From the Principal’s Desk, 29 May 2020

We are slowly but surely moving towards the end of the term.  I wish to let you all know that your efforts and support of our teachers has not gone unnoticed.  It has taken courage, commitment, and tenacity to accomplish what we did this past term and for that, I thank you.

As communicated in our ‘Return to school’ letter, as well as in our Health and Safety Policy document, Blouberg International is ready for the next step.  Although we do not have all the answers, I wish to put your minds at ease that the staff of Blouberg International is committed to the safety and education of our children as we enter this next phase of lockdown.

We all have managed to make the best of a difficult situation and we cannot sugarcoat the situation we find ourselves in.  There has been many frustrating moments, disappointments, and heartaches.  I am particularly mindful of our class of 2020 as there are so many things they are missing out on.  There is uncertainty as to whether we can hold their 2020 Valedictory Service and Matric Dance (to some this might seem insignificant, but it is an important event for the matric students).

So how do we help our children process the anger and disappointment they are feeling?  They have not been able to socialize with friends for over 60 days and miss their friends, sports, school (bet they never thought they would).  They have all had to adjust to a new type of abnormal normality.

1.  Validating what they are feeling and their emotions.  We are validating the emotion, not the behavior.  It is important to understand what they feel is real and therefor they need to talk it through to overcome it.
2. Create a sense of security within them.  They should always be aware that there is a safe haven with you.  Reassurance, routine, and regulation is important.
3. Increase children’s self-efficacy.  Children often feel more in control of their emotions when they can play an effective role in helping themselves.

ENCOURAGEMENT
“In the midst of hate, I found there was, within me, an invincible love. In the midst of tears, I found there was, within me, an invincible smile.  In the midst of chaos, I found there was, within me, and invincible calm.  I realized, through it all, that in the midst of winter, I found there was, within me, an invincible summer.  And that makes me happy.  For it says that no matter how hard the world pushes against me, within me, there’s something stronger- something better, pushing right back.”  – Albert Camus

I wish you all a wonderful weekend ahead.

Regards
Edna