When we were told on the Wednesday that schools were closing; we all assumed it would be until after Easter. It was not a celebration because at that point we all had exam groups and it’s a crucial time. We spent the next two days putting together exam papers; revision documents; work packs and trying to cram as much as possible into the kid’s brains...but we assured them we’d see them soon.
On the Friday, we were exhausted. No one had had a break; a lunch; a good meal for that matter; much sleep or any time in a couple of days. We had been so busy. We had stayed after school for training on Google Classroom; Teams and Zoom until late.
We were called to the hall for a meeting before the school closed.
At this point we were told how we’d be teaching remotely. That the expectation would still be high. Hours the same and our remote classrooms monitored. Fine.
We were then told that the LEA had said not to expect to be back before September, so get anything from your classroom that you need as you won’t be allowed back in the building. We were told we’d be also taking care of key-workers children, but this would take place at another school in the LA. That it would be a hub.
We we’re all stunned by the end of the meeting. We’d never experienced anything like this. We worried about our exam pupils. Many staff were extremely tearful.
We went and packed away our classrooms. We grabbed as much work as we could in big shopping bags to bring home along with our computers. It was like the day you break up for the summer holiday, but a sadder, more uncertain and worrying version.
We then met one last time to say our goodbyes to each other as a staff. Cue more tears. Eventually we were told we had to leave the building and we watched as the caretakers counted out the staff and then locked the doors.
I drove home bewildered...how can this be happening.
The news about exams settled our worries a bit. Only to an extent. The emails began to roll in every few minutes from SMT. Before, our work life balance was protected. No more! - ‘Work around your families’ meant that you could be contacted any time of the day or evening. My phone dinged with emails and messages between 6am and 10pm. Do this; you need to do that. All of SMT now trying to prove to the councils and gather evidence that we’re working. It’s been hard.
No harder I suspect than anyone else. In some cases still easier. The people losing money. The people losing family. It’s a horrible time.
Some good has come from this. Air pollution and noise pollution down. You should see the flowers and trees bloom by me. Like never before. We have had birds and bats we’ve never seen before in this area. Bees and butterflies in their hundreds.
People around here shout an enthusiastic hello across the street glad to see a face. People post offers of help through the doors, the support is incredible.
We really are all in it together, which is why I’ve decided to how out of this thread as it reminds me of the negativity and daily battles of the average teacher trying to prove they work hard.
With regards to the original question, local councils are the ones who have told teachers not to expect to be back before September, through SMT. It’s for planning reasons really and no guarantee.
We hope to be back sooner, but obviously would rather it didn’t end up costing lives, which it would right now.
We’ll end up going back, when we’re told to. I guess no one can know any different.
Have a lovely day all and sorry about the long post!