Highland pupils, parents, teachers and school staff thanked for rising to coronavirus crisis challenge as October holiday beckons; Keeping schools open 'vitally important' says Highland Council leader
HIGHLAND pupils, parents and school staff are being thanked for their resilience on the eve of the October school holidays.
The first full term following the coronavirus lockdown was described as "tough, busy" by Highland Council's education committee chairman, John Finlayson.
The term has seen pupils and staff adapt to rigid new Covid-19 restrictions and uncertainty over future plans for examinations as they worked to catch up on months away from the classrooms during a period of remote learning.
“The continued functioning of our schools in Highland is vitally important not only for our children but also the wider community and the economy." - Cllr Margaret Davidson
Councillor John Finlayson, chairman of Highland Council’s education committee said: “As we come to the end of a tough, busy, and successful first Covid-19 school term I would like thank all staff that work in and support our schools to let them know that we appreciate how they have coped in these difficult times.
“I would also like to thank all the non-school staff who have worked hard, sometimes in the background to keep our schools open especially through local outbreaks. What has been achieved during the first term of the session has well and truly been a team effort.
“A special thank you is also extended to our pupils and parents across the region for all they have done in their support by following guidance to help minimise risk.
“We have worked hard to ensure that pupils continue to receive their education including those that have to self-isolate through the continued provision and development of online learning.
“I wish everyone in Highland schools a safe October break and look forward to a refreshed return in the second term.”
Leader of the council, Cllr Margaret Davidson said: “The continued functioning of our schools in Highland is vitally important not only for our children but also the wider community and the economy.
“My deepest gratitude goes out to everyone both on the front line and behind the scenes who has worked extremely hard to ensure that we have been able to deliver a first term of education to over 200 schools and in excess of 30,000 pupils across the largest local authority area in the UK.
“Councillors appreciate how challenging it has been to deliver an education service during a pandemic and we thank everyone associated with our schools for all their hard work and continued endeavours.”
