Kevin Davy
kevind@isb.ac.th
The recent coronavirus and the media surrounding it has been the talk of students in and out of school this week. It is of course natural that the risks and the unknowns of the virus will create anxiety, particularly for children and adolescents who don’t have the capacity to process information and reason in the same way an adult would. It is more difficult for them to assess health threats and put news reports and social media posts into perspective. Our students are hugely resilient and able to navigate through change and challenges such as this one. However, it’s a timely reminder how important it is as families to check in with our children to reassure and process what is going on from the lens of our own family values and experiences.
Of course, we need to follow the official guidance provided, be mindful of hygiene and take normal healthy precautions as we would with any other virus. However, here are a few extra things you may want to consider:
Listen to your child’s concerns and reassure them as best you can
Take time to check in with your child. Find out what they’ve heard, what they understand and any worries they have. Correct any misinformation and provide reasonable reassurance in a developmentally appropriate, honest and clear way. Scientists and public health officials are working overtime to understand the virus and look at ways to limit its impact. Encourage trust in their work and efforts and let teenagers get on with their very important business of being teenagers!
Avoid overconsumption of media
Many news outlets, other sources of online information and social media overemphasize the problem and its accompanying risks. Limit consumption of media, especially around this topic and suggest or provide other activities for your adolescent to be involved in.
Model a calm and measured approach
Children feed off their parents’ emotions. They will look to you for cues on how to respond to the situation. Talking to them about reasonable hygiene precautions and then confidently carrying on with your day is likely to be the best approach. Finally, remember all those usual healthy living basics of plenty of sleep, exercise and a healthy diet.
We were able this past Thursday to talk in advisory with our students about their thoughts and feelings surrounding recent events. We promoted how we can best support each other at this time. We also reminded students to be mindful of cultural differences / backgrounds and the words / actions used when addressing the current situation.
It’s that time of year were will be supporting students and parents in selecting courses for next school year. Some of this planning / presentations have been adjusted due to the current situation, including the course registration window that will now be March 20-25. Please see below for details.
Rising Freshmen (current Grade 8 students)
- March 5 – Screencast Presentation to be sent electronically to students
- March 7 – Follow up email – Planning sheet / PPT from presentations
- March 10 – Video tutorial sent on how to walk through Powerschool course sign up
- March 17 – Parent Presentation – 6:30 PM (CCT)
- March 20 – 25 – Course registration period
- April 30 – 8th & 9th Grade mixer during Advisory – 10-25 – 10:55
Here is the current Grade 10 outline of course selection support:
If you apply to summer programs or are moving at the end of the year and applying to other schools, please contact Kuhn Fon at supanniy@isb.ac.th. Please turn in to the HS Counseling office at least 10 days in advance if any documents are needed to support the student’s application.