Thread 35 - Covid Cohort from GCSE 2020 'What They Did on Their Summer Holidays'

[OrangeCinnamonCroissant]

This is a thread for supporting all young people post GCSEs 2020, regardless of their educational setting. It is respectfully requested that all are supportive and helpful to each other. If you want to start a debate, e.g state vs private, please don't within this thread. Please also be sensitive when responding to threads about grades. It's all relative!
Some of us have been here since first thread back in yr10, some will be new. Everyone has been friendly and helpful in the past. Everyone is welcome. It is hoped this will continue.
Our DS/DD may continue down various pathways ( employment, apprenticeships, higher ed) We have decided for anyone interested they will find a thread within the Further Ed board.
Possibly a move to Parent of Adult Children Board in future? Post Results?

Previous Thread

Aaaand DH just tested positive....

DS now working full time during the week and bloody bored and moping about at the weekends. Holiday in a fortnight though with his dad.

@Piggywaspushed oh no, it’s a nightmare at the moment.I hope you all swerve it.

Not convinced DS1 didn't start it ( again) as he had a bad cold sore. DS2 just tested clear. Fingers crossed. I am feeling OK. Hopefully will stay clear.

Sorry @Piggywaspushed there's so much of it about again. My DS is home again tonight and hasn't had it yet so keeping h well away from DH.

It was a very emotional day at his school today, I have been in tears several times. Can't believe its all over for us there

Sorry to hear that @Piggywaspushed . I didn’t catch it from DH in December and he didn’t catch it from me at Whitsun despite sharing a bed! I kept a bottle of sanitiser by the kettle and was forever spraying handles. Windows open!

Hope you stay clear @Piggywaspushed and glad you had a good day @EspeciallyDeIighted . It’s the end of an era!

Oh no @ProggyMat fingers crossed for the rest of you staying clear. 🤞

We have the school awards thing on Tuesday evening, I don’t want to go in the school hall with hundreds of people now, but it’s the first time one of my DCs has been given one so fell like I have to attend. Think I’m going to mask up.

It's tricky the presentation thing isn't it, luckily at DS's school the hall isn't big enough so they use a marquee which had the sides open and was well ventilated, but DD and I wore masks while seated just in case we had it from DH. I am still feeling a little bereft this morning - the fight I had with the LA to get him into that school and it has been like an amazing comfort blanket/safety net for DS and I and now it is over and we are on our own. DH doesn't really get it as I am the one who does all the school stuff. And I can't talk to him properly when we have to sit at opposite sides of the garden with the covid. I keep telling myself it's not about me but am struggling.

We have the space outside but at the moment it’s planned for the hall, I’m hoping they move it…

I think your feelings are very understandable @EspeciallyDeIighted particularly because you’re the more involved parent when it comes to his education. It’s the end of an era for both of you. X

DD has now left the school that I and her aunt went to and has also been a regular venue for non school music and drama events over the years. My dad was a governor and I have always helped out with theatre productions. I’m desperately checking that all my knowledge of where different stuff is stored has been passed on!

@EspeciallyDeIighted I don’t think you have to sit that far away when outside. We sat around the table when I had it but just spread out a bit.

@EspeciallyDeIighted Understandable when it proved to be such a great school.

@KingscoteStaff Real end of an era for you. The community will no doubt miss your active support.

@Piggywaspushed How unlucky. I hope all this sunshine is boosting everyone's immune systems so cases are mild.

@Benjispruce4 no, i suppose we don't, just seems weird getting too close to anyone when they've got it now, indoors or out. I don't particularly like chatting over important/private stuff in the garden anyway because of the neighbours overhearing (narrow gardens and we hear them talking about all sorts).

ED I totally get you. Totally, the end of an era. Especially if you've fought hard, like you have.

I still have ds2 at the school. But I have been very happy indeed with their care of ds1. Whereas the primary, well I wouldn't have my boys if they'd had their way!

That's awful about the primary @Oblomov22. I think it's fair to say I have been an engaged parent with DS's school, was on the PTA almost the whole time (technically I still am till the next AGM) which has been a great experience on the whole but of course makes me feel even more sad now, I will miss the others. DS and I are certainly going to have a lot of good memories between us though and the sadness will fade.

Especially, I feel exactly the same about our school, even down to your comment about “ now we are on our own”.
DD has only been at the school for 2 years (DS has been there for 5 years and would have had another 2), but it’s been the only time in her whole education where it’s felt that we’ve had other people to help care for her and support her, and us.
Every single member of staff we’ve come into contact with during the last 5 years has been genuinely friendly and caring; it really has felt like being part of a special family, and leaving feels like a bereavement in a way.

Sending you a big hug. Xx

Found the new thread! Hope all the DCs with covid are better soon. We are ok. Just covered in midge bites.

@Alsoplayspiccolo thank you, it’s good to know it’s not just us. Hugs to you too. I have been keeping busy today to distract myself but started thinking about the school again just now and the tears started again. DS seems to be OK so far, it’s me that is the one that is struggling. Being part of a special family is exactly how it feels. DS has had some absolutely amazing teachers who I think the world of.

@BlueMarigold I am covered in midge bites too, in fact the DCs just got together and informed me I ought to be going to the doctor as my arm is in such a state. I have taken photos, if it gets any worse or any other symptoms of infection I will send in an econsult. I’m not too worried as this does happen to me from time to time and they have always cleared up by themselves before.

DD’s Wireless job was a winner - she’s earned nearly £300 and got to clock off at 5 today, so she could meet up with some friends and see some of the acts for free. She’s just back and buzzing!

That’s lovely @crazycrofter 😀

Result Crazy.

Well done @crazycrofter DD for managing to earn money and have have a good time.

DS is being paid to play double bass in a children's opera this week - £150 for 7 hours work, so he is happy. He has told me he wants to spend £1,500 on a personal trainer for power lifting stuff, can't say I understand, but if he is earning the money, it is probably better than spending it all on beer (like his brother!).

That’s very good money @Monkey2001 . Great that he’s able to use his skills to earn. That’s an expensive personal trainer! Each to their own though 😂

Great for your DD/DS to be earning ££ for something they really enjoy. My DD is only costing me money at the moment, although she has just signed up for a week long Life Guarding course in late July (originally £260 but school are paying £85 so that's something). Hopefully she will be able to use it to actually earn money at some point in the next 2 years... I know she will start gardening with DH at some point this summer but she only has plans to go out at the moment, so not sure when she will start. She slept all night on the sofa last night as she fell asleep watching tele and didn't want to move to go up to bed so I put a blanket on her and left her there. Didn't expect her to still be there in the morning but she said it was very comfortable. Obviously she went back to back when I got up so sleeping soundly I suspect for a few hours yet. I'ts schools last day tomorrow and I know she wanted to go into school to say thanks to a few teachers but I don't think she will get there (half day tomorrow)....

Hope those of you going off on holiday this week have a brilliant time - and those still working manage to keep cool here.