EMBRACING NEW BEGINNINGS
BRONZE EDITION
“HOW WONDERFUL IT IS THAT NOBODY NEED WAIT A SINGLE MOMENT...
... BEFORE STARTING TO IMPROVE THE WORLD.” ANNE FRANK
SOCIALLY DISTANT, HAPPILY CONNECTED! We were anxiously waiting for this moment to arrive... For the past 7 months, our school has been rethinking and reinventing the way we perceive learning, completely dedicated to the challenging task of transitioning our educational program to the virtual environment. It hasn’t been an easy journey, but we are so happy that we made it! The daily achievement of our learners never ceased to amaze us and inspired us to push forward. Our educators overcame any barriers of teaching and made our Virtual Village come to life. The families became part of the classroom, assumed the responsibility to make sure that their children didn’t give up along the way.
Despite facing a pandemic, learning hasn’t stopped at Concept. Even apart, we were able to connect, exchange, and grow. So, it is with a happy heart that we take our first steps together, towards a new phase in our school. Our doors are finally open, and today we celebrate the joy of hearing the laughter throughout our halls and seeing the sparkle in the eyes of our learners once again.In this special edition of SPOTLIGHT, you’ll see how we welcomed our community to start optional extracurricular activities on the São Paulo and Ribeirão Preto campuses, while the Salvador campus is getting ready to do the same. Let’s continue, together, and discover what really means to be a community of lifelong learners!
embracing
new beginnings
In the past seven months, after closure of our three campuses in mid-March, the learning has been intense. After an extended period of experiencing the Virtual Village, we received the news and authorization to reopen Concept SĂŁo Paulo and RibeirĂŁo Preto and we were finally able to put into practice everything we had been planning for months. The learning spaces gained new signs and reminders, equipment was adapted to increase safety and hygiene and we also adopted new protocols created by our consultancy with Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein. All of this was done to ensure that our community and the families who chose to return to campus were able to do so with peace of mind and security. Before the official reopening, families were able to visit the schools, with their children, to explore the spaces. The great expectation however, was about the first day of returning to campus. This was our great opportunity to embrace new beginnings. Therefore, we heard testimonies from students, educators and families about their impressions of that special moment of reuniting on campus.
How was the first day back to campus? It was such a unique moment to be back on campus with our learners. I remember so vividly the moment I welcomed the first learner and accompanied him to our learning space! It was a day full of affection, marked by smiles, curious looks and bodies in motion exploring every space of the school! I will keep this moment forever in my memory! It was a long-awaited day for the Pre-K3A community! Families, learners, educators were counting down the minutes to finally be able to celebrate that day! For you, what was and remains the biggest challenge in this return? I understand the needs of the moment, however, what I find most challenging is not having the complete group! Each learner is a fundamental part of this dynamic and not having everyone changes this structure a little bit. The children miss and ask about their friends, and so do we! I know we are organizing ourselves to offer the best possible experiences for those who choose to stay at home, yet we would still like to be closer! Eduarda De Segovia e Rocha Pimentel Early Years Educator Concept SĂŁo Paulo
What impressed you the most when reuniting with the students? Without a doubt, the look of my learners! They were delighted! As they are small children, some of them needed more support at the time of arrival, but they were soon engaged in the proposals and enthusiastic about seeing their friends again. As soon as they felt comfortable, they shared with the group their experiences from the period at home, looking at pictures which were exposed on the walls of the room. At the end of the day, some children commented: "Can I stay a little longer?", this touched us deeply and represented the homesickness they were feeling from this face-to-face interaction!
How was the first day back to campus? The first day back to school on campus was exciting!I was anxious, a little apprehensive for this first day. Then, the first child arrived and smiled at me with his eyes. Then came the second, the third, and the giggles started to echo through the room. From then on, I was completely overcome by a contagious joy. The children (and I) were excited, happy, light, calm and overflowing with love. The word I heard most was “SAUDADE”. Missing my friends, routine, learning space, and SCHOOL! It was a special moment marked by reconnection. For you, what continues to be the biggest challenge in returning? The biggest challenge was, and continues to be, social distance. Because of all that longing, the children sought a very close interaction. Let us, once again, think flexibly to find a balance, ensuring everyone's safety, but without leaving interaction aside. I feel that we are more united and stronger, ready and motivated for several new learning opportunities.
Maria Elisa Lower School Educator Concept São Paulo
What impressed you the most when reuniting with the students? During our virtual classes, we talked a lot about health and wellbeing. In our discussions, we detailed with clarity and precision, all the protocols that we would have to follow when back on campus: masks, hygiene of the hands and the learning space, proper ventilation and social distance. Therefore, everyone already knew how to act.
How was the first day back to campus?
For you, what continues to be the biggest challenge in returning? I think the biggest challenge is to maintain social distance. We are from a culture that likes to be close, to exchange hugs and touch hands. It is strange to encounter students and work partners without those exchanges. I even feel like a cold and indifferent person. But I know that we have to learn to be that way, at least for now anyways. Murilo Borduqui Grade 4 educator Concept RibeirĂŁo Preto
It was a mixture of happiness and strangeness. I was very happy to be able to see the students in person, but it was strange because everything is different. It is different from what we had before the pandemic and different from the classes we were having 15 days ago. I think it will take a while to get used to this "new normal", but I am sure that we will internalize the hygiene protocols and get used to all the care that we have to take. What impressed you the most when reuniting with the students? What impressed me the most was seeing how much the students grew. In our lives in the Virtual Village, we lost track of their height and were unable to keep up with their physical transformation. Arriving at school and seeing this body change impressed me a lot. Furthermore, it was very nice to see their excitement when entering the learning spaces. They really missed all of it.
Emilio Calsani Body & Movement educator Concept RibeirĂŁo Preto
How was the first day back to campus? We had a huge expectation for the first day. The learners came very excited and disciplined, already knowing all the guidelines for social distancing and hygiene. The awareness that we are living in a new moment was very interesting to notice. The joy of being able to see friends again, and occupying school spaces was contagious. For you, what continues to be the biggest challenge in returning? The biggest challenge is to keep the social distance, because we are very affectionate. Amongst the educators and children, we now exchange looks, and gestures, to maintain this connection. Over time, let's go on and re-educate ourselves to this new way of living. But, children adapt quickly to all this, because in addition to being flexible, they want to keep coming to school. This bond is important for children's development. Being here, they are valuing these moments even more, striving to follow the rules and being able to continue attending school.
What impressed you the most when reuniting with the students? What was most striking for me was seeing how excited everyone was to reunite with the educators, to meet friends and to participate in the newly prepared activities. We planned new activities according to the new criteria and the children enjoyed it a lot. They did not waste a single minute of their moments at school.
How was the first day back to campus? It was exciting to meet students and co-workers, even though it was a little frustrating to have to keep my distance because the pandemic is not over, but it was good to see everyone again and experience the feeling that we made it. What impressed you the most when reuniting with the students? For you, what continues to be the biggest challenge in returning? Maintaining the learners engaged in the virtual village! The campus is open again, albeit in a hybrid mode (virtual and in the classroom), but many students would like to do only the on campus learning portion, but this should not happen, this year, since the two forms of learning were thought of in a connected way.
Simone Peixoto Science educator Concept RibeirĂŁo Preto
Listening to students say: “Teacher, I didn't know that I liked my teachers so much!�
Juliana Nikaido Marcassa Mother of Joana (Grade 5) and Gabriel (Grade 8) Concept São Paulo How was the first day back to campus? I have two children at school and it was a different time for both of them. Joana is in grade 5 and Gabriel is in grade 8. They go to school on alternate days according to the school schedule. Both were looking forward to returning to campus, seeing friends and all the school staff. For Joana, she still had the newness and anxiety to meet “in person” the new educator, who started at the school in August. For her, the first day was a lot of joy. For Gabriel, the first answer when we asked about returning to campus was: “it was cool”, a typical answer for his age (lol) but later, he commented that it was great to be with his friends and to be able talk with them in person. Neither of them, at any time, referred to security protocols as a nuisance.
What marked most the return to campus? What made the most difference in the first week was the difference in the children's behavior: they were relaxed, happier and even more excited for online classes. For you, what continues to be the biggest challenge in returning? The biggest challenge of this return to campus is to reorganize the house routines, since each one has a different school schedule, not only online, but also in person. It feels like we're starting a new school year. We are all happy with the return to campus, in the hope that, as soon as possible, they can return to more days and longer activities at school. In the meantime, we are adapting to what we have at the moment and practicing our resilience.
Camila Magnus Mother of Maria - Pre K-3 Concept SĂŁo Paulo How was the first day back to campus? I was very happy for my daughter to be with children again. To be able to be among colleagues was an urgent matter for her. For you, what was and remains the biggest challenge in this return? For me, there is a question of the agenda. I work and this reduced time of 2 and a half hours per day is not very simple. It has been a challenge to handle this routine. What was your impression after this first week back to school? What worries me the most, in regards to school, is being able to maintain the balance between security, protocols and COVID, with the lightness and joy that I want my daughter to feel at school. Balancing these two things was a major concern for me. My fear is that she will feel the weight of COVID, and be afraid to leave the house, see people, or do activities, due to the safety measures and protocols. Or the opposite, if the protocols were too relaxed, then I would be concerned for her safety, but I think we are doing well.
Maria Magnus Pre K-3 Learner - with a little help of her mother Concept SĂŁo Paulo What was most impressive with the meeting of classmates? Maria doesn't have siblings of the same age, so reuniting with the other children, after so many months, was a challenge. She was very anxious, afraid of being rejected by the kids with whom she plays with. Returning to this coexistence, playing with others, was a super challenge that brought a lot of anxiety, concern and fear. The first days were alarming because she cried and even said that she didn't want to go to school. But we had conversations, we included the educators and were able to strengthen the bonds and managed to increase her desire to go to school. Now, she is able to attend calmly. How was the first day back to campus? She complained a little about the mask and there are some things that she is still adapting to, but we are doing well.
Mariana M. Costa Fernandes Middle School mother Concept SĂŁo Paulo How was the first day back to campus? A word that defined the return to campus for me, as a mother, was: emotion.Seeing my son, showered and ready for school since 6:00 a.m. that would only start at 1:30 p.m. was incredible!Arriving on campus, being welcomed by everyone with smiles on their faces, being off their device screens, and able to explore the school again while seeing their friends. How much affection, how much dedication! A literally historic day that we will remember forever.A literally historic day that we will remember forever. What was and remains the biggest challenge in this return? The biggest challenge is to always take care of the physical and emotional health.The constant readaptation to the routine at home, work, and school requires greater discipline for everything to work, incorporating new functions and responsibilities.But I see the positive part of this process, and we are maturing with this learning. What marked most the return to campus? What most impressed me was seeing how happy Pedro is, he is a different boy. The joy of the week is Tuesdays and Thursdays.I believe that all this is the result of a feeling that everything we are experiencing is coming to an end.
Maria Eduarda Egydio Martins Ribeiro Grade 7 Learner Concept SĂŁo Paulo
How was the first day back to campus? It was really cool! We did a lot of fun activities with the entire class. I was very happy to go back to school and I want to continue going. What was most impressive with the meeting of classmates? What impressed me the most was meeting everyone again and being able to do the group activities in person.
Henrique Tosetti Candia Grade 7 Learner Concept RibeirĂŁo Preto How was the first day back to campus? Very cool! I think it's a fresh start. A lot of people will change their behavior and it will be much better than just having an online class. What was most impressive about reuniting with your classmates? Seeing that everyone is following the security protocols very well. Being able to see my friends again, of course! I missed them very much. It is very good to be reunited with my friends again!
Pietra Juns H. Augusto Grade 4 Learner Concept RibeirĂŁo Preto
How was the first day back to campus? It was really fun to see my friends and teachers again. I missed the school so much! What was most impressive about reuniting with your classmates? Playing on the playground again! Running and jumping on the playground toys, while playing hide and seek with my friends was really cool!
Flávia Afonso Define Oliveira, mother of Antonia (Grade 2) and João (Kindergarten) Concept Ribeirão Preto I had the opportunity to visit the school in advance, with my two children. It was an unmeasurable emotion from the moment we arrived. Antonia said while we were still parking the car: "Mommy, my legs are wobbly". The school team welcomed us like they always do, with energy and bright eyes, even with their masks on. These are moments that I will carry in my heart forever. It is incredible to see how responsible the school has been in organizing, in such a safe way, while taking all the care and precautions necessary to receive the children. I am very grateful to have my children studying at a school like Concept. My husband and I get emotional, even on normal days when we take the kids to school, after looking at the inspirational phrases on the walls and when we participate in the festivals. It is a privilege to experience all of this. Here is my gratitude to the whole team!
Daniela Bianchi Barichello Bayfield mother of Rafael (Grade 1) and Murilo (Grade 3) Concept Ribeirão Preto How was the first day back to campus? Everything was fine! The expectation was high, but we reviewed all the structure and protocols that were prepared by Concept, and this brought us a certain tranquility and confidence in returning to classes. What marked most the return to campus? The joy of my children being able to meet their friends again and to begin the return, even if partially, to the routine of classes on campus.
What was and remains the biggest challenge in this return? The biggest challenge at the moment of returning to school is to reconcile the different schedules of my children with my work schedule. One of them has class in the morning, while the other is in the afternoon, which has brought some difficulties in bringing them to school and picking them up. Another important challenge is getting everyone to continue respecting and complying with all the necessary protocols, because over time, it can usually lead to a certain relaxation.
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EXPECTATIONS FOR REOPENING When we started living in quarantine, we knew very little about this new reality; how long it would last, what day we would return to “normal�, or how to adapt to a life at home. After seven months, we now have seen a glimpse of an expected return, and this possibility generates a lot of anxiety and curiosity in our community, especially the Escola Concept Salvador, which is still preparing for a possible return to campus later this year. With that in mind, we want to hear what the families, educators and learners are thinking about these last few months.
Daniela Serravalle Family Services Concept Salvador What is the greatest expectation for parents, when classes return back to campus? Many of the families are looking forward to the physical return to campus! We also have families that do not feel safe to expose their children at the moment, but at the same time recognize the emotional impact of being away. Parents also report that the children are missing school and the school environment. The intellectual or pedagogical demands can be met with the expertise of the academic team, our digital platforms and the joint partnership efforts of the family, school, and student, but the conviviality and the entire relationship network brings incalculable gains.
Which educational segment will need more care and attention at this time of adaptation? Younger children will have our greatest attention. They are small and full of accumulated energy to burn off. They understand the context they are living in, but they are unable to spend a long time wearing a mask, not embracing their classmate, keeping social distance. In short, we were all children, we know how special, intense and brief this experience is. We will have a great challenge ahead of us.
In some states of the country, classes are already a combination of in person and online classes, just like Escola Concept of SĂŁo Paulo and RibeirĂŁo Preto. For you, what will be the biggest challenge in bringing learners back to campus? Physical limitation. We are a school with a close relationship, where families and learners are participative, present, and affectionate. The Salvador unit has a more pronounced behavior when it comes to grouping. This will certainly be our biggest challenge!
Many parents are still hesitant to allow their children to have classes on campus, how can this concern be dealt with? Yes, a very significant portion of the parents have already shared their decision to not return to campus at this time. However, I would not consider this to be a concern. We are prepared for this hybrid model and parents are secure with that plan. Mutual respect among us has always been discussed and considered in all decisions. We will win this next phase together, until everything returns to normal.
How are school educators and professionals preparing to welcome learners back to campus? The entire team, not only the educators, underwent training with the consultancy team from Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein. Parents also had a training webinar for the “safe return to school�. We are prepared and supported by Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein for this return.
Carlos Eduardo Grade 7 Learner Concept Salvador What are your expectations for on campus classes? I'm very excited. Even though virtual class was a very interesting experience, it is not a substitute for face-to-face classes. I miss seeing my colleagues up close, being able to talk to the educators for longer periods of time and feeling free. I think going back to campus is going to be a very good experience for us because we are concerned with the quarantine that has lasted for seven months, so I think it will be a very interesting and comforting experience to return.
Give an advantage and a disadvantage of going back to campus. An advantage will be that we will be more focused on learning, because we will have more time with educators and principals, and we will be able to forget a little about the sad situation we are going through, while focusing more on our studies. The disadvantage will depend a lot on the day. For example, if we are still in quarantine, some people in class would be worried, thinking that the virus is in the air, and that it will infect everyone, so, if the classroom is back we will have to use masks and a lot of alcohol gel.
DĂŠbora Abenhaim, mother of Luca Abenhaim - Kindergarten Concept Salvador What are your expectations for on campus classes? My expectation is that classes only return in December.The school environment is essential for social interactions and active participation in the teaching-learning process, since the little ones learn through representations, playing, games and motor activities, being spontaneously experienced at school.
Give an advantage and a disadvantage of going back to campus. Undoubtedly the great advantage of returning to study on campus is the learning process. The disadvantage of returning to campus is the child's exposure to the Coronavirus, as they spend long periods at school in close proximity to other children and adults.
Matheus Pires Grade 3 Learner Concept Salvador What are your expectations for on campus classes? That will be very cool, because the lessons will return to normal. The online classes at the beginning were very nice but then they became boring because the classmates and educators were not present. So, it will be very good to be able to hug, play, and study with everyone together.
Give an advantage and a disadvantage of going back to campus. -advantage: it will be very good because I will see my friends and educators again, and it is very good to be close to friends .-advantage: having to wear a mask all the time.
HABITS OF HEART A QUEST FOR A BETTER WORLD Can we nurture in ourselves an intrinsic ability to always reach out? Is it also possible to teach our own minds (and hearts) that our purpose in life is to improve the lives of others? We believe we can, and so do our learners!Augusto and Fernando Araújo (Grade 8), Julia (Grade 8) and Luisa Montenegro (Grade 4) from Escola Concept São Paulo are the founders of Habits of Heart, an association seeking projects to make a better world. Continue reading to find out what they have to say about the process behind their compassionate idea, that was inspired by the empowering dispositions of the Habits of Mind!
Our school is founded on four pillars and your project seems to be heavily focused on two of them: collaboration and entrepreneurship. What kind of experiences during Virtual School were you able to apply to your project? In Virtual School, we worked a lot online, so that means we also worked on social media, especially during our first project. What we studied from social media in the first project, I think really helped all of us, especially when it involved connecting people and having ideas for posts. For example, we made more fun posts instead of something boring that people are less likely to read. The texts that we do are funnier and not boring because we create our own projects and create our own texts together. We also chose our logo, the type of text we were going to put, and wrote it by ourselves. We choose the projects, like the one about recycled sponges, and that’s really nice.
What are your hopes for returning back to school? My hope is that we do a lot of activities, to make it more fun. I hope we stay together, work together, and make more projects. Create new activities that allow us to make games in a fun way so that we can also study. For example, making games to study history, or maybe a word game to study English or Portuguese. We can also create new ideas or new solutions for these games at different levels in our school.Just getting to see my friends every day and getting back to our not so normal life, but getting back to something we know a little bit better, and just enjoying the company of our friends even more.
Habits of Heart is an interesting name, where did you get the inspiration from? So, we were thinking about Habits of Mind when we were brainstorming titles. We always had them in mind because we are really inspired by them, and we wanted to do something kind of similar with our project. Then, all of a sudden it just came to us, like we have our Habits of Mind you know, like persisting, striving for accuracy‌ but then we also wanted to have our Habits of Heart, which are like giving back and donating, and that’s where we got the idea. We feel that in our hearts, to do good for other people, and inspire them to help others is the goal of our project.
Click here to visit their profile on Instagram, and learn how you can also help to create a better future.
@habitsofheart_ka
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