Middle Years
Middle Years Update
Who would have thought six months ago that mask wearing would become mandatory? We may already feel that we are over wearing these masks but let’s face it, there are upsides! In fact, my mask can even be a fashion statement, the patterned possibilities are endless!
Yes, this pandemic is an extraordinary time for all of us and must be treated with the utmost seriousness and caution, but we also need to find the positives.
Most of us appreciated an extra week or two of holidays. Remote learning is tough but for many families it has given parents a much clearer picture of how their children are coping. We can see if our students are independent learners or if they need constant supervision.
Some students have discovered that they are much more efficient at managing their time and work when there are no distractions. This can be carried through to the classroom later by leaving the social exchanges for those times when you are out of the classroom.
Many families have found new ways of engaging during lockdown. Family walks and games have re-emerged. Jigsaw puzzles have been reinvented and the joy of board games rediscovered.
Our appreciation of people and things we took for granted has soared. The friends who were 'always there' are suddenly out of reach. The family gatherings that unite us are no longer possible. We miss seeing and spending time with people we love but their absence makes us realise how important they are to us.
Playing a game of netball or soccer was just a given, as was a swim or a gym session. How often have we stopped to think how fortunate we are in Australia to have the means to enjoy these and so many other activities as a basic right in our normal lives.
Our team sports, at school or over the weekend, were taken for granted. Did we ever stop to think of what life would be without them? Did we appreciate the time and efforts of volunteers in running these clubs? Coaching? Skills training? Umpiring? Washing uniforms? Canteen workers? Cleaning of club rooms? Driving to games and training? First Aid? Working in organising and running club functions? The list goes on but includes those supporting our clubs in any way.
At this time when we are denied what for us was 'normal' it is worth stepping back and assessing our level of appreciation for those who provide us with so much. The pandemic has given us the opportunity to assess who and what is truly important to us. We need to recognise the 'behind the scenes people' who do so much for us.
Families all over the country have had to face extraordinary challenges and there are more to come. Businesses have folded, jobs have disappeared before our eyes. The future is an unknown. These are very tough times for so many. Our political leaders have an unenviable task in balancing the protection of our health with the protection of the economy. Fortunately the JobKeeper and JobSeeker payments have provided support to many and have helped keep the economy afloat. Many are stressed by the fact that they have to rely on Government support. At this time we all need to offer support to one another.
To those of you who are schooling from home, try to enjoy the experience and take the opportunity to be more self sufficient and independent. Be grateful for every bit of help you are given but remember that ultimately it is up to you to do what you can.
If we can come out of this crisis as people who are more grateful for family and friends and our quality of life, as individuals who appreciate the opportunities we are given, then truly this huge cloud does have a silver lining.
Allira Howe
Director of Learning: Middle School
