Moray education boss hails 'amazing' Moray teachers and pupils

AS the curtain came down on what has been an unprecedented and tumultuous school year, all those in Moray involved in education have been thanked for their efforts.

Schools closed in March in a bid to help stem the spread of the coronavirus, with youngsters relying on online links to schools and their teachers to continue their education.

For senior secondary students, exams were cancelled and there is the nail-biting wait to see what grades they will be awarded.

The fortitude of students, staff and parents was hailed by the chairwoman of Moray Council's children and young people's services committee Councillor Sonya Warren (Buckie, SNP).

She said: "It's been a very challenging and unusual end of year that's caused a lot of upheaval to everyone.

"Our teachers have put a huge effort into adapting their class lessons and work for online learing. None of us have ever had to work this way before and its been a mammoth task to get used to all the new technology, ICT and working on the various different platforms.

"I would like to thank all our teachers and the wider staff teams who have worked to make home education possible for our young people. Not every family has access to digital learning hence education staff have been printing out and providing paper copies of all school work to ensure everyone is included in home learning.

"It has been a very challenging time for our education providers, some of whom have their own children to homeschool, whilst teaching their class. I have to thank them all for showing such commitment and dedication in teaching our children in these challenging times.

"An extra special thanks has to go to all those teachers who gave up their time to volunteer to work in the child care hubs and look after the children of our key workers whilst their parents were providing essential care or services to our community.

"I would also like to commend and thank all our young people and their families for working so well with the changing systems for learning. It's been amazing to see how resilient and determined we all can be in the face of adversity.

"The year 2020 will be remembered for so many reasons but for those of our young people leaving school this year I hope it will give them a strong base to move on from. I hope your exam results are what you hope for and wish you good luck moving on in your chosen career pathways."

Schools are due to return to as near normal operations as possible on August 12 subject to Scottish Government health and scientific advice, with teaching staff returning to work the previous day.

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