Schools closed until March/April? (part 4) **Mod warning in OP 22/01**

BTownB wrote: »

And to add, primary schools are also open in Greece.

Ireland will be the first to close schools and last to open. Government should prioritize vaccine for teachers and other school staff. it would give them protection & sense of security which might help to reopen schools soon. personally i feel they should get the vaccine even before healthcare workers.

All these closures really shows up the lie that "Schools are Safe" that Norma peddled for 4 months and then tried again in early January.

If they were safe they'd be open. It really is that simple. You can look for nuances all you like but that is the crux of the matter.

Schools weren't safe and won't be fully safe when they reopen and are probably actually less safe than Term 1 due to the UK variant. I would be much more respectful of the government if they just came out and said that but also said we can't keep the schools closed forever so we'll put the best mitigation plans we can into schools and do our best to keep them open but it'll be an evolving situation.

Rather than the dogmatic rubbish that was spouted out from September to December. MM has had a much more conciliatory tone over the last few weeks with regards to this but NF certainly hasn't. If they cut the bullsh*t they might get teachers onside. Don't treat us like idiots.

Ray Donovan wrote: »

All these closures really shows up the lie that "Schools are Safe" that Norma peddled for 4 months and then tried again in early January.

If they were safe they'd be open. It really is that simple. You can look for nuances all you like but that is the crux of the matter.

Schools weren't safe and won't be fully safe when they reopen and are probably actually less safe than Term 1 due to the UK variant. I would be much more respectful of the government if they just came out and said that but also said we can't keep the schools closed forever so we'll put the best mitigation plans we can into schools and do our best to keep them open but it'll be an evolving situation.

Rather than the dogmatic rubbish that was spouted out from September to December. MM has had a much more conciliatory tone over the last few weeks with regards to this but NF certainly hasn't. If they cut the bullsh*t they might get teachers onside. Don't treat us like idiots.

Yet she hasn't and won't be held accountable.

jusvi2001 wrote: »

Every other sector is working hard and taking risk to keep this country running with exception to teachers who feels they are at huge risk if the schools are open. Regarding payment and holidays ...there are not many who earn full salary & holidays and get to stay at home. so consider yourself lucky.

I know of medical staff who cannot even get a rest day ,not to mind looking forward to July and August.

jusvi2001 wrote: »

personally i feel they should get the vaccine even before healthcare workers.

Ahead of healthcare workers who handle patients & are in closer proximity to people than teachers?

Time to call off the LC IMO.

They cant even guarantee schools will open in March. This farce has gone on long enough.

Ray Donovan wrote: »

All these closures really shows up the lie that "Schools are Safe" that Norma peddled for 4 months and then tried again in early January.

If they were safe they'd be open. It really is that simple. You can look for nuances all you like but that is the crux of the matter.

Schools weren't safe and won't be fully safe when they reopen and are probably actually less safe than Term 1 due to the UK variant. I would be much more respectful of the government if they just came out and said that but also said we can't keep the schools closed forever so we'll put the best mitigation plans we can into schools and do our best to keep them open but it'll be an evolving situation.

Rather than the dogmatic rubbish that was spouted out from September to December. MM has had a much more conciliatory tone over the last few weeks with regards to this but NF certainly hasn't. If they cut the bullsh*t they might get teachers onside. Don't treat us like idiots.

Stateofyou wrote: »

Great post, I would only add us parents to that sentiment too. Sure look: There is 127k members of the Alerting Parents of outbreaks in schools because many of us could see through the "schools are safe" bs and just wanted it straight.

Be honest about the problem, plan and implement the best mitigation approaches, and reopen when safe.

It's not rocket science. It's unbelievable the mess that has been made.

So, let me get this straight.

We are ignoring NPHET advice and the best practice of most European countries in opening schools. And taking our public health advice from an anonymous Facebook group instead.

Right.

teachinggal123 wrote: »

Many of the teachers here should be deeply, deeply ashamed of themselves (and the teaching unions and profession in general) reading this.

Why? Most teachers workloads have doubled as well it is not a competition

monkeybutter wrote: »

if you can handle double your normal workload, it makes you question how much work you were doing before hand

Not the amount of work that will lead to burnout over a prolonged period of time.

When are they reopening Primary? It should be reopening straight after mid term. This is a disaster. Children are disengaging and fed up, parents likewise. Cases are falling but this term could be saved if they reopened after mid term instead of making an absolute dogs dinner of it by dragging this out further.
Why are teachers not being prioritised for testing while waiting on the vaccine?

Finally low numbers. Hopefully we can start seeing a move to schools going back in early March.

It has to be very well managed though and proper close contact tracing.

We have seen with the creches how much easier this strain spreads jumping from 5% positivity rate in Sep-Dec to 12.5% in Jan.

khalessi wrote: »

I know it doesnt suit you but most teachers I talk to, have stated here and in other publice social media sites that the work has doubled and I know definitley you can say compared to lockdown one your work has doubled. Also majoirty of parents I have come across have been happy with the workload this time out and many have said the interaction has improved.

So I can say it.

I have nothing to be ashamed of, ther has any teacher I know. Are you ashamed?

You can say whatever you want. You can believe Facebook groups over NPHET and a host of International Health Departments if you want.

But your claim that "most teachers workload has doubled" cannot be supported. It is your personal opinion and nothing more.

And I don't believe you.

teachinggal123 wrote: »

There is no possible way you can support that claim. That is your personal opinion and nothing more.

The irony of this statement will not be lost on people.

monkeybutter wrote: »

if you can handle double your normal workload, it makes you question how much work you were doing before hand

Very smart in judging workload.

Pray that you don't need an admission in a hospital .you might end up in trolley spending ages to be seen by a doctor/nurse. you will then know yourself what i meant by workload.