An eleventh-hour decision by Education Minister Peter Weir to delay the return to school by a week and to allow most post-primary pupils to be homeschooled throughout January has been welcomed by a West Belfast principal.
The about-turn by the Minister came just hours after it was revealed that the North had reported its highest-ever number of coronavirus cases — 2,143 in a 24-hour period and after revelations that health chiefs recommended against a normal return of schools post-Christmas.
This morning I’ve announced changes to the new school term in light of updated health guidance. I’ve prioritised our most vulnerable, SEN & the children of key workers. Special schools will remain open. The health and welfare of our children & our workforce remains my key focus. pic.twitter.com/3IdqEWVgAG
— Peter Weir (@peterweirmla) December 31, 2020
Under new rules unveiled by Minister Weir shortly before the Assembly convened to debate the return plans, primary school pupils will be taught remotely until 11 January. For some post-primary pupils (Years 8-11), online learning will be in place throughout January. For post-primary pupils in Years 12 to 14, studying for GCSE and A Levels, the return date will be 11 January.
Coláiste Feirste principal Micheál Mac Giolla Ghunna gave the news the thumbs-up.
"While it is frustrating that this announcement has come so late in the day – yet again an unnecessary and stressful delay – it is nevertheless the right decision," he said in a statement issued in Irish and English.
"We understand that pupils learn best in school, where we can provide structure and support for them. However, we also understand the need to protect the health of our school community, and beyond.
"We had contingency plans in place to deal with every scenario and our school leadership team is working today and tomorrow to ensure arrangements are in place for pupils next week."
Mr Mac Giolla Ghunna, who welcomed Minister Weir to the Falls Road college at the start of this school year, said staff remained focused on supporting pupils.
"We have invested a lot of time and effort into blended and distance learning in Irish over the past few months. We have developed our resources and have evaluated our Irish-medium practice to best suit the needs of our pupils. We have provided inductions and practice sessions on Google Classroom to ensure pupils are ready and confident for their online learning journey at home. We have also created resources to help parents in supporting their children."
He added: "Coláiste Feirste – and Irish-medium education generally – is well prepared for the challenges that lie ahead."
