The biggest thing about the new normal is trying to make it as much as the old normal as possible.
That is something educators in the Okotoks area and across the province have been trying to do for students despite huge interruptions to the normal process because of COVID-19.
Even something as simple as the school Christmas concert – a mainstay at virtually every school in the province.
However, this year’s event won’t include the always classic boys in dad’s bathrobe as part of his shepherd costume or the kindergarten student standing on tip-toes, maybe while wearing reindeer antlers, to wave at mom in the audience.
This time mom won’t be in the audience.
Those productions have gone by the wayside as schools – rightfully and legally – have to restrict social gatherings.
Fortunately, teachers are thinking outside the box.
For example, St. Mary’s School has put together a virtual Christmas concert in which Kindergarten to Grade 6 students as part of their classroom cohort, will perform poems and songs which will eventually be livestreamed for parents to watch during the holidays and in the future.
Similar efforts are being done at schools across Foothills County and Okotoks.
It takes more time and effort from teachers and others involved, but the message it sends to students is ideal for the Christmas season.
That message is no matter how difficult the times are, they care about their students and they want to make thing as normal and comfortable as possible – including things like the traditional Christmas concert.
Sure, this year’s pageants won’t include those traditional elementary classics like the one when a Rockin’ Elvis-like Santa gets some help from a wayward elf to save the day.
But the efforts by teachers, students and the community in holding this year’s concerts are the same – working together to help make a difficult time better for all.
