Some of the toughest weeks of the pandemic for Moray schools

Elgin Academy head to write to families explaining the recent impact on the school

Around a quarter of the school have been forced to self-isolate following associated Covid cases
Author: John RosePublished 5th May 2021

The head at Elgin Academy's writing to all families with pupils at the school to update them on the impact of covid cases.

In the last few weeks, 48 instances of Coronavirus have been associated with the school - forcing around a quarter of the school’s population of around 1,000 to self-isolate, having to access remote learning during this period.

Along with other schools in Moray the building is under an enhanced cleaning schedule, with daytime cleaners working on touchpoints like door handles, toilets and communal areas.

The school is being cleaned every night and sanitised ready for the next day, and staff continue to reinforce the importance of face coverings and hand hygiene.

Head Teacher, Kyle Scott said: “I want to thank so many of our amazing pupils for following the rules both in and out of school. I also thank parents/carers for their support throughout; it has been so encouraging to read and receive words of support and I personally thank all those members of our school community for taking the time to do this.

“It’s by following the rules that we will suppress the virus, and as a school community it is so important that we continue to work together in following the guidance and adhering to these rules.

“If we continue to do these things and remain proactive in our response, I firmly believe that we will beat this virus where we are here for you as your school and we want to help in any way that we can.

“We will continue to work hard, liaise with Public Health as necessary and will do all we can to maintain the safety of our school and prevent any pupils from having to isolate and therefore miss time in school.”

Moray Council’s Head of Education, Vivienne Cross, said: “These have been some of the toughest weeks of the pandemic for our school staff and families.

“We’re reassured by public health that our strong Covid protection measures mean that transmission is not happening within our schools, and ask our residents to make the most of the expansion of testing for ‘mild or extended’ symptoms, and community testing for those without symptoms, to help stop the spread and further disruption to our children and young people’s learning.”