Wearing face masks is now commonplace, but last September 2020, I struggled with having to wear one in art class. Here’s an article I wrote for the Glounthaune Community News September edition:
CLASS MASKS
It’s great to see the schools reopened. Life seems back to normal, but for many, the everyday uniform requires wearing a mask.
Even though we’ve had months to get used to face-coverings and keeping our distance, it takes time to adapt, especially going back to school. In class, children are dealing with pods and being limited to play with their assigned contact group. Teachers must wear masks and observe a social distance. Books and stationery shouldn’t be shared and hugs between friends are forbidden.
I, too, returned to class. After the lockdown last March, tuition was owed to night class students before the new term could begin. I wondered how Covid might affect things. Would talking through a mask hinder teaching art?
Mouth covered, I arrived early to check out the classroom. Sanitiser and cleaning products were in place. There were tape markings on the floor to ensure that desks were safely spaced apart. The students arrived wearing their masks. I soon forgot any concerns, filled in the contact tracing log and didn’t mind if the mask was paint-spattered by the end of the night!
I’m looking forward to starting children’s art classes again this September in My Place Hall, Midleton on Tues 22nd, The Pike Hall, Glanmire on Thurs 24th and will resume when possible in Glounthaune NS. The Drawing & Acrylic Painting night course will begin in St. Colman’s CC, Midleton on Sept 29th. For more information see FB: www.facebook.com/frazzledmammy
© Maeve O’Keeffe
The Frazzled Mammy!