While the country slowly reopens with almost the entire adult population vaccinated, there are still big issues in schools. There are no plans as it stands to vaccinate the under 12s. As a result, there has already been much disruption in classrooms, with children testing positive for Covid 19. This is having a ripple effect through schools, as it means other pupils also need to be kept at home.

Damien looked how Waterford pincipals and teachers are managing this situation, in terms of helping staff members, parents and children cope with the ever evolving situation.

In this podcast, you'll first hear the voice of Helen Murphy Walsh, Principal of Kilmacow Montessori School. The school has 35 students, comprising three different pods.

Damien also spoke to Michael J.Ryan, Principal, Ballymacarbry NS. The school has 183 pupils and seven class teachers. There are also learning support teachers and SNAs on the staff. Michael spoke about how they've had to kick the Covid School Response Plan into gear. Michael explained to Damien how the CO2 monitors work.

Damien then hear from a caller, Desireé, a parent with her own experiences of the Covid situation and school. She explained that she's waiting for a child's Covid test result to come back.

The next guest on Deise was Denis Ring, Principal Blackwater Community College, which has almost 900 pupils and over 100 staff. Damien also caught up with some of the teachers on the staff. Denis discussed how they've been quite fortunate in terms of Covid cases.

You can listen back on the segment, in the link above.