Valuable Education
In my conversations with you and other parents over the last few months you have shared many varied concerns with me. Talking about what bothers you (as well as new ideas and suggestions) is one of my favourite parts of of being involved in children and their parent's lives.
Conversations like these are what drives my passion for education.
It is what I think about when I work with our teachers, staff, and board who uphold the Mina ethos.
It is the foundation that underpins how I (along with the Mina staff and board) do my best to ensure we always offer value to the children in our school and their parents paying fees.
Speaking of which. While the value we offer is not a new concern for me, it is currently uppermost in parents minds because schooling looks different and money is tighter than ever.
Do you still remember how school was before Lockdown?
It was so much easier for us all. Parents, helpers and family dropped little ones off and fetched them later in the day when they were (mostly) smiling and happy.
What happened from drop off to pick up wasn't given too much thought, especially when you were met with a smile from a fellow parent, a member of staff or your own little one who was happy you had come to fetch.
You could feel the special energy in the hall and see the posters, art, equipment and activities in and around the school and classrooms. Your children brought home artwork, they shared snippets of information about their friends and things they had done at school during the day. Teachers were available and accessible for a quick hello or to answer your questions.
There was comfort in knowing your child was at school, learning, having fun and being taken care of by people who could give them all the attention they needed.
And then this all changed.
It changed for everyone — you, me, the staff, and all our children. You were no longer allowed to drop and fetch your children from school. You had to create the energy and the art. Snippets from your child's day away from home became redundant and the comfort of a regular school day diminished and for many disappeared.
A large part of you and your child's routine just ended. Abruptly and with no real warning or time to prepare.
Teachers who didn't own a computer were now expected to teach online, to up-skill themselves in areas previously unknown — not only to them but to children and their parents too!
Yet, despite all this stress and change, a lot of good things have remained.
Education, fun, learning, engagement, care, creativity, commitment, love and support from Mina hasn't gone away.
As you are doing your best to adjust and make this new reality work there is not a member of the Mina staff that has stopped doing their best to bring valuable routine, familiarity, and education to your child.
We believe that learning, creativity, care, opportunities, ideas, laughs, new experiences, continuity, membership in a community, support and the experience, expertise and commitment of the Mina Lopato family has not lessened.
Regardless of the uncertainty going forward and limited resources on all sides we are in this together and for as long as necessary.
“In every crisis, doubt or confusion, take the higher path - the path of compassion, courage, understanding and love.”