Principal's Update - 17 June, 2022

Dear Parents,
I write to update you on two important issues:

End of Year Arrangements

Last evening, we received confirmation that we will finish this term on VSE. We were holding out hope that we may be able to have a full return to campus next week, but it is now confirmed that will not be possible. Our examination classes in year 10 and year 12 may access the campus but all other year groups continue with VSE.

We are sorry to bring you this news and can assure you that our focus at school will remain on providing the very best VSE experience we possibly can. The teachers are disappointed too but will ensure that the children remain engaged and motivated in their learning. In assemblies and events next week we will focus on the positives to be found in the wonderful events we were able to hold earlier in the year and the amazing progress that has been maintained in learning during the period of VSE. Further information on how students may be able to collect belongings including the Year Book, as well as to return resources, will follow from the Primary and Secondary School separately.

Calendar for Next Academic Year

We have been advised to amend our calendar for next academic year so that we start Term 1 on September 1^st in line with other Beijing schools, both local and international.

We expected that this might be the case and were fully prepared for this change.  It is highly beneficial in that we get to have induction and training for new and returning teachers before the students return on September 1^st as well as time to prepare the learning environment for a very positive start to the new academic year.

We had previously planned for 181 days of face-to face learning on campus, so we have made some minor adjustments to the calendar ensure that exactly the same number of days of on-campus learning are still offered to students next year.  Please see the amended calendar attached, showing that the academic year runs from Thursday 1^st September 2022 to Wednesday 21^st June 2023. The 'Back to School Learning' resources that have already been prepared will still be sent to you so that learning can be supported during a slightly extended summer break.

We know that this is a late adjustment but is a welcome one since it gives clarity now rather than uncertainty in August and gives more time for the control and prevention of the virus to have been fully effective.

We wish you a restful weekend and a good final week; the term will formally end next Friday, 24 June at midday. 

Kind regards,

Jayne Needham

Principal

2022-2023 BSB Shunyi School Calendar