Learn From Home / Back to School

Who could have imagined the way this year would pan out? That we would all have to readjust our lives so completely in order to respond to a situation none of us could have foreseen. And yet, at each step of the way I have been buoyed by our community. You have been resilient and strong, creative and flexible. We celebrate your contribution to our school and appreciate you for coming along on this unpredictable ride with good grace and a sense of humour. 

This week we welcomed back all of our students, albeit in a very different format. It was so good  to see familiar faces and be able to communicate face to face again. We acknowledge that this period of transition presents many challenges, as we all adjust to being together in a COVID-safe way.  We have every expectation that our community is up to the challenge. 

Here are some thoughts to keep in mind as we start to meet together again:

1. Time Transforms

Change of any kind is disruptive. Think back to the start of Term 2 where we all shifted into our Learn From Home program with all the problem-solving and adjusting required. Now, we face a similar challenge as our students get used to being in a structured routine again, seeing their friends in person and figuring out what learning gaps need to be filled. 

There may be some tantrums and acting out at home in these first few weeks. While ‘going back to school’ might seem simple on the surface, in reality it requires a lot from our students. They have grown used to being at home again, and perhaps there is a level of anxiety in relation to ‘going out into the world’ that they may be unable to fully express in words. 

They may feel they have fallen behind, or that their friends have grown distant. These unstated beliefs can impact upon their adjustment and cause big emotions to surface. Try and ask them thoughtful and open-ended questions in order to work out where the pressure points lie. 

And know that while this period might be a little messy, that’s okay. Time is a master healer and, by keeping our eyes open and working out what little hacks and tweaks we can implement, life is sure to get easier in the weeks to come. 

2. Comparison Cripples

You might feel guilty because you think you haven’t done as much to help out your kids in their Learn From Home time as some other parents have. With the added demands of working from home, or perhaps battling personal anxiety, you may feel disappointed that you weren’t the ‘helpful teacher/parent’ that you had striven to be. That’s okay. 

We are living in the midst of a global crisis and our teachers are well aware of the reality that some students (and families) found the isolation difficult. There is no judgement here. Our teachers are deeply caring and will do everything in their power to help your child needs to move forward in their learning. 

If this sounds familiar, and you suspect that your child may be struggling in a particular area of learning, please reach out and let their teacher know. Clear communication is invaluable in this  time of transition. 

3. Community Connects

In a time where our external environment is uncertain, it is critical that we work together and seek to serve. So many of our families have faced difficulties during this time - whether in relation to unemployment, sickness, mental health concerns or simply feeling isolated from family support structures.  

As we step forward into an uncertain world, let us be there for each other. Having ears to hear and eyes to see. May we be open and brave, resilient and courageous - coming together in a deep and profound way like never before. May we use this period as a time for growth. A time for connection, and a time for hope. Because we serve the greatest Hope-Giver of all who generously offers us the courage to grow through change.