Dear Parent and Students,
A blessed New Year 2021 to all our GIIS family, especially the new members who are joining us for the first time from January, 2021.
My team and me, warmly welcome you back to school to commence the last quarter of the academic year 2020-21
As we herald in the new year 2021, let us thank the almighty for all the wonderful blessings he bestowed on us in 2020, even though we know the world was plagued with an unparalleled catastrophe beyond any human understanding.
We know for certain that though we say it has been a difficult time, many of us were able to do things we never fathomed we would, like be part of the circuit breaker for close to 2 months and yet come out of it stronger and better people. The most amazing thing for me to see as a Principal is the wealth of talent our students not only possess, but demonstrated, even more astutely, during the year gone by. The selflessness with which they took up causes, be it the migrant workers or the less fortunate, they carved out programmes, so that these, who were all alone in a foreign land would feel comforted.
Our senior students leveraged on technology to bring entertainment and cheer to the rest of their peers and juniors by creating one virtual event after another to ensure that learning and engagement never seemed to end. All our students, including the little ones from KG and primary, participated wholeheartedly in every activity and event conducted for them.
Our teachers, who were heroes in invisible capes, made my heart swell with pride and hand raised to salute their commitment, dedication and grit, to ensure that no student stopped learning, as they juggled the new modes through which they had to navigate to prepare for their classes, amid so much of stress and pressure.
Our parents stepped in whenever we needed them to be understanding and supportive, to accommodate all the norms and guidelines to ensure a safe and secure environment for all.
The campus too got several recognitions from national and international bodies in different areas of operations and many of our leaders contributed at different forum their expertise to meet with the challenging times.
With all the positives listed above, I am optimistic for 2021. I am sure we will all surpass the difficult phase and come out winners.
Our mission will continue to be nurturing our students and making them the best versions of themselves, where they emerge equipped for an evolving and changing world.
The school theme RISE as leaders of tomorrow, demonstrating respect, empathy, skill acquisition and empathy will continue to guide us, as we move into 2021.
Over the next few months I will share my thoughts on the acronym RISE in the monthly Principal’s newsletter that you will receive every month.
Every letter of the word RISE has 2 attributes that I would be focusing on.
What does the R stand for in RISE? R stands for Respect and Resilience. Let me begin with Respect
When we talk of Respect it would mean Respect for Self and Respect for All.
Respect for self would include being grateful for your endowments. Thanking our creator for blessing you with talents and potentials and building self- esteem around that. Being confident and taking care of yourself to keep balanced and happy.
Rightly said by Fred Rogers, “If you could only sense how important you are to the lives of those you meet; how important you can be to people you may never even dream of. There is something of yourself that you leave at every meeting with another person."
Respect for others would include your surroundings, property, other living things and more important respect for people … people who might be different from you physically, emotionally, intellectually, socially or culturally.
Respect, both for self and others is an attribute that leaders must have in abundance.
Like the famous Marilyn Monroe says, Respect is one of life’s greatest treasures. I mean, what does it all add up to, if you don’t have that?”
Other attributes will continue in the subsequent newsletters.
To continue with the welcome message:
Activities at the school will go on in the last quarter as shared in the student handbook. Being the last quarter we will all be focusing on students preparing their move into the next level classes, having achieved the learning outcomes listed for their grade. We urge our students to remain focused and work hard to make transition into the next grade smooth.
As we continue with all our classes and students coming onsite, please do remember all the important guidelines shared earlier with regards to:
- Measures to follow due to the COVID situation: (Students are strictly advised to follow masks and social distancing norms without an exception – All school CCTVs will be monitored on a daily basis for any breach. We earnestly look forward for your full cooperation in advising children to adhere without any reminders)
- School Dress and Discipline code: (Please refer the student handbook. Please note that non- adherence to the code will call for immediate action with no further reminders and calls to parents. Wrong shoes, jackets, accessories etc. will be confiscated and the student will have to stay without them during the school day. The student council members will be doing regular checks and defaulters will be identified for consequences)
- Punctuality to school and class:(Since all students will be present onsite, virtual classes will only be available for students who are overseas and have a valid reason for not attending physically. We hope to have all our students be proactive in their timely submissions as well as attendance to school and their respective subject classes based on the time table)
- Attendance policy: (Please see announcements icon in mygiis
- Feedback and complaint management system: (Please see announcements icon in mygiis)
- Assessment schedules for January and February. (Kindly follow the given link for the assessment schedule for grades 6-8 in light of 100% physical classes)
Should you need any further assistance, please do reach out to your child’s class teacher, who is your first point of contact, followed by your segment coordinator and then Academic Supervisor. We are always happy to make your journey at GIIS a smooth and delightful one.
I look forward to a happy, healthy and safe 2021 for all of us.
Cheers and warm regards,
Melissa Maria
Principal
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