Published: Wednesday, 13th January, 2010 5:00pm

Snow holiday a child's delight

Pupils from Butlersbridge NS constructed this unusually large snowman during the recent snowfall.

As the thaw gradually melts away the snow and ice the extended Christmas holidays for school children are coming to an end.

A number of primary schools are opening their doors today (Wednesday) in both Cavan and Monaghan and the bulk of both primary and second level schools in the two counties resume classes tomorrow (Thursday).

Due to the severity and duration of the snow storm the Minister for Education, Mr. Batt O'Keeffe, TD, directed last Friday that schools should remain closed for the earlier part of this week and that the situation should be reviewed mid-week.

Now with a rise in temperatures and the disappearance of the snow it is expected that school bus services can resume in the coming days. The hard packed ice is expected to be a problem on many by-roads and this could delay the re-opening of smaller primary schools in rural areas.

Some schools are encountering plumbing and heating problems due to the prolonged freeze and maintenance personnel are currently engaged in resolving those problems.

In Cavan St. Mary's NS, Drung, St. Mary's NS, Arva, Castletara NS and Killeshandra NS number two, St. Patrick's NS, Kilnaleck, St. Mary's Ballyhaise, Castlerahan NS and Darley NS, Cootehill are all due to re-open today.

Farnham NS is also opening today, as are Drumcrave NS, Lisboduff NS, Bunnoe, Laragh NS and Milltown primary school, Belturbet.

Some parts of the county have fared better than others in the storm. This has meant a quicker resumption of normal services in those areas than in those which have been adversely affected. All of the schools in Bailieboro are opening today including Bailieboro Community School.

St. Aidan's Comprehensive, Cootehill is also re-opening today (Wednesday) while County Cavan VEC schools are committed to a (tomorrow) Thursday opening. It is also Thursday for other second level schools including St. Patrick's College, Royal School, Cavan, Loreto college and Breifne College.