A Virtual Hug

So just like thousands of schools around the world these days, we have been thrust into the reality of distance learning. We managed to successfully navigate through the first four days with our community just last week, and for the most part it went really well. We had plenty of success stories and celebrations, and of course a few glitches to work through, but all in all we transitioned nicely. We were super fortunate that we had some wonderful on-line platforms already in place, and as was the case with so many schools around the globe, we had our educator friends and colleagues in Asia to thank for blazing the trail and showing us the way.

That said, I’m fully aware that it’s only been four days, and as we stare down the possibility of a long term campus closure we need to turn our attention to sustainability and community balance…it’s going to be tricky I know, but like the many schools who are already weeks ahead of us, we will eventually find our way.

What I really want to talk about this week however, is how inspired I am to be a part of this amazing International School community, and how proud I am to be an educator as we lean on each other through this difficult and interesting time. We often talk to our students about the power and importance of sharing and collaborating and risk taking, and how true growth and success comes out of facing adversity and being resilient. What I’ve seen over the past several weeks has cemented my belief that the world’s truest superheroes are educators, and I want to thank you all for your passion, creativity, generous spirit and your unwavering sense of joy and hope.

I feel like the world is waking up to the incredible complexities of teaching, and how much hard work and effort it takes everyday to engage children in their learning…and that’s just on a regular day! In exceptional circumstances like these, where educators need to show such unbelievable adaptability, imagination, and flexibility, it drives home the point even more…educators are truly modern day heroes.

Anyway, I just want to reach through this computer and give you all a virtual hug, and thank you for all that you are doing for our children, our families and our world. Keep sharing, keep collaborating and keep leading the way as we all struggle through this global situation together. There are of course many silver linings to this experience, and if we continue to lead with our hearts we will come out the other end all the better for it as an educational world. Have a wonderful on-line week everyone and remember to be great for our students and good to each other.

Quote of the Week…

No one can whistle a symphony. It takes a whole orchestra to play it.