The Journal presents my weekly reflections on being a private, Catholic school principal during what promised to be a year filled with energy, excitement, challenges and possibilities…
What’s the way through all this? The end does not seem to be in sight and there are debates (word intentionally chosen) raging on whether we’ve even reached the middle point of this part of our shared history? What’s the way through?
What’s the way through?
Over six months into this pandemic and six weeks into this school year isn’t that what many of us are asking? What’s the way through all this? The end does not seem to be in sight and there are debates (word intentionally chosen) raging on whether we’ve even reached the middle point of this part of our shared history?
What’s the way through?
My wife and I, like so very many other people all over the world, have been discussing this very question and she, as she often does, settled on an answer: realistic, relentless optimism.
I mentioned this last week, but may I make a pointed suggestion?
Let us practice optimism and see how that goes. Let us be relentless in looking at the good around us – and there is so much that is good. Let us be realistic, not only finding the brighter side of things, but also acknowledging that there are some very hard things happening, too.
Let’s be tireless in this approach. Let’s look with knowing eyes. Let’s presume goodwill in those around us.
I ask: what is the point in doing otherwise?
I have tired it the other way. I have taken the cynical perspective. I have viewed those around me with wariness and distrust, holding everyone with a different opinion than I at arm’s length. I have determined not to engage.
What has that gotten me?
Sleepless nights. Frayed nerves. Frequent tempers.
I choose other.
The situation we face is complex, evolving and utterly challenging. It is not going away anytime soon. I can throw my hands up and curse the darkness or I can help lead the way through.
I choose the latter.
Realistic. Relentless. Optimism.
Have wonderful days.
The last days have brought more than a handful of positive cases to our shores. We have had to quarantine over 150 students and almost 20 teachers and staff. I’ve had many calls with the local health department and they have been amazing. Unfortunately, however, we been forced to go back into a distance learning posture. These are challenging times… but there is little choice of course at the moment. That’s realistic. I am optimistic that we will be back together soon!