#146

In line with the notion of implementing best practices to ensure a personalized and smooth process for all families from initial inquiry to enrolment and beyond, we have continued to analyze, reflect and implement changes as necessary.

As referenced in my OpenApply blog post (January 2020), we had been wanting to implement an online application process with a focus on being user-friendly (for prospective families) and - when compared with paper/spreadsheets - less cumbersome (for Admissions and other M’KIS staff). Going live with OpenApply in January 2020 was - in hindsight - perfect timing. Malaysia implemented a Movement Control Order (MCO) as of March 17, 2020 and so for many weeks as the Covid-19 pandemic took hold, our Admissions department was able to continue to process applications and smoothly enrol students into our virtual learning programme.

In my April 2020 blog post Admissions in the time of the Covid-19 pandemic, I wrote, “By learning (having to learn) to live, work, function outside of our comfort zone during these unusual times, we all are demonstrating resourcefulness and resilience. While the Who do I want to be during Covid-19? image (source unknown) below is focussed on individuals on a personal basis, I do feel it also has application to professional settings.”

Two examples in the growth zone - “live in the present and focus on the future” and “look for a way to adapt to new changes” - continue to stand out. As I had envisaged in my April 2020 blog post Admissions in the time of the Covid-19 pandemic, we had (until two weeks ago when some statewide restrictions were implemented here in Malaysia) been offering both virtual and on-campus tours and assessments so as to best serve our prospective families. Much of what was shared in the blog post, Observations of a Typical Day in the Admissions Office (August 2018) continues to be valid. Not surprisingly, almost all families, and especially those still overseas, ask many questions about the general situation with Covid-19 here in Kuala Lumpur and specifically for details about our school’s Covid-19 SOP.

Per the growth zone in the Who do I want to be during Covid-19? image above (source unknown), the phrases “I think of the others and see how to help them” and “I am empathetic with myself and with others” are evident in the following changes we have implemented since March 2020:

* Whenever I write a letter to a family offering a place, I now include the following statement: “We are mindful that moving countries and joining a new school can be both exciting and can also cause students and families to feel nervous as they start to familiarize themselves with the new country and learning environment. We are very aware that this is also happening during a time when we have a lot of uncertainty surrounding us all. Should you and your family have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us.”

* For those students whose first day of school is whilst we are in lockdown, we schedule a time for the family to have an on-line meeting with the teacher prior to the first day. The purpose of this is to meet the teacher and ask questions with the view to making the first few days go as smoothly as possible.

This last year has, without a doubt, been most unusual. Like all schools around the world, we have seen changes in our practice as a result of and in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. As reflective practitioners we continue to analyze, reflect and will - as necessary - implement further changes in line with our belief in implementing best practices to ensure a personalized and smooth process for all families from initial inquiry to enrolment and beyond.

References

Brady, A. (2020) Admissions in the time of the Covid-19 pandemic

Brady, A. (2018) Observations of a Typical Day in the Admissions Office

Brady. A. (2020) OpenApply

Image source unknown. Who do I want to be during Covid-19?