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How will schools be able to go back in September? (Continued)

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Comments

  • #3332
    wirelessdude01
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,445 ✭✭✭wirelessdude01


    Blondini wrote: »
    I have said it all along. Bubbles and pods exist only on paper and are an insult to people's intelligence.

    THERE WILL BE ZERO SD IN SCHOOLS. NONE.

    Bubbles and pods were just a 'rebranding' of class and groups. A lovely nice new shiny makeover for our schools that will ward off the auld Covid. A St Brigid's cloak if you will.


  • #3333
    Murple
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 337 ✭✭Murple


    Deeec wrote: »
    Several teachers and parents raised the issue of buses on here weeks ago. How Norma and her department didnt think buses were going to be a problem is astounding.

    The only reason anything was done was because bus drivers began to object. Up to that, Norma and her department thought that everyone wearing masks, siblings beside siblings and assigned seating would work. Because the department is filled with people who have no clue of how things really work when children are involved.
    They still think it’s fine though to fill buses carrying primary children to capacity though.


  • #3334
    Blondini
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,480 ✭✭✭Blondini


    wirelessdude01 wrote: »
    Bubbles and pods were just a 'rebranding' of class and groups. A lovely nice new shiny makeover for our schools that will ward off the auld Covid. A St Brigid's cloak if you will.

    Yep, and as we all know Bubbles Burst and Pods Pop !


  • #3335
    deliege
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 104 ✭✭deliege


    wirelessdude01 wrote: »
    Bubbles and pods were just a 'rebranding' of class and groups. A lovely nice new shiny makeover for our schools that will ward off the auld Covid. A St Brigid's cloak if you will.

    Yes. I know. Even wrote so to the principal last week...

    The document also says (no surprise either) that for the older kids, the distance between pods will be "1m as far as possible". In other words zilch.


  • #3336
    khalessi
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,216 ✭✭✭khalessi


    deliege wrote: »
    Hi all, long time lurker here, I enjoyed reading most of the discussion and it helped me ask a few questions to my children's school principal. No answer yet and I'm not expecting one at this point. We got the official school covid response plan this morning and let's say that this bit really puts us off:

    "It is recognised that younger children are unlikely to maintain physical distancing
    indoors so there is no requirement for children from Junior Infants to Second Class
    to maintain a physical distance within their Class Bubble."

    (and in the case of our son, the class is a big bubble, 28 kids).

    It would put me off too, but the school will carry out sd to the best of their abilities because it will help keep the school safe. Would you email the school about your worries and see how they respond.

    If it is any help when children go into school they sit in the classes and schools will have sd the tables in Junior classes I have seen the photos of ours. All cleaning and hand hygiene will be encouraged.

    The junior classes will be sat in groups, sorry pods, like they normally will. The teachers will more than likely have ppe of visors. We have been given masks and the teachers will wear it.

    I am in with the Junior infants next week to help them settle in and I find from the word go, they go and sit in their seat and listen to the teacher and only a couple will get up to go to the teacher and they are guided gently back to their seats.

    The class teacher always go through how to behave in the class, it is done in a nice way and the kids always get it from the get go.

    So the class will be normal like Blondini say no social distancing but tables will be in groups. And if like my school what happens in senior groups will happen in junior groups because we are trying to keep all the children safe and there is no point in only doing it with half the school.

    You will probably find the teacher will be doing what they can to keep the children in their seats but it will be similar to the senior classes. Stay in your seat, dont share pencils etc, no swapping lunches, wash your hands cough into your sleeves.

    Hope this helps. WHat class are kids in?


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  • #3337
    wirelessdude01
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,445 ✭✭✭wirelessdude01


    deliege wrote: »
    Yes. I know. Even wrote so to the principal last week...

    The document also says (no surprise either) that for the older kids, the distance between pods will be "1m as far as possible". In other words zilch.

    Think I counted if/where/when possible 46 times in the document for primary and special schools. It's their get out of jail card.


  • #3338
    Blondini
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,480 ✭✭✭Blondini


    wirelessdude01 wrote: »
    Think I counted if/where/when possible 46 times in the document for primary and special schools. It's their get out of jail card.

    Whole 'roadmap' could have been summed up in one sentence :

    "Open schools as normal, and don't catch the virus if possible."


  • #3339
    deliege
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 104 ✭✭deliege


    khalessi wrote: »
    It would put me off too, but the school will carry out sd to the best of their abilities because it will help keep the school safe. Would you email the school about your worries and see how they respond.

    (...)

    You will probably find the teacher will be doing what they can to keep the children in their seats but it will be similar to the senior classes. Stay in your seat, dont share pencils etc, no swapping lunches, wash your hands cough into your sleeves.

    Hope this helps. WHat class are kids in?

    Thanks for your advices and explanations, khalessi, but I've already sent a long email to the school last week with various questions and considerations. Nothing came back my way. We only got told (on Monday) that start of the year was pushed back from the 27th to the 1st, because they were not ready yet (and were still expecting things from the DES).

    Have read the rest of the plan. Not convinced. PPE only in certain circumstances. The thing is we're "trying to prevent" a respiratory disease to spread while not using the most effective tools (i.e. masks, real distancing etc.).

    Our decision is more or less taken to homeschool.

    PS kids are in Jr Infant and 3rd. One of them is at risk (not "very high" but still higher risk than normal).


  • #3340
    khalessi
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,216 ✭✭✭khalessi


    deliege wrote: »
    Thanks for your advices and explanations, khalessi, but I've already sent a long email to the school last week with various questions and considerations. Nothing came back my way. We only got told (on Monday) that start of the year was pushed back from the 27th to the 1st, because they were not ready yet (and were still expecting things from the DES).

    Have read the rest of the plan. Not convinced. PPE only in certain circumstances. The thing is we're "trying to prevent" a respiratory disease to spread while not using the most effective tools (i.e. masks, real distancing etc.).

    Our decision is more or less taken to homeschool.

    PS kids are in Jr Infant and 3rd. One of them is at risk (not "very high" but still higher risk than normal).

    At risk is enough, I would pull them too If I was able for peace of mind. I hope it all works out for you. If you need help with homeschooling henireland.org is the Irish home education network.


  • #3341
    BonsaiKitten
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,798 ✭✭✭BonsaiKitten


    smellyoldboot wrote: »
    Not in all cases tbf. Our little one has (among other stuff) very poor concentration, attention span and no planning skills (DCD). We would use the pencil case coming home as means of "stock check" to see if anything needs topped up as she'd never tell us herself.

    You're a good parent. What happens a lot of the time though is kids don't bring in pencil cases or take stuff out to draw at home and don't put it back. Ime it's always the same children borrowing from others.
    I imagine that the teacher will just send you an email or a note if your child needs more supplies, that's what I usually do.


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  • #3342
    iguana
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,917 ✭✭✭✭iguana


    German schools opened two weeks ago, as far as I know with better measures than are being proposed here and as of yesterday there have been infections in at least 41 schools according to the Daily Berliner Zeitung. With elementary, high and trade schools all effected. On the Guradian live blog at 10.35.

    https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2020/aug/21/coronavirus-live-news-latin-america-deaths-near-250000-russia-to-start-mass-vaccine-trials


  • #3343
    lulublue22
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,496 ✭✭✭lulublue22


    iguana wrote: »
    German schools opened two weeks ago, as far as I know with better measures than are being proposed here and as of yesterday there have been infections in at least 41 schools according to the Daily Berliner Zeitung. With elementary, high and trade schools all effected. On the Guradian live blog at 10.35.

    https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2020/aug/21/coronavirus-live-news-latin-america-deaths-near-250000-russia-to-start-mass-vaccine-trials

    Would love to know their measures so we could do a realistic comparison.


  • #3344
    i_surge
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,093 ✭✭✭i_surge


    A lot of reckless endangerment and still no strike or protest.


  • #3345
    Gerry Hatrick
    Closed Accounts Posts: 552 ✭✭✭Gerry Hatrick


    combat14 wrote: »
    why cant they use all the tourist buses to ferry the kids to school each day or have school from 7.30am to 5.30pm to stagger start and end times no big deal

    Drivers need Garda clearance before transporting children. Tourist bus drivers don't have that.

    That clearance takes weeks to obtain.


  • #3346
    irishblessing
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 962 ✭✭✭irishblessing


    smellyoldboot wrote: »
    When we let FF govern, we can't be remotely surprised when the most stupid option available is selected time and time again.

    Did we let them? :pac:


  • #3347
    Murple
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 337 ✭✭Murple


    Gerry Hatrick wrote: »
    Drivers need Garda clearance before transporting children. Tourist bus drivers don't have that.

    What about coach companies that would normally transport children on tours, to matches, foreign students etc. Surely they would have Garda vetting done.


  • #3348
    jimmytwotimes 2013
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,797 ✭✭✭jimmytwotimes 2013


    Murple wrote: »
    What about coach companies that would normally transport children on tours, to matches, foreign students etc. Surely they would have Garda vetting done.

    A lot of those wud be the ones who do school runs during the year as well. Bus Éireann have to find twice the buses used for schools and therefore twice the drivers. Private companies doing school runs under contract for Bus Éireann would not have been running at half capacity and are generally a local business with a limited amount of drivers and buses.


  • #3349
    wirelessdude01
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,445 ✭✭✭wirelessdude01


    i_surge wrote: »
    A lot of reckless endangerment and still no strike or protest.

    Keep trying to get someone to bite. Email the three teacher union headoffices with your thoughts.


  • #3350
    SusanC10
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,432 ✭✭✭SusanC10


    Our school Bus normally has both Primary and Secondary school Kids on it.
    What are they going to do ?
    We have decided anyway to drive our Kids for the next while but just interested to know how this will work.


  • #3351
    i_surge
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,093 ✭✭✭i_surge


    wirelessdude01 wrote: »
    Keep trying to get someone to bite. Email the three teacher union headoffices with your thoughts.

    I think no one has the right to complain while going along with the plan.

    If you don't live consistent with your opinion then you don't deserve to have that opinion.


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  • #3352
    wirelessdude01
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,445 ✭✭✭wirelessdude01


    i_surge wrote: »
    I think no one has the right to complain while going along with the plan.

    If you don't live consistent with your opinion then you don't deserve to have that opinion.

    How do you know we/I haven't complained? Our complaints fall on deaf ears as you can see from some on here. The resistance to this version of the plan needs to come from parents and guardians.


  • #3353
    alroley
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,289 ✭✭✭alroley


    i_surge wrote: »
    I think no one has the right to complain while going along with the plan.

    If you don't live consistent with your opinion then you don't deserve to have that opinion.

    I have contacted TDs and my union. Sadly no one will listen to teachers.

    As wirelessdude01 said - parents/guardians are the only people that will be listened to.


  • #3354
    i_surge
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,093 ✭✭✭i_surge


    wirelessdude01 wrote: »
    How do you know we/I haven't complained? Our complaints fall on deaf ears as you can see from some on here. The resistance to this version of the plan needs to come from parents and guardians.

    It needs to come from somewhere, completely untenable plan. Everyone knows it and we are sleepwalking into a problem undoing the effort of what was a fairly draconian lockdown with irrational distance limits.


  • #3355
    Sunday Sunday
    Closed Accounts Posts: 187 ✭✭Sunday Sunday


    i_surge wrote: »
    A lot of reckless endangerment and still no strike or protest.

    Why do you keep pushing for a strike, not going to happen imo. The teachers or unions are not pushing for strike action.

    Why don't you set up an online petition like that other chap did. You efforts to whip up a strike here have failed again and again, it's kinda sad tbh.


  • #3356
    ELM327
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 23,182 ✭✭✭✭ELM327


    irishblessing wrote: »
    Did we let them? :pac:
    Yes, via the great thing we call voting.


  • #3357
    Sunday Sunday
    Closed Accounts Posts: 187 ✭✭Sunday Sunday


    i_surge wrote: »
    It needs to come from somewhere, completely untenable plan. Everyone knows it and we are sleepwalking into a problem undoing the effort of what was a fairly draconian lockdown with irrational distance limits.

    Lockdown met its purpose, won't happen on that scale again. Now we manage clusters and live with it.


  • #3358
    i_surge
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,093 ✭✭✭i_surge


    Sunday Sunday wrote: »
    Why do you keep pushing for a strike, not going to happen imo. The teachers or unions are not pushing for strike action.

    Why don't you set up an online petition like that other chap did. You efforts to whip up a strike here have failed again and again, it's kinda sad tbh.

    I'm neither a teacher or a parent.

    If i was, i would lead by example.

    Plenty here complaining but all still going along to get along. That is what is sad.


  • #3359
    Sunday Sunday
    Closed Accounts Posts: 187 ✭✭Sunday Sunday


    i_surge wrote: »
    I'm neither a teacher or a parent.

    If i was, i would lead by example.

    Plenty here complaining but all still going along to get along. That is what is sad.

    Has to be done, can't blame people who have very little control on the wider scale of things. They have very limited choice when it comes down to it.

    Your opinion as neither a parent or teacher doesn't carry much weight when calling for strike as it will have no impact on you or your career or risk to yourself.


  • #3360
    i_surge
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,093 ✭✭✭i_surge


    Sunday Sunday wrote: »
    Has to be done, can't blame people who have very little control on the wider scale of things. They have very limited choice when it comes down to it.

    Your opinion as neither a parent or teacher doesn't carry much weight when calling for strike as it will have no impact on you or your career or risk to yourself.

    I know people are forced to accept nonsensical bull**** by people who could do something but won't.

    We have someone fall on their sword for attending a small function and yet this is worse but sanctioned.

    Health > ethics > career


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  • #3361
    March2323
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10 ✭March2323


    Very informative thread, the bus saga is scandalous. Of course Norma knew well about the potential problems on the school buses, perhaps she was hoping parents would just accept that SD wasnt possible on the school buses. Unfortunately the new guidelines during the week highlighted the problem. Of course schools have to open but it needs to be done very slowly and carefully. What's wrong with only allowing students in for half the time for September, rotate classes and prioritize those exam classes and first years.I see Michael Martin talks a lot about the wellbeing of students. Has anyone really considered how restrictive mask wearing will be for some students for 6/7 hours a day? Many students already find school a challenging place, now they are faced with even more regulations, isolation and lack of interaction with friends. There are students who are capable of working from home with blended learning formats why not let them use this format until at least Halloween? Students who absolutely need to be in school could still be catered for and given the support they need.


This discussion has been closed.
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