Sir, – Your reference to the recently published HSE Epidemiological Review of Schools Report on the incidence of Covid-19 in schools ("More than 46,000 Covid cases in children since start of pandemic, says HSE", News, August 23rd) is timely, particularly in these days as we begin the new school year. The report points out that schools can be "low-risk settings" for Covid-19 when mitigating measures and infection prevention and control measures are in place.
No one could argue with this.
Nevertheless, the review, unfortunately, is hostage to a clinical language which, among other things, fails to acknowledge the extraordinary human endeavour involved in risk mitigation.
Schools are “lower-risk” settings not just because of the mitigating measures in place but because of the people who effect these measures consistently and successfully – our students and our staff. We commend them for their ongoing efforts. We cannot, however, ignore the levels of anxiety and disquiet among the members of our school communities.
For example, unvaccinated pregnant staff remain naturally worried about returning to school, especially with such an extremely high incidence of the disease in the country.
Concern exists around the numbers of students not fully vaccinated or not vaccinated at all. In relation to student learning, there is now a growing recognition and acceptance of the loss in learning since March 2020 for all students, despite the best efforts of all those involved.
While promises of any real additional learning supports have yet to materialise, it is hoped that compensatory measures will become a reality for all students in the short term and in the years ahead, but particularly for those most in need.
It is reassuring to hear that reopening schools and colleges is a top priority for Government. A commitment to remaining open would be even more welcome through the enhanced, holistic and sustained care and protection of the people in our educational communities. – Yours, etc,
JOHN McHUGH,
Principal,
Ardscoil Rís,
Dublin 9.