From Nina Jehangir's Desk

An Open Letter, To my Students, Their Parents, My Teachers and Myself.

Be kind.

Two simple little words, that I wish more people understood and used in their daily lives.

Kindness doesn’t only mean that you go out of your way, or sacrifice, or donate.

Sometimes it can be as simple as smiling at each other. Saying something encouraging or showing appreciation. You do it, to make the other person more comfortable, happier, more encouraged.

But the most important thing we seem forget, is how to be kind to ourselves.

This year I have seen students beat themselves up, for little mistakes, I’ve seen them create an atmosphere of stress around themselves because they think they aren’t good enough. I’ve seen them refuse to have faith in themselves even when everyone around is encouraging and supportive.

I get it. It's been a hard couple of years, there’s been a lot of changes, a lot of struggles and losses, personal, professional, emotional, mental, physical – the list goes on. We will never truly know what another person is going through. (So, you see why being kind is so important in our world).

This is why I say BE KIND TO YOURSELF.

Therefore – I would like to extoll all of your achievements

1. You’ve converted the way you study and learn in all aspects from physical to online

2. You’ve learnt new tech to help better your work

3. You’ve gone from being told no screen time to having constantly forced screen time

4. You’ve appeared for exams from school/classes/TCL/INT/competitions/debates, etc.

5. You’ve diligently attended classes online and made the effort to be there and be bright and energized

6. You’ve thought ahead and asked questions to improve

7. You’ve been so Brave.

8. You’ve been so Strong

9. You’ve been so Resilient

10. You’ve been so Patient

Look at your achievements!

Acknowledge that it’s been hard! Acknowledge that lots has changed! Acknowledge that life as we knew it has changed. Acknowledge that you are Making an Effort. Acknowledge that nerves are normal. Acknowledge that you need downtime. Acknowledge. Be Kind. Give yourself a hug.

I am so proud to be associated with all of you.

Parents, you are struggling with the stress of managing the changes in your lives and being there for the changes in your children’s lives. Kids, the way you push yourselves and always astound me. Teachers, for your constant dedication and effort to raise moral and enjoyment in class, even while dealing with your own personal concerns.

I SEE YOU. I ACKNOWLEDGE YOU. I APPRECIATE YOU.

But now – I want you to BE KIND, TO YOURSELF.

Here’s to all of you! Good Health and Happiness Always!

From our Family to Yours.

-Nina Jehangir
CEO,

JSSD