The Prime Minister is right. This sucks!
Covid has really put a damper on everything this year. It has made so many things crummy and having a positive outlook is hard right now. This was supposed to be the most amazing school year with my class. I have been with them for three years and they are graduating to high school this year. We were supposed to be going on epic field trips, having graduation parties and celebrating how much they have learned over the past three years. Understandably, many of the families that I serve have decided to keep their children at home and have them engage in online learning. I see them twice a day on the computer and I am trying to make it as meaningful as I can, but it is not the same. I miss them.
This was also supposed to be the year that all sorts of other amazing things were supposed to happen. I was supposed to be an assistant soccer coach at school for the first time, learn new teaching strategies at conferences and work to bring an amazing workshop to teachers about anti-indigeneity.
My students were supposed to learn new sports in gym, enjoy weekly trips to the grocery store and utilize the skills they worked SO hard to gain over the past two years.
The rest of the school was supposed to enjoy my students outgoing and friendly presence.
It sucks!
Some days I just want to stand in the middle of the school and scream THIS SUUUUUUUUUCCCCCCCCKKKKKKKKSSSSSS so that the whole neighborhood can hear.
Other days I just try to look at everything with a sense of gratitude.
If today is the day where you want to yell, stop reading now.
Read on to the next part of my blog, if you need a shot of positivity.
Even though things suck…
I am thankful for my job. The unemployment rate in Canada right now is at record high. So many people are worried about the financial security of their family and they go to bed every night incredibly worried about their future. I have had so many difficult conversations with my student’s families about the stress they are under. It reminds me daily that even though my job is not the same, I am very thankful to have it.
I am thankful that my job has benefits that provides counselling Like many, the return to work has provided some anxieties. Having access to a professional to speak with about some of these unsettling feelings has been profoundly impactful and helpful.
I am thankful for my health This may seem obvious, but I am very thankful for my health right now. `
I am thankful for technology that allows me to talk to my family I miss my family like many of us. However, I think about the last pandemic in 1919 and I bet they wish they had Zoom and Smart phones to use.
I am thankful for the incredibly beautiful fall we had Wow! The fall colours were so bold and bright this year.
Whether you are feeling a sense of gratitude or frustration today, know that it is okay.
This pandemic does suck!
