Dear Canberra,

If we are to genuinely believe this anecdote, that ‘humans will show their true colours during adversity’ then the people of Canberra are shiny and golden! At least from what I have seen, heard about and experienced. In an ‘unprecedented’ time of social distancing and isolation, it would be easy to assume people could become dark and withdrawn, unsure of how to navigate this new, digital world we are being forced to live in. But from what I have seen, it is very clear that people have chosen to instead embrace this new ‘norm’ and shine some light on those who need it.

There are many other words, synonyms, of kindness. Like altruism - devoting oneself to the welfare of others. Many people, like my amazing parents, have continuously given up their time to pay bills and buy groceries for elderly loved ones. Not only does this keep the vulnerable community members safe, but it brings a personal sense of joy, knowing they have done something helpful and kind.

Courtesy - displaying an act of generosity, is something I have personally experienced. Whilst continuing to work on-site during the lockdown period, numerous families within our Giralang Primary school community have taken the time to drop in easter gifts, baked goods and caffeine pick-me-ups as a thank you. It is us who should be thanking them for the kindness that they have shown. One of my students personally baked and delivered his very own cupcake to me and, whilst the gesture might seem insignificant to them, it is one that I appreciate immensely during this strange time.

To be kind is to be understanding and my students have blown my mind. They have inquired, adapted and excelled during this period of ‘learning from home’ and I couldn’t be prouder. Their capacity for change is astounding and their ability to be resilient during uncertain times is exciting. Their patience and understanding has allowed me, as their teacher, to find a new groove, through daily Google Meets and the utilisation of Google Classroom for educational activities.

Students - you are the ones who have displayed the most kindness during this time and you have outshone all of us. It is an honour to be teaching children of the future, because the future sure does look bright!

Love, Lauren

It’s easy to under-rate the importance of kindness, particularly when everyone is so stressed by what is happening in response to COVID-19. We are all so busy figuring out new ways of being, knowing, thinking and doing! But I realised something rather important in all of this. What we are seeing is actually an epidemic of kindness. Because what is choosing to socially isolate in order to flatten the curve? It is choosing to be kind to the vulnerable people in our communities – our siblings, our parents, our grandparents, and our friends who can only be safe if we stop the spread of the virus.

There’s some lyrics in a song from Nickelback which quite dramatically illustrate how social isolation during COVID-19 can be a powerful an act of kindness:

"If everyone cared and nobody cried

If everyone loved and nobody lied

If everyone shared and swallowed their pride

Then we'd see the day, when nobody died"

(Nickelback, If Everyone Cared)

So well done us for being kind to others over these last weeks and months and in the process saving lives. But I wonder, have we also managed to be kind to ourselves?

As we look back on our time in isolation and forward to coming back to school, I hope that we can be kind to ourselves. There’s been pressure for people to have “achieved results” in this time. That approach seems to forget that every one of us is different, and how we responded to the threats of the pandemic will also be different. Sometimes, staying whole, waking up, getting out of bed and facing another day is a major achievement!

So, students - good on you if you were one of those who managed to complete every task your teachers set for you. And also, well done those students who focused on keeping themselves and others safe and well.

My fellow teachers – I am absolutely gob-smacked at what we have delivered for our students and parents and communities. I am very worried that too many of us have not been kind to ourselves in the process. Now that we have a plan to return, we need to acknowledge all that we have achieved, and not beat ourselves up over what we couldn’t do. Let’s rejoice in our kind and caring education community. We will work together fill any gaps in our students’ learning, and also draw on the very valuable social and emotional learning that has happened.