From the Principal’s Desk, 30 April 2020

Dear Parents

Like me, I am sure all of you have been following the news avidly, waiting for an announcement from the Minister of Education which will see us return to school. The process of returning to school is a balancing act in which we weigh the need for students to return to the classroom with the necessity of ensuring everyone’s safety. Rest assured though that when the day comes when we do return to school, there will be strict safety measures in place to ensure the safety of everyone on campus.

When I think about returning to school, I realise the enormity of the task ahead of us; the factors we must consider and the preparations which need to take place. Even our ‘drop and go’ routine in the mornings will have to alter radically. We will have to screen temperatures and ensure that all the classrooms remain hygienic throughout the day.  It will be a continuous process of sanitizing: hands, doors, desks, bathrooms and corridors. And let’s not forget the all-important face masks!

The questions which roll through one’s mind as we contemplate the process follow a common pattern: Will the children understand the requirement of social distancing?  How will we handle classroom management? How do we prevent contact and overcrowding? All these questions and so many more are exactly what we Heads mull over together.

This week we started with our first online assemblies.  The responses from 198 students on one platform at the same time was overwhelming, but then as I watched I could see the excitement on their faces and I realized that it was being together again which was evoking such an enthusiastic response from the children. After a vigorous run of muting everyone so we could hear ourselves think, we were able to begin the assembly. We listened to Mrs. Schoots deliver words of encouragement and handed out star certificates.  Our second attempt the following day was much smoother and less chaotic.

I am reminded once again of the lessons which we learn something from our children.  They have an incredible ability to be resilient in any crisis.  They adapt and thrive to any challenging situation we immerse them in and grow to be even stronger than we thought possible.  Our involvement as parents in their education is crucial during this difficult time as their daily struggles and achievements provide insight into their development and character.

Let’s not walk away from experience without taking some good lessons with us. Together we are better.

Have a wonderful long weekend!
Edna