Message From the Head of School – September 11, 2020
Our existing Distance Learning Support programs will continue on Monday morning. As many of you have commented – we must learn to live with this virus – safely and with caution – but live and learn as well! Bersama Kita Bisa!
When we do add additional levels of support, we will do so on the following Monday – meaning when Sanur Kaja moves into a healthier color, the additional support will begin on the following Monday. This will be clearly communicated by Homeroom teachers to parents and students.
As we reflect on this week’s events, I believe we followed all of our protocols with integrity. However, as we are a learning community we have reviewed each and every step that occurred and have amended our protocols to reflect our new learning. It is my pledge to you that should a member of our BIS Faculty/Staff be recommended to have a PCR test by a doctor, I will inform the parents of any child with whom that member of our team has been in contact. As the PCR tests do tend to take 3-4 days to have a result, this can potentially save additional contact tracing. I strongly believe that our BIS community deserves this immediate reporting. I am aware that this may cause some unnecessary worry, but BIS will err on the side of caution and over-communication in the future.
In turn, I would ask that if anyone within your family unit has signs and symptoms of COVID, that you will inform me, immediately. This information will remain confidential but will allow BIS to initiate tracing and planning from our side. In this way, we can protect our BIS family and our BIS bubble as much as possible. I would also ask, that you refrain from any support program until your family has undergone testing or is symptom-free for 48 hours.
I’m confident that through early and transparent communication, we will navigate safely and cautiously through this pandemic. Please remember, that sensible handling of the virus is primarily about immediate and cautious action to protect our community. Let’s also remember that every individual who has been infected with COVID-19 deserves compassion from our community.
The earlier we share information about the individual health situation of any one of our community members, the better our response rate for appropriate action will be.
Please refer to our COVID Potential Case flowchart below to guide your actions:
Many Balinese will be attending ceremonies this coming week. We have reminded all of our Faculty and Staff to follow Governor Koster’s June 5 Covid-19 Statement regarding the Implementation of Safe Religious Activities. It is our hope that your staff will follow the same advice:
- Wear your mask
- Physical distance, avoid shaking hands and hugging
- Wash hands often
- Stay home if sick
- Ensure the place of worship has a Safe Health Certificate
- Avoid staying for an extended time of over one hour
- Protect children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems
- Respect the less than 30 person guideline for any gathering
Finally, I’ll reiterate that I am extremely proud that I am a member of the Bali Island School community. The outpouring of support and kindness shown over the past 48 hours has been tremendous.
Enjoy a wonderful weekend and stay safe and healthy!
Garth
