These are a few thoughts on our first weeks back after a summer away…
After a turbulent year of online learning and COVID-testing, the summer break was needed more than ever. A summer of rest, relaxation and minimal technology use. With COVID restrictions taking up so much of our thoughts, it was essential for me to at least take some time away from my laptop and focus on the little things that bring joy. For me, that is reading, walking, and my guitars. An opportunity to put some of the frustrations to one side.
The weeks have, however, flown by, and once again, we are back at school, recharged and fortunate to have had a fantastic first cycle. Face to face. We have enjoyed an engaging faculty orientation focusing on developing our curriculum and building a culture of belonging. More so than ever, our community has enjoyed getting to know one another. Despite the challenges, there is a lot to be optimistic about. Of course, we still have our daily COVID testing routine, but this has become just that, routine. The focus has been firmly on learning and supporting our students. Naturally, it is a two-way street, and our students have done an excellent job in supporting us.
The first two weeks were very smooth indeed. Grade 6 adapted to life in Secondary School relatively quickly, thanks to our Grade 9 mentors in The Bridge program. Grade 9 students did an excellent job of inducting them into the school and showing them the ropes. I know this because my office has been considerably quieter than in previous years. Instead, I have been able to roam the corridors and enter classrooms. It was very clear; we were all glad to be back.
What better way to end a successful first cycle than with a Secondary Assembly focusing on our School Value – Creativity? The students rose to the occasion putting on an excellent show for us all. Dance, classical music, even a rocking Foo Fighters cover. A great way to enter the weekend. It is agreed that this was an amazing start to the year.
Very quickly, we have had to utilise another of our values, perseverance. News spread of rising COVID cases and potential lockdowns. Plans for online learning were drafted and quickly operationalised. I write this now from my apartment after six days of lockdown. Once again, teachers have responded positively and professionally. After all, we are used to this now.
I have been dropping into classes and hosting meetings with teachers, advisors and parents, and I am struck by the resilience and understanding shown by everyone in what is clearly a trying time.
Students have responded and quickly adapted their plans for Service Opportunities to ensure they can continue should they complete a lot of the work from their homes. House competitions and IB CORE Day, again, are being developed so that we can continue to build school spirit whilst online.
We do not know how long we will teach and learn in this hybrid format, but one thing is clear, we will get through it together. Our community has become stronger due to the difficulties we have faced that are beyond our control. It is therefore fitting that this month’s theme in our community well-being calendar is “Building Community.” After all, as our DP1 student so wisely said, “Our school is not a place…. It’s about the people.”
Journeying:
Image: iStock
The Assistant Principal 