Dear ISB Community,
We wanted to update you all on the current situation in Thailand and ISB’s response during this uncertain time. Please find some important updates below.
Government Updates
The Governor of Nonthaburi and the Ministry of Education have ordered that all schools within the province must remain closed until February 1st.
We are in regular contact with the Nonthaburi Governor’s office, the Ministry of Education, and the Ministry of Public Health and will communicate further with any new developments. We continue to update our webpage (linked here) with our COVID-19 related communications and resources.
Virtual School
Divisional principals have communicated this week with parents regarding Virtual School plans. The ES, MS and HS Virtual School Handbooks can be accessed here. If you have any questions, please contact:
Justin Alexander (HS Principal) justina@isb.ac.th
Dennis Harter (MS Principal) dennish@isb.ac.th
Michael Allen (ES Principal) michaela@isb.ac.th
Community Safety
As cases continue to rise in Thailand, we urge families to limit unnecessary travel at this time. As of January 7th, five provinces (Rayong, Chonburi, Samut Sakhon, Chanthaburi, and Trad) will undergo stricter regulations in terms of entry and exit from their borders. Nonthaburi has also released its own directives instructing anyone traveling from the above listed provinces to home-quarantine for 14 days, monitor symptoms, avoid contact with anyone outside of the household, and follow hand hygiene practices.
It will be important for those traveling to prepare identifying information and documents to support the need for travel. Please anticipate potential delays, temperature checks, and questions regarding your travel.
Everyone should continue to take the vital precautions of wearing masks (remembering to cover both their nose and mouth), observing physical distancing, and regularly washing your hands. Please avoid large gatherings, keep records of places visited, and use the Thai Chana or Mor Chana (หมอชนะ) application to assist with contact tracing in the event this is needed.
ISB Parent Webinar
ISB’s administration will host a Zoom meeting for any interested parents on January 15th at 8:00am to address any community questions or concerns. A registration link will be sent in the first week of school.
Campus Access
Please note the ISB campus will remain closed to students and parents during this time, through January 31st.
ISB is maintaining a list of high risk locations and everyone coming on campus must complete a self declaration form confirming that these areas have not been visited.
The below locations will be available to visit by appointment only, starting Tuesday 12th January. Appointments must be made through the link “Campus Access Form” in the Parent Portal.
Locations: Bookstore, Business Office, Ed Tech, MS/HS Library and ES Hub.
Accessing Learning Resources
We are finalizing processes for distributing learning resources (instruments, art supplies, etc.) to all of our students needing them. Divisional principals will be in touch with families regarding the timings and processes for picking up or delivery of materials.
International Family Fair (IFF)
Regretfully, the International Family Fair (IFF), scheduled for February 6th, has been postponed. We are very grateful for our IFF volunteers for all of the organization completed thus far. We hope to run this important community event later this semester should conditions allow.
Activities, Trips and Events
Although many student activities, practices, trips and events are cancelled or postponed until campus reopens, fees associated with any January fixtures will be adjusted or refunded once we are up and running again. Panther Activities and ISB Athletics are hoping to offer some virtual opportunities for kids soon. Look for more information about this exciting initiative next week or contact Anthony, Chris, Lucas or Mark with questions. We miss your kids!
Anthony Giles (Arts & Activities Director) anthonyg@isb.ac.th
Chris Mott (Athletics Director) chrism@isb.ac.th
Lucas Rivera (Panther Activities Sports Manager) lucasr@isb.ac.th
Mark Jaspers (Associate Athletics Director) markj@isb.ac.th
Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact any of us at the addresses below.
All the best,
Andy
Dhave Setabutr, M.D., (Health Coordinator) dhaves@isb.ac.th
Usa Somboon (Headmistress) usomboon@isb.ac.th
Mark Hevland (Director of Risk Management) markh@isb.ac.th
Andy Davies (Head of School) andrewd@isb.ac.th
Debi Caskey (Deputy Head of School for Learning) debic@isb.ac.th
Marc de Vries (Deputy Head of School/CFO) marcd@isb.ac.th
Justin Alexander (HS Principal) justina@isb.ac.th
Dennis Harter (MS Principal) dennish@isb.ac.th
Michael Allen (ES Principal) michaela@isb.ac.th