Two Campuses , One Community :
A Letter from the Principal
By David Mindorff
This past year has been filled with local and global challenges , yet within every moment there have been stories of success and of coming together .
Since the disruptions to our normal operations due to the COVID-19 pandemic began in March , every member of our community has played a role in maintaining the quality of teaching and learning , building and sustaining community and prioritising health and safety . One of the earliest examples of this during the school year was the way in which staff members from all areas of the school worked together to assist our new teachers in their transition to the island . The care and hospitality shown to them as many arrived during lockdowns reflected the caring nature of our community .
The Class of 2020 , our 15th and largest graduating class , who were faced with a senior year unlike anything they could have imagined , emerged from the circumstances successfully , with 100 % of our IB Diploma candidates achieving a passing mark , and one graduate attaining the highest score in the school ’ s history of 42 out of 45 . Our first two IB Career-Related Programme graduates also achieved success . We have all been inspired by their grit and determination and know that they will continue to do well in their future endeavours .
In these uncertain times , the LCIS community has remained a generous one . Most recently , our students have shown their commitment to giving back through a programme called “ Make a Change Mondays ” that involves over 100 students in service projects which are voluntary and go beyond the service requirements of our IB programmes .
In the pages of this report , you will find stories of how your generosity has made an impact on each LCIS student ’ s experience . Your donations to the Annual Fund last year supported pivotal renovations and enhancements to our Lower School campus to ensure our readiness to facilitate blended learning in more spacious classrooms . Thanks to your generous support , 84 % of funds raised went to our robust scholarship programme that makes an LCIS education a reality for many more students .
As you read , you will see how we continue to achieve our mission . Our international community remains connected , even in the age of physical distancing , and our learning experiences continue to transform our students . Today ’ s learning environment has further empowered them to be advocates of their own learning journeys . This moment has undoubtedly challenged students and teachers to more rapidly adjust and prepare for what will be a fast-paced , technology-rich future .
Now , we are at the threshold of a new era . Our theme for the year is a fitting one - “ Two Campuses , One Community .” By the time you are reading a hard copy of this report , we will be about to start operating on two campuses , our beautiful Lower School campus which has been a fixture within the Lyford Cay community for nearly 60 years and a new Upper School campus just a seven-minute walk away . The opportunities these spaces will provide for our students are exciting and numerous . At the same time , we are strengthening our bonds with other international schools by joining the prestigious Round Square organisation , which will provide invaluable opportunities for collaboration , networking and personal and professional development for students and teachers alike .
It has been a privilege to serve as Principal of this great school over the past year , and I look forward to building on our successes as we seek to inspire excellence in new ways .
Thank you for your support .
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