Only a handful of Dublin schools affected by the ASTI dispute accepted pupils for classes yesterday as second-level teachers withdrew supervision on the second day of their industrial action.
Some schools made arrangements to allow small numbers of Leaving Certificate students take classes, but the supervision withdrawal by ASTI was described as an "effective weapon" by many principals.
Mr Jack Cleary, principal of St Declan's school in Cabra, Dublin, said about 20 pupils took classes at his school. Most were exam students who rang the school first to inquire if classes were taking place.
Mr Cleary said he was able to offer classes by ensuring pupils were not on the school premises when teachers withdrew supervision. He expected more pupils would turn up on Wednesday, the next day when teachers withdraw supervision.
He said his teachers were happy with the arrangements and those not taking classes worked in the staff room instead for most of the day.
Another school, Harmonstown Community School in Dublin 15, also accepted a small number of students. Its principal, Mr Tommy Flynn, said because most of them lived locally they could go home when supervision was withdrawn.
He said the school was different from others because it had no morning break, which meant the main lunchtime break was the only time when a potential problem arose.
Most parents did not send their children to schools in Dublin in line with advice from the Joint Managerial Body (JMB), which represents the majority of school managers. In a small number of schools children arrived for classes but were sent home.
One principal, who did not wish to be named, said the ASTI's action was "very disruptive" for exam students who needed to get as much time in the classroom as possible.
"I would not be as worried about students in earlier years but those taking the Leaving will feel this strike bite very soon," he said.
Other principals were worried many pupils would not turn up for classes today. "Some of them will have seen today's disruption as the start of a long weekend, unfortunately," said one principal.
While only a tiny number of schools taught pupils, if this was to increase in future weeks ASTI's action would lose some of its impact.
However, many school managers do not want to take pupils for classes because of insurance implications. Others are also nervous about a strained industrial climate after the dispute.
Mr Stephen Jordan, principal of the Christian Brothers' school at Synge Street, said none of his 422 pupils turned up.
He said there was an "unreal atmosphere" in the school, but he was glad parents had taken his advice and kept their children at home.
He said the school's teachers caught up on work in the staff and computer rooms.
Mr George O'Callaghan, general secretary of the JMB, said 99 per cent of schools in Dublin had not accepted pupils.
He said the advice that health and safety could be jeopardised if pupils were on the premises was heeded by most schools.