IJGA Newsletter: The Oaks MAY 2020 NEWSLETTER | Page 4

They quickly evolved and adapted to feeling
quite at home at Bishops Gate. The spirit of
the students, as they approach the end of the
schoolyear is just remarkable. I could not be
prouder of the students.
I should add that the staff has been
extraordinary throughout the entire
schoolyear as well. The Residential Instructors
and I have been locked down on campus
for close to three months. We have aligned
ourselves with the students, remaining onsite
the entire time. Our golf coaches have driven
in, worn masks and gloves during training,
and kept a safe distance from the students.
Our catering team has also driven in, wore
protective gear and kept their distance at
all times. And they have worked long and
hard to keep the catering center clean and
hygienic. Our housekeepers have been
making the rounds to every house, each and
every day, with a disinfectant. They scrub
doorknobs countertops, and other surfaces...
again with hygiene and safety in mind. There
has been an enormous amount of dedication
from every corner of the organization.
What are your expectations for the
remainder of the year?
I was in finance for over 20 years and there
was a statement we used on a routine basis;
past performance is no guarantee of future
performance. I like to turn that around and
say that our performance for the last three
months – remaining safe through COVID-19
– is a strong indication of future performance.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding this virus,
whether it runs six months, 12 months, or
longer; variations from regulators, Federal
and State governments, and schools; we are
ready for whatever comes our way. We feel
that we demonstrated our ability to operate a
junior golf academy safely and we are able to
manage the situation for the duration.
We will adapt of course. And we will stay
safe.
There are several elements that make me
proud in terms in structuring for safety. First
and foremost is our remarkable campus. Back
in 2011, we bought this Bishops Gate campus
4