FIRST DAY ON CAMPUS
Today – after nearly twenty months online – I had the immense pleasure of being on the EIS campus for my first time as Head of School. My day was absolutely wonderful, as nothing warms one’s heart like the sights and sounds of happy school children.
I must admit that I was a wee bit apprehensive when I approached the school gate this morning. I wondered, “Will I recognize the students behind their facemasks?” “Will the children know that I’m friendly if they can’t see me smile?” “Will I spot any lapses in our Covid-19 safety protocols?” Fortunately, my fears subsided at the moment I began meeting people; seeing their shining eyes glancing from atop their facemasks.
At this moment, as I reflect on my beautiful day, I’m reminded that being part of a learning community is so much more than just the subjects we offer, the lessons we teach, the work we assign, the books and technologies we use and the assessments we mark or grade. Above all, schools provide a rich ecosystem for nurturing the positive relationships that children need to flourish in all aspects of their lives. This being so, I very much hope that the pandemic’s most enduring impact will be that it helps each of us to never lose sight of the many subtle – yet vital – functions that our school performs.
In closing, I would like to take this opportunity to thank our students, parents, staff members and school owners for making me feel so warmly welcomed and fully connected – not only today but right from the beginning. I am indeed incredibly fortunate to belong to our wonderful Edubridge family, and, with this in mind, I shall keep on striving to be the best possible version of myself in pursuit of high-quality learning, well-being and a better world for all.