Writing the newsletter this week has been interesting. We are living in unprecedented times, and it is rapidly changing daily. Levels of anxiety across society are high. Our normal routines have changed and the expectations of each and every one of us to be responsible has been highlighted with the spread of the Coronavirus. We are living in times of uncertainty and many people and students are looking for what is comfortable. They want to hear platitudes that ‘it is not that bad’ in order to make themselves feel better and calm themselves down. 

However, we need to embrace what feels uncomfortable so we can be safe. Having anxiety around the current situation, availability of goods, provision of business and schools, the health care system etc is a normal reaction, and we cannot disconnect ourselves from reality. It is however more useful to feel anxiety and be prepared for what lies ahead, than to pretend there are no risks. Our emotions remind us of what is important to us, and the significance of the commitments we make. Young people need the adults in their lives to be prepared, vigilant and use the fear and anxiety in their life intelligently. We should not become psychotic and panic driven. 

Over the next few months our lifestyles are going to change, without all our usual distractions of children's activities, sporting events and the usual socialising. What are you going to do with the time? Time to spend with your children and young people, to teach them about what is important in your family, to share the stories of family history, to clean out the cupboards you haven’t touched in years, read the books you have always intended to read, and support your child in their learning at home. Yes, I do believe that these scenarios will happen at some stage. 

In slowing down, what are the positives that you are grateful for? I was reading the other day about Wuhan. It is the first time in years that residents have seen clear skies as the factories are shut down. Some children are seeing their first sunset and sunrise. How can they go back to what they once experienced? They have seen life in a totally different way and may want things to stay like that.  

In this crisis situation we need to recognise that most of us are going to get a dose of the virus, and for many, it will fortunately be mild. All the actions the government is introducing are to protect our most vulnerable people. When we act with good judgement we are doing the work of Jesus. To all our doctors, nurses, medical people, researchers and disaster and first responders, thank you for working so hard to find a way forward. Over the coming months, you may need to make difficult decisions that will come up along the way.

May God bless you in all that you do. 

Ms Amanda Wilson

Principal