A Message From Our Head Girl

These past few weeks have been incredibly difficult for the world.  People’s lives have been flipped upside down, and ‘normal’ life has ceased to exist due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  In times like this, it can be hard to stay positive and feel a sense of normality, especially with the uncertainty of the future.  

Although times like this are confusing and frightening, it allows us to put everything into perspective, and teach us not to take simple things in life for granted.  Simple things like waking up in the morning and getting ready to come to school or sitting with our friends at recess and lunch.  In our busy lives at school, sometimes we get caught up in the stresses of an upcoming test or get frustrated by things out of our control—so much so, that we forget to appreciate the love and comfort we find in our friends, the fun that we have in our classes and just the atmosphere of being around one another. 

Staying home is important in keeping ourselves and each other safe—however, as we physically distance ourselves, I encourage you to not disconnect from your friends.  It’s so important, especially now, to keep in touch with friends and extended family.  With the technology we have, friends are just a phone call away.  Find time to catch up with people over facetime, to check-up on one another, and to just talk and laugh with each other.  The love and support which we find in one another can make all the difference when we may be feeling down or unmotivated.

Feel your sadness, your frustration, or whatever it may be—and keep in mind that this is not forever.  Things will get better, and you have a community of friends and Santa Maria students and teachers here to support you.   

COVID-19 has impacted all aspects of life— people’s health and wellbeing, jobs, economies, education and the list goes on.  Despite this, we have also seen how the kindness and compassion of people can make all the difference; through helping one another in times of struggle, looking out for the elderly, and the tireless work of those on the front line; grocery store workers, medical workers, transport workers, police officers and teachers.  All of whom are working hard to keep us safe, healthy and allowing for people to keep a sense of ‘normality’ in their lives.

Life will never be the same, because pandemics don’t just cease to exist after a set period of time, but we will get through it—and come out of it with a greater appreciation for our health, our friends, our family and each other. 

I hope you and your family all stay safe, healthy and well-rested, and the Student Leadership Council are looking forward to welcoming you all back to school over the next few weeks.  

Jasmine Chow, Head Girl