News

Today marks the end of what has been an intense moment in the school year. The Omicron wave definitely made its mark. It has affected several of our students who, although spared serious illness, had to miss quite a few days of school, and it affected a number of our colleagues more severely. Our staff continues to feel the effects of Omicron; we haven’t had a “full house” since before the winter break.

During the months of January and December, we invited parents of The École to answer a satisfaction survey. I would like to take the time today to thank all of you who responded. I must confess that personally, I tend to drag my heels when it comes to answering surveys. However, these semesterly satisfaction surveys are invaluable as they give us the opportunity to get formal feedback from you, to measure the progress we are making, and take note of the improvements we have yet to make.

On the first Thursday of every month, members of the school’s administration have a meeting with the officers of the parents association. Recently, coming together over coffee and croissants has been replaced by Zoom meetings, but it would take more than not being able to meet in person to dampen the enthusiasm of the PA officers.

I mentioned last week that I haven’t been spending enough time in Maternelle lately. And yet wonderful things are happening there and it is always a huge pleasure—as Laurence will concur—to drop into the classrooms and watch the children learning, playing, and growing. 206—as insiders refer to it—is a unique place where kindness, generosity, and respect are imbued with a special meaning.

We’re at that point in the school calendar when our preparation for the next academic year becomes more tangible. Various elements are starting to fall into place and we are now switching from abstract visions to concrete plans that have the well-being of our students at their heart. Two obvious must-haves take precedence when it comes to achieving a high-quality, harmonious school: students and teachers.