PREPARATORY SCHOOL
finding
independence!
Our students’ superpower
We have learnt quite a few things in 2020
and, as a result, we have seen some incredible
developments we could not have anticipated.
The ravages and the sadness wrought by this
global pandemic have, and will continue to
have, an enormous impact on our planet. We
acknowledge the incredible pain and suffering
of this pandemic. We have also seen some
‘green shoots’ as a result of the resilience we
have shown as a country, a community, as a
school and as individuals.
Resilience is that ability to bounce back
from adversity. Well, we have not only seen
a ‘bounce back’ from our students, we
have seen enormous growth in one specific
area: independence. This independence is a
core trait in growth, overcoming obstacles,
self-confidence and the all-important
aspect of growing into oneself. We cannot
understate the importance and incredible
present and future impacts of this growth in
independence. The ripple effects (if we let it
continue and do not regress back to the ‘old
normal’) will be profound for our students.
It may sound simplistic, but imagine the
potential growth, short and long term, from:
• Students carrying their own school bag
• Unpacking their bag and organising their
diary, lunch and folders
• Walking into their class or building by
themselves
• Picking up their own school clothes,
lunch box and other items
• Communicating with their teacher about
their morning, last night or any concerns
• Saying goodbye with a hug and a kiss
and walking away from their parents in
the morning
• Packing their own bag at the end of the
day and remembering to pack everything
they need
These all may sound mundane, but they
form a crucial developmental milestone
for our students. Hundreds of our students
now do these things daily. Most have never
done them before. This resiliency to adapt
and change to a ‘new normal’ has had this
incredible impact on independence. Our
students (and families) can only benefit from
these new standards and independence.
But it is hard. As parents, we know that
each transition of our children growing in
independence is also a transition of them
growing away from us. It hurts. It’s hard. But,
it’s so necessary for them to do this.
As we Go Forward from this change we
can look back at some positive points. Our
students have found their ‘super power’ of
independence and, in doing so, they have
built the essential platform for future growth,
resilience, change, adaptation and learning
– real life.
Well done to our students and families for
embracing this opportunity.
Mr Clark Wight
Head of Preparatory School
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