The phased reopening of Ireland's schools is beginning this morning after more than five months of disruption. Almost one million children and teenagers are due to return to around 4,000 primary and second level schools from today for the first time since the middle of March.
In Carlow, 152 first years will begin their second level education at St Leo's College, as it becomes one of the first to reopen to students.
St Leo's, like other second level schools, is prioritising first year students, with sixth year pupils the next group to come back.
Many schools are reopening this week, with the remainder next week. Most have been dramatically reconfigured in an attempt to ensure a safe environment for students and staff, with several hygiene