COVID-19 : Start of School Year 2020-2021 (FAQ)
Lower School
Lower School - Overview
- Start of School Year Dates
- Attendance
- Illness and Fever Guidelines
- Confirmed Case
- Learning and Support for Students
Start of School Year Dates
Attendance
- In Luxembourg, physical attendance at school is obligatory for all students over the age of 4 years. As such, if your child is sick and cannot come to school, please send an email to lsattendance@islux.lu or complete the absence notification form on myISL.
- For the time being, our buildings will remain closed to parents and visitors.
Illness and Fever Guidelines
General Illness:
Your child should stay at home/will be sent home if they have any of the following:
- General illness:
They appear or complain of feeling unwell or they have a suspected communicable disease. - Fever:
Students with a temperature over 37.5 C will be sent home from school and should not return to school until they are FEVER FREE for 48 hours without the use of fever-reducing medicine (e.g. paracetamol, ibuprofen etc) - Covid SYMPTOMS other than fever:
At these exceptional times, in the event a student presents in the nurse office with a continuous cough or respiratory difficulty, muscle aches and/or the loss of taste/smell we will send the student home as a precaution. The student should remain home for a minimum of 48 hours or until symptom free.
Students with fever will be held in a designated quarantine room (not in the nurse office barring other physical complications) and will be required to wear a medical mask until they can be picked up by their parents/guardian.
We would expect parents to be available to pick their child up within 45 mins once they have been contacted by the nurse. In the event a parent is unable to collect their child, we will contact the emergency contact we have on file. Parents/emergency contacts will be expected to collect the child by car in order to avoid possible spread on public transport.
In the event of a student presenting with Covid-19 symptoms, it is strongly recommended that you follow the Health Ministry of Luxembourg recommendations and contact your doctor to arrange for testing.
Please inform the school nurse if someone in your family is being tested for Covid-19.
Return to School After Illness/Fever (Covid-19 considerations)
- In the event of suspected Covid-19 infection you should contact your doctor to arrange for testing and not return to school until you have the results.
- In the event that the results are positive, you will need to follow the guidelines of the government in regards to quarantine and self isolation for the family. The student may not return to school earlier than the minimum quarantine requirement even if the student is feeling well. The length of quarantine is 14 days from the onset of symptoms. If the symptoms extend longer than 14 days, then you should remain in quarantine until you are 48 hours symptom free.
- If a member of the family receives a positive result of a Covid-19 test, we ask that the family self-isolates and students do not come to school during this time.
- In the event that the results are negative, students must be symptom and fever free for 48 hours or longer.
- In the event that the results are positive, you will need to follow the guidelines of the government in regards to quarantine and self isolation for the family. The student may not return to school earlier than the minimum quarantine requirement even if the student is feeling well. The length of quarantine is 14 days from the onset of symptoms. If the symptoms extend longer than 14 days, then you should remain in quarantine until you are 48 hours symptom free.
- On return to school following absence due to an illness or isolation, students must be checked at the nurse office immediately upon arrival to school, before going to the classroom. Students who arrive with fever, temperature over 37.5 C or have taken fever reducing medication will not be given access to the classroom and parents will be notified to pick up their child immediately
- When the child returns to school, he/she must be fit enough to participate in all activities.
Exception to the rule:
If there is a restriction from some activity (recess or PE) there must be doctor's note explaining for how long.
Confirmed Case
What happens if a faculty/staff/student tests positive for COVID-19?
The Ministry of Health (MoH) will advise the actions to take.
What is the procedure for a person who has been in contact with someone who has tested positive for the virus?
This person must stay at home and contact the MoH for further advice, if not already contacted by the MoH. These persons must stay at home for 7 days from the day of the last contact with the infected person - the Health Inspectorate will provide them, if necessary, with a certificate of incapacity for work. During this period, all unprotected contact with other persons must be avoided. From the 5th day onwards, they will be asked to be tested for COVID-19 at a laboratory of their choice, using the prescription that has been sent to them. If the test is negative, the quarantine ends. During the seven days following the quarantine, they must self-monitor and wear a mask when in contact with other people. If symptoms appear, they must immediately be tested again and placed in isolation.
Failure to comply is an offence punishable by a fine from €25 to €500.
What to do if you are in quarantine?
What happens if a household member is placed on a quarantine?
Stay alone in one room, with doors closed, and take your meals in that room. Avoid all visits and contact and do not leave your room unless necessary. Wash your hands regularly. Do not share personal household items, such as dishes, glasses, cups, kitchen utensils, napkins or bedding with other people. After having used any of these items, wash them carefully with water and soap, or in the dishwasher/washing machine. All of the clothes, bed linen and towels have to be washed regularly in a washing machine.
Do I need to inform ISL if a family member has tested positive?
If a family member is tested positive, you will probably be put in quarantine by the MoH, and you will get a certificated issued by the MoH which has to be sent to ISL via email to lsnurse@islux.lu or usnurse@islux.lu.
How do I talk to my Lower school child about a confirmed COVID-19 case at ISL?
You know your child best. We believe children respond best to honesty and clarity in a developmentally appropriate manner. Be clear and concise, but avoid lengthy details if you sense the information is worrying your child. Contact the LS counsellors if you need support with this.
Do I need to inform ISL if my workplace has a confirmed case?
No.
In the case where a positive Covid-19 case is identified within the school, the Ministry of Health will advise the school about further steps to be taken. ISL will follow any recommendation from the Ministry including full support of their contact tracing.
Learning and Support for Students
- Due to the constraints and directives imposed by the Ministry of Education, our approach to teaching and learning will be as close to as normally experienced by students at ISL, but at the same time ensuring the health and safety of all. School will look and feel slightly different from usual, but we are sure our students and staff will adapt to this new reality.
- Our counselling team is on call to help and can be contacted in the usual way.
- Our teachers are sensitive to the impact the altered environment and practices may have on students and are there to help.
- Our goal is to provide students with some familiarity of school routines for social and academic learning in a school environment.
- ISL has created robust contingency plans to switch to Virtual Learning for all students should the situation arise whereby the Ministry of Health closes all or parts of the school.
Social Distancing
- Expectations of Students
- Driving to ISL
- Movement of Students and Staff within the Buildings
- Outdoor Play
Expectations of Students
- In order to maintain the high standards of safety and hygiene, everyone in the school community must take responsibility for themselves and for each other.
- Social distancing rules and expectations for hygiene will be enforced throughout the school.
- Should a student find these expectations difficult to meet, he or she will have a conversation with the Principal, Deputy Principal or Assistant Principal for Early Years.
- Parents may then be contacted and asked to pick up their child. The principal will discuss with the parents whether attending school at this time is the best for their child.
Driving to ISL
- When driving to school, please simply drop off your child at the front of the Lower School. There is no waiting time on the drop off zones or parking spaces.
- Parents are requested to remain inside their cars when dropping off their child.
- Parents of younger children who need to walk their child to the Lower School should park across the road at the Bouillon parking garage (see below).
- Preschool and K1 parents can drop off their child at the Hillside ramp or at the changing room area external door in the Early Years playground.
- Parents are not permitted inside the Lower School building except in an emergency or with a prior appointment.
- The map shows the flow of people to the Lower School. Face masks are mandatory on campus and in the buildings.
Movement of Students and Staff within the Buildings
- A one-way system will be in operation in corridors and hallways.
- Lower School faculty will guide students around the building as required. This has been put in place in order to minimise the crossing of students with one another.
- As students move around the school, they will be wearing their face masks as well as maintaining social distancing protocols as much as possible.
Outdoor Play
Health and Safety
Face Masks
- Students in Grade 1 and above must wear face masks at all times except when permission is granted by a teacher when sitting in a classroom.
- Face masks are required when:
- Travelling to and from school, using public transport
- Moving on campus and in all areas of the school. This includes corridors, classrooms, bathrooms, drop off and pick up points.
- Students can remove their face masks in the classrooms if teacher permission has been granted.
- Students are required to keep their face masks on at the end of school until they have completely left the campus.
Hygiene Procedures
- Over the summer there has been a deep cleaning of all classrooms and shared spaces.
- Additional measures have been put into place such as cleaning of handrails, door handles, bathrooms etc. on an hourly basis
- These measures will be intensified with additional cleaning personnel during the school day.
- Staff members will receive the following cleaning materials:
- Spray bottle of disinfectant
- Paper roll to wipe down
- Disinfectant wipes
- Masks
- Gloves
- The school has also purchased these additional supplies:
- Masks
- Disinfectant
- Thermometers
- Disinfectant wipes
- Disposable gloves
- Protective goggles
- Red bins dedicated for masks and gloves
- Protective face shields produced in house with 3D printer
- Thermal cameras
Organisation of the Day
- Arrival Expectations
- Expectations around the use of materials
- Classroom Organisation
- Daily Schedule
- Cafeteria and breaks
- Dismissal Expectations
- Beyond the Classroom Activities
- STAR Activities
Arrival Expectations
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We look forward to welcoming our Lower School students back to school on Thursday 27 August. For Preschool and Kindergarten students: see myISL Parent Portal (under \Lower School\Start of Year Documentation\) for more information on staggered dates.
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Parents should take their child’s temperature each morning before arriving at school. If your child’s temperature is above 37.5, he or she must remain home.
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Students arrive at the Lower School between 8:00 and 8:25. For Thursday 27 and Friday 28th August students will gather outside under the covered atrium in grade level groups (K2-Grade 5) unless otherwise communicated.
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PS and K1 students should be dropped off at the Hillside ramp or at the doors to the changing room doors from the Early Years playground from Friday August 28th.
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Parents who walk-in to drop off their child can drop off at the LS atrium or Hillside ramp or Early Years playground. At this time, the parent must say goodbye and then leave the LS campus.
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Upon entering the Lower School, everyone will have their temperature checked at the temperature screening facility located at the Lower School reception desk and Hillside ramp.
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Social Distancing Rules must be observed whilst students are waiting to enter the school. Students must wear their face masks during this arrival time.
Important to note
- Parents will not be able to enter the LS building without a prior appointment through the LS Office.
- Parents may walk or drive onto our campus at the start of the day.
For K2 and Grades 1-5, please leave your child by the planting boxes where they will be supervised by one of our adults. K2 students will be accompanied to the Early Years playground by a K2 Teaching Assistant
Hillside ramp and Early Years changing room entry / exit doors
for Preschool and K1 entry and Preschool exit
Expectations around the use of materials
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Students will be permitted to use their cubbies to store their personal items.
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From day one onwards, students will have to bring the following items from home:
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Grades 1 to 5: a pencil case containing two pencils, pencil crayons, markers, an eraser, a glue stick, a pair of scissors, a small ruler, a pencil sharpener (ideally with pencil shavings collector lid if possible), and headphones if they do not already have them in school.
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Preschool, K1 and K2 will post on Seesaw the materials and equipment students in these grades need to bring to school
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The recommendation from the Ministry of Education is not to share any of their belongings or materials with other students.
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Students must bring a full water bottle with them each day - clearly marked with their name. Students cannot share their water bottle with their friends.
Classroom Organisation
Daily Schedule
Cafeteria and breaks
- The cafeteria will be operating as usual preparing the healthy mid-morning snack and lunch for the students.
- Students can choose lunch from school as normal from our catering company published menus.
- Students may also bring lunch from home. In this case students are recommended to bring their food in environmentally friendly packaging, like a reusable box. Any lunch boxes or reusable containers should be clearly named, and taken home for cleaning each day. Please remember, we are a nut-free school.
- The snack will be eaten in the homeroom classroom or cafeteria.
- The catering company will deliver lunches to the classrooms of Preschool, K1 and K2.
- Grades 1 to 5 will eat their lunches in one of the two cafeterias in their class groups. They will be socially distanced and with specific health and safety precautions.
- Students will not be allowed to share their lunch with others.
- Students will have outdoor breaks with their grade level peers. These will be at staggered times and in different locations in order to support social distancing effectively.
Dismissal Expectations
- Lower School will finish between 15:00 and 15:25.
On Wednesdays Preschool, K1 and K2 will finish at 12:00 and all other students from 14:20 to 14:35. See below:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday
- Preschool - 15.00
- K1 - 15.10
- K2 - 15.15
- Grade 1 - 15.20
- Grade 2 - 15.20
- Grade 3 - 15.25
- Grade 4 - 15.25
- Grade 5 - 15.25
Wednesday
- Preschool - 12.00
- K1 - 12.00
- K2 - 12.00
- Grade 1 - 14.30
- Grade 2 - 14.30
- Grade 3 - 14.35
- Grade 4 - 14.35
- Grade 5 - 14.35
Preschool in the Early Years playground.
K1 and K2 and Grades 1 to 5 under the covered atrium at the front of the school
- Students will be brought to the front of the LS building by their homeroom teacher at the above times in order to reduce bottlenecks at the schools’ exits. When you see your child, please make eye contact with the teacher and then your child can come over to you.
- Students are reminded to keep their face masks on until they have completely left the campus.
- Preschool students will be dismissed from their cloakroom external door in the Early Years playground. In the event of inclement weather please wait under the covered walkway to Hillside.
Beyond the Classroom Activities
STAR Activities
Upper School
Upper School - Overview
- Start of School Year Dates
- Attendance
- Illness and Fever Guidelines
- Confirmed Case
- Learning and Support for Students
Start of School Year Dates
Attendance
- In Luxembourg, physical attendance at school is obligatory for all students over the age of 4 years.
- If your child is sick and cannot come to school, please call, send an email to usattendance@islux.lu or complete the absence notification form on MyISL.
Illness and Fever Guidelines
General Illness:
You child should stay at home/will be sent home if they have any of the following:
- General illness:
They appear or complain of feeling unwell or they have a suspected communicable disease. - Fever:
Students with a temperature over 37.5 C will be sent home from school and should not return to school until they are FEVER FREE for 48 hours without the use of fever-reducing medicine (e.g. paracetamol, ibuprofen etc) - Covid SYMPTOMS other than fever:
At these exceptional times, in the event a student presents in the nurse office with a continuous cough or respiratory difficulty, muscle aches and/or the loss of taste/smell we will send the student home as a precaution. The student should remain home for a minimum of 48 hours or until symptom free.
Students with fever will be held in a designated quarantine room (not in the nurse office barring other physical complications) and will be required to wear a medical mask until they can be picked up by their parents/guardian.
We would expect parents to be available to pick their child up within 45 mins once they have been contacted by the nurse. In the event a parent is unable to collect their child, we will contact the emergency contact we have on file. Parents/emergency contacts will be expected to collect the child by car in order to avoid possible spread on public transport.
In the event of a student presenting with Covid-19 symptoms, it is strongly recommended that you follow the Health Ministry of Luxembourg recommendations and contact your doctor to arrange for testing.
Please inform the school nurse if someone in your family is being tested for Covid-19.
Return to School After Illness/Fever (Covid-19 considerations)
- In the event of suspected Covid-19 infection you should contact your doctor to arrange for testing and not return to school until you have the results.
- In the event that the results are positive, you will need to follow the guidelines of the government in regards to quarantine and self isolation for the family. The student may not return to school earlier than the minimum quarantine requirement even if the student is feeling well. The length of quarantine is 14 days from the onset of symptoms. If the symptoms extend longer than 14 days, then you should remain in quarantine until you are 48 hours symptom free.
- If a member of the family receives a positive result of a Covid-19 test, we ask that the family self-isolates and students do not come to school during this time.
- In the event that the results are negative, students must be symptom and fever free for 48 hours or longer.
- In the event that the results are positive, you will need to follow the guidelines of the government in regards to quarantine and self isolation for the family. The student may not return to school earlier than the minimum quarantine requirement even if the student is feeling well. The length of quarantine is 14 days from the onset of symptoms. If the symptoms extend longer than 14 days, then you should remain in quarantine until you are 48 hours symptom free.
- On return to school following absence due to an illness or isolation, students must be checked at the nurse office immediately upon arrival to school, before going to the classroom. Students who arrive with fever, temperature over 37.5 C or have taken fever reducing medication will not be given access to the classroom and parents will be notified to pick up their child immediately
- When the child returns to school, he/she must be fit enough to participate in all activities.
Exception to the rule:
If there is a restriction from some activity (recess or PE) there must be doctor's note explaining for how long.
Confirmed Case
What happens if a faculty/staff/student tests positive for COVID-19?
The Ministry of Health (MoH) will advise the actions to take.
What is the procedure for a person who has been in contact with someone who has tested positive for the virus?
This person has to stay at home and contact the MoH for further advice, if not already contacted by the MoH. These persons must stay at home for 7 days counting from the day of the last contact with the infected person - the Health Inspectorate will provide them, if necessary, with a certificate of incapacity for work. During this period, all unprotected contact with other persons must be avoided. From the 5th day onwards, they will be asked to be tested for COVID-19 at a laboratory of their choice, using the prescription that has been sent to them. If the test is negative, the quarantine ends. During the seven days following the quarantine, they must self-monitor and wear a mask when in contact with other people. If symptoms appear, they must immediately be tested again and placed in isolation.
Failure to comply is an offence punishable by a fine from 25 to 500 euro.
What to do if you are in quarantine?
What happens if a household member is placed on a quarantine?
Stay alone in one room, with doors closed, and take your meals in that room. Avoid all visits and contact and do not leave your room unless necessary. Wash your hands regularly. Do not share personal household items, such as dishes, glasses, cups, kitchen utensils, napkins or bedding with other people. After having used any of these items, wash them carefully with water and soap, or in the dishwasher/washing machine. All of the clothes, bed linen and towels have to be washed regularly in a washing machine.
Do I need to inform ISL if a family member has tested positive?
If a family member is tested positive, you will probably be put in quarantine by the MoH, and you will get a certificated issued by the MoH which has to be sent to ISL via email to lsnurse@islux.lu or usnurse@islux.lu.
Do I need to inform ISL if my workplace has a confirmed case?
No
In the case where a positive Covid-19 case is identified within the school, the Ministry of Health will advise the school about further steps to be taken. ISL will follow any recommendation from the Ministry including full support of their contact tracing.
Learning and Support for Students
- We anticipate teaching and learning being as immersive and dynamic as usual. However, opportunities for group work will be limited and students will be largely at a separate desk.
- The daily Homeroom or Advisory times will be important for keeping students up to date with developments and supporting them in understanding necessary health and hygiene practices.
- We anticipate all staff returning to school. Should any staff be required to stay away from school for health reasons a substitute teacher will be provided as usual.
- Schoology will continue to be used as the Learning Management System so that, should a student have to be absent from school, they will be able to follow the programme via this means.
Social Distancing
- Rules and Expectations
- Driving on Campus
- Movement of Students and Staff within the Buildings
- Outdoor Play
Rules and Expectations
- In order to maintain the high standards of safety and hygiene, everyone in the school community must take responsibility for themselves and for each other. As such, social distancing rules and expectations for hygiene will be enforced throughout the school.
- Should a student find these expectations difficult to meet, they will have a conversation with the Principal, Deputy Principal or Dean of Students.
- Parents may then be contacted and asked to pick up their child. The Principal will discuss with the parents whether attending school at this time is the best for their child.
Driving on Campus
- The blue area on the image indicates the usual drop-off zone. The green area indicates the two-way pedestrian walkway.
- Remember, parents should not get out of their car but simply drop their child and leave. Parents are not permitted into the campus unless in an emergency.
- Face masks are mandatory on campus and in the buildings.
Movement of Students and Staff within the Buildings
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In order to minimise congestion and cross-flow of students, a one-way system will be in operation in the common areas of the school, especially corridors and hallways.
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This is clearly marked with arrows and other signs and visual aids.
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Students must keep their mask on when moving around the school and maintain social distancing protocols as best they can.
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To help avoid unnecessary congestion & maintain a smooth flow of students around the buildings, student movement from class to class and when visiting their lockers or using the restrooms, should be done as swiftly and safely as possible.
Outdoor Play
Health and Safety
Face Masks
- Students must wear face masks or coverings:
• Travelling to and from school, using public transport
• Moving on campus and in all areas of the school. This includes corridors, classrooms, bathrooms, drop off and pick up points.
• Students are only permitted to remove their face coverings in classrooms with the permission of their teacher.
Hygiene procedures
- The school has been thoroughly cleaned over the holidays.
- Additional hand cleansing stations are available throughout the building.
- Staff members will receive the following cleaning materials:
- Spray bottle of disinfectant
- Paper roll to wipe down
- Disinfectant wipes
- Masks
- Gloves
- The school has also purchased these additional supplies:
- Masks
- Disinfectant
- Thermometers
- Disinfectant wipes
- Disposable gloves
- Protective goggles
- Red bins dedicated for masks and gloves
- Thermal cameras
- Any student experiencing COVID19 symptoms will be sent home.
Organisation of the Day
- Arrival Expectations
- Use of materials
- Classroom Organisation
- Daily Schedule
- Cafeteria
- Dismissal
- Beyond the Classroom Activities
Arrival Expectations
- Arrival 8.00 - 08.20
- Everyone entering the school will have their temperature checked as they enter the building. If a student or a staff member shows a temperature above 37.5 degrees celsius he or she will not be permitted to attend school. In this case, the parents will be informed by phone and you will need to either pick your child up, or confirm that they can go home by themselves.
- Once students have passed through the temperature screening students will go to the timber playground / field until school starts.
- Everyone entering the school campus must wear a face covering and avoid physical contact.
Use of materials
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Each day, students should bring whatever they need to school to be ready to learn.
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Students will be assigned a locker and locker use is permitted although social distancing protocols will need to be observed to avoid too much congestion at the lockers between classes.
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Because of the risk of transmission of the virus, students will not be allowed to share any of their belongings or materials with other students. The school will not be providing any communal use stationery for the same reason. Therefore please do ensure that the students have a personal supply day to day learning materials and stationary.
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Because the communal water fountains will be closed. Students must bring a full water bottle with them each day - clearly marked with their name. Students cannot share their water bottle with their friends. Water bottles can be filled up in the bathrooms.
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Charging laptops at school will be more difficult because of social distancing and cleaning protocols. So it is even more important than usual that students make sure their laptop is fully charged before arrival at school. Students will only be permitted to use their own charger at school.
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Because some of the learning will still be online, students must bring with them a pair of working headphones with microphone, every day.
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Students must bring their face mask with them every day.
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At break and lunchtimes, students will be expected to go outside to get some fresh air. They should dress appropriately for the prevailing weather conditions. Only on the occasion of seriously bad weather and where the school leadership feel that students should not go outside, arrangements will be made for students to remain indoors. At all other times, students will be outdoors as much as possible during the day.
Classroom Organisation
Daily Schedule
- Upper School Students will follow their regular schedule as detailed on INSIS family.
- School starts at 08h25 and ends at 15h40 (except on Wednesdays when school ends for students at 14h40).
- Like all first days back after the summer break, Wednesday 26 August will have a slightly adjusted programme. Across the first 8 days of school, there will be adapted schedules for some Grade Levels; the details of these adjustments will be sent out separately and in advance.
- Regular PE classes will continue as normal.
Cafeteria
- Menu choices will be limited and formatted, although we can expect the same high quality and nutritious meals, the usual range of food selections will be reduced.
- Trays with cutlery and cups will be handed out by the cafeteria staff at the serving stations. There will be two serving points for one main dish and one serving point for the vegetarian alternative. A choice of set entrées and/or desserts, as well as the choice of two salads will be available at two cold serving points. There will be no self-service, only serving stations held by the cafeteria staff.
- A selection of sandwiches will be available for sale at the Snack Shack.
- Upper School students and staff must use an active student card, or arrange for a replacement at the Upper School reception, to ensure a cash and touchless checkout to pay for the combination of purchases made.
- Students must ensure that any breakfast, mid-morning and afternoon snacks & other refreshments are brought from home as the cafeteria will only be open for lunch. Additional seating will be available in the Snack Shack and in a covered picnic area outside near the Upper School entrance throughout the day.
- Mandatory hand sanitising before entry
- Tables set up for maximum 8 persons and spaced 1,5m apart
- Face masks are mandatory when not seated at a table
- Tables and seats are cleaned and disinfected after each course
Dismissal
Beyond the Classroom Activities
Additional information for ISL parents
More information on the start of school year on myISL Parent Portal, under 'Start of Year Documentation':
• Lower School Parents
• Upper School Parents
Please refer also to the following information: