A Dumfriesshire school has been forced to close classes to pupils because of the Covid pandemic.
All S1 and S2 pupils at Lockerbie Academy returned to home learning yesterday due to mounting staff absences.
Headteacher Brian Asher sent letters to parents and carers on Wednesday to inform them that all the first and second year students would have to return to online lessons for at least the next two days.
A review is being taken today to see if it will be extended.
Mr Asher told parents it was a “difficult decision”.
He said: “For the first time since last summer, we have encountered significant challenges with Covid and other absences amongst teaching staff.
“I realise this is difficult and want to assure you we have tried everything possible to avoid this.”
He added: “We have discussed the situation with the authority and have used every means possible to keep everyone in school, but we have no choice at this point but to use this option now.
“Senior pupils are studying for and sitting prelim exams throughout this month and we wish them well for these important assessments.
“I guarantee that we will minimise disruption as much as possible and keep this as brief as possible.”
The school is also going to hold its parents evenings online after again ruling out face-to-face meetings after at least two years of none at all.
Lockerbie Primary’s P2 and P3 classes had to stay home on Wednesday and Thursday last week, while Kelloholm Primary’s nursery was shut down on Tuesday and Hecklegirth Primary’s nursery rainbow room closed on Monday.
