Coronavirus Update: SSIS to implement off-site Virtual School from Tuesday, March 17 until Spring Break

Dear Faculty and Staff, 

In support of the Ho Chi Minh City directive #905, and in order to increase social (physical) distancing among school personnel, SSIS will operate as an off-site Virtual School from Tuesday, March 17 through Friday, March 27 (until Spring Break). Teachers, counselors, and teacher assistants will operate off-site but are required to remain in Ho Chi Minh City.

The campus will remain open to all other personnel, who will report to the school, as we coordinate continuity of business operations. If you are uncertain whether or not the off-site conditions apply to you, please contact your divisional principal or supervisor.

Some key points:

1. The Virtual School educational program will continue uninterrupted.

2. Each principal will meet with their leadership team tomorrow, Monday, to discuss details.

3. The Professional Offsite Virtual School Expectations will be revised and communicated before Tuesday.

4. There are no safety concerns on campus at this time.

5. All previously scheduled social activities on campus will be canceled until Spring Break.

Health and Safety measures

The Ho Chi Minh City government requests that all adults wear masks in public places. Please comply with this directive, out of respect to the citizens of our host country.

Upon arrival to campus tomorrow morning, Monday, between 7:30 and 8:15 am, you will receive a care package with seven medical masks and two antiseptic wipes. While these are limited supplies, we hope that it will help with your immediate need for masks in public places. The wipes are good for cleaning surfaces when you are not at home.

For the past month Lisa Chute has been posting Health Tips on the SSIS Wellness Blog. Most recently there is a post about what to do when you are sick and what to do if you think that you have COVID-19. In addition, we have organized a panel discussion with Lisa, Dr. Phi and Louis Cretin of SOS for Tuesday to answer the questions you submitted on the health survey last week. This discussion will be recorded and shared with everyone.

Thinking Ahead

On a different note, please rest assured that we are thinking ahead to possible future scenarios related to the challenges that COVID-19 is presenting in the world. We are in discussions with the SSIS Board on policies, procedures, and considerations as to what would happen if we were off-site for an extended period of time, in or outside of Vietnam. You can expect further information by the end of the week.

Please do not hesitate to contact WaiMun or me if you have any questions or concerns. As always, your well-being and the well-being of every member of this community is our greatest priority.

All good wishes,

Catriona