I’m in a state of flux. We’re in a state of flux. Both Mr. T and I are hitting major milestone birthdays in 2022. Most our age are welcoming grandbabies. Even those in my circle who consider themselves ‘older’ parents were celebrating matric farewells earlier this month.

 

Here we are, just ramping up parenting, moving into second gear to the lower primary years. They’re fully formed humans; have their own distinct personalities, can articulate their feelings and preferences, and are already showing signs of passion and interest.

 

Yes, there’s still tantrum crying here and there – if you had asked me 10 years ago, I would have told you it stopped at three – but for the most part, they’re healthy, normal, well-adjusted kids. We have the stuff that we’re working on, after all, life is one continuous learning experience. But overall, our family is perfectly imperfect. 

 

I don’t think our current education system is working for our children, and their families, in this time of consistent change.

 

Now here’s the thing that’s unsettling me. I don’t think our current education system is working for our children, and their families, in this time of consistent change. At a very basic level, any business or institution with large infrastructure and buildings must reevaluate its operating models.

 

I hear you, children need to socialise and interact. Yes, so do I. Desperately, actually. But that’s not my argument. We’re living through a time of hyper viruses. Coronavirus is here to stay. And if the mutation of Omicron is anything to go by, we haven’t seen the best yet.

 

Just yesterday, our school head sent an email notification on the number of positive cases and close contacts who are isolating. In all this time of COVID-19, I’ve never seen the list that long in one go. Six!

 

We need to acknowledge that we’re always going to see these spikes. Vaccinated or not vaccinated. Can you please just do it? We can now see the rhythm, definitely around the cooler months, then again around year-end. Actually, whenever we get relaxed and start mingling.

 

Boohoo to the theory that summer makes things better.

 

Boohoo to the theory that summer makes things better. We were so longing for December in 2020. The naïve old days. And the flu that historically reared its head during winter, is now an all-year phenomenon. I currently know three close friends’ families who are isolating due to COVID-19. And numerous others who are sick with something or the other.

 

But back to school. And any other business or institution that has large groups of people coming together at any particular point. The days of mass gatherings, especially indoors, are over. For good.

 

It feels like the world is still trying to get back to where it was. And the Universe in all her glory continues to do what She does best. When you don’t get the lesson, what happens? It returns time and time again, getting more ferocious with each iteration.

 

I can’t be flailing in the stormy waters. I need to take strong, broad strokes.

 

I’m at that life phase where I’m trying to get my lessons sooner. Goodness knows, I spent the better part of my 20s and 30s stumbling around in ignorance. And pain. This time, I’m the custodian of precious, young lives. I can’t be flailing in the stormy waters. I need to take strong, broad strokes.

 

So, my personal dilemma – which is not wholeheartedly shared by my Baby Daddy – is that our school system needs to adjust. Decisively. Not this “we switch to online learning as we watch the numbers rise” type of adjustment. This still allows us to “lull into normalcy”.  Only to be shocked again as we scramble around like the unprepared bridesmaids who ran out of oil for their lamps, a story from that sacred book.

 

Damn, I was looking forward to a December of freedom from stress, connecting with loved ones, and most importantly, playdates to stop the “I’m bored” sing-song that drove Flo crazy. How history repeats itself.

 

We need to take drastic measures to change school models to cater for change in the long term. That’s the only way we’ll get some “stability”.

 

First, there are already too many children in classes. My personal comfort zone is now up to 20. These class sizes can go up to 25 – 30. And I’m not even getting to the public sector which I believe is in crisis in terms of class sizes, amongst everything else.

 

It’s no surprise that our 8-year-old’s Grade 2 class ‘rebelled’ with some behavioural issues.

 

Then, for obvious reasons, our children have to learn with masks on. They spend prolonged periods of time ‘constrained’. What does that do emotionally? What are the long-term health effects? It’s no surprise that our 8-year-old’s Grade 2 class ‘rebelled’ with some behavioural issues.

 

I understand that one cannot throw the baby out with the bathwater immediately. There are buildings, land, and other related costs with huge investment. I get the dilemma. My heart goes out to the leaders and teachers at our school which is currently the ideal culture fit for our family. I can’t see us anywhere else.

 

Sentiment aside, what about hybrid models that work regardless of whether there’s a health pandemic or not? Since we’re Solutions First*, here’s my go at a thought starter. Rotate the children on a weekly basis. One week at school, one week home learning. You will still get full use of your facility and could possibly even cater for more children.

 

And while we’re at it, scrap the terms. Am I the only parent who feels the ‘burden’ of working around school timetables and holidays? Keep a continuous learning schedule with peaks and dips which will allow for rest and rejuvenation but doesn’t fully ‘shutdown’. This can also bring in shorter academic days and free the kids up for much-needed, regulated socialising and activities.

 

We’re still in crisis mode. Reacting. Nothing ever comes from that.

 

I know this is a huge ask. I also know that the educators and learned ones out there have many reasons why it wouldn’t work. But we’re all called on to make major change. We must think differently. The operative word is “think”. We’re still in crisis mode. Reacting. Nothing ever comes from that.

 

I don’t have the answers, just lots of questions and things that don’t make sense. But if we’re raising children who must remain curious, adaptable, and Always Growing*, we must do the same. They learn what they see.

 

Here’s to finding new solutions for education. Here’s to raising innovative leaders who will uncover solutions to navigate future pandemics and beyond.

 

* These are just two of the culture principles from our kids’ school which I love.