Blog
A resurgence in old feelings
So, as I write this, we are heading for lockdown number two, and with it a resurgence in old feelings I imagine, too.
Anyone considering baking banana bread yet again? Or found that the supermarket delivery slots have once again mysteriously disappeared...?
Having experienced the first lockdown, do we have preconceptions about the next one? I expect we do. However, it was such a period of learning for us all as well, that I fully expect this lockdown to be different in some ways - not least because schools are remaining open this time.
For Valley Park, for example, we spent last term (and probably the start of next as well) setting up an infrastructure in Teams that will streamline and facilitate live lessons more effectively and keep our community together even while some people are needing to isolate. We have got training events planned, and some already delivered, for staff, students and parents - and we now know how adaptable we can be.
When I think back to this time twelve months ago, would I ever have imagined the next few months being as they were? Maybe not, but how does the timeline look now, when looking back at all the steps we’ve taken over the past year?
You’ll have your own timeline - it will show true progress, too.
Did we get everything right last time? No.
Will we get everything right this time? I’d love to say yes, but I imagine the answer will be no - not because we have failed but because we as humans are always learning. When we no longer learn, we no longer progress. As a school, we put much value in learning, so we will move forward - whether that be with baby steps, elephantine strides, or a combination of both.
Stay safe!
Today is only one day in all the days that will ever be. But what will happen in all the other days that ever come can depend on what you do today. It's been that way all this year. It's been that way so many times.
Ernest Hemingway