Sixth class pupils need to be applauded for their efforts

WHILE it’s true most of us won’t remember everything about our school days, there is a strong possibility we can recall the moment we finished primary school and the sense of excitement and subtle anxiety that accompanied it. Our sightline and entire focus had been built up for that moment as secondary school came into view.

Leaving primary school and the break-up of sixth-class is one of life’s transitory moments. It’s filled with a sense of expectation, uncertainty and apprehension, which, ironically enough, are the same emotions that tend to dominate our consciousness throughout life.

This is why it’s important that the ‘class of 2020’ should be recognised. They deserve to have what is a magical milestone salvaged. It won’t be easy and many schools have already pulled out all the stops to mark the occasion in whatever way they can, mindful of the restrictions in place due to COVID-19.

We mustn’t forget that sixth-class pupils of 2020 ‘stayed at home’ and were denied their final primary school accolade out of a necessity to achieve a greater good – public health and safety. Children need to be commended for this and reminded of how important the cancellation of their final year was/is to society. Let them reach adulthood and tell their children and grandchildren of their ‘mini sacrifice’ at a particular point and time in history.

Sixth-class pupils sacrificed the culmination of their primary school journey in the interests of society as a whole. It’s important this is not forgotten in the broader context of how the battle against COVID-19 was fought. So let’s commend them, applaud them, and encourage them to be mindful of this as they take the next step in their journey.