While the world continues to fight the pandemic outbreak of coronavirus, most countries in Europe are slowly relaxing their regime of home isolation for their citizens. Poland seems to follow this pattern whilst still insisting on following strict regulations such as wearing masks and maintaining social distancing.
Starting on Sunday 17th May, younger children (below 13 years of age) will be able to leave the house on their own, and more people will be able to attend religious events. On Monday 18th May, there will be the opportunity to have a haircut or manicure, and restaurants will reopen, but under very strict safety rules. Sports facilities will also reopen with 12 to 32 people allowed in closed sports halls.
On Monday 25th May, our Year 2-4 classes will have the option of returning to The British School Warsaw as our Early Years children have already done for the past two weeks. All the details outlining the safety procedures to be followed in school were sent to Year 2-4 parents yesterday. Parents will have an opportunity to ask questions before making the decision on whether to send their child to school. The Virtual Learning Experience will continue until the end of the school year if parents decide to keep their children at home. There is no official announcement yet, regarding older students coming back to school but we will keep our community well informed in this regard.
Commencing Monday 25th May, schools will offer consultation sessions for the Year 9 and Year 10 students who will take their end of Polish Primary exam on June 16-18. We will provide more information about this exam once the government releases further guidelines. On Monday 25th May, universities will also resume teaching. Closures of Polish border crossings have also been extended until June 12, 2020.
More detailed information can be found:
In English: https://notesfrompoland.com/2020/05/13/restaurants-salons-and-sports-facilities-reopen-as-poland-continues-to-unfreeze-lockdown-but-border-controls-extended/
In Polish: https://www.gov.pl/web/koronawirus/3etap
Whilst some of the restrictions are being relaxed, we ask you to remain vigilant and to follow all the required safety procedures. High quality education is at the heart of what we do at The British School Warsaw, virtually or in school, but health and safety is our number one priority, so please stay healthy and safe in these unusual and difficult times.
Dr. Jacek Latkowski
Vice Principal