Head of School's Blogs

My Worst Week

by William H. GERRITZ 4 June, 2010

Every year I dread this week for it is my saddest of the year. I stopped being a professor at Berkeley because I missed the teamwork and relationships of schools.  It was a good choice because I love the daily life of ISB.  But this week I have to say good-bye to students, parents, and colleagues who are going off to new adventures. Many of them I have come to know and value highly.  I just do not like partings. However, there is one bright spot in the week.

In November each year, we survey families who have left ISB over the previous 10 months. At the end of each school year, in order to maintain contact, I send an e-mail to departing families.  I ask them to inform me of any e-mail address changes so that they will receive the survey in November.

Although my e-mail asks only for address information, many parents offer comments about ISB. Below, you can read five  sample  comments from this June. They cheer me up considerably.

1. "Through these past three years, they've learned so much thanks to the wonderful teachers who, with enthusiasm, love and determination, were able to teach them not only the standard curriculum, but about the world, life, their responsibilities as citizens, and as human beings.  Sadly, the end of the school year is upon us and very soon we'll be departing Thailand to start a new chapter in our lives with a fresh start in the States. I feel confident that my sons  are well prepared for the new challenges they will face, thanks to the dedication of your outstanding teaching staff.  I trust many future students will have the same opportunity to attend this wonderful school and receive the same level of dedication and commitment your faculty has provided to my children. I feel that I owe you, the faculty, and the staff of ISB all my gratitude, and my family and I wish you all the best. Thank you for three wonderful school years and hope to see all of you in the future."

2. "The education afforded to _____ and ____ at ISB has been spectacular. They have a great foundation on which to build on. They have been academically challenged and I want to thank you and your entire ISB Staff for this. "

 3.  "Our kids have been very happy at ISB and we believe they have received great academic instruction and support during our years at the school.  We especially appreciate the personal attention each child/family receives, from support staff all the way up to administration.  We also appreciate the many extracurricular activities that have been available to them.  We will miss ISB immensely!   The school will always hold a special place in our hearts."

4.  "It is with sadness that we are leaving ISB. My sons have been at ISB since Kindergarten and are extremely sad to be leaving; they have many friends there. In my opinion, the high educational level of teaching, the dedication and friendliness of the staff and the pleasant environment makes it a joy for students to come to school."

5.  "We have found this school experience to be fun, exciting and full of activities both academic and athletic.  ISB Rocks!!!!"

Bill

Comment on this post

Your comment:

Name: * You did not fill name

Email: * You did not fill email

Comment: * You did not fill comment

Security code: *

Try a different image

You did not fill security code

Submit Reset