What about teachers, school staff?

The president’s address on Sunday really evoked something within me. I’m new to the teaching arena — an emotional vocation that demands so much from so many hardworking, caring individuals.

The last four months have been nothing short of “an all hands on deck” situation. I’ve observed how teachers have had to stretch themselves beyond what they previously thought was possible.

I salute all the headmasters, headmistresses, senior management teams and subject heads of schools.

I also acknowledge and appreciate the tireless efforts of the support staff and estate staff who risk their lives every day to ensure that school can go on.

I was reminded the other day of making more of an effort to remember the names of our tea and cleaning ladies and ground staff responsible for sanitising our work spaces and who always go out of their way to be friendly and greet us, only to be met with a generic hello or “hi”. Thank you for what you do.

Last, but certainly not least, to my fellow teaching colleagues from around the country who have rallied together in this universal struggle, thank you for your commitment and dedication to your vocation.

Thank you for rolling up your sleeves, wearing your masks, shields, gloves, sanitising your hands and risking so much so that we can educate the groundbreakers and future leaders of tomorrow.

Resourced or not, we’ve all had to band together in solidarity. Let’s remember all our teachers and their incredible sacrifice.