Schools reopen their doors to students

Schools reopen their doors to students

24 March 2021

POST primary schools welcomed back Years 12-14 students after over nine weeks of remote learning following the the Christmas lockdown.

For the students it was the first time they had to got see their teachers and peers face to face in what is the most important time of the school year – the run-up to their examinations.

It is hoped that students from Year 8 to Year 11 will return to full-time classes at school after the Easter break.

The students were supported with their remote learning by teachers with Zoom teaching sessions and course packs.

However, all principals and teachers agreed this week that nothing can compare with education in the classroom situation.

Mr Joe McCann, principal of  St Patrick’s Grammar School in Downpatrick, said that Monday provided an opportunity for students to reconnect with friends.

“Throughout lockdown we were keen to establish clear boundaries for our students with mental health and well-being to the fore,” he said.

“By establishing a routine where students were engaged in their learning between 9:00am and 3:20pm, we were telling our students that while we expected them to work hard during school hours, we also expected them to make time for themselves and their families each afternoon and evening.

“In preparation for 350 students returning  to school today, as a staff, our aim was to alleviate any of the anxieties students are experiencing about returning to school and how grades will be determined.”

Mrs Maud Perry, principal of Down High School, said that the school had been a very different place without the normal buzz of conversation and “the dynamic that exists in classrooms.”

She said: “Our pupils will be pleased to return to school for a range of reasons. Of course, they will enjoy learning in classrooms and laboratories with their teachers, but they will also be happy to see their friends and re-establish the structure that school provides.”

Mrs Perry said the school had taken steps once again taken to ensure that the safety of pupils and staff is paramount and there was mandatory wearing of face coverings throughout the school.

Mr Ciaran Maguire, principal of De La Salle High School in Downpatrick, said the return of students meant a “return to normality”.

“Our students worked diligently and enthusiastically during the lockdown, using the blended learning approach,” he added. “The hard work of our teachers and parents during this current lockdown allowed for the continuation of quality teaching and learning. However, all would agree that there is no substitute for classroom based education and all the positive interpersonal relationships, and well-being assurances that come with it.”

Ms Rosemary McLaughlin, principal of St Mary’s High School in Downpatrick, also agreed there was a discernible “buzz” in the air on Monday.

“In the morning students had the chance to catch up with their friends and teachers over breakfast,” she said. “Students and teachers were eager to get back into their classrooms and enjoyed the face to face teaching. There was a productive buzz and an enthusiastic and warm atmosphere around the school.”

Blackwater Integrated College in Downpatrick was also happy to welcome back their Year 12 students.

The principal, Mr Stephen Taylor, said: “It was a very relaxed start for students to allow them to catch up with friends and staff they had not seen for a long time.

“Lots of preparation work was carried out before students returned to allow them to be able to access all classes safely and staff all participated in getting the college ready for their return. We have pastoral support available for students with our newly appointed youth worker and teaching staff are all very conscious to keep the demands on students manageable as we work towards getting Centre determined grades compiled for all students.”

Mr Stephen Hanna, principal of St Colmcille’s High School in Crossgar, said that schools were nothing without students who brought the buildings “to life”.

Speaking of the co-operation between the school and parents and the preparations of the return of students, Mr Hanna said: “We have kept in constant communication with parents to be as supportive as we possibly can in meeting the everyday challenges faced by so many at present.

“This week in our re-start, we are concentrating on getting our pupils back into regular routines and supporting their positive return to school.  Pupil good mental health and wellbeing is at the forefront of our efforts and we will be doing everything that we can to be that support to our pupils they need.”

He added that departments across the school are focused on gathering the evidence required by the examination authorities to ensure that all our pupils achieve the grades which they so rightly deserve.

Miss Sarah-Lucy Hynds, principal of Saintfield High School, spoke that her returning Year 12 students were “a positive affirmation of all that we do – their resilience, strength and determination are inspiring.”

She stressed that work to support Years 8-11 students at home was still on-going.

“We take great pride in the fact that the school’s Resilience Curriculum has continued to be rolled out online, utilising external agencies to assist our boys and girls in these challenging times, and to support their well-being,” she said.

“The school also appointed a Blended Learning Co-ordinator in Term 1 of this year, which has been an extremely successful strategy to help children engage with their online work, and to provide guidance and advice for parents and carers.”

The principal of Assumption Grammar School in Ballynahinch, Mr Peter Dobbin, said the school was delighted to welcome back its students.

He added: “Lockdown has been hard on everyone and even though schools are now excelling in their delivery of online teaching, educators need the face to face exposure to really connect, reach out and support our young people at this time.

“Education is much more than just delivering subject content, it is about enabling our young people to reach their full potential and become ‘Fully Alive’.”

Mr Mark Morgan, principal of St Colman’s High and Sixth Form College, also in Ballynahinch, said: “While remote learning continues for those students in Year 8-11, these senior exam students will be completing their studies in class. The school is very proud of the resilience, and positive engagement shown by students in meeting the challenges of this academic year.”

Ms Clare Murnin, Head of School Productions of St Malachy’s High School in Castlewellan, said that staff and students alike were delighted to be back in the classroom,

She said: “We have been engaging in remote learning since January 2021 via various online platforms. Whilst this has proved to be a valuable learning tool at this time, students and teachers alike certainly appreciate the invaluable teaching that takes place face to face.

“ Students have also enjoyed the social aspects of being back at school and there was certainly a lot of happy faces on Monday when students met up with their friends once again, albeit behind masks.”

Mr Kevin Lambe, principal of Shimna Integrated College in Newcastle, said: “We are very much looking forward to seeing our younger students too, but are glad that the return to school has been phased so that we have this week to reassure and support our GCSE and A-Level students and to re-establish our Covid safety measures before a full return.

“Many students are coming back confident and refreshed, and we are also aware that some students have faced additional challenges, Wi-Fi challenges, family pressures, and emotional challenges. “

Mr James Hay, principal of St Columba’s College in Portaferry, said: “We are delighted to see them all back to school and commend all pupils, families and staff for all of their efforts with online learning.

“These Year 12 pupils have impressed us with their resilience, dedication and enthusiasm for learning despite missing school from March – June 2020 and January – March 2021. They deserve every success and support as they prepare for the next stage of their education.”