Coronavirus crisis opinion: my thoughts as a teacher and mother

Coronavirus crisis opinion: my thoughts as a teacher and mother

by  anonymous
I am writing this on Friday, 20 March, 2020. As things are changing so fast I thought I should put the date for some context.
Well what a week it’s been. As they say it’s certainly been emotional! As a teacher and mother of two children, I found the uncertainty very unnerving, let along the virus itself, waiting everyday to see what will happen. The days have started early, with a check of the phone to see if there’s any news on school closures. It’s difficult trying to keep up-to-date with the information but also shield some of it from my own children. They are both very resilient, but I certainly don’t want it to be the only thing they hear about all day.
Wednesday, when we finally got the news from Boris Johnson that he was going to close schools, we thought we had something concrete. As it is unravelling, it looks like schools will remain open. Running more as community hubs to support the what seems like a growing list of key workers. People who are needed to keep society going. Delivery drivers, shop workers, carers have all been added to the list, on top of NHS workers and anybody that’s in infrastructure or utility services.
What a community hub in a school looks like, who knows? Will we be able to source the food needed to provide lunches and the staffing levels needed to run safely? As it stands now its Friday on afternoon, I have no idea whether my school will be able to provide cover for my two children, so that I can go in and support this new system. I have an amazing childminder who says she will do what she can to help.
The school I work at have been wonderful, working hard to put plans in place for every eventuality. Today is potentially the year 11’s last day of term. They are working hard to make sure that is as fun as possible for them, allowing them to sign shirts and say goodbye. I’m sure there is a similar situation happening in primary schools and even colleges for those children who are facing today as their last days.
What the exam board will do to award students the grades to move on are again another uncertainty.
I just hope with any new announcements from Boris Johnson will have details, and a well thought out plan behind them. For me personally, is it not the virus that is is concerning me half as much as the uncertainty that we see in the country. Some guidance and leadership would really help us at this difficult time. Here’s hoping. Stay safe everyone.