Tain Royal Academy rector hailed for giving pupils' wellbeing 'top priority' after criticism over Covid-19 response
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AN Easter Ross school's parent council has hailed its rector for putting the wellbeing of pupils "as a top priority" following criticism over its reaction to a reported coronavirus case at another secondary.
It was confirmed on Monday that a pupil at Dornoch Academy in Sutherland had tested positive for Covid-19, prompting a variety of measures, including contact tracing, to protect the wellbeing of other pupils.
Tain Royal Academy (TRA) came in for criticism from some parents when it used its Facebook page to alert pupils who may have been in close contact with the individual concerned.
The two two communities are within 10 miles of each other.
The post was later edited and then deleted, prompting some to say they had been left confused about whether they should allow their own children to attend the Tain secondary.
Highland Council earlier today insisted the school had "acted in good faith" and that sentiment was strongly echoed by Tain Royal Academy Parent Council this evening.
It posted: "Thank goodness that our head teacher has the wellbeing of all pupils as a top priority and as such makes every effort to ensure our children and all staff are safe when they come in to school.
"His actions on Sunday were based on information that he had at the time and he reacted quickly to it. We have heard from a lot of parents who are very grateful that he did and who support his actions at that time based on what he knew.
"During these unprecedented times, which none of us have been through before, we are all trying to do the best we can to support each other and keep safe and it is hoped that we can be kind and considerate to each other.
"Now more than ever the school, the teachers and our head teacher need our support."
The statement has been warmly received with man y choosing to endorse the sentiments.
Amongst them was Karen Waddell who wrote: "Totally agree. I am very grateful for the hard work done by all the staff in TRA to ensure my children can attend school safely, not to mention the tireless work that went on behind the scenes during lockdown."
Mary Nicol said: "Totally agree - in my opinion he did exactly the right thing and it’s obvious he’s doing his very best for the kids and teachers - tough job at the best of times never mind in the current climate."
Related: Scottish Government issues new curfew on pubs and meetings between households
Dornoch Academy pupil tests positive
Confirmed case of Covid-19 at Gairloch High School
