Inarguably,
we could say that we have a new currently reality, one that was unexpected and
thrust upon us overnight. Regardless, we have all had to adapt to new
reality that the COVID-19 global pandemic has created. While we do not know
what the fall will bring, we do know that we have become resilient during these
times, adapting to what every new day has brought. Social distancing, hand
sanitizers, masks and other protective personal equipment have become part of
the norm.
While this may have been only a part of it, the biggest
change for our students and families was the cancellation of in-person classes
on March 15. Overnight, arrangements started for emergency remote online
learning to happen in literacy and numeracy for elementary students. The
physical classroom was usurped by Google Classroom and Google Meets. New
social norms during online meetings such as muting microphone had to be learned
by both students and adults. Figuring out the online environment was the
first priority before getting to the weekly assignments.
Our students embraced the new norm. They missed their
friends, classmates and teachers and were excited to see others through Google
Meets. They logged on each week to see which assignments had been
posted. When they weren’t sure, they used the growth mindset skills
learned at school to say that they didn’t have a certain skill “yet” and that
they could take a deep breath when frustrated. Dalhousie students truly
showed up and showed us what they can do.
A huge gracias goes out to all of our parents and extended
families, who, in many cases, worked full-time at home, taught and took care of
their children at the same time. We know that this triple feat is not
something for which you signed up. You rose to the occasion and
supported your children in their learning in a way that was new to
everyone. Kudos to you for your dedication and perseverance!
Our teachers and support staff also had to learn the nuances
of teaching online without any advance warning. They endeavoured to
create tasks to engage students and continue their learning. They learned
alongside the students and their families, adjusting as they went along.
They displayed their own resilience as they had to teach online while learning
about it at the same time. We are proud to say that Dalhousie staff rose
to the occasion on a weekly basis.
We still do not know what the fall will bring. More
decisions will be made August 1. Please check the CBE and Dalhousie websites
regularly for updates as well as ensuring that you have consented to receive
emails from the CBE. The school will reopen on Thursday,
August 27. We look forward to the day where we can be physically together
again, safely.
Enjoy the summer!
#Weareinthistogether
