Calls for early school closure over fears of 'self-isolating' at Christmas
Last updated 2nd Dec 2020
A Newry principal called today (Wednesday) for the Christmas school holidays to be brought forward to avoid ruining the festive period for thousands of children and adults.
As it stands, schools are due to finish this term on December 22 and return on New Year' Day.
However, Kevin Donaghy, the principal of St Ronan's PS said that this should be brought forward to December 11.
He said any later could result in thousands of students and staff having to self isolate on Christmas Day if there was an outbreak of Covid-19.
Mr Donaghy said: "Talking to our children, they love being back at school and I fully believe children need to be back at school. However, it's important to look at all the information. First, there is in-school transmission taking place. It's around 0.2-0.5 at the moment.
"Whenever you consider that if a child or a member of staff tests positive after the 11th they will have to isolate on Christmas Day itself. now Christmas is a very special day for everyone, can you imagine a child getting a bike at Christmas and being told they couldn't go out on it or they cant go and visit their family or loved ones because they have to isolate.
"I do think it isn't the correct decision (by the Education Minister) when you take everything on board."
"We also have the Minister in his statement (see below) about the welfare of children. is the minister serious whenever he thinks a child isolating over Christmas is going to be good for their wellbeing."
But the Education Minister is remaining firm in his stance that they will not close until December 22.
Peter Weir said on Monday : "It is disappointing that despite my clear statement on 17 November that schools will not close early, there continues to be widespread rumours about this matter.
"I will once again stress that there are no plans to extend the Christmas holidays for schools. I believe this would only cause further disruption to children’s education and lead to an increase in levels of stress and anxiety.
"I strongly believe that face to face teaching is the best form of education and our schools are the best place to provide this in a controlled and safe environment."