Over 300,000 children are returning to school today for the first time this year.
Classes will resume for the first four years of primary school and leaving cert students.
The government plans to allow the other years to return on a phased basis over the next six weeks, if Covid-19 is kept under control.
Junior Education Minister, Josepha Madigan, is urging parents not to congregate at school gates this morning.
"If you can just drop your child off as near as possible to the school."
"But then leave immediately."
"It's terrible to say that, I know many parents like to meet for coffee or have a chat, catch up."
"But this isn't the time do that."
"We don't want to jeopardise what's being rolled out at present, because it's been a long time coming to get these children back."
"We really want them to stay [in school]."
Welcome back to the early years primary and Leaving Cert students heading to class this morning!
Thanks to the teachers and all the school staff for their hard work too.
Enjoy the day and #staysafe pic.twitter.com/fy9FjqIRMp— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) March 1, 2021
Nerves This Morning - Union Boss
Michael Gillespie from the Teachers Union of Ireland says there are a few nerves ahead of the return:
"Well it's understandable that there would be anxiety among the school community, students, teachers and parents."
"Given the concerns around the new variants but vigilance will be needed."
"We need to make sure that during this cautious phased return, that students are kept safe."
"So that we can have the sustainable re-opening, and the next phase can move on."
I'm off to the kitchen to make the school lunches for two of the kids and it is honestly the most exciting thing I've done since December 2020! pic.twitter.com/UcoJMqz4kF
— Jen Hogan⚡ (@jenhoganjourno) February 28, 2021
Dates For Other Pupils' Return Could Be Moved
Other pupils will have to wait until March 15th or April 12th, as the government gradually reopens the education sector.
But Junior Education Minister, Josepha Madigan, says those dates could change if Covid cases rise.
"It's going to be largely dependant on how each phase turns out."
"So it's really going to depend on how everybody works together."
"Parents, staff and the pupils themselves must now make sure they adhere much more carefully than they have in the past."
"That's not to say schools aren't safe environments, because they are safe environments once infection control measures are in place"
