We are asking for time before and after the Christmas vacation for all parents to be able to let their children work from home, in an effort to reduce the inevitable high number of Covid cases that will arise from colder weather forcing everyone indoors, and Christmas and New Year. We are told what happens in our schools is a reflection of cases in the wider community. The numbers in the community are rising rapidly, and will in schools. while kids may not get as sick, there are vulnerable students and staff in schools, and staff and students who go home to vulnerable family members. We keep being told we need to protect the most vulnerable in our communities. These people are having to choose between education, livelihood, and potential serious illness if they contract covid.
We hope that for these 4 weeks students who are at home just for this period are not classed as absent from school. that choosing to keep families safe is not penalized. No fancy online program is needed, just teachers posting class work on teams. maybe a quick session once a week.
By allowing those who can be home in a favourable situation, schools will be safer for those who HAVE to go, staff included.
