On Tuesday 2 February, the Dutch Government eased some of their restrictions and will open primary schools on Monday 8 February. The Government has emphasised that the country remains in a worrying situation and further clarity on the Host Nation expectations and conditions for opening is required. The Netherlands will remain in lockdown until 2 March 2020; rates of infection continue to be a concern in the community and the new variants’ increasing prevalence point to a third wave.
After careful consideration of the local context, and after working closely with health officials, military leaders, and our host nation partners, the Board of Governors has confirmed that AIS will open for all elementary students on Monday 22 February 2021, after the planned calendar break. This decision will allow time for clarity of the Host Nation requirements to be considered. It will avoid disrupting the established online learning routines and introducing new requirements for one week. Students and staff can then return in a prudent, safe and settled way.
The Board of Governors recognises that this may be unexpected news for some of our students and their families. Please be assured that this decision has been taken with the health and safety of our diverse community in mind. Five more days, plus the five-day planned break, will allow for a further two week period when the local context should be more settled. The prime concern remains the safety of the children and our staff in these times of uncertainty.
We will continue with our online learning routines and programmes and begin the preparation for the next steps in managing a successful return for elementary students on Monday 22 February. We are all looking forward to returning to school as soon as possible and delighted we have a confirmed date to commence that process. The Government will decide on the return for secondary school on Tuesday 23 February, as this age groups’ opening is not anticipated before 1 March 2021. We will keep you updated when we have further information.
The Directorate and National sections will keep you informed of the details of the return to school for elementary. We want to thank you for your continued patience and support in these challenging and unprecedented times.
The Board of Governors.
See also: