PICTURES: Ross-shire kids continue weekly workout with gym teacher; Smart thinking helps active Muir of Ord kids get around coronavirus lockdown
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
A ROSS-SHIRE gym teacher welcomed lots of new faces to her workout this week – despite the fact classrooms were closed and everyone taking part was confined to their own homes.
The coronavirus lockdown has thrown the whole education system into chaos with schools forced to close early ahead of the Easter holidays, long-planned examinations due to follow the break scrapped and uncertainty as to when classes might resume again.
Mairi Brooman though had no intention of sitting on her hands and was quick to agree to a pulse-raising online workout for her young charges at Tarradale Primary in Muir of Ord.
The hugely positive response from pupils, parents and well-wishers who tuned in last week spurred on plans for another this week with hundreds of people sharing their approval via social media.
Miss Brooman had her quirky class doing everything from jumping jacks to squats and burpees during a fun-filled session conducted from a room in her own own.
The odd technical glitch aside, she was able to read comments from pupils who had logged on and gently gee-up fellow teachers and parents to get up out of their seats to join in. Photos sent in to a delighted head teacher Tracy Sinclair later confirmed that many connected to the close-knit school community had done just that.
Miss Brooman said: "The reaction from the school community seems to be very positive! It was amazing to see so many pupils with their families and teachers getting active. We’re going to continue with this weekly to keep Muir of Ord moving!"
Ms Sinclair said of the Dingwall Academy PE teacher: "The lesson was great! She is going to do it every week for us all. We are so happy, she’s such a lovely member of my team – always up for everything!"
Tarradale, in common with schools across Ross-shire, moved quickly to try and adapt to the strange new reality ahead of the break. A number of online activities helped keep everyone in touch and maintain some semblance of normality as the school sailed into uncharted waters.
Images if rainbow paintings shared by some of her pupils provided a welcome boost for the head teacher.
She said: "This initiative really has just let us see the wee ones faces so that’s made all the difference to what has been an extremely stressful and surreal week. We are missing the children terribly so just to have that small connection means the world to us.
"The rainbows originated, I think, in Italy and have been being made all over the country as a signal of better things to come, and to make people smile. Muir of Ord looks just beautiful as most windows now have rainbows in them."
Seeing images of pupils taking part in the workout, proudly displaying their rainbows and trying their hand at baking with parents provided welcome encouragement.
She told parents: "This is a picture of what home-schooling can be. We are blown away with everything you have managed to do this week.The biggest thing for me that I’m seeing, is this. There’s always a silver lining!
"You have proved this week that you are making memories that will last a lifetime. Your children will never ever forget the time you have managed to spend with them that in our busy lives we just don’t get to do. Is it easy? Absolutely not and we will continue to support and encourage you all the way but my goodness what a great start. Try and enjoy your break."
One pupil wrote of the workout: "This is so much better than doing work. Miss Brooman is awesome."
Keri-Marie Gibson wrote: "My son doesn't go to your school but this is amazing! Thank you."
Lindsey Nairn simply stated: "Jeepers I’ll have to turn the heating off!"
Paula Barlow said: "Well done Miss Brooman. Very impressed and you're so brave." Sarah Chesworth chipped in: "Such a brilliant idea, definitely woke my kids up."
Heather Gilbertson wrote: "Miss Brooman you are a legend!"
How have you been adapting to the challenges of the coronavirus lockdown? Have you been keeping a diary? Would you like to share your experiences with others? Perhaps you have found a great way to overcome the difficulties or discovered a resource you find particularly useful? Share your stories and pictures by emailing hector.mackenzie@hnmedia.co.uk
