It’s becoming increasingly important to talk about mental health challenges especially now that everyone, no matter what their situation, is struggling during this Covid-19 outbreak. It is an exceptionally hard time for us all. 

There are particular issues that young people are facing. There is a huge amount of loss for them. This is partly because the normal structure of their daily routines is no longer what it was and this may make them feel cheated and angry. It is difficult to know what to do with such feelings. For a small number of teens, these feelings may exhibit worrying behaviour changes like self-isolation, self-harm, vandalism, excessive negativity, pessimism, demotivation and laziness.

 

So what can a parent do when they notice their child is going through a mental health breakdown?

 

For starters, acknowledge their distress, find a way of letting your teenager know that you are aware of their distress and that you want to help. The aim is to ensure that they do not shut down and stay open to talk to you. Try to use terms such as: “I feel for you and am here for you”. I can see this is very hard for you” or “I want to help if you feel able to let me”. 

Reassurance is key. Let your teen know that whatever they say, you will not be shocked, angry or frightened by their thoughts and feelings. One of the fears that young people may struggle with is the idea that their problems will have a terrible effect on you. Find a way of letting your teen know that, however shameful or frightening their thoughts, you are strong enough to cope and will be there for them.

Another important message is to show them that you are there for them; your teen needs to know that you love them and that no matter what happens, you will do your very utmost to help. Teens need to know that you will stick with them, and you will not reject them because of the way they are feeling. If it is possible, think about things you can do together that will show them that you are there for them e.g. you can cook their favourite meal, do a chore with them. 

If possible, avoid pleading, criticising, lecturing or preaching to your teen. Let them know you are not judging them or their behaviour. Your teen might feel overwhelmed so choose your actions sensitively. The only way to open up communication is to find a way into their own agenda and to show that you will be really listening to them.

 

What if my teen is feeling suicidal?

The possibility of suicide is the worst fear of any parent.  It is incredibly hard for any parent to open up this topic. However, there are ways of showing that you won’t be shocked, and of showing that there are ways to get help if this is something the young person is struggling with. You might say something like: 

“I know people who are in distress sometimes think about ending it all. If you are feeling this way, please reach out, there are people you can talk to. I am here for you, if you feel unable to talk to me, there are others who will listen and try to help you”.

This does two things. It acknowledges the distress. It also shows that you’re not scared by the distress the young person is experiencing and you are able to give them the love and support they need to get through this. 

 

Can I ask for help? 

Sure, if you have a contact within the school system who may be able to give advice, definitely reach out for support.  You can also schedule a session with a mental health professional for further support. 

 

Getting the conversation started

Finding a way to encourage your teenager to talk is something you may want to try. Though they may not be able, or not want to talk to you,  if they can do so, that will be a good thing. Try to encourage them to talk at every opportunity. If the first or second attempt does not work, just make it clear that you are always going to be available to listen. Maybe you can keep the conversation general and informal, having chats when preparing dinner or watching a movie can help enormously.

You could express to them. “However hard it is, talking about your thoughts and feelings will help you.”  “I know it’s difficult, but it is worth having a go”. “Putting your thoughts and feelings into words really will help you.”  “You may feel ashamed, or worried about talking.”  “It may be hard for you to talk to me, but perhaps we can find someone else you can talk to.”

There is no right or wrong, you may not know what to say and that is okay too. Keep in mind that you don’t have to say anything. In a difficult situation, just being there, being available to listen may be enough.

 

What if the talking and listening is not working

For some, talking will not be enough. Firstly, it is essential for you to be able to set boundaries in relation to behaviour that is harmful to your teen or to others in the family. If you believe these boundaries are being crossed, try to get some help. If there is an immediate risk of harm to themselves or others, please contact a mental health care professional as soon as possible. 

 

Managing your own anxiety

One of the key challenges for parents who are at home with their teen will be to find a way of managing their own anxiety. The more anxious you are as a parent, the harder it will be for the young person to accept support. Young people worry about the effect of their distress on their parents. In most cases, they want to be able to protect their parents, no matter how troubled they are themselves. They also go through a stage when they want to keep things to themselves. This is a normal part of teenage development. Parents will be more able to provide help if they are open about managing their anxiety. It is important to think about getting support yourself if you feel you need this. 

This will be good for you, and will, of course, enable you to provide more help for your teenager.  

 

References:

https://nyulangone.org/news/checking-your-teenagers-mood-during-covid-19-pandemic

https://news.weill.cornell.edu/news/2020/03/supporting-children%E2%80%99s-mental-health-during-the-covid-19-pandemic

https://chicagohealthonline.com/how-covid-19-impacts-teens-mental-health/

https://www.familylives.org.uk 

https://www.mghclaycenter.org/hot-topics/7-ways-to-support-kids-and-teens-through-the-coronavirus-pandemic/

 

Written by Rosa Wambalamba (School Counselor at Nova Pioneer Boys’ High School – Tatu city)

Picking a school for your child is no easy task. We understand. 

The current global pandemic has undoubtedly made this decision-making process even harder. With a majority of restrictions in place to curb the growing cases of COVID 19, it means you cannot just pop into the school you’re interested in nor can you easily get the answers to learn more about the school. 

At Nova Pioneer, we understand how important this decision is to you and your family. That’s why we have created a Virtual Open Day. We wanted to give you the opportunity to interact with our school team to learn more about our enquiry based learning model. 

 

Here are the top 5 reasons why you should attend our Virtual Open Day

 

1. Join from anywhere

 

Whether you’re sitting in your lounge, the study or out in the garden, you can join our Virtual Open Day from your smartphone or computer. 

 

2. Interactive

 

Our Virtual Open Day is designed to be interactive.  We encourage you to ask questions during the presentation. And, if you need to discuss something much further, we’ll be happy to respond to your inquiries over the phone.

 

3. Tailored resources

 

We have made previous Playgroup to Grade 5 curriculum material available to parents not yet part of the Nova Pioneer family. Parents are able to access these learning materials here. In addition to supporting you in remote learning, the packs will give you unique insight into Nova Pioneer’s learning approach. 

 

4. Presentations by our Admissions team

 

Do you have questions about our learning model? Our Admissions team is available to answer any questions. What’s more, they will guide you through the enrolment process. They are there to support you by providing useful and specific information based on your grade and campus of interest.

 

5. Save time and effort

 

With a Virtual Open Day, you can learn more about our school campuses from the comfort and convenience of your own home. Simply gather the family around your device to participate.

We are here to support your family during this period so that you can make the best decision about your child’s future.

Are you ready to join our Virtual Open Day? Click here to RSVP.

Teachers play a very significant role in our lives. This realization hits so close to home when we acknowledge the belief and the forthright commitment some of our teachers have had in identifying and following through with the growth and development of our talents. There’s a much more profound appreciation for the teachers who were able to see in us what we might not have seen in ourselves.

The ability to recognize potential and go further to nurture and develop is something our Co-founder and director, Mr. Christopher Khaemba is widely known for. There isn’t a shortage of his former students spread across the world who laud him for his steadfastness in having an eye for excellence both inside and outside the classroom. For the 36 years, Mr. Khaemba has been in the Education space, he has built a legacy of excellence that still lives on in him and the thousands of students and teachers he has impacted.

You can read more about Mr. Khaemba’s journey on this article by the Daily Nation https://www.nation.co.ke/sports/othersports/Alliance-principal-Chris-Khaemba-score-A-in-sports-academics/1951306-5534712-npn4ocz/index.html

You are a Cabinet Secretary granted two minutes to speak about Covid-19 planning with President Uhuru Kenyatta – what do you say? 

Earlier this month on April 9, the closing day of Term 1, our Kenya Form 1 and 2 students competed in a pitch competition to propose their solutions to the Covid-19 pandemic. This competition was a culmination of their research project on Covid-19 which students completed at home after our campuses closed in March. Throughout the project, students studied the impacts of Covid-19 on global health and economies, learning about the history of pandemics, the science behind viruses and their spread, and the role of the media in helping (or hurting) public awareness and perceptions. This background research then prepared them to propose solutions to the crisis through their presidential pitches.

Click on the link above to watch the competition.

In the first stage of the competition, over 70 students posted their 2-minute video pitches on a learning platform called FlipGrid. Their teachers then selected the finalists from each homeroom, and from the homeroom finalists, school leaders and deans from each school selected the final Cabinet Secretaries from each school. These 17 school finalists were then invited to deliver their pitches live to a panel of judges from our Nova Pioneer executive team on Zoom, with the event live-streamed to YouTube. Judges then gave positive and constructive feedback to finalists on their pitches (at Nova Pioneer, we call these Glows and Grows).

As you can imagine, there were some challenges to live-streaming a digital event like this. Maintaining a consistent internet connection proved to be troublesome for some finalists. Luckily, we had their earlier video submissions on file and were able to play these in place of their live pitches. In all though, the event went smoothly with the judges able to see pitches from all finalists.

Contestants were judged based on the organization of their pitch, their use of supporting evidence in their arguments, their word choice and grammar, and their delivery. The winners in each category were:

• CS of Trade: Ibrahim Ahmed, Tatu Boys
• CS of Labour: Nicole Rono, Eldoret Girls
• CS of Transport: Samuel Birech, Eldoret Boys
• CS of Education: Rachel Munyi, Tatu Girls
• CS of Health: Abigail Achola, Tatu Girls

The overall winning school was Eldoret Boys, followed by Tatu Girls in second place, Tatu Boys in third place, and Eldoret Girls in fourth place.

While there could only be one winner in each category, all of our students delivered compelling, well-researched, factually accurate, and thoughtfully articulated solutions to the Covid-19 pandemic, demonstrating our culture principles of High Expectations and Solutions First. You can watch their pitches on our YouTube page.

Given the success of this event, we are currently exploring ways we can have more collaborative competitions like this across our Nova Pioneer schools, including our primary schools and our schools in South Africa! 

Written by Kelsey Keech ( Global Director, Learning & Instructional Design)

Social Distance. Quarantine. Virtual Classroom. Fever Gun. Lockdown. Face Mask. Curfew. Zoom Meetings.  These are all words that in the last month most educators have shifted from rarely using to being part of their daily vocabulary. 

A French novelist Andre Gige once said, “Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore.”  For most of us, in our new normal we are currently in the middle of the ocean with no shore in sight.  This period is unprecedented, uncomfortable and uncertain and it is important to acknowledge that and allow ourselves the space to process it.  March 2020 is a month where life on The Continent and throughout the world became forever changed.  As a human race, we are left to grieve life as we once knew it and are tasked with rebuilding our new normal.  As educators, we are tasked with not only doing this for ourselves and our families but also for our students.  What story will we tell the next generation about what we did to shape a better future for them during this time?

The impact of the Corona Virus is universal.  This virus does not know nationality, nor tribe, nor race.  Where it does differentiate is along lines of socioeconomic difference.  As an education community, the onus rests with us to not leave children behind, to be their champions no matter their socioeconomic status.  The socioeconomic gap in education has the ability to widen significantly as we build a virtual instructional world.  These students are in more dire conditions than ever before and are at risk of being left far behind their more affluent peers as some students take the world of online learning by storm and others remain at home with no access, struggling to have their basic needs met.  I ask again, what story will we tell the next generation about what we did to shape a better future for them during this time?

We all have stories that illustrate this time for us – for me, a day I will never forget is March 17th, 2020. On this day, I had three different conversations, with educators on three different continents, all asking three different sets of questions about how we proceed forward for students:

 

• 8:00am EAT- Educator Group 1 – Have we ensured that all of our students have devices and data?  Do any adjustments need to be made to the new online timetable?  85% of our students were present in all of their online classes today – how do we get to 100% tomorrow? How are we ensuring that our culture principles are still a part of our students daily life? How are we going to ensure that we are able to coach teachers in the zoom classrooms?  How did online learning engagement go yesterday?  What can we fix today?
• 12:00pm EAT- Educator Group 2 – I hear we are going on full lockdown soon- do our families have enough water and food to get through it?  How do we raise funds to help?  There are 13 kids in that home where there is only one room – what can we provide to keep them engaged and learning during this time? How do we ensure that they don’t fall behind?  A packet will run out and where will the funds come from to keep printing them? How can we shift funds to make sure our kids at least have their basic needs met?
• 5:00pm EAT- Educator Group 3 – Why is everyone doing their own thing?  Shouldn’t there be a stance for all kids in our country during this time? Aren’t we one nation? Some of our kids can get online and some can’t. Is it really fair for me to just keep teaching online knowing that others are falling behind?  Isn’t this the definition of inequity?  

Three phone calls, from three different groups of educators on three different Continents with three different struggles came to my phone. Different, yet similar in that all were rooted in the idea of what does this new world means for our students. What does our support need to look like for them?  What is doing right by them?  The questions of equity versus equality on every call quickly bubbled to the surface. 

I have been asked the question – ‘Is Africa far behind the rest of the world in education in this new world?’.  The truth is not at all.  On many occasions, the innovations that I am seeing in certain schools on The Continent are far surpassing what I am seeing Stateside.  In this new world order collectivism is proving to yield dividends in ways that individualism cannot.  As we discover the new oceans that await us on the other side of COVID-19, we must ensure that our humanity rises to the forefront and not allow our children in the lowest socioeconomic brackets from across the world to fall behind and widen the already wide learning gap.  As you continue to lose sight of the shore I challenge us to discover new and more equitable oceans in the process.  I ask you one last time, what story will we tell the next generation about what we did to shape a better future for them during this time?

Written by London Moore (Director of Schools at Nova Pioneer – Kenya)

“Nobody knows how things will turn out, that’s why they go ahead and play the game…You give it your all and sometimes amazing things happen, but it’s hardly ever what you expect.” 

– Gennifer Choldenko

 

As we go through this historically significant moment, a lot of us across the world are grappling with how tomorrow will pan out. Without a doubt, from 15th March 2020, when His Excellency President Kenyatta issued a directive that would help us flatten the curve, a lot has happened behind the scenes within the greater Nova Pioneer community to ensure that our over 1800 students and families have received unequivocal support in ensuring their safety and well being is safeguarded. At the core of it, learning has continued for our students. Our academic team has worked within record time to ensure that all the necessary materials required for virtual learning have been availed and teachers have selflessly given their time to be there for our students so that they can overcome any learning gaps due to the lockdown. There has been a great show of fortitude across the community which has really helped us achieve a lot within the past few weeks.

 

What we’ve done so far..

 

As we continue to closely monitor and manage the situation, we are aware that there are hundreds of families who had already submitted and hundreds more continuing to submit their applications for 2021 enrollment across all our schools. The admissions team is committed to ensuring that we are holding your hands as you walk this journey. As it has always been, our admissions rounds remain open all year round and we are still able to answer questions you may have about how we are preparing our students for the future now, and what opportunities lay abound for your children at Nova Pioneer. It is indeed our intention to continue engaging with you through the following platforms:

 

• Instagram Live sessions with our alumni & current students to get more insights about their experiences
• Virtual Open Days on Zoom/Google Hangouts to learn more about Nova Pioneer and get next steps on our 2021 enrollment process
• Purposed visual content on Facebook and other social media platforms to give more insights about the Nova Pioneer community
• Bi-weekly email newsletters with more content from our official blog on how different members of our community are coping with C-19 and helpful tips that will keep you engaged.

 

How do I apply?

 

Take your first step to becoming part of our cohort of innovators and leaders who will shape the African century, apply to Nova Pioneer today.

Please feel free to engage with us on our official line 0703421670 and email address admissions.ke@novapioneer.com

 

The Nova Pioneer team is excited to make some of our custom-designed and comprehensive learning resources available on our website. Parents and families who are not part of Nova Pioneer’s community can now access online learning resources for their children through the website. This initiative has been launched with the intention to support learners and families who may not have access to any, or high-quality, learning materials during the schools shut down. All of the learning packets were custom-designed by our in-house Learning Design Team for Pre-Primary to Primary School learners.

 

About our Learning Design Team

Our Learning Design Team is a unique offering available only to Nova Pioneer schools. The team is responsible for designing and creating standardised curriculum, assessments, and lesson plans for all our schools – in Kenya and South Africa. This is to ensure there is consistency in learning across all our campuses and geographies. 

In preparing for possible school closures, the Learning Design Team, in collaboration with the School Leaders and School Teams, worked to find solutions to keep learning happening remotely. The virtual learning programme that they created replicates as much of the in-class experience as possible.  

 

Our Culture Principles in action

What’s been amazing to see is that, while we normally associate our culture principles with positive times as an organisation, they are also just as applicable in this global crisis. We have put our culture principles in action over the last three weeks:

• #SolutionsFirst in our ability to quickly transition to online learning and remote working.
• #HighExpectations in continuing to hold a high delivery bar for our students. 
• #GreaterTogether in the partnerships we have strengthened with our parents as they continue to support their children from home. We have been touched by the many thank you messages received from parents. 
• #JoyofLearning in creating and delivering highly engaging learning packs.
• #ServantLeadership in how teammates from across the organisation have worked long hours to ensure that everything continues to run smoothly during a time of uncertainty.
• #AlwaysGrowing in continually improving through feedback that we get from our families on how to best deliver a home-based curriculum.

With the help of our amazing parents, we have made strides in ensuring that education and student learning continues at home, while we as a nation and a community practice social distancing. During this time, we have also all been inspired by the stories of those who have already done much to ease the tough times that many of our fellow South Africans and Kenyans are facing. 

 

We are all in this together

However, as an organisation, we have had to ask ourselves, “how can we reach beyond our own students and families.” Collectively, we feel the need to do our bit, however small that may be. With the launch of the online remote learning resources, parents who are not part of Nova Pioneer’s community will now have access to past curriculum resources for their children. While the benefits of this will not match the benefits of the full teacher-supported home-based learning programme that our own students receive, we are thankful to be able to share some resources that will support motivated students across Africa who are doing what they can to continue learning in these unprecedented times.

 

Building partnerships to support learners

Furthermore, recognising that the majority of learners in our country do not have access to internet or smart devices and, as such, are losing valuable teaching time during lockdown, Nova Pioneer has partnered with the National Association of Change Entities in Education (NASCEE) to provide learning material to children in vulnerable communities throughout South Africa. 

 

Parents play a pivotal role in shaping the character of children as they grow towards adulthood. As a parent and teacher, I am convinced that the COVID-19 period presents the opportunity for parents to be engaged in the lives of their children like never before.

With schools closed, parents have had to take up the role of being both parent and teacher. At this time, most parents may feel like their space has been raided by their children and we are all trying to figure out how to balance between working from home and ensuring our children stay on track with their learning. We are all adapting to a new routine and as crazy and hectic it may seem, it is important that our children feel supported in their academics as this is also a new adjustment for them.

So how can parents support the education of their children during this time and even after schools re-open? Here are a few thoughts:

 

Maintain communication with the teachers

Every parent should develop a habit of keeping constant and continuous communication with the teacher(s) who engage with their children. With remote learning in place, it has become much easier for families to have one on one contact with teachers either through their work emails or work phone numbers. Use this time to schedule a virtual meeting with the teacher to catch up with your child’s progress. This not only shows your child that you care but also assures the teacher that you value what they are doing and that you are committed to supporting the benefit of your child. 

 

Share your personal school experiences

Parents should always create time to interact with their children and share their experiences both positive and negative during their days as students. Feel free to share their moments of glory as students and those painful moments that shaped them into the people they are. Such stories make children feel easy around their parents and will no longer look at them as superhumans that only lead perfect lives devoid of mistakes. This will, in turn, encourage the child to open up and share any academic challenges that they are encountering.

 

Monitor their academic progress

Now that the children are learning from home, parents have so much visibility into the lessons that happen in class. Spare some time and discuss lessons or assignments given. This is also a great opportunity to go through their academic reports with them and prompt questions on their performance on areas they need assistance on. 

 

Appreciate positive outcomes

Students who perform well will maintain their good results if they are regularly appreciated. Parents should devise a way of appreciating their learners every time they bring improved results home. This will continue to motivate them to work hard at all times and maintain high expectations. However, parents should be careful when rewarding good performance. They should make it very clear to their children that it is not a bribe to maintain good performance but rather an appreciation for doing well.

 

Listen to their needs and desires and support where necessary

Trying to rule your children with an iron fist may work only when they are still young but upon attaining the adolescent age, this may be a difficult road to travel. Parents should be open to their children and must demonstrate the commitment to supporting them in whatever way possible. Create opportunities for them to bring their thoughts onto the table and see how they can support them. Children who feel listened to by adults also grow up to be people who are considerate and accommodative of others.

 

Normalize failure

Successful people will always tell you that the best way to succeed in life is not to be afraid of failing. Normalizing failures and making it part of everyday life creates a safe space for learners to be innovative and risk-takers. Parents who encourage their children to constantly try new things without fear of being reprimanded stand a better chance of raising children into adults that are innovating and critical thinkers.

 

Written by Fred Ndhine (Lead Chemistry & Mathematics teacher at Nova Pioneer Boys Secondary School – Eldoret)

 

I had a new recruit join the team this week. Even though she has a short CV with limited work experience, it appears she is here to stay. She started work on Thursday and we have been trying to settle into a routine since then. She is very excited to be part of the team and brings with her youthful energy to the office. I have seen her jumping, skipping and hopping during her lunch break. She has the makings of a great colleague despite one tiny problem, she is four years old and she is my daughter.

We have all seen this video that has been doing the rounds on social media right? Professor Robert Kelly tries to get through a BBC interview from home and lo and behold, his children steal the show. Ok if you haven’t, here it is. Point is, working from home with kids is tough. The COVID-19 call for social distancing has brought a new complexity for working parents – how can you get work done with a little one around. I do not claim to be an expert at all but here are some tips that have worked well for me over the last few days. 

Create a schedule

This sounds super basic but the schedule works. I discuss the schedule with her every morning and we set timers according to the schedule. So when the buzzer goes, we know to transition to the next activity. 

Here are some makings of a good schedule:

• Consistency and variation – There must be some consistency in the routine, we all know that children thrive on routine but allow for some variation with regard to the activities in the schedule. 
• Balance work and play – Set time in the schedule for screen time, exercise and outside play.
• Healthy body = healthy mind – To avoid you and the little ones eating the entire kitchen, include a menu on the schedule. Be sure to set alarms for everyone to drink water and wash their hands.

Here is a sample schedule that I found online.

Acknowledgement

In true Managing the Nova Pioneer Way style, make time for Accountability and Acknowledgement. If your child stays on task according to the schedule or they even stretch themselves, be sure to acknowledge that. 

Depending on their age and your parenting style, create an acknowledgement plan. I am not saying reward them for colouring for 3 minutes, far from it, acknowledge effort, progress and achievement. 

Acknowledgement in my house is in the form of stickers. Instead of just saying “yay, well done” I name the behaviour explicitly so she knows how to repeat the action.

Set Boundaries

On the first day, I created a shared space where the little one and I worked together. Great idea, right? By 11:00 am, there were body parts appearing on the screen of my zoom call, basically she thought it was cute to make “shadow puppets” in the background while I discussed issues of world domination with my colleagues. All in all, bad idea.

So for day two, we kept the “communal office” but I created a different space for zoom calls. Some practical things I did before taking a call:

• Tell her I am taking a call with my colleagues for super important work. 
• I told her what I would like her to be doing during this time eg drawing, watching TV whatever the schedule says.
• Put out all the things I think she might need for example water, snacks, crayons etc.
• Left the bathroom door open, put the hand soap within reach and placed her stool by the basin.
• Lastly, I told her the conditions under which she has every right to interrupt my call, house on fire, flooding the bathroom you know the basics of how things can go wrong when a four-year-old is left alone.

Communicate Openly

I consider my situation to be unique in that my daughter is a pre-schooler and therefore able to take better care of herself. She is also an only child so I only have to worry about one little human. I imagine I would have to multiply my experience by a significant scale factor to understand what juggling younger and multiple kids is like during this time.

One thing is clear though, as a parent you need to make your situation known. Tell your manager that there will be intermittent body parts in view, calls for attention and tears during the call. Provide the context so your teammates understand when you are most available to take calls, respond to emails etc. This means you might have to restructure your day, capitalise on nap time and work in the early morning or later in the evening. Point is, these are unique and challenging times and there is a greater call for #solutionsfirst mindset now more than ever.

A time like no other

I am about to state the obvious here – your kids are experiencing this for the first time just as you are. Therefore, your response to the situation also has some impact on them, irrespective of their age. Amidst the global uncertainty, your reaction to the pandemic is still within your control. Choose to make the most of this extra time that you have with your kids. #makememories

Written by T.C Nkosi (Global Culture Manager at Nova Pioneer)

‘Without courage, all other virtues lose their meaning’.

-Winston Churchill

Following the recent announcement by President Uhuru Kenyatta in response to COVID-19, all of our Nova Pioneer schools have been temporarily closed since Monday, 16 March. We acknowledge the additional pressure this school closure may have on many of our Nova Pioneer families.

Even though schools are closed, nothing stops Nova Pioneer–learning continues!

What does the school closure mean for Nova Pioneer families – students and parents?

Although the closures came into effect very quickly, Nova Pioneer’s School Leaders activated our remote learning structures and materials for all our students within 72 hours. For our High School students, virtual classes are already taking place and for Primary School families, we have been happy to see the impact of the learning guides.

 

Will there be access to Nova Pioneer schools during this time?

The school will remain closed until further notice with the reopening date communicated at a later stage.

We understand that this is an uncertain and worrying time. We are committed to doing everything necessary to limit the impact of COVID-19 on our students, teammates and the broader community thus, access to the school grounds will not be permitted until further notice. 

We continue to take guidance from the Government of Kenya and global health organisations. Nova Pioneer families will receive ongoing communication with critical details regarding the virus, our community and the school network’s response to ensure health and safety, continuous learning and community leadership.

 

How can we continue to lead in our community?

Throughout history, true leaders have demonstrated grit, resilience and the ability to adapt to challenging times. This holds true to our Always Growing and Solutions First culture principles. While we don’t know exactly how this crisis will play out over the coming weeks and months, we do know that each of us has a choice about how we respond to the changes required of us. As we pull together with the rest of the world towards stopping the COVID-19 pandemic, I wish to remind our Nova Pioneer community that everything is possible when we are creative and think critically of new solutions to the difficult challenges we are facing.

 

Still have more questions?

Should you have any more questions, during the school closure period, please contact us through the details listed under the ‘contact us’ section of the website.

Written by K. Danae Pauli, Managing Director – East Africa.