I'm writing to share important updates regarding our school community. The ASW Board of Trustees is addressing recent findings by Ms. Jane Foster and our process before the holidays that sought your input.
We wholeheartedly support our Director's continued service and his commitment to addressing identified gaps. To achieve this, we will take the following steps:
Facilitated Focus groups to explore core concerns further
A complete review of HR policy and procedures
A revision of relevant handbooks and documents to address identified concerns.
A confidential survey will be prepared and sent by the BoT to admin/faculty/staff in the late spring to gauge the impact of changes.
The design, selection, and integration of an ombuds program for future concerns.
Maintain oversight on the construction and renovation project including safety and risk management and ongoing strategic work in this area.
Affirmation of action plans developed in the accreditation process and further action planning relative to any findings from the above actions.
As you will see below, we are now sharing with you that Jon informed us in October of his intent to retire in June 2025. This was not unexpected and Jon will be completing a 9-year tenure at ASW with this completion. This means that we will begin in earnest a selection process and the Board has already taken initial steps to secure the consultant that will help guide the process. In due course, we’ll be seeking community members who would be willing to serve on the Search Committee and there will be plenty of stakeholder engagement in the process as well.
We also value that your involvement in selecting our next Director is a unique opportunity for our school where we can also reaffirm our renewal within that selection process. A dedicated committee will oversee this process, incorporating your feedback and involvement. Regular updates and opportunities for your input will be provided soon.
As well, our accreditation process remains a priority, and we will maintain and reference our school's positive aspects as well as our areas of growth. We are committed to this transformative journey and are confident in our school's future with your partnership and involvement.
Before the break, I sent an email stating that the Board of Trustees would meet with parents at the Town Hall tomorrow at 6 pm. I apologize for miswriting. In all of the busyness before the holiday break, I got the time of the Town Hall incorrect. The Town Hall tomorrow evening is scheduled for 7 pm. I will be attending at the beginning to launch the Director Search and answer any questions related to what is written above. I would also like to focus on moving forward in our renewal efforts. To that end, I will be addressing ways that community members can join the Board in this work. Again, apologies for the incorrect information sent before the break. Hope to see many of you at the Town Hall tomorrow evening for this and also on another important topic of school work and our efforts in Inclusion and DEIJ with our valued consultants.
Thank you for your continued dedication and support.
Sincerely,
Sarah Kyle
ASW Board Chair
Dear ASW Community,
I hope this message finds each of you in good health and spirits after the holidays.
It is with mixed emotions that I share my intention to retire as the Director of the American School of Warsaw after my current contract expires in June 2025. Over the past seven years, our journey together has been filled with challenges and triumphs, and it has been my greatest honour to lead this incredible institution and to serve each of you.
Looking back, we navigated the tumultuous waters of a global pandemic, continue to feel the echoes of the war in Ukraine close to our borders, and have faced various other challenges that have tested our strength, resilience, and unity. Through it all, the ASW community did not merely endure; we thrived. Your collective spirit, determination, and support have been the cornerstone of our school's success.
Our commitment to service, which I proudly declare unmatched, embodies the spirit of ASW. It is a testament to our shared belief that in giving, we receive; in serving, we are uplifted.
On a personal note, many of you have been aware of my health challenges, having undergone surgery this past July. I am deeply touched and grateful for the outpouring of support, care, and well-wishes that I received from so many of you. I'm pleased to share that I am currently in remission after my minor bout with cancer and feel as optimistic for the future as ever.
As we move forward, I am thrilled about the renovation project that is currently underway, which promises an exciting future for ASW. Know that I will always remain one of the school's biggest cheerleaders, looking on with pride as ASW reaches new heights in this renewed environment inspired by your own interests and aspirations.
In closing, I want to express my heartfelt appreciation for the trust, support, and collaboration that you've shown me throughout the years here at ASW. It is the relationships with students, parents, staff, and the wider ASW community that I will cherish the most. The memories we've created together will remain close to my heart as I move on to the next chapter of my life.
While goodbyes are never easy and this one is still quite a ways off, I find solace in the knowledge that the American School of Warsaw is more than an institution; it is a family. And families remain connected, no matter the distance. Thank you for the incredible privilege of serving you these past 7 years. I want to also thank you in advance for staying engaged with me during the roughly 19 months that remain for me here. The future of ASW is assured due to the indomitable spirit of our community! I look forward to celebrating that at our upcoming Gala in true Warrior spirit!!
