Senior pupils at Fife secondary school study at home as staff self isolate
Derek Allan, headteacher, said there are currently six active coronavirus cases involving someone with links to the school which has led to several staff and around 130 pupils self-isolating as potential contacts.
In a communication to parents, he said this had resulted in a very serious staffing problem, largely due to the connection with Covid and self-isolation but also because of general sickness absence.
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Hide AdHe said as a result, senior pupils are being asked to work from home for a couple of days: “I am sorry to have to say that we need to have all S5/6 students working from home on Tuesday and Wednesday this week,” he said.
"The staff we still have in school (and those fit enough who and currently at home) will provide learning activities. These will be usually available online through GLOW and MICROSOFT TEAMS groups, or some may have given extra homework on paper today.“Please note that we are not asking pupils to self isolate and it is not a direct response to any fears about infection. This is a short spell of blended learning in order to give us some time to hire some staff for the end of the week.”
He added: “You can imagine that this is not the kind of thing we would want to be faced with. However, given the levels of absence, we have no other option.”
Maria Lloyd, head of education and children's services, said: " We are working very closely with colleagues in public health to monitor and manage covid cases in schools and encouraging our school communities to follow public health advice.
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Hide Ad“Unfortunately, Kirkcaldy High School will be closed to all S5 and S6 pupils tomorrow and Wednesday (24-25 November) as we have a number of teachers who were already absent form school and a number of teachers isolating.
"Kirkcaldy High school is progressing with plans for remote learning with S5 and S6 pupils. Parents will be updated by the school on contingency plans and if circumstances change."