Will the school’s Christmas break be extended this year?

Do you think the schools should have a longer Christmas break?

Parents are naturally concerned about the current Covid-19 outbreaks in schools. As case numbers continue to rise, parents can't help but wonder if schools will re-open after Christmas. The Christmas break tends to last from December 23rd to the first week in January. Hospital ICUs remain full and case figures don't seem to be decreasing as quickly as we hoped. Would an extended Christmas break help stop the surge in cases? According to the Irish Independent, there are no plans to extend the Christmas break. A spokesperson for the Department of Education shared an update with parents. They continued, “This is important to ensure certainty for the school community about the dates of school holidays." “There are no plans to alter the school break at Christmas," the spokesperson stressed. Denmark recently confirmed that their schools will close early. Their government will close schools early to help lower their Covid-19 cases. This new measure will last for 4 weeks with virtual teaching being introduced on December 15th. Schools in Denmark usually start their Christmas holidays on December 20th. Children of primary school age are currently experiencing the highest rate of Covid-19 infections. However, earlier this week Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly confirmed that the Covid-19 vaccine has been approved for children aged between 5 and 11. Children with an underlying condition or living with a child with complex needs will be prioritised. Children living with an immunocompromised adult will also be prioritised. NIAC has also shared that vaccination will be offered to all children aged 5-11 years. Children will be given a smaller dose of 10 µg, but they will be given their vaccine on a two-dose schedule, three weeks apart. Do you think schools should close early for the Christmas break?