The school run is very quiet at the moment due to Covid. Many year groups remain off. Those years that have returned are part time and all drop offs and pick ups are staggered for everyone’s safety
My daughter returned to her school for the last 3 weeks of term and she really enjoyed reuniting with her friends as they got to graduate preschool together.
On the last day of term, the only noise that could be heard outside, was the bounding footsteps of a mother running flat out. She was carrying two large gift bags, snacks and a coat as she sprinted towards the school gate. She looked like a nutter, being late is not an option and age was cutting it fine!
Yes that nutter was me. I’m also exercising a little bit of artistic license here when I say “sprinted”. I’m not quite sure what that movement was but I got there in time.
My beautiful girl ran into my arms with a bag full of goodies. Her graduation picture, scroll and all her pre school attire that were no longer required in class. There were no hugs. Goodbyes were brief. Adults remained distant but I was able to thank my daughters teachers and I am so pleased that next year she will be returning to the same school, just the primary section next door.
As we were all about to leave the head teacher, turned on the loudspeaker and Tina Turner’s Simply the Best filled the air. Teachers and students clapped in the playground and parents clapped from their cars. Everyone was singing and cheering. In a really strange time, this small drop of fun was just perfect.
It’s been a crazy few weeks in the new school routine. The completely disposable lunches. No bags, books or stationary. Coats and hats were to remain at the school…luckily we have spares. Chit chat kept to a minimum. All parents adhering to the strict one way system around the school grounds. Keep it moving people!
No gathering in the playground. No turning up early and waiting. Keep to your time slot, safely and quickly handover your offspring and keep walking!
We had a meeting with our daughter’s teacher for next year via Zoom. All the new September 2020 parents together with the teaching staff. Introductions were made. The curriculum and expectations explained. There was even a chance for questions. We all watched on our screens as a candle was lit for each child about to start their education journey at big school. It was emotional. We were as together as we could be, another small win for modern technology.
And that’s it. School resumed and then finished again for the summer. Usually it’s a time to rejoice and celebrate. All parties desperate for a break. Lazy summer days, sleeping in and endless hours of play. I guess it still is all that but after being in lockdown for 3 months and doing all of those things; the shine has been rubbed off a little.
The summer holiday with kids is a marathon not a sprint. Striking a fine balance between your wallet and the fun. The relaxing and the bone idle. The creative and the mess. I’m hoping I have enough ideas left in the tank to make the summer break a socially distant heap of awesome!
Right now I’m kinda winging it but I guess you probably knew that.