Teachers at Connaught School stand on the sidewalk outside the school as an estimated 100 vehicles drove by Thursday afternoon with students and parents expressing thanks to staff for all they've done during the COVID-19 pandemic.--NEWS PHOTO GILLIAN SLADE
gslade@medicinehatnews.com@MHNGillianSlade
Parents and students sent a message of thanks to teachers for all they have accomplished during the COVID-19 lock down.
A convoy of about 100 vehicles drove passed Connaught School on Thursday afternoon in what was called a Super Hero Parade.
Some vehicles were colourfully decorated, others had messages written on posters that were held aloft or were attached to the car. Many students reached out of the vehicles to shout out expressions of appreciation.
Of the 30 or so staff and teachers on the sidewalk, many wanted to send a message of gratitude to the students in return.
“They’re so sweet, the best class ever,” said Amie Guerette, Grade 1 teacher, holding a poster with the names of 20 of her students.
Guerette said it was the first time in 10 weeks to actually see the students in person.
Amanda Yaremchuk, kindergarten teacher to 19 pupils, also had a poster with the names of her students.
The teacher had to learn to been creative very quickly with online interaction, after the closure of schools due to COVID-19.
Yaremchuk said there were some challenges for five- and six-year-olds, especially if they had parents who were working full time. For many it meant extra attention on the weekend but parents were more than willing to do that.
Guerette and Yaremchuk said many parents were amazed at how much preparation had gone into online lessons and activities for the students.
Even the physical education teacher said several times a week she would connect on the internet with students and hold a 30-minute workout session. Not every student wanted to participate in the workouts but others couldn’t wait for the physical activity.
As the vehicles kept driving by on Thursday, one teacher expressed surprise at just how many people had come out.
Toward the end of the convoy of vehicles there was even a group of students on their bicycles who had joined the procession to salute the school’s teachers and staff.
