The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
Primary Schools react: Rory D’Arcy of St Oliver’s, Killarney
THE Government plan for re-opening primary schools this September offers much-needed clarity to parents and teachers according to the principal of St Oliver’s National School, Rory D’Arcy.
As principal of one of Kerry’s biggest primary schools, the Killarney principal has a tough challenge ahead as he prepares the school and the pupils for their return to the class, but he believes that the Government has gone a long way in easing the journey ahead.
“It is a very welcome plan. While it may be late coming, it does offer clarity,” he said. “It goes into considerable detail, including in lay-out of school class-rooms which can be adapted.”
He also believes the school plan is a ‘realistic model’ which can be used as it takes into account the age groups of children involved. Younger children, up to third class, do not have to social distance, while a one-metre distance is required for older primary pupils.
He said that children will be returning to a “new kind of normal” and said there are challenges ahead, but he believes schools will be able to face them and return in September to school.
Some unions and teachers have expressed concern that all the changes needed may not be completed by September, but Mr D’Arcy believes that the majority, if not all, will be ready to open by then.
“I think we will go back in September. Every school is different, but every school will do their best to go back.”
He has expressed concern about how much of the funding pot will be available to each school when it is divided between the thousands of schools across the country, but he is hopeful that there is enough funding to meet the needs of all primary schools.
He says more detail is needed on this aspect.
“There are four different kinds of funding...We haven’t got the capitation rate for day cleaning. We will have to wait and see does it match its promise,” he said. He also welcomed the changes in substitute cover for teachers and SNAs – a key concern for school management – and he also praised the curriculum focus on well-being, given the pandemic.