Coronavirus Update: Summary of MOET restriction ease, enrollment, travel guidelines

Dear Faculty and Staff,

Wasn’t it such a pleasure to see all of our grades 4 through 12 back to school today? Once again, our halls were filled with the wonderful sounds of our students’ voices, and the fields alive with laughter and play.

In this letter, I am addressing three important topics: 1) the summary of the MOET restrictions, 2) enrollment, and 3) the travel guidelines. This is a lot of information to process, and I am happy to address any questions you may have at my Head of School faculty Zoom meeting on Wednesday.

1.  MOET Restriction ease

Late yesterday afternoon, the Ministry of Education and Training (MOET) issued new directives in letter 1583/BGDDT-GDTC, further easing the health and safety measures for COVID-19 prevention. As with all previous Ministry directives during this dynamic and rapidly changing COVID-19 crisis, we only share information after we have verified the accuracy of the message through the officially stamped letter, and that is why you are receiving it today.

In keeping with government directives, and ensuring the health and safety of our community, SSIS has used a three-layered approach to prevent potential COVID-19 transmission:
1) Handwashing and disinfecting protocols, 2) Masks, and 3) Social distancing. We will continue using this approach.

Handwashing and disinfecting protocols

We will continue to practice handwashing and disinfecting throughout the school day. I’m also happy to report that the new directives also allow us to use AC in the classrooms. Windows and doors should be closed, and AC turned on while a classroom is in use. Between classes, we must all open the windows and doors to allow proper ventilation.

Masks

As a result of yesterday’s new directives from the MOET, masks in classrooms are now optional, so we will no longer require students to wear masks inside the classrooms at SSIS. However, we do encourage the wearing of masks. And, it should be noted that the new directives still require that students “…wear masks on the way to school, before entering the class, during recess time, after the class time and on the way back home.” Thus, students will still need to bring 3 masks to school each day, and we will provide each child with a plastic bag to store his/her mask during class. Please also note that wearing masks outside of the classrooms at all times also applies to faculty and staff. This means that faculty and staff are required to wear masks at all times outside of the classroom. Mask wearing in the classroom is optional, but recommended.

Social distancing

We will continue to practice social distancing, instructing students to mind the blue dots on the floors, and hallways. As our students’ health and safety are of the utmost importance to us, we will also maintain social distancing in the classrooms. Cafeteria restrictions will continue to apply.

In light of the easing health and safety measures for the school and bus transportation, the elementary school staggered dismissal by grade levels will be reviewed. The dismissal schedule will be updated if any changes are made to these procedures.

Although some restrictions are easing, allowing us more freedom, we should not become complacent. Practicing social distancing, wearing masks when required, and being vigilant with handwashing will prevent the transmission of viruses of all kinds, not only COVID-19. These practices will continue to keep our community safe.

2.  Enrollment

Before I send you out into the weekend, I know that enrollment for 2020-2021 is on many people’s minds. We have already enrolled over 900 students and continue to process new applications and returning students. We are aware that this is subject to change based on continued economic uncertainties, and we will keep you informed as we know more. In the meantime, I am very grateful to the admissions team, the counselors, the principals, and our EAL team for their extraordinary work on supporting the admissions process.

3.  Travel Guidelines

Last but not least, please find the updated May 2020 SSIS Professional and Personal Travel Guidelines (COVID-19). There have been significant additions to the travel guidelines, and I encourage you all to read them carefully. These guidelines will be updated again when the world circumstances improve.

Now, please go and enjoy your well-deserved weekend! You have all done an extraordinary job this week of establishing routines and structures for our students to transition back smoothly.

All best wishes,
Catriona