Norma Foley: There is no going back to 'how things were' in schools

'The future of our schools is a bright one and that is because of the work of our school communities and the priority placed on education by both wider society and Government under the most trying of circumstances,' writes Education Minister Norma Foley

Education Minister Norma Foley: 'I do understand that in adapting to the unthinkable challenges that we have all faced together, it can be unnerving to move away from what has now become familiar. File picture: Brian Lawless/PA Wire

As the much loved stretch in the evening comes to a crisp end, all of us in the education system prepare for a new term filled with many, now familiar, routines and practices.

Since schools reopened, very significant infection prevention control measures have been put in place in schools. This has been supported by funding from the Department of Education.