Dounby School appeal for families to help to curb COVID transmission

Parents at Dounby School are being asked if they can step up their “invaluable efforts” even further in a bid to curb the spread of COVID-19.

Head Teacher, Islean Gibson, has already commended families for their ongoing support in the face of staffing challenges and the partial closure of the school earlier this week – and now she is appealing for parents to consider if they can take further steps given a rising number of cases within the school.

Miss Gibson continues to update parents daily. She said: “Today, Wednesday, there are 43 positive cases of COVID-19 within the school, largely among pupils, but a small number of staff are also affected, which is a rise from yesterday’s figure of 32. There are 64 pupils off school today – which is 51 per cent of the total school roll of 124.

“Data from across Orkney shows that overall numbers are high and still rising, with the worrying fact for us all as it is really affecting our young people at this time. It can feel disheartening when we are seeing cases falling on the mainland and elsewhere across the UK when we still need to be so vigilant and cautious in the isles given that we are just that bit behind in terms of the pandemic peak.

“The parental support, and the support from across the community, has just been so invaluable in helping get through this week, and I know in the days ahead we will be relying on this even more. It is so hard when I have to ask more and more of everyone in terms of trying to limit contacts, meeting outdoors and to keep testing daily, but in doing so each and every one of us can play our part and we can work together to try and keep as much of our school open and on the go as possible.

The Head Teacher and the wider Education team are meeting daily to discuss the situation and have a contingency plan in place which, at present, allows for the school to be fully open today and the remainder of this week. They are working tirelessly to try and find a solution for next week, but parents have been advised that it is likely that there will be a partial closure of classes P4/5, P5/6 and P7 on Monday and Tuesday (7 and 8 February) and home learning provided. The nursery, P1, P2/3 and P3/4 will be open.

Miss Gibson added: “I was very emotional today when thanking our staff team here at Dounby as I can clearly see the sheer effort and strength it has taken to keep what we can of our school open. I know parents will join with me in our continued thanks for all that they do. The messages of support from parents have really kept us all going and mean so much to us all.

“We are still aiming to be open to all those pupils who can attend tomorrow and Friday, which is just brilliant. Every day, we are planning to ensure we can offer as much face to face, direct teaching as possible, and it really does go without saying that right now that is down to the amazing team here at Dounby.”

The school have also taken steps to try and reduce any potential transmission by ceasing singing and woodwind lessons for the next two weeks. Other music lessons will continue. PE lessons will be moved outdoors so warm clothing and suitable footwear is a must.

OIC Executive Director of Education, Leisure and Housing, James Wylie, said: “Once again, we offer our thanks to the Dounby School staff for all that they have and continue to do and to parents and pupils for their overwhelming support which is, unquestionably, making a difficult task that bit easier.

“Please be assured that we are doing everything we possibly can to get back to normal as soon as possible but for that we also need the help of families. Given the relaxing of restrictions nationwide, it is entirely understandable that people are keen to get back to normal, but we would appeal for folk to be vigilant at this time given we are still in the rising phase of the pandemic in Orkney.”

Parents at the school have been grateful for the timely communications.

One parent commented: “Our class was one of those closed early this week and will be again next week. I do think Dounby have kept in touch as best they can with information, and we have to appreciate that it's an ever-changing situation and they have to deal as best they can with the issues in front of them. To avoid indoor meet ups and social events is a responsible measure and one which we should consider for our own families if there are high numbers in our workplace or child’s school. Our bairns have been living with the impact of COVID for almost 2 years and hopefully they'll understand with high cases in their school, it's better in the short term to avoid gatherings etc in the hope of keeping each other safe and well.”

Another said: “We have been well informed of what is going on, getting text messages and emails well out with the staff working hours. The home schooling was quickly added to the app but it was also explained that the school staff knew that some of the parents also have work and not to worry too much about the homework. It was there to do if we could fit it in. The staff have been very supportive and helpful when I phoned for advice when my child tested positive. I am sure all the parents as well as staff will do all they can to help stop the spread of COVID as much as possible.”

A third added: “I feel that Miss Gibson and all her staff have worked tremendously hard to keep the school open. Their prompt reaction on closing affected classes is to be commended. My daughter is in one of the three remaining open classes and we feel there are safety measures in place to prevent further spread of the virus. Well done Dounby Primary School!”

Please continue carrying out lateral flow tests and to report the result, whether positive, negative or void. Just visit: www.nhsinform.scot.