A letter to parents

Dear Parents and Guardians,

As always, we hope you and all family members are well. This letter is to update you about the ongoing developments and impact of COVID-19. We are facing a level of uncertainty that we typically associate with the far-off future. This reality has left most of us in a very uncomfortable position. However we cannot allow uncertainty to bring our lives to a halt. We still have important decisions to make for our families, our livelihoods and our society. How then should we approach this moment? Much of what we will experience in the week and months to come is out of our direct control. No one can know the future and it’s impossible to think through the full range of implications of a change. This moment of crisis invites us to stretch our thinking and challenge assumptions about how we might reshape education to serve every learner. On this note, the School Management Committee meeting was held on 09.05.2020 via a video conference. Based on their suggestions, the School Core Committee has designed an action plan that will help all of us move forward. The PTC and STC committees have been formed for this year and will meet on 26th May 2020 via video conference. During this difficult time, Balsam Academy is in fact, reinventing the education process by devising creative and comprehensive digital online learning platform to engage children in the event, schools may be directed to remain shut in June or further notification from the State government. Social distancing, one of the key components is creating a challenging situation for schools and colleges. We may have to operate in two shifts or alternate days if the education board suggests we do. The team is doing its best to provide effective learning both online and in-person when school resumes. Hence, we request all parents to be prepared to quickly adapt to the inevitable shift in the education system and ensure that your child has a laptop/tab with internet facility by end of this month so we can resume online teaching for all classes from June. We will also continue to be at work and will be in communication with you about further developments. Parents who are going through a very tough time to pay the fees or provide a laptop/tab are requested to contact Head of Operations on 7397775880, Monday to Friday, between 2 pm and 5 pm only. Kindly reach out to her by the 22.05.2020 so she can assist you. Please note: The date of issuing learning materials and uniforms will be announced by the vendors after the lockdown is relaxed. Till then use the e-books. We also request parents with a big heart to extend support to:

• a. Fund or find sponsors to educate those students whose parents have lost their jobs or livelihoods.
• b. Provide or find donors to contribute laptops for those students whose parents cannot afford to manage expenses.
• c. Provide job opportunities for those parents who have lost their jobs or on the verge of losing their jobs.
• d. Assist team in training parents and students for post COVID preparedness. (protocols, rules for using masks, sanitisers and social distancing)
• e. Assist team in conducting online sessions. (co-host, co-teach, prepare resources, evaluate online assignments, help parents who cannot help students in academics, narrate stories to inculcate values, teach patriotic and folk songs, share healthy recipes, organising virtual tours, etc) E-mail to balsamacademy@gmail.com
  

If you are willing to do any of the things mentioned above. Balsam is a family and we want your support to stand for each other in this moment of crisis so all our children can continue learning without any hassles.

With our regard and appreciation,

Team Balsam