Today was a big day, as many children across the district returned to school for the first time in six months.
The Stray Ferret has been outside the gates of St Aidan’s High School speaking to parents as they waved their children off for their first day back.
For children starting year 7, today is a particularly big milestone: the first day at high school, unfamiliar surroundings, new friends – and on top of this, having to get used to a strange ‘new normal’ with covid restrictions in place.
Ruth Dunn, Mum of a year 7 pupil at St Aidan’s.
Mary Buck, was one of those at the gates, saying goodbye to her daughter who was starting high school today.
“It makes it worse when she’s crying as it makes me cry. Normally her big sister would have been able to walk her in, but she wasn’t allowed with covic.
“My daughter has a medical issue, she doesn’t know her form tutor, she doesn’t know where she’s going. Normally they have a half-day and then a full day induction but they haven’t had this this year.
“The transition from primary to high school is a big change and they didn’t even get a chance to say goodbye to all their primary friends.”
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Despite the nerves and emotion felt among the pupils and parents, most expressed how important it is that they get back to school.
Another mum who was also dropping her child off for her first day at high school said:
“It couldn’t have gone on any longer – the children’s mental health was going to suffer. I feel very reassured by the school, It is my daughter’s first ever day at St Aidan’s but I know they have great processes in place.”
The headteacher at St Aidan’s, Chris Burt, told the Stray Ferret that he recognises the significant step from primary school to secondary school:
“We have been delighted to welcome Year 7 into St Aidan’s for the first time today. Throughout the day. students will familiarise themselves with the building, meet their fellow students, meet their teachers and get a good feel for what a typical day will be like going forwards.
“The transition from primary to secondary school is a significant step for many students in normal circumstances; ever more so in the context that we are all working in at present and our staff and dedicated pastoral team are on hand to support them throughout.
“We are incredibly proud of how all of our students have coped over the last five months and we look forward to having everyone back in school tomorrow.”
