Happy New Year 2021!
We certainly have a lot of hopes and wishes for this year. Perhaps by the end of 2021 Corona will be beer again, and when we use the word “positive” in a sentence it truly means something positive. Having said that, we hope that those who tested today and will test tomorrow for COVID-19 are receiving negative results. That will be the first positive piece of news.
We start the second semester with some uncertainty with the virus spread here in Hyogo and the rest of Japan as well. As you have read in the news and from Jon’s email, the pandemic is still on and unfortunately, doing really well. The first week or so will be incredibly important in determining the direction we are taking to ensure the safety of everybody. As we enter the building tomorrow, we should all take a deep breath and be mentally prepared to either teach from home at one point, teach less familiar classes, and of course, continue to practice the rigorous hygiene and COVID-19 related safety measures. Please note, that there will be no clubs and Track Rats this week. We are hoping to re-launch the extracurricular activities as soon as we have a better understanding of where we are as a community with the pandemic.
We are welcoming at least 10 new students and welcome back a few who thought they may leave before the break. Rob has informed those who are receiving new students and Remi has informed those who are not leaving after all. The slow increase of student numbers is good news in light of our school’s future as it allows us to plan for gradual growth. It does mean that in some classes we are extending beyond our recommended class sizes.
This week, we will meet on Tuesday at 7:50. We will have few updates on the COVID-19 situation and look ahead of the coming months. On Wednesday, we will plan our Unit of Inquiry and the first extended learning of the year taking place on Friday.
Finally, Heikki is back. However, he is in quarantine and will be working from home. Tomorrow he will email everyone a zoom link that is open throughout the days for any meetings.
Again, Happy New Year, and have a great start of the week!
Riana, Trevor, and Heikki
Weekly Duties: Duty List Aug-Dec
This Week's Schedule: Master Schedule 20-21
Professional Learning:
Please note that in order to qualify for Professional Development, you must always apply through the CA PD
application form found on KissFlow. Applications must be submitted no later than 10 days before the
registration deadline. For further information on 'How to apply for PD - click here'.
IB PD 19-20: Here is the IB PD booklet. Here is their search to find the workshops.
Check emails from Renee for other online PD opportunities
N.B. All PD information posted on Blogger is by default 'Personal PD' unless otherwise noted.
