This too will pass

WEEK 6

What we know from periods of global stress is that the human spirit prevails. This is a global historical event, and I think it would be really helpful if we (by that I mean families, communities, schools and society) could document the ways in which we are responding – the ways in which the human spirit prevails, the stories of kindness, love and hope that are everywhere.

Last week, I left my house for my daily walk around the park and my neighbours, had created a beautiful chalk image on the pavement showing the growth and renewal of nature all around us. In the centre of their image were the words "Nothing can stop spring". 

So, in this time when we are at home together or for those of us working in schools, let’s create some social documentaries, some video diaries perhaps, showing the tenacity of the human spirit – hope, renewal and the affirmation of life. This too will pass.

When we are back at school we will be acknowledging this global historical event in a number of ways including: a mural in the school garden and a Winshill Time Capsule in collaboration with Tower View and Holy Rosary.

It would be great if you could find ways of remembering and documenting these strange and unusual times.  If you have any creative ideas then please share them with us.

Last weekend the Government launched the Looking out for each other campaign. The campaign communicates how people can safely help friends, family and neighbours in isolation with further information available at gov.uk/safehelp.  

In this time of crisis, it is important that we look out for each other.  You will each have your own networks which will undoubtedly be supporting you in these uncertain times. May I encourage you today to take a moment to think of somebody who may be finding things particularly hard and perhaps reach out to them in some way? None of us are invincible – and as we move through this crisis, we will all need a little love and kindness.

Now we’ve done our six weeks of social distancing, it is highly likely that these measures are starting to affect our friends and families. To help, please see the links below – and please contact school, if there is anything we can do to support.

As we head into week 7,  I thought I’d share this poem about the ferocious beauty of every day - Everything is Going to be All Right, by Derek Mahon.

 How should I not be glad to contemplate

The clouds clearing beyond the dormer window

and a high tide reflected on the ceiling?

There will be dying, there will be dying,

but there is no need to go into that.

The poems flow from the hand unbidden

and the hidden source is the watchful heart.

The sun rises in spite of everything

and the far cities are beautiful and bright.

I lie here in a riot of sunlight

watching the day break and the clouds flying.

Everything is going to be all right

Stay Safe and look after each other

Miss Goodson