I remember growing up as a child with well known nursery rhymes. I’m not sure they have the same focus today as they did in the 70’s and 80’s, but they are firmly planted in my memory. Open shut them, open shut them, give a little clap.
Schools have felt a bit like that over the past 18 months, haven’t they? Today we’re open and tomorrow, who knows?
There was great joy in finally being able to welcome back everyone after such an extended lockdown period. Monday, 25 October, in my school, we finally were able to have everyone back on campus. Just a few days later, we found ourselves in the grip of the unknown. Our first positive COVID case and isolation returned. Thankfully on this occasion, it was only one cohort.
A few days later, a second case emerged. Our numbers in isolation increased with an average of 200 students each day unable to attend school.
Our staff pivoted, yet again, and emerged with the best outcome for our students. Off Campus Learning returned in full for the first cohort and a blend for those in the second group. Teachers weren’t safe either. As parents, some were forced back into isolation as they cared for their own children. In true teacher fashion, they worked from home, juggling conflicting responsibilities as so many of our parents have done exceptionally well throughout 2020 and 2021.
I’m no Epidemiologist, Scientist or Medical Expert. What I know is that schools have been impacted by the necessary lockdowns. I don’t begrudge these lockdowns, but do look forward to a day where they won’t be necessary, where isolation won’t be impacting on student learning.
It appears we are getting there. It appears that as the vaccination rates increase, more freedoms will return. Yet currently, this isn’t the case for the humble Primary School. A high risk setting, where we are told the current safeguards of forcing cohorts into isolation will continue, until the majority of 5-11 years olds can be vaccinated.
There is still no clarity on when this may occur and with only a short time remaining of 2021, it is my hope and prayer that this might be resolved, allowing all Primary Schools to commence 2022 in confidence of being able to get on with the job of educating our future leaders, doctors and frontline workers.
I’m looking forward to the day where we can focus on education again, and not on COVID response. I know every Principal and teacher feels exactly the same.
