Schools closed until February? (part 3)

Mrsmum · 05-01-2021 11:43PM

Can we please stop going over old ground again and again. It's sooooo boring, not to mention pointless. We should all agree that yes there were some teachers who did very little. Someone said their child received three emails in three months. I mean that is a disgrace. Then there were teachers who did tons of behind the scene work but maybe on the receiving end, it didn't look like much, then there were the really demanding teachers who had parents stressed to high heavens and then some who just had the magic touch. But most and definately my kids teachers were more than adequate.

Bananaleaf · 05-01-2021 11:43PM

teachinggal123 wrote: »

Yet another example of what I’ve been saying about some teachers not working during lockdown.

But like.... why do you have to constantly bring up the teachers who did nothing all the time?

I get it that you think those that did nothing should be called out - have you called them out on it? Moaning about them anonymously on here isn't calling them out.

Did you know of any one teacher who did a good job during the last lockdown? Do they not deserve a shout out?

I'm genuinely curious - what is the point of you coming here? Is it to rant about it or to annoy others? What are you gaining from it?

I'm not having a go at you but I'm just wondering why you come onto this forum at all

downthemiddle · 05-01-2021 11:44PM

thomas 123 wrote: »

I can say with certainty 2 schools that did nothing(essentially nothing, 1 email
a week with prescribed work) - I can also say that 1 school did a massive amount of work and that I was impressed by it.

Not sure how much good that is to you though you seem to have an obsession with this persons personal experience?

Have you engaged with the schools that failed their students?

Bananaleaf · 05-01-2021 11:44PM

Stateofyou wrote: »

The usefulness this has for me is that now I understand what the Dept has directed primary schools to do in the event of remote learning. It falls far, far short of what should have been done, that needs to be said first.

But the first shutdown we only got an email once a week during the final month of school. From the principal, who wouldn't allow teachers to directly work with their own pupils/families. Everyone we have spoken to is keen for this not to happen again. We want direct communication with kids' teachers and to keep that connection going. My kids adore their teachers. They need this, and hopefully to be able to see their classmates frequently somehow. Not sure this can happen though.

Please bear in mind that said document was only published in October of 2020.

6o9fv7jpreb180 · 05-01-2021 11:45PM

If parents were scrutinised as much as teachers, a lot of society's issues would be resolved.

Icyseanfitz · 05-01-2021 11:46PM

alroley wrote: »

According to RTE news anyway. No bother having the majority of secondary school teachers in school plus full year groups all mixing and not social distancing.

We've a lot of 3rd and 6th years, most teachers and snas will be in

jimmytwotimes 2013 · 05-01-2021 11:49PM

Do we have to read the same rubbish ongoing since last spring? We get it 123, crying over spilt milk at this stage.

Anyway, next Monday.

How people feeling bout going in next week at reduced capacity and online for the others?

Presume 3rd and 6th yrs can be given bigger rooms in school now.

Windows open so it will be baltic but will be better for 6th yrs especially as they can continue learning ahead of mocks, orals etc

khalessi · 05-01-2021 11:50PM

at the moment sounds like online for everyone but LC and JC they will be face to face. But no point specualting until official announcement

thomas 123 · 05-01-2021 11:50PM

downthemiddle wrote: »

Have you engaged with the schools that failed their students?

Not a parent, and not in a position to. I am
merely sharing my personal observations of the situation.

As a citizen my honest feeling and opinion is the department of education is a **** show(for want of a better expression), they had adequate time to plan, yet they didn’t, and teachers will get the brunt of backlash from the public as usual.

Assuming you or whoever reading this is a teacher:
I think Foley lied to ye as a a profession, ye got no training and extra staff as promised, now we are here again and ye don’t even have a simple plan to follow?

And at the end of the day it’s the kids that suffer the consequences, my own personal stake are my family members doing exams this year.

wirelessdude01 · 05-01-2021 11:51PM

jimmytwotimes 2013 wrote: »

Windows open so it will be baltic but will be better for 6th yrs especially as they can continue learning ahead of mocks, orals etc

All the leaving cert students on liveline today complaining about open windows and doors will be delighted.

ToddDameron · 05-01-2021 11:53PM

Does anyone know if universities have been mentioned in all of this? I'm due to sit a practical exam on Tuesday, which requires leaving the county to go to Dublin. Radio silence from my university.

History Queen · 05-01-2021 11:54PM

It's exhausting at this stage... all of it. I'm off to pour a rather large gin and turn on some braindead TV. Can't wait to hear the ****show they've planned for us... maybe I'll be pleasantly surprised and the Dept will have got their **** together? Doubtful.

teachinggal123 · 05-01-2021 11:55PM

Bananaleaf wrote: »

But like.... why do you have to constantly bring up the teachers who did nothing all the time?

I get it that you think those that did nothing should be called out - have you called them out on it? Moaning about them anonymously on here isn't calling them out.

Did you know of any one teacher who did a good job during the last lockdown? Do they not deserve a shout out?

I'm genuinely curious - what is the point of you coming here? Is it to rant about it or to annoy others? What are you gaining from it?

I'm not having a go at you but I'm just wondering why you come onto this forum at all

Do you know how boards works? This is an anonymous message board where we are all anonymous.

And please read all my threads before having a go at me. I have praised teachers who did their best last lockdown. But you’d prefer to ignore that as your true purpose is to have a go at me, right?

km79 · 05-01-2021 11:58PM

Icyseanfitz wrote: »

We've a lot of 3rd and 6th years, most teachers and snas will be in

And special classes
And buses would have to run
I think people have picked up what was said wring regarding Leaving Certs anyways

http://twitter.com/newschambers/status/1346588259581878275

Stateofyou · 05-01-2021 11:58PM

wirelessdude01 wrote: »

Did you speak to the principal when schools returned about this?

No. It's a regret of mine. At first it seemed like it was for the best, encouraging families to be together outdoors and de-stress, it was only for the last 4 weeks that we had books and the emails from principal. We also got inundated with "resources" such as Twinkl before the emails came but we found it very overwhelming to try trawl through all the materials and figure out lesson plans from them (while working ourselves) but we did our best. (I still resent that tbh.)

Then summer came, and with the start of a new year came the announcements of new remote platforms so I said to myself they had learned from it and will do better if there's a next time. I hope so. I will speak up this time if I feel its falling short. Im actually interested to hear from teachers here what they're doing from next week so to compare...

Sorry edited to add that by "they" had learned from it I mean the school, specifically the principal. it was out of the teachers hands, who are brilliant teachers, no complaints. Through the rumour mill I learned the teachers resent the principals level of control over everything, so I feel for them actually. I bet they were glad to see the document saying they should have contact with their pupils, actually.

Stateofyou · 05-01-2021 11:59PM

Bananaleaf wrote: »

Please bear in mind that said document was only published in October of 2020.

Oh I know! I think I remember hearing it was backdated too?

wirelessdude01 · 06-01-2021 12:04AM

Stateofyou wrote: »

No. It's a regret of mine. At first it seemed like it was for the best, encouraging families to be together outdoors and de-stress, it was only for the last 4 weeks that we had books and the emails from principal. We also got inundated with "resources" such as Twinkl before the emails came but we found it very overwhelming to try trawl through all the materials and figure out lesson plans from them (while working ourselves) but we did our best. (I still resent that tbh.)

Then summer came, and with the start of a new year came the announcements of new remote platforms so I said to myself they had learned from it and will do better if there's a next time. I hope so. I will speak up this time if I feel its falling short. Im actually interested to hear from teachers here what they're doing from next week so to compare...

My advice is don't be comparing, do even co pare within the same school. Each teacher will have their own way of doing things. I won't be doing live lessons but that is due to my parents and what they indicated works for them. For maths and Irish I'll be mainly doing revision of topics already covered, plenty of verb work in Irish for the first fortnight. My main aim will be to not overload or cause additional stress and/or anxiety for my pupils and their families as we are not privy to home circumstances. Now we will still aim for progression but not at the same level as when we are in school.

Stateofyou · 06-01-2021 12:07AM

wirelessdude01 wrote: »

My advice is don't be comparing, do even co pare within the same school. Each teacher will have their own way of doing things. I won't be doing live lessons but that is due to my parents and what they indicated works for them. For maths and Irish I'll be mainly doing revision of topics already covered, plenty of verb work in Irish for the first fortnight. My main aim will be to not overload or cause additional stress and/or anxiety for my pupils and their families as we are not privy to home circumstances. Now we will still aim for progression but not at the same level as when we are in school.

Will take that on board. I edited my previous post by the way before you put this up..

Will you do any optional zoom chats for the craic do you think?

BonsaiKitten · 06-01-2021 12:09AM

Stateofyou wrote: »

No. It's a regret of mine. At first it seemed like it was for the best, encouraging families to be together outdoors and de-stress, it was only for the last 4 weeks that we had books and the emails from principal. We also got inundated with "resources" such as Twinkl before the emails came but we found it very overwhelming to try trawl through all the materials and figure out lesson plans from them (while working ourselves) but we did our best. (I still resent that tbh.)

Then summer came, and with the start of a new year came the announcements of new remote platforms so I said to myself they had learned from it and will do better if there's a next time. I hope so. I will speak up this time if I feel its falling short. Im actually interested to hear from teachers here what they're doing from next week so to compare...

Splitting my class in half and teaching live most of the day, if you want to know. Couple of whole class games sessions to keep spirits up as well.

They might have to upload a couple of bits on Seesaw (writing etc, no way can I see that over Zoom) and will have to do some reading/ handwriting etc independently. But I'm going live as much as possible, they respond well to it and correcting online is a ballache. Parents liked my live lessons last time - freed them up to chase after toddlers or try to work themselves - so that's good too.

Now, as I've mentioned on here I also teach in an area where all kids would have their own devices/ broadband/ place to work. Not every child in every class has that, so I wouldn't expect every teacher to do what I'm doing.

I really feel for the teachers in that school, it sounds like a toxic workplace.

Bananaleaf · 06-01-2021 12:09AM

teachinggal123 wrote: »

Do you know how boards works? This is an anonymous message board where we are all anonymous.

And please read all my threads before having a go at me. I have praised teachers who did their best last lockdown. But you’d prefer to ignore that as your true purpose is to have a go at me, right?

No it isn't to have a go at you at all. That is not my intention at all and I said that in the post above.

If you have posts praising others then fair enough. I'll admit that I didn't read your full posting history before making that comment, but I am going on what has stood out to me in the last couple of months.

I have not once been confrontational towards you in the months that you have been on here giving out about it but I am getting a bit tired of it now as it serves no purpose.

May I respectfully suggest that you either broach the issue with your colleagues this time round or let it go.

Bananaleaf · 06-01-2021 12:11AM

Stateofyou wrote: »

Oh I know! I think I remember hearing it was backdated too?

Yes it was. lol

thomas 123 · 06-01-2021 12:12AM

wirelessdude01 wrote: »

My advice is don't be comparing, do even co pare within the same school. Each teacher will have their own way of doing things. I won't be doing live lessons but that is due to my parents and what they indicated works for them. For maths and Irish I'll be mainly doing revision of topics already covered, plenty of verb work in Irish for the first fortnight. My main aim will be to not overload or cause additional stress and/or anxiety for my pupils and their families as we are not privy to home circumstances. Now we will still aim for progression but not at the same level as when we are in school.

Just interested in this and not a dig or to try set up a dig at all as I’ve no idea what class/year you teach.

When you say no live lessons does that mean you do a recorded lesson and send it to the child? Or simply prepare a worksheet for them to do themselves? I am
sure there is a mix, but whats your primary delivery method?

Another question, if you do not compare with other teachers, what "metrics" would you utilise to ensure your class is benefiting from what you are doing?

wirelessdude01 · 06-01-2021 12:13AM

Stateofyou wrote: »

Will take that on board. I edited my previous post by the way before you put this up..

Will you do any optional zoom chats for the craic do you think?

I did them the last time so will do so again. We did quizzes and similar on zoom. As a school we have decided to not do live online lessons for a number of reasons, main one being that parents and kids felt under pressure to attend. Recorded stuff seems to suit most in our school and that is our whole school approach.

TTLF · 06-01-2021 12:17AM

kinda confused on the whole "are exam classes going back"

Surely if everyone's told to stay home that wouldn't be true? Miscommunication maybe? Teachers can just prioritize those exam years online more right?

teachinggal123 · 06-01-2021 12:19AM

Bananaleaf wrote: »

No it isn't to have a go at you at all. That is not my intention at all and I said that in the post above.

If you have posts praising others then fair enough. I'll admit that I didn't read your full posting history before making that comment, but I am going on what has stood out to me in the last couple of months.

I have not once been confrontational towards you in the months that you have been on here giving out about it but I am getting a bit tired of it now as it serves no purpose.

May I respectfully suggest that you either broach the issue with your colleagues this time round or let it go.

Yeah, fair enough. I’m not having a go at you either.

I have said this to my colleagues but it’s not a good idea to start a conflict with my principal for obvious reasons.

alroley · 06-01-2021 12:20AM

TTLF wrote: »

kinda confused on the whole "are exam classes going back"

Surely if everyone's told to stay home that wouldn't be true? Miscommunication maybe? Teachers can just prioritize those exam years online more right?

It would be counter productive to have pretty much all secondary school staff and thousands of students go to school.

wirelessdude01 · 06-01-2021 12:22AM

TTLF wrote: »

kinda confused on the whole "are exam classes going back"

Surely if everyone's told to stay home that wouldn't be true? Miscommunication maybe? Teachers can just prioritize those exam years online more right?

It seems to be true such is the level of back channel briefing going on to journalists. It's a pure populist move from Mehole. Honestly think that there will be a high percentage of those students who won't be attending and will be expecting to be taught online instead.

Hold My Hand · 06-01-2021 12:22AM

I’m a teacher and have a lot of sympathy for parents. During the first lockdown, one sister was homeschooling her 5 primary kids (older teen in TY, TG) Every morning, she had an email outlining work for each child, regular zoom chats with their teachers, schoolbooks etc. 2 of the children receive support in school so they needed additional help also. By the time the Summer holidays arrived, she was exhausted (she was doing all this and helping on the farm). I was looking at my home classroom today. I have a sturdy IKEA whiteboard and am going to be teaching from my sittingroom on Seesaw ... I better hide the wine bottles lol

Benimar · 06-01-2021 12:23AM

wirelessdude01 wrote: »

It seems to be true such is the level of back channel ringing going on to journalists. It's a pure populist move from Mehole. Honestly think that their will be a high percentage of those students who won't be attending and will be expecting to be taught online instead.

It’s a bit nuts. The one group who could handle online best (age and interest) are the ones going in to class. Sounds nuts to me.

TTLF · 06-01-2021 12:23AM

alroley wrote: »

It would be counter productive to have pretty much all secondary school staff and thousands of students go to school.

yeah i was thinking like, surely if it isn't safe for a 2nd year to be face to face with a teacher, it wouldn't magically be different for a 3rd or 6th yr either, would seem silly?

Regardless with my condition i wouldn't be going in under these current circumstances but I dont want to be put in a position where "exam classes still go in" and im stuck trying to figure out what to do since i cannot.

Headache this all is, we're being told tomorrow right?

Schools closed until February? (part 3)

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