END-OF-YEAR MESSAGEWe have arrived at the end of the academic year – one that proved to be of great challenge and upheaval. We still find ourselves amid a global Covid-19 pandemic, and even though we begin the summer vacation with a certain sense of relief we must not let our guard down over the next two months. We must all continue to follow government directions and Ministry of Health advice, and respect the norms of social distancing and hygiene to which we have become accustomed, so that spread of the virus is contained and we might hopefully return to a situation closer to normality by September.British West Indies Collegiate will re-open to students for the new academic year on Wednesday 2nd September. A copy of our 2020-21 academic year calendar is attached below. An alternative version will be made available from our website (www.bwic.tc).We do not know what restrictions, if any, will be placed upon all schools across the TCI when September comes. We must expect it to be one of three scenarios: A) normal school; B) amended ‘real’ school; or C) online school. Be assured that the education and well-being of our students is at the core of everything that we do, and with this in mind we have a robust operational Plan B in place if we are allowed to open, albeit with restrictions. Should Plan B come into effect, we expect there to be an adjusted school day and no use of uniform; there will be no changing facilities open for students; students will have to bring their own face mask and water supply – we will have NO water coolers available. We will let you know our operational plan for September in detail as soon as we receive firm directions from the Department of Education.Whatever happens, this summer will see the refurbishment of the student toilets and changing rooms. We are also due to make a major upgrade to our internet and IT network, which will allow us to take further steps towards expanding our use of digital technology in our everyday teaching and learning, both in school and at home. Again – more information about this will be offered later.This week, we conducted our end-of-year book collection. We are aware that a good number of school texts, readers, and library books have still not been brought back to us. Parents are courteously reminded that all books issued to students must be returned and accounts settled (or agreed with the Principal and Bursar) before Year Reports or transcripts can be issued. The final opportunity for returning any outstanding books, or speaking with the Principal or School Secretary in person will be on Tuesday morning (30th June), after which the school campus will be closed for the summer.I am sure that, together with the TCI Education Foundation, the Principal and staff of the British West Indies Collegiate, you would like to join me in congratulating our Year 11 and Year 13 graduates, and wishing those leaving us to continue their education in other parts of the world all the very best. You are all invited to view our Facebook page from 6.00PM this evening when a link to our virtual graduation will go live.Sincere thanks especially to all our teachers for their hard work and dedication, including the sacrifice of late nights and weekends, adapting their pedagogy to ensure the continuity of our students’ education. And so to a well-deserved summer vacation for all.God bless, and stay safe! With best regards, Mr Anthony Wilkinson, Vice-Principal
