School staff were saluted for their hard work in the Covid-19 crisis by the education minister.

Diallo Rabain said that a lot had been asked of public school principals, teachers and support workers in these “unprecedented times”.

He told them in a letter on Monday: “You have been asked to work in unfamiliar conditions, to be calm and present despite your worries and fears, to push through and to lead.

“I am happy to see you have, and I am proud to say that learning has continued.”

He said “a sense of normalcy was allowed to exist” for pupils because of the work of education professionals.

Mr Rabain added: “Even though things have not been perfect and changed from day to day, you have shown that you were more than willing and up to the task.”

He told education staff: “The last week has been taxing on you, I know, but you have stepped up to the challenge and accomplished great things on behalf of our students, to ensure they have what they needed to continue their learning.”

He asked education staff use this week to “take time to pause, recharge and reflect on the things that are truly important and priceless in this life — family and health”.

Mr Rabain said: “Stay safe, colleagues and please enjoy your much deserved, well-earned break.”