Letter: I salute you

Andrea Sharrock of Ballito writes:

In an unprecedented year for our children and schools, and against all the odds, I congratulate Danielle Boshoff and Sashna Govender of Ashton International College for attaining top in the world and top in South Africa respectively in IGCSE results 2020, as well as all the students that have conquered the 2020/21 Covid annus horribilis (terrible year).

Our children have shown us their strength, flexibility and tenacity over the last year.

We are used to hearing about irresponsible high school students, seeing ample press coverage of their party lifestyle, however this year our children have shown us their true character.

From primary school children working from their kitchen table sat side by side with their distracting siblings, to medical students working in unimaginable conditions on our Covid wards, they did it!

They outperformed our expectations at every single level.

They survived isolation from their friends, from their learning environment and from their social life, but they made this year count.

They didn’t just survive, they somehow managed to thrive.

But none of this could be possible without our army of educators.

I say army, because they have performed their duties with precision and great dedication.

They have changed tactics and battle plans within hours, to outwit the enemy (Covid).

We have seen great generals emerging.

Do you have any idea what sort of leadership is required to transform a whole curriculum overnight to be ready for online learning, whilst training your entire staff in the technology and presenting skills necessary to facilitate a virtual learning environment?

More importantly, all involved will be giving up many hours of their valuable family time to honour their commitment to their students.

Educators and support staff, you have done your schools and students proud, and I salute you all.

School bodies, shareholders, owners, CEOs, committees etc.

Please show your appreciation to your generals, such skills are rare and should be handsomely rewarded.

A hand clap in assembly just won’t cut it.

Be warned, other armies will want to poach successful leaders.

A ‘thank you’ is a start but financial bonuses will be remembered for doing the right thing.

Parents, you get an A* because you dealt with the fall out, dealing with all the “I can’t do it” and the “I don’t understand it” along with the tantrums, sulks and tears from your frustrated children.

And when the only thing you wanted to do was throw the computer out of the window, you restrained yourself.

One day your children will recognise your contribution to home peace.

Unreservedly, the greatest accolade goes to our children.

Who could have known, why ever did we worry?

The future of our country is safe in their hands.