We at AISB are so honored to have created this edition of our World Magazine with such amazing teams from our CEESA Sisters schools, and so honored to share this time the article of Rachel Caldwell, who is now leading the PSI Kyiv away from home, with such unique love and energy, with the amazing support also of the American School of Warsaw. Determined, hopeful and inspired – both school directors agreed that this historical collaboration between Pechersk School International and the American School of Warsaw is a true example of the International Baccalaureate mission in real life.

'We share our gratitude and appreciation with the whole of the ASW community!' - said Ms. Rachel Caldwell.

Enjoy her article for our WORLD Magazine.
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Although we were as well-prepared as we could be, logistically speaking, for this assault, it is impossible to be ready for the emotional  impact. Our staff, students, and parents all remain in shock and are dealing with many layers of anxiety and grief.

Whilst everyone simply wants the assault to end so that we can go home, the community response is significant and, in fact, it is invaluable. In the midst of the horror that Ukraine continues to be subjected to, Pechersk School International (PSI) shares its sincerest gratitude with the community of international schools, which has responded with an outpouring of supportive messages and concrete  offers of help.

PSI continues to offer a robust remote learning program in all grade levels and will do so until June, without a doubt. Colleagues from around the world have stepped in to help teach some of these classes and to offer additional extracurricular and specially designed activities.

Close to fifty schools, to date, have granted scholarships to PSI students, allowing them to complete the school year in face-to-face learning in the locations they have relocated to. One school has offered 18-month scholarships for all the school-age children in our PSI community, whether enrolled in PSI or not. In addition, this same school has offered free accommodation to the families of those students.

Throughout this extreme situation, our PSI community has continued to demonstrate courage and strength. I am endlessly proud to serve this community and to be connected to the people of PSI: our wonderful students, our dear families, our resilient teachers, our dedicated staff members and our extraordinarily committed Board members, led with determination by Peter Erben.

We look optimistically to the future. We are doing all that we can to help PSI emerge from this crisis stronger than ever. We are inspired by the many beautiful stories and joyous events that took place throughout this school year before, during, in spite of and as a result of the horrible war waged against PSI’s homeland.

Whilst the main enduring message is a call for peace, the other is a celebration of kindness, empathy, and generosity. I would like to share our sincerest gratitude with our CEESA school friends who have stood up for PSI and our community... and, indeed, for the brave, inspiring and extraordinary nation of Ukraine.

We hope that you will enjoy this special edition of AISB’s World Magazine which reminds us all about the importance of unity, collaboration, inclusion, and kindness. With ongoing hope for a better and more peaceful world.

Rachel Caldwell
Director
Pechersk School International, Kyiv
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Enjoy reading other articles from our WORLD Magazine Summer 2022 Edition: