News
Masks could become the new classroom accessory
MASKS: Principal Sean Coffey says students may have to wear masks when returning to The Sem. Photo: Michelle Cooper Galvin
By Michelle Crean
Masks may become a whole new look at one Killarney secondary school as staff look at ways to safely return students and staff to classrooms.
Principal of St Brendan's College, Sean Coffey, this week told the Killarney Advertiser that he's currently working through the guidelines and is looking at ways to ensure one metre distancing can be maintained in the school for the 760 students and 85 staff.
"The emphasis is to get the schools reopened," Sean said. "We're planning a staggered return for the students and are currently finalising dates. In terms of the one metre distancing we're currently looking at the school building and how we can reconfigure it. A lot of those rooms are small."
He explained that using the bigger spaces such as the hall for classes will have an impact on the students social gathering areas.
"We're looking at masks or visors for staff and students as a last gasp if no other solution is possible."
Other changes coming down the line include parents making appointments and not dropping in, sanitisation at entry and exit points outside each classroom, the upgrading to sensor taps in the bathrooms to minimise touch in staff and student facilities.
"We're looking at lockers, social gathering of staff in the staff room bringing that down to 10, the bathrooms will have to be monitored with a tracing list.
"This will all have to be done in four weeks," Sean said. "But the overall aim is to make it work."
What teaching staff have really leaned in recent months is the importance of face to face contact.
Well-being will be a central focus for all staff and students, he added.
"We'll find solutions. The time is right and reopening is a priority."
Tracy Coyne elected Vice President of Irish Hotels Federation
The Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) has announced the election of hospitality executive Tracy Coyne as Vice President of the Federation.
She joins IHF President Matt O’Connor in representing over 900 hotels and guesthouses, a sector that employs more than 69,000 people nationwide.
A long-standing and active member of the IHF, Ms Coyne brings extensive experience to the national role. She has previously served on the IHF’s National Council and Management Committee and currently holds a senior executive position in Kerry. Her professional background spans financial services, corporate finance, and hotel asset management.
Commenting on her election, Ms Coyne who continues in her role running the International Hotel said it was a tremendous privilege to represent a sector that makes such a significant contribution to the economy and that she looks forward to engaging with Government and industry partners to support key policy priorities, particularly regarding cost competitiveness, sustainability, and people development.
IHF President Matt O’Connor congratulated Ms Coyne on her election, saying that her commitment to the sector and professional experience are great assets to the IHF as it continues to advocate for members at the highest levels of Government.
Lissivigeen pupils create glass mosaics for new sensory garden
Fifth-class pupils at Lissivigeen National School have completed a series of colourful glass mosaics as part of the national BLAST Residency Programme.
The project saw the school collaborate with Kerry-based glass artist Julianne Foley over a 20-hour residency focused on creativity and hands-on design.
The initiative, part of the Creative Youth Plan, allows schools to work with professional artists to develop skills in innovation and problem-solving. Guided by Julianne, the students in Ms O’Mahony’s class moved from initial sketches to cutting and arranging multicoloured glass before grouting their final pieces.
The artwork was inspired by the school’s new sensory garden, which is currently under construction. Principal Ellen Cagney noted that the project provided a unique opportunity for pupils to express themselves artistically while working together on a shared vision for the school grounds. The finished mosaics are currently on display in the school lobby before they are moved to their permanent home in the garden.
Tracy Coyne elected Vice President of Irish Hotels Federation
Tracy Coyne elected Vice President of Irish Hotels Federation The Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) has announced the election of hospitality...
Lissivigeen pupils create glass mosaics for new sensory garden
Lissivigeen pupils create glass mosaics for new sensory garden Fifth-class pupils at Lissivigeen National School have completed a series of...
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