So far, it is fair to say that 2020 hasn’t exactly shaped up how we thought it would – COVID-19 has been a bigger disruption in our lives than any of us could have imagined. It’s easy to see a global pandemic as an impossible situation to deal with and it is completely understandable to experience some level of fear or concern in response. What we are experiencing is unprecedented; the world hasn’t seen anything like this before and we are all learning how to deal with it, one step at a time. While adjusting our perspective and trying to look at the situation in a positive light is ultimately what will guide us through this difficult period, it is important to acknowledge the disappointment and uncertainty that arises in such circumstances. It is not easy, having our routines completely disrupted and the lingering sense that we are ‘missing out’ on holidays, special events, the school year and time with friends and extended family.
We want to remind you all to try to look past the physical distancing, the lockdown period and the disruption to life as we know it and see this as an opportunity. It’s a chance for us to slow down, take it easy and catch up on everything that may have been pushed aside in the last few months. But more importantly, it’s a time for us to rekindle the sense of community that can get lost in the craziness of life. We may be physically distant from each other, but our connections with each other are now more important than ever before. We need to embrace this new way of life and continue our Strathy sisterhood. Sisterhood and the maintenance of a connection with our school and most importantly with each other is set to look exponentially different for this next while. With these changing and challenging times being thrust upon us, our community truly has come together. In this case coming together physically and in person is not an option, so we lean on the reliance of connecting through technology and social media.
It is important that we show and share our feelings in this time, whether they be positive, apprehensive or overwhelming feelings. Everyone around you is always willing to help, assist and give advice for successfully manoeuvring through remote learning, whether they be teachers, your family and of course, your Strathy friends! We implore you to keep a positive outlook and to support one another.
The joy of being home 24/7 does mean the inevitable pain of boredom. Usually in our lives everything is fast paced, busy and complicated. Who had time for simple pleasures like baking and puzzles when there was so much to be done? Well now is the time to access your inner 1950s child, it’s time to take up a hobby. Staying active and engaged doesn’t mean what it once did. Simple pass times such as a board game with the family, cooking, sewing, painting and hanging out with pets can give us as much entertainment and fulfilment as spending a day out on the town. The good thing too is it is significantly more cost effective and stops us from getting those dreaded square eyes. But ignoring screens altogether would be a mistake, we are lucky we are living now and not in the 1900’s when catching up with friends and grandparents over Zoom, Facetime and Teams wasn’t an option. It allows us to play online card games, Netflix party and to engage ourselves in school and maybe a couple BuzzFeed quizzes here and there. So instead of looking at this time of isolation let’s look at it as an opportunity to do the things you were planning to do “if only you had a bit of spare time” and aim to level up our skills and hobbies. And who knows? Maybe it will make us all slightly more interesting people at the end of all this.
Despite the distance, remember that Strathcona is a place of authentic warmth and belonging. Have a great term!
Kara McKenzie, School Captain, Sarah Patience and Eva Williams, Deputy School Captains
