Dear Friends,
The resilience of our school community shines brightly as we resumed classes on January 16th after a much-needed Christmas break. Despite the challenges faced by our country, particularly in Gaza, our spirit remains unwavering. The ongoing war and genocide in Gaza have deeply affected us all, with many community members having relatives and friends directly impacted by the war, highlighting our shared humanity. Heartbreaking losses within our staff have added to the weight of these challenges, with two members mourning the tragic loss of close family members. The plight of a third staff member's family seeking refuge in a church in Gaza only amplifies the gravity of the situation. Moreover, the escalating violence in the West Bank has cast a shadow of fear and stress over our students and staff as they navigate checkpoints and settler roads.
Nevertheless, we stand firm in our mission to provide an education that equips our graduates to become leaders of integrity, guided by our Quaker ethos. Our recent Diploma Evaluation by the International Baccalaureate (IB) received on the 31st of January 2024 has affirmed the positive impact of our school on our students. The evaluators recognized our commitment to fostering inclusivity within our school community. Despite encountering challenges such as transitioning to online learning intermittently due to the war and experiencing difficulties in recruiting international educators, our faculty demonstrated resilience and cohesion. With many educators boasting extensive experience and exhibiting exemplary teamwork, the evaluators were impressed by our collective dedication to providing our students with an exceptional education despite external adversities.
In adversity, we hold onto our core values of truth and justice. Amidst these trials, our school has encountered significant financial hurdles, worsened by delayed checks and an increase in families seeking financial aid. Economic hardships affect the public and private sectors, resulting in several families withdrawing from our school. The limitation of increasing tuition beyond 2% because of the war and the dire economic situation, coupled with rising living costs and a four-year staff agreement to raise salaries incrementally, poses considerable financial strains. Yet, with the unwavering support of our Friends community, we move forward.
Despite the challenges posed by ongoing conflicts and financial strains, we remain steadfast in our mission to provide a nurturing and inclusive learning environment. We draw strength from our collective determination and unwavering support as we navigate these difficult times. Together, we will continue to uphold our Quaker ethos, empowering our students to become compassionate leaders who strive for truth, justice, and peace in our world. We are also grateful for individuals like Ann Procter, who are instrumental in our students' growth and development. Ann's dedication and expertise in helping our children articulate their thoughts and ideas in writing have been invaluable, and we are fortunate to have her support in our educational endeavors.
In Peace, Rania
Head of School, Ramallah Friends School
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