Dear Board Members of International School of Bern,

Many parents have expressed concern and frustration that School Sports and Athletic teams will not be starting in conjunction with the announcement by the Swiss Federation and the Canton of Bern removing covid restrictions and measures. The overall majority of parents think that such activities that took place before the pandemic, should resume immediately.

To date, we have not heard reasoning for the decision not to resume them, and assume no planning is in the works. The students share this opinion, but feel their voices may not be heard.

We respect the difficult nature of the decision making around the pandemic for the school community. Measurements and restrictions in place at ISBerne, over the past plus years, have at times been beyond the measures put forth by the Federation and/or Canton. We, as the parent community, have been overall supportive and understanding (while not always agreeing).

However, it is time for normal activities to resume. Athletics are an EXTREMELY important part of the development of our children. It is also part of the tuition that we pay. International schools around Switzerland have been, and continue to participate. The Canton has deemed it safe.

Also the school has published on January 17, 2022 on their Facebook page the benefits of the School Sports-programme for the students.

Copy of this publication on Facebook page of International School of Berne:

"At the International School of Berne, we have competitive teams in track and field, swimming, and football (soccer) for most age groups and basketball in the High School. In addition, we also offer an assortment of other competitive sports, based on student interest and coaching availability, such as tennis, volleyball, cross-country, golf, and badminton. Being part of a team, learning to work together, and honing sportsmanship attitudes are valuable experiences, and we encourage students to participate in sports."

It is time to restart the School Sports and Athletic activities at ISBerne and participate in the sports tournaments of SGIS still in the school year 2021-2022.

Respectfully,

Parents of IS Berne

Please see the signatures of the many parents who share this sentiment.