The average life expectancy has gone significantly up and many deadly bacterial or viral diseases, such as smallpox, have been eliminated. And yet, we are again facing probably the largest humanitarian crisis since WWII. It is interesting to explore the history of WWII and how people tried to maintain their wellbeing during and after such difficult times. People still got married, celebrated Christmas and tried to keep together as it helped them to overcome fear and isolation. The human race is very resilient and adapts to many unfavourable conditions while trying to preserve its wellbeing. It is the caring and empathy for each other that gives people hope, happiness and fulfilment. We, therefore, as global citizens must also be proactive and help out those who are in need and this is why I would like to ask you again to show your empathy and join our Christmas Giving Tree project to can bring a smile to many children in need.
A time of crisis always generates extra creativity in people and makes them more united and more empathetic towards others. Many people are coming up with products that are useful but also those which bring a smile to our faces during these challenging times. I saw a programme about someone who decided to make face masks from people’s personal photo so that on wearing it, you can’t distinguish if someone is actually wearing a mask. What a brilliant idea in times when wearing a mask seems to take a way our identity and makes even a simple conversation with another person a much less of a personal experience.
Thus, it is the time to care for others but also for yourselves – finding a balance between work and relaxation could not be more important than today. A walk around the block, a Netflix new release or just reading an interesting book can help us to forget for a moment about constant information overflow of what is happening around us.
“Developing a caring and open-minded young people” is the fundamental part of the IB programme’s mission statement and so called IB Learner’s Profile. It is also the key element of our teaching and learning at TBS, from Reception to Y13. Our students are encouraged to show initiative and to develop skills such as problem solving and decision making. They are also provided with opportunities for self-determination and collaboration while fostering a sense of empathy and care for others.
Dr Jacek Łatkowski
Vice Principal