WHEN we are faced with difficult situations, some might say these are the times where we discover what we are capable of.

Obstacles are not there to be despaired over, but to test us and, ultimately, define who we are.

Headteachers across Renfrewshire have had to come to terms with an uncertain future. Earlier this month, pupils and staff waved farewell to their normal, everyday lives as the Scottish Government enforced the indefinite closure of schools in light of the rapid coronavirus outbreak. 

For Renfrew High headteacher Billy Burke, the news was heartbreaking. Older pupils who were due to take exams do not know how they will get the grades they were aiming for. S6 pupils would not, at least for now, be able to experience their last day and dance with their friends at their prom. Younger pupils now face the huge challenge of having to learn remotely, away from their friends and their familiar environment.

But Billy’s overriding message in all of this consisted of three words; this will pass.

After leading the Haining Road school for seven years, he has already seen pupils and staff apply themselves everyday to a motto of learning, achieving and working together. And now, in the most challenging of circumstances, he expects nothing less.

“It’s times like this you find out what people’s strengths are and what your school community is all about,” said Billy.

“The vision for our school is learning, achieving and working together and it’s never been more appropriate. Young people in first to third year are still learning. We’re going to be doing our best to make sure our young people in fourth to sixth year are achieving what they deserve, and everyone in this school community has shown a commitment to working together. We are seeing our school vision in practice in more challenging circumstances than ever.

“The main emotion I have is concern for everyone’s health. I’m sad this has happened. However, there are more important things in life. Health and family is my mantra to my staff.

“We’ve all got to take a positive view because this will pass. It’s going to be difficult, and it will affect people we know and care about, but it will pass.”

After all, while the sudden changes everyone has had to make to protect themselves and their loved ones have been difficult, we are seeing creativity and innovation wherever we look, particularly when it comes to children’s learning.

S1 to S3 pupils at Renfrew High are being set tasks by teachers through an online app, which their parents can also see. 

And pupils whose parents have been defined as “key workers” by the government – some of which are still having to go into school – are also using the same tools in the building to keep their brains ticking over. 

Billy believes digital learning is the future. While this may seem like a time of real adversity, he believes it could make his school community even stronger.

He said: “I’m very proud to be headteacher of the school and whatever happens over the next few months, I’ll continue to be there for them [pupils and staff]. When we get a bit of time to reflect I reckon, in the longer term, it could possibly change a lot of the things we do for the good. 

“For example, I learned how to operate a Skype meeting the other day. Digital learning globally is huge and there are so many great resources. Staff are so busy day-to-day delivering what we need to deliver, that what I’m seeing now is people who are being forced to focus on this and the resources and the collaboration, wider than just schools, has been outstanding. The profession needs to grab that opportunity.

“Also, the people who have been in the building most recently are cleaners, and I think we will get a new-found respect for people who do these roles because if they were not doing those roles right now we wouldn’t be able to provide this service to young people whose parents cannot be at home.”

It is an anxious time for everyone and Billy has committed to going into school as much as he can to comfort pupils and, as much as a headteacher possibly can, make them laugh. 

But while sadness and fear may be the main emotions for students, parents and staff, Billy is in no doubt closing schools was the right call and pleaded with everyone to remember what matters in life.

Billy added: “The priority is health and looking after each other. I will be in as long as the school is open as far as I possibly can. If I’ve got members of my school community in I think it’s important I am there.

“It’s unusual circumstances and it’s important for me to touch base with pupils and try and reassure and even try and make them laugh, but they don’t laugh at my jokes too often. They’re like dad jokes.

“It was the right decision [to close schools]. We just need to trust the advice. It’s a time to do as we are told.”