From the Head of School

Same Event, Different Reactions

When we went into our first lockdown in March, we had been preparing for virtual school for more than three weeks.  It was nevertheless a shock - which may seem odd. But we can know in our heads that something may happen, but the message doesn’t get through to our hearts until it does.

We were well prepared for what to do, not necessarily on how to feel.  Back in March, many students were excited at the prospect of online lessons - it was something new, a break from routine; others found it disconcerting.  We all responded to the same event, but our experiences were individual.  

We are now in Virtual School Part II.  I can’t imagine anyone’s response was excitement.  There were a set of known routines to slip into, which in some ways were easier, but it is nevertheless not an easy situation.  

Nevertheless, just as with the first time there will be a range of reactions.  No one reaction is the normal or correct one.  Over the last year, I have spent time in Thistle Talk and other forums emphasising positive responses, how well many of us coped, and the incredible sense of community.  

It is important to acknowledge how we as individuals and as a community have risen to the challenge, to remind ourselves that we can do so again.  We need also to acknowledge that sometimes we may also feel down or stressed.  It is not a failure to have those emotions; it is a natural part of being human in difficult circumstances.

We want our students to become ‘learners for life’, an attribute that requires a considerable amount of self motivation.  This begins with an ability to recognise our own emotions and motivations - not as an excuse for any particular behaviour, but because to achieve our objectives we need to understand ourselves.  

Please have a look at our ‘Wellbeing Resources and Useful Links’ on the ‘Safe’ page of the Community Hub.  If your family is going through a hard time, keep us informed - have a chat with our counsellor, Valerie DeGraw.  

We are ready for the challenges ahead, setting our sights on what is on our power to effect, but still comfortable with the fact that we are only human.