At last, this chapter of online learning is coming to a close. As we prepare for a staggered return to school, many of us are excited about breaking out of our lockdown routines and resuming our relatively normal school life. Before we embark upon that new ‘one way road’, I think it would be worthwhile to take a moment to look back, so we can move forward with a clearer mind.
The past few weeks have been challenging, given the monotony of lockdown life and fatigue associated with being stuck behind a screen. Yet it has also been greatly enriching, as the multitude of speakers, debates and activities have attested to. We have all devoted incredible amounts of energy into our lockdown learning, so let’s bring this positive energy into the post-lockdown school life. Yes, there will be new routines to adapt to, new tasks to complete, and new problems to solve, but as we have jumped through so many hurdles in the past year, we should all embrace the next chapter of our life with great confidence!
Secondly, I think the lockdown has really helped us to put many things into perspective; one of which is the importance of personal interaction. Whilst we have been able to receive lessons and carry on with extra-curricular activities, it has been impossible to collaborate and interact with friends in person. The opportunity to study and socialise together, share each other’s problems as well as our successes is sorely missed. Perhaps these interactions, which we may have taken for granted before the lockdown, are what really make our school experiences special. Soon we will be able meet each other again; let’s cherish and enjoy our time together (Covid restriction permitting, of course).
Furthermore, the pandemic has highlighted the importance of community. It is through our collected effort, from staying at home to rolling out vaccination, that we started to see the light at the end of the tunnel. For us, although we have been working individually at home, many of the successes of the term have demonstrated the importance of team spirit and collaboration. Indeed, we can achieve more if we all take our responsibilities seriously and work together.
I do hope we can hold on to what we have learned during the lockdown and move forward with a renewed sense of purpose. Let us keep in mind our shared values and personal responsibilities. I believe our collective, compassionate action will lead us into a better, brighter future.
