Swap school return dates

Sir — I have to address my concern to you. I am a firstyear student and I started secondary school in September in the hope I would learn more to make up for the last year of lockdown.

As I was in sixth class at the time I did not worry, because that is not as important for my education as first year is.

First year is extremely important as it teaches us the important basic skills that we need to have for the Junior Cert and Leaving Cert, but we are the last classes to go back, so it will have an enormous impact on our education.

I understand that other classes need to get back, but I think the prospect of fifth and sixth class returning to school before us is extremely disappointing. Fifth and sixth class are just about improving the skills you have learned.

I have decided that I will advise you to swap the date that first years and third years will return with fifth and sixth class. It would be a good idea, because then the future of Ireland’s education will not see a downfall and will remain the greatness that it is.

I am an only child and

I have not met anyone since Christmas. I have suffered from this lockdown tremendously and I think you should provide the courage and dignity we have as a country.

Mental health is just as important as physical health, and the children of this pandemic are suffering from isolation and loneliness, which I think you should provide for.

So, please take my advice and take this letter as a push in the right direction for the country and the mental health of the nation. Kate Rice, Fermoy, Co Cork