
We are a learning community, passionate about providing an International Education, which inspires and encourages learning and intercultural understanding.
We facilitate self-discovery and the development of unique interests, gifts and talents, whilst promoting service learning as a force for good in the world.
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Thank you very much for your continued support and understanding through this uncertain time. Last night the state of emergency was officially extended until April 11th. The whole team at SIS are working hard to make our new virtual school a success, and the messages of positivity and support you have been sharing with us are really valued and appreciated. Over the week, we have shared many aspects of fun, enjoyment and connectivity. I wanted to use this week’s newsletter to share how we are continuing with our curriculum, ensuring that the outcomes are being met and, at the same time, providing support and challenge for all students, irrespective of the current situation. Attendance this week has been once again remarkable with 96.5% of students attending school. In respect of this, I hope you received the communication yesterday related to the amendment of dates for the summer term.
Friday April 3rd will be the last day of the Spring Term
Monday 13th April will be the first day of the Summer Term
Wednesday June 17th will be the final day of the Summer Term
Last week, our M3 students completed their community project. They were given 4 lessons to work together to produce a video presentation of their learning journey. On Friday, our community project supervisors moderated these presentations.
In Secondary, our IELTs tests have continued. These critical language exams are used to measure the growth and development of our non-English speaking students. We use the results to help us ensure students are in the correct phase and therefore challenged appropriately as well as being an entrance requirement for university.
In Primary, our P6 exhibition has been launched with a focus on current events. The student-led inquiry is to investigate how people respond positively to events that affect our families. This is particularly relevant as the current instruction to ‘stay in our homes’ is affecting families here in Spain, and around the world.
Meanwhile, auditions for the virtual Dream Factory began! The music and peripatetic teachers have been working hard to keep delivering virtual singing, piano, trumpet, trombone and drum lessons. Some of our staff members have even been running their extracurricular activities virtually. Having this variety of engaging activities, available so quickly to our students is something I am very proud of. I would like to congratulate and thank all staff for taking the time to plan creatively, encourage students to take part and for keeping our community connected. I would like to thank students for their support, enthusiasm and continued commitment to the programme.
Please be aware that the school is currently implementing a new data system and requires updated information from all families. If your data is not up to date, or there are missing items the admin team will be contacting you over the coming week to complete this. Again, your help and support is appreciated.
All week, our thoughts have been with our D2 students and parents following the announcement of the cancellation of the Diploma exams. Students have remained strong and focused. Today we were informed of further news from the IBO. We will now act upon those developments with the best interests of our students at the centre of every decision, with the key aim of helping every single D2 student to achieve their goals.
I would like to remind you that notice for withdrawal from Sotogrande International School in June is Tuesday 31st March at 4pm. Giving notice by this deadline will enable us to return your deposit. Please email admissions@sis.gl . Clearly we hope that you all decide to stay and continue to choose SIS as the place of education for your children.
Finally, our IT team has been into school to collect the 3D printers so that we can support the local community in Campo de Gibraltar by printing the components needed for masks at local hospitals. Using education as a force for good forms part of our school mission, and the value of ‘giving back’ continues strongly within our community in these unprecedented times. These actions are never more valuable or appreciated than at a time of crisis.
This weekend the clocks go forward, so please make sure you are on time for virtual school on Monday!
Be safe.
Best wishes,
Jak Kearney
We are a learning community, passionate about providing an International Education, which inspires and encourages learning and intercultural understanding. We facilitate self-discovery and the development of unique interests, gifts and talents, whilst promoting service learning as a force for good in the world.