With many primary schools experiencing Covid outbreaks and rising case figures, a lot of teachers and parents alike have been wondering whether or not the children’s Christmas break will be extended.
Usually the kids would have around two weeks off from school over the Christmas period, returning to the classroom some time around January 6. Although, with the case figures rising at a rapid pace and our healthcare system under extreme pressure, so much is uncertain.
As reported by independent.ie, the Department of Education has come out with a statement, revealing that there are currently no plans to extend the Christmas break for primary or secondary schools, and classes should commence at the beginning of January, as per usual.
“The scheduling of the school holiday periods during the academic years is agreed between the managerial authorities of schools, the teacher unions and the Department for the purposes of standardising breaks at Christmas, Easter and mid-term,” a spokesperson for the Department of Education has said.
“This is important to ensure certainty for the school community about the dates of school holidays. There are no plans to alter the school break at Christmas,” they added.
After several long and difficult lockdown periods where parents struggled through their children’s virtual learning while juggling their new work-from-home set up, a lot of families will be delighted to hear that their little ones won’t have to miss out on school again.
However, there are also plenty of other families with vulnerable and immunocompromised household members who have been worried sick, waiting for the day their child brings the virus home.
While it’s been reported that primary school children are amongst the highest rate of Covid-19 infections in Ireland, it was also announced earlier this week that those children, aged five to 11-years-old, can now receive the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine.
The vaccine was approved by the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC), and can be administered to this age group in a smaller dose.
There are three priority categories in which children must fall into for the vaccine rollout. These include those who have underlying conditions, those who live with a parent who is immunocompromised and those who have a younger sibling with complex medical needs.
