Head Space

Mr Dermot Rainey, Principal, St Ambrose College

As I write this short piece which focuses on reflections from the pandemic, it is very clear
that we are certainly not through it. Whilst many signs are more potentially more positive in
terms of the threat of new variants, the actual number of positive cases are possibly as high
as they have ever been. However, as we know, the guidance from government means that
people are no longer testing so in truth it is difficult to gauge the actual numbers.
What I do know is that we, as a community, are continuing to plough through despite the
many obstacles. A current obstacle is the lack of supply teachers available but the reason for
that isn’t solely due to COVID.

When allowing trips and visits, we are more mindful of the
impact on staffing on site but a key part of our vision is to afford high quality experiences
and opportunities beyond the classroom so we strive to make it work where we can. For
example, we have been able to release staff to take all of our rugby teams to the prestigious
Roslyn Park 7s tournament this week. It is due to the selflessness of all staff that we are able
to manage these arrangements and it is an example of the spirit and flexibility
demonstrated by everyone over the past 2 years. In fact, today marks the 2 nd anniversary of
when schools closed for the first lockdown. In truth, we wouldn’t have been able to get
through it without the flexibility and understanding of all in our community. Staff have
responded to a number of significant changes, parents have been understanding and
patient with plans and sometimes late changes, and the students have adapted and
responded with fantastic maturity.

So what has it been like to lead a school during the past 2 years? There is no doubt that it
has been an immense challenge and it has been absolutely exhausting! However, it has also
been a huge privilege. A key difference is that the balance between long-term
vision/strategy and being reactive flipped. Whilst OFSTED continued inspecting using the
same framework, the reality was that schools were operating very differently. For example,
pedagogy was impacted by the guidance around exam row desks and distancing. In
addition, the clubs and societies were massively reduced so the students weren’t
experiencing anything like a typical St Ambrose College education.Then we had to become
health and safety experts by putting together on-site testing centres. We took that request
as a compliment because at that point, the approach to test and trace had been shambolic
and much of what had been going well was down to those working in schools. Add to that,
the periods of remote learning and pastoral challenges associated with students off site and
I really couldn’t be prouder of how the community responded. Writing this piece has given a
timely opportunity to reflect on just how much was actually achieved.

With all the challenges have come opportunities. For example, we were able to analyse the
pros and cons of the likes of the bubble system. As a result, bases for tutor times have been
switched, we’ve introduced Heads of Year roles and also kept with split lunches. I don’t
know how we ever managed without the latter! The need for teachers to award grades
brought a lot of pressure and responsibility but on the plus side, the time and rigour that
went in to moderation will undoubtedly have long-term benefits. Targeted staff training will
also reap rewards and we had CPD on areas that might not otherwise have found its way on
to the School Development Plan.We must be mindful that, although the worst is of the
pandemic is hopefully over us, the long-term impact on families and individuals requires
attention and support. Many in our community lost loved ones and were unable to follow
the normal approaches to funeral services. Indeed, many were unable to travel to attend
funeral services due to the restrictions. We don’t yet know the finer details or prognosis for
long COVID and for some, returning to school after lengthy periods away has also been a challenge.

However, difficult times often bring out the best in people and in communities and I am proud to
reflect on how this community has rallied around. The idea of service to others has rarely been more
apparent and I am conscious not to forget the lengths and efforts people have gone to.
It has been important to keep nourished spiritually. We are grateful to the efforts of the
Edmund Rice Office who shared resources and provided opportunities to keep us
connected. On site, we were able to celebrate staff Mass remotely and our Chaplaincy Team
were regularly providing prayers and reflections which were of particular help during the period
when it wasn’t possible to attend Mass. I know that parents and carers were also
grateful for the prayers and reflections shared via our weekly newsletter. It was in a time of
challenge and adversity when Blessed Edmund Rice himself found his vocation. His period of
reflection enabled him to take stock of the bigger picture, and as we gradually emerge to
what we hope will be life beyond COVID, I think it is important that we do the same, for the
betterment of our local and global communities.