As the school year 2020/2021 draws to a close, we thank our parents and the community for helping AIS continue to operate safely and for making the online learning as successful as possible. We hope the close of this school year will mark the end of a challenging period steering our school through a global pandemic.
The Directorate and the Management Team have reviewed the plans and arrangements required for families to safely close the school year. Included in this planning is for AIS Graduates to have their successes acknowledged and celebrated in what promises to be a unique and memorable ceremony in these unprecedented times. Below, we outline some of the latest AIS developments and provide information to assist in the safe opening of the new school year in August.
Outdoor Recreational Environments
The elementary students have thoroughly enjoyed the new playground opened in April, and we look forward to seeing the new outdoor installation for the older students in August.
Learning Powered by Technology
We continue to encourage students to be the best versions of themselves. By investing in the schools’ technological infrastructure and resources, we can provide and support modern digital tools to help students achieve remarkable things by engaging with powerful learning content, resources and experiences. We are in the final stages of installing a complete fibre optic cabling refurbishment alongside a new network and server. This significant investment ensures greater security, reliable communication and high-speed internet capability necessary to support all students in new ways of learning using technology.
The upgrade to state-of-the-art SMARTboards continues this summer, and completion of the project will see classroom and teaching area furnished with a reliable high-tech SMART Board.
Science Labs/Building Renovation
Two science labs will be upgraded and renovated. The Gym and the building that houses our older students will gain a new roof. One the gym ‘shower rooms’ will be completely refurbished, and new boilers installed.
Returning in August 2021
The Board of Governors has agreed on plans for AIS to follow on the return of students in August 2021. Parent support will be critical in ensuring school life continues to be an exciting, safe and purposeful experience for your child.
AIS will open in August 2021, following the current COVID-19 procedures and protocols. Please understand travel and quarantine restrictions that rely on Host Nation circumstances may change at any time. The decision to start the School Year 2021-2022 with current procedures and protocols mitigates uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic over the next two months.
Considering that our school community will disperse to many countries across the globe during the school break maintaining our current protocols will ensure we can safely open our school to students and staff, irrespective of any Host Nation COVID-19 context changes. AIS Covid-19 protocols and procedures can be found on the parent portal of the AIS website. If you require the parent portal password, it can be obtained through the national sections. The Board of Governors will meet on 31 August 2021 to review the national and global context and will make any adjustments from 6 September 2021. However, any change will depend on the current context at that time. The prime concern remains the safety of the children and staff in these times of uncertainty. National sections should be your first point of contact if you have any queries or concerns.
Travel over the School Vacation
Travel restrictions remain for many countries. We have updated Annex D4 and Annex D5 in the parent portal to reflect current travel requirements and guidance. Please be aware that host nation travel restrictions and quarantine rules are regularly updated and found on the links provided in Annex D4 and D5. Be alert to any updates following a return from abroad, as AIS will follow the host nation regulations regarding any restrictions introduced in August. Self-quarantine rules apply to all students attending AIS, irrespective of age. Awareness to host nation requirements is an individual responsibility.
As we approach the summer break, we hope you and your families will be able to enjoy some much-needed family time together. We wish families leaving AFNORTH International School best wishes for the future, and we look forward to seeing students returning on Monday, 16 August 2021.
Keep well and safe.
The Directorate
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