Director’s Welcome

I hope that all of our returning families have enjoyed a restful break this summer and that our new families are settling into life in Dostyk Village.

At the start of each new school year, I like to focus on one main word, thought, or concept that defines our new school year. The word that is resonating with me as I am making plans for this year and the word that is helping me to center my attention and refocus me back to the importance within our teaching and learning community is what I want to bring forward to you. Last year, after Covid 19 had scattered us around the world for an entire year, we returned to so many restrictions, however the word that I emphasized was “together”. Even though we had to social distance, wear masks, and follow strict protocols, we were finally “together”. This year as I have reflected on DAIS over the past two years, I felt that this was to be a year for “connection”.

“Connection” is an interesting term because it plays off of together; however it is clearly something beyond simply being in a shared work, activity or space. “Connection” for me is best illustrated through the example of electricity. My husband and I are building a house on our property in Croatia, so this illustration is quite clear for me. We have many electrical lines that are together in our house, however only a few are connected. When wires are connected it allows for the potential that is resident within being together to actually make an impact. Once two lines are connected then power is released, potentials are realized and change happens; lights go on, things begin to move, and work is realized. What is the distance between “together and connection”? Often it’s not much, however that distance can actually keep everything from happening. Someone or something has to make the move to make a meaningful “connection”. Once that move is made everything changes.

This school year is going to be about making connections and the specific movements which can often be just a small distance however, when made- big impacts can happen. What will that entail? For each of us it can be just doing the same thing we always do, or it can be doing something dramatically different.

As partners, we get to discover connections together this year, as we discover how to bridge the gap between what was, what has been, what could be and onto what will be. I ask each of you to ask this question, “How can I initiate the “spark” of learning in my children, in myself, and in others that I have yet to see and experience?”

I’m so excited to see our new discoveries of potential this year. I am excited to serve as your school’s leader again, and if new to DAIS- for the first time. Let’s make these CONNECTIONS happen this year!

Warmly yours,

Susan Ballantyne, Director
sballantyne@daiskz.org

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