Mayo student representatives concerned as schools reopen
THE Irish Second-level Students’ Union (ISSU) believes that announcing a full reopening of schools, with a two-day notice, is rushing school leaders to put in adequate risk-mitigation measures to ensure a safe return for students.
Additionally, the department's announcement has not responded adequately to the shortages of school and teaching staff, and student absenteeism.
Mayo regional officers Mairin Duffy and Adrian Tuffy commented: “The full reopening of schools has raised a lot of uncertainty and anxiety among households nationwide. While cases are still rising and the country hasn’t yet met the peak of cases, many students will not receive the highest possible standard of learning with in-person teaching.
“They will either be unable to return to school or they will return to school without their teacher/staff to welcome them, due to the high level of close contacts throughout the nation. It is of highest priority that students receive the highest standard of education possible, while also keeping themselves and their loved ones safe.”
They continued: “At the best of times, students catch a common cold due to the lack of heating in schools and they are at twice as much risk of contracting the cold as windows will be open due to ventilation protocols and the winter temperatures have not passed us yet.
“A phased return to school would prioritise exam years whilst keeping them at minimum contact within the school to keep them safe. It would also provide the other students with the opportunity to learn from home. It may not be ideal for all students but it would help keep them safe from the virus and the public health of the country.”
Mohammad Naeem, the regional liaison and support officer on the National Student Executive, who attends St. Colman’s College in Claremorris added: “Students do not feel safe going back to school. We recognise the importance of in-person learning but there is a huge risk of students contracting the virus and bringing it home.
“With case numbers rising and school attendance depleting, many students will not be able to return to school. This will lead to a huge disadvantage especially to exam year students as sufficient teaching will not be taking place online while schools are open.”
The ISSU say students were not consulted on the announcement, which demonstrates a disregard for how important the voice of students is in this discussion, as an equal stakeholder in education.
The ISSU is continuing to call for an open and solution-oriented discussion with all education stakeholders on how to minimise the disruption of teaching and learning.
The union is calling for:
A phased return to school, starting from Monday, January 10, prioritising in-person tuition for exam year students and students with Special Education Needs (SEN).
The urgent sourcing of HEPA filters for all classrooms.
Additional adjustments to be made to the Leaving Certificate and Junior Cycle exam papers for 2022.
The ISSU is urging all stakeholders in school communities to adhere strictly to public health regulations in order to ensure the safety of schools for all students and staff