7 December - Storm Barra Update
A statement has been issued by the Department of Education this evening advising that all schools covered by the Red and Orange Alert from Met Éireann should remain closed tomorrow, Wednesday, 8 December.
The DE has advised that remote learning is not required tomorrow and schools will not be obliged to make up the days due to Storm Barra closures. Substitute teachers will be paid tomorrow, where the DE has advised the school to be close.
Schools need to monitor weather forecasts in order to be prepared for any severe weather which may affect the school. During periods of severe weather, it is advised that schools assess the situation using the guidance provided HERE
Schools should be prepared, keep themselves informed and remain vigilant.
Status Red weather warning for wind: Particular attention needs to be given by schools in counties where Status Red weather warnings, strong winds or storm conditions are forecast. Due to the high degree of unpredictability as to the impact of the weather associated with such a Status Red warning on local conditions schools should use the following guidance to assist them in making their assessment.
Advance warning of Status Red: Following consultation at a national level with the Office of Emergency Planning and the management bodies for schools, the Department of Education and Skills’ advice to schools is that they should consider not opening where a Status Red weather warning related to wind is forecast to coincide with the period/s during which students and staff would be expected to be travelling to and from school.
5th December 2021 - Updated Advice to Members on Face Masks
Following the information note that issued to schools last Tuesday evening, 30th November, with regard to the wearing of face masks by children in 3rd to 6th Class, IPPN called for the issuing of FAQs to schools, as a matter of urgency. Throughout the day on Wednesday, 1st December, our Leadership Support team received a considerable number of calls from school leaders with specific questions on the practical issues associated with the implementation of the measure detailed in the information note.
Covid Ar Scoil 2021/2022
NEW UPDATE: 6 December 2021
- DE FAQs in relation to face masks/coverings
- Information Note 0027/2021 - COVID-19: Updated Working and Leave Arrangements for Teachers and Special Needs Assistants employed in recognised Primary and Post Primary Schools – 2021/22 school year
1 December 2021
- Section 5.1 Face Coverings in Primary Schools,
- Section 5.2 Letter from CMO to parents via school,
- Section 5.3 Face Covering Poster,
- Section 5.4 Template text message to parents/guardians
Escéal: 2nd Dec: Guidance on face masks, Membership Renewal, Resource Bundle Updates
This week’s e-scéal includes information on the following:
- Planning Prompts
- Teacher Education Support Services
- Guidance for School Leaders re. face masks
- Child Protection and the Employment of Substitute Teachers
- Membership Renewal Deadline – 21 December
- Resource Bundle Updates
- TextaParent.ie - New Covid-19-Alert Message Template
- Leadership+ article, Issue 120: Managing inclusion in a multi-grade infant classroom
- Would you like to become a formally trained CSL Mentor?
- EducationPosts.ie Automatic Advert Approval
23rd November: Further measures to increase the availability of substitute teachers
IPPN has been consistently advocating for additional capacity to be made available to the system to alleviate the current, chronic shortage of substitute teachers. On foot of those representations and those of the other education partners, further measures to alleviate the substitute shortage have been announced this evening.
An email has been sent to all schools by the DE with an information note attached - click here to view. IPPN will continue to represent the voice of school leaders on this issue to ensure continuity of educational provision to children.
