Has the past week felt like we’re in a science-fiction film? When we factor in the global pandemic, the smoky haze and the fact that a life form was found on Venus, it just doesn’t feel normal anymore.
This year has taught me that anything is possible and to never get too comfortable with how things are. We’ve seen our world change, and we’ve seen people grow and adapt to circumstances around them.
During the first full week of school for most students, I’ve learned just how resilient children can be. Leading up to the school restart, there has been a lot of public discussion of the emotional impact on students.
I spoke with some of my friends’ children about how their first days went and I saw smiles and excitement about starting a new year. The highlights were seeing their friends and teachers.
Masks, handwashing, cohorts, physical distancing and other measures have been incorporated into how schools are operating, but these weren’t the first things the kids talked about.
Our educators have put a lot of effort into sharing these new protocols in a calm way. There is a lot of anxiety, so I am impressed with how this has been rolled out.
I asked my friend’s five-year-old son about his first day of kindergarten and he told me about his classroom and how excited he was to have his very own cubby for his jacket, and to be in the same class as a friend from daycare.
I’ve also spoken to older students in elementary and middle school, and they, too, shared their excitement at being back in class with their peers and teachers. I was impressed to see smiles rather than fear.
The excitement and happiness of these students is a credit to our teachers and school staff. If a plan is well executed and everything goes smoothly, no one ever knows all the behind-the-scenes planning.
There will be glitches along the way, but it’s important to look at the big picture and not focus on the hiccups. It’s easy to point out the small items that need to be tweaked, but before you do, wait 20 minutes and decide if it’s really worth it.
Let children understand all of the logistics that need to be factored in. Before my daughter went to her school safety orientation, I let her know that they might want to demonstrate to the students how to wash their hands.
I said: “Please listen, be respectful and don’t roll your eyes. They might be obligated to show you, so they know that every kid knows what is expected. The school can’t correct a student’s behaviour if they haven’t demonstrated what’s expected.”
I have a child who is still young enough to listen to me. It was troubling to hear of hundreds of university students partying together, even when the university has explained numerous times what is expected of them.
I really hope these students realize that everyone is making sacrifices right now. They also need to be aware that they are role models to younger students in our city, and they are also our future leaders.
Charla Huber is the director of communications and Indigenous relations at M’akola Housing Society.
