When we finished school and said our goodbyes to students on 16 January, wishing them a nice break over Chinese New Year,Ìýwe did not envisage that the next time we would see them would be on 27 April, more thanÌýthree months later.Ìý
ThisÌýreturn to school does not feel like any other. IÌýkeep considering the procedures that we ran through with staff at the end of last week and trying to think about how we can ensure students will understand these, and stick to them.
I can’t quite imagine how our canteen, normally full of laughter, will be transformed into a space of silent, socially distanced dining.
My first day back at school: China
7.40²¹³¾Ìý
As I walk through the newly installed thermal detection units, which checkÌýthat my temperature is under 37.3 degrees, I am surprised to see how many students have arrived already and are milling around the front courtyard or are socially distancing in the school’s atrium.
Despite the fact that they have not seen each other in person in more thanÌýtwo months, most are engrossed in their smartphones.
With social distancing at the forefront of the school’s new prevention policy, students are escorted up varying staircases to their tutor rooms. Only one year group of just over 100 students has returned, but this still feels like a huge challenge.
8.30²¹³¾Ìý
Following our weekly flag-raising ceremony, which is immaculately observed,Ìýthe registers are taken.
Students are then guided through a special presentation on Covid-19 and the steps that the school is taking to keep our community safe. These include rearrangingÌýclassroomsÌýso that students are sat in an ‘L’ shapeÌýaround their desks, wearingÌýmasks at all times, providingÌýhandÌýsanitiser in each roomÌýand sharing instructions on how to wash your hands thoroughly.
Students all listen, taking in the advice attentively and are keen to ask questions on teachers’ experiences of quarantine.
10.40²¹³¾Ìý
Logistically, it is difficult to try toÌýmaintain a one-metre distance at all times.
I thought break would be a big challenge, butÌýit comes and passes with only a few reminders to students about how far apart they should stand and which entrances and exits to use.
Staff are all on duty and there is a palpable sense of relief in the air that we are beginning to return to some semblance of normality.
12.30pmÌý
My biggest concern for the first day back is lunchtime. Will students be able to follow the guidance on social distancing while enjoying their lunch?
Students lineÌýup outside the canteen, ready to go through anotherÌýthermal detection unit.ÌýNurses are on hand,Ìýjust in case someone has a temperature.Ìý
Students sanitise their handsÌýon entry andÌýmoveÌýin procession along a track marked on the floor at one-metre intervals. They receive their trayÌý- there areÌýno options for lunch, just a single set menuÌý- and walk to their designated seats.
All students sitÌýfacing the same direction, one seat apart. It feels like something out of a sci-fi film.
3pmÌý
It’s the end of the day. As we walk studentsÌýdown to the main entrance,ÌýI thinkÌýagain about how different today is from a normal school day.
There are no school buses.ÌýInstead, students are met by their parents at the gate, allÌýeager to hear about their child’s first day.
While the day has been strange, it has also reminded me of how important schools are for staff and studentsÌý-Ìýto make them feel safe, to make them feel normal and to remind them that we will get through this turbulent situation together.
Key things I have learnedÌýduring our return to school process:
- Learn your school’s proceduresÌýinside out. And even when you are convincedÌýyou know them, read them again. Students will ask and need constant guidance.
- Make sure that you have a water bottle and your own cutlery to hand, as well as a spare bottle of hand sanitiser.
- Remember that some students, and some staff, will be nervous to return to school. Be sensitive to their concerns.
Simon McRoberts is international head of secondary at Nord Anglia Chinese International School in Shanghai
