The principal of a Co Down grammar school said having to telephone 17 families to tell their daughters to self-isolate was a horrible experience, but one which could have easily been avoided.
It is a scenario that has been played out at hundreds of schools across Northern Ireland in the last few days as schools remained open.
Fiona McAlinden, principal at Our Lady s Grammar in Newry, said the experience has left her frustrated and it would never have happened if school principals had been listened to by the Education Minister. She explained how a pupil tested positive on Friday, the final day before closing for Christmas. She said there have been five cases at the school since Halloween, which are not related.