Echoes of War
By Mahwish Abid
School Head, Beaconhouse Primary III Campus, Darul Aman Society
These are uncertain times.
The echoes of war bells and the wave of panic sweeping across our communities can be deeply unsettling — especially for children who look to us, the adults in their lives, for assurance and direction.
As a school leader, my first instinct is always to safeguard the emotional well-being of my students, staff, and parents. In moments like these, calmness is not just a virtue — it becomes a necessity. We must remain alert, informed, and prepared, but we must also resist the urge to react emotionally or spread unverified news.
Being alert means we stay informed through reliable sources — official news outlets, government alerts, and school authorities. It does not mean forwarding every video, audio clip, or dramatic headline we come across on WhatsApp or social media. Let’s pause, verify, and reflect before sharing.
In schools, words carry weight. A single message — especially if it’s false or exaggerated — can trigger panic among children and parents. As educators and leaders, it’s our responsibility to model thoughtful, measured communication. Let’s use our platforms to calm, not to inflame.
Children absorb fear quickly, even when we think they’re not listening. Our tone, expressions, and side conversations matter. At school, let’s create safe spaces where they can ask questions, express feelings, and feel heard. Simple reassurances, honest age-appropriate discussions, and a sense of routine help them feel grounded.
Now more than ever, we need to teach our students how to question the authenticity of what they see and hear. Media literacy, digital responsibility, and discernment should be woven into our teaching so that they learn to think before they believe — and certainly before they share.
Staff members are human too. They worry about their families, their safety, and the well-being of their students. A strong school leader ensures that staff meetings include not just updates but also space to debrief, decompress, and encourage one another. We lead best when we lead together.
Parents are our partners. Keeping them informed about school safety procedures, any schedule changes, and the emotional well-being of their children helps build trust. At the same time, we can remind them to be calm, consistent, and present at home, avoiding any exposure to violent or disturbing content.
Let’s remember — in a world that can shift overnight, our children don’t need us to be perfect. They just need us to be steady.
Let’s choose calm over chaos. Facts over fear. And unity over hysteria.
Together, we can be the steady hands that guide our students through the storm.
