We’ve almost completed seven weeks of remote learning! Needless to say, we are very much missing our students, campuses, colleagues, and even our commutes. Video conferencing is no substitute for face-to-face interaction and can become quite draining (—here are some tips for dealing with that particular fatigue). The situation will change for some of us on 11 May, however, when junior school campuses will reopen in line with the Dutch government’s directive. Our Junior School leaders are working incredibly hard on plans for a safe and carefully managed reopening. In the mean-time, we’re staying positive and trying to make the best of the situation. 

Members of the BSN community made an effort to mark King’s Day, or ‘Koningsdag’ as it is known in Dutch, on 27 April. The King’s birthday is a national holiday and traditionally celebrated with street parties of all sizes, as well as flea markets and sports. Read more about the traditions, here. It is eagerly anticipated by adults and children alike. Of course, this time was different. Koningsdag was renamed ‘Woningsdag’ (House Day) to reflect the current limitations. Still, it was a welcomed break. People celebrated individually and, by observing some of home-friendly traditions*, people could still feel that they were celebrating as part of a group. Our junior schools had provided families with lots of themed crafts and activities to try at home, which were implemented with enthusiasm. The weather was exceptional and that, no doubt, made all the difference.

*Dressing up in orange clothes and accessories, eating tompouce and drinking Oranjebitter.

It may occur that there will be some delay to our recruitment processes. All our recruitment procedures will continue as usual, except for live panel-interviews. All live meetings will be cancelled or postponed, as we do not wish to put any unnecessary pressure on applicants to travel or expose themselves or others. In order to conclude recruitment processes, some vacancy holders may decide to proceed to final interview via video interviews, relevant candidates will be notified.