As we come into Parent/Teacher meeting season, the impact of the ASTI industrial action is likely to mean that many secondary school students will be sent home early. Due to a ban on meetings outside school hours by the ASTI, Parent/Teacher meetings, which would normally have been scheduled for after school, have now to be scheduled inside the normal school day. In general, the meetings will have to start at 1pm in order to finish within the teachers’ normal working hours.

The Joint Managerial Body (JMB) – which represents management in 380 of the country's 730 post-primary schools had initially suggested to its members that rather than disrupting tuition, schools hold back from rescheduling meetings within the school day. However, with no sign of an end to the dispute, the JMB is now telling schools that meetings for the parents of sixth-year and third-year students should take place, within the normal school day.

Annemarie Wade from Schooldays.ie reminds us that teachers have a limited time to speak with each parent at parent/teacher meetings so it is important to come prepared with your questions and talk to your child before the meeting to see if there is any issues they want raised. Read Schooldays.ie tips on preparing for a parent/teacher meeting and download their planner

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