This Forum is an open space for children, parents, teachers, school administration and other resource persons to debate, express one's opinion, share problems and find solutions, share experiences.
It aims to build a better school environment within QSI-Tirana International School.
High standard of politeness, respect of private life and privacy rules apply.
Thanks to all to make this new Blog a constructive tool!
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229 comments:
1 – 200 of 229 Newer› Newest»Congratulations for the new Blog!
So is this only for parents, I mean do the teachers and QSI management also look at it? Some people are parents and teachers? Is this confidential or open? I prefer open so we all know who is reading this. This is a great idea!!!!
I'd like this to be open...Parents and teachers and management should work closer together for the benefit of our children.
will all blogs be posted in order they come in or will there be eventually sections or thread topics as more people use it? If they come in order, it may be wise for those who post to start with a topic and then their comment so it is easier for others to follow or comment and some users wil not have time to read all posts but scan the ones we are interested in, for example:
PLAYGROUND: Yesterday I observed....
EMERGENCY NUMBERS--recently the QSI doctor was unable to conact my spouse about our child being sick at school. My spouse had no missed calls on her phone (meaning QSI did not call her)and I was called across town about this. Luckily it was not serious. How is it they do not have the right numbers--we gave ths school doctor a form with all our numbers and backup with neighbours. QSI has been advised to test all numbers to ensure accuracy and have never done it. ALL PARENTS make sure the school has the right numbers! This should not be tested during a real crisis in Tirana--which I hope never happens.
Good news for this new Forum
Hope my son will not be sick this year...
Yes thank you so much for this news blog, there is such a lack of communication between parent and the QSI manager. I heard some class are going trough difficult situation can anybody tell me more about that?
Qack School International....
Terrifying International School...
First they disturbed the six year olds class, and I did not speak out because I was not a six year old parent
Then they disturbed the seven year olds class, and I did not speak out because I was not a seven year old parent
Then they disturbed the eight year olds and I did not speak out because I was not an eight year olds parent
Then they disturbed the 9 year olds, I am a 9 year olds parent, and there was no one involved to speak about
Thank you for creating this opportunity for open discussions! While the recent teacher reshuffle highlighted the lack of two-way communication in the decision-making process and left some parents unhappy, it also came at the background of an underlying frustration among most parents with the staggeringly limited facilities at TIS. We are paying some of the highest fees in the world (relative to international schools of this type)after all. Good teachers have been the only consolation, and when we start loosing them too, it raises questions about their motivation and the school management as a whole. We'd like to see more efforts in providing a better environemnt for both students and teachers. We'd like to see open lines of communication, giving us specific updates on the progress, and deadlines for the new school. Otherwise, the increasing impression will continue to be, that this school is about making money on the back of a trapped community of expats, with no other alternative in town. Let's hope the opinions in this blog will bring about some positive changes.
NEED TO DO MORE THAN VENT: Although the recent reshuffles were scandalous and calous and one sided (and is a repeated trend..4 times in some cases in 4 yrs) ....We did not back down. We organised, put it on paper and had well thought out (but not very successful so far) meetings. We are not done yet. Parents have to do more than vent on a blog--it is step one only. If we do no unite and demand better we will only get what we are getting and that means QSI without the Q. The school strategy has been to ignore our requests, write it off as cranky parents, and to lay low until we get transferred and then they have a new crop to extract money out of before the new parents understand. Some of us this is our home and some of us stay longer. We are not all so transient and we have long memories and we are watching and organising. We all started here based on trust--they trust we pay and we trust they deliver the Q. Let us use this blog constructively and to enlighten those in the dark and explore how we can move forward. It is only one of many tools we should use. Happy blogging.
Thank you so much for this
It’s the last straw that breaks the camels back.
I am a 6 year old parent and a 7 years old parent and we spend already 4 years in the TIS school and it’s not the first time TIS is acting this way.
We survive in this TIS school just because the good and dedicate teacher my children had, but now the management team is removing them…
I share many other concern with parents but let me just share with you the 6 years old situation.
The 6 years old class in Tirana has 20 children and in sept 2009 we agree the class will not be split up despite the big number of children but run by a full time native English qualified teacher, a part time qualified local teacher and an assistant. Therefore it went like this until the winter holiday and it was just great.
We came back from the holiday (5 January) and we have been notified by the school that the main teacher will be shifted temporary to the 8 years because the 8 year’s old teacher resigns from the school. So the parent requested a meeting with the management team of the TIS school for clarification.
At this moment I could understand the school had to react very quickly to this very unfortunate situation which was shortly notified to the school.
48H after, the 7 January at the meeting we were verbally notified this temporary situation is now permanent How could a temporary solution become permanent without consulting parents within 48 hours?
We asked if some parent representative could be involve in the process of finding solution. They didn’t respond positively to this very constructive suggestion and we ask for another meeting. At this level we were told Ljubljana has not been informed about the TIS situation. 2 missing teachers and 5 classes disturbed by the puzzle. Amazing!
After this first meeting we received no written note from the school.
see the following message
The second meeting was settled few days after, but the director didn’t show up, the principal told us he is sick although we all saw him few minutes ago at the entrance of the school looking fine and chatting with people. He did not show the courtesy to come to the meeting and tell us that he is not well and that he will not be able to attend. What kind of respect and management is that?
We lead the meeting with the principal who was keeping on telling us this is permanent, no possible discussion, no parent representative involve, no change. We keep on saying that the proposed solution is not acceptable regarding QSI standard and that we wanted the teacher back as soon as they would find a new teacher for the 8 years old.
Instead of getting to the bottom of the problem and finding a permanent solution for the 8y class, the problem was and is shifted to the 6y class.
After this second meeting we received no written note from the school.
But the school has no intention to hire any new teacher. Do I have to understand they want to save money? Because the solution they propose make them save a lot of money.
The school does not take in consideration the point of view of the parents who were really ready to compromise.
The school has no concern about the education and the emotional impact this all can have on the children by disturbing 5 classes while there is 2 missing teacher. What are we talking about goods or children?
The level of the education QSI is providing today to my 6 year old child is compromised and totally disturb.
The way TIS is not respectfully dealing the problem with and between the parents is amazing when they are talking about building a community.
How do I have to feel today in front of the 8 years old parents who are please with the staying of the 6 years old teacher and agree with the situation? I have friends in the 8 years old class and I also understand their point of view very well. The school is pushing us to fight selfishly for our children, myself included. Do you think this is fair? Is it the QSI standard to build the community shifting their management problem between parents?
Friday 15, since the regional supervisor of Ljubljana was in Tirana to deal with other school issue, we took the opportunity to settle a third meeting with him, the TIS director and the principal.
The regional supervisor of Ljubljana had received the day before a letter from the 6 year old parent relating the situation trough the advisory board.
Many 6 years old parents were present but also other parents concerned by the affected classes and many other school management issues. A lot of note were take!.
What does he understood from all this???
After this third meeting we didn’t receive any written note from the school.
How can we not be frustrated and shock the way they treat us.
Sylvie Belleflamme, 6 years old parent
What a wonderful initiative, coming soon...
Actually after the third meeting with parents of 6s school management ~met~ first graders at snack time and somehow convinced some kids that their uprooted teachers move was permanent and some kids thought it was only for January. 12 days later and we have nothing in writing as to how this will work and we have some 6 year olds confused. THis is just how i wanted the saga to end. CLassic and so sad that QSI just does not get it.
" Typically, primary education is provided in schools, where the child will stay in steadily advancing classes until they complete it and move on to high school/secondary school. Children are usually placed in classes with one teacher who will be primarily responsible for their education and welfare for that year. This teacher may be assisted to varying degrees by specialist teachers in certain subject areas. The continuity with a single teacher and the opportunity to build up a close relationship with the class is a notable feature of the primary education system."
from Wikipedia, no comment!
FACEBOOK--be careful, when you go to share and select facebook and then click post it will post it on whatever FB page is the last used in your computer even if it was NOT you. This can errantly happen and maybe your kid or your grandma or whoever can get it posted. I am not sure we want our kids to see this, but if so, as the moderator has stated, then we should be constructive.
Appeal to Parents....for the sake of credibility of this blog please try to keep your statements directed to issues, not personal attacks, and if possible try to sign your names if the issue is important. We do not want this to deteriorate to a complaint session, but an exchange. Also, whoever designed this indicated students, I am not sure this is appropriate for students and even if it is not meant this way, students will and can access this so it is too late now. So let us keep it open and constructive. We can all complain and we have the right to, but we need to also seek solutions. So far we have not had a forum that works for this and this is one way, but let us make this work.
Thanks, Rob and Sundus Carr
Thanks for last comment to restate the objective of the blog.
As far as the blog is totally open,be aware that nothing prevent to see its content.
There is a possibility of restricting access and we can decide to do that if needed.
Make proposition
I think it is a very good idea for the blog to be open. It should be open, particularly to the management of the school and the QSI organisation, in Slovenia and the USA. It is very important that QSI hears the depth of disatisfaction felt by many parents. It is a very good thing that the parents share information and discuss the methods open to us to achieve decent education, that has continuity, in good facilities. Again, I would like to ask whether any parents have any information on the proposed new school facilities? If we face more years in this overcrowded and inadequate environment, what are we prepared to do about it? Marcella Gange
ON NEW SCHOOL and OTHER--I agree with Marcella that is a good time for an all school parents meeting with an update on the land and other issues. I know that QSI and several parents, including me when i was on the board for 3 years, have been working on this for over 3 years and it is time for an update as we have not a word in some months now and we all know alot of effort has been invested by Mark, Doug and some key parents. 2 years ago we had annual all parent meetings where QSI went over the budget, showing where our money is spent and looking at how much is left (we used to be in debt and now are not) for investment in future. This was a healthy and transparent process and it never degenerated into arguments. In fact only a handful of parents even showed up but at least we had the right to know. I think this kind of all parent meeting would draw a lot of interest and we may need to find a creative way to handle it. The Mosher building is unable to cope with parents at a music show, so I am not sure about this, but that is the decision of QSI--it can even be done in segments (parents of kids pre thru age 9 and those over age 9, etc..) to be more managible. Also you will note that minutes of parent advisory meetings are not posted or shared. In many schools they are posted on password protected part of the school websites for all parents. Board proceedings are not secret, it is about OUR school. I don#t think that the Board or QSi means for it to be secret but we have not come up with a way to communicate. I am not talking about word for word minutes but the agenda and key decisions made and who was present. I am advocating about open dialogue--not playground talk or heated blog exchanges, just dialogue about our school. Most of the recent problems are related to lack of dialogue and this can degenerate and lead to other problems. Let us find solutions--I think that the combined expereince, networks, influence and intellect of our parents, teachers and managers has the potential to solve any problem that is in our way. Thanks, Rob Carr
Thank you, I'm pretty new In TIS, since september, and I'm not so impress by the quality of extra school activities, although some are very nice. We have been to other international school and we had special art teacher, or ballet teacher...coming from outside the school. We could maybe organize ourself and find some good qualified teacher? does anybody know some?
In an open environment, freedom of expression should not be seen as destructive. I have read all the comments and did not find any bad language or sentiment that children should not see. Let's not confuse political correctness and politeness with real values of truth searching and freedom of speach. Parents are seeking understanding, listening and high standards of education and development, a mature administrative approach - not repeated preachings about success and sense of community. It seems even when constructive views are being given and solutions offered - as in the 6 yr old case - they were being ignored, hence the bitterness and complaining. Constructive does not mean agreeing to handed down decisions. Problems should be exposed - that is the only way solutions can be found. If anyone has a reason to complain, then they should feel free to do so.
I am an obseving parent this year, this happened to us last year. I feel sorry for the 6y class parents, they have legitmate concerns about their kids education and stability as first graders, they are pushed into a corner by the management and not given a choice for one reason, there is no other international school competing with this one, they call this monopoly my friends so sorry, today it is you, tmw us and yesterday was someone else. Very sad that the elephant in the room is not seen, please replace your missing teachers in a professional manner and stop telling us it is not about saving money because em actually it is. Sorry again 6y, I were in your shoes last year and no one heard us but I want you to know that I am very very sympathetic to your situation totally. Why should your children be sacrificed to appease the parents of the 8y class. you all pay the same tuition, they deserve a good new teacher and you should be thanked for letting your teacher step in to help the 8 until their problem is solved. All the managenet is doing is setting you up against each other (do not do it) while they laugh all the way to the bank. This is after all a school that is collecting 340,000 dollars from the biggest class in school which is the 6y. Sorry again guys.
I would like to thank Rob Carr for the explicit comment, and in addition to Robs suggenstion, as a parent whose child has been in the school for 4 years, and after attending the 6 year old meeting on Friday, I would like to inform the parents that the message was explicitly stated to Mr. Stephen Chritensen by the parents. The board also expressed their concern and dissappointment about failure of QSI management to resolve problems that were put forward to QSI management by the board over the years. Mr Christensen did not promise us anything, he only promised to listened to our griviences and share them with the director. I know we are expecting some response from him, the question is, when?
Cynthia
Directors of tis are not taking the 6y class parents seriously in my opnion. These parents are paying clients that demand good service and want value for their money. What does the management say; take it or leave it appraoch'. This may work in the short run because parents have no choice but to finish the school year. what the managers are missing is this, reputation is vital in the business of schooling, you may buy a bad toaster and not feel too bad but you would not do that on a question of schooling your kids, the stakes are very high here for tis and they just do not get it.
I was at the meeting Friday as an external 6 y parent and I can tell you, minute of meetings just provided are not reflecting the reality! Have we been to the same meeting? AT a certain moment I understood the guy from Ljubljana was ready to compromise with the 6 and bring back your teacher after a month. But at this point of the meeting the director took him outside to discuss and when he came back he agree with the director. Sorry guys but it seems the 8 year's old are overprotected. You have the right to fight for the education of your child. Tomorrow it will maybe be my child. This is all about money guys and tricky arrangements, and not about education. What kind of organisation is QSI ???
I attended the Friday meeting with the qsi reginal director and walked away feeling very bad for the 6y class parents. For a moment there, it seemed that the man was about to make things right for them (honoring the management first memo of taking their teacher temporarly until a qulified teacher is found for the 8). Yet, he stood by his managers descision regarding their teacher removal justifications and reinforced bad management descisions for no good reason really, one mom asked on what bases did you decide that the 6y class will be ok with losing their teacher while the 8s who are older will not be?. I do not recall her getting an answer, I think he said it is the best we could do'', this sort of answer could be accepted if you were attending public schools where parents do not directly write very fat checks to educate their children but it is absurd when a private school tells parents that. The man got angry when parents told him that it is about saving money and I really think that they are right here. He said that qsi has a system in place where it can inciate the search for qulified teachers if the need arises. Well, this is one of them times where there is a need so why not follow through on your word and search, find, fly in and replace your missing staff so life goes back to normal for all. You have the system and not worried about the money so why not statisfy your paying clients here? It it bloody absurd.
Hello dear bloggers, I read the good news that the advisory board endorsed that Mr. Martin should not continue with the 8y according to Mr. Hemphill's meeting minutes attached to the communication memo I received, is this true? I also did not know that the board could endorse or not endorse staff issues. I also would like to ask if there will be other parents who would like to know what the school futur plans are? we are here for a while and we are very anxieous about the current school facilities. Our kids are used to much better facilites in the public school we are coming from so it is really a big issue for our family to see the school move next year to a better builing and much much bigger play areas. The teachers are great I must say and I am so understanding of the riot of the 6y class parents, I may do the same if I were in their shoes. Cheers.
reading all this stuff on the blog is giving me a headache, but I have one fundmental quesiton here, why is it that the school is not able to hire a replacement for the missing teacher of the 8y class and give back the poor 1st graders their loved teacher. Who said that the 1st graders are not affected, of course they are. I still remember my 1st grade teacher, it was a big deal to be in 1st grade and her name is itched in my memories. I am sorry 6y class kids and parents, how awful for you to go through this! If the school has money and a system to bring in a qualified teacher to resume the responsbilites of the missing teacher then why are we debating this? It is common sense to tape a leaking pipe until the plumber arrives at the house and in this case I think the school is right about borrwoing the 1st grade teacher for a tape but it needs to replace the leaky pipe with the hiring of a qulified person to teach the 8y class. I think that is what the common sense will have me do. Thanks for letting me voice my opnion too. Have a good day everyone!
Accoring to the Wall Street Journal, there are over 100,000 teachers in the usa looking for work. What a great time for hiring very very qualified teachrs! It is almost like picking blueberries in summer, my goodness, how could it not be possible for any school to find very quickly very good teachrs? Cannot imagine why would not a laid off teacher not want to teach in an exciting international school where your tickets, board and home leave are paid for? could anyone think why not?
Can somebody from the Advisory Board help establish a regular email update for all parents? It would be really useful. We would all like to know what decisions have been made on our behalf and what is being achieved at these meetings. There was talk about driving/parking at the school and child safety policy being on the agenda last year - what happened? There are still cars parking by the entrance blocking others, and the old security guard at the bottom is still aimlessly observing the traffic, so no change there.
We are a growing community and coffee talk is not enough. It should be easy to update everyone by means of electronic communication.
And we desperately need an update on the new school development. Having over 180 children, and accepting more throughout the course of the year - in these cramped facilities - is simply unacceptable. Flexibility is a good thing, but not when standards are compromised.
I read the good news that the advisory board endorsed that Mr. Martin should not continue with the 8y according to Mr. Hemphill's meeting minutes attached to the communication memo we received, is this true?
Our kids are used to much better facilites in the public school, so it is really a big issue for our family to see the school move NEXT YEAR to a better builing and much bigger play areas for different activities, according to High Tuition we all pay. Hight tuition and high quality services offered usually work together!!!!
New School? Whomever is holding their breath for a new school, you better be patient. Even if the land issue is solved TODAY, it will take up to a year or MORE to get a school built, permitted, and ready to move into. Mr Hemphill, when he was QSI Director in Armenia left the 71 kids there with a piece of land secured for a new school and was moved to Tirana for bigger ands better things. OUr school is almost triple that and we needed a new school. That is why we were so excited to have him. He left Armenia in June 2008 and according to QSI Armenia website (http://www.qsiweb.org/arm/aboutUs.html). Here is the state of the school:
"QSI Yerevan is also in the process of constructing a new purpose built multi-story school to serve our ever-expanding student population. This new school construction began in the fall of 2008 with the expectation of being in the new building in the fall of 2010."
So we all need to be very patient. The search for new land started in TIS over 3 years ago and it continues. Just be quiet and enjoy the QUIET village like atmosphere of our school with its charactertistic white shacks and concrete blocks made into classrooms that were not good enough for the Greek school so they built a new school and LEFT! Look near the BLUR and you will see the Greek school gleaming on the hillside.
I like the idea of the blog, at least a place where we can speak out and share our problems and our opinions. What I want to express here is all my apologies to the 6th year old class and ask the Director to Pls, bring back the teacher to the 6th year old class and try to find a qualified teacher for the 8th year old class, by bringing things back to the normality, as far as he is having all the means to do so. Otherwise I see no reasons why should be the way how it is now!!! Only if the Director has some more unexplained reasons…?? Thank you and hope the director will be intelligent enough and react on this matter as soon as possible by hearing the parents’ voice and showing that QSI is open to consider and hear them.
I'm albanian and proud to be, who are those american who are coming in my country telling me how to do while they are not respecting us and stealing our money??? I'm paying from my ouwn pocket to educate my child in TIS with blabla bla standart, and I should accept all this? why does my child has to give permanently her teacher to the 8 years old? What do I tell her when she see him every day in the playground? how to explain her because of financial reason they have to move him away. He was really great and the children were enjoying him so much. Do you really beleive that was the best educational solution?
I will make sure my child will not remain IN QSI next year, no need to find a new location guys, you will see everybody will leave the school and you will have enough with what you have only due this big management mistake.
As far as I know Enver Hoxha is not in Albania anymore, even during communist time they were more carefull about our children.
Thank you
Well, if I were an Albanian parent or my child were in pre-school age, I wouldn't spend another 5 minutes at TIS. Pitty we don't all have the choice to leave. Still, one could switch to home schooling and for the money we are paying TIS, one could hire good private teachers too. There is one thing for sure, back home I would never put my child at a school like this out of choice. With any competition, TIS would go out of business tomorrow.
when everything that there was, was said, what use is it having another cup of coffee tomorrow with the directors? They know what is best for us so why even bother to go! 3 meetings with the management and we were still told that this is how things are, take it or leave it so why should I even go? Sundus
Parents, it is obvious that TIS administration does not really care about our feelings, concerns, worries and legitimate care for our kids.
Denying parents rights at school - public or private- is an offense to education principles, and to democracy.
We are told to pass by for a cup of coffee...Thanks for the invitation, Mr Director, but this coffee tastes sour. many parents are really upset with TIS management.
By knocking 6y class legitimate claim down, you just knock TIS reputation down.
Parents = cash cows?
This is not finished!!!
It doesn't look like there are many alternatives left. TIS sees compromise as 'giving in' to parents. QSI will probably only listen to financial pain. Let the QSI president know how you feel.
jim-gilson@qsi.com
Reading this blog and listening to all of the discussion among parents these past weeks makes me very glad that my son is still of preschool age and has the benefit of an alternative school at the Montessori. It also makes me glad that, even though I love Albania, we are leaving before my son will be old enough to be trapped in the QSI monopoly in Tirana.
As a parent outside of the TIS school system, I am genuinely surprised at the cavalier way the administration is treating the educational needs of children and the concerns of parents. But even more than that, I am shocked at the lack of communication skills evidenced by the school administration.
I understand that the management team was in a difficult position with the departure of two of the teaching staff; but what kind of management team is so poor at communicating and relationship building that they are incapable of working jointly with the parents to find the best solutions for the education of their children? In this situation, parents are the best resources and partners to ensure that all of the children--the 6 year olds, the 8 year olds, and the other classrooms that were disturbed--have appropriate and sufficient teaching staff. Instead, from everything that I have heard, the management treats parents as obstacles to be overcome and silenced.
Even more disturbing is that this is just one more example of the school lacking effective methods for communicating with the school community. Over the last years I have repeatedly heard about the lack of respect for teaching staff, of administrators turning deaf ears to repeated requests from parents for basic support needs for their children...and even of management yelling at preschool children.
What I have learned these last weeks...and these last years...will certainly make me think twice before accepting any future post where a QSI school is the only option, and I hope that at some point in the not too distant future there is another school in Tirana that can provide an alternative. With the growth of the expat community here, Tirana could certainly support a second school....though I imagine that TIS wouldn't last long if there was competition!
I hope that a forum like this will provide one more way for parents to try and have their concerns heard and acted upon by the administration. All of the children at TIS are deserving of a quality education...and of a management team that is sincerely committed to working together with the community to provide the best possible educational environment.
QSI is supposed to provide sports facilities in the school premises, and instead our children go outside the school for any activity. Thanks to the administration and teachers for the effort, on the other hand we parents pay for every thing, we pay tickets and costs for the teachers who accompany our children, and we pay for all the costs such as the hall, etc. The school must pay all the expenses since they are not spending money on improving the school, the school is exactly the same as it was 4 years ago when we came, if there were improvements I would gladly contribute and pay, but why are we helping when we are not helped or motivated. We have to ask the administration to pay for all the activities, transport costs, etc.
Cynthia
I could only read the minute of meeting today, I'm very desapointed, at the end of the meeting I had some hope the representative of Lubjana will understand us but...
As I understand, the final decision for the 6 is: They will stay with the local albanian qualified teacher full time and a local assistant. Temporary they will have a part time native english music teacher (director's wife) to assist until they'll find a part time native english qualified teacher. Could we really believe they will find an expatriated who will accept to come and work for only a PART TIME???NEVER NEVER just impossible...this is an other LIE from TIS administration toward the 6 y.
So we will stay like this until june,!!!
The fact the 6 has to adjust again doesn't seems to boder the aminitration and their deep concern about education.
The administration has no right to remove permanently the main teacher of the 6y to the 8Y.
A solution for the 8 need to be found!!!! I can't beleive Lubjana is giving one's support to this.
I just want to clarify one comment about parents paying for the teachers who accompany our kids on trips to competitions. My kids have attended a few other international schools and it is NORMAL for the parents to pay their child's transportation PLUS split the transportation and lodging costs for the coaches. It would be unreasonable to expect coaches to donate their time and then ask them to pay their own transportation and lodging. Also - it is not the place for the school to pay for this - as that would mean that monies from children who do not participate would be used to fund these trips. TIS is following normal and fair proceedures here - it just seems excessive because transport costs to and from Tirana are more expensive than most other places - in part because it is almost impossible to drive a van to any of the competitions. This is actually one area (besides having great teachers) where TIS is doing a good job....given the constraints.
Christie
The reason this school is successful is very easy to find. The dedicated teachers, who go out of their way to provide the children with the best education and a nice experience. The teachers we've encountered at TIS have been fantastic - and I can only imagine the stress of working in such a difficult work environment for them, but I have never heard them complain. Remember to encourage the people that do a good job in the midst of this crisis - a crisis, that far and away can only be attributed to the management poor judgement.
Congratulations for the new blog!! Its a wonderful way for all of us to share our thoughts and problems with each other .We tried to do so with the management for three times in a row but what we got from them...their classic answer take it or leave it???/We are sending our kids in one of the most expensive schools in the Balkan and maybe Europe,we are paying a lot of money and the treatment for us (take it or leave it again).We closed our eyes about the school conditions,we accept it just because of the teachers ,the most precious asset the school has,and now they are taking away also them. At this point the question is why r we still keeping our kids in that school?????My daughter is in first grade this year ,a very important year for her where she needs the stability and the max attentions from the teachers.There are 20 kids in her class ,so how can one teacher deliver quality ??? Are we in a public school?? Our kids love Mr Martin can you imagine how they feel now?? In the beginning of the school year we agree to pay the fee because of the two teachers,but now we are paying for the same class but with one teacher less.Mr Hemphill will continue to except more and more kids and our class will be overstaffed with kids. We understand that teachers can leave ,and we were in good faith to accept this situation as temporary ,but when a temporary situation becomes permanent then we cant accepted anymore,we have been accepting to much.Will the school accept us not paying???? So we want the school to deliver what promised to us in the beginning of the year, so we want Mr Martin back.What is the school backup policy for missing teachers? What it will happen if other teachers will leave? Please deliver quality or drop the Q and call it after SI it makes more sense.We want stop to ask for our rights ,our kids deserve the best.Now it happened to the 6s,4s,3s,7s,8s and next time it will happen to other classes
Did you get the point dear manager, we are all fed up with your management style, your wrong educational jugdement who affect our children!.
I'm fed up.
All of you QSI bloggers are so naughty. After 1.5 years of near silence and a avoiding to face groups, the school management has extended the opportunity for you all to have coffee and chat. A smart parent or smart school manager would swim through all the 50 or more blog entries and develop an agenda for these coffee sessions--the issues are RIGHT HERE--it just needs some logic to it. Or an agenda for the board meetings which we see on the famour newsletter calendar, but never hear the outome--though name of the board is used used to justify QSI decisions when it suits them. If the board does not condemn then it AGREES. We do not have any thing yet between rage on the blog (and some very thoughtful ideas and legitimate issues that need to be tabled) and one sided meetings with parents. The board is one option--but don't hold your breath--get this, they have no power to decide anything. The board and PAC are just jewelry the school wears to look nice at the party. These do not change policy or make the Q better. PAC has done good work in the past--often BUYING things with PARENTS funds to cover SCHOOL gpas. Like a sound system for plays and musicals and the playground equipment, among others. You may not know it, but some of the physical things you see that the BROCHURE brags about were not even PAID for by QSI but by PARENTS AS CHARITY on top of what we already pay. What a SWEET deal! Now go back to blogging and think about how to move from blog to ACTION. BRING THE BLOG TO THE COFFEE SESSION. ASK FOR A BUDGET MEETING. WE HAVE RIGHTS!!!!!!!!!!!!
I find this blog to be very useful. This should have been done a lot earlier back last year with the issues that we as parents have had with the director. Glad this is happening!
Yes we have the right to fight for our right, this a company here, using our money, we are customers, today the customers are very unhappy the company is not respecting the contract so...the next steps is very clear! Cheers!
pls read more at:
http://92.103.170.189/mod/resource/view.php?id=132
- they provide far more facilities then the TIS is providing for the same fee. - Rajmonda
may be if infos were more transparent on decissions, board meetings, propably we'll reach the same level of the Toulouse International School one day!!! - go on TIS management you have a long way ahead to go through!!!! When we will have the next budget meeting?? where is the money of one less teachers to pay??? where is all the money of the parents?? they have all the right to know where is gone and how is managed!!! Where are the minutes from all the board meetings?? in news letter ?? in internet?? is this transparency... or we should go with you for a coffe and chat ??
We are fed up with the school.The way we all see it is:
Parents=cash cows
Kids = best source of giving money to the school
The holly new school= a beautiful dream
Public school = better than TIS.Parents please check also the GDQ school and the Memorial International school,still there are some choices in Tirana.Next year Montessori school will open for first and second grade.Hope this information was useful
Dear All,
The facts as I see it are as follows:
1) Our school has lost 2 teachers at the end of first semester.
2) These two people were giving part of the total service TIS is supposed to be(and be paid for) giving.
3) As far as we know, there is no decrease in student numbers.
So if we look at the picture now, we conclude that taking this chance of events TIS is basically cost-cutting!
Now, this is to the school management:
You can cut costs in anyway you like, given that you run a business. But in schooling business, you do not have the right to do this mid-school year! Because you have undertaken a commitment to your students and their parents by starting the year with certain amount of teaching power. You do not have the right to cut back on that now. Also, do not forget how fragile small children are and how much they may be attached to people they love and admire.
What you should do is
1) Announce your plans to bring in 2 more teachers to replace those that left (or are absent);
2) Make sure that 6 year olds get back their beloved Mr.Martin asap;
3) If you need to cut costs, you announce your plans at least 2-3 months before this school year ends with effect from next school year so that parents can decide.
Otherwise, many parents will simply feel deceived by this institution as, unfortunately, they do now.
This reputational damage is worth much more than 2 teachers' salaries.
Regards,
Serdar Egeli (father of a 3 and a 6 year old in TIS)
you have to know the bad decision regarding the 6 is all about money. The teacher in charge is albanian, will remain with local salary but employed as an international... very interesting the way the school calculate the education!
Dear Mr Hemphill i hope after the fight you had with the parents ,and making the school save a lot of money( from the two less teachers )you get a good bonus in the end of year+ rewards for your carrier,but i don't know will you still be so happy after watching the 6s and knowing deep down in your hart that you have been so unfair to them.Will you Mr Hemphill?
All,
To be angry will not solve the situation. We must stop to add fuel on the fire and start to think to be constructive. 6 years old parent are able to come to a compromise.
Today many 6 years old parents are angry and I fully understand them since I had the same feeling at the beginning and now I want to turn it in a constructive way.
The one side final decision must be reviewed with all party and parents must be involved.
I fully agree with the reasoning of Mr Egeli. As former teacher of private school I know that any school builds itself on its reputation and quality of services.
I deeply think that the quality of the education of my son today is not the same that the one he received before the winter break.
Being constructive means reconsidering all aspects of the whole situation:
- The 6 years old class situation.
- The 8 years old class situation.
- Quality education issue
- The return of Mr Martin
- The contract between QSI and parents
This will not remove at all the global problem QSI is facing.
Since I’m also a 7 years old parent I hope this time to be involved in any further steps taken regarding their temporary situation.
Liès Gacem ( 6 and 7 year old parent)
Dear Parents of the 6y class,
I believe what is happening to you is unfair, my child is in the 8y class and I still believe that you are right, our problem was handed down to you, I understand that a teacher may not come back when a crisis such as the one Mr. Bradforf is facing could happen to any of us in any class and we as adults know that fairness will have it that we agree with you. I beleive that Mrs. Bradford should be replaced by an international qualified teacher as soon as possible, Mr. Martin should remain for one more week to help the new teacher to adujst to the new environment and pick up tis system. Then, Mr. Martin should go back to his class where some of his very young students are probably still awaiting his return. I only think when we are all teated fairly, then we are happeir people and lead by example. How else would our children learn? I am afraid I cannot sign my name so I do not add more fuel to the fire. Have a nice day!
I would like to thank the 8 year old parent who wrote this message.
I really appreciate. If you really mean what you're are saying you should then send this to Mr Hemphill and put your name on it and letting him know your point of view. It's the only constructive way to solve the problem within the community. Today I deeply believe the 6, the 8 and the administration should sit down, the 6 has to come down, and together try to find the best constructive solution for our children. We are all ready to compromise! so please try to organise this meeting. we will all win something if we try to find the most positive way to solve this issue.The way it should have been done since the beginning. Thank you, Sylvie Belleflamme
I`m also a parent of the 8 years old. I`m sure we all feel bad about what happened to the 6years old. They shouldn`t be victims of the leaving of mrs. Bradford. The managemant probably thought they found a good solution. They were confrontated with this problem at the end of the holidays and they had to solve it fast. By now they should realise it isn`t and they should correct their mistake. So Sylvie, I agree with you. A meeting with the management, the 6 and 8 years old parents and also mr. Martin (I really think his opinion is necessary as well) could bring a solution. I`m sure most of us are willing to participate in a constructive and understanding way. Please, let us try to solve this problem and put an end to the bad atmosphere at school. It also effects our children and that is the last thing we want.
So please send a note to the office then
I also appreciate very much the support we are receiving from the 8years old class. Yes, we are all logical people and yes we can communicate and correct this mistake all together.As the 8 year old class parent says on the message which I was so happy to read;" please let us try to solve this problem and put an end to the bad atmoshpere at the school " YES, PLEASE TRY!!!
We, as the 6 years old class parents tried 3 times,( had 3 meetings with the administration, as you all know ) but coming from your side this time,I'm sure things will be different and we all will be treated fairly at the end.
Thanks again for the great messages coming from 8 years old class and please let us know when we are meeting Mr. Hempill again, telling him we all agree about the proper solution which is replacing Mrs.Bradfort and giving Mr.Martin back asap.
Sevil Egeli
Ok 8s, I only here 2 voices and the rest are happy or they hate this blog. No one could be truly happy at the expense of another. What if it happends to any of our classes again??? I would only call a joint meeting if there is external moderator. These things need to be managed or they are not productive and make it worse. I have wasted many many hours and meetings on the 6s and have no fair solution yet. A mediated meeting, yes. A chaos of emotions, no! Rob Carr
A NEW TRIVIAL TOPIC:
Does anyone know if there is school policy on bringing CANDY in lunches and snacks. We made the cafeteria stop seling candy and now I see bucketfuls in some of the 6 yr old snacks. Do any of us really think candy is appropriate as a snack of lunch? It will not bring back Mr Martin, will just rot your kids teeth. Be a real parent and sending healthy food. My child says kids HOVER around the candy bearers at snack time while Ms Marku is up on her computer. Who is watching over this? Why should my kid feel bad that we do not put candy in her lunch. C#mon parents. Grow UP!
I don't see how TIS thinks it can win this 6y class issue. The irritation with TIS management only smoldered until now. This decision dropped a match on a Gerdec of irritation. TIS can win the battle, but will destroy its reputation because of it.
It is been days since I heard about this new blog and I wanted to write something about it, especially on the problem of finding a substitute to the 8y.
I'm parent of 6y, and I'm deeply astonished from the way this was all mismanaged and the confusion and excesses it has brought from all parts.
I'm also deeply convinced parents and school direction can still find a compromise, but at this stage school direction should really engage in dialogue and alternatives, and re-gain credits with parents.
Yes, I will make another sacrifice to come to a 4th meting in less than 3 weeks, to sit and discuss with 6y, 8y parents and school staff. Who is going to organize this?
Yes, it seems they are much broader and complex issues to solve within our school. I understand much of these problems could have reasonnably been solved dozen of months ago.
The ultimate solution on longer terms is a REAL PROPOSITION from school direction to fulfill the numerous gaps in the teaching scheme, and to ENGAGE in REAL and VISIBLE ACTIONS (playground, rehabilitation here and there, materials, etc.).
There may be no other chances like this one to get everybody on board and find a common agreement. It is such a little window...If not, unpleasant next steps to come will be very hard for all of us.
As a parent of child enrolled here, I would really like my kid to be proud to belong to TIS. Please, don't get this out of my child.
Antoine Avignon
I am a mom of a 3 and 6 years old
The temporary teacher of 6 y class is a new mother with an infant (that’s why she is a part-time teacher and that’s why since August 28th , 2009 we had 1.5 teacher), what if she is not able to show up to work for reasons of illness, what is the plan then (that’s Mr. Martin is just filling a gap to 8’s), who will be teaching the biggest class in school?
Mr. Martin should remain for till the first days of February to help the 8y class and then he should go back to his class where all of his very young students are still awaiting his return; they all LOVE their teachers, as we were all been informed in January, 5th.
I think we treated fairly the 8 y class and the school administration decision and this is the maximum that 6’s can do, those very young students are still awaiting their teacher to return and to continue projects standing by.
I also appreciate very much the support we are receiving from parents of the 8years old class. Yes, we are all logical people and yes we can communicate and correct this mistake all together. But the mistake here is not an issues to be solved by parents but from School’s administrators. As the 8 year old class parent says on the message which I was so happy to read;" please let us try to solve this problem and put an end to the bad atmosphere at the school" -- I said Yeah what we can do as parents it is only to improve the atmosphere.
QSI schools employs native English speakers from western countries to teach. This is not happening for the 6y class and for the 3y class?
Can we have an answer for this issues?
An organization is said to be a healthy sytem if information flows smoothly and if employee loyalty, commitment, job satisfaction, and trust prevail....
"A healthy organization, is one that has a genuine sense of community: It's a place where people are emotionally present with one another, and aren't afraid to talk about fears and disappointments-because that's what allows us to care for one another. It's a place where there is authentic communication, a willingness to be vulnerable, a commitment to speaking frankly and respectfully-and a commitment not to walk away when the going gets tough."-M Scott Peck (wrote, The Road Less Traveled book)
PArents have a look there are Opening to TIS: "Two Lower Elementary Teachers in Tirana, Albania"
http://www.qsi.org/jobopennings.htm
Read from Official US website:
http://www.state.gov/m/a/os/1380.htm
An Advisory Board, composed of 8 members who reside in Tirana and are appointed jointly by the president of Quality Schools International and the director of the Tirana International School, assists the School in its operation.
Faculty: In the 2009-2010 school year, there are 28 full-time and 7 part-time faculty members.
Finances: In the 2009-2010 school year, the School's income derives from tuition. Annual tuition rates are as follows: 2-year olds: $4,600; Pre-school: $5,600; and Kdg-grade 12: $15,100. The School also charges an annual capital fund fee of $1,600, and a registration fee of $300. No capital fund fee or deposit is collected for the 2-year olds or pre-school. These fees are payable in U.S. dollars. (All fees are quoted in U.S. dollars.)
The vacancy bulletin for 2 lower primary posts in good news. It would be good to share widely. There are 200,000 unemployed teachers in the US alone and many British private schools have downsized. Private schools, except in case of TIS, is a luxury, and most companies and agencies are cutting back on such luxuries so private schools feel it. Public shcools in the US are getting major budget cuts. A cousin of mine in California now teaches 30 kids, and the school only offers math, reading, social studies. All other extras are cancelled and they send the kids home to watch TV the rest of the day. YIKES! But at least it is free--since only about 10 % of her parents (mostly immigrants or migrant workers) own property or pay local tax which supports the school they really feel it. I guess they get what they pay for? How sad.
60 UNEMPLOYED TEACHERS IN ONLY ONE DISTRICT OF THE STATE OF ORGEGON, USA--august, 2009: With school set to start in less than three weeks, the North Clackamas School District sent layoff notices to 60 teachers Friday after the union refused to accept a salary freeze.
The 5.7 percent reduction in force will mean larger class sizes when schools open Sept. 8.
The district approved its 2009-10 budget in June in part by cutting 60 teaching positions, but it warned that more cuts could come if members of the North Clackamas Education Association refused to accept the freeze.
Friday's cuts affect 26 elementary teachers and 34 middle and high school teachers.
This school is hopeless...
is it true that both primary teachers of last year 6y old class were uncertified?
can somebody confirm it?
Irreconcilable Differences. Time for a vote of No Confidence. What gives the most value for the most people? Why inconvenience ourselves by moving our children to GDQ or boarding schools, or waiting for our contracts to expire? Insist QSI hire and keep enough talented teachers NOW. Replace the director NOW. Tell QSI NOW.
Question--would we rather have a certified or qualified teacher? all my teachers I had as a kid were certified, but many were not qualified as they were just bad at their job! Quality is judged by the way kids progress, how much they love school and how parents are dealt with. SO what are we talking about here?
Dear bloggers and parents,
I have asked for sometime now that the director of tis hold a public budget meeting for all of us to attend. In this meeting we want to know how this school spends the revnue generated from our tuition, some parents need to know that we have the right to know how is our money being spent at tis and qsi system, this is a private institution and we are the income gernerators for them. I never got an answer from either directors in tis or the regional director Stephen Christensen. The board also in the past has asked for an open budget meeting and the answer they got was none. If Tis and QSI are not hiding anything, then, it is only logcial for them to agree to a public meeting showing all paying parents how their tuition dollars are spent and they should have nothing to fear. I ask all of you to please write a request to the directors for a public budget meeting very soon, discuss tis plans for the new school and land deal, improvement for the current school. I also would like to know if there were any audits done into tis accounts and are the results public? It is normal for any orgnization or company to have accountants looking into its accounts for purposes of transparncy and law abiding spirit. Mr. Hemphill, I demand a public budget meeting so if communication is key to success, I ask you to please schedule one next week and communicate to us what is happeneing to all the tuition we pay, alot of parents really want to know what is happening to our money. Many thanks, Sundus Carr
Dear Bloggers, tis management and QSI main office,
2 Albanian English newspapers will be publishing a piece about tis school and the latest controversy regarding staff not returning and management desicions this coming week, this was the intiative of local families attending the school, regards, Sundus
Wow Good Idea!!! Which newspaper?
Thank you
Both teachers of last year for the 6's, were not certified teachers! that's true. and by the way, in such an expensive school, the teachers should be both certified and qualified! Is it too much to ask?
One little 6 year old boy is leaving the school and will start at GDQ in one week. The parents are not satisfied by the level of education provided now in the 6Y class!
Thank you TIS, everything start to be destroy even from inside...but who cares?
We do care, wait and see...
Budget...i just learned there is a budget meeting for all school soon as there was a big e-mail to many parents. Can anyone tell me how this is done? I am new parent. Do we see the real budget, ask questions? DO we get to know where it all goes to? Is part of our budget go to the headquarter overhead? Will we find out about the new school and when it is ready? HELP...I want to be ready.
Dear NEW PARENT, the best way to be ready for the meeting is to be smart and think about it--what do you need to know to be sure you are getting your money's worth or if you company pays are THEY getting their money's worth and is your kids benefiting?? There has been NO budget meeting since the 2007 to 2008 school year 2 years ago. The Director used to present the overal budget based on enrollment, the general category of budget to be spent (staff, rent etc..) and then any deficit or surplus. We operated on a deficit for several years as the school had to pay back any extra to the HQ for losses taken some years ago. I think this is over now and the schol should be quite profitable. A share of the tuition (about 10 percent) goes to the HQ in slovevia. Not sure what that is about? You have the right to ask if the school is handling your money in the best way so your kid can benefit. If a teacher leaves and is not replaced then where does the savings go to? THINK ABOUT IT.
Budget meeting - OK...
6 years old class destroyed with many friends leaving for another school - NOT OK...
QSI should feel ashamed. But do they care? I mean beyond words?
Teachers at TIS fight an uphill battle every day--for basic classroom supplies, personal leave time, administrative support--the list is endless.
The TIS is charging enormous fees on tuition and what is offering to us-1 non certified teachers
2 non native English teachers
3 a dangerous playground
4 old classrooms
5 worst then public school conditions
and the most important we dont know where our money goes.
Do you still think is worth it to keep our kids here ?
The TIS is charging enormous fees on tuition and what is offering to us-1 non certified teachers
2 non native English teachers
3 a dangerous playground
4 old classrooms
5 worst then public school conditions
and the most important we dont know where our money goes.
Do you still think is worth it to keep our kids here ?
Do you know what it means native English speaker teacher?
A native English speaker is somebody born in the States ,holding a USA Passport,and not having accent when it speaks.
A naturalized citizen is a USA citizen but not a native one and is born in other contries than USA .Hope it was useful
Don't get caught in technicalities over who is native or not, it is in the policy but is not practised. There are several good teachers at QSI that are not native speakers but are naturalised. I am concerned when we compensate someone on a local salary to handle international level work. Anytime there is different salary scale for same work it is recipe for trouble. Furthermore, a class with large number of kids does not need more hands, it needs teachers who can segment the class and handle it. That is where we fall short!
The 2 elementary vacacnies that QSI posted on shoolspring.com have been removed. But they are still on QSI website. Why would they disappear? Also for next year QSi wbsite is only seeking 1 teacher total for secondary when in FACT only 3 internationals are returning out of 10 or 12 dependng on how on counts. HAve they decide how to replace the 8 expat teachers that are leaving???
Mr Hemphill wrote back yesterday to a branch of parents asking for some clarification
"Dear Parents,
I have no problem putting together a presentation on the school's budget and financial position. Doug Larzelier and I can also bring interested parties up to date on the New School project.
Probably have to put it off until next week though. We are all involved in the ITBS testing this week. I would want all parties to have some notice and Thursday and Friday evenings already have events planned." M.H.
Looking forward...
I agree that we shouldn't get too bogged down in technicalities. Whether certified or not, native or not, all the teachers at TIS are amazing. Dear teachers, please don't feel that the anger and outcry is a reflection on you.
The most important issue is that excessive disruptive changes were made without the input or agreement of the customers. Explanations are inadequate. TIS would have been wiser to join forces with parents for ideas and feedback before issuing ultimatums that created battlegrounds.
I don't think that uncertified teachers are able to teach our kids,it is like taking somebody from the road to come and teach them.We want our kids to learn not to go on a play date everyday. Native or not as far as their English is great it will not be a problem as far as they are certified. I am so sorry that the teachers are involved in this battle of the parents with the school,but is the school fault who is trying to cut corners with employing non certified teachers.It was shocking to know that both teachers of the 6s last year where non certified .It is so disappointing.It looks like everybody can be a teacher in this school,important or the only criteria is to speak English. Do we want our kids to learn or what?
International school GDQ located in Tirana is just great!
They opened in 1993 and have now 87 students.
http://www.gdqschool.org/
ANNUEL tuition fee
grade K5: 6376 dollars = 4554 euros
grade 6-8: 6683 dolllars = 4773 euros
grade 9: 7745 dollars = 5532 euros
wonderfull playground with basket field, computer room, science lab, meeting room, sports facilities... have a look on the website
The other option in Tirana is Montessori, has opened 2 years ago and has already 42 students.
Amazing equipments, have a look.
Untill 6 year old now, they will open for first and second grade in september 2010.
http://www.montessorialbania.com/
OK...I have been following the Blog for a week now and feel that someone needs to step in with a FEW positive words. I know there are other parents who feel that this is getting a bit out of hand.
Let me say first that I certainly understand the reasons behind many of the parents of younger children being upset.
1. I agree that it SEEMS that there must have been a better solution than juggling so many teachers around - and there should have been more effort to include parents and find a substitute teacher.
2. Mark is NOT a good communicator - I consider him to be a freind, and I think he has many strong points....but communication is his weakness.
3. Yes - the buildings are old and the playground stinks...I am sure that Mark Hemphill would LOVE it if someone can suggest a way to get into a new and better school faster and at a doable cost.
4. I honestly do not know why TIS and QSI don't "get" that so many people are fed up - but over the past 18 months I have gotten the sense that this is systemic to QSI...for whom Mark Hemphill works...and is NOT because Mark just doesn't give a darn. I personally disagree with QSI philosophy and many of their proceedures...but Mark gets paid by QSI and does not have the luxury of disregarding those policies.
Here is where I disagree with most of the people posting.
1. The decision was NOT a cost cutting measure to short-change kids and allow a "bonus" for Mark. There is no mechanism for him to GET a "bonus". The Martin's children were directly affected by the upheaval...do you people honestly think Maura Martin sat in a meeting and allowed HER kids to get shafted if it was a money driven decision?
2. The debate over Albanian verses American...native speaker versus non-native speaker is RELEVANT for non-english speaking parents who want their children exposed to proper english...and parents are correct to be upset about this if the only teacher in the 6's class is a non-native speaker - BUT...please restrain from making blanket statements about qualifications here - I have two kids in secondary with a total of 8 teachers between them - 1 is American, 3 are Canadian, and 5 are ALBANIAN - and may I say that I love every one of them! They are all great! They are so great that my kids LOVE the school, they have great grades, they score in the top 90% of every standardized test they take, and my son was already accepted to 1 of the 4 universities he has applied to...in part because of the quality of education they have had the past two years at TIS.
3. I think it is sad that someone alerted the paper about the current problem at TIS...but never alerts the paper about the good things - like 3 of the 6 kids representing TIS at the Knowledge Bowl next week are ALBANIAN! And 2 of the 8 kids representing TIS at MATHCOUNTS are ALBANIAN!
There is a lot of good stuff going on - despite the stinky facilites...my kids are getting a good education. Let's focus on getting QSI headquarters to listen up and understand how fed up we are with the lack of support - but let's realize that Mark Hemphill is not just thinking about money and that he also has to deal with the crud from QSI and try to do the best he can with old and insufficient facilites. He has two kids at the school too! I would hope that he is able to improve his communication skills with parents and teachers - but that can't happen if he isn't given another chance.
By the way - I go to PAC meetings every month and Mark is almost always there and willing to talk. Amazingly - only about 5 or 6 other parents ever show up. Hmmmmm...
Finally, I was always taught that you should only say behind someone's back what you would say to their face...so...unlike many here (Kudos to Sundus, Rob and others who put their names!) I will sign my name.
Christie Perryman
The spirit of this school is dead,if it ever had one.
Dear Christie
Is so hard to understand why the parents are not coming to PAC?
They are fed up
Dear christie,
Is so hard to understand why the parents of the 6y are so mad?
The situation is very unfair for them!
Dear TIS comunity,
sharing our opinions via this blog is just great. I see things are moving forward.
Mark announcement for a budget review meeting is the first step, I'll attend in this meeting and I'm pushing all parents to attend there.
Genc Likskendaj
VO: As a civilised comunity I think it will be quite normal everybody to write her/his name.
Thanks for the positive comments. However it does not change the situation. I think QSi stinks and feel sorry for Mark, but he dug a deep hole by mishandling the situation from communication and management point of view. We have not had a budget meeting since he came and the newsletter is the only form of communication. Board minutes are secret and NOTHNG happen. PAC is a social events club--not a place to solve problems and take up the slack that is lacking in the over 2 million USD that we pay. This is a private school. I am glad some high school kids are happy. You can credit the last Director in getting out all the poor quality high school teachers and getting in a new crop. However ALL the expat teachers are not coming back except 2 and none are moving on to a QSI school eventhough it is an easy option. That is sad. It too 2 weeks and 100 blogs to get one decent comment. That is sad.
and i hear that the only reason there is a budget meeting is not pressure from parents or a realisation that it is a reasonable thing to do or that qsi hq asked for it. a senior person from a strong embassy called him up and ordered it. why is meeting parents so difficult? is it because we are so fed up that it will be unpleasant? is it because we are so in the dark? ask yourself why? this is not a PAC meeting about a fun night, this is a serious budget meeting about where the millions go and WHY we are not in a new school after over 3 years of promises.
Dear Christie if a teacher can get a big bonus in the end of year ,why Mark can not ???
and teachers have their end of year bonus taken away, for a minor incident, then i am sure a management bonus can also be taken away. there is an incentive to QSI staff that is offered. what we are not clear is what is the incentive and what is it awarded for?
why do you think teachers are so quiet now, just to be sure to keep their bonnus and their recommandation letter
Dear Chistie, you say that Mark Hemphill and Mara Martin have to make a living like the rest of us and I agree with you on that. However, let us see what you think of the following: the last and 3rd meeting we had with tis directors and Stephen Christensen the regional director, Katia Pollett asked directly if this is about money? Christensen got defensive and heated and I quote'' do not say that, do not say that''. 20 minutes into the meeting, we the parents managed to broker a compromise with Christenen i.e. that Mark and Mara honor their first memo to the 6y and 8y class of it being a temporary solution to remove Mr. Martin to help the 8y class until end of Jan or early Feb and his return once a good teacher of the calibar of Mrs. Amy Vanest could be found for the 8y class. Chirstensen then asked to privately discuss this deal with tis directors. The room by now was relaxed and parents were hopeful things are moving in the right direction. 15 minutes later, Christensen walks in with a visible change in his tone and body language. ''This descision is final folks and I stand by my directors here''. So if it is not about money then, is it about some powerful families whom tis directors are afraid to anger? Is it about past problems some parents had with Mrs. Bradfrod and now Mark and Mara want James Martin to fix them at my daughter's expense? Or is this a case of ''I am not going to look weak no matter what the right thing is to do here'' in Mark's mind? 3 meetings later and tis directors are still not able to communicate with the 6y class. This is because their desicion was final from day one, saving money via plugging holes using local resources as instructed by their bosses. They only hoped that no one will object to their move and all will go well, too bad, some of us will no longer take this from tis or qsi. yes, my kids will attend tis now and next year and I plan on raising legitmate issues when it comes to my kids schooling. Our family and our employer combined delivers 50,000 dollars per year to qsi treasury and we want value for our money. Nothing personal againt Mark or Mara, however they represent tis and qsi and in Mara's case for 12 years running. So, when you get paid for doing a job, then, be ready to take the heat and always remember that it is not personal. Many regards Christie and you are to be commanded for being a good friend to the Hemphills, they need your support, this must be a very tough time for them also. Sundus Carr
It didn't go through my mind but thanks to Christie now i understand why the 4s are going to have their loved and qualified teacher back and why the 7s are going to have a qualified teacher again because of Maura Martin sons who are both in the 4s and 7s.Do we need to wish now to be in the same class with her kids to have qualified teachers?
What abour kids in 3's who has a not Native america Teacher, a NOT at all QUALIFIED teacher?!!
Oouupss again a weakness point of Director....
Please Christie ask Office!
There are 5 families, who have their kids in 3's and 6's classes!
Was QSI/TIS a good choice for them?
This is not about Director's weakness, we have kids in poor managed school
Some has no choice, some have...! GDQ for expats kids and public and privat schools for albanians ...
Check GDQ web site ....
A week reading blog wow....wow
very sorry, but the 3 year old teacher is a qualified teacher, and QSI doesn't have to imploy native english for pre-school.
Above all this she's the most positive teacher I ever met in this school. she has a poor local salary, so please don't mix everything
Dear Christie,
I was very quiet until now for different reasons and unfortuately I can not put my name but let me tell you something
First, thank you for sharing your personal point of view but I don't think you have a realistic picture of the situation. And I don't think you truly understand the difficult situation the 6 years old are in.
Mrs Bradford's departure was not supposed to affect the schooling of the 6 years old or maybe temporary.They were told that Mr Martin's transfer to the 8 years old would be temporary but now it appears to be permanent. This is why they are understandably terribly upset.
Transferring Mr Martin to another class is not only emotionally unsettling for the children and parents who really appreciate him as a person and teacher but more importantly, it's disruptive for the children's schooling. They are in a crucial year at school, learning the basic reading, writing and math skills that will prepare them for the years to come. A solid foundation in these skills has to be a priority.continuity is very important!
This is the main concern of the 6y parents.
Replacing Mr Martin with the assistant is only an acceptable temporary solution. However, we cannot and will not accept it long term. We understand that the situation cannot be easy for the assistant either and appreciate her efforts in taking over the class with such a small human ressources.
The school has NO RIGHT to disrupt the schooling of a class in this way, especially as it could have been avoided. Parents are already seeing the negative side effects of this decision on their children and are very concerned. Until a replacement teacher is found for the 8 years old, they will not rest the case. Not when their child's education is at stake. No one had informed us at the beginning of the year that a teacher could be transferred, from one day to the next, to another class and be replaced by the assistant.
A lot of time, energy and emotional turmoil are spent over this and the parents of the 6 years old are perceived as trouble makers.
All we want and ask for is good education for our children. As parents in the school, and with all of us sharing the same objective, can we not join forces and collectively try and find a suitable solution for all ? collectively, we can move forward for the best interest of everybody, especially our children. Money issue, protection in the 8y, I really don't care they have to solve the problem and find a solution for the 8 y.
Since you mention how much Mr Martin's children are affected by the situation, may I remind you that his 4 year old boy will soon get his teacher back, as soon as they will find a solution for the 7. so tell me Chritie why the 6 doesn't have the same?
Concerning the PAC, I have also wasted a lot of my time at their meetings, where only the social aspects of the school are discussed but where parents cannot freely bring up their issues and problems. The current structure of the school will not allow this.
We do receive a weekly newsletter, which reminds us of Disneyland...but where is there room for constructive dialogue and exchange of ideas in the school? the advisory board does not even distribute the minutes of the meetings to the parents.
The current situation has become so explosive due to an accumulation of poorly managed issues. The right questions need to be asked, errors need to be corrected and the first priority at this stage is to find a replacement teacher for the 8 years old. Lets be constructive Christie!
Where is the QSI bible that says what classes qualify for what level of teacher or not? I have heard often quoted the "QSI rule of thumb" that says prior to 5 years of age there can be a local hire and this does not maybe require any special qualification. Yet we have some very qualified (even overqualified--lucky for Violeta's class) teachers in the under 5 classes while in other grades we have unqualified teachers now and in the past. (Or we used to.) It is very disturbing that parents do not read the guidance (if it exists), or if they do read , do not understand, or if they do not understand that management is unable to articulate the QSI position clearly. And when i did use a QSI policy book quote. " ...about hiring native english speaking from Western Countries" is is again open for all kinds of interpretation and smokescreen. Four years at QSI and I was on the board 3 years and I am stil somehow confused. Help, does someone have a handbook I can read? A sadly confused Rob Carr
Why the 3's teacher accepts to work in a poor local salary?!
QSI doesn't have to imploy native english for pre-school?!!
School regulation does not exclude pre school teachers..
I'd like to clarify something to the contributor above who mentions QSI regulations regarding employment of native English speakers: I think the problem for many parents is that no one KNOWS the regulations! Yet, the mystery regulations are often applied in contradictory fashions, depending on the mood, finances and personal preferences of the administration.
ANYONE HERE ANYTHNG ABOUT THE BUDGET MEETING NEXT WEEK THAT MAKR HAS AGREED TO? DATE TIME...OR WILL IT BE AT A TIME WHEN NO ONE CAN ATTEND?
Can somebody tell me what the 3 years old teacher is qualified for?
Please read the handbook in the TIS website and you will find out that the criteria for native,qualified, teacher is for classes 3 years and up.Please dear parents open your eyes,we can not let the school cut corners anymore,not on our kids knowledge.The 3 years old teacher might have a local salary but i think no body obligated her to accept the job .......
Dear parents, is there anybody explain me smth : All of us that are paying for the TIS's services have bought at the same time TIS's shares? Most of your questions and requests are like shareholder's. As per my opinion, if we are only the buyers of the TIS's services, it's better to leave the management to run their business. Be sure, this note is not from MH or MM
Dear Not MH or MM,
Parents are customers of TIS. Usually businesses care about customer satisfaction. If not, business loses customers.
Also Not MH or MM
Dear blogger raising the shareholder question, a shareholder is someone who has invested in a company or a buisness or an adventure! This shareholder in return expects good results for their investment. So, in our case, we the parents are the shareholders, we pay the tuition that covers staff salareies and all running costs of tis. In return, we expect the management to deliver quality education, school facilities and atmohsphere for our children and help us build a healthy community based on respect and friendship. When the management of tis and qsi does not honor its part of the contract, we the shareholders here have the right according to contract to question the management because when the management does not deliver then our children who are the most precious commodity here are affected. It is not about Mark Hemphill and Mara Martin or any other names in the community, it is about management issues. I urge everyone to be repsectful, constructive and refrain from siding by names. Please pick an issue that is school related, state where you stand on the issue and debate your differences in an open, honest and respectfull manner. Many regards to all of those who are keeping this blog to the issues and with respect to all staff, parents and students! Sundus Carr
Dear not mh or mm
1.if one customer pays for jaguar expect to get an jaguar not an cherry,otherwise he is stupid.
2.if one producer takes the payment for jaguar one should deliver jaguar not cherry,otherwise one is cheater.
3.if one company has angry and unhappy customers and doesn't realise that,it is close to the end.the sonner that fact is understood the better.
4.if one company has unhappy customers and emploees........
there in yet no name for it.
Cut the personnal issues and lets talk bussiness.
Inputs should justify the outputs....it is as simple as that!
As We see here we are all concerned, parents teachers, kids, studens and even the management.
What about an external audit possibility ??
R.
A parent was acussed as a troubelmaker?!!
Do you have any idea who?
Where was this person last month?
Where was this troubelmaker last year?
Is he/she new in TIS?
We never heard about...
Dear Christie my son is in high school too,and let me tell you this high school stinks.Wayne Stoios is my son teacher,a teacher who never taught in his life before getting employed from TIS and now he is teaching every kind of subject to my son.Yes the kids will represent the TIS Bowling team but where was heard the kids should pay also the teachers tickets and hotel? Don't we pay enough? The school should pay for them and should be proud that such a great team is representing TIS. Then for Maura Martin sure she cares for her kids education that's why she is getting a new qualified ,teacher for the 7s and giving back to the 4s their other qualified teacher.(Right now the 4s have a non qualified teacher) .Like you i believe that this is systematic at QSI/TIS,and that this is not a school to be trusted.If you where going back home you will see that your kids are so behind from their pears .Last i don't have nothing personal against MH,MM or all the other teachers,they are just following orders. The PAC is pathetic.Going to PAC for what?
I'm sorry that you are waisting time with PAC,try to put that time to better use
Right now the 4s have a non qualified teacher?!!!
BOARD MEETING TONIGHT AT TIS AND WITH MR CHRISTIENSEN!!
1. Wayne Stoios teaches ONE subject this year - first period Algebra. I know this because I subbed for him the first week in January. It is impossible that ANY student has him as a full time teacher - regardless of what they think of his teaching ability.
2. Both of my children are AHEAD of their grade level - in part because I pay attention and we had our son take extra online classes.
3. It is standard practice at European schools for the kids to split the coach's travel costs. Why should tuition money from OTHER people's children be used to pay for the coaches for our children's extacurricular activities? That would be very unfair to students who do not travel on teams. I understand that it is expensive - I am paying for one trip to Mathcounts, One trip to Knowledge Bowl and 2 trips to Swim Meet - that is almost 2,000 Euros! My kids chose to participate - it is my responsability to pay for this...it should NOT come from school funds that come from other's tuition!
4. I do not feel like my time in PAC is wasted. I am sorry that you do. PAC exists to assist with student functions like the Fall Festival. It also exists to organize get-togethers for parents. It also exists to provide support to teachers and student organizations. It DOES all of these things. It does NOT exist to advise the school - I agree that TIS needs an organization that will do this....but right now QSI does not allow such an organization. QSI policy is the problem in this case.If PAC stinks so badly - maybe all the griping people should quit complaining about how bad it is and make it better. Simply saying something stinks and saying you are fed up will NEVER improve anything.
Once again - you do not have the decency to sign your name. Once again - you are making personal criticisms rather than sticking to school policy issues. How is making personal attacks on Mark Hemphill, Maura Martin, Wayne Stoios, Ms Marku, - or even just someone who posts a message that you disagree with - going to fix the problems with QSI?????
Christie Perryman
Just so you know there are teachers and students who read this and some of the comments are very acidic and unnecessary. Many of these "constructive" comments are obviously lies that I'm sure you would be ashamed of if you didn't have your anonymity. Your baseless vulgar attacks on varrious persons are hindering your cause. If you want QSI to take you seriously you need to stop being pety and stick to the issue, which is resolving the situation with your childrens teachers.
COWARDS: TO all of you cowards who make this personal and do not sign names, it is not about the people whom QSI ASKS to substitute. Wayne, Diane, Claudia and whomever else has been placed in the tricky position of substituting do not do it for the MONEY and they certainly do not do it for the (largely) ungrateful parents and managers of QSI. They do it to help out OUR KIDS, they give up thier freedom, and get paid peanuts and often deal with some kids whose PARENTS have failed to install decent manners and good habits. And all they get for it is grief--parents complain (some of us like these people) and at staff meetings they often have to be quiet even when they see problems they could fix. It is a job NONE of us envy and few of us appreciate or could do. We should be directing our problems to QSI bad policy on minimum standards, not on the parents who come in and rescue QSi when bad management decisions are made or when well paid full time qualified QSI teachers abruptly quits out of frustration or misbconduct or personal problems. Having qualified teachers and substitutes is what we should expect for our 17,000, but do not pin this on the staff! If all of you would direct your energy and write to QSI ans INSIST on better standards it may be listened to (so far it has not done much, but I try). But please do not drag our friends and neighbours into this bitching pit. I LIKE this blog and find 80% of entries useful and it helps us vent, but let us keep NAMES out of it and go for ISSUES!!!!!!!!!!!! Rob Carr
I totally agree, no one should be blame personnaly, those dedicate teacher are or were just helping QSI. I deeply think that yes we have to keep this a constructive tools for our right and our children. so if you have any concern or question adress them to the administration of TIS/QSI. Sylvie Belleflammme.
The newsletter today is excellent. Look for it in your in box. This is a good start for some more positive communication.
Rob Carr
"Volunteer Consulting Team"
Dear Mark, Maura and Parents:
reflecting on last events, I would like to share my thoughts on improving situation at TIS:
On Academic Achievements: Aiming to be the best international school in the country!
1.Creating a new system on students’ progress evaluation (weekly reports on progress and curricula, providing textbooks used in class to parents, test scores evaluation, and strategies to improve each student performance);
2.Evaluating transparently school test scores results (where is this school ranked compared with other QSI schools and local/international schools);
3.Evaluating the benefits of studying at TIS (evaluation of alumni achievements: where TIS alumni are now?; are they successful students and employees?; which universities accepted them?; successful stories provided);
4.Hiring the best professional staff–internationally and locally (teachers must be qualified, certified, financially motivated and committed to organizational mission and goals; careful hiring process and transparent analysis of the reasons behind teachers' turnover);
5.Promoting hard work and dedication-providing tutorial extra working hours at school;
6.Building high self-esteem. Review the system of issuing certificates.
On Communication:
1.Creating a healthy and positive environment (keep communication channels open with parents, teacher and staff, thus everybody feel welcome to express concerns/opinions; work more on students' behavior on campus);
2.Showing respect to clients (parents and students must be treated with respect and dignity; managers must listen any concern raised by parents and trying to address them carefully to avoid misunderstanding and problems; suggestions' box provided).
On Financial Matters:
1.Providing proper bills and a bank account in Albania to facilitate payments via banks;
2.Transparency in financial matters including scholarship awards.
On Health Issues:
1.Promoting healthy food. Fruits, vegetables (easy to find in Albania), water, milk, and other healthy food must be provided in cafeteria; management staff and teachers must not allow unhealthy food provided to school (included here chips and soft drinks);
2.Creating a system (phone calls, letters and emails) to show concern on students’ health, absenteeism and incidents;
3.Requiring students' medical records at the beginning of academic year.
On Safety:
1.Creating a safer playground environment(small improvements to have a safer playground are crucial);
2.Limiting the entrance of cars on campus.
......
If you would like to join me in creating a "Volunteer Consulting Team" to draft a "Strategy and Action Plan on How to Establish a Better TIS" will be a great new initiative.
Sincerely,
Elona Konomi-Garo
I would like to air my concern about high staff turnover, and all that happened to the 6 and 8 year olds. I would like TIS management to be sensitive about childrens psychological adoptation. We do not want our children to be exposed to all these changes as we do not know how invidividual children adopt to all the changes, and the effect that these changes may have on them.
Cynthia
Elona that is a good list and a fine offer to volunteer to help the school develop an action plan for improvement. Perhas during the budget meeting this week, if we can better understand how the budget works and what is available some smart parents could offer to develop ideas for improvements that may not cost alot. I believe the board in the past has done this so we need to take this further into action. SOme improvements are in procedures, like communication, and these can move if the school moves some day. Others are in the faciltities (like playground) and even some of these can move. On safety in the campus, I WOULD BAN ALL CARS FROM ENTERING. My wife and I have each been clipped twice buy the side mirror of a bad driver while WALKING and recently a helper in the school was hit by a mirror, had it been a child it would have been fatal. It would be inconveniant for some to close the gate, but I do not think we need to wait for another person to get clipped by a mirror to decide that we need to be like every school in the world...no cars driving in the middle of our classrooms. It simply makes no sense, some drivers are not careful at all, and school guards are unable to control it. We can even have older students or parents volunteer to escort small students from a designated drop off point to the school--but i think the guards should do this, but they do not seem capable of this is why I suggest older students. I hope some parents can be designated to develop an action plan and support your ideas. I served on the board for 3 years and tried this with much frustration, so would be happy for some new faces to appear with new ideas. Rob Carr
Thank you Elona
To all parents experienced in managing and shcool administration!
Please post your opinions,
rafting a "Strategy and Action Plan on How to Establish a Better TIS" is neccesery.
Weekly reports on progress and curricula and strategies to improve each student performance is a great idea!
Providing proper bills and a bank account in Albania to facilitate payments via banks is as well a good idea!
Dear Mr. Gilson, the time has come for you to stop micromanageing your schools around the world. It is time you gave your directors globally a breathing space to plan,act and fill their roles as directors! So far, being in Luibjana has protected you from parents who want to discuss with you why your schools are miserablly failing their expectations and pockets. However, this is a fast changing world, tis started a blog, this blog now pops up on google and a link was sent to most of your other qsi schools for parents to see, so, you can no longer afford to sit in your office, handing down orders of where to place and replace which teachers and whom! Listening to parents demands is vital here because they are not going away. Not only do you have to answer parents but you have a few things to think of such as your curious tax status in the various countries you are in, the Middle States Association that accredits your schools which has the right to revoke your accredtation should you not comply with their requirements. Not to mention, other schools are coming up in the region that easily could cause you a lot of loss. So far, you have shown no respect to parents, handcuffed your managers and are unable to see that things are changing. And yes, calling yourself non profit does not mean that your are not pocketing handsome amounts of bonuses and that failing schools are boosted with profits from high earning ones. So, fast growing and high earning schools do not see equivilant amounts invested in their own facilities, teacher support and keeping international school standards. Update your managing style, give your directors autonomy to manage their schools, show parents some respect via empowering their advisory boards(currently they are puppets) and you may be able to sort things out! Regards and good day Mr. Gilson, president and owner of Quality Schools International!
Great message, but send it to him!
jim-gilson@qsi.org
Jim Gilson and his men read this blog for sure so rest assured that no one needs to send him anything! It is too bad this blog does not have voice activation feature where Mr. Gilson could hear the anger of parents, teachers and administrators lounder than a Swiss avalange. Wise men read between the lines though.
wise men collect 10 per cent and laugh all the way to the bank! It is ALL about money!
Quiz: Is the wednesday all school meeting about the current state of the budget, about next year budget or about the land? Each one is a huge topic. The invitation is not clear. How do we know the financial health of the budget the past 2 years? Is there a surplus? Is there a reluctance to invest in current needs to save for future plans? What is the priority and how much do we put up with now or keep for future. Some of us have heard about new school location over 3 years. Most of us will never see a new school. What about the current needs of our children??? Think about it before wednesday. Make sure you have a baby sitter as it will be a long night!
There is already some improvements, look QSI hired 2 new teachers, we have to stay positive.
Let's see where they will assigne them, hopefully a the right place!
MAKE SURE YOU ALL SHOW UP AT parents meeting wednesday night. These were poorly attended in the past and that is why we never had any for almost 2 years. We need parents to care and to ask questions--do not expect someone else to care more than you! Your presence counts and sends a strong message. Where is our 2 million dollars? I cannot see it anywhere around the campus? Look online at any international school in other parts of the world...schools are not like this.
The 2 new teachers are not a gift and they had NO intention of hiring them without extreme parent pressure. We pay for this and 2 teachers left and 2 are to be replaced. That is only logical and what our kids deserve. We are happy, yes, but this is just a start!
School action Plan
1. CLose the upper campus to cars before a kid gets killed. Send the guards to look after some sheep.
2. Make the playground decent and something for smaller kids to do.
3. Have a back up plan for all the teacher absences.
4. Print a handbook of QSi and TIS policies so we all know our entitlements.
5. Have a quarterley all parents meeting or use THIS blog to brainstorm for issues and solutions. These go to board and managment for action and actions are posted.
6. get a moderator for teachers or parents who have problems with management.
7. Review the scholarship policy--most parents do not even know about it. It is a good idea that is badly implemented. Perhpas if we are cutting corners and saving up for new school it is not a good idea to increase the number of kids who do not pay full? If we are on good footing then this is OK but it feels like we are always in tight budget squeeze!?
8. Get KIDs involved in the action plan--it is THEIR school and I bet they have some ideas too!
Next?
Morning all,
Cars not allowed on the elementary campus is a must, children safety is more important than drivers and parents convenience. Back entrance could be smoothed, organized and traffic directed to that side.
Playground safety is a must, the current one is not safe. It needs a seasonal cover for the rainy months so the children could still come out and use it instead of going nuts inside their classrooms.
Replace the trampoline with a new one, replace the benches too.
Is the school able to transport a child to a hospital if an injury is a serious one and could not wait? Is there an agreement between the school and a private entity in Tirana to provide such a service. Tis Dr. provides very basic services.
Is tis able to communicate with all parents in case of an emergency i.e. fire or earthquake?
Why do we have a construction officer when there is nothing to build? It is not cost effective.
Why do we have 6 people running tis offices when we only have 190 students, 2 directors, 2 office managers, 1 construction officer and 1 admin assistant? Is it cost effective? If your 2 year program closed why do you still have the staff on your pay-role?
Does tis plan on raising tuition this year again?
Why do you have an advisory board? What impact does the board have? What impact if tis did not have one?
What is the cafeteria arrangement? Does it generate an income for the school? Is it audited? Do staff get paid fair wages? Do they have health insurance? Is it a family business? Do they pay utilities? Are they inspected for hygiene and health practices?
Why not smooth out the top area of the elementary campus where cars park now and have a seasonal cover for it too, so the children could do PE there and run around during long rainy and cold months, the Mosher building is too small.
Do you have land? Do you plan on building anytime soon? What about sport facilities? Football fields, tennis courts and a swimming pool? Teachers’ housing?
Does tis plan on investing anything on the current school until the new one is ready? A lot of families will not be around for the new school so they want to have better facilities for the kids now so improvements are necessary. Tis plans on any?
You mean patches everywhere? New shool is a must now...
NO MORE TIME TO LOSE...kids grow up fast, we pay and they deserve the best.
High fees = higy facilities
High fees = high education = High qualified teacher = high management skills....
Even if land is found today, there is alot of bureaucracy involved to move from land to a functional school. Recent experience with the EU it took 3 years from the time of green light to have government land converted into something useful and this was with entire EU pushing for it. After 2 years of delay the building was ready and then nearby houses decided to block the entrance (al last minute dispute over the corner piece) and opening of new facility was delayed for almost a third year. Why would QSI/TIS be able to be more efficient than this and we do not even have the EU pushing for our project as the school is private? Plan on 2 or 3 years in the current facility and invest something to make it better and determine how much of this investment can be moved or sold once it is time to move on! Let us see the news tomorrow and then decide.
In all fairness.....I think all bloggers who maybe were missed by the all school e-mail (as the e-mail list has gaps)need to read the letter from TIS that was sent yesterday. It is pasted belwo in the next blog entry. This was the result of one solid month of discussion by a handful of frustrated parents and all levels of QSI management. It was a month in which many of us found ourselves getting uncomfortable with our neighbours and friends and teachers and it was quite tense and at times abit unpleasant. When it comes to our kids it is just an emotional topic--we all want what is best for oour kids. However, persistance and logic prevailed and the decision honours what TIS promised from day one--that the moves were temporary and that qualified teachers will be found. I want to personally thank all those who did not waiver and who believed this was the right path. What looked like a small incident (compared to bigger challenges we all need to think of now) is behind us and we all need to move forward. A special and sincere thanks to Mark for going the extra mile and to everyone who made this happen. I think we all learned alot in the past month and we are a better school for it!
Rob Carr
I am not sure the people in that letter want thier names broadcast, so here is the edited version. Here is the letter. The blog is not only a place for thinking out loud, sharing ideas or venting frustration, but for making sure bloggers have correct information. As I said before, a BIG THANKS to Mark TIS/QSI and all those parents and teachers and especially OUR CHILDREN who all pulled together to weather this storm and now enjoy some sunshine. Rob C
02/02/10
Dear Parents and Staff,
Let me begin by expressing my regret for the recent frustrations caused to our parents as a
result of our response to this past January’s teacher shortage. When Mrs. X and I met on
January third to develop a plan, we never anticipated the reaction that our decision would be met
with. It was our goal from the beginning to provide for the children’s needs with as seamless a
transition as possible. We felt very fortunate to have trained, experienced, dedicated teachers on
hand that we knew, that knew our children, and were willing to take on new roles so that we could continue, what I think most will agree, is a child focused, and successful educational
experience. All this was to be done without delay. I congratulate the teachers involved for their
flexibility and professionalism in rising to the occasion. Our confidence, in our ability to meet the needs of our students, came from the day to day interactions we have with our teachers and
students, and our familiarity with these exceptional educators. It was our failure, in not fully
understanding the strong feelings in the community that would emerge, and I apologize.
In cooperation with QSI, this administration has been able to fill positions that will be opening up for the 2010-2011 school year with teachers who have expressed their willingness to relocate to Albania mid-year. We expect them by the end of this month. With the additional staff we will be able to fill the vacancy recently announced in regards to Mr. X resignation, and to provide an additional elementary school teacher to the upper campus. In allocating these resources we have carefully reviewed both our current staff’s strengths and those of our new arrivals. Given these teachers’ backgrounds and experience, I am confident that we will be able to facilitate a smooth transition for Ms. X to return to her position in the fours and an equally easy
return of Mr. X to the sixes.
In the seven year old class we have Mr. X. He will be joining us with his wife and two young children. He holds a B.A. in History and an M.A. in Elementary Education, both degrees from XX. He holds a teacher certificate from the state of XX. and is a returning QSI teacher. He spent three years at QSI XX and is familiar with the QSI educational model and curriculum. His most recent position was at XX. We expect him and his family to arrive at the end of this
month.
Taking over in the eights will be X. She holds a B.S. in Education from X, and a Masters in Elementary Education from X. Ms. X is certified in the state of X and licensed in xx. X has taught a variety of age groups for the last seven years, and has had some overseas experience.
I am confident that the students, staff, and the TIS community at large will welcome these new
educators and provide them all the support required for any new arrival.
Regards,
Dear Parents:
Many parents did not participate yesterday in the budget meeting.
We need to help the school improve and our participation is very important....So do it in different ways to help TIS and QSI improve. This is for our children, you love them and you can do everything for them. So take more responsibility and do more...
Turnout was very very low for budget meeting--it was the first meeting in almost 2 years and so many people grumble all the time outside of school that it was disappointing. We learned the school has 925,000 dollars in profit (700,000 this year and the rest from last year) after paying all thier costs. They are underspending on our children today in the hope that they will one day have a new school 3 or 4 years from now. They are willing to spend some now, but need ideas from parents. Some Ideas were improved playground, better activities (even paying special instructors for these if needed) improved safety, improved morale, but anything is possible. Please send your priority ideas to Mark and Maura ASAP. Now is the time to care. We have never had the school OFFER to spend in this way. There has been a new school location being talked about for over 3 years and the presentation of status offered no concrete plans that would provide a new location for the next 2 or 3 years or more. If you do not say anything NOW then you have no more right to complain. ACT now. BLOG your ideas anonymously here and some of us will share them if you have some kind of fear of standing up for your kids rights and getting your 15,000 dollars worth. ASK your kids what THEY want! Thanks! Rob C
The school is saving a huge amount of money for the new school, today tey are ready to invest and improve the curent facilities so please share your idea with Maura and Mark.
parents, if you want to see changes, such as a better playground, safer campus, better after school activities and better value for your money, then, write to the directors, follow up and help them know what it is we want to see changed. From the budget meeting, it was very clear that tis is not moving anywhere anytime soon so, our best bet is to work with the current location, provide better services for the kids and help tis to become the best it can be! New teachers are arriving, they will be happy to see a unified community and management and well adjusted children to teach. good weekend!
Dear Mark, Maura and Parents:
my daughter is sick and since Friday she is not coming to school. She will stay home for some more days (doctor's recommendation). Based on this experience and previous ones the school doesn't want to know why she or other kids are not present. There is no phone call or email from the office or teachers. I send a message to them to inform on the situation today and we came Friday in school to be updated on the curricula progress. Teachers were very helpful.
But there is no system to update parents on curricula progress (for missing days) and send us by email something to work home.
Is it possible for a new policy on this matter to be part of the school system?
I recommend a simple way: "A formal letter to show concern for children health and information about progress on curricula of specific days missing."
If we are part of this community it would be good to feel we are a family. And people in the family always ask the simple questions: "How are you today?" and "Can I help you?"
Hope you are all well,
Elona Konomi-Garo
Elona,
Amy Vanest in the 9s has a web-based system to keep the class parents informed. In my experience it is usually more helpful to deal with the teachers who are always helpful, and if they cannot help then take it to Maura if there is a problem and she can solve it. But this does not mean it would be a bad idea to systematise this. It would go good to know how many people are concerned about this--no one wants thier kid to be behind, but every parent has a different style.
Rob C
QSI has a supply person sitting in Yemen, it will seem very approporiate to contact him for ideas to find challanging, engaging and play pieces that are suitable for a small spaced school such as tis, this person could search, shop, price compare and get back to tis with some answers. Otherwise, I am not sure why tis contributes 5% of its income to headquarters, is looking for supplies not included in the deal? If I remember correctly, Mr. Hemphil was very pround of telling us all at the meeting that qsi is very efficient in placing focal points around the world that do their biding for all of qsi schools, so, if supplies is one of them, why are not tis getting help in this matter?
It is not 5 % it is actually like 10 % for HQ(the formula for QSI HQ support was quite complex) and YES they should be able to source what is needed for our school playground. Otherwise why do we have a QSI HQ and why does TIS have 6 staff in the Directors office????
Elona found two interested findings in an article:
"Most parents are aware that teachers' expectations about individual children become self-fulfilling prophecies: If a teacher believes a child is slow, the child will come to believe that, too, and will indeed learn slowly. The lucky child who strikes a teacher as bright also picks up on that expectation and will rise to fulfil it. This finding has been confirmed so many times, and is such varied settings, that it's no longer even debated. Self-fulfilling prophecies, ....are ..prevalent in offices ... in elementary school classrooms.
Rosenthal's experiments with educational self-fulfilling prophecies consistently demonstrate that teachers' expectations are more effective in influencing intellectual growth in younger children than in older children. In the lower grade levels, particular in the first and second grades, the effects of teachers' expectations are dramatic. In the upper grade levels, teachers' prophecies seem to have little effect on children's intellectual growth, although they do affect their motivation and attitude toward school. While the declining influence of teachers' expectations cannot be completely explained, it is reasonable to conclude that younger children are more malleable, have fewer fixed notions about their abilities, and have less well established reputations in the schools. As they grow, particularly if they are assigned to "tracks" on the basis of their records, as is now often done in public schools, their beliefs about their intellectual ability and their teachers' expectations of them begin to harden and become more resistant to influence others."
(Pygmalion in Management, J. Sterling Livingston, Harvard Business Review on Motivating People, pages 174, 187, 188)
Ok then, if what you are saying about young children being so responsive to the way a teacher feels about them, then, we are in trouble. on the other hand, QSI is championning this leveling reading philasophy, where a child is placed in a reading level say 1 to 20, a child could be moved up or down depending on reading fluency. this in my opinion a system that lables children, creates undue comeption, and could damage a child's self esteem. OK, so why are they doing this? I do not know, a first grader's main goal will be to love to read not to compete, that comes in later let us say when you are in high school. it is the love of learning that needs to be dished out to small people not Tomy reads better than Paulina or whatever have you. I understand that teachers and schools and parents need to know where to place a kid on the reading map but kids do not have to witness this process first hand. The smarter way, will be to have a bin of mixed books and let children try different things, a difficult book to read could be very engaging in other ways, the story, charachters and the unfolding of events, yet, propelling a child to try harder. An easier book could be fun to read, enjoy and put down for anotehr one and so on and so forth. But to be so entrenched in the leveling system idea is a narrow way of looking at educating young people, not to mention the kind of books sent with the kids, I find them very uninspiring for a young fellow and quite boring for the parents too, sorry qsi. Dr. Suess is probably turning in his grave and R. Dahl is glad not to be alive!
So Mr. Hemphill is meeting with his bosses in Boston today. Let us hope he will come back with a lot of authority to be changing things for the better at tis. I hope that they will agree to move forward on improving things on the current location, put a limit on the number of children accepted at this school due to space issues, improve the communication with parents and show some respect towards the community and respond in kind when parents write to them instead of taking the vow of silence. They all need to remember who is buttering their bread! New ideas, new management and new approach to problems will be very appreciated by all of us in Tirana. Worth to mention that the Montessory school is planning 1st and 2nd grades for next year, GDQ is thinking about moving up town to a bigger school if demand for their services expands! It is so good to know that tis is not the only game in town.
Dear Maura,
I believe 3 things could be done to improve the space in the cafe:
1. As we are all aware of, in Albania there seems to be lots of walls in any one given building and a big portion of any building is taken up for fancy stair cases and the cafe building is no different. However, there are ways to minimize such problems and make spaces more functional, knocking few walls down, opening up and increasing the space internally, the kitchen and counter areas could be pushed to the very back, the porch area could be included in the new set up and turn it into an inside eating area. Again, I am sure this is something Doug could look into while he is still working here, advise and have a plan for.
2, the seating arrangements currently are big, bulky and very space inefficient, smarter benches and tables that may accommodate more seating could be purchased.
3. the outside area again could be redone in a more efficient manner, the picnic tables could be replaced for narrower tables and detached benches, the area could be all one level, the seasonal cover for the rainy period could be utilized to increase the eating areas also.
The above may seem like a lot to do, but giving the fact that we are staying in our current location for a long time to come makes it necessary for the school to invest more energy in making the current location livable.
Regards,
Sundus
Traffic and Safety: During the budget meeting, some of us voiced our desire to see the elementary campus closed off entirely to traffic but at the same time there were other parents who did not want to walk with their children in the rain and all that so, a middle ground could be reached here:
a.Encourage more parents and drivers to use the back gate thru studentcity, again, if the school is willing to smooth out and organize that area, we may have more success. |Is this something Doug could look into?
b.The area in front of the Mosher Building could be turned into a roundabout with an isle in the middle where cars could turn around and drop off (the school may have to take out the big swing to allow for room), secondary and high school kids could help receive and dispatch young children to their classes in the am. At pick up, guards and custodians could help for the 15min pick up window. This will cut off traffic from going to the top and scaring kids and parents with SUVs that cannot see small people in front of them anyway.
c.The guards need to know who is driving into the school, sometimes I have seen cars that come in, make a turn and exit, clearly not knowing where they are so why are they allowed on campus? Post a speed limit sign inside the elementary campus, it helps when people look up and compare their speed to what is allowed.
d.What is tis plan if a child needs to be sent to a hospital in case of a massive emergency while you are calling parents and all that, a hospital needs to be identified, a service has to be contracted and a drill practice needs to be done to see if this could take place.
e.Please activate a communication school tree, in case of an earthquake or a fire, are you able to communicate with us all? Do you practice evacuation drills? How often? When the Dr. is not on duty, who is in charge? Do you have trained staff to stop bleeding or administer CPR? If so, please put it in the newsletter for all to know.
Playground and play space: Everyone knows that the floor of the playground is disgusting, cats litter in it. A solution for the floor needs to be found and maybe the following could be done too:
a.What is called the botanical garden needs to be dismantled and added to the play area for the children.
b.The area by 5k class could be turned into another play area with some very smart, small and challenging intelligent playground equipment, when travelling through Europe, we all have seen very small parks that come with few play pieces that the children spend hours playing on, this you could pay a consultant or current office managers to research, locate, price and see about the possibilities.
c.A proper sand box needs to be installed, sand toys made available for the younger ones to keep their hands busy.
d.Long rainy winter days are the norm in Tirana, so, the children are going nuts inside their classrooms when there is no place for them to vent their energy, please have a seasonal cover for the play area(s).
e.Top of the parking area could be made into a play area, smooth the ground, have professional covering done for it and provide the children with more room, balls, hoops and jump ropes and hockey-sticks and pugs please. Post clear signs that children, parents, nannies and caregivers have to make sure play items are returned to their proper places once kids are done playing. Clean up clean up, we all could do that easily!
f.The offices are located on the elementary campus, could that building be used for another class, relocate the office to the lower campus, this was done with the library and computer lab which proved to be a brilliant move. This will also help with the traffic that comes to school just for admin purposes.
I'm not going to any of their meetings, don't realy beleive they will do something this year, they just want to save time and money and pretend to communicate now, they should act, next year will change my kids school.
When president Bush was in office, he had this policy of no child left behind plan. Mainly, it was to help pick up quality of education in the public sector in the usa. Lots of tests and check lists and a one size fits all approach. What is worrying is when a private institution such as qsi gets involved in such systems that are not geared for an international community. qsi does not cater to a local American population, it is an international set up we are dealing with here, qsi will be well advised to rethink its American public school mandate and come up with a truly international curriculum that is diverse, flexibale, accomadating, challanging and most of all transferable to any new duty post some of us have to move to! The I.B. system is one to consider, Austerlian, Newsland and Canadian cross systems are known to be used by international schools around the world. GDQ does not claim to be either an American or a British system, they borrow from the 2 and make it work for its international community so there is always room to improve!
I do not think we should give up and move our children to other schools until we see what Mr. Hemphil is going to bring back with him. It will be very encouraging if upon his return, he were to send out a clear, deadlined and practical solutions to the current location. Communicated better with parents and made it transparent what is going on inside his offices.
My bigger worries is the safety, the ability to evacuate the class room in case of emergency, like fire, or earthquake. Those little houses are mainly in wood.
All the windows are surrounded and blocked with bars of iron and padlocks. Even upstairs where there is an emergency stair the windows are blocked!. In case of fire our kids have NO ACCESS to the stairs!!!
Where are the key??? does the kids have already receive any training for evacuation???
important to look at the IB curriculum which goes to a much broader audience than the BUSH model for americna public schools.
It is used for over 700,000 kids in over 2300 schools (1000 in the USA) in 138 countries. Here is what they say:
The International Baccalaureate® (IB) fully realized its concept of an educational continuum, and of a coherent, broad-based international curriculum, with the introduction of the Primary Years Programme (PYP) in 1997.
The IB is now able to offer three programmes of international education and, with them, the prospect of a continuous international educational experience from early childhood to pre-university age. While the IB now offers a sequence of three programmes—the PYP, the Middle Years Programme (MYP, introduced in 1994) and the Diploma Programme (DP, introduced in 1969)—each programme must continue to be self-contained, since the IB has no requirement for schools to offer more than one programme. However, they must also form an articulated sequence for those schools that teach all three programmes or any sequence of two.
With the development of a continuum of international education, it is intended that teachers, students and parents will be able to draw confidently on a recognizable common educational framework, a consistent structure of aims and values and an overarching concept of how to develop international-mindedness.
The IB learner profile will be at the heart of this common framework, as a clear and concise statement of the aims and values of the IB, and an embodiment of what the IB means by "international-mindedness".
The International Baccalaureate® (IB) fully realized its concept of an educational continuum, and of a coherent, broad-based international curriculum, with the introduction of the Primary Years Programme (PYP) in 1997.
The IB is now able to offer three programmes of international education and, with them, the prospect of a continuous international educational experience from early childhood to pre-university age. While the IB now offers a sequence of three programmes—the PYP, the Middle Years Programme (MYP, introduced in 1994) and the Diploma Programme (DP, introduced in 1969)—each programme must continue to be self-contained, since the IB has no requirement for schools to offer more than one programme. However, they must also form an articulated sequence for those schools that teach all three programmes or any sequence of two.
With the development of a continuum of international education, it is intended that teachers, students and parents will be able to draw confidently on a recognizable common educational framework, a consistent structure of aims and values and an overarching concept of how to develop international-mindedness.
The IB learner profile will be at the heart of this common framework, as a clear and concise statement of the aims and values of the IB, and an embodiment of what the IB means by "international-mindedness".
Even many states in the USA now offer this as it is truly international as we families parents are at TIS. Here is the link:
http://www.ibo.org/
The Montessori School in Tirana would like to inform everyone that they are currently in the process of applying to become an International baccalaureate (IB) candidate school. Having completed the first phase of the application process, the candidate phase allows them to open a primary school under IB consultation. The candidate phase will involve the implementation of a primary years program (PYP) with their school opening the first and second grades from September 2010.
The new school will be situated next to the International Montessori School of Albania and will offer brand new state-of-the-art facilities which include a library and resource centre, a computer lab, science lab, art/drama/music studio and large spacious classrooms.
For more on the International Baccalaureate Organization and its curriculum please consult their website at www.ibo.org and please feel free to contact us in case you need further information.
I agree with the parent who is worried about safety. I would like to know if my kids would be able to get out of their classes should a fire starts. Each builidng must have 2 exits for the children, teachers and any other person who happened to be there to exit via if an emergency happens. Yesterday, a school in India lost 60 children to a fire, the classes were made out of wood and the kids were trapped and many more were injured. So, it is real when we say safety is a huge issue. It will be very useful if the school were to send out in the Friday newsletter any information in this regard.
what about the other buildings and the cafeteria? Do they have fire extinguishers in every building and classroom? It's just a question maybe there is, does anybody knows?
the small white houses on the little kids campus have bars on windows but there is one set that unlocks from inside. last year we checked into it and they eventually found the key. this needs to be rechecked for all buildings and all helpers and substitutes need to know where is the key and to practise how to get out from down and upstairs.
I have a question regarding the French teachers, how are they evaluated by the director of instruction? Does she not need a french authority to evaluate her French teachers and give her a non biast report of their ability to teach French? Some of us who speak French are appaled at the prononcuiation of the lanaguage and the mistakes of grammer often found in French class work ( this is the case with the elemantray kids). I understand that some parents in the past voiced very strongly their opinion about this topic yet due to limited offers of languages( Albanian and Dutch), most of the children still find themeselves in French classes. Please Director of Instruction do something about his and let us know, thanks.
Bigger question than the ongoing French discussion..who monitors and evaluates QSI? They are accredited in the US but it is monitored by peers and there is alot of self monitoring. Is QSI self critical, does the accreditation entity report on achievements and deficiencies in a transparent way?
Deat tis,
why not complete the picture and have the children also wear uniforms to school, they already
1. take a uniform test
2. Have to sing Christian songs even if they are from a different religon or practice no religon!
3 The education is mastery learning where a student has to master one level befor moving to the next.
4. A uniformed leveled reading literacy programme that the director wants to have a meeting about to infrom parents of how great this approach is!
Not to debate but to dectate is what this is. Good luck then, because the world moves on, people move on and nothing but change dectates all things!
Hey, do not bash uniforms too much. It is a great way to cut down the insane competition over image that happens in many schools (and our TIS) and the clothes budget and buying frenzy this fuels as kids try to keep up. Nothing wrong with a simple school t-shirt or jumper that everyone wears...then one day a week for open dress. It really cuts down ALOT on stress for kids to debate and negotiate what to wear, getting ready for school is cut down to 5 minutes...but I think we have bigger fish to fry at QSI! School is not the place to outdress eachother!!!!!!
I agree with the parent who supports uniforms, I find them:
1. Stree free getting ready time
2. Saves a lot of money
3. Cuts on superficial dressing competion which is not good for kids or parents budget.
So, yes I am all for them, we came from a previous international school that had uniforms and the kids and parents loved it. Some people have the wrong idea that uniforms are oppersive, they are not actually, they create a team spirit and generates a feeling of unity, I maybe old fashion, but I know for certain that a lot of people believe in liberty as a shell verses the inner one which is in all of our heads!
I am looking forward to the Friday newsletter! Hoping that after the director's return from Boston and the advisroy board meeting of last night that maybe something will change in our school for the better. Our facilites have to be improved, safety and securtiy issues addressed, learning philosophies re-evalutated, testing methods re-examined and grading practices delivered fairly to all children. Does the school know anything more about the future land deal? Communicating is vital so when a community is kept in the dark that is when issues fester unresolved and no one is happy! Hopefully this will not be the case at tis anymore!
Are the Advisory board meeting minutes with the directors of tis public information? If they are, then they have to be published for the community to read.In general, such meetings are published by schools via giving the parents a key word to a link that is created for this purpose. Hopefully tis will do that too. Cheers,
What is the secret of the advisory board? WHY? WHY? WHY? Get over it and share the conclusions...then we parents can HELP you move towards the goals of the school using our influence, skills, motivation and most of all our MONEY!
I completely agree regarding the board meeting and I hope from now minutes of meeting will be share with parents.
Any good news of the board meeting?
the only news is nothing good.
the newsletter of Feb 19th is positive. The director is making some effort to communicate his position and that is good I think. However I have few questions:
1. What is making porgress on the land deal exactly mean? Please give more details.
2. Investing in the current location, is it only the playground? a lot more needs to get done so please give more details.
Again, it will be very professional from the management and appreciated by the parents if more details were communicated. I do not find the info in the newsletter satsfactory! Why cannot we have the officer of construction section in the newsletter where he could discuss the landdeal and the improvements needed for the current location? Why not have teachers output on the field trips they plan on taking this year? The newsletter should be much more informative of the going ons in the school. it is the only public communication available to parents unless everyone made the the effort to go and talk directly to the office.
yes, it will be a very good idea to have the board meeting minutes attached to the newsletter of the week it takes place in, the trouble is if the board and directors do not agree on the content of the minutes. So far, the management seems to see things differently that the board so what is there to be done?
I would like the school to provide names and email addresses of the board memebers so that way if we have an issue to be communicated with the school, we know who to contact since the management is telling us that we are represented by the advisory board, I do not feel represented by anyone other than myself currently, thanks
It would be foolish to expect a lot of changes in the near future. QSI is not going to roll out the red carpet for no one anytime soon! New teachers are arriving, this has silenced a lot of unhappy parents and taken the heat down for the directors, these teachers were hired to fill in for next year anyway, so they were needed for the long run in any case. What I believe tis should be worried about is the mass movement from tis to GDQ and Montessory school come next September if things do not improve very very quickly at tis.
I think the board members should be a bit more responsible about their duty and provide minutes after each meeting. Could be good also to have the agenda in advance.
They should remember they are representing all parents. Isn't it their mandate???
If members and management disagree we should know on which topic and why.
we are willing to be constructive so if this is not coming from the management at least this should come from the board, the parents representative.
When there is no competion, then, there is no incentive to make things better, that is a very simple rule in ecnomics. Up till now, this was true for tis here, however there seems to be more options available in the last 2 years. Pysically visiting and meeting with other school directors in town is not a bad idea, if anything, you will get an idea of what is out there instead of not really knowing what is out there. Tis will remain for the next few years the main school in town for expats but that does not mean that GDQ, Memorial and Montessory will not make a dent in their market. So for now, there may not be an incentive for qsi/tis to improve things which is short sighted but the risk of decreased enrollenment is real!
Mr. Hemphill's depaprture is a welcomed blessing at this point and a little too late for qsi to recover its reputation in town, but better late than never! Sending him to China in an administrative capacity is a nice way of not letting him do any more damage as a public firgure, so, good move qsi on that note!
Qsi's problems in tis are not over by a long shot. We are still not sure if there is going to be a new school anytime soon, the unlimited number of children accepted has to be dealt with, improving the current location is a huge issue, re-evaluating the educational philosophy is a must by now! The need for clear guidelines in the administrative book is a must, i.e.what is the cut off for splitting a class into 2? Do you allow bad drivers on campus after warning? Do you have child protection policy in place? Do you accept special need children when you do not have the capacity to provide such services? Where do teachers go and how do they discuss their differences if they do not agree with the directors on issues? Why do directors act like dectators and not facilitators?
A freeze on tuition rise is a must if the school does not move anytime soon? A reduction of tuition should be considered to appease parents in fact. Spending money on good after school activites for the children is paramount .
Dealing with the private Albaniain house on campus has to be revisited. The possiblilty of building on the current location should be revived. Why a school the size of tis has so many people in the office, cut back costs and cut staff if you do not need them and any other over flowing staff that are desturctive individules and not team players.
The clear message is meaningful change, do not have an advisiory board if it serves no purpose, cancel the scholarship programme because it is a sham. some wealthy families are on it, bad performing kids are on it and the school is stuffed beyond capacity already, what a waste of resourses, money, space and energy. The list is long qsi, so replace Mr. Hemphill with someone who has a clue for a change!
We understand that this is a system wide problem of bad directors, bad upper management and a lot of money in your coffers. This management style is going to cost you a lot of money if you do not heed the voices of unhappy clients, rising competion and flowing 24 communications!
Cheerios!
Check it out people, the school in Shekou is a dream come true for any parent, Mr. Hemphill is elated I am sure for his girls to be in such a beautifull school!
There will be LOTS of pencils to count in that big QSI school in China. Lucky for the Hemphill girls to have a REAL school to attend. I am glad someone gets a happy ending. We are still here in TIS getting screwed while we SAVE SAVE for a dream come true day when we get a new school. HA! It is a dream and a screw.
in the newsletter no news about sport sport facilities and playground?
the few words of the board meeting in the newsletter were highly insufficient to account for WHAT the heck TIS management and board talk about! What is the ACTION? Where is the PROBLEM? What is the PLANS? Why do we not get notes of the meetings...or at least more than 3 or 4 words? We deserve more than that!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
As it became clear after the budget meeting, the school has a net profit this year of nearly USD 700,000 but is apparently reluctant to spend a great deal (except maybe 3000 on new flooring of the Mosher building)on improving the status quo.
It might be an idea for parents to put on hold any future payments to QSI until a list of required improvements is completed by the school before hte start of 2010/2011.
Please voice your ideas about what could be imrpoved in the present facilities, what "portable" or easy investments could be made to put parents' minds at ease until a new school becomes a fact. Here are some ideas:
1. Implement the changes suggested in an earlier post - close the elementary facility for cars, move the administration to the library building and release the small building for teaching purposes, convert the top carpark to a play/sports area, tidy up existing playground, improve surface and expand into the so- called Botanical garden.
2. Purchase a new trampolene as the existing one is a safety hazzard - it could then be moved to the potential new school site.
3. Purchase at least 2 laptops for each class - those can be moved too to a new facility when the time comes. Considering the standards already in place in the US and EU, this is a small request for a private school.
4. Purchase a school bus (or two) for school trips or indeed regular pick ups from town - along with the necessary insurance. These too are portable assets.
5. Supply public insurance policy. Currently it is not clear if the school is insured against accidents during school trips. Instead it is trying to absolve itself of all responsibility by asking parents to sign permission slips releasing it from liability; or passing on responsibility to parents to drive children to venues and events.
6.Introduce a limit to class size, relative to the facilities. it is believed that classes bigger than 12 in the current class rooms are not feasible. This would either require more teachers, or a policy of limited admission.
After a list of requirements is generated, we outght to put it to the adminsitration as a condition to signing up next year. Unfortunately, considering the lack of significant competition to QSI in Tirana and slow (if any) progress to-date on new facilities, in addition to the penny-pinching and reluctance to hire new teachers when others leave, it is hard to have faith that this school will do anything unless the cash in-flow stops. And we have overpaid anyway this year. It seems as though instead of $500 capital fund, we have in effect contributed $5000 per child, hence the large surplus in this year's budget. If the school is not prepared to spend it to improve the current conditions, there should be a limit to what parents invest in the future of a school, if our children NOW may never benefit from our investment.
How can the school have such a large profit when it is supposed to be a "non-profit" school, as it is said on the frontpage of the QSI homepage: http://qsi.org/ - ??
I feel so silly for having contributed to this ridiculous amount of money that seems to go nowhere.
I am NOT a fan of QSI, but do believe we should get our definitions straight. Here is what I think and what WIKIPEDIA explains: A nonprofit organization is an organization that does not distribute its surplus funds to owners or shareholders, but instead uses them to help pursue its goals.Examples of NPOs include charities (i.e. charitable organizations), trade unions, and public arts organizations. Whereas for-profit organizations exist to earn and re-distribute taxable wealth to employees and shareholders, the nonprofit corporation exists solely to provide programs and services that are of self-benefit. Often these programs, services and policies are overlooked and not otherwise executed or enforced by the government. While they are able to earn a surplus, more accurately called a profit, such earnings must be retained by the organization for its self-preservation, expansion and future plans. Earnings may not benefit individuals or stake-holders. While some nonprofit organizations put substantial funds into hiring and rewarding their internal corporate leadership, middle-management personnel and workers, others employ unpaid volunteers and even executives may work for no compensation. However, since the late 1980s there has been a growing consensus that nonprofits can achieve their corporate targets more effectively by using some of the same methods developed in for-profit enterprises. These include effective internal management, ensuring accountability for results, and monitoring the performance of different divisions or projects in order to better benefit from their capital and workers. Those require satisfied management and that, in turn, begins with the organization's mission....so YES QSI is not profit as it does not have shareholder and employees do not get shares of the profits the same way as they do in private companies...getting a bonus for honorning your contract is not a profit. Even when I worked for my government I got a bonus and a government is non profit. THE REAL ISSUE HERE IS WHEN WILL THEY SPEND OUR MONEY AND ON WHAT???? THE ONLY WAY WE PARENTS HAVE ACHIEVED RESULTS IS TO FOCUS FOCUS FOCUS AND DEMAND CHANGES!!! IF 50 FAMILIES(OR BETTER YET ALSO THE FACELESS AND SPINELISS EMBASSIES AND COMPANIES WHO PAY MOST OF THE TUITION) DEMANDED CONDITIONS BEFORE PAYMENT OF 2010 TO 2011 TUITION QSI WOULD LISTEN. THAT WOULD BE AN INTERESTING STANDOFF!!!!!!
So far, withholding tuition for the next school year until QSI/TIS outlines a plan of action regrding the current location the kids go to is the best idea I have heard. I believe we have to push for it directly with Luijblejna. I also request 2 things:
a. freeze the tuition fees rate.
b. an evaluation of fees and their rate has to be done against what is being offered by the school. A reduction in fees if things do not change is in order.
Cheers,
in all
About the new TIS Director, Jerry Ashby:
http://www.torii.army.mil/archives/archives/2009/may/28/page1/story05.htm
http://www.torii.army.mil/archives/archives/2009/may/28/index.htm
The other link was incomplete - try this
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