The date of May 11, which should mark the beginning of the gradual reopening of schools as part of the deconfinement, was already disputed. These are now the conditions for the resumption of class, in the midst of the Covid-19 epidemic, which are debating. The drastic health protocol that was to be published on Friday May 1 or Saturday May 2, the Ministry of National Education, and a provisional version of which leaked, has already been criticized, accused by certain elected officials and unions of being inapplicable in many establishments. For Gérard Pommier, president of the Federation of parents of pupils in public education (PEEP), this start of the school year must take place but under supervision.
Washing of hands repeatedly during the day, prohibited games, disinfection of equipment between each use by a child ... Does the health protocol proposed by the government seem adequate to you?
GÉRARD POMMIER. Regarding the protocol itself, our principle is: everyone has their own profession and expertise. We do not allow ourselves to assess the details of the protocol, because we are not specialists. It seems obvious that we have to work on the basis of this protocol. But as parents of students, we are and will be attentive to its implementation.
Because, according to you, it will not be applicable in all schools ?
We think that depending on the configuration of the place, it will be more or less easy. If in certain zones the municipalities had started to work on the question, it is obvious that in certain establishments it will be very difficult. It should be remembered that in France there are 15,000 kindergartens.
Is this cause for concern for parents of students?
Yes, and we understand it. Parents of pupils know the conditions in which their children evolve. And they obviously fear contamination, for themselves and for their children.
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VIDEO. "May 11 is mission impossible" ... The concern of mayors before the schools reopen
You will therefore be particularly attentive…
Our credo is trust and vigilance. There is a saying that trust does not exclude control. We must assume that good faith is established. But that does not prevent us from being vigilant on certain aspects, it is the life of our children that is at stake, ours and that of society. So, yes, we call on our associations, our members, to be vigilant about how things will happen.
What are the requirements to be met in order to succeed in this new school year?
What we are saying is that, whatever the situation chosen by the parents, whether it is keeping their child at home or putting them back in school (Editor's note: resuming school is on a voluntary basis) , the school bond must continue. When the child returns to school, he must be able to evolve safely and his well-being must be assured. And, at home, that he has an effective link with the school. Not in the quest for performance, but in all kindness. We know that in some cases, during confinement, some students may have suffered from being far away, from a lack of equipment.
How can these problems not happen again?
All the means must be put in place to ensure a good recovery and above all a work of harmony between the different actors. The State, communities, teaching staff, and parents of students. It is not an utopia to think that everyone can work together. The containment has shown a number of positive things, and in particular a collaboration of all which allows us to get out of a difficult situation and to move towards a more benevolent and more learning society. The children, in many cases, helped the device, for example by showing their teachers certain tools. It should not be forgotten.
Is the date of May 11 premature for the start of the school year?
What would be the alternative? Unless announced, that everyone hopes, there will be no cure anytime soon, inevitably, we must think of a comeback in September and experiment. On May 11, back to school will be very gradual anyway.