Another teacher worried

[Toastybutt]

I’m really lucky.
We are allowed to wear masks and cases have not been too bad in our area. But it’s really starting to get to me. I’m vulnerable- as are many of our staff. Not very very vulnerable, but enough that, now that cases are rising sharply in the area, I’m getting scared.
Not just for me. I’m worried about bringing it home to my family - I’m the only one who has to go out to work. I’m worried about passing it on to a colleague. I’m terrified that something I do (or forget to do) will put a child at risk of getting it and taking it home.
It’s really starting to drag me down.
It’s Sunday morning and I already feel sick about work tomorrow. I enjoy my job. But we are working extra hours because of staggered starts, doing extra break duties, doing various cleaning tasks too. Plus I need to get work ready for isolating children, prep and teach amazing lessons because my class deserve it and stay upbeat for the kids.
I know lots are in worse positions, I’m lucky to have a job etc. I have no idea how teachers in secondary are coping. I understand it’s worse for nurses. I know all that. But I’m stressed and sad and it’s only going to get worse now for at least the next few months.
Just needed a whinge. Thank you.

[SansaSnark]

I think in the case of kids being sent in without a negative test, the duty is on heads to ask to see proof. I do think some heads could do more within the current rules to keep their schools safe.

[IHeartKingThistle]

Thanks for pushing me to get a test - it came back positive today and as I'm the 6th member of staff confirmed positive this week, 26 more are isolating and more than 50% of the students have been sent home, the Head has closed the school for two weeks. We had no cases in the first wave and none at all until a couple of weeks ago - it's happened really quickly.

[Danglingmod]

Sansa - Heads are not allowed to ask. Govt guidelines.

[borageforager]

sansa our head told me to send my other child in while we waited for test result on one of them.

[13luckyblackcats]

Oh yikes @IHeartKingThistle, looks after yourself and hope you stay as well as possible.

[PrivateD00r]

@IHeartKingThistle

Thanks for pushing me to get a test - it came back positive today and as I'm the 6th member of staff confirmed positive this week, 26 more are isolating and more than 50% of the students have been sent home, the Head has closed the school for two weeks. We had no cases in the first wave and none at all until a couple of weeks ago - it's happened really quickly.

How are you getting on? Please take it easy and forget all about work. This virus is no joke, I am currently recovering from it myself. I would recommend sleeping well propped up, regular paracetamol even if you think you are ok and plenty of clear fluids if you can manage. I needed antibiotics for viral pneumonia in the end and wished I had contacted the GP sooner rather than waiting until I was really unwell - don't be afraid of asking for help.

Take as long off as you need, don't be pressured to rush back. The school can just bloody well stay shut for as long as is needed!

Take care

[PrivateD00r]

I cannot believe selfish flipping parents are sending DC in to school unwell! I honestly think parents should be heavily fined for this. People are so unbelievably selfish! I kept my dc off an extra few days when I recently had covid just to be absolutely sure because although they didn't have the 'official' covid symptoms, they were under the weather for sure. So I counted out 10 days from the last one of the dc feeling unwell then sent them all back after that. I would rather be cautious than potentially cause a member of school staff or another dc to catch this flipping thing.

[IHeartKingThistle]

Thanks all xxx

[starrynight19]

IHeartKingThistle oh no , hopefully it’s just a mild dose for you. Sounds like your school have done the right thing it’s just running out of control and the government don’t seem one bit interested. Take care

[starrynight19]

PrivateD00r sadly this pandemic has proved how very selfish so many people are.
My dd has just gone back to school after her third isolation and a child in her year tested positive sending home lots of year 11 pupils , thankfully not her this time because he came in whilst he had symptoms and a test booked

[Kjc39]

Personally, I’m just glad that my secondary school aged children are still able to go to school. They have missed out on far too much education already and what they are getting now isn’t brilliant. The cure has in some ways become worse than the disease. It is impacting heavily on children. I also work in a school with early years, so absolutely no social distancing. I’m wiping noses, holding hands. We are just one big bubble. But you know I’m not scared to go to work. My priority is keeping things normal as much as possible. We are seeing so much anxiety and speech problems. This can’t go on.