SYLS Update
It’s been an unprecedented few months and as a team we’ve been reluctant to promote the work of the project during the ongoing pandemic. We know there are far greater priorities at the moment with people’s health and safety paramount.
Even with a month to go before schools are scheduled to return there is still a great deal of uncertainty about what the learning environment will look like. Will pupils return full-time or will there be a form of blended learning? In my own area this isn't a decision that’s being made until the end of the month.
In the midst of this uncertainty, it’s difficult to offer advice with so much still to be determined. Add into the equation the fact that many church buildings remain closed and some church staff may still be on furlough.
So what might supporting local schools look like at the start of the new term?
Going forward, we recognise there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Each church community will have a different relationship with their local school that will largely determine the types of support they may be able to offer. Some congregations will have a close working relationship having built a partnership over many years, while others may be at the start of that journey. While we remain committed to encouraging and resourcing congregations to support their local schools, for some now may not be the right time to approach schools to begin that work.
It’s hard to imagine the amount of pressure and stress school staff must be under as preparations are being made for the return of pupils. In the midst of this stress and pressure, holding our school communities in prayer will be incredibly important and is something that we can all do.
It’s difficult to even know what each school and Local Authority’s policy will be on school visitors. For those of us who have been working with schools for a while this might mean the groups and activities we’ve been involved with previously may have to be put on hold for the time being. While it may not always be possible to be physically present, many chaplains and church workers south of the border have opted to deliver their regular assemblies and class content online or record these advance.
Additionally, with many Primary 7 pupils missing their link week before summer, work around transitions might be one area where high schools would appreciate some extra support. Especially if you’re a familiar face to pupils at the primary feeder-schools.
Uniform Banks may be one opportunity for churches to support local parents too, but it’s important to stress that any use of buildings should be properly risk assessed, and in light of Covid, use of many church buildings may first have to be permitted by local presbyteries, for example.
We know responding in the midst of the current situation is a daunting task with much to consider. In the weeks and months ahead, it would be great to hear your stories about the different ways your congregations are supporting local school communities in these challenging times. How have you adapted? What’s remained the same and what types of work have changed? What activities/support can be offered safely at a distance?
Leave a comment on our Facebook page or drop us an email at syls@suscotland.org.uk - we’d love to hear from you!
