PUPILS and parents have been praised by the headteacher at a Johnstone school for their efforts to adapt to learning from home.

Stephanie Hart, who is in charge at Thorn Primary, also thanked staff for helping kids cope with the upheaval caused by the coronavirus outbreak.

She told The Gazette: “Teachers give many activities for families that wish them but there is flexibility so that parents and carers can work around their own commitments.

“Wherever we come across an issue, our teachers, support staff and senior leadership team are on hand to help.”

Schoolkids across Renfrewshire have been using computer programmes such as See Saw and Google Teams to continue their studies while classrooms are closed.

Mrs Hart said: “We have been very impressed by the videos, vocal responses, written work and photographs the children have submitted. The teachers and children have been so creative.

“The biggest challenge for all of us is that we miss interacting in person with our school community every day. However, we are a very positive team. Our vision at Thorn Primary is ‘Believe to Achieve’ and we have certainly demonstrated this.

“All of the staff are working hard at home to support parents in keeping the children’s learning going and staying in virtual contact with all of them.”

In addition to home schooling, staff at Thorn Primary are involved with volunteering at local hubs to provide support to key workers’ children.

Mrs Hart said: “I cannot wait to get back to our school building, whenever that may be, and see everyone in person again.

"Meantime, I am extremely grateful to the children, parents and carers, the staff team at Thorn and to Renfrewshire Council for their response to this situation.

“I am very proud to be headteacher of our wonderful school.”

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