Message from the Head of School – January 29, 2021
Tomorrow many Balinese Hindus will celebrate Saraswati Day. The Goddess of Education has been put to the test over the past year here in Bali, Indonesia and around the world. While I am keenly aware of each one of our family’s hopes that we can resume face to face learning soon, I would ask that each of us take a minute tomorrow to pause and consider the education that BIS has been able to provide your Dragon over the past nine months.
I am grateful to each of our faculty members who pivoted to distance learning so smoothly. For their willingness to continue to improve the depth and personalization of our programs. As I bike to work and home each day, I am reminded of our most fortunate circumstances, in that our students have access to stable wifi, access to laptops and tablets. If we have taken this for granted, Saraswati provides us with an opportunity to be thankful and grateful.
The PTA Executive and I are brainstorming a virtual International Festival. Can you imagine celebrating our diversity through a collection of childhood memories, favorite recipes, family pictures of traditional holiday celebrations, musical performances and sharing the value of international mindedness with our community? If you can imagine it, or even if you can’t just yet, we would love your help in making this idea a reality. Please reach out to Jinae, Novi or myself to join the committee.
Please send good vibes towards our Senior class who will be taking their IB Mock exams next week. The purpose of mock exams is to provide students and teachers the most accurate litmus test prior to heading into the all important review period. Our faculty create IB-like exams from multiple past papers. IB exam conditions are strictly enforced so our students experience what May’s exams will feel like. The results of the exams help the student and teacher target areas for review, practice, further learning as well as refining predicted grades. Good vibes are on the way Class of 2021!
Stay safe, stay strong!
Garth