All schools in Ireland will fully reopen to students on April 12th, the Department of Education has confirmed.
In a letter to principals on Friday evening, the Department indicated that all remaining secondary school students — comprising some 300,000 first to fourth years — will return to classrooms on that date.
It marks the final phase in the Government's plan to fully reopen schools, which closed at Christmas and began a phased reopening in February with the partial reopening of special education classes.
The Irish Times reports that the Department reaffirmed its intention to proceed with the phased returns in light of current data.
“As you are aware the Government decided on a phased return of pupils to school during March and April. As we are now approaching Easter, I wish to reaffirm to you the government’s intention that all students will return to school from Monday 12 April,” the letter states.
“This is the final stage in the phased reopening of all schools and will see the return of all children to in-school learning, including the first to fourth year groups at post-primary level.”
Safe operation
The letter adds that the Department and public health authorities are monitoring and reviewing the operation of schools on an ongoing basis.
“Public health keep the infection prevention and control measures in place for schools under review. The current measures in place to ensure safe operation of schools are effective in minimising the risk of Covid-19 in schools,” it says.
“It is important that all measures are followed carefully by pupils, staff and parents.”
The letter reflects comments made by Minister for Education Norma Foley over recent days, who has said schools remain safe settings in light of low Covid-19 transmission rates.
