Coronavirus (COVID-19)

[madwullie]

44 minutes ago, Shipa said:

To me, this seems worse, that people are obsessing about over-sanitisation, which holds potential risks down the line, when it is of minimal benefit now.

 

I've heard of folk saying certain things shouldn't be opening because "I wouldn't feel safe doing it." I seems like they have a level they are comfortable with and think that the regulations should fit this. As you say, it may be a bit harsh on people who are struggling, but if you don't feel safe going to a restaurant, nightclub, football match, or whatever, then no-one is forcing you to go, it shouldn't be denied to others on that basis. Many, although by no means all, of these people will be helped to understand the risk by seeing that places are open, and that those who are using them are suffering no ill effects.

This is why imo they need to stick to their data promises and remove restrictions as things continue to improve, and as they do so, make it extremely clear that they're doing this because it's as safe as its possible to be. 

Clear and open lifting of restrictions is just as important as explaining why they were getting put in place in the first place. 

Wildly opening some shit while keeping other shit (I'm looking at you places of worship) will just breed paranoia and cause people to try to find political reasons for them doing so which ultimately risks people just blanket giving up on restrictions, or worse, being suspicious about the reasons for removing them and not coming to terms with the fact its safe again.

Not sure if that's even possible to avoid, but it's what should be aimed for. We're probably past the point of no return in that respect now. There's barely a decision made anywhere on the planet now that some group of people don't attribute to some kind of nefarious motive rather than thinking its genuinely about public health. So many grifters on all sides coining it in spreading misinformation, people don't believe that anything is well intentioned. 

[Thereisalight..]

2 hours ago, mizfit said:

I think it’ll take years for some people to fully recover from lockdown.

My aunt for one. Before all this she was such an extrovert, she'd be out galavanting every day. Since the start of this shes been glued to every briefing and news report. She lives on the same street as my mum and if shes up dropping off home baking or gifts she wears a mask to walk the 2 min jaunt and then stands half way down the path to talk to her sister. Any time I see her all she talks about is covid this, covid that. It's horrible to see such a change in her. MSM has a lot to answer for 

[Dev]

It's really encouraging to see the numbers of new cases reducing steadily since the New Year.

Listening to the SG and reading the media I was and still am under the impression that it's the "new variant" versions of covid that are the main risk, as vaccinations are having a big effect on the original version.

I was sure that I'd heard somewhere that the new variants were the main ones out there now. However, these recent official UK Govt stats also show the figures for Scotland (and Wales and NI). The numbers of new variant cases in Scotland since September 2020 are surprisingly small.

Variants: distribution of cases data - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Variants of concern or under investigation: data up to 3 March 2021
		Date First	Total Cases
		Detected	(Confirmed & Probable)
New Variant	Place First Detected	in UK	UK	Scotland
VOC-202012/01	UK (Kent)	Sept 2020.	108337	4025
Variant VOC-202012/02	South Africa	Dec 2020.	295	19
Variant VUI-202101/01	Brazil	Nov 2020.	43	5
Variant VOC-202101/02	Japan (in travellers from Brazil)	Feb-21	6	3
VUI-202102/01	UK (Merseyside)	Dec 2020.	78	0
VOC-202102/02	UK (Bristol & South West)	Dec 2020.	34	0
VUI-202102/03	UK	Dec 2020.	86	0
VUI-202102/04	n/k	n/k	16	0

 

[Distant Doonhamer]

Just as an aside, the stats came out earlier as NS is in front of the covid committee:
691 cases, 3.1% positivity.  I didn't catch the hospital numbers unfortunately.  
The cases are up a bit but positivity remains much the same - is this expanded testing in certain places that we're seeing the effects of? 

Haven’t seen the hospital numbers mentioned as yet. 20 more deaths.
“Virtually everybody” in over 65 age group have had first vaccine dose.
First dose also delivered to decent numbers for these groups too.
60-64: 44%
55-59: 37%
50-54: 30%

[8MileBU]

2 hours ago, mizfit said:

I think it’ll take years for some people to fully recover from lockdown.

Absolutely this. Probably one of the saddest parts of the pandemic is that in many cases, I expect a lot of families and social circles have all just basically got used to not seeing each other. It’s hard to imagine normal life and interactions resuming where the main topic of conversation isn’t Covid.

Edited March 10, 2021 by 8MileBU

[mizfit]

I'm amazed about people who go about swearing or shouting at total strangers.  I remember a colleague telling us once about how he'd been in a huge road rage incident, shouting and swearing at some other driver, his wife had to stop him getting out of the car to attack him.  This was told, I assume, to impress us.  Bizarre.

I once witnessed a car crash on the road from Rothes to Fochabers and the driver of the car that caused it was challenging everyone to a fight whilst his partner was applying pressure to his head wound and the paramedics were helping the old dear trapped in her car.

[Shipa]

5 minutes ago, madwullie said:

This is why imo they need to stick to their data promises and remove restrictions as things continue to improve, and as they do so, make it extremely clear that they're doing this because it's as safe as its possible to be. 

Clear and open lifting of restrictions is just as important as explaining why they were getting put in place in the first place. 

Wildly opening some shit while keeping other shit (I'm looking at you places of worship) will just breed paranoia and cause people to try to find political reasons for them doing so which ultimately risks people just blanket giving up on restrictions, or worse, being suspicious about the reasons for removing them and not coming to terms with the fact its safe again.

Not sure if that's even possible to avoid, but it's what should be aimed for. We're probably past the point of no return in that respect now. There's barely a decision made anywhere on the planet now that some group of people don't attribute to some kind of nefarious motive rather than thinking its genuinely about public health. So many grifters on all sides coining it in spreading misinformation, people don't believe that anything is well intentioned. 

It's really vital that the government get the messaging right at this stage. As it stands, there are those who stick absolutely rigidly to every guideline, those who just don't give a shit, and every variable in between. While I feel that most are at least following the spirit of the rules, there has always been a lack of clarity and transparency, which leads to situations like the supermarket one where different understanding clash. I think a lot of people are just frustrated with the whole thing now, and this leads to these simple misunderstandings blowing up, but also makes it difficult for many to make more rational decisions sbout the general situation.

[superbigal]

My Son's School.  He is S1.  1 day a week for S1-S3 ,  1.5 Days for S4=S6  all for just 2 weeks.

As it is full time after Easter holidays , I am struggling to see the point in all this work for just 2 or 3 days now.

10^th March 2021

 

Dear Parents/Carers and Young People,

The First Minister provided further details on the return of schools in last Tuesday’s announcement.  From Monday 15^th March, all primary aged pupils will return to full time education and all secondary young people on a part-time basis from the same date.  We look forward to welcoming your child back to Madras College, however a level of caution is being exercised to adhere to Public Health guidelines and consequently, key risk assessment measures will still be in place from 15^th March.

Essential Information and Rules for return to Madras College 15^th-26^th March 2021

To adhere to the current guidelines young people cannot attend at any point other than their allocated slot. As a school, the safety of staff and pupils is our priority and there are strict limitations on the numbers of pupils and staff who can access the school at any one time. 

 

When your child is due in school they must adhere to all relevant protocols detailed below:  

• On arriving at school, all should maintain two metre physical distancing including entering and leaving the school building and when on school grounds.
• All pupils must sanitise their hands as they enter the building.
• Pupils will also sanitise their hands as they enter and leave classrooms.
• Work areas should also be cleaned on arrival to a classroom.
• All should adhere to the one-way system in school.

Uniform and equipment

On your child's day(s) in school they should wear their full school uniform in line with the Madras College Health and Safety policy. Pupils who have PE on their day in school will be able to take part in their school uniform as there will be no changing into PE kit.

In addition, your child should bring the following equipment with them: 

• Pencil case or pencil/pen to write with 
• Their school bag
• Filled water bottle

 

Lunchtime and interval

Pupils must remain on school grounds all day when in school at this time. Please reinforce this with your child.

Please provide a snack for break time and a packed lunch to be consumed on school grounds.  Grab bags and hot snacks can be purchased/ ordered from the school canteen or provided for those receiving Free School Meals. To prevent crowding, staff will be on hand to support.

Face Coverings

All S1-S6 pupils should wear their face coverings at all times in the school building including in classrooms, unless exempt. Please note that this is a change for pupils in S1-S3. Those who are exempt must carry their exemption card to show to staff. Please ensure your child brings a mask every day.  If they forget, their teacher will have a supply of masks in their department.

Entrances/Exits/Social Areas

As previously, each year group will have a different entrance/exit and area of the grounds to socialise.  These are as follows:

·         S1:          Girls’ doors and playground immediately adjacent

·         S2:          Boys’ doors and playground immediately adjacent

·         S3:          Middle doors and social area = grounds to back of canteen

·         S4:          Staggered entry through girls’ doors and exit boys’ doors. Social area = front lawn

·         S5:          Staggered entry through girls’ doors and exit boys’ doors. Social area = outside spaces near

canteen, assembly hall and back car park

·         S6:          Staggered entry through girls’ doors and exit through boys’ doors. Social area = rose garden.

As you will know, designated areas allow for minimal mixing of year groups and bubbles to maximise safety.

Rationale for return

 

Our Return Model from 15-26^th March 2021 has a clear rationale. The rationale is to maximise personalised learning time and opportunities for seniors in school as well as engaging with S1-S3 pupils in a personalised, meaningful way, with face-to-face learning and re-establishing routines of school. There is flexibility in this offer to facilitate arrangements that will meet the needs of Senior Phase pupils for more intensive priority work.  

How this will work in Kilrymont Road (S1-S3 learners)

 

We have split each year group into 3 groups (Groups A/B/C). Pupils in S1-S3 will follow a timetable enabling them to access most of their subjects. This means S1, 2 and 3 pupils will access face-to-face, in school learning one day per week (weeks commencing 15^th and 22^nd March) with other days learning from home.

S1-3 time in school is the same for week 1 and week 2:

·         Monday –  Group A

·         Tuesday –  Group B

·         Friday     –  Group C

We will Groupcall parents/ carers to tell you which group your child is in, which day to attend and which classroom to go to. Pupils will remain in one room for the duration of the day.

 

Pupils in S1 have been allocated groups depending on their registration classes. Each class has been split into thirds based on surnames. Each class was done on an individual basis to ensure group sizes remained as consistent as possible. 

Pupils in S2/3 were allocated groups based on their subjects. We grouped pupils by language, science and expressive subject studied. This ensures that during their days in school each pupil will see teachers from most of their weekly subjects. Please note that your young person may not be taught by their regular subject teacher. 

 

The group information and days to attend will also be posted on your child’s Year Group Teams on Glow.

 

How this will work in South Street (S4-S6 learners)

 

Senior Phase (S4-S6) learners have been split into 3 groups (Groups A/B/C) to allow them to access a third of their learning over the 2 weeks. There will be designated days for the '1/3 of their cohort groupings'. S4-S6 will attend 3 days out of the 10 school days between 15th-26th March.  On these days they will follow their timetabled classes for the days they are in.  By creating this model for S4-S6, they are able to follow their existing timetables and, importantly, will be taught by their own teacher. 

Group A: Monday 15th March; Thursday 18th March and Friday 26th March.

Group B: Tuesday 16th March; Friday 19th March and Wednesday 24th March.

Group C : Wednesday 17th March; Monday 22nd March and Thursday 25th March

Please don’t worry you have to remember all this as parents/ carers will receive Groupcalls to tell you which group your child is in, as above, to ensure the correct days are attended and usual timetable followed.

The group information and days to attend will also be posted on your child’s Year Group Teams on Glow.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What has happened since January 2021 at Madras College?

Since our return in January 2021, Madras College has operated an extensive hub at Kilrymont Road for keyworker, DAS and our most vulnerable learners. The return to school in Phase 1 from 22^nd February allowed many young people in specific practical subjects to benefit from additional time in school, essential to the continuity of learning towards national qualifications.   Online learning has been in place for those not physically in school.

Why is my child not back to school every day, full-time?

The most important Public Health requirement is for 2-metre distancing whilst in the school building, classrooms as well as out in the local community.  This is essentially why the return must be part-time, as our school buildings do not have the capacity to accommodate over 1,300 pupils at 2-metre distancing, nor do we have the three-fold numbers of staff to be able to teach 100% of young people over two full weeks prior to Easter.  To put this into context a class of 30 will require 3 times the rooming and staff to accommodate this number of learners with 2-metre social distancing in place.

 

What should my child be doing when learning at home?

All teachers will be required to be teaching in school every day in order to deliver this return model.  This means that the approach to learning will move from a remote learning approach to a blended learning approach.  Essentially, the teacher will continue to set all of the work for the week on Teams, as they did prior to lockdown; each day’s activities will be accessible for all young people to work through and submit when at home.

Transportation – How will my child get to school?

·         If your child is able to walk/ cycle to school please encourage this, alternatively if you choose to drop off and collect your child please use Roundhill Road for Kilrymont learners or Argyle Street car parks for S4-6 pupils to avoid traffic congestion.

·         Bus travel will run as normal, but there will be 1-metre distancing in place.  As we are only operating at a third of capacity each day this should not pose problems.

·         Face coverings must be worn on buses at all times, unless young people are exempt.  All of those who are exempt, have been provided with exemption cards to show drivers and teachers. If your child requires a new exemption card please contact our school office to obtain a replacement.

·         Pupils should ensure they enter school grounds on alighting buses and must not go out into the community.

·         Please reinforce the importance of compliance with necessary measures as this reduces the risk to us all.

Why does my child have to stay on school grounds over Lunch and Interval?

Schools have been prioritised for return over and above other sectors in society because it is felt this is essential for their learning and wellbeing.  Our community is still in lockdown with significant restrictions in place and, therefore, we are asking all young people to remain on school grounds for the two weeks prior to Easter, where we can supervise and support risk measures. We must not allow groups to gather in the community in order to keep us all safe.  We would ask you reinforce this important rule with your child in order to maintain the positive relationships we have with our community.

Will my child have to take a Lateral Flow Test?

The Government have issued all schools with testing kits for all senior pupils, in the first instance to test themselves twice a week.  After Easter this offer will be extended to all S1-S6 pupils in Secondary schools. This is an offer that we strongly encourage young people to take up but it is voluntary.  We would ask that young people test themselves twice a week, on Sunday evening and Wednesday evening for consistency.  In the event of a positive test they must inform Public Health as laid out in the instructions that come with the kits, and it would be very helpful if they could also inform the school as early as possible.

Pupils over the age of 16 can give their own consent to be tested, whilst those under the age of 16 require to have a parent/ carer give consent. The Forms links below are for you to give consent as follows:

Lateral Testing participation consent form for S1-3 pupils:

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=oyzTzM4Wj0KVQTctawUZKY4nkES44F9OiHm-xn7NpM9UQTY5MkU5RjBUWklYSlZaTVpDTTNITU8zWC4u

Lateral Testing participation consent form for S4-6 pupils

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=oyzTzM4Wj0KVQTctawUZKY4nkES44F9OiHm-xn7NpM9URTVLNDhVTTNLSFoyV0xINkJENjdQTVhWVi4u

Please complete this consent form by Friday 12^th March if possible.

 

Will the Kilrymont Hub continue for Department of Additional Support (DAS), Vulnerable and Key Worker learners?

Yes, the arrangements for key worker pupils in the Kilrymont Hub will remain as they were prior to this week’s announcement.  Key worker young people in S1-S3 will have their place in the hub and will join their face-to-face teaching on the day they have been allocated. Arrangements for our DAS and vulnerable young people will remain as they are currently.

What happens if my child’s friends are not in school on the same day in the 2 weeks before Easter?

Unfortunately, we have not been able to consider friendship groups when re-writing the school timetable for the 2 weeks before Easter. As only a third of learners can be accommodated at this time, timetabling is extremely complex and cannot be changed.

 

What happens if my child goes to school on the wrong day?

Due to the limitations of how many pupils and staff are allowed in school under Public Health restrictions, if your child attends school on the wrong day we will contact you to collect them.

 

Thank you for your patience in reading through such a long and detailed communication.  As mentioned earlier, we will be sending Groupcall messages to let you know which day your child is expected to attend each week. 

 

In the meantime, I look forward to welcoming the school back from Monday 15^th March 2021.

 

Yours faithfully,

 

Avril McNeill

(Interim) Rector

 

Edited March 10, 2021 by superbigal

[Distant Doonhamer]

I’m really looking forward to getting back to restaurants, pubs, holidays etc. Can’t wait. Some people will really struggle and I find it a little sad that some don’t seem to have any sympathy for those who might struggle.

[craigkillie]

All sounds sensible to me, good on them for putting that together and making it as safe as possible.

[Sherrif John Bunnell]

All sounds sensible to me, good on them for putting that together and making it as safe as possible.

Yep, hopefully all schools are going to similar lengths. We've already seen what happened to infection rates last autumn when you pile all kids into classrooms with barely any precautions.

[David W]

38 minutes ago, ICTChris said:

I'm amazed about people who go about swearing or shouting at total strangers. 

^^^Doesn't go to football.

[realmadrid]

I was speaking to a couple at the weekend who are both teachers , one in Perth and Kinross and the other in Angus

Perth and Kinross school are doing S1 , S2 and S3 only on a Tuesday and Thursday with S4, S5 and S6 on a Monday, Wednesday and Friday

The confusing thing for parents will be they don't have the space to have all the S1 , S2 and S3 children in school at the same time so its 2 of the 3 groups on a rolling rota so week 1 is S1 and S2 Tuesday, S1 and S3 Thursday, then the next week starts S2 and S3 etc. Parents and kids will lose track of which day they are meant to be in but with class sizes very limited and 10% of the staff still shielding then there  is no other option.

The school in Angus is a new build but has very narrow corridors which is their main concern , already over capacity and possibly following a similar patern

Both schools need the distancing requirement to be reduced to give more class time.

 

 

[MP_MFC]

NRS data showing a drop of 89 deaths this week, 141 on total. Fastest decrease in care homes, now only 10% of deaths. If memory serves it was about 60/40 at the peak.

Insert cigar image at your leisure.

[ICTChris]

1 minute ago, David W said:

^^^Doesn't go to football.

I feel I know them though.

[Benjamin_Nevis]

56 minutes ago, Marshmallo said:

Definitely think the best approach is to swear at someone who is anxious and push past them rather than standing for 30 seconds to pick up a card tbh.

Thank you for that utterly fascinating contribution. 

[Todd_is_God]

4 minutes ago, MP_MFC said:

NRS data showing a drop of 89 deaths this week, 141 on total. Fastest decrease in care homes, now only 10% of deaths. If memory serves it was about 60/40 at the peak.

Insert cigar image at your leisure.

A quite staggering "dub" for the vaccine tbh. Overall numbers are dropping which was to be expected, but that the proportion of deaths among the highest risk / vaccinated has fallen even faster hints at what the impact of vaccinating more of the general public will do.

Ideally we want to get back to a situation where care home deaths make up the majority of total deaths.

[Marshmallo]

8 minutes ago, Day of the Lords said:

Thank you for that utterly fascinating contribution. 

Well done on managing 7 words without effing and jeffing

[Dev]

29 minutes ago, 8MileBU said:

Absolutely this. Probably one of the saddest parts of the pandemic is that in many cases, I expect a lot of families and social circles have all just basically got used to not seeing each other. It’s hard to imagine normal life and interactions resuming where the main topic of conversation isn’t Covid.

Try picking up the phone and going through your numbers for family and friends. Phone them.

Wouldn't you be really pleased to hear from them so why not let them hear from you?

[8MileBU]

13 minutes ago, Dev said:

Try picking up the phone and going through your numbers for family and friends. Phone them.

Wouldn't you be really pleased to hear from them so why not let them hear from you?

That’s the norm and everyone is still in touch and speaking regularly, but calls and messages are a poor substitute for how it normally would be.