A word about going back to school

With the highest number of Covid19 cases together with the highest number of deaths in Canada, a lack of proper equipment in places such as schools and day care centers, our wise and wonderful government has decided to re-open daycares and elementary schools.

Yes, there have been no cases of this demon virus in the immediate area, but students here come from other towns such as Drummondville, Acton Vale and Windsor, climbing onto a bus that arrives before 8 a.m. and doesn’t return until nearly supper time. Yes, numbers have been reduced on the busses and the classrooms, distancing supposedly will still be feasible but try to imagine the effect on children aged five and up of strict rules that keep them at a desk from their arrival to their dismissal in the afternoon. No recess, no cafeteria but lunch at the desk, no play time, no mixing and mingling with school buddies and line-ups at the busses keeping the distancing of two metres at all times.

Now what about teaching staff and support staff. The powers that be have decreed ‘lab coats or a large man-type shirt covering to the knees, shoes that must remain in school at day’s end and the expectation clothes will be removed at arrival at home, immediately washed and the wearer goes from his or her door into a hot shower. Many of the staff and administrators here are over 60 years old and have observed ‘stay at home’ and distancing rules carefully. The results so far have been encouraging with no cases reported in the immediate area. But kids will be kids. Undressing for these youngsters often requires help. Keeping outdoor clothing organized is always a combined effort, trips to the washroom must be accompanied and, heaven forbid no gastro bug or nasty head cold will crop up during these six weeks of school days.

“I can’t even visit or be visited by my grandson this past month or so and now, I’ll be dealing with a group of fifteen children in a classroom where they will be forced to stay at their desk from start of class to the end of their day.” said one support staff member who cares for handicapped or troubled students. “It simply doesn’t make sense to me.” she added. Considering all sides of the argument including a gradual return to normal, re-opening some stores and industries, allowing a strictly regulated visiting for no more than five people per group, taking a walk in a park, etc., it all sounds promising. But bring the youngest students to the confines of a classroom where close contact is an integral part of these first years at school seems as though we’re throwing caution to the wind in spite of all the ground rules. This week, staff will be bringing chairs and tables back to these classrooms, measuring spaces and taping and marking distances that must be kept. And school opens next Monday coming. Or Wednesday, that’s the latest plan. Hopefully there are wise and educated folk in high places who will see the folly and risk in our premier’s plan and perhaps recommend preparing schools and classrooms or whatever is necessary to keep our ‘no cases’ record and be ready for a more sensible, acceptable opening at the end of summer.