Dear Parents,
In order to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus, the China Ministry of Education has announced that the start of the spring semester 2020 for government-run schools, originally scheduled for February 17th has been postponed.
As a result, HoK will continue to deliver our online learning program until further notice. We fully understand that this is concerning for some parents and adds an extra burden to you. However, we have been extremely heartened by the support that we have received from you in helping us to maintain the learning programs for your children that the teachers have planned.
I want to take this opportunity to sincerely thank all the teachers at each of our campuses for their continued dedication and hard work during this difficult time. The quality of learning that is taking place is exceptional. It takes far more preparation and time for teachers to deliver lessons online than it does, face to face in the classroom. I know that many of the teachers are devoting much of their spare time to learn new methods of lesson delivery and preparing differentiated lessons that ensure that all students in the class are catered for. This is far from an extended holiday for our teachers and I am very proud of their efforts.
As a school we will continue to follow the guidelines and recommendations of the Education Bureau with regards to health and safety. As stated previously, our main concern is to ensure the well-being of all members of our HoK community.
At this stage we have not received any updates with regards to school resuming on campus. The Education Bureau has stated that all schools in Beijing need to remain closed until further notice; however, we do not expect schools to resume before February 24, at the earliest. I know this is potentially frustrating to you with the continued uncertainty.
As a school we remain fully prepared to resume campus based lessons as soon as we are notified. Prior to that happening, all classrooms will be fully disinfected and measures put in place to assure the continued safety of everyone who enters our campuses. Regular temperature checks, more regular cleaning and disinfecting as well as a heightened awareness of the signs of illness with take place when school resumes.
The current context makes this the safest course of action for our school community. Variables such as extensive international travel advisories, flight curtailments or cancellations to China, coupled with the World Health Organization (WHO) health advisory, are all contributing factors that will impact the resumption of school.
Please know, the school administration remains in close contact with our community partners in Beijing; in particular, the Beijing Education Bureau, the Beijing Health Commission and local and global medical authorities, to ensure the most up to date information is available to us.
As I’m sure you are aware, this is a rapidly evolving situation and we’d like to thank you in advance for your patience and support.
If you have any specific questions, concerns or feedback, kindly contact your child’s teachers of principal of your particular campus. I am also available if you need via email:
russell.oneill@hokschools.com or wechat russell_oneill.
In the meantime, please continue to check your email for further updates.
Kindest Regards,
Russell O’Neill