Nobody can deny that the past year has been the most challenging year most of us have ever experienced in our lifetime. Over the past year we have had to live with ongoing stress, fear and anxiety. We have been separated by loved ones and friends. We have learned to smile with our eyes while our mouths have been constantly covered up by face masks. We have missed hugs, kisses and handshakes. We have been bombarded by messages of fear, uncertainty and grief. It hasn’t been easy.
At EC Montreal we have been doing our best to make sure we stay connected through our virtual platforms. Maintaining a strong sense of community no matter the distance between each classmate, has been one of our priorities. Students who are learning from the comfort of their homes are placed in EC Montreal classrooms learning with students who are already here studying English or French at our centers. Walking past the classrooms, we can see laptops or tablets set up with the video images of students who are attending class but physically distant. They have felt like they are a part of the classroom experience. They laugh along to the jokes and get a view of the class lesson in action. Technology has served us well during this pandemic. It has allowed us to come together despite the distance.
Canada Post recognized the difficult year we have had and how we are missing our friends and family, so they have announced this week that they will be sending each household pre-stamped postcards that we can use to stay connected with our loved ones. They are encouraging everyone to put their pen to paper and send messages of love and hope around the globe.
This idea reminds us of EC Montreal’s annual letter writing activities throughout the year where postage was courtesy of EC! We would set up each table in the student lounge with stationary, postcards, envelopes, greeting cards and stickers and encouraged our students to send out letters to their loved ones back home. Many students had never addressed an envelope or written a letter before, so the activity turned into a letter writing workshop. The event so well received by our students. It also warmed our hearts to think of so many messages of love being sent around the globe from our EC Montreal school.
So, when you get your Canada Post postcards in the mail this week, make sure to take advantage of this beautiful opportunity to send your messages of love around the world. If you need help addressing the envelope, come see us and we will be happy to assist you!
