NEED TO READ NEWS
Colegio Gran Bretaña
26th March, 2021
From the Director
School begins again on the 12th of April.
Ball games at CGB.
Facemasks save lives!
Happy Holidays.
Highlights of the week
From the Head of Secondary
After the holidays, we will be emptying the school lockers.
Year 12 and 13 parents, please complete the forms so your children can attend school face to face after vacations.
From the Administration
ID cards: Next week we will be sending the ID cards to students and families. Next year we will have Digital ID cards, environmentally friendly.
Important CIS/NEASC information
As part of the re- accreditation process, CIS/NEASC will be visiting the school virtually in May this year as, due to COVID-19, it is not possible to visit in person. Some aspects of school life will be recorded on video so that they can have a better feel of life at CGB.
From the Doctor’s Office
During Spring Break it is very important to strictly follow the biosecurity measures. We do not want more quarantines or having to return to Code 4.
At a glance
From the Head of Secondary: After the Easter Holidays
CGB Digital
From the Director
From the Doctor’s Office
From the Deputy Head of Secondary: Niall O`Kane
University Guidance
MENU FOR THIS MONTH
From the Contingency Committee
CONTACT US
Need to Read News - 26th March
From the Head of Primary: Holiday “Homework”
Talent Show
Important CIS/NEASC information
UNCOLI and Student Activities News
From the Round Square
From the Food Committee
From the Administration
It is heartbreaking for me to have to write this, but at this very moment Cristina Llano’s husband, Carlos Garcia, is literally fighting for his life. Last Friday he was admitted to hospital with COVID and he needs all of the positive vibes and prayers that our community can muster. Cristina has been a PE teacher in Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1 for many years, and two of her children have graduated from CGB. Cris, everyone at CGB is sending you and your children, but especially Carlos, our love and strength. We hope to hear good news very soon!
From the Director
The journey between New Year and Spring Break is always long and arduous for children and teachers alike - and even more so when juggling the many changes of learning under COVID - but we have made it to a well-earned rest. I hope that everyone will enjoy time away from computer screens, reading books with paper pages, disconnecting from the world and recharging their metaphorical batteries - but my biggest wish is for everyone to stay safe, be on guard, and know that even though we are on holiday, the virus is most certainly not. It is at times like these that the virus is at its strongest because people often relax. Please do not let that happen to anyone at CGB.
School begins again on 12th April
Although we aim to return to school on the 12th April under Code 3, please be prepared for a potential return to Code 4. We will inform families in the week before we come back. This decision depends on the panorama at that specific moment. If we look to the East in the EU and the UK, and to the South in Chile, the pattern seems to be that countries are locking down again. Let’s hope it doesn’t happen here - while being realistic that it is a possibility. Assume that we will be in Code 3, unless informed otherwise. Whatever decision we take will have the health and safety of our entire community at its heart. Don’t forget to check the calendar below to ensure you know which days your children should attend school.
Year 12 and Year 13 parents please complete the sign-up that is in Mr. Henriksen’s section. If you do not sign-up we will assume you will want to learn from home. Thank you.
From the Director
Ball games at CGB
The Student Council wrote an excellent letter asking for us to evaluate the possibility of reintroducing ball games into school life. The Contingency Committee has analysed the situation and over the Spring Break, new protocols will be written to allow for the safe reintroduction of ball games in two phases. The first phase will be for PE to play ball games once again, and to establish a healthy and safe culture of how students can play together safely. We will then embark on the second phase which will allow students to play (following strict protocols) during break time. We know we can trust our students to follow the rules that will be created so that we won’t need to take this privilege away. (The right to stay healthy will always be higher than the right to play ball games). I would like to congratulate Jeronimo, Eric, Eve and Ana for a superbly written letter and for their support in making this work. Well done! I am really proud of you!).
From the Director
Happy Holidays
Happy Easter, Passover, Naw Rúz, Mid-Sha'ban, Buddha’s birthday, Holi, and Hola Mohallah for those whole celebrate these festivals. Have a safe break and remember that if you need to contact Dr. Carolina during the holidays, she is on-call and ready to help you.
Kind regards,
�Robert
Facemasks save lives!
Please remember that facemasks and the frequent washing of our hands literally save lives. It is as simple as that. Even before we knew that Cristina and her husband were positive with COVID, she was sharing an office with three colleagues, and riding to school in a car with two other colleagues. All of them followed CGB’s protocols and nobody else was infected. At least this point brings great relief in a moment of great worry.
Important CIS/NEASC information
Dear CGB families,
I trust this finds you well.
As you will know, our school is taking part in the CIS/NEASC accreditation, a process which has school improvement at its heart. The full report will be uploaded and shared with both accreditation bodies tomorrow after months of very hard work from many stakeholders within our community. THANK YOU and WELL DONE to everyone who participated.
As part of the re- accreditation process, CIS/NEASC will be visiting the school virtually in May this year as, due to COVID-19, it is not possible to visit in person. Some aspects of school life will be recorded on video so that they can have a better feel of life at CGB. In preparation for the visit we will make recordings of:
As part of our self-evaluation procedure for our fire drills we made recordings for our own purposes. However, we will also share these videos with the Visiting Team. The recordings do not focus on any particular student, but rather capture the whole procedure.
Important CIS/NEASC information
All recordings will be retained by CGB. They will not be transferred to CIS but will be made available to the CIS team securely, for a limited period of time until the visit is over by the end of May 2021.
We will also take live footage of some classroom activities and of drop off and pick up times during the visit itself. This footage will be shown securely to CIS at the time, no recordings will be made.
The recordings and live footage are necessary in order to provide CIS with the evidence required for accreditation purposes. All data will be processed in accordance with our school’s data protection policies and CIS protocols, and the Statutory Law 1581 of 2012, Political Constitution of Colombia, Articles 15, 20; and Statutory Law 1266 of 2008
If you have any questions or if you do not want your child to be included in the recordings made in advance of the visit, please contact Fiorella Rocha (admissions@cgb.edu.co) to inform her of this.
Thank you for playing your part in our re-accreditation process.
Robert Tomalin
Director
From the Head of Primary
HOLIDAY “HOMEWORK”
After a very busy couple of months at school it is so important that over the next two weeks you take some time to disconnect, to relax and have quality time as a family.
The best things you can do for and with your child are to talk with them, play sports together, read books, dance, share in things you can enjoy as a family. �Please do stay safe, remember to follow social distancing protocols and we look forward to welcoming everyone back in April.
After the Easter Holidays...
From the Head of Secondary
Lockers
After the holidays, we will be emptying the school lockers. Some students still have locks and materials in the lockers from last academic year, and should empty these lockers by April 16, 2021. After this date, any locks remaining on the lockers will be removed and the content found in the lockers will be returned to the library/resource centre, and the lost and found.
Year 12 Return to School
We are looking into the logistics of giving YR12 students the opportunity to attend school every day for face-to-face learning. So we can plan accordingly, please complete the following survey no later than Sunday, April 4, 2021.
Year 13 Return to School
After the Easter holidays, YR13 students no longer have the opportunity of attending face-to-face lessons on a daily basis. However, YR13 students still have the opportunity of attending face-to-face lessons on alternating days. So we can plan accordingly, please complete the following survey no later than Sunday, April 4, 2021.
Have a safe and wonderful holiday.
Warm regards,
Shaun
From The Deputy Head of Secondary
Important upcoming dates for Year 11
TALENT SHOW, Friday 30th of April
UNCOLI and Student Activities news
This week our Director, Robert Tomalin, attended the UNCOLI Annual General Meeting. You will know that we were accepted as “trial” members of UNCOLI, and it is our great pleasure to let everyone know that not only were we accepted into UNCOLI as official members, but we were congratulated by the Board of Directors for our participation in sports (when we were allowed to compete) but also for the continued work that Beatriz Vergara is doing for Aulas Sin Fronteras on behalf of our school. Congratulations everyone!
The decision was made that sporting and artistic activities will recommence in September of this year - if everything goes well.
FROM THE ROUND SQUARE
A recording of Memorial Service for Rod Fraser, the late Chairman of Round Square
A moving Memorial Service to celebrate the life of Roderick D Fraser AM was held at Ivanhoe Grammar School, Melbourne, Australia on Wednesday this week. A recording of the service has kindly been made available by Ivanhoe for those unable to attend. You can watch it online here: https://youtu.be/37_mCZm-0wE.
During the Service, a recording was shared of the poem “All is Well”, made by Students from 16 Round Square schools across the world. Including Tori from Keystone Academy (China), Alexsandra from St Philips College (Australia), Rachael from Roedean School (South Africa), Kim from Fountain Valley School of Colorado (USA), Fabiha from Chittagong Grammar School (Bangladesh), Kobina from Brookhouse School (Kenya), Saumya from Vivek High School (India), Suyog from Indian School al Ghubra (Oman), Masa from Amman Baccalaureate School (Jordan), Johannes from Stifung Louisenlund (Germany), Emiliana from Lyford Cay International School (The Bahamas), Mahiro from Junior and Senior High School of Kogakuin University (Japan), Alfie from AKS Lytham (UK), Edward from ICS Zurich (Switzerland) and Nefertiti from St Constantine’s International School (Tanzania) and our very own Alejandra from Colegio Gran Bretaña.
Rod was an inspirational, forward thinking and kind leader and someone I very much looked up to and learned from at all Round Square events. He will be greatly missed, and I am touched and honoured that CGB was able to play an active role in the commemoration of his incredible life.
Rest in peace, Rod.
Robert Tomalin
From the Doctor’s Office
During Spring Break it is very important to strictly follow the biosecurity measures. We do not want more quarantines or having to return to Code 4.
In Colombia at this moment there are 15 cities entering a peak of contagion with more than 80% occupancy of ICU beds, so during your vacation it is very important to take into account the following recommendations:
1. Avoid crowds.
2. Avoid going to public places (amusement parks, department stores, shopping malls, etc.).
3. Avoid family gatherings, these types of meetings are VERY HIGH RISK!!!!
4. Use of masks, masks save lives. Always verify that your mask is adequate, that it does not leak what you breathe and that it has adequate coverage.
5. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water. Only use antibacterial gel if you do not have access to soap and water.
6. If you develop symptoms or are in contact with someone suspected or confirmed with COVID-19, let me know immediately. This is very important in order to make the decision to return to school on April 12.
Please do not lower your guard, the pandemic is not over and vaccination has not yet produced the protective effect it should, so we must continue to take care of ourselves. Think before you expose yourselves that you are putting your family, your loved ones and our entire community and families at risk.
I wish you a happy rest and please stay healthy and safe.
UPDATE FOR FAMILIES
TOTAL CASES
Confirmed Cases
17
Active Cases
0
Recovered Cases
16
Confirmed Cases
0
Close Contact
0
Students
Suspected Cases
0
Confirmed Cases
1
Close Contact
1
Parents
Suspected Cases
0
Confirmed Cases
1
Close Contact
10
Teachers
Suspected Cases
2
Confirmed Cases
0
Close Contact
0
Administrative Staff
Suspected Cases
0
Confirmed Cases
1
Close Contact
4
General Services
Suspected Cases
1
Students
7
Parents
1
Teachers
6
Administrative Staff
0
General Services
5
People in isolation
Closed Case: 15
* Close contact refers to people (students and / or employees) who have been less than 2 meters away for more than 15 consecutive minutes with a person with symptoms suggestive of Covid-19 or who has tested positive for Covid-19, even if a mask was being worn.
Weekly cases
From the Food Committee
We value your feedback!!
It is very important for us to have your feedback on the provided food service in order to keep meeting our community needs and preferences.
Please take a couple of minutes to fill out the survey on the following link https://es.surveymonkey.com/r/AldimarkCGB21
FROM THE ADMINISTRATION
ID CARDS
Next week we will be sending the ID cards to students and families.
Unfortunately due to the pandemic, the printing was delayed, and only now we have received them.
We also wanted to let you know that as of next school year 2021-2022, and taking into account the requirements of the Parent Council, we will be using digital cards. We have been working with Phidias and at the moment students and staff ID cards are a reality. We are now working on the ID cards for parents. This will not only be more practical, but it will also be more environmentally friendly.
University Guidance
Glion Institute of Higher Education and Les Roches Global Hospitality Education would like to invite your students to join us for an exciting overview of our campuses, programs, student life and meet some of our alumni.
Friday, April 16th or Saturday, April 17th
Hospitality, Business, International Events, Luxury, Marketing, Finance, Real Estate and Asset Management
English and Spanish sessions available on April 16th and 17th
Speak and ask questions directly to our current students and alumni.
This virtual event will give you the opportunity to learn more about our campuses, academic program, internships and student life.
Parents and College Counselors are welcome to attend.
Sessions will include the following topics:
- Introduction to the Experience Economy sector / Studying in Switzerland, Spain, UK and China
- Glion and Les Roches Bachelor and Master degrees / Summer Camps
- Speak and ask questions directly to our current students and alumni
REGISTRATION INFORMATION
Please click on the following links to register for these webinars
FRIDAY, APRIL 16th
SATURDAY, APRIL 17th
University Guidance
From the Office of Scouting and Promotion of the University of the Andes we would like to invite you to make a preferential registration to participate with your students in our virtual College Fair 2021- calendar B, which will be held next Wednesday, April 28 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. approximately, through our digital platforms.
The College Fair is aimed at senior students who want to have an approach to university life at Los Andes.
Within the program you will find the following activities in which you can participate:
In addition, we will have a financial support services talk (including the "Quiero Estudiar" Program) from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. so that both applicants and their parents can learn first hand about all the support opportunities available at the University.
Please let me know if you are interested in attending by sending an email to universityguidance@cgb.edu.co
Department | Contact | Phone extension | |
Head of the Spanish Department KS2 & KS3 | Beatriz Vergara | b.vergara@cgb.edu.co |
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Head of the Spanish Department KS4 & KS5 | Bocanegra Martha Lucia | m.bocanegra@cgb.edu.co |
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Director of Student Activities | Cancino Margarita | dirstudentact@cgb.edu.co |
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Deputy Head of Primary | Carfrae Sara | s.carfrae@cgb.edu.co |
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Educational Achievement Department | Chadwick Elizabeth | e.chadwick@cgb.edu.co |
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PTA | Contact the PTA via Phidias | Contact the PTA vía Phidias |
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University Guidance Counsellor | Echeverry Angela María | universityguidance@cgb.edu.co |
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Counseling and Emotional Guidance | Gómez Claudia | emotionalguidance@cgb.edu.co |
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Director's office | Gómez Grace | dirassist@cgb.edu.co |
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Head of Secondary | Henriksen Shaun | headofsecondary@cgb.edu.co |
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Transport | Margoliner Liliana | transporte@cgb.edu.co | 310 7711575 |
Vice-Rector | Mayorga Nidya | vicerectorcgb@cgb.edu.co |
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Director | Robert Tomalin | director@cgb.edu.co | 3194276286 |
Contact Us
Department | Contact | Phone extension | |
Head of Primary | McLean Suzanne | headofprimary@cgb.edu.co |
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Reception | Moreno Angie | reception@cgb.edu.co | 3158873788 |
Deputy Head of Secondary Curriculum | O'Kane Niall | n.okane@cgb.edu.co |
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Deputy Head of Secondary. Pastoral Leadership | Regan Jamie | j.regan@cgb.edu.co |
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Deputy Head of FS/KS1 | Register Kristen | k.register@cgb.edu.co |
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Additional Language Dept | Rhea Natalia (Primary) Tinoco Katya (Secondary) | n.rhea@cgb.edu.co k.tinoco@cgb.edu.co |
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Marketing & Community Relations | Rocha Fiorella | admissions@cgb.edu.co | 3156013709 |
Academic Secretary / Phidias issues | Romero Mariana | cgb@cgb.edu.co |
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Accountancy | Romero Maryoly | accountancy@cgb.edu.co | 3158873788 |
Academic Assistant | Strochia Sara | hosassistant@cgb.edu.co |
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Medical Centre | Tapias Carolina | doctor@cgb.edu.co | 315 5439757 |
Administrative Director / Food issues / General services / Security | Verswyvel Cristina | administrativedirector@cgb.edu.co |
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Contact Us
We have a CGB Classified Ads Group on Facebook for those of you interested in Selling, Buying or Renting Second-hand items or furniture, vehicles, properties, amongst others.
We want to reiterate that it is a closed Facebook Group for our CGB community. In a closed group, administrators must approve members and only group members can see posted content.
This group will only accept CGB parents, CGB staff, and CGB alumni. If you are interested in joining please follow the link above.
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