Headmaster's Newsletter -- Week 31

I presume like most Nova Scotians, I have watched our Chief Medical Officer of Health’s live briefings with a kind of fascination and respect. I don’t know when he started at the helm of Public Health in Nova Scotia, but he and his staff were of immense help back in 2009 when we had the H1N1 (swine flu) epidemic.

 

Anyone watching the news over the last year has had ample opportunity to see each province’s political and medical leaders in action. The different approaches and prioritization of competing priorities (political, economic, medical, social…), as well as the adherence to science and humanity, has been fascinating to witness.  I continue to be immensely proud of the leadership in our province. It is remarkably steadfast and consistent.

 

I think all Nova Scotians draw strength and direction and comfort from Dr. Strang’s leadership and the support of his team. What fascinates me is that through all of this he has maintained a personal touch, and from time to time has contacted the School directly to help guide us.

 

We work very hard to create an “oasis of kindness” here on campus. KES needs to be a safe and loving place where students and staff feel welcome and cared for. In reference to the pandemic, Dr. Strang has said, “And when this has passed, may they say that love spread more quickly than any virus ever could”. 

 

This is a different kind of love isn’t it?  It’s not romantic, Romeo and Juliet love.  It’s not like loving chocolate or Christmas morning.  It is about a collective positive regard for every single one of us. It is a hope that concern and caring for each other will spread from person to person.  In a way it is symbolized by the Nova Scotia Strong heart which is captured on flags and maps and carvings displayed in front yards and windows and bumper stickers throughout our province.  It is about collective strength and good will and kindness. It is about forgiveness and grace.

 

We will get through this. When we do, I hope we can say that love spread faster than the virus. It is something we can all work on.