Thread by @AllyGarbs

There are unquestionable downsides to kids returning to school.
There are unquestionable downsides to kids remaining at home.
There are passionate proponents and adversaries of both positions.
Wherever you stand, know that your reality may not reflect another family’s. #nspoli

There are families who have had to keep their child out of school for two years because of pre-existing conditions that would make catching COVID a potentially fatal event. That’s their reality. They are tired, and frustrated and scared.

There are families who have had their child out of school for extended lockdowns over the past two years who have suffered greatly as a result - perhaps academically, but more profoundly, have had their physical or mental health put at risk.

“Stay the blazes home” is not a one size fit all, just ask @THANS_NS . Sometimes home is the most unsafe place of all for kids in P-12.

There are families with kids who have developmental and intellectual disabilities, for whom school is much more than a place to receive academic support. They access speech and occupational therapy, psychologists, autism specialists etc.

Today’s announcement was never going to be a “win”. The pandemic is shifting, and we have to shift with it, and relaying this message to an audience conditioned to fear COVID and bear the weight of protecting our neighbours is an excruciating task.

From a communications perspective, of which I do have some experience, we can ask our government to be accountable, transparent and readily available to help talk and walk us through this. We are frayed, anxious and utterly spent.

Be kind to each other out there.