspoken in the last 24 hours stating that schools will have to return. FG seem on board, I would imagine the Greens are too.

Parents will not tolerate schools remaining closed for another few months, that much seems pretty obvious now. Patience is running thin.

Schools are going to reopen, 100% no doubt. I don't know why people keep saying they won't be.

Leo was asked several different ways last night were schools going to fully reopen, he wouldn't answer the question.

He stated in the "Dáil" yesterday

However, Mr Varadkar warned that it will not be business as usual.

So yes it is very much looking like a FF solo run.

They get to announce they want to get schools fully back, it meets cabinet Monday which could go either way.

But it's win win for FF. They wanted to open schools fully, it was pesky FG who poured water on it.

But like I said, we could be surprised by the plan, it may actually based reality. I doubt it, but here is hoping.

We got one snippet of it today

At the same press conference, junior minister for special education Josepha Madigan revealed that €74 will be given to each student with special needs to help facilitate their return to school.

Nice. Maybe they can use it for a Netlflix subscription when their SNA is off sick.

Sierra Oscar · 24-07-2020 04:42PM

downthemiddle wrote: »

I presume you have something concrete to back up your comment about all out strike. Please produce your evidence to show that teachers are engaging in talks about strike action or withdraw the comment based on it being ill informed and slanderous to a whole profession.

Where have I said teachers are engaging in discussions on strike action?

I've clearly set out that the Government is hellbent on fully reopening schools and the only way that will not happen at this stage is if teachers choose not to return to work - i.e. strike action.

There's no point attacking me. I'm just being realistic here and setting out things as they are.

The Government has made a decision to reopen schools. In all likelihood the unions will be presented with a fait accompli next week by Government. As you say, teachers don't want to strike so I don't really see what else they can do but accept the Government's plans.

lulublue22 · 24-07-2020 04:46PM

Sierra Oscar wrote: »

Where have I said teachers are engaging in discussions on strike action?

I've clearly set out that the Government is hellbent on fully reopening schools and the only way that will not happen at this stage is if teachers choose not to return to work - i.e. strike action.

There's no point attacking me. I'm just being realistic here and setting out things as they are.

The Government has made a decision to reopen schools. In all likelihood the unions will be presented with a fait accompli next week by Government. As you say, teachers don't want to strike so I don't really see what else they can do but accept the Government's plans.

You made a statement that there would be no support for teachers if a wide scale strike was undertaken. Nowhere and I mean nowhere has any one made any reference to possible strike action by teachers - neither teachers , principals or unions.

iamwhoiam · 24-07-2020 04:47PM

A question for primary teachers . I was just wondering if anyone has prepared to deal with kids who may be extremely anxious or upset about the last few months ?
Although I see a big improvement in children since the are out playing etc some kids were incredibly anxious and effected by the Covid lockdown . I am wondering if there was any guidance from Principals about a way to handle the aftermath of a traumatic event in kids lives ?

wirelessdude01 · 24-07-2020 04:49PM

iamwhoiam wrote: »

A question for primary teachers . I was just wondering if anyone has prepared to deal with kids who may be extremely anxious or upset about the last few months ?
Although I see a big improvement in children since the are out playing etc some kids were incredibly anxious and effected by the Covid lockdown . I am wondering if there was any guidance from Principals about a way to handle the aftermath of a traumatic event in kids lives ?

Let's see what the government announcement says. Meant to be resources/funding for this.

Sierra Oscar · 24-07-2020 04:50PM

lulublue22 wrote: »

You made a statement that there would be no support for teachers if a wide scale strike was undertaken. Nowhere and I mean nowhere has any one made any reference to possible strike action by teachers - neither teachers , principals or unions.

I stand over that statement too.

Strike action is the only way the Government would be forced to abandon its plans.

As you say, strike action isn't on the cards. So schools will be reopened as per the Governments plans. Judging by Government commentary and media reports those plans could be a lot closer to 'business as usual' than many here would have predicted. As has been pointed out though, we will have to wait until next week to see the plan.

I just wouldn't be holding out hope for much consultation being undertaken by the Government. It seems obvious to me that they are about to railroad the unions. It's not a nice way for the Government to do business (they might come to regret it down the line) but it's the reality of the situation.

downthemiddle · 24-07-2020 04:50PM

Sierra Oscar wrote: »

Where have I said teachers are engaging in discussions on strike action?

I've clearly set out that the Government is hellbent on fully reopening schools and the only way that will not happen at this stage is if teachers choose not to return to work - i.e. strike action.

There's no point attacking me. I'm just being realistic here and setting out things as they are.

The Government has made a decision to reopen schools. In all likelihood the unions will be presented with a fait accompli next week by Government. As you say, teachers don't want to strike so I don't really see what else they can do but accept the Government's plans.

I'm attacking your post which is either ill informed muppetry or a deliberate attempt to troll. Like I asked please produce evidence that teachers are discussing strike action or do not intend returning to work.
You clearly haven't a clue about the discussions that have being taking place and the various bodies that have engaged in the discussions. There is no fait accompli. The document to be published will have an input from all partners in education.
I'll ask again, where is your evidence of strike action?

Boggles · 24-07-2020 04:50PM

Sierra Oscar wrote: »

The Government has made a decision to reopen schools.

No they haven't.

New times now.

combat14 · 24-07-2020 04:52PM

wirelessdude01 wrote: »

Let's see what the government announcement says. Meant to be resources/funding for this.

exactly..

meanwhile in europe .. spain indicates that they may be in the start of a second wave and belgium rows back on easing of their lockdown measures as covid numbers rise again....

it really is too soon to say ...

downthemiddle · 24-07-2020 04:52PM

iamwhoiam wrote: »

A question for primary teachers . I was just wondering if anyone has prepared to deal with kids who may be extremely anxious or upset about the last few months ?
Although I see a big improvement in children since the are out playing etc some kids were incredibly anxious and effected by the Covid lockdown . I am wondering if there was any guidance from Principals about a way to handle the aftermath of a traumatic event in kids lives ?

I know of a number of schools that will be prioritising wellbeing when they return.

Boggles · 24-07-2020 04:53PM

Sierra Oscar wrote: »

Judging by Government commentary and media reports those plans could be a lot closer to 'business as usual' than many here would have predicted. As has been pointed out though, we will have to wait until next week to see the plan.

You mean like Leo 24 hours ago?

However, Mr Varadkar warned that it will not be business as usual.

downthemiddle · 24-07-2020 04:54PM

Sierra Oscar wrote: »

I stand over that statement too.

Strike action is the only way the Government would be forced to abandon its plans.

As you say, strike action isn't on the cards. So schools will be reopened as per the Governments plans. Judging by Government commentary and media reports those plans could be a lot closer to 'business as usual' than many here would have predicted. As has been pointed out though, we will have to wait until next week to see the plan.

I just wouldn't be holding out hope for much consultation being undertaken by the Government. It seems obvious to me that they are about to railroad the unions. It's not a nice way for the Government to do business (they might come to regret it down the line) but it's the reality of the situation.

It is only a reality in your head.

wirelessdude01 · 24-07-2020 04:54PM

downthemiddle wrote: »

I know of a number of schools that will be prioritising wellbeing when they return.

In what way? What is being put in place?

How will schools be able to go back in September?

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