#154
To say that this has been an unusual year is an understatement. The transition to temperature checks, mask wearing, physical distancing, on-line learning, virtual tours and testing, quarantine and so much more has, without a doubt, impacted us all.
Despite the restrictions in place, our Admissions Department continues to keep uppermost in mind the notion of implementing best practices to ensure a personalized and smooth process for all prospective families from initial inquiry to enrollment and beyond. We continue to analyze, reflect and implement changes as necessary so as to best serve our prospective families. This very much reflects our school values of Belonging and Connection, Kindness and Compassion, and Excellence and Positivity.
In addition to the department practice and school values, I wholeheartedly believe the ten attributes of the IB Learner Profile should apply to the school community at large and not only to the students therein. When reflecting and considering best practices within our Admissions Department over the last few months, I have not only drawn upon the IB Learner Profile (and specifically the attributes of being communicators, caring and risk takers), but also elements from the image Who do I want to be during Covid-19? (see below).
With regards to being communicators [“We express ourselves confidently and creatively in more than one language and in many ways. We collaborate effectively, listening carefully to the perspectives of other individuals and groups.”]:
I am aware that communication online, be it via Zoom or Google Meet, is very different to that in person. I find myself listening more generally and also to what is not being said than would normally happen in a face to face appointment. I am aware that this may simply be as virtual meetings sometimes can feel more direct as there are not the typical campus distractions around us.
Whilst the palpable sense of the school community at large is not as apparent during the virtual meetings (during which I show 360 photos of the school), I do continue to share information about the programmes we offer and answer questions accordingly. I do find that being able to schedule tours and testing at a mutually convenient time, often from the convenience of the family’s home, does perhaps make it a little easier for families.
It is evident that since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic families not only have many more questions than typically happened before, but the nature of the questions has changed. Initial questions (especially more so for those about to embark on their first posting overseas) focus on whether school is on-campus, on-line or hybrid, government guidelines and the Covid-19 protocols in place on campus, rather than the more typical questions regarding academics, university acceptances, bussing, extra curricular activities, diversity of our school population etc.,.
As to caring, [“We show empathy, compassion and respect. We have a commitment to service, and we act to make a positive difference in the lives of others and in the world around us.”]:
We strive to share the sense of community and genuine care for all members of our school community from the initial enquiry to enrollment and beyond. We focus on the whole child (academic, social emotional etc.,.) and support the family’s move by addressing a whole range of topics including the emotions (both excitement, nervousness and everything in between) as a result of moving, the transition process in general, curriculum, EAL programmes, our vision, mission and values, and - especially recently - the personal safety measures in place. As raised by Willows in his blogpost, Why Virtual Admissions is More Than a Virtual Tour, “This really is a time for virtual admissions to become unprecedented expressions of institutional kindness”.
Since April, I have expanded the comments about supporting the transition to our school community to include the following: “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 on campus occurs while we are in lockdown, we schedule a time for the family to have an online meeting with the teacher, counsellor and principal prior to the first day. The purpose of this is to meet the teacher, start making connections, ask questions with the view to reducing anxiety about a new learning environment (especially when in uncertain times) and making the first few days go as smoothly as possible.
Regarding risk-takers, [“We approach uncertainty with forethought and determination; we work independently and cooperatively to explore new ideas and innovative strategies. We are resourceful and resilient in the face of challenges and change.”]:
As shared in my April 2020 blog post, 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”. In addition to recognizing the importance of resourcefulness and resilience, I do think it is paramount to be mindful of one’s emotions and those of others. Whilst we have become accustomed to a world of Zoom meetings, mask wearing, and physical distancing, not to mention worrying about the health and safety of others, we are all struggling a little more than usual.
Drawing on John Maxwell’s quote, "Change is Inevitable, Growth is Optional!", I like to think that despite the challenges, there are many silver linings. Thus I continue to stand by these comments from my October 2020 post, Admissions in the time of the Covid-19 pandemic [Part II]: “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 enrollment and beyond”.
Stay safe, stay well!
References
Brady, A. (Apri 2020) Admissions in the time of the Covid-19 pandemic
Brady, A. (October 2020) Admissions in the time of the Covid-19 pandemic [Part II]
Willows, D. (2020) Why Virtual Admissions is More Than a Virtual Tour Fragments Blog, Belgium
Image source unknown. Who do I want to be during Covid-19?
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