It’s 12:20 and I can’t sleep. I’m not afraid of getting sick or dying. For the last 2 weeks, COVID has dominated my thoughts. It’s everywhere I look - social media, television, road signs on Alberta’s busiest highway. I’m headed back to my amazing K-12 school in 7 hours. /1
We won’t have all of our students and staff there because of the fallout of our COVID outbreak. Some students who started the year with us won’t be returning, and I completely understand why their parents have made this decision. The lack of stability is incredibly hard. /2
Every day for the last two weeks, I have received or delivered a message regarding the impact of COVID on on our students, staff, and their families. I have gone for 5 swabs (all negative) and been in isolation twice. My weekends and spring break have been spent working. /3
Some of my staff are on their third isolation. These people are bus drivers, custodians, educational assistants, librarians, and teachers. They are hard working, caring people who choose to spend their days in our school because they put students first. They don’t complain. /4
As the Principal, I feel an incredible responsibility for the well being of our students and staff. So many of the things that make our school special - assemblies, athletics, cross-graded activities, outdoor education trips - have been taken away from us and it makes me sad. /5
We are suffering greatly - academically, mentally, and socially. I truly believe that the best thing for all Albertans right now is to stay home. This school year has been incredibly frustrating, full of interruptions, and hard on everyone. There’s not much to salvage. /6
I’m pouring my heart out here because I hope someone will listen. In a few hours, I will put on my happy face. I will talk to students, staff and parents and try to make the best of our situation. It’s hard, and I’m not sure how much longer I can do this. /7
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