The teachers union asks the government to start the Christmas school holidays a few days before

THE TEACHERS UNION of Ireland (TUI) has said that closing schools for the Christmas holidays on the afternoon of Friday 18 December instead of Tuesday 22 December should be considered “seriously”.

TUI, which represents 19,000 teachers in post-primary and higher education, said the “one-time measure” would signal to the Department of Education its intention to “protect the well-being” of teachers, school staff and students.

The teachers union also said this slightly extended recess would allow for a longer entry time so students and teachers can restrict movements before meeting elderly or vulnerable family members on Christmas, if public health guidelines allow it.

TUI Secretary General Michael Gillespie said:

“The past few months have been unprecedentedly difficult and exhausting for school communities, with one million students returning to recalibrated classrooms that were barely recognizable from the ones they left the previous March.

Thanks to the remarkable work of the staff, the schools have remained open at all restriction levels, including Level 5. However, stress and anxiety levels remain extremely high as a result of a variety of worries and concerns that were not imaginable. around this time last year.

A survey of 1,500 TUI members conducted last month showed that 23% of respondents said they have an underlying health problem that is of concern during the Covid-19 pandemic, while 31% share a home with someone who have an underlying health problem, and 11% share a home with someone over 70 years of age.

In a separate part of the survey, 95% said their job is somewhat or significantly more difficult compared to twelve months ago.

Gillespie said staff and students are “much more tired” than they would be during a “normal” school year, and an earlier recess would give them “a significant and much-needed boost.”

There is a lot of well-intentioned theorizing about the concept of wellness in schools, but this would be a real, tangible action that could benefit everyone in the school community.

It could also turn out to be a ‘stitch in time’ measure that helps prevent longer absences due to burnout and burnout later in the school year.