Dear Parents,
I trust you are all well and that you are navigating these uncertain times as best that you can. If we look around the world at how various countries have been managing this crisis, I have been reflecting on how lucky we are here in the UAE. I firmly belive the authorities here have been very measured and astute in their management of this crisis so far. I believe the decision to move the vacation and to go into a period of Distance Learning next week was the correct decision and by making this decision early, it has allowed schools to prepare thoroughly.
I have been working closely over the past two weeks with the respective sub school teams to provide the best distance learning experience possible for your child. The respective Head of School will be sending out detailed information on our programs later this evening to help you begin to plan for the beginning of the Term at midday on Sunday. On Sunday, you will receive further detailed information outlining the guidelines and instructions for the distance-learning program.
You can expect to receive the following information:
- Clearly structured timetables.
- Daily eLearning lesson plans.
- Clear learning objectives tied to accessible activities that link directly to our curriculum outcomes.
- Interactive and dynamic classes and activities
- Online Communication with teachers
- Defined lines of communication for parents and students who need assistance and feedback.
- Weekly personalised communication from your teacher.
- Timely feedback on student work and activities.
- Ongoing student wellbeing advice and support; morning homeroom and attendance checking.
- Technical support for online learning issues.
- Regular updates from Heads of School and Leadership
Over my ten years at VISS, I have witnessed many significant events and challenges both in the region and globally and this community has remained strong and resilient throughout. We are an incredibly strong establishment with a proud history and we will certainly come through this present crisis as strong as ever. Remember that this crisis will most certainly pass and it will probably pass faster than we all may anticipate. We should all try to see this difficult time as a chance to learn something about ourselves and our role as humans. The way we respond in time of crisis is often a true indication of our character and I would be encouraging our whole community to dedicate themselves to supporting each other and acting with the utmost integrity in this collective time of need.
Rest assured I personally have only one focus during the upcoming period and that is to make sure your children receive the best learning opportunities we can possibly provide to them. Furthermore, we are committed to ensuring all of the mechanisms that we have in place to look after the well-being of your child are still active and we are here to fully support you on all levels.
This may not be an easy time for your children and the novelty of working remotely may wear off very quickly. We are with you on this journey and we will make sure that your children know that their teachers and the school are checking on their wellbeing and ensuring, at the same time, that they are fully supported with their learning.
Continue to set clear structures for your children. Let them know that you are working in partnership with the school during this time and make sure you are following what they are doing on a daily basis. They will respond to clear structures and the quicker we get them into good habits with their home learning the better. Make sure also that they have good sleep and eating habits and that they get plenty of time to relax, read a book and to do exercise. Most importantly make them feel loved and supported through this time and let them know that this is something that will pass.
You have my word that we will continue to do everything possible to support you and your families through this time.
David Pyrah
Executive Principal
