#130

Ever since I first read Simon Sinek’s quote, “Leadership is not about being in charge. Leadership is about taking care of those in your charge”, it has resonated strongly with me.

During these unusual times there is much talk in education circles about how school will look when the 2020/2021 school year starts in August/September. As we navigate the huge uncertainties and we look to take care of those who are part of our school community and those looking to join us in the 2020/2021 school year, the notion of taking care of those in our charge resonates even more deeply.

In each and every interaction (be it through email, via Zoom/Google meet or face to face on campus) one of the initial questions tends to centre on how school will look at the start of the 2020/2021 school year. At this point, we know for sure that our  first day will be Tuesday August 4, 2020. The specifics - be it on-campus, e-learning, a hybrid or other - are yet to be finalized.

I can, however, reiterate that as an entire school community, we look to serve our current and prospective students and families holistically and always through the lens of what is best. Whilst we pride ourselves on our academic programmes and academic rigour, we have always taken pride in our strong sense of community (which is immediately palpable on campus) and the way we support and nurture students during their transition into our school, whilst attending, and - as applicable, when they prepare to transition elsewhere.

Standard Operating Procedures of course now extend to include practices relating to the current pandemic including, but not limited to, Covid-19 related questions pertaining to travel and being sure to not allow on campus anyone who has the symptoms of and/or has been in contact with anyone experiencing Covid-19 in the previous 14 days as well as wearing a face mask and engaging in social distancing practices. In the same way our SOP adjusted accordingly (i) in line with requirements by the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health, and government guidelines and (ii) as more information became available, we anticipate further adjustments to the SOP as we approach the start of the 2020/2021 school year.

As you prepare - during these uncertain times - for the start of the 2020/2021 school year, how will you take care of those in your charge?