Thread by @congunners

I have finally made it to the end of one of the longest, most difficult weeks of my teaching career to date.

Although it felt seemingly unavoidable, we had our first positive test in my class.

{1/14} #edchatie

I was told about the positive case during the day on Wednesday, and had to carry on teaching ‘as normal’ while we waited for Public Health Advisors to contact our principal to establish close contacts etc.

I felt like I was deceiving my kids. Betraying them.

{2/14}

We waited and waited but no contact on Wednesday

The new guidelines say a principal cannot instruct a class to stay home. But how many in the class might already be infected and silently spreading it?

They want us to say nothing? Do nothing? Risk more children’s health?

{3/14}

Our principal informed parents late that evening that there had been a positive case, but we were waiting on further instruction from the HSE.

The kids could still come to school tomorrow, but at least parents could make an informed decision. It was the best she could do

{4/14}

It took well over 24 hours for anyone from the HSE to make contact with our principal and decide that only the ‘pod’ should stay home.

Not those who played with the child at break. Not those who walked to school with the child. Nope. Only the kids in that one group.

{5/14}

Because all of us sitting in the same room, most of the kids unmasked, breathing the same air for 5 hours doesn’t make everyone in the class a close contact, apparently.

Not to mention the child who tested positive had been in school for the two days prior.

{6/14}

Trying to provide meaningful online work for the group isolating at home while teaching the children still in front of me is a near impossible task. I cannot be in two places at once.

Our learning support teacher is covering other staff absences, due to sub shortages

{7/14}

I hope with all of my heart that no other child tests positive.

Even though we are basically operating with our hands tied behind our back by the lack of support, I feel responsible for the kids in my class. I’ve tried my very best to keep them safe, but was it enough?

{8/14}

To our brand new principal: You were caught between a rock and a hard place, and virtually abandoned by those above you

Thank you for working tirelessly all week. Thank you for putting children’s health first. Thank you for putting my health first.

I hope it gets easier

{9/14}

To the parents who sent their child into school while not telling us you were waiting for the results of a Covid test:

Cheers for that. We’ve only sent home about 84 notes in the past year which said that’s generally not a smart thing to do.

{10/14}

To the parent who, even before the week was turned upside down, expected me to provide a full pack of work for your child before you jetted off for a week’s holiday:

Sincerely, and with the utmost respect, you can fuck right off.

{11/14}

To @NormaFoleyTD1: Your message that ‘schools are safe’ is ignorant at best. In truth, it’s reckless, false and an active danger to children’s health.

You’ve done NOTHING to make schools safe. 18 months in and “open the windows” is your advice. You are unfit for the job. Resign.

In my 7+ years of teaching in my wonderful school, I have never seen staff morale this low.

We are tired of being blamed for everything. Tired of being vilified in the media. Tired of no support from the Dept or unions.

Only 3 weeks in, and we are all just so tired.

{13/14}

The worst part is, I know my rant is just one of countless others. This is happening in schools up and down the country

Teachers and principals are bending, but how much longer until we break?

Thanks for reading. I’ll let y’all get back to your weekends now. Stay safe ✌️

{End}