From Ms Allum

From Ms Allum

I am writing this for the last Behind the Green Gate of the term. What an amazing term it has been! As I penned the words for the first Behind the Green Gate of the year, how could any of us have known what was to come? In the first newsletter, I wrote words of welcome to new parents and students:

Most importantly, SCEGGS is a community of people who look after each other. If you do have any questions at any time, please do not hesitate to ask any of us – we really do want you to feel part of our community and know that we care that you get as much as you can out of a SCEGGS education.

Well, I think we demonstrated that care and commitment very much, everyone to everyone, in all areas of the school. I must admit, though, it wasn’t ways I was expecting!

Life has its uncertainties, and these can make us anxious and worried. I know we all have to learn to live with uncertainty, now more than ever. We need to focus on the things that we can control, and put aside the things that we don’t know about the future, the things that worry or concern us. I can see how hard this is for many in our community, and I pray that you can find some peace in the next few weeks, whist we have school holidays. I pray you feel held in the palm of God’s hand…

So, here is a list of things to do over the holidays!

  1. Be kind to yourself. Look after yourself. Be gentle. Be accepting. Find little things which you know will slow you down…
  2. Have some fun and laughter. What’s your “thing”? Funny cat videos? Slapstick movies? Bad ‘Dad’ jokes? Laugh out loud!!
  3. Connect with others. Do something for someone else. There is nothing like helping others to put a smile on your face, and theirs! It might be ringing someone you haven’t heard from for a while, or someone who you know is house-bound. Can you shop for essentials for your neighbour, or mow their lawn?
  4. Be active. Go for a walk. Kick a ball in the backyard or the local park with your family. Try an exercise video or a yoga session on-line.
  5. Keep your body and your mind healthy. Sleep and eat well. Drink lots of water. Have lots of non-screen time. Have lots of time away from news and information updates on Coronavirus too.  And no phones in the bedroom at night!
  6. Be grateful for what we have. Count your blessings. Remember the things we have and the things we can do, rather than focusing on the things we can’t do, or the things that we don’t have at the moment.

I don’t know what will happen in Term 2 with learning. Maybe we will be back together with on-campus learning. Maybe we will be doing more at-home learning. Maybe the city will be in complete lock-down. I don’t know the answers to these questions. I do know that we will do everything we can to look after girls and their learning, whatever the circumstances and context. I know we will look after the well-being of all in the school community, as much as we can, with love and concern, compassion, kindness and empathy. And we will communicate with you all as much as you can, so that you know what is happening.

So expect an email from me towards the end of the school holidays, with an update about the beginning of the new term, when we know more.

In the meantime, I pray that you will all be safe over the school holidays. Enjoy the small things in life. Be grateful for what we have.

Lots of love to you all.

Jenny