Message From The Director
Dear ISD Teachers and Staff,
Winter break is nearly here. Hurray! I hope you make time for yourself to relax, refresh, and renew. The school year has been so very challenging in many ways that have tested our creativity and our resolve.
In that regard, each of you has met the challenge with flying colors and I thank you. It has been an honor to be your colleague these many months.
Since last week, two more programs have been launched with the aim of opening up facilities and programming while keeping everyone safe and healthy. Last week some of our teachers began teaching from their classrooms and this week a new opportunity becomes available that allows staff and their families to sign up to use school fields, outdoor hard surface courts, and children’s playground equipment. With each new pilot, we learn a bit more about how to operate the school in a pandemic. The lessons we are learning give us greater and greater confidence in keeping everyone safe. The journey has been long and sometimes frustratingly slow. Thanks to the efforts of many of our colleagues, we have avoided a positive case on campus for over two months. As we arrive at winter break, we recognize those who have kept their eye on the vision of making ISD just a little better each week.
Health and Safety Task Force leading weekly evaluation of the risk level based on country-wide and school COVID data. Also reviewing and updating standard operating protocols regularly. With thanks to Bridget, Stacy, Chris, George, Towhida, Adnan, Thomas, and Fayel.
Health & Safety Action Team who developed the housekeeping health and safety schedule and the kitchen health and safety plan (bubble plans). With appreciation to Fayel, Burhan, and Adnan.
Faculty and Staff Training Team who adapted the standard operating procedures into training sessions and then delivered the lessons so everyone understands the safety precautions they must take when on campus. Our thanks to Fayel, Anika, Nilanthi, Chris, and Thomas.
Fitness Center Planning Team who developed the protocols, schedule, and other preparations so this popular facility could open safety. Thank you Fayel, Farhana, Adnan, and Burhan.
Classroom Instruction Work Group who developed the pilot so instruction could begin happening from classrooms. A big thank you to Thomas, Chris, Long, Jason, Spencer, Susana, Towhida, Bridget, Adnan, Burhan, and Fayel
Field & Playground Work Team who created the safeguards so staff and their family members could use outdoor spaces for recreation. Hats off to Adnan, Burhan, Thomas, Chris, and Fayel.
Dozens of others, notably our housekeeping staff and kitchen crew are watching out for our safety. Thank you to all of them, as well. We invite you to send the names of anyone you wish to thank to Fariza or me. We will recognize them in an upcoming update.
Our journey of a thousand miles still lies ahead before a full return to campus. Thank you to each staff member who is making a positive difference. They have spent many hours making these first steps possible.
Happy holidays everyone! I wish you a joyful and peaceful winter break!
Kurt Nordness
Director
International School Dhaka
