‘We will need huge co-operation from parents and I cannot see why that wouldn't be forthcoming'
Within every problem is the seed of a solution is the philosophy of Paddy Carr, principal of Navan's Colaiste na Mi in Johnstown.
He acknowledges that they are difficulties ahead when it comes to reopening, but he believes that it can be done, and done safely.
“Essentially, it is our job to solve the problems,” he said.
Colaiste na Mi has 740 pupils and shares a campus with St Stephen's National School.
“There is a huge volume of people using the campus every day.
“We will have to apply the guidelines to the circumstances on the ground.
“We will have to be imaginative. This is the time that timetables are being drawn up and we will have to ensure that we provide a sanitary and secure environment for students and staff.
“In every school there will be teachers and students who will be vulnerable in terms of their health and we will have to be careful to manage it so that nobody is disadvantaged.”
Colaiste na Mi is certainly adaptable, having opened just six years ago with 80 students, it now cater for 740.
They rely on temporary accommodation with plans for new facilities which will be two thirds larger than their current space.
“Our temporary space is high quality and we will manage fine, but we are looking forward to the new accommodation,” he said.
“When I first came to the school there were 12 teachers and we now have 50. “There has been rapid growth, but it has been very exciting with a young dynamic and plenty of enthusiasm.
“Going back to school full-time is what we all want. We have been working full on for the last few months to create an environment for teaching and learning from home and now we can adapt to a return to school full-time.
“I have to take my hat off to young people – they have been very responsible and considerate of vulnerable people.
“We will also need huge co-operation from parents and I cannot see why that wouldn't be forthcoming,” he said.
Main pic: Colaiste na Mi Facebook