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

combat14 wrote: »

From the indo today lest we forget:

‘I told the paramedics you have to take me in, I’m dying’ – one woman’s Covid hell

https://m.independent.ie/irish-news/i-told-the-paramedics-you-have-to-take-me-in-im-dying-one-womans-covid-hell-40116437.html

Let's we forget what, that people get ill with Covid?

Despite issuing guildelines on ventilation recently which were dressed up as new advice, the Dept are now saying the advice remains unchanges from last November. What I find interesting about this is that the heading is

Pupils with special needs in mainstream schools return to class today

and this info is added at the bottom hoepfully so it will be glossed over.
https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/pupils-with-special-needs-in-mainstream-schools-return-to-class-today-40116454.html?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=seeding&fbclid=IwAR2SZzgSvOcinc3vmgXJYYVFwATuwI9kNz0GAGxJTPb27V34VzJwRiqI4uc


The Department of Education last night contradicted a senior Government source who said there would be an emphasis on ventilation “even if it means the kids and the teacher having to wear their coats in class”. However, a spokesman for Education Minister Norma Foley said: “The guidelines have not been finalised and are still subject to discussion with stakeholders. They will be issued after Cabinet.”

There has been a previous row between the National Public Health Emergency Team (Nphet) and the department on the claimed need for more ventilation — with an expert group now appointed to advise on the issue. The ventilation advice to schools “remains unchanged” from last November — before the advent of the more transmissible UK variant as well as the emergence of the Brazilian and South African variants. The minister’s spokesman said last night, however: “We will always take best public health advice.”

The World Health Organisation advises schools to “ensure adequate ventilation and increase total airflow”.


One senior Irish scientist said last night: “Schools have recognised the importance of ventilation – but they can always do better.



I like the bit at the end, schools can always do better. Please explain how a school can do better if the windows dont open properly or in some cases the room has no window? Co2 monitors and Hepa filters to encourage air exchange up to 5 times per hour but these cost money. I think he meant the Dept needs to do better

Stateofyou wrote: »

So lads, no additional safety measures for the schools or what do you reckon.

I t's absolutely disgusting......I don't understand when it wasn't acceptable to the unions before why is it acceptable now?....cases alot higher...it was only a matter of weeks ago michael martin said it wasn't safe to reopen anything unless icu cases were atleast 50 or below...

Both my children (who are secondary teachers) got told they are back the 1st with only 5th/6th classes in...they are getting updated again on wednesday..

So special schools are back fully as normal, full classes, 5days a week, with no extra measures next week....... Ffs, that says it all really, they will have every other school fully opened as normal in the next few weeks

youngblood wrote: »

Anyone have any idea on when there will be an official government announcement on the official reopening of schools?

From the looks of it they will tell us through the media the morning we are expected to return

Icyseanfitz wrote: »

From the looks of it they will tell us through the media the morning we are expected to return

So tired of being drip fed information through leaks and random updates from unofficial sources

Deeec wrote: »

I think there is no point discussing what has been in the media recently regarding schools reopening. The meeting is tomorrow and as I understand it nothing has been agreed yet. The government ( through the media )has indicated what it would like to happen but that means nothing until they discuss the situation tomorrow. This talk is just confusing everybody.

I cannot see primary or secondary mainstream kids going back to school until after the Easter hols. The numbers are still too high. Waiting until after easter gives enough time for numbers to come down and schools to get ready for reopening. IMO it would be madness to open schools before then.

After Easter would be the smart move at this stage for the majority of mainstream returning. We break for it on the 26th of march so that's not far off at all.

Am I being too cynical in thinking that in issuing no new safety measures that the Dept are hoping that it’s the unions who say it’s not safe to go back (In my opinion it’s not safe at the moment), thereby putting all the blame on unions again.


I know we’ll have to see what’s announced tomorrow but it’s looking like the dept are
A) going to get schools back open without having to come up with any plan or spend any money in making them safer
OR Getting unions to say it’s not safe and have the public blame them

is_that_so wrote: »

It may be smart but that's over 6 weeks, an eternity for the smallies who really need to see a normal life.

Well this week is a no go, so its 4 weeks if they return on the 1st

Icyseanfitz wrote: »

After Easter would be the smart move at this stage for the majority of mainstream returning. We break for it on the 26th of march so that's not far off at all.

5 weeks is long in term time & then what's left of school esp for secondaries - a bare few weeks to catch up. While I don't agree with the 'schools are safe' mantra at all & it's **** no extra precautions preparations etc but what also bugs me is the 'its only a few weeks' & 'they getting everything they need academically online anyway'. For the majority they are not despite best intentions of teachers & parents.

My 13 yr old came out this morning saying oh yeh I am not back til after Easter & LC back next week his maths teacher announced on call this morning. FFS can everyone just wait til the actual announcement

Deeec wrote: »

My 13 yr old came out this morning saying oh yeh I am not back til after Easter & LC back next week his maths teacher announced on call this morning. FFS can everyone just wait til the actual announcement

My son (his school where he teaches) had a staff meeting this morning where the principle told them 5/6th years would be back next monday and they would have another staff call this wednesday to confirm....

penny piper wrote: »

My son (his school where he teaches) had a staff meeting this morning where the principle told them 5/6th years would be back next monday and they would have another staff call this wednesday to confirm....

First email of the day from our principal just said they don't know so will inform us when it's officially announced. Politicians should be banned from commenting in the media unless there is an official plan.

I don't understand what teachers expect....There are hundreds of thousands of people working away on the front line and else where where who are going about their daily work and just get on with it and just take as much precautions as they can.