Secondaries react: John O’Donovan of St Joseph’s in Ballybunion

THE PRINCIPAL of St Joseph’s Secondary School in Ballybunion has said that the Department of Education deserves credit where credit is due for the roadmap they have devised to get schools back open again in September.

Speaking to The Kerryman, John O’Donovan said that while there will inevitably be obstacles and challenges ahead in the coming weeks, it’s good that they finally have guidelines they can work with.

“We knew, of course, before it came out that there would be a lot of work involved, but we are very satisfied with all of the information that we have been given,” he said this week.

“It’s very clear and concise. They have provided a lot of funding for all the work that will need doing. Obviously there will be obstacles like there is in everything but, overall, we’re very satisfied,” he continued.

As for what the biggest challenge he anticipates his and other schools will face when they return in a few weeks, he said he sees maintaining social distancing between students as a major focus.

“Social distancing where you have big classes will be a big one, trying to keep everyone separate. But in fairness to Minister Foley, she has given us good examples of the size of classrooms and how to organise tables etcetera so we have a good starting point from which to work on,” said Mr O’Donovan.

He feels that the roadmap published on Monday gives a good level of aid and support for principals and teachers to move forward with getting back to work.

“She has provided an aid to the principal and the deputy principal to help us out in getting schools back open safely. It would have been impossible for us to do it all ourselves. There will be a lot of work over the next few weeks but we will get there,” he said.

In relation to how both Minister Foley and the Department have handled the very difficult task of trying to get schools open, he said that, overall, they have been very clear.

“The language has been very clear and concise, and they have taken on board all the points from the management bodies and the unions,” he said.

Principal of St Joseph’s Secondary, Ballybunion, John O’Donovan.