Life

Marie Louise McConville: Parents in a quandary over school Christmas holidays

Education Minister Peter Weir has insisted schools will not close early for the Christmas holiday. Picture by Liam McBurney/PA Wire
Education Minister Peter Weir has insisted schools will not close early for the Christmas holiday. Picture by Liam McBurney/PA Wire Education Minister Peter Weir has insisted schools will not close early for the Christmas holiday. Picture by Liam McBurney/PA Wire

So, what's the plan then?

With the rumour mill in full flow, I'm feeling confused and anxious and I'm sure I'm not the only one.

I just feel like us parents need a definitive answer or at least some proper advice.

In recent weeks, education minister Peter Weir has been asked repeatedly about plans to close schools early ahead of the Christmas break and each time, his answer has been the same, there are no plans for such a move.

However, at grass roots level, the messages hopping around the playground are very different.

These last few weeks, I've listened as many parents have raised questions about when the schools will close for Christmas - despite us having the official closure list.

I was also surprised to listen to some of them reveal their own thoughts about taking their kids out of school early.

I also have friends who have indicated the same intentions.

I was quite shocked when I heard.

Some had plans to take their kids out of school as early as yesterday because that would be two weeks before Christmas and it would leave just enough time to isolate should they contract Covid-19 from their school pals.

Therefore, they could stay at home and it would be safe for them to see others by the time Christmas Day comes.

I have also heard of others making similar plans for next Friday.

On top of this, some schools have already made it known that they have remote learning available and take home packs for kids who will not be in school.

I just don't know what to do for the best.

I'm not sure I am entirely on board with taking my kids out of school early. I feel like they have both missed so much of school this year already.

I also know how important the social interaction is with their school pals and how they are when they don't have that.

After everything that has happened this year, I want them to be able to soak up every single piece of education and my plan had been just that but now I just don't know.

I suppose it feels like I have been suddenly backed into a corner and given the choice of education or health but I'd like both.

I just wish someone would come out and advise us please?

I know up to now, Peter Weir has most definitely said no to any early school closure but is he now going to fold to parent pressure and change his mind at the last minute?

I am sure I am not the only parent feeling anxious about what to do.

Surely there's some kind of expert up there on the hill who can help?

Goodness knows, there's been enough of them rolled out these past nine months.

------------------------------------------------

It's nice to be nice - isn't it?

Singer Will Young has been doing his bit to keep his neighbours' spirits up after revealing he has been planting trees and flowers on his local road to spread some cheer.

The 41-year-old performer singer took to social media to share a video of himself 'road planting' including crab apple trees and irises.

He told fans: "Today... more road planting, which I encourage anyone to do - responsibility. Just get out there, plant them, the whole street will enjoy them in spring... if we ever get there!'

Such a nice guy.

--------------------------------------------

Competition

With less than two weeks to Christmas, the pressure is on, so how you fancy winning a £50 Lidl voucher to help you on your way?

Lidl Northern Ireland has launched its Deluxe Christmas range meaning customers can enjoy luxury for less.

From mince pies to macarons and camembert to cream liqueur, the newly expanded range is available in all 40 stores across the north, offering the highest quality, delicious festive treats at budget-friendly prices.

Lidl Northern Ireland has also partnered with award-winning chef Gary O’Hanlon to create a full Christmas dinner menu, complete with all the trimmings for less than £7 per person. For more festive recipe ideas check out lidl-ni.co.uk.

And it’s not just food, Lidl Northern Ireland has launched a ‘tree-mendous’ gift guide with budget friendly presents starting from just 99p.

I have three £50 Lidl vouchers to give away.

If you fancy winning a voucher, simply email your name, address and telephone number – along with the answer to the question below – to competitions@irishnews.com

Closing date for entries is 12 noon on Tuesday, December 15, 2020.

(Q) Who is the award winning chef Lidl has partnered with to create a full dinner menu?

Normal Irish News rules apply but please note that there will be a delay in processing our competitions during the period of restrictions.

The winners of the Dream Beauty competition are Alana McGurgan, from Armagh and Geraldine Farrell, from Newry.