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VOL. 60 November 3, 2020
VOL. 60 November 3, 2020
Dear Parents,
I would like to personally acknowledge with deep gratitude and applaud our exceptional students, parents, teachers and staff for their collective efforts throughout our journey of Home Based Learning, which is now entering Week 9.
This pandemic has certainly affected the mental and physical health of most of our school community members. The social distancing and changing lifestyle have created anxiety and a variety of emotions. The more time we experience this, the more stressful this can become, especially when there are no certain answers of when this situation will end. We must learn how to manage these emotions to support our students better as they can navigate through their own feelings, questions, and uncertainties.
One of the ways we can support our children is by showing empathy and listening to them more. Although it sounds easy, it does take our commitment to build empathy and to listen, especially when we are already in stressful situations. Building empathy means that we engage meaningfully with our children. When we engage meaningfully, we will be aware of their needs. To listen also means that we pay attention—with our ears, eyes, and hearts. A feeling that they are connected with us and being heard will surely be a great support for them. Our teachers will try to build this connection in different ways. Your help in this matter will of course be the key factors in this support system.
This can be done in many ways. You might want to try; playing games! Yes, playing games with your child is not only fun, but can be one of the ways you can connect with your child. There are many simple games that can be played easily at home. You may want to start with playing a game that you used to play when you were a child.
Who knows this will give you opportunities to share some personal stories and experiences that your child hasn't heard from you before and strengthen your connection with them. You can also ask your child about their favorite off-screen games. Let’s listen to them explain how to play their chosen game and just have fun with them. Or, maybe you want to try playing a home scavenger hunt with the whole family. Ask everyone to find something that will give you more information about them. Give them some instructions such as: Find an object that:
reminds you of your best friend
help you get out of a certain problem
help you to keep yourself calm when you get stress
etc...
Have them explain the story behind each object they bring and be an attentive listener. You will be surprised by how much more information you know about your child. To add to the fun, you can take turns with your child to create the instructions.
I am sure there are many other fun ways that you can do with your family at home to better connect to each other. One positive aspect that has resulted due to the Covid-19 Pandemic is that you have more time with your family at home, something that may have been a luxury before. So let’s spend it meaningfully with your loved ones.
Ibu Dewi - Primary Principal
Giving Thanks!
Dear Parents,
I hope you had a wonderful and restful fall break! Hopefully, you were able to spend quality (offline) time with your family and friends.
In the United States, it is the time of year when we are encouraged to reflect on what we are thankful for. As I reflect, I have many things to be thankful for this year despite our current situation. I am thankful for the opportunity to join this wonderful school community. I am thankful to be working with such wonderful teachers and colleagues who are dedicated and strive daily to support all their students. I am thankful for our kind and hard-working students. I am thankful to all our parents, who are doing their best to help their children at home.
During hard times it is difficult to reflect on what we are thankful for or to show gratitude to others. I read a fascinating article by Ryan Fehr, a professor at UW Foster School of Business. He stated that “during a difficult time, gratitude is more important than ever”. Gratitude can have a positive impact on your family and friends; as well as help you reflect on those “thankful” moments.
I would like to share “Fehr’s fives steps to gratitude in tough times”:
Step 1: Put your gratitude on paper. Write down the names of three people or things in your life you are grateful for and why.
Step 2: Have a gratitude conversation. Have a conversation with a family member, friend or coworker to share what you most grateful for.
Step 3: Tell someone you appreciate them. Identify a specific person in your life and tell them why you are grateful or thankful for them.
Step 4: Pay it forward. Find a way to show your gratitude to someone in your life by helping them in some small way.
Step 5: Reflect and repeat. Take a few moments to reflect on how your gratitude exercises went and commit to at least one act of gratitude every week.
I hope you will take time and try one or two of Fehr’s gratitude steps. These are lovely ways for a family to show gratitude and to give thanks together!
Warm Regards,
Ibu Elena
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