SCHOOL staff have been praised for their “incredible” efforts throughout 2020.
The adversity staff have had to face this year has been phenomenal, with schools having to rapidly adapt to life during a global pandemic.
Boris Johnson took drastic action to close schools for the majority of pupils in March as Covid-19 took hold of the UK.
But while the country locked down, the vast majority of schools remained open, effectively offering a day care service to free up vital key workers.
Primaries and secondaries began welcoming more children on-site in June, in preparation for a full return in September.
This term has been full of hurdles and learning for staff, students and parents, who have shown great appreciation to their schools.
“It has been a year of unprecedented challenge for our schools and the way teachers and school staff have responded and kept children learning has been incredible,” said Cllr Kate Groucutt, St Helens Borough Council’s cabinet member for education, skills and business.
“We’ve seen outstanding leadership, creativity and innovation to set up online learning – and virtual concerts and nativities – plus a strong focus on the emotional wellbeing of pupils.
“As a council we are incredibly grateful and proud of all schools in St Helens borough.
“I know the partnership between schools, the council, parents and carers will continue in 2021 as we all focus on ensuring the best start in life for all of our children and young people.”
De La Salle School headteacher, Andrew Rannard, said this term has been the most difficult in his entire career, but also one of his proudest achievements.
“As heads we all speak to each other and I think, everyone I’ve spoken to has felt almost on their knees at the end of term, it’s been that hard,” he said.
“Looking back, I’m really, really proud of that collective effort of staff, students, parents, getting us through this term.
“Our case numbers were really quite low which suggests the controls were right, parents were vigilant and did the right things.
“And I think moving into next term, particularly with the vaccine on the horizon, we’re feeling confident. We think we’ve got this right.”
The school’s efforts have certainly been acknowledged by parents, who have shown their appreciation by showering staff with Christmas presents.
“We’ve got presents galore,” Mr Rannard said. We never normally receive presents like this, it’s wonderful.
“You can see that gratitude parents have for us staying open, that’s really appreciated.
“It makes you think, we’re doing a good job here, we’re doing the right thing. I keep saying to staff, this is a once in a generation event.
“We’re going to be studying this in history in years to come and they’ll be able to hold their heads up high.
“What did you do during the coronavirus?
“I came in, I kept schools going, and I think staff in schools, not just here, schools need to be proud of themselves.”
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