To me, every hour of the day and night is an unspeakably perfect miracle.’

– Walt Whitman

This has been a week of enormous upheaval – my thoughts go out to you all, and to your families, friends and colleagues.

As adults, we are trying to manage our emotions, concerns and anxieties in ways that do not scare our children. Few things are as destabilising to a child as knowing that their parents, or other adults who care for them, are upset, unhappy or troubled. As 21st century human beings, we are not familiar with facing things that are seemingly beyond our control, or of dealing with situations that are changing so very rapidly. At this time, our very humanity is exposed. For many, their faith is great support.

However, it is our very humanity that enables us to bring comfort, to act selflessly and for the greater good. To reach out to others with offers of help, and, in turn, to accept it when it is offered. So many of you have emailed in the last few days including messages of thanks, goodwill and support for staff at the School – those words mean a great deal and we thank you for them.

We have spent much time since Wednesday discussing with the girls what the next few weeks might look like for them and how they can continue to find the ingredients of a healthy and meaningful life, albeit in a way that is very different from what they are used to. They are aware that they will be engaging in remote learning during term-time and you will have seen our separate communication about this. We have also talked with the students about their general wellbeing, both physical and emotional, and the need to structure their days. We have spoken with them about the human need for contact with others, and the need we each have for privacy. Undoubtedly there will be challenges at times for families in balancing these things – I know our girls are capable of enormous insights and maturity. Please do not underestimate what they can offer within your family. They will probably surprise you.

In our final assembly today, we talked of what our school actually is and what it means to each of us. The buildings, the uniform, the lessons – these are just structures. So many of the girls said that school for them was about friendship, relationships, community and learning. Although we will not be all together for some time, The Abbey Junior School very much continues and we will do all we can to help you and your daughter continue to feel connected to it.

To that end, I will aim to continue to send a weekly Gateway message to you all for the foreseeable future.

Many long anticipated events have had to be cancelled recently, causing much disappointment. One of those was UI’s Mothers’ Day Lunch, scheduled for today. I am aware that for many families plans for Mothers’ Day this Sunday will have had to be changed and it will be a poignant time for those who are not able to be with their mother or children. We will be thinking of you all.

For now, I will leave you with these words:

‘Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love.’ 1 Corinthians

Mrs D-C