As we move into November our children continue to amaze us with their resilience, genuine care for others, and sheer ability to keep learning in times when the ground rules are forever changing. Young children have commented that they miss giving their friends a hug, or sharing birthdays with the extended family members whilst older students have commented on the change in temperatures when windows are open in school for improved ventilation, the challenge of social distancing, and obviously missing all the usual activities that are restricted at this time. It is at times like this when we deeply appreciate the support of families and friends and I hope it reassures our parents that here at AIS we have a group of international staff who are continually sharing their practices and thinking of new ways to deliver high-quality teaching and learning experiences for children in their care. The recent efforts to celebrate World Peace Day, Terry Fox Fund Raising, and Homecoming are just a few examples of continuing to celebrate AIS traditional events, be it in a different way. Staff are also busy planning opportunities for students to participate internationally in a Remembrance Day service next week and sharing ideas to foster collaboration in a safe socially distanced environment.
Once again, we would like to take the opportunity thank all our students, parents, and staff for their critical role in maintaining a safe and healthy environment at school and on the bus transportation as this is a top priority for us. We continue to emphasise and urge you to continue to conduct the pre-screening routines and keep your child at home if showing any signs of feeling unwell until 24 hours symptom-free. This pre-screening activity is proving to be highly effective and AIS Nurses are reporting that parents and families are doing a great job with this important task. Well done to all for your efforts and keeping our school open and COVID free.
On Tuesday 3 November 2020 the Dutch Government announced further measures taken in the Netherlands for the next two weeks in addition to the current partial lockdown measures. The main message is to stay at home and get tested if you develop symptoms, avoid busy places and non-essential travel, and keep your distance. The additional measures regarding travel restriction are in place until mid-January 2021. Holidays and family visits are viewed as non-essential travel and our Annex D.4 and D.5 provide the guidance to follow in terms of requirements to self-isolate should you travel to a restricted zone. By not complying with self-quarantine restrictions or by sending your child to school when he/she is not feeling well you may be putting the entire school at risk of closing. The latest Dutch Government information can be found at this link: https://www.government.nl/latest/news/2020/11/03/temporary-tightening-of-partial-lockdown.
For AIS, our procedures and protocols remain in place and all can be found on the parent portal on our website. AIS has restricted meetings in school to a maximum of 2 other people outside a social/bubble group and we continue to restrict the school visitor policy. Please keep in touch with your national office if you have any questions or queries.
We tested our Emergency Notification System today. Thank you to those families who have signed up. The system sends you an alert message if we need to cancel classes or close the school unexpectedly. Information is available on our website and through your national section newsletters and we encourage you to sign up if you have not done so. This is an efficient way for AIS to contact our community should there be an emergency such as a school closure due to poor weather conditions.
Summary of additional regulations announced earlier this week:
- Group Size: Maximum 2 people outside – fines will be issued
- Per household – no more than 2 guests inside per day
- No travel abroad until mid-January 2021
- Continue to focus on social distancing, limited movement and work from home whenever possible.
The following link provides the most up to date information available from the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) https://www.rivm.nl/en/current-information-about-novel-coronavirus-covid-19.
GGD national number on 0800-1202 or – Direct number for Heerlen 0880-5005
Please continue to follow our website and twitter messages.
We hope that you and your families continue to remain safe and well and thank you from everyone at AIS for your continued support in these challenging and unprecedented times.
AIS Directorate.
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