“Remember to look up at the stars and not down at your feet” Stephen Hawking
This week, my assembly for Year 3 and 4 mentioned screen time with one aspect being, that when we’re focused on a screen, we don’t engage with our immediate environment, we don’t look up and notice what is happening around us and the bigger picture. I shared the impact this can have on wellbeing if screens are not used at the right time and, having been that person who has comically walked into something while texting, I have personal experience of this!
Our ongoing focus on Character Strengths and Mindfulness at DESS is focused around developing an understanding for oneself and others, identifying characteristics; recognising and nurturing wellbeing within ourselves and others. At this moment in time, it isn’t just our screens pulling our focus. The news, daily figures, worries about how we might all get through this… there is so much we are all invested in, so much that demands our attention, so many small tasks that have now become so testing.
Not looking up and out, isn’t good for our wellbeing - everyone needs something to look forward to and some Perspective.
“Perspective means the ability to see the bigger picture in life. Perspective is about being able to see the forest as well as the trees, to avoid getting wrapped up in the small details when there are bigger issues to consider. While listening to others, perspective helps you to simultaneously think about life lessons, proper conduct, and what’s best for the situation being discussed. This ability to look at systems as a whole, or to think in big terms, helps you to offer good advice. Perspective is distinct from intelligence but represents a high level of knowledge, the capacity to give advice and to recognize and weight multiple sides before making decisions. It allows the individual to address important questions about the conduct and meaning of life.” (VIA Institute on Character)
So, this week I am taking a moment to step back, look up and regain Perspective. First, to observe what we have achieved as a school to not only open during a global pandemic, but as a community to do it so well. We have managed to remain open for a whole half term at 90% capacity, every single person playing their part. Truly incredible. It’s time to give ourselves a pat on the back (parents, children and staff).
Have a lovely weekend,
Rebecca Eldred
Assistant Headteacher
