DAYS after education minster Peter Weir suggested an extended half-term holiday would be unhelpful, an extended half-term holiday has been approved.
It is clear that Arlene Foster and her party colleagues are uncomfortable with the idea, however.
There had been demands for a longer, open-ended lockdown to include schools, but Mrs Foster said she did not agree with these.
It is understood that ministers initially discussed a six-week shutdown period. This was later reduced to a potential four before a compromise of two was accepted.
Two still seems too long for many.
Some principals have questioned the need for the extra week, while others are welcoming it.
Mrs Foster is adamant that schools will reopen on November 2, although there will be a review to assess whether the fresh closures have been effective.
In the assembly, her party colleague Christopher Stalford urged her to resist any attempts to extend the closure period.
The spin being put on this shutdown appears to be that it is simply a longer holiday, and learning doesn't take place on holidays typically.
Mr Weir has said it is an extension of the half-term break and "it is not intended to be used for remote learning".
Not intended to be, but still can be.
Principals can choose themselves how they want to use their `optional days'.
It is unclear which two days will be the optional days. It is unlikely to be October 29 and 30, however, the official dates of the Halloween half term break.
There is much more ironing out to be done before the bell rings on Friday afternoon.
