The 2020-21 school year continued to be one that took us on the COVID roller coaster. With many restrictions, the school learning community looked different in some aspects. We rearranged grades, had to cohort and isolate in certain cases. Most importantly, we also witnessed the strength of our learning community. Our students forged new friendships within their cohorts and built and demonstrated great resilience in their new reality. They came up with new games at recess and lunch when they weren't allowed to play with recess equipment. They took to consistently sanitizing their hands throughout the day in their new routine. When they did have to go online, they knew exactly where to go, how to login in and remain connected with their class. Their resiliency will serve them well throughout their lifetime long after the COVID pandemic is over.
Our teaching staff rose to the occasion at every turn. Some taught in person, some in the HUB. Regardless, we started out the year with the mindset to be flexible and responsive to the needs of our students and learning community as we entered uncharted waters of education in a pandemic. One day, teachers were teaching in class, the next day online. Students quarantined at home, supported by teachers. They looked at their students needs as a whole, which completely changed in the midst of COVID, and did what was needed to provide them a safe environment and the routine that students craved. Most importantly, they gave their students a connection that they were missing from elsewhere. Our support staff also connected in new ways. Lunchtime and classroom routines looked very different and they willingly adapted. We would be remiss in not specifically mentioning our facility operators and cleaning staff who upped the ante in cleaning the school multiple times a day.
Our families were unwavering in their support of the school, students and staff. From the start and throughout the year, we were offered words of encouragement, support and appreciation. Our generous Dalhousie Parent Society supported the school financially in an official capacity. Just as importantly, any time there was a change, be it to online learning, a positive case or a quarantine, there was an immediate email asking how to help. Your kind words were there as inspiration when needed.
In reflecting on the year, one can only appreciate the interconnectedness of our learning community and despite the challenges, how we continue to grow stronger together. On behalf of all of the Dalhousie staff, we wish all of our families health and happiness.
As we do not yet know what the fall will bring, please watch out for information at the very end of August. The school officially reopens on August 27 at 8:30am. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please email dalhousie@cbe.ab.ca. The mailbox will be monitored periodically over the summer.
