Dear Parents
WI-FI
Over the last few months, one of our parents raised concerns about the health implications of continued exposure to Wi-Fi and suggested a cabled solution as an alternative to Wi-Fi. A cabled solution is not suitable in a modern classroom situation where the layout of the classroom needs to be fluid but the concerns did merit a thorough investigation into how Wi-Fi at our school is provisioned and managed. The school contacted EMF SA, an organisation very much opposed to excessive or unmanaged Wi-Fi/Cell access. It has taken some time to arrange this health audit to minimally disrupt teaching and to allow senior technical staff to become certified in this area. We obviously wanted to do as thorough an audit as possible. I am pleased to include the EMF SA findings from the report we received on Friday: “In conclusion, our professional opinion is that Bishops is following the A.L.A.R.A. Principle, [As Low As Reasonably Achievable]. There is every indication that the school is doing everything that they can to continue to provide the Wi-Fi necessary for the educational programme, in as safe an environment as allows.”
We will continue to monitor this to ensure we comply with international norms, local legislation and what is generally deemed to be safe for our boys.
iPADS
Technology and iPad usage, in particular, made a very successful remote learning programme possible during lockdown and it enabled us to keep in close communication with our boys. However, nothing replaces face-to-face contact and we are all relieved not to have to spend hours and hours every day on MS Teams. Now that nearly all our boys are back at school, we are back to our original practice of only using iPads when actually needed for teaching and learning. At breaktime they are left in their classrooms. As I wrote to you a while back, the same can now apply at home. The school does not give homework that requires hours of iPad time.
2021 CLASS ALLOCATION
Some teachers have been receiving requests for specific teachers or groupings next year. This is a gentle reminder that we do not entertain this. Class allocations need to ensure a balance of different strengths and needs in each class. Staff apply a great deal of attention to this process doing everything they can to get the best fit for each boy and the best composition in each class. Please support us in accepting the school’s decision.
Best wishes
Kind regards
GREG BROWN
HEADMASTER |
