Principal Message Week 7 Term 3

It is hard to believe that there are only another three weeks left of this term. As the weeks go by it has become increasingly clear that whilst we may have adjusted to our ‘new normal’ there are some things that get just that little bit harder.

Overwhelmingly the social aspect of school is something that everyone is missing. The remote learning experience itself is now well established and the children have, dare I say it, adjusted. But what can’t be replaced is the day-to-day interactions that physically being at school creates, allows and provides. Whilst we are still very much connected, it is the subtle nuances of our relationships with one another that does not quite translate to onscreen and in fact means we have to work just that little bit harder to set up the conditions that mimic the classroom, the playground or any other social setting for that matter.

Last year I attended a webinar titled Managing the Corona Coaster facilitated by renowned psychologist Dr Michael Carr – Gregg. During this session, he spoke about the challenges facing families during this time. Dr Carr- Gregg reminded us that we the adults are the ones who set the emotional tone and of course provide that sense of hope and optimism – this will end and things will return to some sort of normal. One of the key points of the evening was about the importance of maintaining social connections for our children particularly our adolescents (10- 24 years). Whilst concerns about screen time are valid, we are in lockdown and access to technology does provide the opportunity for children to connect with one another, their wider circle of friends and with family.

I particularly liked the following:

The main point is that maintaining connection is key and yes whilst we are spending more time on screens than we normally would the desire for connection and social interaction is so strong that it is our responsibility as adults to be discerning and to enable the conditions for this to occur.

So, with this said we are so lucky that during this time we have the technology that enables us to continue to provide at least some connection to one another, to school and our wider community and for this I am grateful. In response to this and last year’s extended lockdown experience, we are trying to incorporate more opportunities for the children to connect and maintain social connection with their classes and the school that has a fun element. Both Science week and Book week have been great examples of this. And it has been wonderful to see how engaged and animated the children have been over the course of these past two weeks. Seesaw is full of great examples of children trying something different, experimenting, ‘having a go’ and showing their creativity. What is clear is that curiosity is abundant which confirms for me how important it is for children to play and learn through experience and to wonder.

Having something to look forward to goes a long way in keeping us that little more connected to one another and I know each of these experiences will help make our return to school all the more special when the time comes.

Until then I thank you for the role that you play in your child’s learning and feel reassured knowing that together, at home and school, we will work to ensure the best for each of them.

Education is a social or collective endeavour and a benefit to the community as a whole, as well as to the individuals within it. From Principles to Practice PYP

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