‘Only Connect’ from Howard’s End by EM Forster explores, with an uncanny awareness, our future dependence on technology at the potential expense of authentic human connection. Writing at the turn of the century, Forster argued that love anchors our humanity and our ability to connect in a way that progresses both man and machine.
 

In recent weeks, terms such as ‘isolating’,‘distancing’ and ‘lockdown’ have entered our everyday vocabulary and yet these run counter to everything that, as humans, we need in order to thrive. In fact, the term ‘social distancing’ was recently changed to ‘physically distancing’ to reflect the fact that human beings are created to flourish in relationships with one another and in communities.
 

As school leaders, you will have, like me, spent the past month getting to grips with hitherto unknown forms of technology as we move from the real to the virtual and begin to adapt to the ‘new normal’ in which we now find ourselves. Staying connected has not been without its challenges but will enable us to sustain the sense of ‘togetherness’ that we have so carefully nurtured within and between our school communities, which has never been more important. 
 

Recently, the photo of two brothers connecting with their grandmother through a window went viral. In scenes echoed up and down the country in celebration of Mothers’ Day, families sought new and inventive ways to maintain close connections not just with their loved ones, but also to reach out to strangers.  In our school, children wrote letters to members of the community who are now facing the prospect of an extended period alone. These opportunities to show love, however small, help all of us to feel that we are still connected and that we are not alone.   
 

The Bible also highlights the importance of relationships and community. In the New Testament, Paul describes the ‘Body of Christ’ as many parts of a connected whole. In the Gospel of John, Jesus gives us a new commandment to ‘love one another, just as I have loved you.’
 

In the days ahead, may our connections continue to strengthen us, encourage us and bring people together.