The Value of Kindness

In an editorial in The Age last week called Lockdown No. 6 is tough, but please be kind to each other, journalist and editor, Gay Alcorn, wrote:

‘When the long lockdown of 2020 was coming to an end, Premier Daniel Andrews was adamant that it must be done slowly and safely. He argued it was the only way to ensure the state stayed relatively free of restrictions over summer. The worst-case scenario was Victoria having to jump in and out of lockdown.

It turned out to be more than 100 days before the next lockdown in February this year, sparked by an outbreak from hotel quarantine. It was 99 days before lockdown four hit and 34 days before lockdown five. And now, only nine days since restrictions were last lifted, the state finds itself back to only five reasons to leave home. The satisfaction on Wednesday of a double-doughnut day did not even last 24 hours.

For those trying to run a business, students, and many others, this is the worst-case scenario. Planning more than a few days ahead has become a high-risk venture. It is exhausting, frustrating and, no doubt, giving rise to a lot of anxiety. While the lockdown protests of Thursday night are hardly welcomed, the collective cry of “we have had enough” must ring true for a lot of Victorians.'

Gay Alcorn, The Age, 6 August, 2021

We have had enough. The emotional toll on all of us is extreme, testing our resilience to its limits. Being kind to each other is more important than ever. As we navigate our way through lockdown #6, remember that each of us are struggling in our own way.

Be kind to each other. Our children are struggling with their own unique anxiety and fears. Be kind to them. As parents, you are struggling with the burden of maintaining your work and having your children at home all day. Be kind to yourself. Teachers are doing their best to maintain their student’s engagement and learning. Be kind to them.

Kindness (and widespread vaccination) will help us navigate this current crisis.

Returning to Normal

In the nine days between lockdowns, the school was able to conduct some important learning and wellbeing activities. Year 7 students enjoyed their Stride Wellbeing Day and Year 11s learned a lot about themselves and others through the Tomorrow Man/Tomorrow Woman Program.

The Senior School leadership election process has just been launched and Junior School has concluded their Parent-Teacher Interviews. These activities remind us of what ‘normal’ used to look like. I hope we will be able to return to normal again soon.

If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out for help. The helplines found on this attachment offer 24/7 Mental Health support.

Stay safe, stay well.

Mrs Fiona Williams

Principal