Dear WBAIS community,
My family was warmly welcomed by a team of WBAIS colleagues earlier in July as we arrived and began our two week quarantine. Excited to get started, I have used the time to connect virtually with the Board, administrators and faculty (many of whom have been working throughout their July vacation) to further create plans for the opening of school in an uncertain environment.
In my 30 year international school career, I have often heard of the positive reputation enjoyed by WBAIS, and my interactions over the past several months and during this short time in Israel have confirmed that praise. Thanks to all of you who have helped make my family's transition this summer easier, and who have given of their vacation time to help plan for next year.
In the second half of July, with our next academic year just around the corner, the Coronavirus in Israel is in its second wave. The country is experiencing many new confirmed patients daily; the Israeli guidelines are constantly changing in turn, as the government continually learns new aspects of the virus, and looks for ways to balance both the health and economic needs of the country. Like all international schools, WBAIS is subject to the rules of the host country and, specifically, to the guidelines of the Israeli Ministries of Education (MOE) and Health (MOH).
In normal circumstances, the focus of an entering Head of School would be mainly on developing relationships and learning about WBAIS through connections with parents, faculty, students and those in leadership roles. These interactions offer valuable opportunities to learn about the school through multiple perspectives. I, of course, appreciate the value of those connections as well; however, my most immediate focus is to lead and collaborate with a team of principals, faculty and staff from each division to prepare to maximize value for your children as we align our program with national guidelines.
Let me share with you some of the decisions we have reached.
Current Planning
The MOE is advising all schools to prepare for the opening of school in 3 possible scenarios: full distance learning from home, full return to campus, and a hybrid plan which combines elements of both. WBAIS will have divisional plans for all 3 of these scenarios and a plan for shifting from one to another depending on potentially changing safety guidelines.
Classes Begin: September 1 Start Date
With the support of the school board, WBAIS has moved the first day of school for students to September 1. Please be assured that our new calendar will offer the same number of student contact days, while affording the administration and staff the necessary time in August to:
- Work with updated guidelines from the MOE and MOH
- Plan and offer professional development to faculty and staff to gain expertise in implementing and moving nimbly between the 3 scenarios as circumstances dictate.
- Ensure that we create the safest possible environment for our students and faculty
- Maximize learning opportunities for our students for each of the 3 scenarios
- Support families who are experiencing travel and related challenges given the current environment
Serving our community in uncertain times
The programs we are planning will allow flexibility given specific student and family situations. We recognize that members of our diverse WBAIS community may be facing different challenges as we start the school year. There are undoubtedly many questions that require clear consistent answers. During the first week of August, when administrators and staff are back on campus, we will share more information with you. In future communications, we will also share specific contacts for potential situations that may arise.
When our students start school on September 1, whatever scenario may be in place, they will receive the same high quality education you have come to expect from all our divisions -- Early Years, Elementary, Middle, and High Schools. As we get closer to our starting date, you will receive more specific information from the school and individual principals, regarding both the academic program and the social/emotional support that will be provided for new and returning students.
Finally, I hope you can enjoy the rest of the summer vacation, relaxing with your families and friends, and recharging your batteries for the coming year. I look forward to meeting and partnering with you to give our students the best possible educational experience.
Dr. Devin Pratt
Head of School