When I first interviewed for the Headmaster position of Berkeley International School, I was asked my opinion of how to establish and maintain a “Top Quality” international school with an excellent academic reputation. My fundamental answer and belief given during that interview holds true today and is worth repeating:
“To maintain an international school with an excellent reputation is not easily accomplished by any one person or group but by the cooperation and hard work of the entire school community. It is my belief that the entire Berkeley school community accepts the responsibility for creating a caring atmosphere conductive to learning and enriches it with mutual respect between and among students, staff, and parents. Our students and their parents accept an acute responsibility for learning; our staff uses its professional skill to enable it, our students work diligently for it while our parents support the efforts of both staff and students.”
The following are major goals I have identified to establish and maintain Berkeley’s reputation as one of the best international schools in Thailand:
1. To provide a comprehensive English language program which will enable our students the opportunity to choose the college/university of their choice, and ultimately, be more competitive for the worldwide job market.
2. To provide the best qualified, certified, and experienced teachers available.
3. To construct and maintain a facility that is spacious and safe while promoting an atmosphere that fosters self-confidence and is conductive for learning.
4. To develop a comprehensive 21st century Instructional Technology program built for the global village of the future.
5. To accomplish not only meeting but also exceeding the requirements of the WASC accreditation standards.
6. To examine, review and not lose sight of the mission, philosophy, and vision statements that guide us.
7. To make every stakeholder aware of and have a basic understanding of our School-wide Learning Results that states: “Every Berkeley graduate will exhibit the following outcomes: An Effective English Communicator, An Independent Lifelong Learner, and a Responsible Global Citizen”
8. To implement an American style curriculum using California’s core academic standards and Benchmarks as well as an international social studies perspective.
It is my pleasure to welcome you to the Berkeley International School campus. It is my belief that learning takes place not just within the four walls of a classroom or even within the grounds of our beautiful campus, but rather is an ongoing process involving all Berkeley stakeholders. With this intent I invite all parents and guardians to visit our school, meet our staff and work collaboratively with us in building a purposeful, well-rounded educational program. Furthermore I encourage you to take advantage of my “Open Door” policy and come and visit or contact me with any questions or concerns you may have. I look forward to meeting you and having you join our family of learners.
Sincerely,
Dr. Thomas Dellario
Headmaster
Berkeley International School