Schools will rise to latest lockdown test
WITH Dundalk schools returning to online learning once again, homeschooling challenges return for students and parents.
As the prospect of an extended school closures, perhaps into February. becomes likely, schools across Louth are preparing to teach remotely once again.
Louth Meath Education and Training Board say they are confident that it’s local schools, Coláiste Chú Culainn, Faughart CNS, Bush Post Primary and Ó Fiaich College will once again be up to the task.
Principal in Coláiste Chú Chulainn, Thomas Sharkey stated: ‘We know that our schools are very safe places for young people. If the pandemic means schools must close, we are ready to take learning online once again. Students and staff worked hard up to Christmas. We want that hard work to continue but in a safe way that helps us all get to a pandemic free society as soon as possible. Our school’s students benefit from Office 365 accounts which include email, Teams, One Drive and all Microsoft Office software.’
Jacqui McCusker, teaching principal at Faughart CNS, told the Argus: ‘We spent the first two days last week preparing work packs for each child, and then handing out to parents.’
‘We are organised with each class to have TEAMS calls with their teacher every day, and are encouraging them to focus on the core subjects, English, Irish and Maths.’
Having launched a very successful virtual learning program during the first lockdown in March last year, she added: ‘I think we have upped our game this time around, as am sure a lot of schools have. But there are still challenges which remain, as some families don’t have access to broadband, or it can be patchy in the area they live in. We record the lessons, so that they can be accessed at a time that suits.;
As a parent of three children, two at secondary and one in primary school, Jacqui said she understood the difficulties of both working from home and homeschooling.
‘I think the best advice is to stick to a routine. Start the morning when class starts at 9, and follow their normal timetable. By 12.30 or 1pm, they could finish up, as they probably won’t have the same concentration they might have in school.’
‘Also, do encourage them to keep in touch with their classmates, even outside the virtual classroom, either through video calls or phone calls. It helps to keep the social aspect of their school life going.’
LMETB Chairman, Wayne Harding said the board were monitoring the ongoing announcements by both the National Public Health Emergency Team and The Department of Education and Skills.
‘Chief Executive Martin O’Brien and the
Director of schools Ms Fiona Kinlon are in contact with principals in both Louth and Meath and we are confident that our schools will adhere to all guidelines set down by the Minister of Education Norma Foley. The same will apply to guidelines from Minister Simon Harris TD in relation to our further education and training centres.’
‘All staff within LMETB have demonstrated since last March our capacity to teach all students both remotely and in person. The Chief Executive and I would like to take this opportunity to thank all staff involved for their hard work, dedication and professionalism in maintaining continuity of learning opportunity for all our students and learners.
‘We take this opportunity to compliment all students and learners who have adapted fantastically to the changes that have had to occur
since the outbreak of Covid-19 and for embracing the learning opportunities presented.’
He added: ‘Parents, guardians and extended family members have provided very valuable support to their children, our students and we really appreciate this support. Know that each and every one of you have played a valuable role, made a difference and enhanced the learning process for both students and teachers.’
He acknowledged the support of parents as well as the Department of Education in providing additional funding which has made a huge difference in providing guidance/support for all in LMETB.
‘I take this opportunity to assure both our Ministers and their officials that LMETB are taking our responsibility seriously and sticking to guidance provided