Secondary schools across Tayside and Fife have praised pupils for adapting to the new requirement for face masks.
Pupils must wear face coverings in communal areas of secondary schools where distancing is difficult, including corridors and toilets.
Schools voiced their pride in how young people had responded to the rule, which came into force on Monday.
Harris Academy head teacher Barry Millar said: “They have been absolutely fantastic, genuinely fantastic.
“We gave a presentation across all the classrooms on Friday about why we have to wear face masks. One of our school values is respect so we have brought it around respect for others.
“The young people have really embraced that.”
Other schools took to social media to give pupils a pat on the back for their response to Scottish Government obligatory guidance issued last week, stating they must wear coverings in confined areas of secondary schools and on school transport from August 31.
Delighted to see so many of our young people and staff #livingourvalues and respecting the whole school community by wearing face coverings in our corridors and social areas yesterday. School might have looked a little different but #TogetherWeAreHarris pic.twitter.com/PSe7wM3Ea5
— Harris Academy (@harrisacdundee) September 1, 2020
Perth Academy was among those to highlight responsible behaviour.
It Tweeted: “A huge thank you to all of our pupils who came prepared and lived out our school value of respect.”
A huge thank you to all of our pupils who came prepared and lived out our school value of respect. Wearing face coverings in corridors at changeover, in queues, and in crowded areas. It’s what we do now. Students with exemptions also well prepared. Parents very supportive.
— Perth Academy (@perthacademy) September 1, 2020
Another Dundee secondary, Baldragon Academy was equally pleased with pupils’ response.
Head teacher Hugh McAninch said: “A huge thank you to the many young people who lived our school values of respect and responsibility by wearing a face covering when moving around Baldragon Academy today.”
A huge thank you to the many young people who lived our school values of RESPECT & RESPONSIBILITY by wearing a face covering when moving around @BaldragonAcad today. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️#StaySafe #DundeeLearning pic.twitter.com/xXeFY4KrDO
— Baldragon Academy Headteacher (@Baldragon_HT) August 31, 2020
Crieff Academy’s pupils and staff were congratulated by John Donnelly, leader of Strathearn Community Campus.
He said: “Another really responsible and respectful reaction to change, very well done.”
Incredibly proud of @CrieffHigh pupils and staff today. Another really responsible and respectful reaction to change, very well done. With support from @PKCEducation the very few who didn’t arrive at school with a face covering were provided with one. #responsible #respect
— Campus Leader SCC (@CampusLeaderSCC) August 31, 2020
In Fife, Levenmouth Academy issued masks to all its pupils, to ensure everyone had equal access to face coverings regardless of their circumstances.
Viewforth High School, in Kirkcaldy, set an example nationwide with pupils and head teacher Lisa Moore appearing live to talk about the new rule on ITV’s Good Morning Britain.
Kirkcaldy High School told its pupil population “well done”.
Here's the lowdown on what's up down in Kirkcaldy High! Well done everyone trying to keep us safe by following the face covering rules #respectforothers pic.twitter.com/2dJ7ifaC9y
— Kirkcaldy High School (@KirkcaldyHigh) September 1, 2020
Lochgelly High School said the same, and reminded those using school buses that the rule also applies while travelling to and from school.
Well done to Lochgelly High School pupils on face masks in corridors and social areas in school today. Please be reminded to keep your mask on on school transport- not just on entering the bus, but for the entire journey #Respect #Responsibility #Resilience pic.twitter.com/wo6PrGpUkE
— Lochgelly High School (@LochgellyHS) August 31, 2020
A photograph of prefects “setting a great example” for their peers was posted by St Andrews RC High School, in Kirkcaldy.
Setting a great example – Our Senior Prefect Team #maskedup #allmaskedup pic.twitter.com/8RfeyItfTU
— St Andrew's RC High (@StAndrewsRCHS) August 31, 2020
It was junior pupils adapting to high school life as well as wearing masks who led by example at Waid Academy, in Anstruther.
The school Tweeted: “Our new S1 have been really good at wearing their face masks this morning and we are so proud of them.”
Our new S1 have been really good at wearing their face masks this morning and we are so proud of them! #facemasks #waidisready #waidiswearing pic.twitter.com/79fN7mrWeF
— 🌐Waid on the Web🌐 (@WaidAcademy) August 31, 2020
Pupils are able to remove masks once seated in classrooms.
Those with health conditions which preclude them from wearing face coverings are exempt from the requirement.
Schools have also been told pupils should not be should not be excluded from school if they do not wear a face covering.
The requirement for masks on school transport includes primary school children from the age of five.
