Dear Parents, and Mariampurians,
In these difficult and anxious times I would like to reach out to you through these few lines of mine.
COVID-19 with its sudden upheavals has changed our routines and lifestyles. Each one of us and the entire world is affected by the corona virus Pandemic. This pandemic has accelerated existential issues like acute individual loneliness in the wake of lockdowns and quarantine or isolation, disturbances of social life, contaminating the interpersonal space with distrust of each other; in short our entire way of life is adversely affected by the scare of COVID- 19 and has created new psychological situation for people. It has shaken the economy of the country enormously and its consequences are experienced by our families, communities and our entire way of life. Above all the anxiety aggravated by fear of death.
We understand the challenges faced by the students, Parents and the teachers to cater to the academic needs during closure of school and adapting to virtual learning. However the importance of education remains consistent. We need to be prepared to take life ahead with all our normal activities according to the new normal. Though disturbed, we don’t want to miss this academic year for our students. We will keep you informed about the school procedures regarding online classes and examinations in the school website and through official messages from the E- care well in advance. Our talented and dedicated staff, both teaching and non teaching, have been showing their care and concern for the students working from home preparing notes and engaging classes online for the benefit of students. I appreciate their concern for the students and commitment to academics. The School is encouraging peer learning through the formation of whatsApp groups with their teachers. All these will also lead to imbibing of digital skills, one of the most important literacy skills of the 21st century.
We believe that this is the time to not just deal with the current emergency, but also build foundations of resilience to face such difficult events in the future. Let us consider this challenge as an opportunity. The COVID 19 Pandemic should not lockdown the aspiration of our young generation. My suggestion is that they should take the lead and work with teachers to develop new e- learning content. Students should remain active and receptive and use the extended lockdown to learn new skills. It may be as basic as drafting a letter, improving English, or other language skills, public speaking, play an instrument, cooking, housekeeping etc. Keep fit with meditation, yoga and other fitness programs. You tube videos and other free, online courses and forums can help students learn lot of skills and knowledge.
Dear Parents, help your child to remember the ways that she has successfully handled hardships in the past and help them understand that these experiences strengthen their character preparing them for future challenges. An optimistic and positive outlook enables your child to see good things in life and keep going even in the hardest times. Appreciate and acknowledge their accomplishments. For I believe sprouted in the fire, does not wither away in the Sun! This is not the first pandemic outbreak in human history; but there is a slight difference to it. Today several million are able to work from home. Thanks to the internet, the world wide web(www) as an expression of indestructible human spirit.
I am sure all of us have been practicing social distancing, physical distancing and coming together on social media for mutual morale boosting conversations and sharing. Dear students, as much as you may be missing school and your peer group, we are missing you coming to the school. The whole campus remains lifeless without your active presence. These are times when we have to stand together as one family belonging to the entire world. We pray for a quick control of the COVID 19 Pandemic, for a healing of those affected, their families and health care personals. Remember humanity has seen worse, and every time we have bounced back. We will, again. Being hopeful is the key.
Take care. Stay safe.
(Principal)