Message From the Head of School – August 14, 2020
Happy Indonesian Independence Day!
I apologize to those of you who were unable to attend the BIS Indonesia Independence Day Ceremony this morning. We used Zoom and quickly discovered only 100 participants are allowed on a call. We had previously produced assemblies and graduations on zoom while streaming on YouTube. We were not able to do that this time as we had copyright issues with some of the music students performed. We will definitely find a workaround for next time. Please find the recording here!
I’d like to thank everyone involved for their help in honoring this nation we call home: our student Masters of Ceremony, Laura and Ralvian, our Indonesian Principal Ibu Yunita Reny, the Indonesian faculty members, the students who reflected on this the important cultural impact of Indonesia on their lives, the student performers and, as always, our technology department’s professionalism and assistance in making it all come to life. Thank you all!
I am proud to call Indonesia home. The country is beautiful in so many ways. I’ll share a brief story that epitomizes Indonesia for me – last school year after the coronavirus had hit and the entire student body was learning at home, I began to call families one by one to hear about the challenges of distance learning. I called an Indonesian gentleman, a father I had developed a friendly relationship with and when I asked him how he and his family were coping, he said “Pak Garth, don’t worry. We take care of each other. We always have and we always will. You are one of us now too, and we will take care of you and your family. If you ever have a need – please let me know.” This was a profoundly kind and generous gesture.
What I have learned in my brief stay in Indonesia is that this sentiment, this idea of inclusivity is fundamental to the Indonesian culture. We see it now displayed every day as the hungry are cared for by those who can. We see it displayed as face masks are worn for the greater good. We see it displayed by a half-hidden welcome smile.
To my Indonesian countrymen and women – you have a beautiful country full of breathtaking landscapes – but the heart of your beauty lies within its people. You are warm, kind, generous, and caring. Thank you for sharing those precious gifts with those of us who have chosen to call Indonesia home.
Secondary Schedule
The schedule for secondary will change on August 24. We will revert to our “normal” 80-minute block schedule with four periods per day. I received great feedback from MYP students about their learning experience – your voice influenced this decision – way to advocate for your learning!
Parents of MYP students, please remember that our Distance Learning Program consists of synchronous and asynchronous learning opportunities. Our research last year confirmed our belief that students sitting in front of computers for 80 minutes per period is not healthy. Thus, please recognize and understand that our faculty create learning experiences that balance the face to face connection with work that can be accomplished at home, in small groups, or individually.
Please note our latest addition to our BIS Reopening Plan:
BIS COVID-19 Quarantine Protocol
As an international community, BIS community members travel for both personal and professional reasons. The protocols below help us all remain healthy and safe. Thank you for your attention when traveling or hosting travellers in your house.
Please record all travel of BIS Community members here on our BIS travel tracker form.
- All international arrivals must self-isolate for 14 days.
- All travelers coming from an Indonesian red zone must self isolate for 14 days.
- All persons who had close contact with a Covid-19 patient, even with no symptoms, must self isolate for 14 days.
- Any community member with symptoms leading to suspicion of carrying Covid-19 must seek a doctor’s clearance before returning to school.
- If a family member, living in the same household as a BIS community member, travels domestically (red zone) or internationally – he/she should self isolate for 14 days (see isolation advice from Australian Government below). Other family members are welcome at school under these conditions.
Definition of terms/resources:
Red Zone: Link to Map of Covid – Indonesia
Close Contact: BIS defines close contact as 15 or more minutes within 2 meters of a positive Covid-19 carrier. (UK, AUS, CDC)
Symptoms/Suspicion of Covid-19 infection:
- Fever, chills, body aches, unexplained malaise or fatigue
- Respiratory symptoms (runny nose, cough, difficulty breathing)
- Loss of smell and taste
- Headache
- Unusual rash on toes or fingers
Living with other people while in isolation – From the Australian Government Department of Health
If you share your home with others, you should limit your contact with them.
- Cover coughs and sneezes
- Wash your hands regularly
- Wear a mask
- Don’t share household items