So we’ve been back to school with students on campus for three days now, with strict restrictions and protocols in place, and I’m feeling very, very grateful. It’s been a lot of work and a lot of planning to get ready for the opening of the school year, and even though the ground may shift from underneath us again at some point this year, having that kid energy back again this past week has fed my soul.
We are incredibly fortunate to be in this position I know, as so many of our friends and colleagues from around the world are having a very different experience. Starting the year either on distance learning again, or in some form of hybrid situation, and for many educators, even waiting for visas so they can arrive at their schools…it must be so hard, and not at all the way anyone wants to begin the year.
The inspiring thing for me however, is that regardless of the obstacles in place, and despite all of the restrictions and protocols and road blocks in the way, great teachers step up and accept the challenge. Great teachers find a way…always. They do it because they love teaching, and they love kids…and the truth of the matter is that it doesn’t matter what you throw in front of a great teacher, or what obstacles you put in place, because in the end, you can’t put a mask on love.
For my first post of the year I want to say thank you to our teachers, not only at ASP but all around the world, who are doing their very best to engage kids, and to develop those initial essential relationships, and to light that fire of imagination and creativity and wonder in their students’ eyes in the midst of very strange and tricky situations…thank you! I know that we are all in for an interesting year, a year like we’ve never seen before, but I’d like to think that I speak for all of the amazing educators here at ASP and all over the planet when I say…challenge accepted. Enjoy this beautiful poem below, which speaks to the excitement of a new school year, and remember to be great for our students and good to each other. Have a wonderful week everyone!
We’re On Our Way to School
By trolley, by train, by foot, by sleigh,
by cab, by car, we’re on our way
— by boat, by bridge, by bike, by bus,
on wheels, on wings, each one of us,
has dreams in our pockets and stories to share
as we open up doors to school everywhere
… and a rain might mist, a wind might blow;
the sun might shine on our morning hello,
and a storm might brew in the sky, let it try,
but the magic of wonder won’t pass us by,
we’re on our way to school.
— Rebecca Kai Dotlich
Quote of the Week…
Life is about accepting the challenges along the way, choosing to keep moving forward, and savouring the journey – Roy T. Bennett
Related Articles –
An Opportunity to Choose Growth
Adversity is the Fuel of Greatness
Inspiring Videos –
TED Talk – Emotional First Aid
Have a FABULOUS year, Dan! 🙂