Community. It brings a sense of belonging, the feeling of home, and knowing you are not alone. I am ever so grateful to belong in a community which I consider family: our Prescott Primary Northern family. I shared in my Principal Remarks last week, that it is my prayer that you and your family find a sense of belonging here at PPN and feel the warmth of family and community as the year unfolds.

Helen Keller's story inspires many of us. If you would like a good read, I encourage you to read her biography or even part of her story. One of her more famous quotes has stuck with me over the years: "Alone, we can do so little; together we can do so much." Let's reflect on this thought for a moment. Have there been times when this quote has reigned true in your life, your family, your journey? Have you ever gone through a challenging time in your life when the road ahead seemed too difficult to travel? Maybe you feel like you are currently on that road!

Our current climate and the uncertainty of the world around us can bring a level of anxiety, frustration, or confusion. It is only human to respond this way. But the silver lining with everything happening around us, is that we belong to a community of people who are supporting one another through this journey.

I have witnessed two extremes of emotions in these past few days around our community. The first emotion was pure joy. Watching our students return to learning on campus on Monday, catching up with their peers that they have seen only on a screen this term, and connecting with their teacher, was an absolute delight. The joy, excitement and connection was bursting at the seams.

The other emotion felt by our school community in this past week was absolute heartbreak and grief, as we came together to support one another with the loss of a beautiful teacher and friend, Alison Borresen. Through the sadness and grief, there was a strong sense of community and I felt absolutely blessed to be a part of a community that love and support each other during the tough times, as well as the happy times. We have had staff and school families helping out, stepping in, stepping up and making sure that those hurting are looked after and cared for.

"Alone, we can so do little; together, we can do so much".

There may be times in the upcoming weeks, when you receive information from our school surrounding COVID cases and steps to take to monitor your children. It is my hope that you know you can reach out to your community for support and guidance. We are doing everything in our power and strength to care for our community -  students, staff and families alike. I hope that whatever uncertainty you may feel this week, this term, and this year, will be replaced with a sense of peace and strength as you walk forward with our community.

As you move forward into the week ahead, remember that as a PPN community, together we can do so much.

Blessings,

Tamara