# Back To School
Last year
2022
# Back To School
Free school books for primary school students in Budget education package
There has been widespread support for the announcement.
# Back To School
St Vincent de Paul received 30 calls an hour from parents unable to meet back to school costs
Many parents are struggling to make ends meet.
# Your Say
Poll: Have you noticed more traffic today?
Many schools are reopening today or later this week.
Voices
Therapist: Back-to-school anxiety is real for many pupils this week - here's how you can help
Susi Lodola writes about what causes anxiety in children, how to identify it and what you parents and guardians can do to help.
# Back To School
Difficulties in procuring extra buses and drivers for school transport scheme, says Foley
The Education Minister has said that there are plans to increase the capacity of the scheme amid unprecedented demand.
# School Costs
Most parents concerned about cost of sending children back to school, survey says
The survey found that parents were concerned about the costs amid the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.
# Bonus
Bonus back-to-school payment to be brought forward and paid next week
It was due to be paid in August.
# Back To School
Back to school costs: Parents spending €1,518 on average as Dáil hears calls for more action
The number of parents in debt over back to school costs has increased by 5% to 29%.
# Back To School
School transport fees to be waived for the year as Government announce back-to-school package
The proposal is set to cost €67 million.
# Cost of Living
'We've no way to buy cheaper uniforms': Parents facing price hikes ahead of new school term
Poverty campaigners and parents’ groups fear that back-to-school costs will be compounded this year by the cost-of-living crisis.
Poverty campaigners and parents’ groups frequently highlight the cost of going back to school every summer.
There are growing fears that the cost-of-living crisis will place an additional burden on parents, Emer Moreau writes.
# Back To School
Schools set to re-open on Thursday as safety measures deemed 'effective and appropriate'
Each of the three main teaching unions continued to express concerns about staffing.
The Department of Education said there was no public health rationale to delay the reopening.
The ASTI has said that some classes may be prioritised if adequate teaching staff was not available.
The leaders of the three government coalition parties also met this afternoon and green lit the plans for schools.
All time
# Back To School
Minister to meet with unions next week as 'plan is for schools to reopen'
The Christmas break will end for most schools next week.
# Back To School
Education Minister rejects accusation of ‘complacency’ over return of schools
Some opposition politicians were critical of what they labelled “confusing” guidance for when pupils are designated as close contacts.
# Back To School
Q&A: The latest Covid-19 protocols for secondary schools as students return to classes
Students across the country have been returning to school this week.
# St Vincent de Paul
Hundreds of struggling parents call SVP everyday as back-to-school costs bite
The charity said the cost of iPads and tablets is a particular cause of concern.
# Back To School
832 outbreaks of Covid-19 in schools since last August, HSE reports
More than 46,000 Covid-19 cases have been recorded in children and teenagers up to July.
# Back To School
Most parents believe children will require additional supports when back to school - survey
63% were concerned about their children’s emotional development and 51% were concerned about social skills.
# Back To School
New Covid variants 'do not change' the measures needed in schools, Foley says
The department is planning for a “full reopening” of schools in August/September.
# Back To School
Minister seeks to 'reassure parents' that a full reopening of schools is planned
Minister Norma Foley said the return of children to the classroom for the new school term is a priority.
# Back To School
Parents spending almost €1,500 a year sending children to secondary school - survey
The average debt parents find themselves in is €336.
# Back To School
Remaining secondary students to return to school on 12 April
The last phase of the reopening will see first to fourth-year students return to in-person learning.
# Back To School
Schools: Phased reopening begins as Education Minister says antigen testing has not yet been recommended
Sixth years and young primary school students are among those who returned to school today.
# test and trace
Close-contact positivity something 'we really need to watch' as schools return
The so-called UK variant now accounts for about 92% of cases in this country.
# Back To School
Cabinet sub-committee gives green light for phased reopening of schools in March and April
It’s understood it’s likely there will be little easing of restrictions until May.
# Back To School
More than 4,000 children and teachers tested for Covid-19 since schools opened
HSE CEO Paul Reid said there have been 180 index cases, with a further 84 linked to those.
# School Transport
Over 3,000 students turned down for school bus tickets, according to new figures
TD Mattie McGrath said that the ‘archaic’ system was facing a worrying backlog.
# Schools
'It's a huge risk': Pregnant teaching staff say they've been left in the dark over the return of schools
Many teachers complain they’ve received little guidance or assurances about how pregnant staff will be looked after.
# Back To School
Is your child worried about going to school? An expert has some tips for parents
Many children, and parents, are anxious about schools reopening.
# Back To School
'For the love of God': Anger as shed to be used as Covid-19 isolation room at Athlone school
The school’s principal said the situation is “not ideal”.
# Back To School
'It's up to everyone to try their best to get this right': Inside a Wicklow school preparing to reopen
We paid a socially distant visit to St Kevin’s Community College in Dunlavin.
# Covid-19
Return to school: Two-thirds of principals say they have teachers with underlying health issues
Second-level schools should delay reopening if they can’t implement social distancing, according to the TUI.
# new normal
New cough, stay at home. Runny nose, attend school: HSE releases new advice for parents
The advice notes that: “Every year, schoolchildren get colds, flu and other infections”.
# Back To School
NI schools to re-open today despite concerns from teachers about Covid-19
The North’s chief medical officer Dr Michael McBride has insisted it is safe to return.
# Back To School
Quiz: How well do you know these songs about school?
Don’t stand so close to… anyone
# Back To School
The mental health system is preparing for a 'tsunami' of cases from young people - staff are worried it can't cope
Long waiting lists and a disjointed system have already caused major issues.
# Back To School
TDs seek clarity on social distancing rules for school buses as minister says there's been 'significant progress' on reopening plans
Social distancing is a rule while waiting for school buses but not on them.
# counting the cost
Back to school costs rising at secondary and primary level as 27% of parents find themselves in debt
The average debt for parents to cover back-to-school costs is €397.
# Back To School
Secondary students: 'If you want us to wear face masks in the classroom, we'll do it'
Students at third level institutions have been advised to wear face coverings if they cannot maintain a distance of two metres.
# Back To School
'I have no clue what it will be like when she goes back': Parents share their fears about their children returning to school
Children also told of their worries about the new layout of classes.
# Back To School
How will school pods and 'class bubbles' work?
The aim is that if a student contracts the virus, then only their pod or classroom would have to be sent home to self-isolate.
