Message from the Executive Director

Dear Delegates:

Welcome to Bangkok for the 5th EARCOS Teachers’ Conference!! As I reflect, it seems that this conference is equally about professional development as well as creating and supporting our vital sense of community. We plan to make a serious effort to do both!! The preparation, planning and organization of this conference were things we looked forward to each day. We talk, listen, discuss, brainstorm, and take action working to create a conference that reflects the stated needs of our rich as well as diverse community of 105 EARCOS schools.

As we were completing our first year, we were committed to identifying the needs of the members of this vibrant organization. So at the end of last year, we hosted the Spring Heads Strategic Planning in Bali with 20 school heads representing the diversity of our organization in attendance. The group worked very hard to identify our Core Values and craft our Mission, Vision, and Goals for EARCOS to guide us into the future. The entire group shared a wonderful feeling of elation and cohesiveness on completing this important task. Then this summer, at our home on the banks of the Feather River, we worked with Teresa Arpin on the next steps, the strategies and plans of action. A shared vision for EARCOS will allow us to continually to grow and improve. All of this provided us with a clear direction as to the content of this conference to make it viable for you.

The carefully chosen theme does resonate throughout the entire conference One World-One Future / Global mindedness-Service to Others-Character-Creativity-Making Connections. Each keynote speakers reflects a deep commitment to this theme especially focusing on global responsibility and connectivity through technology. During the job-a-like, the draft of the EARCOS Strategic Plan will be shared and feedback /comments will be collected. We want the Strategic Plan to reflect a shared vision for EARCOS. A wealth of workshops on salient topics will hopefully meet the needs of everyone present and introduce the new directions and programs for EARCOS to adopt, for example “A Global Initiatives Network” in Asia. In addition also in keeping with our Strategic Plan, we have an exceptional post conference planned for teachers of Physical Education.

We have received much help along the way. First, we want to thank Harlan Lyso , our Board Chair, and our Board for providing us the support and confidence in our plans and actions. Also a special thanks to Keith Miller and Connie Buford from the Office of Overseas Schools for continued and valuable support. The Advisory Council is integral in assisting us with the planning of this conference as are the Teacher Reps from all of our schools. Heather Van Deest in Bangkok has been invaluable. Andrew Vaughan worked willingly planning this comprehensive Physical Education Conference. Everett McGlothlin has come from the U.S. to assist us with this conference. Finally, a very deserved thank you to our EARCOS Team in Manila, Vitz Baltero, Elaine Repatacodo, Ver Castro, Edzel Drilo, and Robert Viray, for making all of this possible.

As you are aware, very tragically, Bob, my husband, best friend, and confident of many years recently passed away. Our request to you is to celebrate his life and appreciate every moment of every day. His wish as well as our wish would be for you to take everything you can from this conference and know that it was planned with you in mind. Hope you can attend each session and the two special evening events!!! We believe in Balance!!

In Bob’s words ”Have a GOOD one!!!”

Linda Sills EARCOS Acting Director