Deputy Chair of the Oireachtas Education Committee, Senator Fiona O’Loughlin has welcomed the return of classroom based in teaching.
Senator O’Loughlin said, “This week we see our students return to school and to their school buildings. I am delighted to see the schools reopening and to see the buzz that this has created in our local towns and villages here in Kildare”
“It is vital that we return to classroom-based learning, and the children get the opportunity to learn in a safe and productive environment”
“We were all concerned with recent reports of children being negatively impacted by remote learning, and with fears that many children are not where they need to be in terms of numeracy and literacy”
“As a former teacher I know the importance of in person teaching. It gives our teachers an opportunity to identify an issue and intervene immediately.”
“Covid is still a concern, and we all need to be vigilant to ensure that all public health measures are being adhered to. Schools’ approach to safety this coming term is the same as before they closed for the summer break. However, the Minister for Education has mandated that each school will be provided a co2 monitor. Covid is an airborne respiratory virus and these portable devices will help schools regulate air quality and identify areas where air circulation may be an issue.”
“Vaccination is not mandatory but is strongly advised. There is no doubt that students and their families cannot face another period of online schooling, and that is not currently on the cards. But the most effective way to ensure that we never return to online learning is to get vaccinated. Curbing the spread of the virus within the school community is key if we want to ensure that our students receive the highest quality of education”
Fiona concluded “We are lucky in Kildare to have such dedicated and hard-working teachers and school staff. I am confident that this school year will be a huge success for all involved and that our students will be given the opportunity to enjoy a full and prosperous school year”