Support us, dear parents

The current situation, which has been going on for a year now, demands a lot from all of us. We have a great need for security and closeness, which we can only experience in our closest circle.

We teachers would prefer to have planning security, a guarantee that primary schools can remain open during the unpredictable pandemic period. And we would like the federal government to consider us as a particularly exposed occupational group in the national vaccination plan and vaccinate us as soon as possible so that face-to-face teaching can be maintained.

The effects of the lockdown in spring 2020 are clearly visible at school. Children and young people at all levels are missing part of the school curriculum, which cannot simply be made up for. We teachers are aware of this and have adapted our lessons accordingly.

Children need freedom

However, we are even more concerned about the effects in the socio-emotional area. We are seeing that it is becoming more difficult to demand motivation and perseverance. Many children and young people are no longer allowed to go outside to play or socialise with their peers. Too little exercise and a lack of socialising with peers have a negative impact on children's well-being. I would therefore like to encourage you, dear parents, to continue to give your child this freedom whenever possible. Children need clear rules that are consistently enforced by you.

Every time new coronavirus measures are discussed or implemented in individual cantons, we receive numerous messages, letters and phone calls from concerned parents and grandparents who do not agree with the planned protective measures. These letters usually contain very different attitudes and opinions on the danger and handling of the virus. We are provided with various studies and legal opinions and are sometimes asked to resist or do even more.

I ask you, dear parents, to understand that your child's teacher cannot respond to such requests. The responsibility for protective regulations lies with the cantons and the local school management. And I am sure you will agree with me that - as long as schools are open - the health and safety of teachers and pupils is a top priority and that teachers must comply with their employer's guidelines.

In my opinion, headteachers and teachers are doing everything in their power to ensure that face-to-face teaching can continue to take place in primary schools. The well-being of children and anxiety-free and carefree learning at school is a top priority for the Swiss Federation of Teachers.

Teachers take on a lot

We are committed to ensuring that you, dear parents, are kept fully informed on an ongoing basis. We teachers take the hygiene and distancing rules very seriously and try to comply with them wherever we can. Many of us have reduced our own contacts enormously.

I myself - like many of my colleagues - consistently wear a mask. My pupils say: «I don't even know what your face looks like anymore!» Or: «Can you laugh with us again? We can't see your mouth at all!»

With this in mind, dear parents: please support us, even if you do not agree with every decision. Only together can we make the best of this difficult situation. Thank you very much!