We have begun many of our stories and articles over the past two months referencing the current global pandemic and what this has meant for our ASH learners, staff and families. It has been amazing to see what the transition to the virtual learning environment has brought out in our ASH community. There certainly have been challenges along the way, but it has been the way that our community has met these challenges that has been so impressive.

Today, we wanted to shine a light on some of the silver linings that have emerged from this time; from reinventing the wheel when it comes to how we would ‘normally’ do something on campus, to incredible student thinking and gratitude from our community. Thank you to everyone who has shared their stories, silver linings and learnings, we love hearing from you!

Earth Day celebrations

Last month, it was Earth Day, a day that would normally be celebrated on campus at ASH with a number of different activities focusing on sustainability and what we can do for our planet. It was great to see a number of alternative activities and practices taking place in the VLE this Earth Day. In Ms. Lopez’s Spanish class, the students completed a project style of their choice to show their appreciation for the environment and to celebrate Earth Day. These took the form of photo essays, social advertisements representing environmental concerns and even some delicious looking plant-based recipes. Here is a snapshot of their diligent work:

Virtual high school musical auditions

Every year around this time, the auditions are held for the next school year’s high school musical. This year the casting team have had to put on their thinking caps and came up with a great virtual alternative… after all the show must go on! The ASH production of Bright Star will be the premiere production of this musical in the Netherlands, and so even though it’s a less traditional way of casting the show, it is still incredibly exciting! All audition materials were made available to the students through a special Google Site, along with a wealth of information about the show. Any student who will be in high school next year was eligible to sign up and submit a video audition. From these virtual submissions, the roles will be cast and ready to begin rehearsals (hopefully in person!) next school year. 

ASH families show gratitude

Finally we wanted to share a message of thanks from the House family… 

“We just wanted to tell you how much we appreciate your hard work over these past months. We know that this crazy, unexpected transition required so much time, effort, energy, and imagination. We / our girls have had fantastic continued teaching and support from their teachers. It's meant everything to have school tick along and know that teachers and staff care about their learning and wellbeing. We're amazed that such effective teaching and support continued, particularly considering the short turnaround time from standard delivery to VLE. It's no small feat, and we know that it happened because of your hard work, patience, and dedication.

You have gone above and beyond to reach out, teach, and care for your students. We consider ourselves very lucky. Thank you, thank you, thank you... and we hope to see you soon. In the meantime, take care!”

These are just a handful of the amazing things going on in our ASH community at this time. In previous weeks, we have highlighted other virtual activities, modified traditions and adapted learning in our articles, so please check these out; ASH athletes compete in and win first virtual sports festival title, Congratulations to our Mathletes on their success, ASH celebrates chapter of NHS inductees… virtually, Senior students apply ASH learning to the COVID-19 pandemic, Grade five students put visible thinking routine on display in VLE.

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