The Fifty-first republic - twice weekly tests and wear masks at all time till Easter

[StaffRepFeistyClub]

You are most welcome to this school staff support thread to get us through stressful times. It is meant for school staff only – a sort of room of requirement. Baiters, haters, goaders, and bashers can jog on somewhere else.

If you are NOT staff and just have a general education query please start your own thread.

Do not give the staffroom password to others just in case it attracts the wrong sort

Other requirements for staff room entry include the ability to find the staff room, the ability to find a clean mug in the staff room, knowledge of the photocopier codes, and the ability to sniff out where the booze is stashed - Thirsty Tuesdays, Fizz Fridays now in operation. Do not sit on the chairs and wear a mask.

Bill in my shoulder is upset that he's being misrepresented.

😂 😂 noble There are more horror stories but these are probably the least outing. I can understand the testing resistance to some extent. If you can't afford to isolate it would put you off. I don't understand hounding schools/heads with legal threats about LFTs, masks or changes to the school routines to keep your child safe.

Disclaimer, I do not think schools are safe!

Phlegm/Riga how old are your DDs? Mine is very emotional this week - we have a lot going on along with school return...

Just hugs for your dds, Phlebas, Riga, MsAwesomeDragon and all of us who have dcs who have suffered during lockdown.

My dd has been ok, much much better than she was last lockdown. She is really conscientious and makes sure she's always on top of her work. She's also stressed about GCSEs (y9) so has been reading around her topics and looking outside of what the teachers provide to revise as well.

My ds1 and ds 2 are harder work, KS2 and KS3. Both disorganised and both like to cut corners. Ds1 had a massive wobble when we returned to school in September, so I'm apprehensive. He had some counselling last term and we've got her on standby in case he needs to talk to her again. He's made more friends now and it's brighter so he can get outside and walk to and from school, which will definitely help. Ds2 and I have had really fraught conversations about his work. I find that I take negative feedback from their teachers far too personally; it always makes me feel like I'm failing them.

We're being threatened with legal action over masks by a frankly lunatic parent.

@motherrunner that is such a lovely story about your dd and your Y8 .

Brie,* I find that I take negative feedback from their teachers far too personally; it always makes me feel like I'm failing them*.

Glad I'm not the only one!

We're dropping history and geography at our place, doing extra maths, English and phonics in the afternoons. And having assessment week in 2 weeks time Gaslighty twat head is yet another in the "pay lip service to MH" camp because of his pursuit of Ofsted Excellent.

World Book Day was a bit half-hearted today because none of the KWV chldren could be bothered to watch the lovely author chats we had planned, they preferred to argue about colouring sheets. I am grateful that it's the last day of this tomorrow, the teachers can tke over the responsibility and my TA colleagues and I can have a rest. Yeah, right.
Gaslighty twat head is having us all do interventions from Monday. There is no sign of any kind of recovery curriculum or opportunity for debriefing the children, and if the behaviour of the KWV children is anything to go by, it is going to be a riot.

I have not had a good day!

@RafaIsTheKingOfClay

NY still aren’t going back for months are they? I thought I’d heard September, somewhere.

Elementary are doing half weeks I think. In some places any way. Half class in Mon/Tues. Half Thurs/Friday. The special ed and SEN classes are in full time, but they have class sizes of less than 8 anyway. Or at least that’s how it is in the school district I used to work in.

My mom is a teacher in NY and her school is partially remote and reduced capacity with a rota in school. She's about half and half. I don't think they have a date for when they'll be fully back. She's had both doses of the vaccine thankfully.

Friend in California had the option to teach online all year, or teach in school. Children given the same choice, so its about half and half. The ones who stay at home are obviously engaged and supported. Makes schools safer for all.

Ive had experience of a child with her camera on today, and realise that its better not having them on. So distracting.

🍰 (- a low calorie version if such a thing exists!) and 🌷 to all, and 🥤 and 🧸/📱 to your DC (depending on age!)

Oh yes, same friend has had both vaccines.

@MrsHerculePoirot she is on the cusp of 13. Everything is so fragile! I think she must be about to start her periods but I don't actually know as I never see her actual body under the duvet or hoodies that are too big. The last time i bought her bras instead of crop tops and they haven't come back to me with tears / rage, so I assume they are good.

In many ways it is like having an ancient goddess in my house. She is fickle, I must make offerings, not all of them are accepted, and her irrational rage is mighty.

My DD is 15: it gets much worse. Altho yes, I remember she was particularly awful just pre-menarche!

Sorry the group 6 thing doesn't apply in Wales.

@JanFebAnyMonth

🍰 (- a low calorie version if such a thing exists!) and 🌷 to all, and 🥤 and 🧸/📱 to your DC (depending on age!)

I have been considering the .

My ds1 got an appalling set of learning scores from one teacher at half term - I totally missed it because I don't monitor his work closely. I've realised how negatively it affects my mood and our relationship. It's just surprised me so much because a) I've never had anything like this with dd1 and b) myself and my sisters were model students!

Went in for my LFT today. Very efficient set up in school, with support staff supervising/instructing from behind perspex screens. They said the children have been brilliant overall administering the tests, very little fuss and bother. I'm impressed! Got a couple of tests to do at home next week.

@oddsbodkins

My lovely bubble of 8 is now down to 6 as 2 of my KW kids have parents who have tested positive for Covid. Just what you need with one working day left before the big bang reopening.

As a Group 6 CV member of staff who is currently un-vaccinated, I don't mind telling you, I am scared to bloody death....

Oh no! Fingers crossed all is ok...

@RuleWithAWoodenFoot

Oh no, I just started watching Bridgerton thinking I'd hate it, but appear to be in the mood for utter tripe. That's the weekend sorted.

I really enjoyed Bridgerton! Totally watchable and I binged it because there aren't loads of episodes. I can't wait for season 2!

DH and I started watching The Haunting of Bly Manor. We have to watch it together, then leave all the lights on until we're ready to sleep

The year group my children with SEN are attached to are doing a play instead of foundation subjects... A play. With songs.

Ds is days off turning 14.

Nocturnal unless forced awake for a live lesson and totally unmotivated. I'm also now convinced we both have adhd. We were watching something earlier, or trying to, and he was bouncing a ball or kicking the sofa etc endlessly and then I'm grouchy and constantly telling him stop because I find balls and tapping overwhelming. It's a bit of a shit show here.

I think if anyone wants to get judgy about him not having done all the work they may regret it.

He's not back in school till Friday next (first year group kicked out with staffing issues, last year group let back in after lockdown) and will be expected to do remote learning all week. I'm expected in school so?

He's grumpy and belligerent one minute and giddy and affectionate the next. I'm mostly just knackered

They are really invested in my elderly dog learning a new trick.

Awww!

I'm sorry for all DC who have struggled too. This has just been v v crap for them.

I am watching Des. It fits my mood and Tennant and Watkins are amazing.

I really think making mums peri whilst their kids are teenagers is another sick joke from the director

Ds and I have been honed down our dog requirements for in about 18 months time (when youngest starts school and I expect post pandemic!)

Definitely need a dog. I lived with loads growing up, including 3 litters of pups.

@TheHoneyBadger

I really think making mums peri whilst their kids are teenagers is another sick joke from the director

Yes I keep thinking that (hugs)

Omg yes! I would go crazy if I tried to unpick my peri from her almost period! It is such a recipe for disaster. My rage and weepiness are equalled by hers and year ago I could manage me- wasn't even an issue- and just be calm for her. Now it takes ALL my will.