Principal Ponderings: Voices

Principal Ponderings: Voices

Throughout the last six weeks I have reflected a lot on the power of the voice.

• I watched with interest and concern as political analysts shared their thoughts prior to the onset of the Trump administration.
• I listened to the voice of Donald Trump as he gave his inauguration speech, an address many say was dark and concerning.
• I listened to the voices of Michael Moore, Ashley Judd and Gloria Steinem who spoke for women’s rights and for the voices of minorities at the Women’s Protest March that took place the day after the inauguration.

Rockway faculty, parents and alumni taking part in the Women’s March.

• I reflected on the voice of Martin Luther King Junior, whose “I Have a Dream” speech made political history at the January 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. It was at this march where King passionately spoke about the need for change and his hope that America would become a true democratic nation.
• I listened to the voices of Canadians as Justin Trudeau made a trek across Canada to listen to their concerns.
• I listened to the coverage and mourned the loss of lives lost on January 29 th when at the Islamic Cultural Centre of Quebec City, six people were killed and nineteen others were injured shortly after their evening prayers. Vigils and commemorations took place and the Muslim community has continued to express their gratitude for the many persons who are standing in solidarity with them.
• I heard the voice of Donald Trump, whose government banned entry from seven Muslim-majority countries having widespread effects, and led to an appeal.
• Most recently, I have listened to the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals that has upheld a restraining order on the travel ban.

Faculty member Marlys Neufeld was part of the Mennonite presence in Washington.

What do we make of all of this? Have you asked yourself if your voice really matters?

Have you ever wondered if your voice can pave the way for positive change?

I believe everyone one of has the ability to use their voice for the betterment of humankind. Think of the voices of Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King Junior, Nelson Mandela, Malala Yousafzai…the list can go on. How can we do this? The voice for good can speak in simple yet powerful ways – through class presentations, through letters to our government, through editorials to our area newspapers, through petitions, through marches, through prayer, through song, and most importantly, through our daily interactions with our colleagues, family and friends. I believe that these small seeds of action can lead to rich fruit through time.

May your voice and actions speak love, hope, kindness and respect as you enter 2017.

Ann L. Schultz – Principal