COVID Updates

Dear GSIS Community,

     As you know, we have had one confirmed covid case within our school community and we have one grade that has been tested and are receiving online classes. Today we were informed of another unrelated case at the secondary school and several groups of students who had possible contact with covid at their hagwan, outside of GSIS. 

     Because this latest variant is highly transmittable and the number of possible cases within our school community, we will be shifting to online classes starting tomorrow, Wednesday, January 26. (Emergency Childcare for elementary children will not be provided these three days.) 

To confirm, GSIS will begin 100% online classes starting tomorrow, Wednesday, January 26. 

     It is always our goal to have students on campus as much as possible but not at the risk of the health and safety of our school community. We thank you for your understanding and your support!

     These are challenging times. Join me in continued prayer for our community and for Korea. We will continue to monitor the situation throughout the Lunar New Year holiday. We will most likely continue with online classes after the holiday but are hopeful that the lasted uptick in cases will subside quickly so that we can be back on campus for classes very soon.

    Continue to practice covid protocols to keep safe and to minimize the chances of covid cases in your families and in our community no matter where you go:

• Keep face masks over their mouths and noses at all times (“No Mask, No Talk”)

• Maintain social distance

• Wash and disinfect hands often

• Avoid high-risk areas and activities (Hagwons, cafes, public transportation, etc.)

• Report any signs of sickness or possible contact to the school nurse immediately! 

  Again, thank you for your continued understanding and support during this unprecedented time. I pray for God's protection on our school and on each of your families.

 

Sincerely,

Stephen Lush

Head of School

 

GSIS 학부모님께,

     학부모님께서도 아시듯이, 우리 학교 커뮤니티 내에서 한 건의 COVID 사례가 확인되어 한 학년이 PCR 검사를 받고 온라인 수업을 받고 있습니다. 이 사례와 별도로 오늘 우리는 중고등학교 내 다수 그룹의 학생들이 학원과 같은 외부 장소에서의 접촉 가능성으로 COVID 사례가 확인되었다는 정보를 받았습니다.

     이 최신 변종 바이러스는 전염성이 높고 학교 커뮤니티 내 잠재할 위험성이 있기 때문에 학교는 내일 1월 26일 수요일부터 온라인 수업으로 전환하고자 하며, 상황 변화에 따라 설 연휴 이후에도 지속될 가능성을 염두에 두고 있습니다. (초등학생을 위한 긴급 보육은 이번 3일 동안 제공되지 않습니다.)

즉, 학교는 향후 3일간 100% 온라인 수업을 시작합니다. (내일 1월 26일 수요일부터 적용)

    최대한 많은 학생들이 항상 캠퍼스에 오도록 하는 것이 학교의 목표이지만 학교 커뮤니티의 건강과 안전에 위협이 되는 상황에서는 그렇지 않습니다. 여러분의 이해와 지원에 앞선 감사를 드립니다.

     이 어려운 시기에 우리 지역 사회와 국가를 위한 여러분의 지속적인 기도가 필요합니다. 학교는 설 연휴 내내 상황을 계속 예의주시할 예정이며, 방학 후에도 온라인 수업을 계속할 가능성이 높을 것으로 보이지만 최근 급증한 사례가 진정되어 빠른 시일 내에 수업을 위해 캠퍼스로 돌아올 수 있기를 희망합니다.

 장소를 불문하고 지속적으로 코로나 방역 수칙을 준수함으로써 여러분의 가족과 지역 사회 내 안전을 지키고 코로나 확진 가능성을 최소화해야 합니다.

• 항상 입과 코를 가리는 마스크 착용 (“마스크 없이는 말하지 않기”)

• 사회적 거리 두기 유지하기

• 손을 자주 씻고 소독하기 

• 고위험 지역 및 활동(학원, 카페, 대중 교통 등)을 피하기 

• 아프면 보건교사에게 즉시 알리기

  다시 한 번, 이 유례없는 시기에 학부모님의 변함없는 이해와 성원에 감사드립니다. 우리 학교와 여러분의 가정에 하나님의 보호가 있기를 기도합니다.

감사합니다.

 

총교장 스티븐 러쉬

Dear GSIS Community,

 

Greetings and wishing each of you the very best this new year!

I sincerely pray that you and your family have had a safe and wonderful Christmas break! Thank you all for working hard this week as we began with online classes. We are extremely grateful we will be able to return to 100% face-to-face classes this next week. We will continue to monitor the situation. Although we anticipate being able to continue with 100% face-to-face classes, please understand that we may need to move to a hybrid model or online classes based on the ever-changing situation. Let’s always hope for the best, and be prepared for the possible changes.

NEW STUDENTS and FAMILIES

We especially want to welcome our new students and their families to GSIS. We have a number of new families joining us and wish you a warm welcome. I am confident you will find the GSIS community to be caring and supportive. Welcome!

COVID

This is a reminder that we have been blessed as a school community over the past year and a half. We have experienced more face-to-face school days and fewer positive covid cases than most other schools and have been able to have parents attend school events when many others have not. This is all evidence that our covid protocols have been effective and our community has been supportive and careful. 

Although it is impossible to eliminate the chances of covid, it is extremely important we continue to work hard to minimize risks. With each new covid variant it appears they become more and more contagious. Let’s remain vigilant in protecting our families and our school by practicing the covid protocols to keep safe and to minimize the chances of Covid cases in our community:

EVERYWHERE:

• Keep face masks over their mouths and noses at all times (“No Mask, No Talk”)

• At level 4, masks must we rated KF80 or KF94 (Send extra mask with your child each day)

• Maintain social distance

• Wash and disinfect hands regularly

• Avoid high-risk areas and activities (Hagwons, busy cafes, public transportation, etc.)

• Report any signs of sickness or possible contact or any housemate under quarantine to the school nurse immediately!

WHILE AT SCHOOL:

• Maintain social distancing

• Regularly sanitize hands

• Use the stairs in the correct direction

• Do not eat any food with others outside of the cafeteria including snack time (No talking while masks are off!) 

• And again, report any signs of sickness to Nurse Ann immediately!

PRAYER

Dear Heavenly Father,

We thank you for the opportunity to celebrate your love for all of humanity in the birth of Jesus Christ over this Christmas break. We pray for each and every GSIS student, each and every GSIS teacher and staff member, and each and every GSIS family. We pray for your truth, your blessings, and your continued hand on our school community. May we all experience you and your blessings in this new year!

Amen

 

Mr. Stephen Lush

Head of School

 

한국어 버전은 곧 업데이트 될 예정입니다.

Dear GSIS Community,

The following are few important reminders and announcements:

Christmas Bazaar - Saturday November 13!

Our PTA has been working hard with parents and students to plan our first major school event in a very long time. It will take place next Saturday, November 13 from 12:00-3:00 p.m. Please plan on attending and supporting this fun family event. 

We acknowledge that not all families will be able to attend nor will wish to attend because of their own views and situations regarding covid-19. We honor and respect anyone's decision not to attend. The PTA has worked hard to consider the situation and has organized the event in such a way to minimize the risks. 

IMPORTANT - In order to comply with the most recent government covid guidelines:

•  Adults - Adults attending the event will need to present proof of covid vaccination or a negative PCR covid test that was taken within 48 hours of the event. Adults must display one of the following:

1. COOV app to show vaccination

2. Text from Public Health Office showing negative PCR test 

3. Formal Document showing vaccination or negative PCR test

• No eating or drinking: All food items and treats will be packaged to take home.

• Numbers of those in attendance at any one time will be monitored

 

Parent Teacher Conferences

Thank you to all the parents and teachers for their involvement in this important time. It is crucial that we continue to communicate and work together to celebrate and support our students! We are all partners in the success of each for students.

 

PTA Membership

Thank you to all parents and teachers who have formally joined the PTA. Your membership and donation helps keep our school strong and supports our whole school community. If you have not already received your PTA membership gift, please stop by the Knight’s Shop to get it.

 

Happy Diwali!

For many families in our school community this has been a special week with yesterday being Diwali. This is an important holiday, the Festival of Lights, where food, traditions, and family are celebrated. For many, Diwali symbolizes the spiritual victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. This is something we can all celebrate! We hope it was a special day and it was full of fun and celebration!

 

Dear Heavenly Father,

We thank you for each and every child at GSIS. We thank you for the adults in their lives, their parents, their teachers, and others who love and are committed to them. We pray that each child would continue to grow and develop in all areas: socially, emotionally, academically, intellectually, spiritually, physically,.. so that each would grow into adults who bring light into this world.

 

Amen,

 

In Christ,

Mr. Stephen Lush

 

2021년 11월 5일 

학부모님께, 

 몇 가지 중요한 공지사항을 알려드립니다. 

크리스마스 바자회 -11월 13일 토요일

 

PTA에서 학부모님들과 학생들이 함께 오랜만에 갖는 주요 학교 행사를 위하여 열심히 준비하고 있습니다. 다가오는 11월 13일 토요일 오후 12시부터 3시까지 진행될 예정입니다. 즐거운 행사에 함께 동참해 주시기 바랍니다. 

코로나19에 대한 각자의 견해와 상황으로 인해 모두가 참석할 수 없거나 또는 참석을 원치 않을 수 있음을 알고 있습니다. 혹시 누군가가 불참하더라도 그 결정을 존중합니다. PTA는 현재 상황을 고려하고 또 위험을 최소화하는 방향으로 행사를 기획했습니다. 

 

주요 사항 -  현재 정부의 코로나 방침을 준수하기 위한 가이드라인 :

• 성인 - 행사에 참석하는 성인은 코로나 바이러스 예방접종 증명서 혹은 행사 48시간 이내에 실시한 PCR코로나 테스트 음성 결과를 증빙해야 합니다. 성인은 다음중 하나를 제시해야 합니다. 

1. COOV 앱 코로나 예방접종 증명서 (전자 증명서)

2. 보건소에서 발송한 PCR 코로나 테스트 결과 음성 확인 문자

3. 예방접종 증명서 (공식 확인서) 혹은 PCR 코로나 테스트 음성 확인서

• 식음료 섭취 금지 : 모든 음식 및 간식류는 가정으로 가져갈 수 있게 포장될 에정입니다. 

• 참석자 수는 모니터 될 예정입니다. 

 

학부모 교사 컨퍼런스

중요한 행사에 참여해 주신 학부모님과 교사분들께 감사드립니다. 학생들을 지원하기 위해 우리가 계속해서 서로 소통하고 협력하는 것이 중요합니다. 우리는 모두 학생들의 성공을 위한 파트너입니다. 

 

PTA 회원

PTA에 가입해 주신 모든 학부모님과 교사들에게 감사드립니다. 여러분의 멤버십과 기부는 학교의 성장과 학교 공동체를 지원하는 데 도움이 됩니다. 아직 PTA가입 선물을 받지 못했다면 Knight shop에서 받으시길 바랍니다. 

 

해피 디왈리!

어제는 디왈리로 우리 공동체의 많은 가족들에게 특별한 주였습니다. 디왈리는 음식, 전통 가족을 기념하는 빛의 축제로 중요한 휴일입니다. 많은 사람들에게 디왈리는 어둠에 대한 빛, 악에 대한 선, 무지에 대한 지식의 영적 승리를 상징합니다.  우리 모두가 축하할 수 있는 날입니다. 즐거움과 축하로 가득한 특별한 날이 되었기를 바랍니다. 

 

사랑하는 하나님 아버지, 

GSIS 모든 아이들을 보살펴 주심에 감사드립니다. 우리 아이들 삶 속에 함께하는 어른들이 있음에 감사드립니다. 아이들의 부모님, 교사들 그리고 이들을 사랑하고 헌신하는 사람들이 있음에 감사드립니다. 우리는 아이들이 사회적, 정서적, 학문적, 지적, 영적, 육체적인 모든 영역에서 계속 성장하고 발전하여 이 세상에 빛을 가져오는 어른으로 성장하기를 기도드립니다. 

 

아멘, 

주 안에서, 

총교장 스티븐 러쉬

 

September 30, 2021

Dear All,

As you may have heard, this morning we were informed of a positive Covid case in our community. The possible exposure to other students and staff members is believed to be minimal. Those who may have been in contact have been identified by the Yeongtong-gu Public Health Centre and/or Nurse Ann. They are being tested and will be in quarantine until cleared to return to school.

Please know that we will continue with regular on-campus classes unless directed otherwise by the authorities. 

Unfortunately, this is our current reality, Covid is with us for the foreseeable future: This is our new normal. We must remain calm, vigilant, and positive. 

Just as I have implored to our parent community, I do the same to you. As the Covid situation continues to be a part of our lives for the foreseeable future, we must learn to carry on with our daily lives in as safe and responsible a manner as possible. We also must face any issues that may arise in calm, respectful, and empathetic ways. It could be any one of us or our families directly involved.  We need to come together in prayer, love and support for each other. This is not a time for blame or fear, but rather a time of understanding, compassion, and support. It is time for unity and community.

So, continue to model and reinforce our covid protocols with students and adults in our building.

EVERYWHERE:

• Keep face masks over their mouths and noses at all times (“No Mask, No Talk”)

• At level 4, masks must we rated KF80 or KF94 (Send extra mask with your child each day)

• Maintain social distance

• Wash and disinfect hands regularly

• Avoid high-risk areas and activities (Hagwons, busy cafes, public transportation, etc.)

• Report any signs of sickness or possible contact or any housemate under quarantine to the school nurse immediately!

 

WHILE AT SCHOOL:

• Maintain social distancing

• Regularly sanitize hands

• Use the stairs in the correct direction

• Do not eat any food with others outside of the cafeteria including snack time (No talking while masks are off!) 

• And again, report any signs of sickness to Nurse Ann immediately!

We will keep you informed as we learn more.

If you have any questions, suggestions or symptoms, contact Nurse Ann (by email: kila@gsis.sc.kr, phone: 010-4332-2800 or text).

Dear Lord, 

Continue to be with us and may your Spirit protect us from sickness and division. Be with each of our families and students and may you continue to give each of us strength and wisdom. May our hope and joy be found in you and not our circumstances. Whether we face favorable situations or dire situations, may our eyes be on you. Our hope is in you!

BELOW IS AN EMAIL THAT WILL BE SENT TO THE COMMUNITY THIS AFTERNOON

Dear GSIS Community,

As we are into our third school year of the pandemic we understand that Covid is not going away anytime soon. We must learn to mitigate our risks and move forward as safely and responsibly as we can. Here at GSIS we have been extremely fortunate thus far. We have been lucky enough to have more on-campus days than many other schools both in Korea and around the world. We continue to work hard to establish reasonable protocols to prevent Covid cases within our school and to contain any cases we might get. 

Today we were informed that we have a confirmed covid case within our school community. At this moment, the possible exposure is limited to a small number of students and teachers. All possible teachers and students who may be involved with this case have been contacted by our local public health office, Yeogtong-gu Public Health Centre. These individuals are being tested and will be in isolation until the public health office clears them to return to school. 

There is no need to be overly concerned at this point. The possible exposure appears to be limited to a small group of teachers and students. We will continue with regular face-to-face classes as directed by authorities. We will keep in close contact with the public health office and will keep you informed throughout this process.

VERY IMPORTANT - WORKING TOGETHER

As the Covid situation continues to be a part of our lives for the foreseeable future, we must learn to carry on with our daily lives in as safe and responsible a manner as possible. We also must face any issues that may arise in calm, respectful, and empathetic ways. It could be any one of us or our families directly involved. 

We need to come together in prayer, love and support for each other. This is not a time for blame or fear, but rather a time of understanding, compassion, and support. That is how our GSIS community should respond to situations like this.

The most important thing for us to do is to keep calm and be diligent in adhering to safe Covid protocols. We may not be able to prevent cases, but we can certainly minimize our risks. 

Let’s remain vigilant in protecting our families and our school by practicing the COVID-19 protocols to keep safe and to minimize the chances of Covid cases in our community:

 

EVERYWHERE:

Keep face masks over their mouths and noses at all times (“No Mask, No Talk”)

At level 4, masks must we rated KF80 or KF94 (Send extra mask with your child each day)

Maintain social distance

Wash and disinfect hands regularly

Avoid high-risk areas and activities (Hagwons, busy cafes, public transportation, etc.)

Report any signs of sickness or possible contact or any housemate under quarantine to the school nurse immediately!

 

WHILE AT SCHOOL:

Maintain social distancing

Regularly sanitize hands

Use the stairs in the correct direction

Do not eat any food with others outside of the cafeteria including snack time (No talking while masks are off!) 

And again, report any signs of sickness to Nurse Ann immediately!

 

We will continue to keep you updated with any information or further developments.

 

 

Mr. Stephen Lush

 

Korean verision will be updated soon

September 9, 2021

 

Dear GSIS Community,

We have a reason to celebrate as we have all students on campus this week for the first time this school year! It is so great to see our students!

Although this is indeed a reason to celebrate, we must continue to be vigilant in abiding by the COVID protocols and guidelines. We need everybody’s help with this! Parents, please continue to reinforce safety with your children. We at school will continue to remind the GSIS community as well.

GSIS COVID PROTOCOLS

EVERYWHERE:

• Keep face masks over their mouths and noses at all times (“No Mask, No Talk”)

• At level 4, masks must we rated KF80 or KF94 (Send extra mask with your child each day)

• Maintain social distance

• Wash and disinfect hands regularly

• Avoid high-risk areas and activities (Hagwons, busy cafes, public transportation, etc.)

• Report any signs of sickness or possible contact or any housemate under quarantine to the school nurse immediately!

 

WHILE AT SCHOOL:

• Maintain social distancing

• Regularly sanitize hands

• Use the stairs in the correct direction

• Do not eat any food with others outside of the cafeteria including snack time (No talking while masks are off!) 

• And again, report any signs of sickness to Nurse Ann immediately!

ADDITIONAL MEASURES

You may be curious if we have done anything else to prevent COVID considering the current situation in Korea. In addition to the above strategies in preventing COVID, we have also just recently added these precautions: 

• 400 more shields were ordered and installed.

• Require KF 80 or KF94 masks (bring extra mask each day)

• Adjusted the direction of foot traffic in hallways, cafeteria, and stairwells

• Adjusted lunch schedule to reduce the density of students in the cafeteria

• Our youngest students (PK-Gr.1) eat lunch in their classrooms with shields (The tray cover is used to keep food safe, not to be exposed to the air.)

• Snack time with a shield 

• Regular reminders to follow GSIS Covid Protocols (e.g HOS's morning announcement)

• Make sure of hand washing and disinfecting regularly, supervised by Nurse Kil

• Prepare an additional mask for swimming class in case of wet or missing

• Using individual water bottles (No direct drinking from the water fountains) 

 

Although our COVID protocols have proven to be effective thus far, it is important to know that we cannot completely eliminate the risk of COVID within our school. We must remain diligent in practicing our protocols. We need to do this both inside and outside school each and every day. 

As we work extremely hard to provide our students with face-to-face classes in a safe and reasonable manner, it may become necessary to shift at any moment to a hybrid or online mode of instruction. We will work to communicate these changes with you with as much notice as is possible.

Let’s continue to work together to keep our entire school community safe!

 

Lord Jesus,

We thank you for the opportunity to have our students on campus this week. We thank you for sustaining us through this extended time of challenge. Please be with each of our students and their families. Give our entire school community wisdom, grace, and safety as we work to provide for the educational needs of our students no matter if classes are on-campus or online. Be with our teachers. Be with our parents. Be with our entire community.

 

Amen!

 

 

Mr. Stephen Lush

 

2021년 9월 9일

학부모님께,

이번 새학년도에 처음으로 전교생이 등교하여 학교에서 아이들을 만날 수 있게 되어 매우 기쁘게 생각합니다.

전교생 등교는 매우 축하할 일이지만 코로나 방역수칙과 지침을 따르기 위해 계속하여 경계해야 합니다. 이를 위해서는 우리 모두의 도움이 필요합니다. 가정에서는 계속해서 자녀와 함께 안전에 더욱 신경써 주시고 학교에서도 지속적으로 교육할 예정입니다. 

 

GSIS 방역 수칙

공통 방역수칙:

• 항상 입과 코를 가리는 마스크 착용 (“마스크 없이는 말하지 않기”)

• 거리두기 4단계 KF80 혹은 KF94 마스크 착용하기

• 사회적 거리 유지하기

• 손을 자주 씻고 소독하기

• 고위험 지역 및 활동(학원, 카페, 대중 교통 등)을 피하기

• 아프거나 확진자와 접촉 가능성이 있거나 가족 중 자가격리자가 있을 경우 즉시 학교 보건교사에게 알리기!

학교 방역수칙:

• 사회적 거리 두기 유지하기

• 손을 자주 씻고 소독하기 

• 방향에 맞는 계단 사용하기

• 학교 카페테리아 밖에서 음식 섭취하지 않기, 간식시간 포함 (마스크 없이 말하지 않기)

• 고위험 지역 및 활동(학원, 카페, 대중 교통 등)을 피하기 

• 아프면 보건교사에게 즉시 알리기

 

추가된 방역수칙:

현재 한국의 상황을 고려하여 코로나 예방을 위하여 어떤 다른 추가 조치가 있었는지 궁금하실 것 같습니다. 위에 언급된 코로나 예방수칙 외에도 최근에 다음과 같이 방역수칙을 추가하였습니다. 

• 400개의 책상 칸막이 추가 구매 및 설치 

• KF 80 혹은 KF 94 마스크 필히 착용 (매일 여분의 마스크 준비)

• 통행 방향 재조정 (복도, 계단, 카페테리아 등등 )

• 식당 밀집도를 낮추기 위하여 학년별 점심시간 분산 재조정

• 저학년 (PK-1학년) 교실에서 식사 (칸막이 사용, 식사 트레이 커버 사용하여 공기중에 음식이 노출되지 않도록 함)

• 스낵 섭취시 칸막이 사용

• 학생들에게 반복하여 방역수칙 교육 (예시, 월요일 아침 8:05am 총교장 교내 방송으로 전체 공지)

• 보건교사가 손 씻기 & 손소독 & 체온 체크 잘 진행 되고 있는지 확인

• 수영 수업시 추가 마스크 준비하여 젖거나 분실시 대비

• 개별 물통 사용 (음수대 입으로 직접 마시기 금지)

 

지금까지 GSIS 코로나 방역수칙이 효과적이었지만, 교내에서 코로나의 위험을 완전히 배제할 수 없다는 사실을 유념해야 합니다. 학교 안 팎에서 항상 방역수칙을 실천하도록 노력해 주시기 바랍니다. 

학교는 안전한 범위 내에서 학생들에게 대면 수업을 제공하기 위해 최선을 다하고 있지만, 상황에 따라 하이브리드 수업 혹은 온라인 수업으로 전환될 수 있음을 참고해 주시기 바랍니다. 변동 사항이 있을 경우 공지를 통하여 안내해 드리겠습니다. 

계속하여 학교 공동체 모두가 안전을 유지할 수 있도록 모두 함께 협조해 주시기 바랍니다.  

 

주님, 

이번주에 모든 학생들이 등교할 수 있도록 허락해 주셔서 감사드립니다. 또한, 이 긴 시간 동안 우리를 이끌어 주셔서 감사드립니다. 모든 학생 그리고 가족들과 함께해 주시옵소서. 하나님의 지혜와 은혜와 안전이 우리 학교와 함께 하셔서 대면/비대면 수업 여부와 관계없이 우리 아이들 교육에 필요한 모든 것들을 제공할 수 있도록 해 주시옵소서. 교사들과 함께 해 주시고, 학부모님들과 함께해 주시고, 또 학교 공동체 모두와 늘 동행하여 주시옵소서.

아멘

 

총교장 스티븐 러쉬

--

Mr. Stephen Crawford Lush

GSIS Head of School

Dear GSIS Community,

We want to thank all our parents and our community for their support and patience through this extremely challenging period of time. As our governments and healthcare systems continually change and evolve in their approach to keeping citizens and communities safe, they struggle to reduce the impact of any restrictions on things like business and education. Over the past year and a half, schools around the world have had to shift in the way they provide their educational programs to their students.

Over the past several weeks we have been fortunate to have had more students on campus for face-to-face classes than many of our similar schools by working closely with our provincial office of education, our staff and faculty, and our students and their families. We have successfully brought the majority of all our students on campus for face-to-face classes with only grades 3 through 8 still in a hybrid model of classes. 

Over the last two weeks we have also added some additional safety measures like requiring more protective face masks, installing additional acrylic shields, and making slight changes to the schedule to improve the flow of traffic through our building. 

Regardless, we can only reduce our risks, we cannot eliminate them. When we bring people together, there will be risks. We have attempted to mitigate these risks so that we can have students on campus for face-to-face classes as much as possible. 

Because the government continues to understand the need for children to be in school, combined with the strong support we have from our parent community and the safety protocols we have in place, we plan to have ALL students on campus for face-to-face classes starting Monday, September 6. 

This is great news! ...yet we must remain diligent in preventing the spread of COVID and flexible in our approach as the situation seems to be continually changing. Know that we may have to immediately shift to online classes if we happen to have a case within our school community. So please, continue to reinforce the following COVID Safety Protocols with your children:

While we are at Level 4 it is important that students use a KF80 or KF94 mask. Please always send an extra one with your child as well.

Review and reinforce with your children daily.

 

GSIS COVID PROTOCOLS

EVERYWHERE:

• Keep face masks over their mouths and noses at all times (“No Mask, No Talk”)

• At level 4, masks must we rated KF80 or KF94 (Send extra mask with your child each day)

• Maintain social distance

• Wash and disinfect hands regularly

• Avoid high-risk areas and activities (Hagwons, busy cafes, public transportation, etc.)

• Report any signs of sickness or possible contact or any housemate under quarantine to the school nurse immediately!

 

WHILE AT SCHOOL:

• Maintain social distancing

• Regularly sanitize hands

• Use the stairs in the correct direction

• Do not eat any food with others outside of the cafeteria including snack time (No talking while masks are off!) 

• And again, report any signs of sickness to Nurse Ann immediately!

 

Please continue to join me in praying for our students, our families, our teachers and our entire community. May God’s grace, love, and understanding reign during all the challenges and uncertainties we face. 

 

We are excited to have all our students on campus at the same time!

 

Thank you,

 

Mr. Stephen Lush

 

학부모님께, 

이 어려운 시기에 한결같은 이해와 지지를 해 주심에 감사드립니다. 정부와 의료시스템이 우리 지역사회와 시민들을 안전하게 보호하기 위하여 계속해서 변화하고 발전함에 따라 정부는 비즈니스와 교육에 대한 제한을 줄이기 위해서 노력하고 있습니다. 지난 1년 반 동안 전 세계의 학교는 학생들에게 다른 방법으로 교육 프로그램을 제공해야만 했습니다. 

학교는 지난 몇 주 동안 계속적으로 교육청과 교직원 그리고 학부모님들과 긴밀히 상의하여, 다행스럽게도 타 학교 보다 더 많은 학생들이 대면수업을 받을 수 있었습니다. 3-8학년은 하이브리드 수업이었지만 많은 학생들이 대면 수업을 받았습니다. 

지난 2주동안  마스크, 책상 칸막이, 교내 통행 방향 등의 안전 수칙을 더 보완 및 추가하여 방역을 강화했습니다.

이러한 노력에도 불구하고 위험을 줄일 수만 있을 뿐 없앨 수는 없습니다. 사람이 모이면 위험한 상황입니다. 그렇지만 가능한 많은 학생들이 캠퍼스에서 대면 수업을 받을 수 있도록 이러한 위험을 최소화 하고자 노력하고 있습니다. 

정부가 학생들의 등교 필요성을 인지하고 있고, 학부모님의 지지와 강화된 방역수칙과 함께 9월 6일 월요일부터 모든 학생들이 캠퍼스에서 대면 수업을 시작할 예정입니다. 

좋은 소식입니다. 하지만 코로나 확산 방지를 위해 함께 노력해야 하고 상황이 언제든지 변할 수 있기 때문에 유연하게 대처할 수 있도록 준비해야 합니다. 만약 교내에 확진 케이스가 생긴다면 즉시 전면 비대면 수업으로 전환 될 수 있음을 참고해 주시기 바랍니다. 따라서 가정에서도 자녀와 함께 방역 수칙을 잘 지켜 주시기를 요청 드립니다.

거리두기 4단계의 경우 학생들은 KF 80 또는 KF 94 마스크를 필히 착용해야 합니다. 아이들이 여분의 마스크를 상비하도록 가정에서 미리 준비하여 주시기 바랍니다. 

아래의 방역 수칙을 아이들과 함께 매일 확인해 주시기 바랍니다. 

 

GSIS 코로나 방역수칙 

공통 방역수칙:

• 항상 입과 코를 가리는 마스크 착용 (“마스크 없이는 말하지 않기”)

• 거리두기 4단계 KF80 혹은 KF94 마스크 착용하기

• 사회적 거리 유지하기

• 손을 자주 씻고 소독하기

• 고위험 지역 및 활동(학원, 카페, 대중 교통 등)을 피하기

• 아프거나 확진자와 접촉 가능성이 있거나 가족 중 자가격리자가 있을 경우 즉시 학교 보건교사에게 알리기!

 

학교 방역수칙:

• 사회적 거리 두기 유지하기

• 손을 자주 씻고 소독하기 

• 방향에 맞는 계단 사용하기

• 학교 카페테리아 밖에서 음식 섭취하지 않기, 간식시간 포함 (마스크 없이 말하지 않기)

• 고위험 지역 및 활동(학원, 카페, 대중 교통 등)을 피하기

• 아프면 보건교사에게 즉시 알리기

 

우리 학생들과 가정, 교사 그리고 우리 공동체를 위해 계속해서 기도 부탁드립니다. 하나님의 은혜와 사랑과 이해심으로 이 어려운 시기를 잘 극복해 나갈 수 있기를 기도합니다. 

감사합니다. 

 

총교장 스티븐 러쉬

--

Mr. Stephen Crawford Lush

GSIS Head of School

August 12, 2021

Dear GSIS Community Members:

WELCOME BACK TO SCHOOL! 

Today marks the beginning of the 2021-2022 school year. We are thrilled that the new year has begun! We welcome all our returning students and all of our new students!! 

Although today has been filled with excitement, we are disappointed that we cannot have students on campus yet. We are just as frustrated as you that this situation continues, but we must remain diligent, patient, and positive as we model for the children how to handle life’s difficulties and challenging situations.

Please know that we are in alignment with the requirements from our provincial office of education and in communication with other foreign schools in Korea as we are all dealing with the same situation.

These guidelines have once again been confirmed to us and there are no exceptions under our current response level of Level 4 and overing around 2,000 new COVID cases each day. We continue to monitor the situation and will update you as we get direction and information.

 

	Until September 3		After September 6
Grade Levels	Level 3	Level 4	Level 3	Level 4
K-2nd	On-campus	On-campus	On-campus	On-campus
3rd-5th	3/4	Online	On-campus	1/2
6th-8th	2/3	1/3	On-campus	2/3
9th-11th	On-campus	1/2	On-campus	1/2
12th	On-campus	On-campus	On-campus	On-campus

 

UPCOMING WEEK

You will receive more detailed information on your child’s schedule and classes from your child’s principal and teachers.

• Monday: Please remember that there is no school on Monday, August 16 because of the national holiday, Korea’s National Liberation Day.

• Friday: The government has scheduled vaccinations for many of our school’s staff and faculty next Friday. Therefore, all classes will be online Friday, August 20.

•  

GSIS COVID PROTOCOLS

As students begin to come back to the school campus this next week, it is important to remember our protocols. Take time with your child to review and reinforce these to keep our community as safe as possible!

Everywhere:

• Keep face masks over their mouths and noses at all times (“No Mask, No Talk”)

• Maintain social distance

• Wash and disinfect hands often

• Avoid high-risk areas and activities (Hagwons, busy cafes, public transportation, etc.)

• Report any signs of sickness or possible contact to the school nurse immediately!

While at school:

• Ensure a health slip is submitted to Nurse Ann DAILY!

• Use the stairs in the correct direction

• Do not eat any food with others outside of the cafeteria including snack time (No talking while masks are off!) 

• And again, report any signs of sickness to Nurse Ann immediately!

 

     Again, our goal is to provide 100% face-to-face classes and to do the best we can to avoid any cases at school. Although, everytime we gather people together there is a certain amount of risk. We must work together to minimize the risk of any cases within our school and to contain any cases that we may happen to get. 

 

GREETINGS FROM OUR CHAIRMAN

We are fortunate to have an extremely caring and committed Board of Trustees governing our school. They have a love for God and a love for GSIS. Please watch for a follow-up email with a letter from our Chairman.

In Christ,

 

2021년 8월 12일 

학부모님께,

학교 복귀를 환영합니다! 

오늘은 2021-2022 새학년도 시작의 날입니다. 새학년도를 맞이하여 매우 기쁘게 생각합니다. 재학생과 신입생 모두 환영합니다. 

새로운 시작에 대한 설레임과 함께 아직 캠퍼스에서 학생들을 만날 수 없다는 사실에 너무 아쉬움이 큽니다. 이러한 상황이 계속 되어 모두가 힘든 상황이지만, 우리가 좀 더 지혜롭게 인내하고, 긍정적인 모습을 유지하여 이러한 어려움을 극복하고 도전하는 모습으로 아이들에게 좋은 본보기가 되었으면 합니다. 

학교는 경기도교육청의 지침을 따르고 있으며 다른 외국인학교들과도 같은 상황에 있기 때문에 지속적으로 새로운 정보에 대하여 확인하고 있습니다. 

현재 지침을 재차 확인했으며, 현재 거리두기 4단계로 매일 신규 확진자수가 200명이 넘기 때문에 다른 예외사항은 없을 것으로 보입니다. 학교는 지속적으로 상황을 지켜보고 있고, 새로운 지침을 받게 되면 바로 안내해 드리겠습니다.

 

	~ 9월3일 까지		9월 6일 이후 ~
거리두기 단계	3단계	4단계	3단계	4단계
K-2학년	대면 수업	대면 수업	대면 수업	대면 수업
3-5학년	3/4	비대면 수업	대면 수업	1/2
6-8학년	2/3	1/3	대면 수업	2/3
9-11학년	대면 수업	1/2	대면 수업	1/2
12학년	대면 수업	대면 수업	대면 수업	대면 수업

 

다음주 일정

학생들의 자세한 수업 일정 정보는 교장선생님과 담당 교사들로부터 공지 되어질 것입니다. 

• 월요일 : 8월 16일은 광복절 대체 공휴일로 학교 수업이 없으니 참고해 주시기 바랍니다. 

• 금요일 : 8월 20일은 교직원들의 코로나 백신 접종일입니다. 따라서 8월 20일(금요일)의 모든 수업은 온라인으로 진행됩니다. 

GSIS 코로나 방역수칙 

다음주부터  학생들이 학교 캠퍼스로 돌아오기 시작하기 때문에 방역수칙을 다시 한번 확인해 주시기 바랍니다. 자녀들과 함께 직접 방역수칙을 확인해 주시고 지역 사회에서 안전하게 유지되도록 함께 노력해 주시기 바랍니다. 

 

공통 방역수칙:

• 항상 입과 코를 가리는 마스크 착용 (“마스크 없이는 말하지 않기”)

• 사회적 거리 유지하기

• 손을 자주 씻고 소독하기

학교 방역수칙:

• 보건교사에게 “건강상태확인서” 매일 제출 하기

• 방향에 맞는 계단 사용 하기

• 학교 카페테리아 밖에서 음식 섭취하지 않기, 간식시간 포함 (마스크 없이 말하지 않기)

• 고위험 지역 및 활동(학원, 카페, 대중 교통 등)을 피하기

• 아프면 보건교사에게 즉시 알리기

 

우리의 목표는 100% 대면 수업을 제공하고 학교에서 어떤 확진 사례도 발생하지 않도록 최선을 다하는 것임을 다시 한번 말씀드립니다. 

사람들이 모여 있으면 어느정도 위험이 따르지만 우리는 함께 협력하여 우리 학교 내 감염 사례의 위험과 발생 가능성을 최소화 해야 합니다. 

 

이사장 인사말

학교를 세심하고 헌신적으로 운영하는 이사회가 있다는 것은 큰 복입니다. 이사회는 하나님을 매우 사랑하고 또 GSIS를 아주 많이 사랑합니다. 이사장의 편지는 다음 이메일을 통하여 확인해 주시기 바랍니다. 

 

주 안에서

--

Mr. Stephen Crawford Lush

GSIS Head of School

Dear GSIS Community Members:

It is my hope and prayer that whether you are new to GSIS or returning, you and your family had a blessed summer! We welcome our new students and their families and we welcome back our returning students and their families! We are excited about the school year and working together to provide the very best educational experiences for our students!

In the midst of this excitement, we continue to face many challenges. The most obvious challenge we continue to face together is COVID. It has impacted many aspects of our lives and our school. We will need to continue to work together and support each other with creativity and patience as we strive to keep our community safe and provide our educational program whether we are able to have students on campus, online, or something in between. We can do this together!

Ms. Joni Eunhee Cho

You may be aware that the GSIS community has endured a great loss this past week with the sudden passing of Ms. Joni Cho. She was a dear friend and colleague who served the GSIS community since its inception. She played a number of roles but most recently welcomed our new families and students to GSIS as our Admissions Manager. She absolutely loved GSIS and each of our students! 

Although we mourn our loss, we have comfort and rejoice that she is with our Heavenly Father! As much as she was dedicated to GSIS and our students, she loved our Lord Jesus Christ with all her heart. Her hope and purpose in life was found in her faith in Christ. This hope and love overflowed and was evident in her relationships with others. We praise God!

Please join me in prayer for her family and for those who are grieving. We encourage all who know her to visit our school’s FaceBook page to share a favorite memory, share a verse of comfort, or anything else to celebrate her life @Gyeonggi.Suwon.International.School.

(If you or your child is strongly impacted by this news or need support, please contact our school offices to speak to our school counselors.)

First Day of School

As you are most likely aware, we are on the highest COVID response level, Level 4. Yesterday the government extended this response level until at least August 22. At this level and current government guidelines, we are required to begin school online. We are expecting some further guidance from the Ministry of Education this weekend. At this time though, we need to plan to be 100% online starting Thursday, August 12. 

We will confirm this early next week and at that time you will receive more specific information from your child’s principal and his or her teachers.

Being online is not the ideal way to start school, nor what we want, but of course our number one priority is the health and safety of our community. We will continue to monitor the situation and will get students on campus as soon as it is allowed and safe to do so. 

 Holiday - Monday, August 16

Over the summer, the government announced that all schools, including foreign schools must observe national holidays, even if the holiday happens to fall on a weekend. This will affect our school calendar. Korea’s National Liberation Day is August 15 and falls on a Sunday so we will be celebrating Liberation Day with no school on Monday, August 16. A revised school calendar will be sent to you this next week that will reflect these changes.

Regardless of what challenges we face, we are encouraged and optimistic about this new school year. I look forward to continuing to build a strong partnership with each of you. I sincerely pray for you and your family. It is by God’s grace and our hope in Him that sustains us, encourages us, and brings us joy through anything that we might encounter.

 

In Christ,

 

Mr. Stephen Lush 

Mr. Stephen Lush

 

2021년 8월 7일 

학부모님께,GSIS 신입생 가족과 재학생 가족 모두를 환영하며, 모든 분들이 행복한 여름을 보내셨길 바랍니다. 새 학년도가 매우 기대되며 학교는 학생들에게 최고의 교육을 통한 학습이 되도록 노력하고 있습니다. 이러한 설렘 속에서도 우리는 많은 도전에 직면해 있습니다. 가장 큰 도전은 바로 코로나입니다. 코로나는 우리의 일상과 학교의 많은 측면에 영향을 미쳤습니다. 우리 공동체의 안전과 최선의 교육 프로그램을 위하여 지속적으로 함께 노력해야 하고 인내심을 가지고 서로를 지원하는데 함께 동참해 주시기 바랍니다. 

조은희 선생님

지난주 조은희 선생님께서 갑작스럽게 하나님 곁으로 소천하셨습니다. 조 선생님은 GSIS 학교의 개교부터 지금까지 함께한 소중한 친구이자 동료였습니다. 조은희 선생님께서는 그동안 교내에서 많은 역할을 담당했었고, 가장 최근에는 GSIS 입학담당자로서 새로운 가족과 학생들을 환영해 주고 지원해 주었습니다. 조은희 선생님은 GSIS와 학생들을 아주 많이 사랑했습니다.

그녀의 부재가 너무 힘들고 슬프지만 이제 하나님과 함께 있다는 사실에 위안을 느낍니다. 조은희 선생님께서 GSIS와 학생들을 위해 헌신한 만큼, 그녀는 우리 주 예수 그리스도를 온 마음을 다해 사랑했습니다. 그녀의 삶의 소망과 목적은 그리스도에 대한 믿음에서 발견되었습니다. 그녀의 넘치는 소망과 사랑은 다른 사람과의 관계에서도 분명히 드러났습니다. 하나님을 찬양합니다. 

조은희 선생님의 가족과 슬픔에 빠진 사람들을 위해 함께 기도해 주시기 바랍니다. 그녀를 아는 모든 사람들이 우리 학교 페이스북 페이지를 방문하여 좋은 추억과 위로의 말을 함께 나누고 그녀의 삶을 축복할 수 있도록 메시지를 공유해 주시기 바랍니다.  @Gyeonggi.Suwon.International.School.

(귀하 또는 귀하의 자녀가 이 소식으로 인하여 크게 영향받거나 지원이 필요할 경우 학과 사무실을 통하여 상담교사에게 연락하시기 바랍니다.)

개학

이미 아시는 것과 같이, 현재 코로나 사회적 거리두기 4단계입니다. 어제 정부는 이 대응 수준을 최소 8월 22일까지 연장할 계획이라고 발표했습니다. 이번 주말에 교육부의 추가 지침이 있을 것으로 예상하고 있습니다. 그러나 현재로서는 8월12일 목요일부터 100% 온라인 교육으로 예상하고 계획해야 합니다.

다음 주 초에 최종 확정 시, 교장선생님과 담당 교사가 구체적인 정보를 안내할 예정입니다. 

온라인 수업으로 새 학기를 시작하는 것이 우리가 원하는 이상적인 방법은 아니지만, 우리의 최우선 순위는 학교 공동체의 건강과 안전입니다. 우리는 상황을 지속적으로 지켜보고 허용이 된다면 안전한 범위 내에서 학생들이 학교로 돌아올 수 있도록 하겠습니다. 

휴일 - 8월 16일 월요일

이번 여름, 정부는 공휴일이 주말인 경우에 외국인학교를 포함한 모든 학교에서 대체공휴일을 준수해야 한다고 발표했습니다. 이 지침은 학교 일정에도 영향을 미칠 예정입니다. 올해 광복절은 8월 15일 일요일이기 때문에 8월 16일 월요일은 대체공휴일로 수업이 없습니다. 이러한 변경사항을 반영하여 수정된 학교 연간 캘린더가 다음 주에 배부될 예정입니다. 

우리가 어떤 어려움을 직면했든 간에, 이번 새 학년도를 고무적이고 낙관적으로 예상합니다. 앞으로도 여러분 모두와 강력한 파트너십을 구축해 나가길 기대하고 여러분과 각 가정을 위해 진심으로 기도합니다. 우리를 늘 보호, 인도해주시고  만물의 기쁨 주시는 것은 하나님의 은혜와 하나님에 대한 우리의 소망 때문입니다.

주 안에서

총교장 스티븐 러쉬

 

Dear GSIS Community,

     Thank you for your understanding this past week as we ran our ⅔ hybrid model after going many weeks with 100% face-to-face classes. We know how hard this is on our community and what a challenge this causes families. We do not make these decisions lightly. 

      Although the daily cases had been on the rise, I am pleased to let you know they seemed to have plateaued this week. 

Therefore, we will return to 100% face-to-face classes beginning Monday, May 3, 2021.

  Please understand that we will continue to monitor the situation and let you know with as much notice as possible if there are any changes. 

     On several occasions we have asked for your thoughts on this matter. We again would like to know how you are feeling about the situation. Please complete this short survey as it will give us additional information to consider. Although we do not believe decisions concerning safety should not be left up to popular opinion, we do value your input and want to know your thoughts. We thank you for taking a couple of minutes to complete the survey.

    We will continue to monitor the daily numbers and watch for cases in our surrounding community. Our goal is to keep our school community safe, minimize the risks when we are together, and to keep students learning even if it is a hybrid model. The risk for COVID transmission continues to be a great concern and the fact that we have Children’s Day and Parent’s Day coming here in May, we cannot let our guard down. Because we cannot completely prevent cases within our school community, we must work together to minimize and manage the risks. We must remain vigilant!

     As always, please continue to revisit the protocols with your children as we work to reinforce them here at school: 

• Keep face masks over their mouths and noses at all times (“No Mask, No Talk”)

• Maintain social distance

• Wash and disinfect hands often

• Avoid high-risk areas and activities (Hagwons, cafes, public transportation, etc.)

• Report any signs of sickness or possible contact to the school nurse immediately!

     Thank you for your continued patience and support during these challenging times. It is sincerely our prayer that God’s love, peace, and grace would be upon each of you and your family. We also know that many of you are praying for the school and for our GSIS families. We are deeply grateful.

PLEASE TAKE THE SURVEY

In Christ,

Mr. Stephen Lush

 

한국어 버전은 곧 업데이트 될 예정입니다. 

Dear GSIS Community,

     We trust you and your family are doing well and enjoying these warmer days of spring and the positive energy this time of year brings. Unfortunately, we are also seeing a rise in COVID cases in Korea and around the world. I am writing to inform you that we will be decreasing student density this next week due to a steady increase in daily new COVID cases.

Starting Monday, April 26, we will run at ⅔ hybrid model. 

Please watch for information from the elementary school and secondary school offices for specific schedules. (Note: We will not be able to provide emergency childcare this next week.)

     We know this may come as a disappointment and creates inconveniences for many of us but we believe the decision is made in the best interest of the health and safety of our entire school community. We have been very fortunate up until this point to have more face-to-face classes than many other schools. We hope this will only be for a short period of time and that we will return to 100% face-to-face classes very shortly. 

     Parents, please continue to revisit the protocols with your children as we work to reinforce them here at school: 

• Keep face masks over their mouths and noses at all times (“No Mask, No Talk”)

• Maintain social distance

• Wash and disinfect hands often

• Avoid high-risk areas and activities (Hagwons, cafes, public transportation, etc.)

• Report any signs of sickness or possible contact to the school nurse immediately!

 

     Thank you for your continued patience and support during these challenging times. It is sincerely our prayer that God’s love, peace, and grace would be upon each of you and your family. We also know that many of you are praying for the school and for our GSIS families. We are deeply grateful.

 

In Christ,

Mr. Stephen Lush

 

한국어 버전은 곧 업데이트 될 예정입니다. 

 

Dear GSIS Parents:

     I trust you and your families are doing well! I have written since having spring break. I hope you had an excellent spring break and excellent Holy Week! 

     We have been extremely fortunate to have had an extended period of time with 100% face-to-face classes. We have been watching the number of daily new COVID cases and although the last few days have been a slight decrease, they were trending higher over the last week. Another concern is that there have been a number of other international schools in Korea that have experienced suspected and confirmed cases within their school communities over the last week. Our goal is to keep as many students on campus for face-to-face classes as possible each day. 

 

We Need Your Continued Help!

     Almost everyday we have students coming to school not feeling well. Please check your children before they come to school and do not send them to school if they are not feeling well. 

     Also, if your children or anyone within your household has come in contact with someone who is being tested or in quarantine for COVID, please do not send your child to school until the individual/s have been cleared. If you are in doubt or have questions, please contact our  school nurse.

     In addition, there seems to be a certain amount of fatigue with following the protocols and some of us are becoming complacent. We need you to reinforce the protocols with your children and to avoid any unnecessary situations that might put your family at risk for being exposed to COVID. I know we are all tired of this but we need to keep our guard up.

 

   Revisit the protocols with your children as we work to reinforce them here at school: 

Everywhere:

• Keep face masks over their mouths and noses at all times (“No Mask, No Talk”)

• Maintain social distance

• Wash and disinfect hands often

• Avoid high-risk areas and activities (Hagwons, busy cafes, public transportation, etc.)

• Report any signs of sickness or possible contact to the school nurse immediately!

While at school:

• Ensure a health slip is submitted to Nurse Ann DAILY!

• Use the stairs in the correct direction

• Do not eat any food with others outside of the cafeteria including snack time (No talking while masks are off!) 

• Open classroom windows when possible

• And again, report any signs of sickness to Nurse Ann immediately!

 

Again, our goal is to provide 100% face-to-face classes and to do the best we can to avoid any cases at school. Although, everytime we gather people together there is a certain amount of risk. We must work together to minimize the risk of any cases within our school and to contain any cases that we may happen to get. If the daily number cases rise to where they were last week or if we find that there are cases closer to GSIS, we will move to a hybrid model to keep our community safe and so that we can at least continue with students on campus each day

Let’s continue to be thankful for the number of face-to-face classes our school has been able to have, let’s be prepared to shift to a hybrid model if needed, and let’s do what we can to minimize our risks! 

 

Sincerely,

Mr. Stephen Lush

한국어 버전은 곧 업데이트 될 예정입니다. 

Dear GSIS Community,

 It is great having students on campus this week. We would like to increase student density this next week. 

Starting Monday, February 22, JK through Grade 1 will be 100% face-to-face and the rest of the school will run at ⅔ hybrid model. 

Please watch for information from the elementary school and secondary school offices for specific schedules. (Note: We will not be able to provide emergency childcare this next week.)

At this time, we believe this will provide increased face-to-face classes for all students as we continue to monitor the situation and are in communication with the Gyeonggi Office of Education. We are hopeful that we will be able to run this model and begin working toward 100% face-to-face classes in the near future.

  Parents, please continue to revisit the protocols with your children as we work to reinforce them here at school: 

• Keep face masks over their mouths and noses at all times (“No Mask, No Talk”)
• Maintain social distance
• Wash and disinfect hands often
• Avoid high-risk areas and activities (Hagwons, cafes, public transportation, etc.)
• Report any signs of sickness or possible contact to the school nurse immediately!

In Christ,

Stephen Crawford Lush

Head of School

한국어 버전은 곧 업데이트 될 예정입니다. 

February 3, 202

Message from the GSIS Head of School Office

Dear Parents,

We have just been informed this evening of a confirmed COVID-19 case within our school community. We are working with the authorities at this very moment to determine the scope of the situation. 

Because of this, we will be 100% online for the next two days with no students on campus, February 4-5 (including no emergency childcare).

We will be cooperating with the authorities of any possible contact tracing and in the disinfection of the school. The authorities will be in contact with families and individuals whom they believe may have been exposed. The authorities will be contacting families through text messages.

Please monitor your family for any COVID-19 symptoms and contact your local public health center for assistance.

In addition, if you have COVID-19 related questions you can get assistance by calling the KDCA (1339), Tourist Information Center (1330), or Seoul City Call Center (02-120).

We will give you more information and details as they become available.

 

God bless,

Stephen Crawford Lush

Head of School

Dear Parents,

     It has been wonderful to have at least a portion of our students back on campus this week! We continue to monitor the situation and have been in contact with the Gyeonggi Office of Education. We are hopeful that we will be able to increase the number of students on campus very soon, but currently we must continue with the ⅓ hybrid model this next week. 

    Have an enjoyable weekend and let’s continue to hope and pray that the number of new COVID cases continues to decrease.

Thank you,

Mr. Stephen Crawford Lush

학부모님께, 

 

이번주부터 일부 학생들이 캠퍼스로 돌아오게 되어 정말 기뻤습니다. 학교는 상황을 지속적으로 지켜보며 경기도교육청과 확인하고 있습니다. 빠른 시일 내에 학교에 등교하는 학생을 더 늘릴 수 있도록 기대하지만, 현재 상황으로는 다음 주에도 기존처럼 ⅓ 하이브리드 수업으로 진행할 예정입니다.

 

즐거운 주말 되시고, 코로나 상황이 진정되도록 기도 부탁드립니다. 

 

감사합니다. 

Dear Parents,

I truly hope each of you and your family are doing well!

     We are optimistic about the new year, the recent decrease in new COVID cases (~400/day), and the vaccine is on the horizon. Although we still have a ways to go, we are pleased that we might be able to welcome students back on campus this next week. The authorities have cautiously given us permission to begin ⅓ hybrid classes. It is my guess that many of you welcome this, yet I would like the data to better understand our parents’ perspective. If we have the majority of parents supporting this, we plan to begin ⅓ hybrid classes on Monday, January 25. 

   It continues to be our priority to have as many students on campus each and every day that is allowed so long as we can do so in a safe manner. Whether we have students back on campus or not, we need your continued assistance in keeping our school community safe. Continue to practice COVID-19 protocols to keep safe and to minimize the chances of COVID-19 cases in your families and in our community no matter where you might be :

• Keep face masks over their mouths and noses at all times (“No Mask, No Talk”)

• Maintain social distance

• Wash and disinfect hands often

• Avoid high-risk areas and activities (Hagwons, cafes, public transportation, etc.)

• Report any signs of sickness or possible contact to the school nurse immediately! 

 

Thank you,

Mr. Stephen Crawford Lush

학부모님께,

여러분의 가정에 모든 일이 평안하시기를 바랍니다.

 최근 코로나 감소세(1일 400명대)와 백신 개발 소식으로 새해를 낙관적으로 전망합니다. 아직 나아가야 할 길이 남아있지만 다음 주부터 학생들이 다시 캠퍼스로 돌아올 수 있게 되어 기쁘게 생각합니다. 교육 당국은  ⅓ 하이브리드 수업을 시작하도록 신중하게 허가했습니다. 아마도 많은 분들께서 이 소식을 환영하시겠지만, 학부모님들의 의견을 설문조사를 통해 확인하고자 합니다. 대다수의 학부모님들께서 이를 지원하신다면, 1월 25일 월요일부터는 하이브리드 수업을 시작할 예정입니다.

  안전한 상황에서 가능한 한 많은 학생들이 매일 등교하는 것이 우리의 우선순위 입니다. 학생들이 캠퍼스에 있을 때에도 없을 때에도 학교 커뮤니티의 안전을 위해 여러분의 지속적인 도움이 필요합니다. 

각 가정과 학교 커뮤니티 내 확진자 사례를 줄이기 위하여 항상 어디에서나 코로나-19 안전수칙을 지켜주시기 바랍니다.

• 항상 입과 코에 마스크 착용 (“마스크 없이는 말하지 않기”)

• 사회적 거리 유지하기

• 손을 자주 씻고 소독하기

• 고위험 지역 및 활동(학원, 카페, 대중 교통 등)을 피하기

• 질병의 징후나 접촉 가능성을 즉시 학교 보건교사에게 보고하기!

 

감사합니다.

총교장 스티븐 러쉬

Happy New Year!

     I truly hope and pray that each of you and your families have had a great Christmas and happy New Years. 2020 was fraught with many challenges. I am hopeful that this new year will bring us all some happiness and relief from some of the challenges of this past year. As much as we look forward to a new year and new opportunities, we are sure to encounter challenges.

     The Gyeonggi Office of Education has confirmed that GSIS will continue with 100% online classes starting Tuesday, January 12 until further notice. The elementary school secondary school offices will be communicating regarding any other details. 

     Again, our challenging times continue. Join me in continued prayer for our community and for Korea. Continue to practice COVID-19 protocols to keep safe and to minimize the chances of COVID-19 cases in your families and in our community no matter where you might be :

• Keep face masks over their mouths and noses at all times (“No Mask, No Talk”)

• Maintain social distance

• Wash and disinfect hands often

• Avoid high-risk areas and activities (Hagwons, cafes, public transportation, etc.)

• Report any signs of sickness or possible contact to the school nurse immediately! 

     Again, I hope this break has been a good one. I pray for God’s blessings and protection for you and your family in this new year. I pray that we all can find hope in Him no matter what challenges we might face.

 

Sincerely,

Mr. Stephen Lush

새해 복 많이 받으세요!

     여러분과 여러분의 가족 모두 멋진 크리스마스와 새해가 되셨기를 소망합니다. 2020년은 많은 도전이 있었습니다. 이번 새해는 지난 한 해의 어려움에서 모두에게 행복과 안도감이 있는 한 해가 되길 바랍니다. 새해와 새로운 기회 만큼 또한 우리는 도전에 직면하게 될 것 입니다.

     경기도교육청은 추후 공지가 있을 때까지 GSIS는 1월 12일 화요일부터 100% 온라인 수업을 유지하여야 함을 확인하여 주었습니다. 이에 기타 세부 사항에 대해서는 초등학교 중고등학교 사무실에서 연락을 드릴 것입니다.

     다시 한번 우리의 도전적인 시대는 계속됩니다. 우리 공동체와 한국을 위해 계속 기도해주십시오. 코로나-19 방역지침을 계속해서 연습하여 안전을 유지하고 귀하가 어디에 있든 가족과 지역 사회에서 코로나-19 사례의 가능성을 최소화하기를 힘써주시기 바랍니다.

• 항상 입과 코를 가리는 마스크 착용 (“마스크 없이는 말하지 않기”)

• 사회적 거리 유지하기

• 손을 자주 씻고 소독하기

• 고위험 지역 및 활동(학원, 카페, 대중 교통 등)을 피하기

• 질병의 징후나 접촉 가능성을 즉시 학교 보건교사에게 보고하기!

     다시 한 번, 이번 휴식이 좋은 시간 이었기를 바랍니다. 새해에 여러분과 여러분의 가족을 위한 하나님의 축복과 보호를 위해 기도합니다. 어떤 어려움이 있더라도 우리 모두가 그분 안에서 희망을 찾을 수 있기를 기도합니다.

감사합니다.

총교장 스티븐 러쉬

Dear Parents,

     As you know, there has been a sharp increase in the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases over the weekend. At this time, the government has not increased the response level from Level 2.5. GSIS will continue with the current plan to offer hybrid classes this week unless the response level is increased to Level 3 or unless we are directed to do so by the Gyeonggi Office of Education. We will continue to monitor the situation and communicate any changes.

     It is especially imperative that we continue to implement our protocols to keep our school community safe and minimize the chances of COVID-19 cases:

Keep face masks over their mouths and noses at all times (“No Mask, No Talk”)
Maintain social distance
Wash and disinfect hands often
Avoid high-risk areas and activities (Hagwons, cafes, public transportation, etc.)
Report any signs of sickness or possible contact to the school nurse immediately! 

Again, thank you for your continued understanding and support during this unprecedented time. I pray God’s protection on our school and on each of your families.

Sincerely,

Mr. Stephen Lush

Korean Version will be updated soon. 

Thank you.

Dear Parents,

     Today the Gyeonggi Office of Education confirmed that they will raise the COVID-19 response to Level 2.5. Because of this, we will be implementing a ⅓ hybrid model starting Monday, December 7. 

     Considering the upward trend in confirmed cases, moving to the hybrid model will increase the safety of our students, GSIS employees, and all families. In the case that we do indeed get a confirmed case within our school community, having a lower density of students will decrease the number of individuals that could possibly be exposed and will make contract tracing easier for the authorities. 

     Watch for emails from the elementary school and secondary school’s offices regarding the specific schedule. Please note: We continue to prioritize our youngest learners in addition we will prioritize those secondary students who are scheduled to have exams. Know that we are keeping track of the specific grades who have had a fewer number of on-campus classes over the course of the year. Our goal is to make this as equitable as possible by the end of the school year.

     My prayer is for each of your families. I pray for us all to have wisdom, patience, peace, and positivity. These are some of the most challenging times our world has faced in decades. Our children are looking to us for guidance, reassurance, and to know everything is going to be alright. Let's continue to work together in partnership to be good examples for them so that they can develop perseverance, resilience, and the confidence to face the challenges that life will most certainly present them in the future.

     Again, we are fortunate that we have not had any confirmed COVID-19 cases in our school community...Let’s keep it that way! We have been working hard to keep our students, employees, and families safe by continuing to remind everyone to be diligent with implementing the protocols:

• Keep face masks over their mouths and noses at all times (“No Mask, No Talk”)
• Maintain social distance
• Wash and disinfect hands often
• Avoid high-risk areas and activities (Hagwons, cafes, public transportation, etc.)
• Report any signs of sickness or possible contact to the school nurse immediately! 

     Once again, we thank you for your continued patience and support during these challenging times. My thoughts and prayers continue to be with each of your families, our school, and our nation. Please continue to watch for further updates.

Sincerely,

Mr. Stephen Lush

Korean Version will be updated soon. 

Thank you.

Dear Parents,

     We have received further guidance regarding the increased COVID-19 response level to Level 2 and what it means for GSIS. Although the government has asked schools to decrease the density of students on campus each day (ES ⅓, MS ⅔, HS ⅔) for face-to-face classes by going to an online/on campus hybrid model of classes, the government will allow us to continue 100% face-to-face classes because our school’s divisions are smaller than 300 students each.

We are planning to continue with 100% face-to-face classes. All other after-school activities will be canceled or postponed. Students will leave campus at dismissal.

    If we go to Level 2.5, we will most likely need to implement our hybrid schedule of online and on-campus classes.

    If we go to Level 3, we will most certainly be implementing online classes only.

   Let’s hope and pray the number of COVID-19 cases will continue to decrease rather than increase. This is so that we can continue with students on campus but most importantly, people will remain safe and healthy.

We Need Your Help

   It is our priority to have as many students on campus each and every day that is allowed so long as we can do so in a safe manner. We need your assistance in keeping our school community safe and allowing us to continue with 100% face-to-face classes. 

Please remind your children to practice social distancing, wear face masks over nose and mouth at all times, complete a daily health report to school, and report any signs of sickness to our school nurse. 

   It is also recommended that families practice safe practices at home and avoid gathering in crowded public places. Together, we can continue to keep our children on campus and safe.

To ensure we have your thoughts on this matter, please take a minute to complete this very short survey. 

 

LINK TO SURVEY

 

Respectfully,

Mr. Stephen Crawford Lush

GSIS COVID-19 RESPONSES Updated November 23, 2020

Social Distancing Level	COVID-19 Protocols	Delivery of our Educational Program
Level 1	Temperature checking, mask wearing and social distancing practiced  Visitors and gatherings in groups are allowed within guidelines	100% on campus classes with COVID-19 protocols implemented (As allowed by authorities - because of the smaller size of our school divisions)
Level 1.5	All above + Increased vigilance Visitors and group gatherings are limited	100% on campus classes with COVID-19 protocols implemented (As allowed by authorities - because of the smaller size of our school divisions)
Level 2	All above + All indoors, outdoors where the high-risk activities take place are canceled or postponed. Visitors and small group gatherings are limited to essential only	100% on campus classes with COVID-19 protocols implemented (As allowed by authorities - because of the smaller size of our school divisions) Decreased density in cafeteria - No mask, no talk Students are to leave campus at 3:30 PM Canceled or postponed: After School Activities including sports, KAIAC games, clubs, and other gatherings All high-risk indoor & outdoor activities   This is subject to change. We will continue to monitor the situation and will continue to communicate with the authorities.
Level 2.5	All above + Canceled or postponed: All visitors and group gatherings Any other non-core instructional activities	Hybrid classes implemented, ⅓ of students on campus daily for face-to-face classes (JK, PK, K and Grade 12 will be prioritized for on-campus classes if needed) Students not on campus will have online classes. Schedules will be given by elementary school and secondary school offices. (as allowed by authorities) Emergency Childcare provided for those Grade 1 - 6 students who qualify.
Level 3	Campus closed to students	100% online classes unless otherwise allowed by authorities and is safe

(The information in this chart is subject to change based on the safety of the community and approval of authorities.)

학부모님들께,

   코로나-19 대응 수준 격상으로 GSIS에 미치는 의미에 대하여 더 많은 지침을 안내받았습니다. 정부는 온라인/캠퍼스 하이브리드 수업 모델을 통해 매일 캠퍼스 내 학생들의 밀도(초등 ⅓, 중등  ⅔, 고등 ⅔)를 위한 대면 수업을 줄이도록 학교에 요청하였습니다만, 본 교는 각 학교별로 300명 미만이기 때문에 정부는 100% 대면 수업을 계속할 수 있도록 허용하였습니다.

그래서 학교는 100% 대면 수업을 계속할 계획입니다. 하지만 다른 교내 모든 방과후 활동은 취소되거나 연기될 것입니다. 학생들은 하교 시 캠퍼스를 떠나야 할 것입니다.

    2.5단계로 되면, 온라인 및 캠퍼스 내 수업의 하이브리드 일정으로 진행되어야 할 가능성이 높습니다.

   3단계로 되면, 분명히 온라인 수업으로만 진행할 것입니다.

   코로나-19 사례가 증가하는 대신 계속 줄어들기를 바라며 기도합니다. 이것은 우리가 캠퍼스에서 학생들과 함께 계속할 수 있도록 하기 위한 것이며 가장 중요한 것은 사람들이 안전하고 건강하게 지낼수 있을 것이기 때문입니다.

여러분들의 도움이 필요합니다

   안전한 방식으로 할 수있는 한 매일 허용되는 많은 학생들을 캠퍼스에 두는 것이 저희의 최우선 순위입니다. 학교 공동체를 안전하게 유지하고 100% 대면 수업을 계속할 수 있도록 귀하의 도움이 필요합니다.

자녀들에게 사회적 거리두기를 연습하고, 항상 코와 입에 마스크를 착용하고, 학교에 매일 건강 보고서를 작성하고, 학교 보건교사에게 질병 징후 보고를 하도록 상기 시켜주시기 바랍니다.

   또한 가족이 집에서도 안전하게 이것을 실천하고 붐비는 공공 장소에 모이는 것을 피하는 것이 좋습니다. 그렇게 함께, 우리는 계속해서 아이들을 캠퍼스에서 안전하게 지킬 수 있을 것입니다.

관련하여 부모님들의 의견 확인을 위해 잠시 시간내시어 여기 간단한 설문 조사에 답변 부탁드립니다.

LINK TO SURVEY

감사합니다.

총교장 스티븐 러쉬

GSIS 코로나-19 대응계획 업데이트 : 2020 년 11월 23일

사회적 거리두리 단계	코로나-19 방역조치	학교 교육적용 조치
1단계	체온 확인, 마스크 착용 및 사회적 거리두기 연습.  방문객과 단체 모임은 가이드 라인 내에서 허용.	코로나-19 방역 프로토콜이 구현된 캠퍼스에서 100% 대면 수업. (당국에서 허용 - 본교는 소규모 학교에 해당)
1.5단계	상기 내용+ 경계 증가.  실내 및 실외 스포츠 시설	코로나-19 방역 프로토콜이 구현된 캠퍼스에서 100% 대면 수업. (당국에서 허용 - 본교는 소규모 학교에 해당)
2단계	상기 내용 + 고위험 활동이 발생하는 모든 실내, 실외는 취소되거나 연기. 방문객 및 소그룹으로 제한.	코로나-19 방역 프로토콜이 구현된 캠퍼스에서 100% 대면 수업. (당국에서 허용 - 본교는 소규모 학교에 해당) 카페테리아 밀도 감소- 마스크 없이는 대화 금지 학생들은 오후 3시 30 분에 캠퍼스를 떠나야합니다. 취소 또는 연기 : 스포츠, KAIAC 게임, 클럽 및 기타 모임을 포함한 방과후 활동 모든 고위험 실내 및 실외 활동   이 사항은 변경될 수 있으며 상황을 계속 모니터링하고 당국과 계속해서 소통 예정.
2.5단계	상기 내용 + 취소 또는 연기 : 모든 방문자 및 그룹 모임 기타 비핵심 교육 활동	하이브리드 수업 시행, 매일 캠퍼스 내 학생의 ⅓ 대면 수업 (JK, PK, K 및 12 학년은 필요한 경우 캠퍼스 내 수업 우선 순위 지정)   캠퍼스에 있지 않은 학생들은 온라인 수업 실시. 일정 관련해서 초등 및 중고등학교 사무실. (당국에서 허용)   긴급 보육 자격을 갖춘 초등1-6학년 학생들에게 보육 제공.
3단계	Campus closed to students 캠퍼스 폐쇄.	100% online classes unless otherwise allowed by authorities and is safe. 당국에서 달리 허용하지 않는 한 안전한 100% 온라인 수업.

(이 자료의 정보는 학교의 커뮤니티의 안전과 당국의 승인에 따라 변경 될 수 있습니다.)