It’s always a wild ride between February break and the end of school and this year will be no different despite our circumstances. With the announcement of vaccination for teachers yesterday, we are thinking cautiously about our plans for what comes next.
For the moment, do not expect much change in our practices or protocols. But, last Fall I predicted that the introduction of protections for staff would allow us to focus even more on student health and safety given a layer of protection for staff. Protection from a vaccine is not quick, so we have weeks ahead of us with continued diligence, but we are in a flow now.
We will continue looking at the calendar issues for the remainder of this year that have been raised and assess the data from all stakeholder groups that we are still gathering. It’s a challenging issue with diverse opinions, but I trust the administration and ultimately the board to give it due diligence.
We are enjoying some better weather after our snowfall before the break, but I hasten to warn that Punxsutawney Phil did see his shadow on February 2nd and thus, we should expect additional weeks of winter. I’m sure some other almanacs and prognosticators might refute his prediction, but my Kindergarteners from decades past would have happily debated that with you. Their belief in Phil was unshakeable. Dress warm and keep the hot chocolate handy!
Looking forward to seeing everyone tonight at the Town Hall. Not too many questions, but happy to have everyone with us for this time together.
Follow-up from before break…
Before the break, I announced that our long-time maintenance staff member, Grzegorz Oleksiak, passed after a long-fought illness. The services for him took place on Monday and a contingent of ASW staff, friends, and family attended. The school sent flowers on behalf of the entire ASW community. A memory book is still being prepared. If you have a contribution you would like us to add, please direct it to my office at director@aswarsaw.org.
The family has asked that we direct all donations to the Mazovian Oncological Hospital in Wieliszew that provided care to Grzegorz during his final days. In order to facilitate a school-based donation, you may make contributions to a fund by using the following transfer information. Once all donations are collected the school will forward it to the Hospital in his name from the ASW Community. We will accept donations until March 20.
Please put in detail of the payment – “DONATION – GRZEGORZ” :
To: American School of Warsaw
SANTANDER Bank Polska S.A.
Al. Jana Pawla II 17, 00-854 Warszawa
Account #: PL55 1090 1056 0000 0001 4267 6549
BIC (SWIFT) WBKPPLPPXXX