Head of School Corner

As we look forward to the coming weeks and months, at this time, we can separate information into two categories, what we know and what we do not. Our approach throughout this situation has been to guide our efforts based on what we do know:

WHAT WE KNOW

• The pandemic causes anxiety due to the uncertainty of what will happen next.
• The physical isolation measures are challenging to manage with children.
• GJS provides a connection point for families during this challenging time.
• Cases of COVID in Jakarta and the surrounding area continue to increase.
• The airport remains open to international flights.
• Schools in South Tangerang / Banten are closed through June 1.
• Ramadan and Idul Fitri will be honoured as per our original calendar.
• During Ramadan, regular online school timings will continue.

IMPORTANT DATES

• June 5 - Secondary Sports Awards Ceremony
• June 5 - Primary Sports Awards Ceremony
• June 8 - Secondary Non-Academic Awards Assembly
• June 9 - Year 6 Graduation
• June 10 - Year 12 Graduation
• June 11/12 - Year 6 to 7 Transition
• June 12 - Secondary Academic Awards Assembly
• June 12 - Final Day for Students
• June 12 - Report cards will be available to students/families

WHAT WE EXPECT

• To continue to be able to continue with online learning through the end of the current academic year.
• To continue to celebrate our successes as well as our pending graduates.
• Departing families will be able to return equipment/materials to the school.
• Student and Parents will be able to access resources over the summer via Managebac.

There is a considerable amount that we do not have clarity on at this time, and as a result, we are developing scenarios that will guide our actions if and when necessary. These scenarios are as follows:

Planning Scenarios for the end of the 2019-2020 School year

• Classroom instruction resumes by June 2
• Online learning occurs through the end of the year to June 12
• Schools not suspended, but the risk remains high, and we adopt a blended model (a mix of online and face to face learning) for June 2 - June 12

Planning Scenarios to start the 2020-2021 School year

• Schools still suspended in South Tangerang / Banten - online learning to start the year.
• Schools not suspended and we start as usual August 3
• Schools not suspended, but the risk remains high, and we adopt a blended model (a mix of online and face to face learning) to start on August 3

Updated guidance from the local educational authorities, Ministry of Education and Culture and the Ministry of Health will allow us to clarify which pathway we will be able to take. When we have further information to share, we will be in communication with our community, just as we have throughout this crisis.

As we continue on our online learning journey, we must provide opportunities to gather feedback. We have hosted different forums to which a number of our parents and students have attended, each time resulting in the collection of valuable information. That information has assisted our teachers and leaders in making necessary improvements. To collect feedback from a broader segment of our community, early next week, we will be distributing our Online Learning Community Survey in which we will seek input from all GJS students, parents and faculty. We will distribute the survey link to parents via our WhatsApp groups, whereas students and faculty links will be sent directly to their school-issued email account.

Traditionally, as we come this time of year, our Leadership Team will show our appreciation to all our talented, helpful, and dedicated volunteers by hosting various appreciation/celebration events. Sadly, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, these events are not likely to take place as anticipated this school year. We want to take this opportunity to thank all of our volunteer parent groups, including Parent Association members, Year Level Representatives, Room Parents, School Board members, and the Board of Directors. We also wish to recognise all parents who engage in our community, day in and day out, be it in support of classroom learning, supporting after school activities or who have attended any of the numbers of events hosted over this year. Without our passionate and dedicated volunteers, GJS would not be the community it is, so we say thank you to all who give your time and talents willingly to support us.

We also wish to share with the community that this year, our GJS yearbook will be released virtually. When the hard copies are in hand, and physical distancing rules relax, all students will be issued a hard copy of the 2019-2020 Yearbook. For questions regarding yearbooks, please contact elzie@globaljaya.com.

Finally, this is our second last issue of KONTAK for the 2019-2020 school year. We will publish our end of year issue on June 12, 2020. In the meantime, we will continue with our weekly Online Learning Updates, which will be forthcoming on the last day of each of the coming weeks, and our COVID19 Updates when appropriate.

We want to continue to remind everyone to abide by the requirements to reduce the risk of the spread of COVID-19. Stay safe, stay healthy, and stay positive. We will get through this together.

It makes me proud to be the Head of a school with such an engaged and supportive community.

Warm regards,

Cory Carson

Head of School