COVID-19: What will we do 'first day back'?
Sunday 5 April 2020
What will we have learnt from time away from school?
This is the opening scene from the film 'Love Actually' - people greeting each other at the arrivals gate of Heathrow Airport. People reunited, sharing the love they have for each other.
One thing we are learning in this world of remote learning is that personal connection is more important than curriculum content and that 'learning' is so much bigger than schooling. I believe that when we return to school we will cherish more poignantly the relationships we have with one another. As George Couros says: "What is helping me get through today is the vision of a better version of tomorrow."
I am sure all of us have been thinking of the things we miss at the moment: meeting family, going to a restaurant, and, for my daughter, shopping and hanging out with her friends. I never thought I would miss all the travel, but I know that part of me is eager to get back on a plane. And yet I appreciate the 'new norms': extended time with my family, a chance to do the gardening, catch up with Netflix(!), read books and a regular routine.
I am inspired by this quote from George Couros:
“I have continuously heard the term, “when we get back, we will have to understand that it will be a new normal.” To me, I want something more than that. I am going to focus on creating a “new and better normal.” A “new and better normal” that is not only focused on the opportunities we can create for our students and colleagues to focus on meaningful learning but also have a better appreciation of one another and ourselves.”
So when we get back to school let us celebrate the most important lesson we have learnt: the importance of connection and relationships. Or, in the words of the film, Love Actually, "I've got the sneeky feeling that 'Love Actually' is all around."