First Day Back

Today was our first day back to school after the summer break. Yes, we go back pretty early. As the first day back, I was thinking back to last year - August 2020.

After teaching online for the last three months of school, working from home, and awkwardly signing off of my last meeting online, closing my computer, and walking the ten steps to my couch, I was on break. The summer zipped by with two Master's courses, long coffees on my patio, and dozens of books. I was excited to return to school and see my friends and coworkers again.

On the first day, I put my mask on (a locally hand-made, too small, non-adjustable piece) and went inside. Soft furniture was gone, plastic shields were erected, signage and warnings covered the floor and walls. We stood apart and nervously spoke. Then I went to my classroom, closed the door, and logged in to the first of many virtual meetings.

That evening, I cried.

It was not the reunion I wanted. My home had been safe. I got groceries first thing in the morning so minimize contact and stayed at home. Then I was flung into close proximity of others and yet I felt so far away.

The year progressed, and I got into the flow and my comfort grew. I found the benefits of the chat bar, meeting recordings, and how I could always read the slides (I am quite nearsighted!). The challenges then came to outbreaks, lockdowns, and quarantines. "Pivot" became a bad word!

Fast forward to today - August 2021. While the province removed the mask mandate for everyone, our school chose to continue masking until we can collect more data. I am so grateful! This meant we were able to come together as a full staff in one room and meet together! Hearing people laugh, applauding, and having the speakers make eye contact - such small things filled my bucket up so quickly! I never thought a staff meeting would bring me joy. This was the reunion I wanted. This was the reunion I needed.

I know the warm fuzzies will not last, and meetings will probably return to being a bane of my teaching existence. But for today, I am delighted.