January 24 – 27

by Melanie Sylvester · Published January 21, 2022 · Updated January 21, 2022

Time sure flies! It’s been a very quick two weeks since Winter Break and there are only 4 days until our Tet holiday begins!

Dan & myself have been very busy with hiring and the continuing administrative work that COVID brings. That being said, we would love to spend some time in classes saying hi, reading, participating etc. Please invite us if there is some way for us to participate. It really is the best part of our day!

I will be posting the following invitation onto all classes on SeeSaw today. It will be a wonderful way to finish on Thursday. Please remind your classes. Thanks!

We are here for you! Dan & I continue to invite you to book meetings with us, using our Google Calendars, if you would like to talk about anything.

Tet Collection: Traditionally, SSIS has provided Lì xì (Lucky Money) to ALL staff during Tet. Teachers usually give lucky money and/or a more personal gift (plant, gift card, chocolate, etc) to their TA’s.

In the past teachers also contributed money (50-200 vnd) for the cleaning, gardening, and maintenance staff. Ms. Thuy and Ms. Minh have envelopes for contributions.

On January 27, after school, we will present “Lucky Money” red envelopes to our valued support group! More details to follow.

RETURN TO CAMPUS PLAN SLIDESHOW: Here is quick access to our ongoing planning and communication.

ES Yearbook: We are still going to produce a yearbook this year with the theme of “Zoom In, Zoom Out”. In preparation for that, I am hoping that you can drop a few photos from this quarter into this Yearbook Folder. Minh has created folders for your first SuperUnit. We will need to be creative … so we’d love to have anything you think might be usable. Parents may be able to help with providing photos of their kids working virtually as well. Thank you!

Bright Spots: Please take a moment to read the “bright spots” that were shared last week on the right side widget! Let’s continue to focus on, and celebrate, the good things.

When we do this we can share a joyful educator moment or share a shout out to a staff member who has brightened our day. You can find the form here!

Professional Development Opportunities: I have started a sidebar widget with links to amazing PD opportunities. If you know of others, please share with me, and I will continue to populate this.

Campus COVID (from Lisa C): Thank you everyone for your help in following the government regulations when coming to campus. Following up on Catriona’s email (#108 Sept 25), these are the protocols currently in place for all faculty and staff coming to campus:

Every staff or faculty member must be fully vaccinated (and 14 days after the second dose of the vaccine).
Staff and faculty members who have recovered from COVID-19 may come to campus after the nurse verifies the documentation.
No children are allowed on campus (no SSIS students and staff children EC-6G).
Follow all 5K rules while on campus (masks, hand washing, social distance, no gatherings, health declaration)
Staff and faculty must use Gate 2 and Main turnstiles (AKA ES entrance).
A DAILY health declaration must be completed by every staff or faculty member (electronically through QR code or paper method). [please note that this must be done at the gate]
Turnstiles are now working for staff and faculty with SSIS ID cards. If you don’t have your ID card then you must SIGN IN and SIGN OUT the logbook with Security.
All deliveries are at Gate 4 (lunch delivery, Starbucks coffee, parcels, envelopes, etc)
COVID testing is recommended for staff returning to campus.
Rapid COVID testing is available on campus every Tuesday morning. This is optional. SSIS nurses will do it.