Thanks to school staff for a safe return to classes this fall

To the Editor:

As September comes to a close, I am writing to express my gratitude to the educators, administrators and other school staff who have worked tirelessly to ensure that our children have had a safe return to school this fall.

I am a parent of two children at Ecole Elgin Market Public School in Kincardine, and I have been thoroughly impressed at the way the school has handled the return to class. In spite of insufficient resourcing from our provincial government, staff has found ways to make school not only as safe as possible, but also making the experience as smooth as possible for students who have missed their friends and having a stable routine.

Educators have been creative and have put in their own time and resources so that guidelines can be met, and students have the best possible environment for learning. Administrators have been kind and understanding in communicating and helping parents interpret the guidelines about child illness and return to school.

Parents in the school community have been adaptable, juggling work and child care, plus long COVID-19 (Coronavirus) testing lines, to help keep other students safe. Students seem to have embraced wearing masks and the new normal that has been presented to them.

The joy of seeing my kids excited about going to school has been such a bright spot in an otherwise challenging year. I have full confidence in the school community that we will all continue to do everything we can to weather this second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic together.

Sincerely,
Kristin Beaton
Kincardine