What's going on in Uusikaupunki

14 Torstaina 13. elokuuta 2020 W H A T , S G O I N G O N I N U U S I K AU P U N K I ? ”We are all in the same boat” UUSIKAUPUNKI Granger T. Simmons With somuch instability and uncertainty in the world to- day, it can be very difficult for one to remain focused and optimistic about almost anything. Take for instance the co- ming school year. This week, students and teachers will leave the comfort of their ho- mes and head back to school not knowing whether they will remain in the classroom for the duration of the semes- ter, or if distance learningwill be required. –There are many things to consider during this time. Since I am just starting out, I have not yet gotten used to doing things in a particu- lar way. I still have to build my own routines. In some ways being new helps me to be ready to change plans quickly, says Henna-Mari Karlsson who will start this week at Pohitullikoulu as a 6th-grade classroom teacher ALTHOUGH Mrs. Karlsson feels that she can ”go with the flow” because she is a newcomer, she still whole- heartedly believes in the im- portance of planning and being informed. – We have to make sure that instructions are clear and everyone knowswhat sa- fety precautions are in place during this pandemic, says Karlsson. – It is good for parents to talk with their children about social distancing and hand hygiene at home, but also be strict about staying home if there are any signs of sick- ness, even the sniffles or a stuffy nose. Keeping social distance among children is quite demanding, especially with the smallest ones. The demands of this situation could mean that a teacher does not have time to go to the bathroomor take a mini- break during the day. HENNA-MARI returned to Uusikaupunki nine years ago, after being away for twelve years. – I am happy to be back in my hometown. My hus- band and I have three lo- vely daughters and both of our parents live here in Uu- sikaupunki. This will be my first year as a classroom te- acher, but I have been teach- ing music since I was fifteen years old. I am also a piano teacher and pianist. Teachers play an extre- mely important role in the development and education of the youth in the commu- nity. Quite often it is forgot- ten that teachers are regular people too. People who have to face the same things that everyone else has to face on a daily basis. They have good days and not so good days, cars that break down, houses that need to be cleaned, and laundry that needs to be fol- ded. Teachers experience fai- lures and disappointments too and hope to experience peace and love, hope, and happiness just like the rest of us do. DURING the Spring semes- ter, Uusikaupunki teach- ers and students success- fully participated in distance learning. Pupils were given their assignments via the Wilma application and had to study using various mo- des of technology, and with help from teachers and fa- mily members. In addition to helping the children of the community learn and succeed through distance learning, teachers had to assist and support their own children. – It is truly challenging for teachers, especially when the teacher is a parent to children who are so young that they are not in school yet. In some cases I would even say, it is impossible. The only way to survive is to lower your own demands and expectations towards others and be merciful, ex- plains Mrs. Karlsson. Some teachers have school-aged children, which can alsomake things a bit dif- ficult. Maintaining your daily work tasks fromhome, while simultaneously having to as- sist your own children is not an easy task for anyone. – Just living day by day and enjoying the little things like the sunshine or a smile on someone’s face, helps us to take the next step. Using common sense in adhering to social distancing recom- mendations, taking care of hygiene matters, and follo- wing the instructions given in this changing situation will help us all. The rest is up to the Most-High. We are all in the same boat. We do not know what tomorrow may bring, but wemade it through last Spring. As long as we do our part we will be fine. Hanna-Mari Karlsson returned to Uusikaupunki nine years ago, after being away for twelve years. MIKA REINHOLM A new season In this edition of ”What’s going on in Uusikaupunki” I am pleased to introduce you to our Person of the Month, Henna-Mari Karlsson , a very talented and educated friend of mine who has started on a new journey during this so-called se- cond wave of COVID-19, as a 6th- grade teacher at Pohitullikoulu. We will hear about her life as a parent and teacher and her thoughts on the state of affairs as it refers to COVID-19. As a guest for the second time this year, PoojahShah returns and continues to enlighten us about her experience of Culture Shock in different areas of life. This month she encourages us to keeppushing forward to reach our goals by tel- ling us of her experiences with the Finnish language. LASTLY , I would like to invite you to joinme along with Esa Kerkola for a very special, free event that we are hosting. If you have goals that you want to reach and have found it difficult to accomplish them or are an entrepreneur, a visionary, a creative thinker, pas- sionate about success, we want to invite you to our first Wealth & Success Seminar/ Think-Tank on August 25th at 4pm. Email Granger.Simmons@Uki- polis.fi for more information or to sign-up to be a part. WE ARE at the brink of a new sea- son of uncertainty as the so-called, second wave has been scheduled to hit the entire world. But we can not let the uncertainty stop us from living our best lives even now at this moment. There are still opportunities for you to grow, to expand your ho- rizons, to go above and beyond all limitations, to dream, to make plans, and set goals. My motto in life is, do not let life happen to you, you happen to life. Stay pro-active and do not let yourself sink so low that you end up depressed and in a dark place. Keep on hoping, believing, loving, and praying. Ask for help when you need it and help those around you who are in need. We all need one another, all of us are important and special and should be ap- preciated. Granger T. Simmons ▼▼ Person of the Month: Mrs. Henna-Mari Karlsson