Head of School Update, April 28: In Preparation for Campus Reopening

Health and Safety Inspection 

In order to be allowed to re-open campus to students, the government has issued a set of health and safety measures that SSIS must fulfill. Tomorrow afternoon, representatives from the Department of Education and Training (DOET), as well as the Ministry of Health (MoH), will visit SSIS to conduct a thorough inspection of the school.

Virtual School on Wednesday

To ensure that we are ready to welcome students back to campus, as soon as it is allowed, we must pass the inspection tomorrow. Thus, tomorrow, Wednesday, April 29 teachers will not be providing direct support through email, live Google Meets, etc. as we prepare for the inspection in the afternoon. Although there will be no direct support from teachers tomorrow, Wednesday, April 29, is a “normal” Virtual School day. Students will have assignments and activities to work on. Also, please note that Grade 12 High School IB End of Course exams (Spanish B and Spanish ab initio exams at 8:00 am and Mandarin B and Mandarin ab initio at 12:30 pm) will run as scheduled. 

 Back to Campus – New Routines

Once the government has given us permission to re-open our campus, a few changes will be put into effect to ensure compliance with the new health and safety measures. 

Staggered Schedule

We will stagger the school day start and end times to prevent large gatherings of students and to ensure safe distancing. More information will follow.

The cafeteria service will be limited to a set, single option, box lunch. This will allow us to offer lunch while at the same time adhere to social distancing requirements. Elementary students will eat lunch in their classrooms, in further social distancing measures. Please note that as the cafeteria options will be limited, you should consider sending a packed lunch with your child if you think that he/she will have a problem with the limited options. It is very important that your child eats during the day. 

Wearing Masks

Upon returning to school, everyone, adults and children alike, will be required to wear a mask at all times. The SSIS Nurse Office Manager, Lisa Chute has put together this video on wearing and handling masks safely. Please take some time to watch it with your child at home. Parents with younger children may want to practice wearing a mask at home so that they get used to it. Students who are not able, or unwilling to wear a mask, will not be permitted to remain at school. 

Extra Sanitary Measures

In addition, all of the temperature taking, hand-washing, and hygiene measures that you previously experienced will be in effect as we continue to implement a practice for hypervigilance and hygiene. We have also taken additional precautions, such as installing fans to maximize air circulation, keeping windows and doors open, and more.

Supporting Students Through This Transition

We understand that the changes outlined above will mean new adjustments for your child, as they are now accustomed to attending school from the comfort of their own homes, and the freedom that this entails. Each division is prepared to help your children through the reentry transition, and you can expect to hear further details from your divisional principal. We will continue to support you and your children through this process with information and advice. 

We look forward to the visit from DOET and MoH tomorrow and we will update you as soon as we have further details and a confirmation of a possible reopening date. In the meantime, please stay safe and healthy and enjoy family time and with your children during the coming extended holiday weekend.  

All good wishes,

Dr. Catriona Moran
Head of School