aisg annual report 2020-2021 I 51 E lementary S c hool highlights E x p l or i ng P a s s i on s Our Elementary After School Activities (EASA) program exposes students to a variety of activities offered by teachers, coaches, instructors, and community volunteers in a safe and learning-driven environment. With three sessions that covered over 76 activities ranging from sports, academic, arts, music, technology and social, students had a plethora of choices to enjoy a current passion or find a new one. 76A ct i v i t i e s o f f e r e d : 13 87% 16 Student Technology participation rate Art activities activities 17 acad e m i c & soc i al act i v i t i e s
52 I our celebration of learning Lower S e condary highlights AIS G In v i t a t i on a l To u rn a m e n t In March, AISG was fortunate to be able to re-enter the interscholastic scene at the Lower Secondary level by hosting an AISG Invitational Tournament for Volleyball and Badminton. The event saw over 200 students from AISG, Clifford International School, and Utahloy International School in attendance. AISG performed exceptionally well, placing in many categories, and winning several medals. i n d i v i d u a l s p o r t s w e r e o ff e r e d (cross country, swimming, badminton, tennis) 94% 100% Student participation student participation i n t h e v a r i o us in the Lower Secondary School athletics program co-curricular programs 4 Team sports were offered (Soccer, Touch, Volleyball, and Basketball) 36 34 Discovery classes competitive teams (including Yoga Club, Soap Making, Chinese Calligraphy & STEM 3D Printing)
aisg annual report 2020-2021 I 53 U p p er S e condary highlights R obo t i c s Our Upper Secondary Robotics team participated in a virtual Vex Robotics Competition this year and competed against Tianjin International School, Wuhan Yangtze International School, and Yantai Huasheng International School. Students competed in the game of ‘Change Up’, where robots pick up balls to score points in nine goals. Due to the pandemic, students were unable to compete in person against each other, so they livestreamed with the other schools to see who scored the most. 8 Sports offered (Soccer, Volleyball, Basketball, Swimming, Badminton, Tennis, Table Tennis and Cross Country) 52% 99% Students involved s t u d e n t s i n v o l v e d i n a c t i v i t i e s in sports (non-athletic related) 35 DELEGATE S IN V OL V ED IN M U N
54 I our celebration of learning Innovation & Technology INNOVATIVE INITIATIVE At AISG, we place an emphasis on using technology for creation over consumption. By giving students agency in their learning and promoting a maker’s mindset, teachers ensure every student is an empowered creator.
aisg annual report 2020-2021 I 55 Inno v a t i v e L e a rn i ng Sp a c e s Moving into the new building at Science Park realized our educator’s dream of having the resources to provide varying learning environments. The Innovation and Technology team facilitated the design of the classrooms and hallways to ensure collaboration and flexibility. More importantly, they continued this effort by collaborating with teachers and students in deciding on best practices for the future buildout and renovations on both campuses. Some unique features include classrooms that are designed without a true “front” so that the instruction can be delivered from any orientation of the classroom, furniture and walls that can be written on from top to bottom, walls and doors that can pivot or disappear to adapt the space for trans- disciplinary teaching opportunities, and 75” touch screen TVs on wheels in each classroom for optimum ease of use and interactive learning. ISTE S t a nd a rd s G u i d i ng Inno v a t i on a nd T e c h no l og y ISTE standards are a framework for innovation in education, defining the digital-age skills needed for teaching and learning. AISG adopted ISTE standards in 2008 and continues to reference and integrate the latest standards within its curriculum to create innovative learning environments. The importance of adopting these standards and its benefit to our students is reflected in how many teachers and coaches have participated in achieving an ISTE Educator Certification, which includes seven AISG faculty across both campuses, and are great resources for all our faculty.
56 I our celebration of learning EdT e c h G Z The seventh annual EdTechGZ conference was successfully held this year, albeit online for the first time due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The revised format still attracted over 450 registered attendees with hundreds attending live stream sessions. With over thirty sessions and forty presentations from teachers and educational leaders around the globe, a broad range of topics offered great insight about educational technology to improve teaching and learning in our schools. D o u b l i ng B a nd w i d t h In response to the increased need for internet connectivity with the delay of many of our teachers and some of our families returning to China after being caught outside of its borders due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the school doubled its bandwidth on both campuses to support a seamless connection for the synchronous instruction that was required for nearly all of its classes. As everyone returned to campus by the end of the year, the increased reliability and speed of the internet tremendously helped classroom instruction and the school’s overall technical ability. Inno v a t i on C o a c h e s From helping with technology platforms and tech tools, to helping teachers implement the ISTE standards, our innovation coaches are the experts on how to leverage these to enhance learning in the classroom. With Lunch and Learn sessions and regular postings with helpful tips and invaluable one-on-one coaching, our faculty has greatly benefitted and are well-equipped to drive innovation and creativity in the classroom.
aisg annual report 2020-2021 I 57 Innovative Lab Tools 6 3D printers 27 17 V R g o g g l e s 52 Drones Programmable robots (ex: Spheros, Bee-Bots, Ozo-Bots, Dash) Innovative Furniture for dynamic learning 26 90 12 75” Touch D r y - e r a s e t a b l e s Expandable screen TVs o n wh e e l s classrooms Innovative Resources 7 450 3 I S TE c e r t i f i e d Attendees at the innovation teachers virtual EdTechGZ coaches conference
58 I our celebration of learning Community Service E l e m e n t a r y Sc h oo l RamNation has a strong relationship with our surrounding community, and our Elementary School students have many opportunities to engage and learn the value of serving others. This year, the Elementary School continued to develop its relationship with organizations and groups around Guangzhou that needed support. For example, we were able to collect and donate a large number of older English books to the Guangzhou Huangpu District Public Service Center and the Wave Library, which collects English books for the children of migrant workers in the area. Additionally, AISG families helped fundraise enough funds to buy food staples to donate to the Baiyun Community to deliver to needy families in the city. S e cond a r y Sc h oo l AISG’s community service mission statement continues to be the focus of our student-led community service groups. With more than twenty Upper Secondary community service groups, students make a difference in the lives of our local community in a wide variety of activities such as raising awareness about cancer and autism, promoting recycling and humane treatment of animals, preparing emergency food rations, and giving financial support to several local charities. AISG students are giving back to our host country with their time, their person-to-person connections and their monetary and product donations.
aisg annual report 2020-2021 I 59 a i s g co m m u n i t y s e r v i c e m i s s i on s t a t e m e n t Unite. Care. Act. Empowering our community to take action locally and globally to bring about positive change.
60 I Our community Our Community
aisg annual report 2020-2021 I 61 The Annual Fund Hong Bao Campaign is an amazing program that brings our community together to celebrate the beauty of giving. AV a X i ng , D e p u t y D i r e c t or o f D e v e l op m e n t
62 I Our community AISG’s Annual Fund AISG’s Annual Fund is a school-led yearly fundraising effort where donations are received from the AISG community. Proceeds are used for extraordinary enrichment programs to increase the margin of excellence for the benefit of AISG students. AISG has developed a Giving Program to provide a framework for all fundraising and volunteering programs at the school. By supporting the AISG Annual Fund, parents and faculty demonstrate that they believe in the mission and vision of the school and the impact in making AISG a positive and dynamic learning environment. The 2020-21 school year marked the third year of our successful Annual Fund Hong Bao Campaign. 36% of our community participated in the campaign, which stressed that a gift of any size makes a great difference. This is reflected in the fund’s motto: It is important to give, not how much you give. During Lunar New Year, it’s a tradition to give a gift of a bright, beautiful red envelope (known as Hong Bao) to our friends and family, which symbolizes good wishes and luck for the new year ahead. AISG invited students to design the Hong Bao and received 56 pieces of art from students of all grades. All the student artworks were showcased on the AISG website and at the Ersha entrance during the Lunar New Year. The envelopes were then hung on a peach blossom tree for the community to enjoy and reflect on the beauty of giving.
aisg annual report 2020-2021 I 63
64 I Our community Annual Fund Speaker Series The AISG Annual Fund Speaker Series brings fascinating people with captivating stories into our school to inspire, enlighten and transform learning. AISG relaunched its Speaker Series in April 2021 after a pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The speakers were invited to AISG from all over the world to share their experiences. Made possible through generous donations to the Annual Fund, these extraordinary speakers came to touch the minds and hearts of the members of the AISG Community.
aisg annual report 2020-2021 I 65 H u a ng F e ng R ong April 20-22, 2021 Huang Feng Rong was born in Fujian, Putian, China and is considered a postmodern collage artist. Huang has developed his own unique twist of bringing together music, art, and dance in an innovative way to create unique masterpieces. He has journeyed around the world with his unique artistic style, with some of his works exhibited in several European art museums. Huang Feng Rong visited both AISG campuses and performed live, and also collaborated with students on projects in and out of the classroom. Onstage, Huang painted and danced to music as students cheered. Students were also invited onstage to try painting with their feet, one of Huang’s performance techniques. At Science Park, Huang worked with students on several 3D projects as well as a life-size collage, providing students an outlet to create art they might not usually have the chance to try. At Ersha, Huang worked on painting aspects of Guangzhou life on the ten pillars on the first floor, working with students to beautify our campus. Huang also performed at the Spring ASAG meeting, giving parents an opportunity to enjoy his unique art style.
66 I Our community S u s i e Z h a ng May 11-12, 2021 Susie Zhang is a certified Lead Trainer in Positive Discipline for Early Childhood Educators, Positive Discipline in the Classroom, Teaching Parenting the Positive Discipline Way, and Keep the Joy in Relationships by the Positive Discipline Association. Over the past 12 years, she has trained thousands of parents and classroom facilitators and has spoken at numerous events. Susie Zhang hosted an in-person parent presentation, two in Chinese and one in English, where she focused on Alternatives to Punishment: A Positive Approach to Discipline. In her presentation, Susie discussed the long-term goal of family education, and revealed what Social Emotional Learning is, as well as its importance. Parents participated in role playing exercises, engaged in great discussion, and asked questions. Susie’s extensive knowledge and experience along with her welcoming nature had everyone fully engaged in this unique learning experience.
aisg annual report 2020-2021 I 67 B r y n B a rn a rd May 13, 2021 Bryn Barnard is the author and illustrator of four award-winning science-history books for kids. He is an illustrator of more than 20 children’s books for other authors and is a former illustrator for NASA and National Geographic. Bryn has taught around the world, including teaching illustration at several universities and DP and MYP art and Theory of Knowledge at international schools. He has been a guest author and artist at more than 30 international schools worldwide. Bryn Barnard’s virtual visit to AISG was full of creative ideas and interactions with students from both campuses. With Elementary School students he presented “Creativity Confidential,” which explores the process of writing and illustrating a book from start to finish and how authors develop a creative “brand.” Bryn showed examples of his exploratory mind maps, manuscripts, sketches, book layouts, preliminary paintings, and final printed books. Students saw how an initial idea is often radically transformed by the collaborative process between author, art director and editor.
68 I Our community J e nn i f e r Abr a m s May 20, 25, 2021 Jennifer Abrams is a communications consultant and author who works with educators and others in schools on being generationally savvy, using effective collaboration skills, having hard conversations and creating identity safe workplaces. Jennifer has been named one of the “18 Women All K-12 Educators Should Know,” by Education Week’s ‘Finding Common Ground’ blog. Jennifer Abram’s virtual visit to AISG included a workshop for Upper Secondary students and a separate session for AISG parents. The workshop for Upper Secondary students was on the topic, “Students Advocating for Themselves” and for the parents, “How to Best Communicate So the School Can Hear You.” Based on Jennifer’s expertise on conflict and interpersonal communication, these sessions provided participants with planning and scripting tools for having those necessary humane and growth producing conversations.
aisg annual report 2020-2021 I 69 Our Alumni Once a Ram, Always a Ram! AISG alumni are located all over the world, but they have a common connection of holding a special place in their heart for beloved memories and experiences at AISG. C onn e c t w i t h AIS G A l u m n i aisgz.org/community/alumni facebook.com/aisgzalumni instagram.com/aisgalumni
70 I Our community Our Students A truly international environment that embraces multiculturism, inclusiveness and global mindedness. Following a record-breaking enrollment number from the prior year, AISG 2020-2021 enrollment stayed strong despite the COVID-19 pandemic with many classes having waiting lists. Our student body demographics continue to reflect our international environment with over 40 nationalities. Our students are guided by faculty who challenge them to achieve, nurtured in an environment where creativity and inquiry are celebrated, and supported by a community who understands the power of a growth mindset.
aisg annual report 2020-2021 I 7 1 NUMBER OF STUDENTS 300 270 n a t i on a l i t y COUNT AT AISG 250 274 Australia 44 200 219 Austria 1 Bangladesh 1 150 Belgium 2 Botswana 1 148 Brazil 6 Cambodia 2 100 Canada 116 Denmark 1 96 Dominican Republic 5 France 9 50 Germany 11 Guinea-Bissau 8 0 Hong Kong 245 22 1 2 3 4 5+ India 5 NUMBER OF YEARS AT AISG Indonesia 4 5 G R A D E LEVEL COUNT Israel 12 Italy 2 Preschool (3yo) 32 Japan 116 Preschool (4yo) 51 Jordan 11 72 Korea 4 Kindergarten 67 Macau 3 Grade 1 Malaysia 1 88 Mexico 12 Grade 2 87 Netherlands 3 Grade 3 77 New Zealand 2 Grade 4 75 Norway 2 Grade 5 65 Pakistan 8 Grade 6 86 Panama 2 Grade 7 76 Philippines 3 Grade 8 64 Poland 1 Grade 9 68 Russia 8 Grade 10 50 Seychelles 2 Grade 11 49 Singapore 4 Grade 12 Spain 29 1007 St. Kitts and Nevis 1 Tota l 773 Taiwan 13 Tota l Fa mi l i e s Thailand 276 UK 3 New Students: USA 1 Vanuatu 173 Venezuela 1007 elementary T O TAL 53 24school Lo w e r Upp e r S e cond a r y S e cond a r y s c h oo l s c h oo l 250tota l :
72 I Our community Our Faculty AISG is a caring community that looks for passionate teachers who bring their forward-thinking pedagogy along with an empathetic approach to enrich each child’s learning. In 2020-2021 AISG welcomed 31 new educators to our family of 110 innovative and experienced faculty members. More than 78% of our faculty have attained their master’s degrees, and more than 68% have over 11 years of experience in education.
aisg annual report 2020-2021 I 73 aisg annual report 2020-2021 I 61 T h e AIS G t e a c h e r pro f i l e i s p a s s i on a t e a bo u t t h e f o l l o w i ng : • Wanting to continuously learn and improve as a teacher by participating in a multitude of professional development opportunities, by actively collaborating with colleagues, reflecting on practices, and co-creating a future pedagogical climate that promotes teacher growth and development. • Wanting to maximize the educational impact of flexibly designed learning spaces that are purposely built to drive innovation and creativity in the classroom. • Wanting to contribute to a positive environment where the administration, teachers, parents and students alike are empathetic, supportive and believe in the well-being of everyone in the community. • Wanting to apply the attributes of a positive and valued member of a Professional Learning Community and the IB learner profile to ensure a holistic approach for student-centered learning. • Wanting to embrace change by leveraging expertise in technology and bringing best practice to different learning environments so that students can perform at their optimal potential. NUMBER OF TEACHERS 50 Europe (6%) Africa (1%) AT AISG 50 Asia (10%) Australia/ 40 New Zealand (6%) 30 South America (2%) 31 North America (76%) 20 14 10 11 4 0 3-5 6-10 11-20 21-30 30+ NUMBER OF YEARS TEACHING
74 I Our community Our PTA “The COVID-19 pandemic has definitely forced us to lock hands, step up, and embrace the challenges together as one AISG community. Even during these uncertain times, our goal remains unchanged - support the AISG community to provide a secure and stable environment for our children, AISG’s students.” T a n i a W a l l a , P TA P r e s i d e n t P TA B o a rd Tania Walla – PTA President, Sara Matthews – Secretary (Sep-Dec 2020), Nebojsa Matic – Secretary (Jan-Jun 2021), Jiajia Ou – Treasurer, Julianne Park – Volunteer Coordinator, Anita Feng – Elementary School Liaison (Sep - Dec 2020), Asella Lee – Elementary School Liaison (Jan-Jun 2021), Qiang Dong – Elementary School Liaison (Jan-Jun 2021), Tess Cai – Lower Secondary Liaison, Ling Wang – Upper Secondary Liaison, Christina Weber – Ramshack Coordinator, Amy Cen – Ramshack Coordinator
aisg annual report 2020-2021 I 75 HIGHLIGHTS Ho l i d a y C e l e br a t i on The Holiday Celebration was the biggest PTA signature event to welcome the holiday season. Student and teacher performances, a variety of food, 24 student groups with various activities, 12 themed baskets, 6 fabulous raffle prizes, and Santa even finished his quarantine and made an appearance! Also, the AISG community gave a big, warm welcome to our new teachers and members of the leadership team, and their families. Chinese Culture Day To honor our host country, China, and to celebrate Chinese New Year and the beginning of Spring, our parent community and Upper Secondary students created a day of cultural experience for both campuses. This year, the theme for Chinese Cultural Day was “Honoring the Silk Road”.
76 I Our community HIGHLIGHTS In t e rn a t i on a l D a y International Day was the most anticipated PTA signature event, with some unique changes due to COVID-19 restrictions. The program was full of cultural activities from around the world with country booths and performances on stage, and food solely catered by the Garden Hotel with delicious menu choices from China, Thailand, USA, Mexico, and Japan. V i s i t i ng A u t h or : Tr e v or L a i Every year, the PTA sponsors an author to provide an enriched experience for the students. This year, the talented author and illustrator, Trevor Lai came to AISG to talk to students about the power of imagination. Students participated in writing and drawing workshops and learned about his journey from loving books as a kid to owning his own animation studio and publishing books! Q u a r a n t i n e S u ppor t The PTA joined AISG Human Resources to support those who were in quarantine upon their arrival to China. The PTA provided a special meal and sent a PTA Care Package of healthy snacks and sweets. The PTA supported 86 teachers, administrators and their families in quarantine and were instrumental in helping everyone feel part of our very special AISG community. Vo l u n t e e r P rogr a m When the school needed extra hands, around 150 parents took turns stepping up and helping. Volunteers were found in all areas, including classrooms, recess time, lunch time, COVID test days, yearbook photo day, and even field trips. The PTA took the definition of volunteering at school to the next level. R a m s h a ck The PTA continues to provide great merchandises to boost our RamNation spirit! From t-shirts to hoodies, polo shirts, magnets, tote bags, water bottles, and more.
aisg annual report 2020-2021 I 77 86 Quarantine care packages created and delivered 150+ 210 volunteers 7 h o o d i e s s o l d Countries represented on the PTA board ¥282,794 Directly invested back into the school P TA F i n a n c i a l R e p o r t 2 0 2 0 - 2 0 2 1 Teacher’s Appreciation Luncheon ¥7,824 Student Group Grants ¥19,000 Chinese Culture Day ¥24,986 Three Portable Coolers ¥6,504 ¥19,136 Quarantine Support Expenses ¥112,882 Author Visit ¥35,000 ¥25,000 Upper Secondary APAC Awards ¥12,960 Grade 8 Graduation Ceremony ¥1,650 ¥3,850 Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon ¥14,000 Uniform Staff Appreciation Luncheon PTA Senior Gift Ersha Library Book Donation
78 I support systems & resources Our Support
aisg annual report 2020-2021 I 79 Systems & Resources
80 I support systems & resources Facilities & Operations For the 2020-2021 school year, the Facilities and Operations departments managed the Master Facilities Plan alongside the day-to-day operations of the two campuses while continuously monitoring the safety measures of the COVID-19 pandemic. Thanks to Facilities & Operations, learning continued uninterrupted as it would under normal circumstances. This sense of ‘normalcy’ was largely due to the continued safety precautions, which included disinfecting protocols, monitoring everyone’s health on campus, coordinating COVID testing, and enforcing the campus access requirements. While the campus was kept safe, the Facilities and Operations team continued to work on providing services to help our days run smoothly, such as attending to facility helpdesk requests, managing the bus and cafeteria services, completing summer works, and ongoing maintenance. Facilities and Operations continue to play a large role in creating flexible and collaborative learning spaces with new furniture and equipment. Their support is invaluable as the school continues its evolution of forward-thinking pedagogy that aims to meet the needs of a diverse set of learners.
aisg annual report 2020-2021 I 81 Summer Works 25 8,160 0 projects Man hours Accidents 15 Ersha, 10 Science Park Facility Helpdesk Requests e r sh a science park 2,941 2,862 Average 20 requests per day Average 18 requests per day
82 I support systems & resources Communications With the continuation of the COVID-19 pandemic and the nature of uncertainty that it brings, the 2020- 2021 school year communication plan continued its focus on transparency and clarity while highlighting the strength of our connected community and the AISG difference. 20 47 48 e n e ws F e a t u r e d N e ws d i r e c t o r ’ s emails s t o r i e s o n w e bs i t e messages
aisg annual report 2020-2021 I 83 Communication Channels W e Ch a t F OLLO W ER S 80+ Stories 10,500 2,145F a c e b o o k 55 Posts Instagram 935 118 Posts Twitter 723 505 Tweets/Retweets C on s i s t e n t Sc h oo l w i d e M e s s a g i ng The numerous variables and uncertainties that persisted throughout the school year were addressed with regular and consistent messaging in the bi-weekly eNews, announcements on our intranet portal, Ramsnet, and for the items that required special attention, direct emails from the Director. For instance, the updates of required COVID testing and our campus access policy united the community to work together to keep our campus safe. M a rk e t i ng t h e AIS G D i f f e r e nc e Public communications, such as social media, advertisements, the AISG website and the publication of our Annual Report revealed the many unique stories of the AISG Difference. With the campus only open to students, faculty and staff, these stories about the transformational learning that took place at AISG were shared with the community and with our followers around the world.
84 I support systems & resources Finances AISG is one of the few non-profit schools in China. Its organization and structure enhance the school’s responsibility to be good stewards of its resources to support our educational mission. Accordingly, the school’s Board of Governors serves without remuneration as they volunteer to govern our school. Financial surpluses, if any, are used for the advancement of the school and benefit of our students and their learning. The Board of Governors provides fiduciary, strategic and generative governance and oversight of the school. Specifically, financial oversight through the Finance Committee, which is chaired by the Board’s Treasurer, and includes members and parents experienced in tax and financial matters. The Director of Finance and Operations works under the guidance of the School Director, implements the strategic decisions of the board and its committees, and ensures that operational resources are managed efficiently and responsibly. Our school operations comply with high standards of financial accountability and transparency. Annually, AISG hires an international firm of auditors to conduct an external audit. Their report, along with the school’s financial statements, is presented at the bi-annual American School Association of Guangzhou (ASAG) meeting in October.
aisg annual report 2020-2021 I 85 F i n a nc i a l R e v i e w We are pleased to report that our audited financial results for the 2020- 2021 school year compare well to the budget approved by the board in March 2020. Interest income was once again higher than budgeted and operating expenses were within budget despite the unexpected additional costs associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the fee credits the school provided to families due to the pandemic. The overall operating surplus, which can be attributed to school cost saving efforts, as well as COVID-19 pandemic expenditure reductions, of nearly 20 million RMB ($2.9 million USD) was 9.3% of actual revenues. P l a nn e d R e s e r v e s As one of the few non-profit independent schools in China, AISG carefully manages the resources entrusted by our current and former families. AISG’s total reserves are intended to ensure its long-term financial health and sustainability; the emergency reserves provide a safety net in case of an unexpected decline in enrollment, while the capital reserves underpin the school’s long-term facilities plan. The total value of the school’s reserves as of June 30, 2021 was 383 million RMB ($59.4 million USD). Operating Expenses Operat i ng R evenues Administration Budget: Actual: (10%) 203.85m 213.66m Learning Resources (3%) RMB RMB Property Rental (5%) Operating expenses Campus Operations (12%) Budget: Actual: Salaries and Benefits 199.71m 193.71m (70%) RMB RMB Tax Payable (Less than 1%) Operating Fund 200 Revenue 150 Expense 100 Surplus 50 17/18 18/19 19/20 20/21 16/17
86 I The Global Pandemic The Global Pandemic
aisg annual report 2020-2021 I 87 The COVID-19 Pandemic Continues...
88 I The Global Pandemic Another Unprecedented Year The AISG community has shown unwavering understanding and resilient support as the school diligently worked to ensure the safety, well-being, and continuation of learning for the AISG community amidst the unprecedented and prolonged COVID-19 pandemic. The 2020-2021 school year started unlike any other with 85% of the faculty starting the school year outside of China and around the world, while the majority of the students were in Guangzhou. The school year continued to be dynamic with having to adapt schedules to accommodate the steady return of teachers and then having to make the decision to end the school year three days earlier than planned due to an outbreak in Guangzhou in late May. Despite the several restrictions in place and the abundant testing and protocols, both campuses were open for in-person learning up to the last week of school, a privilege that should not be taken lightly with many schools around the world being online since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our capacity for empathy has grown and our willingness to understand different perspectives has taken on a new meaning. The stories generated by this unprecedented year will be forever remembered and the challenges that we overcame will be forever considered a remarkable feat and a tribute to the strength of the AISG community.
aisg annual report 2020-2021 I 89 This year has taught us that change is the only thing in life we can count on, yet we can come together as a connected and compassionate community as dynamic learners to achieve great things in the new context and move forward with confidence. Kevin Baker, D i r e c t or
90 I The Global Pandemic Back to School Plan Immediately following the end of the prior school year, a pre-planning task force was created that reflected the new leadership team. It was a necessary early start in order to plan for the upcoming challenges of our displaced faculty due to China’s closed border and to develop a series of communications regarding the Back to School Plan. The pre- planning task force worked throughout the summer, monitoring the fluid situation and scenario planning for all possible contingencies. Four communications were shared with the AISG community over the summer, with more detailed information about specific elements as the context became clearer. The scaffolded communication was in line with the philosophy of providing regular, factual and verified information, which offered the needed transparency to the AISG community during these uncertain times. In addition, outreach and maintaining a connected community were important factors of understanding the plan so Mr. Baker hosted several town hall meetings, and the leadership team answered all questions that were received via the dedicated email address, [email protected]. The COVID-19 crisis called for a Back to School Plan that prioritized the health and safety of our community and allowed for flexibility and transparency while staying true to our mission and vision. With the border remaining closed, the final decision was to initially start the school year with Hybrid Learning. This was a mixture of in-person learning and online learning that prioritized the continuation of providing a high- quality learning experience for students both on and off campus. Students on campus followed a set schedule with teachers providing a combination of face-to-face and digital experiences throughout the day. This allowed us to take advantage of our talented teachers who were still overseas as well as those who were on site in Guangzhou. Students who are unable to physically be on campus participated virtually in an online or distanced learning environment. Students attended school virtually with synchronous and/or asynchronous lessons, assignments, and projects. Online learning provided the flexibility for students/families to complete asynchronous activities and assignments according to their time zone.
aisg annual report 2020-2021 I 91 Pre-Planning Task Force Located around the world, the pre-planning task force represented the new leadership team at AISG for the 2020- 2021 school year. From the early days of summer to the first day of school, the team worked tirelessly in formulating a Back to School Plan that defined learning objectives to ensure that student well-being and maximum learning were equitable and inclusive across all scenarios, as well as ensuring consistency and the school’s commitment to high- quality learning. T a s k Forc e ROW ONE: Kevin Baker – Director Robert Bauer – Director of Innovation and Technology Jamie Robb – Deputy Director Shirly Chan – Director of Human Resources Dirk de Jager – Director of Finance and Operations ROW TWO: Amos Lyso – Secondary School Principal Tatiana Lopukhin – Elementary School Principal Kathy Burns – Director of Communications and Marketing Sanja Ilić – Director of Admissions
92 I The Global Pandemic Ram Migration The effort that went into getting our teachers back to Guangzhou was paramount. The behind the scenes work by the Human Resources department of numerous phone calls, documents to process, policies to interpret and meetings were all pursued with “stubborn optimism” that proved beneficial when the borders did open for a short time that allowed teachers to start arriving in the late fall. Not knowing when our teachers could return, the school proactively planned to have support in the classroom by hiring 18 temporary Learning Mentors. Learning Mentors were instrumental to the learning that was happening in the classroom as they served to be the bridge between the teacher and the student to help them both be successful. Many would agree that without the Learning Mentors, the state of our student’s learning, as well as the well-being of our teachers, would have resulted in a very different outcome. When teachers were finally allowed to enter Guangzhou, the unpleasant news of the mandatory two-week quarantine in a government approved hotel was alleviated by knowing that their stay was fully supported by a personalized Quarantine Support Team. The team was made up of a combination of personnel from Human Resources and our PTA. They were on call to help with any questions and also supplied the hotel room with necessities, special gift packages, and food deliveries. The details that went into the care of our teachers and their families during quarantine is truly exemplary of our connected community and what it means to be a part of the RamNation. A true highlight of the year was seeing the return of our Rams, teachers, and students to campus over the course of several months during the school year. Upon each person’s return, the energy on campus kept growing more positive. Important to mention are those who were not able to return to campus and had to remain online for the whole school year. While their migration is still ongoing and we are hoping they can eventually make it to Guangzhou, they have taught us a great lesson on resilience and how important it is to stay connected and support each other despite the physical distance.
aisg annual report 2020-2021 I 93
94 I The Global Pandemic RthefeleCcotmiomnsufnroitmy “Each and every member of our community has been faced with challenges due to COVID-19. It has increased conversations about collective responsibility, and how our actions directly influence and impact others. It has meant we haven’t been able to do all the things we have done in the past due to precaution processes, but in doing this, we are contributing to protecting ourselves, our AISG community, and our city.” T r i xi e S i e me n s ( S eco n dary S cho o l Ass i stant Pri nci pal) “It was a year of constant changes and adjustments for everyone at AISG, and we were glad to be able to provide a bridge between the students on-site and teachers who were abroad. It was rewarding to be able to provide support to those in need and witness the improvement as time went on.” Ayli n e De Wi ld e ( L e ar n i ng Mento r) “Teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic provided unprecedented challenges and opportunities. As one of the many teachers who were not able to travel to China, I began the year with online learning. This gave us the chance to use technology in creative and purposeful ways that we had not imagined. The resilience of students and families to stay focused and dedicated was truly inspiring. The school supported us in so many ways, from additional quality personnel, to fighting for us to all get back, to quarantine care packages. There are no easy, existing answers to providing the best educational practices during a worldwide pandemic, but through our positive mindset and professional flexibility we have risen to the occasion to continue providing the best learning experience for our RamNation.” M itc h M ad i g an ( G r ad e 3 Teacher)
aisg annual report 2020-2021 I 95 “It felt okay at first because everyone was following the hybrid learning schedule and many people were not on campus. However, later in the year, I had to make some adjustments in my classes as the only 10th grade student online. Nevertheless, I’m very thankful for the teachers and classmates because they were always really nice and willing to help me when I needed.” Ja s mi n e Lu ( D i s pl ac e d Grade 1 0 Student ) “2020-2021 has been one memorable school year. I have witnessed and experienced the resilience and strength of our community. Instead of cracking under uncertainties during the COVID-19 pandemic, our community locked hands and channeled its energy to focus on helping the school help the students and teachers, so learning could resume normally when other things around it were still trying to be sorted.” Tan i a Wall a ( PTA Pr e s ident ) “The COVID-19 pandemic created a challenging working environment for every organization in the world. AISG, with HR taking a critical role, took numerous actions to limit the risk to our campuses and community from the possible spread of COVID-19. We worked closely with the General Educational Bureau and our leadership team to proactively monitor and respond to the COVID-19 pandemic to protect the health and well-being of our AISG community. We learned how to best utilize our existing resources to work more digitally and efficiently. We understood the stressors from faculty and staff while working from home and tried to keep them productive, motivated, and connected. We worked with faculty, staff, and our PTA to support our teachers to return to China and provided close support during their quarantine period. The HR department collaborated with everyone at every level and practically at every moment to implement best practices to support our AISG community during the COVID-19 pandemic.” Ch r i sty Tan ( D i r ecto r o f Human R eso urces)
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