Head Lines: Spring 2021

“How are YOU?”

One of the many joys of my role as Head of School is the opportunity to interact with students, employees and parents on a daily basis. Sometimes these interactions are in the form of a brief hello and other times they might be a casual check-in conversation with a student or employee in the hallway, in the cafeteria line up or maybe a spontaneous conversation with parents during my daily supervision duties outside. Regardless of the format, I truly cherish these daily interactions and it allows me to make connections, deepen relationships and keep a finger on the pulse of the school. 

Sometimes, the best moments are the unexpected ones. Recently, a Senior School student came up to me while I was supervising in the hallway and asked me, “How are you, Mme Rousseau?” Let me clarify that this was not one of those quick pass by salutations where one asks the question out of need for social conventions. No, it was a question posed out of sincerity and genuine interest with an emphasis on  “How are you Mme Rousseau?” I’m not quite sure what moved me most. Perhaps it was the fact that she looked me directly in the eyes and I could tell she was smiling under her mask. Maybe it was the fact that she sought to really find out how I was coping. And maybe it was the fact that she took a few minutes to connect, to be truly curious about how I was doing and how COVID had impacted me even beyond my work life. It was an I see you” moment and it was powerful. What she didn’t know was I had been having a particularly challenging day. Although the moment was brief it was just what I needed. It filled my heart. I thanked her for her kindness and left the conversation feeling replenished and energized. I think she did as well.

I’m sharing this moment with you so that you too may be inspired to do the same. As we head into the March break, I invite you to consider who might benefit from a genuine “How are YOU?” moment in their lives. COVID fatigue is real and perhaps one’s resilience factor may be dwindling a little. Who do you know that might need a genuine check in, a hopeful conversation, a friendly ear, a kind comment of acknowledgement, a caring heart? Perhaps it’s a family member, a friend, a neighbour, the corner store clerk…perhaps it’s YOU.  

May the Spring Break ahead provide you and your loved ones with the time to rest, rejuvenate and to replenish. We have been through a lot. Let’s take the time to truly see each other for all that we have accomplished. 

With care,
Julie