Dear Parents, Colleagues, Students and Friends,
The Senior Leadership Team and I are meeting at 10 a.m. every Monday and Thursday at the moment. Some of us are in school, some of us call in to the meeting via Zoom. So students, take note that even your Division Heads and your Headmaster and are getting used to Zoom and seeing each other's dining tables and favorite living room wall hangings at odd times of the day. Disturbing times indeed…!
As we prepare for the resumption of Distance Learning on Monday morning, you will be hearing more in the days to come from your individual teachers about some changes in schedule and expectations across all three divisions. In general, we want you to try to put the pressure of assessments and grades on hold for a while. Focus on a different kind of learning; learning that allows for communication, togetherness, flexibility and creativity. Right now, every minute, students are actually learning about themselves - how resilient they are, the strengths they have to manage and so much more. Our teachers and families should focus the learning there for the moment. Reading, Writing, Math, Science will come along, but only once focus and grounding are both there. I think we are all doing just great, given the historically unusual environment. So fill your days with things to accomplish, students. Give a nice shape to your day. Keep calm, carry on and, of course, wash your hands. Well done everyone.
While our primary focus is on supporting current students and families, we know that the lives of our alumni have changed as well. We hope you are well and taking care of yourself and your families. We all have a lot to cope with and adapt to at the moment. Here is a suggestion: Take advantage of this break from the normal to call up a CSN friend you haven't heard from in a while. Maybe even go "old school" and write a note to a friend or a former teacher! At times like this, old ties still bind and provide us all with support.
Wherever things go from here, we are stronger in the connections we have with one other and with our school. Distance Learning restarts on Monday morning!
Rise and shine, everybody! Thank you for your continued support. More on Monday.
Kind regards,
Dr. David Watson
Head of School