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Teacher Karen Tobin with Zac Howarth, Damien Hogan, Alan Klimat and Thomas Derge on the new benches for outdoor dining during lunchtimes. Photo by Dermot Crean
SCHOOLDAYS are difficult for secondary school students in this COVID-19 world, so anything that makes the experience a little easier is welcome.
With this in mind, CBS The Green have introduced some al fresco dining options so students can have breaks from wearing masks.
New outdoor furniture has changed the dining experience for the boys at the school and has been greeted with enthusiasm and delight.
“The students are thrilled with the opportunity to eat outdoors and have that all important mask breaks,” said Wellbeing Co-ordinator at the school Karen Tobin.
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The picnic-style benches are peppered around the school grounds with four to each bench, maintaining social distancing in the fresh air.
“Putting in place outdoor eating facilities enhances the health and well-being of our students. Given the times we find ourselves in at the moment, we now realise more than ever the need to be outdoors as much as is feasibly possible,” she added.
CBS The Green students on one of the new benches for outdoor dining. Photo by Dermot Crean
Karen said that by allowing students to eat outside, rather than within the school building, you can encourage social interaction, especially when you employ the use of picnic style benches.
“These allows our students to sit in small social groups while maintaining their social distances. By encouraging social interaction at breaks and lunch times this will ultimately improve pupil’s communication skills, as they will be discussing different topics to the ones which will be discussed in the classroom,” she said.
“As well as social improvements, eating outside has also been known to improve concentration, productivity and intellect. Thus helping the boys when they get back into the classroom. Now all we need is dry weather for the next couple of months!” she concluded.
A very worthy addition then in these uncertain times. When it comes to making school more bearable, every little helps.
CBS The Green students on the new benches for outdoor dining during lunchtimes. Photo by Dermot Crean
