Loreto Grammar students are delighted to return to school

IT has been an unusual couple of years for students up-and-down the country – but the pupils of Loreto Grammar say they are ‘so excited’ to see what lies ahead this term.

This school year brings with it a certain sense of normality: There is more mixing of friends, and there is a return of extracurricular activities, including sport and choir.

However, it is not a return to complete normality: There are still a number of restrictions, including staggered lunch times and the wearing of face masks in lessons.

The school has also imposed a one-way system to cut down on the amount of mixing of classes between lessons.

During a visit to the school, the Ulster Herald spoke to pupils of different age groups, including Caoimhe of Year 13; Zara of Year 14; Caitlyn of Year 11; Erin of Year 12; and Rose of Year 9.

Each girl said they were ‘enjoying’ the start of school year, and were glad to return to a more usual school life.

“It has been a bit strange being back with all the rules,” Zara described. “It will be interesting to see how the year will unfold, too, when it comes to our exams.

“However, it is great to get back to having a laugh with your friends. Having face-to-face communication is far better than talking via an online stream.”

Caitlyn has had a different experience from her fellow pupils.

As a child of two key workers, she didn’t experience learning from home.

Instead, she remained in school with a small number of other key workers’ children.

“I never went away,” she reflected. “So while life has been different for me, it is so much better to have more people about.

“I appreciate the small things; like having the canteen open to sit and talk to your friends.”

This is Rose’s first school year at Loreto, even though she is a Year Nine. This will also be the first time she will be interacting with older students.

“Last year, I only was able to interact with people in my bubble, so things are so much better now.

“I’m glad to be in school.”

Vice Principal, Mary Gavin, spoke of how the staff are pleased to return to a more normal teaching environment, adding that the students are facing each day with a renewed vigour.

“We’re delighted by how the pupils have embraced the new regulations: They are full of optimism and positivity for the future,” she said.

“We are working hard to support them as we go through this together.

“The staff are also delighted to be back at school, and we have a number of regulations in place to make everyone feel happy and safe.”

“The students are all wearing their face masks, and there are hand sanitiser station throughout the school build, which must be used during the school day,” she added. “The lunch room is also socially-distanced.

“We have further implemented a one-way system, which has worked well. This is to minimise crowding in the corridors.

“Students must also wear their PE uniforms to school on the days that they have that subject,” Mrs Gavin continued.

“We are looking forward to the return of are extra curricular activities.

“However – we must be vigilant and adhere to all the current regulations to ensure the safety of all in attendance at the school.”

BY THOMAS MAHER
t.maher@ulsterherald.com