Corona Update

Current School Operations

The mask obligation is completely stopped in schools and preschools. Wearing a mask is no longer compulsory for staff, students or visitors on both campuses. 

At the moment students are not self-testing regularly but we may offer your child a self-test under supervision by a staff member in case of symptoms.

School attendance is currently compulsory. Any withdrawal of your child from regular school attendance must be made in writing to the Principal and justified for reasons of health protection. 

Parents and non-school personnel are permitted on Preschool and School Campus. A proof (vaccination, test) is not necessary. 

The State Minister for Saxony has indicated that schools will remain open. We remain in contact with the responsible German and Saxon authorities. Information displayed on this page will be updated regularly as new data is received. DIS families are recommended to monitor their email accounts for further updates.

Self-Testing

Grade 1-12

After 24 April, twice-weekly testing will be discontinued.

In case of symptoms, the school may offer your child a self-test under supervision by a staff member. There is no cost to you for taking the test. The test is optional. The test used is a so-called short nasal swab.

A permission form must be signed by parents to give the school your agreement for testing to take place. 

It is mandatory that you give your child the signed student consent form (see download) to take the self-test. 

Coronavirus Infection

If your child or family is concerned with attending school due to possible Covid infection if they are sick, waiting for a Covid test result or has come into contact with a confirmed Covid case, then it is important to share this with the school to seek guidance. In some cases guidance should be provided by the health authority (Gesundheitsamt) with clear advice. However, it is recommended that your child's Principal, Mr. Chris Boreham (Preschool, Grade K-5) or Ms. Jennifer Tickle (Grade 6-12), is contacted first.

Further information on the procedures for dealing with cases of Coronavirus infection in schools are listed below for your guidance.

Process Covid Infection Prozess Covid-Infektion

Quarantine Regulations

Last weeks, we had students either test or report positive for Covid. We also have students completing their quarantine after infection and students across the grades completing their quarantine as close contacts. Added to this, we have siblings and staff are also having their school attendance affected by close family contacts contracting Covid and staff children being sent home into quarantine from different schools. Despite this, we are making every effort to continue learning and normal routines within the situation through our substitute teachers and other cover arrangements. We are sure that you will join us in wishing the students and their families our very best wishes for a quick recovery at this time.

 

Infoblatt Absonderung (5.9.22)

No Permission

Please note that it is not permitted for any staff, student, or visitor to enter the school who:

  • has a SARS-CoV-2 infection,

  • has returned from the countries or regions classified as a risk area according to the Robert Koch Institut (RKI) within the last 14 days. Proof of a negative SARS-CoV-2 test and proof of completing the relevant quarantine period as required by the prevailing health regulations would enable a person to enter the school. Details on the specific countries or areas defined as risk areas can be found on the RKI website (in German and English - scroll down to the archive section for the English version) using the following link: (https://www.rki.de/DE/Content/InfAZ/N/Neuartiges_Coronavirus/Risikogebiete_neu.html).

DIS Hygiene Regulations

Please read the DIS Coronavirus Hygiene Plan which is consistent with the requirements of the Saxony state health regulations for schools (see Downloads). In doing so our aim is to provide the best possible care for your children and to ensure the health and well-being of our community. Being back at DIS campus is also guided by the principle to protect the health and safety of students and staff. 

Continuous Learning

Our off-campus continuous learning takes place during school closure. We are going to use the phrase ‘continuous learning’ because this places the emphasis on all aspects of learning during a school closure rather than just working online. 

Secondary School students will have a ‘normal’ school day with students expected to sign in for advisory and classes via Google classroom, following their regular timetable for now. A lesson will last for thirty minutes to allow students time to have screen breaks between lessons, and there will be no home learning set. Teachers will be available via Meet throughout each 30 minute period.

Primary School students will have a ‘normal’ school day with students and teachers learning online. Each day will start with a morning message posted online from teachers with instructions on the day's learning. We improved our delivery of virtual learning by adding opportunities for K5 to Grade 5 students to have synchronous (in real-time) lessons with their teachers.

Preschool will access engagements via Google Sites.  

The goal is to carry on learning, but not necessarily replicate a traditional school day as per the timetable. Students should be able to independently extend their learning with the direction of the teacher and with some parental support for younger learners. Staff contact parents and students via class website, Seesaw, Google Classroom, email and Managebac. 

 

After School Care

Starting on August 18

School Care (Primary School)

  • We again offer before school care from 7:00 for Grades 1-5 and from 7:30 for K5 students. 

  • Afternoon school care will be provided for students in K5 to Grade 5. Students will be separated according to grade level clusters to maintain strict separation.

  • After school care will be provided from 15:15 (14:30 on Tues) to 18:00.

  • Children in after school care can be picked up via the side gate near the bike parking.

Action required: 
It is mandatory for parents to register their child for school care. This allows us to plan and to have a record of who was on campus. It is important for our tracking and tracing procedures. 

Registration School Care

Helpful Tips

We know that this time is causing uncertainty, worry, and some confusion about what will happen and you are thinking not only about your child’s education but also about the world health situation. In times of crisis, it is important to maintain routines and habits for your children. We hope that our online learning platforms will help to provide some structure to your family’s day.

This article from NPR offers some balanced views about parenting during this time of campus closure.

Again, please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns. Our team at DIS is well prepared to help and assist if needed. We are here for you. If you need help, please speak to a teacher, connect through email or hang outs. Let us know how you are doing. Our teachers are here and counselors are around. Reach out to them. 

Secondary Counselor: Ms Eleanor Wallace, ewallace[at]dresden-is.de 

Primary Counselor: Dr. Elaine Dolan, edolan[at]dresden-is.de

Useful Resources