An unprecedented week . . .

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Day 2 of working from home in Clarenville, NL, Canada.

Where do I even begin? I guess I will commence with this: I have not had a week such as this in my life; nor has anyone really. For the first time in my life I am experiencing a truly global crisis, and while I am doing my best to stay grounded, do my part, and remain positive, I would be lying if I did not also admit that I am also experiencing fear, wonderment, and some anxiety as the #COVID19 pandemic extends its reach into Canada, and my province: Newfoundland and Labrador. However, I remain hopeful and optimistic. 

The federal, provincial, and territorial governments in Canada are working to take aggressive, proactive, preventative measures: such as the closure of NLESD schools for an indefinite period of time. Truly - none of us thought when our friends on the Avalon Peninsula were battling through Snowmageddon that so soon we would be faced with another emergency. This one is certainly more serious, and it is very important that we all do our part to 'flatten the curve' using social distancing, staying home unless essential travel is necessary, and using social isolation or self-quarantine when needed. It's a time when we need to look outwardly from our own desires and think about how our actions and decisions affect others: especially those who are high risk for #COVID19. 
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In the past week I have transitioned to a 'work-from-home' practice. It's been an interesting week to say the least. I am so thankful for the cloud based operations we use at NLESD via GSuite. I am happy that I am able to connect with my colleagues, and collaborate, using video conferencing tools such as Google Meet and Skype for Business. I am thankful for social media, which, when used for positive actions and good intent, is a medium that can been a beacon of hope during a difficult time like this. I am grateful for time to invest in professional learning, such as reading Michael Fullan's: Deep Learning, or finishing The Third Path by David Tranter. I am thankful for some extra time to spend with my family. I am so, so, so happy to live in a country that is assuring its citizens that they will stand by and support us when financial times get challenging. What are your thankful for as you reflect on this past week?

Folks, this isn't going to be easy. In fact, it is going to be very difficult. We may not have witnessed the difficulty we are going to experience since the Great Wars. We have to be ready to support one another; to be compassionate and caring; to have deep empathy for one another; we must set our moral compass to lead each day with kindness as our true north. 

I would be so very remiss if I did not take just a moment to write about how important it has been for my mental health to practice mindfulness each day at the start of my work day. It helps me find an inner peace and set my intentions for the work day ahead. Currently, I am using Calm and working through the 7 Days of Focus series. Secondly, I have made time each, when I conclude work, to get in some physical activity, which has been a mixture of walks with Prince and my wife in the park, snowshoeing, and cross country skiing. Without that time in nature, I am not sure I will stay healthy while working from home and supporting our NLESD students, staff, and their families. I encourage you to make time for your wellness. What are you doing for your well-being?

I think we can learn so much from this crisis; but I am saddened it is going to be paired with immense loss. Let's not waste the learning despite the loss. Let's all focus on doing our small part in the hopes that our collective efforts land us in a better place than if we were complacent and ignorant. Stay safe and as well as possible. 

- Richard Churchill

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Enjoying a snowshoe after a day of working-from-home on Thursday Wednesday March 17th.