Principal Warns of Rat Infestation as School Strike Continues

The ongoing strike by over 2,800 school secretaries and caretakers in Dublin has raised significant concerns about health and safety at St Joseph’s School in Fairview. Principal Alexandra Duane warned that the accumulation of rubbish could lead to a rat infestation, jeopardizing the well-being of students when they return to school.

With routine maintenance tasks, such as emptying bins, neglected during the strike, waste is piling up in the school yard. While some cleaners continue to manage waste in classrooms and offices, Ms. Duane expressed alarm at the overflowing rubbish outside. She stated, “If there are rodents or birds potentially going to attack the kids, it might pressure me into making a decision about closing.”

The situation has been exacerbated by recent heavy rainfall, which blocked a drain in the yard and caused flooding. This flooding prevented students from using the normal entrance to the toilets, further complicating the school’s operations. Additionally, a stack of critical social welfare forms at the reception desk, necessary for parents to claim child benefit for older teenagers, continues to grow, highlighting the impact of the strike on administrative functions.

Principal Duane, who supports the strike, explained that the unions have advised staff not to take on the strikers’ duties, as doing so would undermine the effectiveness of the protest. She emphasized the vital role that secretaries and caretakers play in maintaining the school’s operations, stating, “The whole point of this is illustrating how vital they are to the school.”

The strike has forced Ms. Duane to take on additional responsibilities, including opening the school for children attending a breakfast club. She recounted her routine of arriving at 6:45 AM to ensure the school was accessible before returning home to care for her own children. “It’s been a crazy few weeks,” she remarked. “I completely support their action. I don’t think it’s fair at all that they don’t have a pension when they are so vital to the school.”

As the situation escalates, numerous principals have voiced concerns about the potential for school closures if the dispute is not resolved. Ms. Duane noted, “I think it will come to a head today or tomorrow. If my SNAs walk out, I will have to close, which will cause ructions. I hope I don’t have to make a call.”

In a letter to parents, Ms. Duane reiterated the school’s full support for the strike, explaining that the industrial action has significantly disrupted daily operations. She listed essential services that are currently impacted, including responding to phone calls and emails, managing school reception, and maintaining the school grounds.

While the school office remains closed, Ms. Duane urged parents to limit communication to emergencies and to contact their child’s year head via email. She reassured families that the “core functions” of the school are still operational and emphasized the priority of maintaining a focused teaching and learning environment.

The ongoing strike underscores the essential role of support staff in schools and poses challenges not only for principals but also for students and their families. As the situation develops, stakeholders await a resolution that addresses the needs of all parties involved.