Principal concerned at pupils’, teachers’ and parents’ anxiety over the Coronavirus
A GAELTACHT secondary school principal has expressed worry about a ‘pandemic of concern’ among pupils, teachers and the wider school community arising out of the fear of COVID-19 as the return to school looms in the next few weeks.
Scoil Mhuire Béal Átha’n Ghaorthaidh príomhoide/ principal Seán Óg Ó Duinnín feels people are very anxious about the return to school and fear contracting the virus and being ill themselves and spreading it to their family.
“There is a pandemic of anxiety out there,” he said. “People are afraid of what might happen and that’s understandable.
“I’m looking forward to meeting the pupils and teachers again.
“It’s going to be different and challenging.”
Preparations have been underway for almost a month to get the school ready for the return of pupils and teachers in less than a fortnight now.
A total of 92 pupils will be returning, and that number is manageable in the space available in Scoil Mhuire.
A newsletter was sent out to parents last week detailing plans for the return. According to the newsletter, each year group will have its own base room and will move to woodwork rooms and science labs as required. Lockers will be in the base room also to curtail moving around the building.
The newsletter also requests students who are feeling ill to be kept at home and asks parents to collect as soon as possible. The same applies for teachers.
If teachers are out due to illness, Principal Ó Duinnín said replacing them might prove challenging as they may not be available in the area at the time.
Another difficulty he foresees is getting any significant renovations which might require planning permission done in time.
“The money is there for such renovations – but if you require planning permission it could be Christmas before the work is done, with the best will in the world,” he said.