Dear SSIS Parents,
It’s been such a pleasure to see all of our grade 4 through 12 students back on campus today, and we can’t wait to welcome back our students in grades 1 – 3 on Monday.
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.
In keeping with government directives, and ensuring the health and safety of our community, we will continue using our three-layered approach to prevent potential COVID-19 transmission: 1) Handwashing and disinfecting protocols, 2) Masks, and 3) Social distancing.
Handwashing and disinfecting protocols
We will continue to practice handwashing and disinfecting throughout the school day. We will now be allowed to use AC in the classrooms, according to the new directives. The AC will be turned on while a classroom is in use, and all windows and doors will be closed. Between classes, teachers will open the windows and doors for ventilation.
Masks
As a result of yesterday’s new directives from the MOET, it is now optional for students to use masks in classrooms, so we will no longer require students to wear masks inside the classrooms at SSIS. However, we do encourage the wearing of masks.
Please note, however, that the new directives still require students “…to 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, your child will still need to bring 3 masks to school each day. We will provide each child with a plastic bag to store his/her mask during class.
Social distancing
We will continue to practice social distancing, instructing students to mind the blue dots on the floors, and in the hallways. As your children’s 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 government easing health and safety measures for the school and bus transportation, we will review the elementary school staggered dismissal. We will update parents if we make any changes to these procedures.
Even though the easing of certain restrictions allows us more freedom, we should be careful not to become complacent. Practicing social distancing, wearing masks when required, and continuing to be vigilant with handwashing will prevent the transmission of viruses of all kinds, not only COVID-19. These practices will continue to allow our community to stay safe.
All best wishes,
Dr. Catriona Moran
Head of School
