The reality of starting life at a new international school is very different from what I had envisaged when I was offered the position in December.

It is not an exaggeration to say that the world has changed.

During induction, my school followed strict Covid-19 regulations, which meant we weren’t allowed to mix in large groups. While this meant that staff couldn’t get to know each other as much as usual, it did mean that I was able to form closer relationships with a smaller group of people.

These relationships are going to be very important, both professionally and personally, over the first few months while I settle into the new school and get my head around all of the new systems and procedures.

Read earlier editions of Fabio’s international story

1. We get by with a little help...

Networks and friendships are so important. My school set up a buddy system at the start of the summer holidays, where new starters were matched with a more established member of staff.

It was so valuable to have a buddy to talk to before I started. We were able to meet for dinner before the new school year, and discussed lots of different things relating to my new school, and more general advice about living in Singapore. This is a connection that I will always be grateful for.

It may be commonplace in many schools - but if your new school does not have this, I would encourage you to seek out someone who could act as a buddy for your first few months. It’s always great to have a friendly face.

2. There’s no such thing as a silly question

Do not feel embarrassed to ask for clarification on things you are unsure about - it is inevitable that there will be many new acronyms and systems that the school use that you are not used to. And in the current circumstances, it is even more important to have these things secure in your mind as early as possible. 

With a positive and supportive environment like in my new school, I felt very comfortable asking many questions.  

And remember, if you are confused about something, it is likely that someone else is too - and they may be very grateful that you asked the question.

3. Students will be in the same boat

Despite my unconventional induction week, I was immediately made to feel a very valued member of the school. I’m sure previous years had much grander, less socially distanced welcomes, but I don’t feel like I have missed out on anything by joining my school this year.

Quite the contrary, I feel honoured to have been given a job during Covid-19, and that I will be there to teach and support my students through such a strange and challenging time.

My school also had a wonderful open day for new starters where they met their tutors. This was an opportunity to get to know some of the youngsters in my homeroom before school started, and to reassure them that we are doing everything we can to ensure they get a top-class education within the current regulations. 

These students may have had to go through a big move during the time of Covid-19, some leaving friends behind without a proper chance to say goodbye.

So as staff, we must ensure that they feel safe and supported. We also need to give them the respect they deserve by talking about Covid-19 and how things have changed. Don’t ignore it. They may be confused, concerned or very curious.

4. Get creative with clubs

Many schools will expect staff to be involved in extracurricular clubs. However, the current regulations in Singapore state that a group must not exceed five people (there can be multiple groups within a large area but they cannot interact with each other).

While this may be quite restrictive for some club ideas, use this as an opportunity to be creative.

Are there clubs you can run where the students can work in small groups, or where you can guide and supervise students through tasks?

I will be setting up a Young Scientists Journal club, where the students conduct a piece of research on their own or in a small group and then write an article about it.

New teachers and students have gone through a particularly difficult time, yet it is so important to remember that for many this is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Make the most of it, support each other and ask colleagues for help whenever you need it.