Head of School Message
Ms. Totty Aris - Head of School
Normally this opening article would be a celebration of learning and although we continue to celebrate our activities and learning journeys through the many articles and photos in this edition, the recent spread of the Coronavirus has overshadowed this last month of school.
I would like to take this opportunity to praise our teaching staff who over the last few weeks have adapted their teaching methods and in many cases jumped onto a steep learning curve of a variety of technological methods to support teaching the students at home either on self-isolation or quarantine. We had to quickly develop a Distance Learning Policy that is closely aligned with the School’s Definition of Learning that values meaningful experiences and believes that effective learning occurs in a positive and nurturing environment – wherever that may be.
It would be all too easy to set work and simply say do exercises 3-10. However with some staff at home, some students at school and some students at home staff have been innovative and creative with their resources . A highlight for me was seeing the students in KG engaging in a story with their teacher via video-link . The students watched their teacher join in the lesson while the TA drew the pictures on a board.
At the time of writing we have moved from working hard to manage a hybrid scenario as long as we could, to school closure. We are ready to support our students and their learning journey within these new parameters.
I end on a note of compassion; we have a responsibility of basic generosity to keep others secure. As we move through this next unknown phase we need to look after each other and keep each other safe, by respecting the guidelines and changing some of our behaviors. Above all we need to be considerate of those that are worried or affected by the fallout of this virus. We hope to maintain this message to our students alongside their new learning journey.
Wishing all of our community
a safe and healthy passage into Spring.
VIS Embraces Distance Learning