Some Suggestions Personal Daily Routines. I recommend each person develops their own special daily routines while in quarantine. Adding structure to your days really helps the time to go by. I have certain morning routines, meal routines, exercise and wellness routines as well as scheduling when my work time is and when is my down time. Be thinking before you come back to China, what you want to do with your time in quarantine and how you can make it a meaningful opportunity for yourself versus just a challenging inconvenience. Stay in touch. Another strong recommendation is to make a plan for regular communication with friends, family, coworkers and your school throughout your quarantine time. I find I look forward to these calls the most each day! I also strongly encourage schools to systematically set up a support structure to assist returning people with managing their quarantine experience.
Care packages matter! I have been fortunate to receive several welltimed care packages and special meals from my staff, board, PTA and friends. Each one is a gift and a bright ray sunshine and joy in the quarantine experience! Closing Reflections While this experience is not ideal, I believe it is very manageable if people approach it with the right mindset, some preparation and having some support on the ground to assist you. You are likely to feel a whole range of emotions as you process everything through the arrival and quarantine experience. This is normal but is important to know, with confidence, that it is doable! You have a community to support you along the journey. It can be tough at times but stay positive and stay connected to your people! At the end of your stint, you’ll be back in your own bed in your home IN CHINA. After such a long time away, what can be better than that! Good Luck!
CAMPUS DEVELOPMENT
International School of Beijing Unveils New Facilities
Early Years Learning Community & Early Years Classroom The Early Years Learning Community supports the school’s Early Years program philosophy of differentiation, play-based, and inquiry-based approaches to learning, by offering flexible learning spaces.
By Nick Yates, International School Beijing Communications At the start of the 2020-2021 academic year, the thought going through most people’s heads as they walk round the International School of Beijing (ISB) has been “Wow!” The school’s new facilities are, quite simply, stunning. After a highly unusual Summer Break, this is the moment the whole ISB community has been waiting for as students have begun learning in a new Elementary School (ES) Arts Center and Theater, Middle School (MS)/High School (HS) Performing Arts Center, Early Years Learning Community (EYLC), and MS/HS Design Center. These Facilities Master Plan (FMP) Projects have been years in the plan42 EARCOS Triannual Journal
ning, including extensive community input and consultation, to ensure the school continues to live its Mission and Vision and provide challenging and joyful learning for all. We have finally seen some of the most significant construction projects in ISB’s history come to fruition. The FMP was divided into new-build and remodel projects. ISB was excited to open the two brand-new projects – the ES Arts Center and Theater, and the MS/HS Performing Arts Center – in February, just as Covid-19 forced the temporary closure of campus and a period of online learning.They have since been joined by the remaining two remodel projects – the EYLC, and MS/HS Design Center in the fall. The EYLC is a large, purpose-designed space to better serve ISB’s youngest learners. It features 13 classrooms, lofts, and large common
