Our school year, like our world, is looking and feeling different this year. People living near and far have been focusing a lot on what has changed and what is the ‘new normal’; all of these changes speak to the ever changing nature of our planet and our lives. It speaks to the vulnerability we all share. Vulnerability is something we think a lot about here at TNNS- working outdoors forces us all to be vulnerable to the weather and ever changing conditions. Being Early Childhood educators, grounded in a philosophy of emergent curriculum and Reggio Emilia pedagogy, also immerses us into a vulnerable state of being. We thrive on the not-knowing, the in-between and the beautiful dance of figuring things out together as they unfold. And this state is exactly where we all are right now, hand in hand with one another, working our way through new situations.
We also want to think and talk about what has not changed. What remains the same is our passion for education, particularly outdoor education; our genuine love of children and our belief in their agency; our desire to create strong bonds with children and families; our commitment to engaging with our community; and our belief that we can make positive changes for people and nature.
Our protocols might look different as you enter and exit, our forms might look different, our cleaning procedures have been adapted but the true core of our work remains the same and always will. And with this spirit in mind, we want to wish you all a warm welcome to TNNS!
With excitement and anticipation of a new year,
Emily & Kate and the whole TNNS team!