LISTEN: Lisnagarvey High School to close early for Christmas holidays after over fifth of staff forced to self-isolate

By Q Radio News

Lisnagarvey High School in Lisburn has announced it will be shutting from today for the Christmas holidays, instead using remote learning for all year groups.

It is after two separate COVID-19 cases were diagnosed in a Year 9 class and the SEN department, forcing over one fifth of the staff to have to self isolate.

In a statement, the Principal JP Sheerin said the cases "led to large numbers of staff being directed by the Public Health Agency App to self-isolate,"

"All parents of any children, or any staff that have been identified as direct contacts have been notified."

The principal also said that work during the closure would be set on Google Classroom with contingency plans put in place for a small number of exams students to attend school at specific times with diminished timetables.

The Education Peter Weir only visited the school two days before the closure announcement, along with his party colleague, Jeffrey Donaldson who is MP for Lagan Valley.

Delighted to be invited to visit Lisnagarvey High School this morning with Sir @J_Donaldson_MP Brilliant to see a school with consistently improving results & clear pastoral ethos👍 pic.twitter.com/pCiP4JKtsa

— Peter Weir (@LordWeirDUP) December 7, 2020

UUP MLA and Education Committee member, Robbie Butler tweeted his reaction to the closure of his old school.

My old school breaking news today of a full school closure due to #covid

I really fail to see how and why we don’t have suitable and agreed alternative examination arrangement in place.. Minister you visited this school recently, now is the time to give clarity and comfort! pic.twitter.com/67YKexrk8y

— Robbie Butler MLA (@RobbieButlerMLA) December 9, 2020

In his tweet, he referenced the ongoing controversy surrounding exams which are expected to go ahead as planned despite school closures and pupil absences.

Today, the Education Minister defended his decision to press ahead with exams next year.

Peter Weir says his department is finalising proposals which will be presented to the Assembly early next week.

Education Minister Peter Weir

GCSEs and A Levels in Wales and Highers in Scotland have been cancelled in 2021 by each respective government - with the minister under pressure to follow suit.

However Mr Weir has insisted that  exams are the fairest way possible for pupils to display their knowledge.