From the Desk of the Principal

August 22, 2021

Dear Queen’s College Family,

I would like to warmly welcome you back to what promises to be an exciting new school year. I trust everyone was able to find time to rest, renew and reconnect with family and friends. In just a matter of days, we will welcome new and returning students and staff to Queen’s College.

As you may be aware, The Ministry of Education released a statement to advise that all public schools will open using virtual learning. The Ministry also met with leaders of private schools and implored independent schools to do the same. Our healthcare system is currently overwhelmed with COVID 19 illnesses to the extent that traditional medical situations cannot be adequately addressed. The challenges of the past 18 months have not been easy, but fortunately, the Queen’s College community has shown that it is able to pivot and excel, regardless of the circumstances.

Please be advised that, following the recommendations of The Ministry of Education and The Ministry of Health, all grade levels at Queen’s College will open using full online learning. An assessment will be made in mid-September to confirm a safe return to campus.

We are aware that many families with young students are challenged with virtual classes; therefore, we will seek permission from The Ministry of Education to allow Foundation Years to have on-campus classes. Once approved, parents will be informed of the additional health and safety measures and arrangements that will be implemented for Foundation Years to return to campus.

Over the next few days, information will be provided by each school section to outline the process of orientation for new students, students’ timetables, book sales, updates to online class procedures, parents’ information sessions and other pertinent information.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, Queen’s College has followed the science in protecting students, staff, and their families. This necessitated the implementation of firm health and safety protocols, the quarantining of class groups and even the complete shutdown of our campus. This school year, our resolve remains the same, as we double-down on preventative safety measures, especially given the heightened COVID-19 levels on New Providence.

Many in the frontline of COVID-19 response and health care management are QC alumni and parents of the school. We thank them for their selfless service. On behalf of our Board of Governors, our administrators and staff, we also offer heartfelt condolences to our staff and students who have lost loved ones to COVID-19. We also continue to pray for those among us who have battled with the virus.

Remember to follow safe community practices and adhere to the important public health protocols, at all times. With respect to the vaccines, the science is clear: They have proven to be enormously effective in fending off infection and, in ‘breakthrough’ cases, preventing serious illness and even possible hospitalization. In this regard, we strongly urge all staff, eligible students, and their families to become fully vaccinated. Ending the pandemic is the collective responsibility of us all – together, working seamlessly as one unit.

We are very excited about what lies ahead for us at Queen’s College. We look forward to continuing to work with you as we anticipate another successful, new school year.

Best regards,

Rev. Henry Knowles Principal

FROM THE DESK OF THE PRINCIPAL