ANNUAL REPORT 2020-2021
Director’s Report David G. Henry Director
As I wrap up five happy years at ISK, I want to focus on the highlights of the 2020-21 school year!
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he 2020-21 school year started off with a continuation of the global COVID-19 pandemic and students returning to learning in virtual mode. That said, the school’s focus and energy was steadfastly on learning as teachers and students tapped into their creativity to connect virtually in innovative and supportive ways. Students understood that ISK is a place where they are listened to and asked for input on school improvement and their learning. Both High School and Middle School students found their passions early on with the formation of a Student Equity Committee in High School and the Social Justice Club in Middle School. Here, they worked in collaboration with their teachers to advocate for issues globally and within our community, especially in support of student wellbeing, equity, and belonging. Elementary students also worked through their activity structure to continue promoting student wellbeing and a sense of belonging while learning from home.
Following the Government of Kenya directives, we started the school year through late October with our Dynamic Distance Learning program and transitioned to having Grade 5, 8, 11, and 12 on campus throughout December. Finally, when we returned in January, all students were allowed back on campus for in-person learning. The energy and excitement in the whole community was palatable, and it lasted through March. Unfortunately, the virus infections increased in March, and ISK was back to offering DDL. With vaccines introduced along with nightly curfews and domestic travel restrictions, the tide was stemmed, and the whole community celebrated the last month of the year in person, on campus. I again have been impressed by the resilience and adaptability of our students, teachers, staff, and the whole community as they embraced a continually fluctuating situation, remaining connected and supporting both each other and our community’s well-being.
Even with the background of the pandemic and the challenges it brought, the 2020-21 year was one of achievement at ISK. I want to acknowledge the impact the COVID-19 pandemic had on the ISK community.
This year, ISK started the school year with its new strategic direction in the form of Strategic Focus Areas or SFAs, which were purposefully aligned with continuously improving aspects of student learning. ISK has three SFAs
