Reflections
Reflecting on the last 2 weeks
After two weeks of staying indoors and social distancing, we all seem to be adapting to the new normal. We are all trying to get use to a new routine: our daily exercise, some learning time, taking advantage of the good weather, our one weekly visit to the shop… It is still strange and scary, but we are learning to adapt very quickly. Here in school, we are accepting the children of keyworkers, which is averaging about 5 children a day. Again, it is strange and unusual to have such few children in, but we are developing a new routine and making the best of an unprecedented situation.
There was a quote on Facebook this week that said “In the rush to return to normal, use this time to consider what parts of normal are worth rushing back to” (Dave Hollis). This really resonated with me – because the last two weeks have shown the power of the Winshill Village community and brought out the best in us. Yes, times are still scary and uncertain – but there are things that we should celebrate, be proud of and take with us into the future. For example;
1) Recognition of the hard work and dedication of the school staff – they have gone above and beyond, and the messages, emails and phone calls that they have received from you have been lovely and supportive. Thank you.
2) Smiling faces – I haven’t seen many children about, but those that I have, they have been smiling and positive and keen to be back at school and learning. Children have waved at me from their bedroom windows, smiled and shouted hello from across the street. I have seen countless rainbows and posters in windows. In this dark world, our children still light the way.
3) Community – although we are communicating from afar through cyber space, the sense of community is strong in Winshill. The “we are all in this together” motto has rung true over these difficult weeks. All of us working together to support our children and each other.
4) Technology – the website is amazing. Thanks to Mr Anderson (Chair of Governors) for keeping the website up to date and adapting it to the school’s needs. I particularly like seeing the children’s work – this would be a great showcase when the children return to school. (https://www.winshillvillage.org.uk/showcase)
5) Communication – there has been a lot of communication, in various forms, between school and families in the last couple of weeks – this would be great to continue when life returns to “normal”.
Over the last two weeks I know people who have: volunteered to help the NHS; gone shopping for a vulnerable and isolated neighbour; sent cards and pictures to let people know we are thinking of them. I have seen complete strangers smile and start up conversations (2m apart obviously) and I have seen random acts of kindness everywhere.
Mr Johnson has told us things are getting to get worse before they get better. This will continue to be a scary and uncertain time in the weeks/months ahead, but when it is all over, wouldn’t it be great if we had learnt some valuable lessons and become better people because of it.
“I think that when the dust
Settles, we will realise how,
Little we need, how very much
We actually have, and the
value of human connection.”
Look after yourselves and each other. And remember to keep in touch.
Miss Goodson