As sixth-year students reach the milestone end of their secondary years in school, parents and students are being asked to take extra precautions to ensure that the students remain fit and well to sit their Leaving Cert. Last week, the Department of Education issued guidance  to schools advising that while graduation ceremonies can occur in line with the school’s Covid response plan, these events cannot have parents in attendance.

The Joint Managerial Body, which represents religious-run secondary schools, has also warned that extra caution needs to be taken so that students are not prevented from sitting the exams. They have highlighted the dangers of end-of-year parties that may lead to groups of students congregating in unsafe settings. "It is very important that, in the next few weeks, students just hold the line," John Curtis, General Secretary of the JMB, said.

Masks will be required to be worn during the indoor exams and no teen, with symptoms or who are required to self-isolate as a result of being a close contact of a positive case, will be allowed to take their papers.

Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan has also issued a special video message to Leaving Cert students of 2021 asking them to plan their time and social contacts in the safest way possible between finishing school and their exams starting on 9th June. Dr Holohans video can be seen here

Comments