Announcement of Distance Learning Extension – April 3, 2020

Dear BIS Community,

I hope you have all enjoyed the week of Distance Learning. I must say that I am so very proud of the BIS Faculty. Teaching students in school is so much easier than online. The hours Faculty are putting into the creation of one video, one lesson, one learning experience demonstrates their incredible efforts and care for your child’s learning.  Please thank a teacher today!

BIS Parents also need a pat on the back – well done for assisting your child(ren) through Week I. Each family will make decisions about how much time and energy you can reserve for school related activities. Let’s all remember that children of all ages also learn a great deal through play, learning a new hobby, and reading. Each family will find a balance that works – please know that you are appreciated for all that you are doing to assist your child(ren) through these challenging times.

We have noticed a significant response to Covid-19 by the Indonesian government and Bali authorities. I am sure we are all very appreciative of these important measures being put into place and our hearts go out to those diagnosed with the virus, their families and the medical teams who are fighting on the front lines around the world.

The Governor Letter no.730/7835/MP/BKD dated 30 March 2020 announced an extension to the work from home order until April 21.

Decision to Extend Distance Learning:

With this information in mind, Bali Island School has made the decision to continue with our Distance Learning Program until May 4, 2020. We will continue to follow the published SY19-20 calendar, observing RED days and our one final ½ day on April 21, providing time to complete our accreditation self-study report. 

Opening the BIS campus to faculty, staff and students during this uncertain time is not a risk we are willing to take. We feel this decision is principled and caring. Principled in that we are modeling empathy, acting with integrity and demonstrating care for others. Caring in that the safety of our community members is our number one priority. Thank you for your support.

Distance Learning Program at BIS:

The Distance Learning Program will continue to evolve and adapt to meet the diverse range of student experiences. Principals will send surveys every week for students (email)  and parents (eNews) to provide feedback about the learning experience. BIS will use this feedback to adapt experiences and practices wherever possible to improve the next week’s learning. Please complete the surveys to help us gauge your child’s learning experience from a distance. Please do reach out if you have concerns and I will be happy to chat with you via GoogleMeet or Zoom.

The Primary Team have created packets for students in Kindergarten to Grade 4. The Preschool students will not receive a new pack as there is still enough materials for the next two weeks in their original pack and Grade 5 are accessing all of their learning online. The packs will be ready for collection on Monday at 9:00 a.m. at the Courtyard. Drive down the Gang from North to South in front of BIS, we will accept the first packet and hand out the next one.  Teachers will communicate with families to inform them of what to keep and what to return from the first Learning Packs. For those who can’t access a new packet, the teachers will be sharing what they can via Distance Learning portals. Although we can’t open the library, please know that Mr. Marshall continues to add resources to the Library page – a wonderful resource for faculty, students and parents. 

We have been in touch with Jennifer Wathall, our math consultant, about providing professional development to our teachers regarding Distance Learning. She has been providing some exceptional assistance regarding online learning to schools throughout SE Asia since Covid-19 began. We will use the feedback from parents and students to create targeted PD sessions for our faculty. Our first Professional Development session will be on Assessment in Distance Learning mode next Tuesday afternoon. This is an amazing opportunity for our school and will directly impact student learning.

I would like to thank the Board and Health Committee for all of their combined care for our school and the health of our community. Both groups have thought about each issue, carefully brainstorming ideas and sifting through all of the data to determine the pertinent facts to ensure that decisions are made for the benefit of our community,

“Physical distancing” is very different from “social distancing.“ Bali Island School recognizes the importance of connection and remaining social. We urge all of our community members to reach out proactively to family, friends and colleagues. While we may need to be physically distant it is still possible to stay socially connected.

“As a Grade 12 student undergoing multiple educational hurdles, I feel that the school is truly highlighting the care and efficiency of distance learning that they have prepared for, to give the Grade 12 class, a memorable last year. I find myself excited to wake up in the morning and greet my class in the Homeroom group chat. The school has supported us as much as they can with distance learning, and I want to recognise and appreciate this through the tough situation we are all in.”

  ~ anonymous Grade 12 student – from the Student Survey

Stay well. Loyally, 

Garth