From August 2024, our revamped School Services team has been at the frontline supporting our GESS families! We got Alleyne, Head of School Services to introduce her team and tell us more about their work.
Hi Alleyne, can we get to know your revamped School Services team please?
Our School Services department comprises of several dedicated teams, each designated to support the needs of our different school sections. We have teams specifically assigned to Preschool, European Section and German Section, ensuring that each group of students and their families receive personalised support tailored to what they need. This structure allows us to provide a streamlined, efficient, and highly responsive service to both parents and students across the whole school.
How does School Services team support our GESS community?
We play a central role in supporting the GESS community by being the main point of contact for parents, students and staff. We provide assistance in a wide range of areas, from handling day-to-day operational queries and administrative requests like student records, report generation, attendance, re-enrolment, and many more.
We also work very closely with our academic team, ensuring that communication initiated by the school is clear and consistent. Our goal is to ensure that all families feel supported throughout their journey at GESS, by fostering a welcoming environment, and always being here when they have any questions.
How does this revamped team and structure better partner our GESS families?
The revamped School Services team structure creates a more unified and streamlined approach to communication and services. Previously, parents and students may have moments when they are unsure who to contact for specific matters, in view of the many departments who may potentially be able to assist. With this new structure, there is now a single point of contact – us! This ensures that families know exactly who to approach for any type of support and allows for more personalised and focused assistance, addressing specific needs in a timely and efficient manner. This structure also strengthens the partnership between parents and GESS, allowing us to work together more effectively to create a positive experience for everyone involved.
We know you are supporting families at your newly refurbished areas. Could you tell us more about these areas that were revamped during the summer break?
During the 2024 summer break, we made improvements to our facilities to better support families and enhance their overall experience at GESS. Our new School Services Centre, or rather, Centres are now at two locations.
The School Services Centre for Primary and Secondary is at Block A, Level 4. This new space has been designed to be even more functional, allowing us to serve the needs of parents and students more efficiently. In addition, our renamed Reception and Preschool Service Centre at Level 2, B201 has been upgraded to better cater to the youngest members of our community and their families.
What are some day-to-day challenges in your team’s area of work, and how do you overcome them?
One of the key day-to-day challenges we face is managing the expected high volume of enquiries from parents, students and staff across various departments. With so many different needs and requests, we make it our challenge to ensure that every one is handled efficiently and promptly.
Another challenge we overcome is working around operational and educational needs. For instance, out-of-classroom logistical issues such as school bus delays or changes in class schedules can arise unexpectedly and impact students.
To address these, we maintain close collaboration with other school departments, ensuring a cohesive and responsive approach to problem-solving. Regular communication, both within the team and with the wider school community, plays a crucial role in ensuring smooth daily operations.
Ultimately, our goal is to maintain clear communication, and offer timely support so that families and students can focus on what matters most: learning and enjoying their time at GESS.
What are some of your favourite moments in your work supporting GESS families?
Some of my favourite moments in supporting GESS families come from seeing the positive impact our team has on their GESS experience. One highlight is when we help families navigate challenging situations, whether it’s resolving a complex administrative issue or providing reassurance when they need it. The appreciation we receive from parents who feel supported and heard is incredibly rewarding.
Another favourite moment is when we get to meet families face-to-face. These interactions allow us to build stronger relationships and see firsthand the sense of community that thrives at GESS. It’s particularly heartwarming when we see students excitedly engaging in school life, knowing that we’ve played a part in creating a smooth, supportive environment for them and their families.
Lastly, I love witnessing those small, everyday moments — like helping a parent find a solution or seeing the relief on their face when we’ve addressed a concern quickly. These day-to-day interactions remind me how meaningful our work is and how much we contribute to the overall wellbeing of our GESS community.
A new school year has just started. Is there anything you would like to say to our new GESS families?
With this and every new school year, I’d like to extend a warm welcome to all our new GESS families! We are thrilled to have you join our community, and we’re here to ensure that you feel supported every step of the way. Starting life in a new country and at a new school can be both exciting and overwhelming, but please know that the entire School Services team is dedicated to helping you settle in smoothly.
We encourage you to reach out to us for any assistance you may need — whether it’s navigating daily routines, understanding school processes, or simply finding your way around.
We look forward to partnering with you and supporting your family throughout the year ahead.
