Passion Day – Important Update

by Graeme Scott
graemes@isb.ac.th

Dear Parents,

We are getting nearer to 8th November, Passion Day.  In the enews sent out
on 10thOctober, we explained a little about the day.  Here, we will explain
more.  This article is lengthy but the key points are in bold for quick
reference.

A key element of our school mission is to ‘*develop passionate, reflective
learners*.’  We have learned from research that students learn more
effectively when they are passionate about the content or perhaps
passionate about the way they learn.  This will not come as a surprise but
what is surprising is how many schools throughout the world have not used
this key finding to improve student learning.  We also know that many
students have real difficulty finding their passion.

Since the beginning of this school year, we have been working with students
and teachers to plan this Passion Day.  The idea is that students are given
a greater degree of choice in what they learn on that day.  They may choose
something they have prior experience of and are passionate about, or it may
be that they are simply curious to try something new.  It would have been
easier to ask teachers what they were prepared to teach, and then ask
students to align to one of these choices.  However, we wanted the
students’ own passions to drive this day, which has made the organization
much more difficult but ultimately, it will make the day more rewarding and
worthwhile.

We now have all 1950 students allocated to an activity for the day.  Our
PreK – 2nd grade children will have a slightly different day but it will
still involve more choice.  Our teachers have worked hard to provide these,
our youngest children, with a range of diverse and fascinating experiences
albeit in a more structured setting within their own quad area.

For children in grades 3-5, their day will be much like that of our middle
or high school students in that they will be in either a full-day activity
or two half-day activities.  The vast majority of students are in one
full-day activity.  Grades may be mixed as most activities are deliberately
designed to appeal to children of varying age ranges.  Some activities
however have been restricted to certain age ranges for reasons of safety
and appropriateness.

Some activities will be off campus.  If your child is involved in one of
these, they may have an earlier start time.  This information will be
communicated to you by a consent form that we require before any child
participates in an activity.

Group leaders (most of these are ISB staff) are currently sending out
invitations to students – many have already done this.  *If your child is
in middle or high school and participating in an off-campus activity,
please remind them to check their emails and return consent forms.  If they
do not respond, they will not be allowed to participate.  We must have all
consent forms signed and returned.  If they are participating in on-campus
events, they must reply to their teacher leader to confirm receipt of the
information.*

*The schedule for the day for students participating in on-site activities
looks like this:*

* *

*7:20 – Students arrive and register.  All ES students will go to their
homeroom for registration.  MS and HS students will go to the assembly
point designated by their teacher leader (the teacher organizing their
activity).*

* *

*7:40 – Our day will formally begin with a gathering in the Rajendra Hall
for all students in grades 3-12.  Of course, groups that are off-campus for
the day and leaving earlier will not be present, but these students apart,
it will be the only time in the year where we have elementary, middle and
high school students all together.  For that reason alone, it will be
special. *

*  *

*8:00 – After this short assembly, students will be taken by their teacher
leader to their chosen activity.*

* *

*8:00 – 8:30 – Each activity will start. *

* *

*10:30 – 11:30 Students in grades 3-12 will have lunch in the main
cafeteria in their activity groups (unless they are off site for the day).
MS and HS students will need their ID cards to pay for their lunch as
usual.  Lunch will be as normal for PreK-2 children, in the ES cafeteria.
As always, any student can bring a lunch from home. *

* *

*11:30 – The afternoon session will begin.  For the vast majority of
students in grades 3-12, this will be part 2 of their morning activity. *

* *

*14:00 – Afternoon sessions will end and all students will be dismissed. *

* *

*Any ES students who are off-campus for the day are required to wear an ISB
uniform to help with quick identification.  For all other students, this is
a free-dress/non-uniform day.  Teacher leaders may stipulate certain dress
requirements depending on the activity.*

* *

*If you have any general questions about Passion Day, please contact me at**
graemes@isb.ac.th* <graemes@isb.ac.th>* but if your questions are specific
to your child’s activity, please email the teacher leader.*

Our teachers have been extremely supportive and have really entered into
the spirit of Passion Day by working hard to plan a great day for your
kids. It has been a huge undertaking to provide alternative and exciting
learning experiences for almost two thousand students. Thank you to those
parents who volunteered to help out with Passion Day.  Your help is
invaluable and greatly appreciated.  We hope your children enjoy the day
and that they learn something new.  Who knows, maybe some of our children
may discover a lifelong passion on 8th November.

Best wishes,

Graeme Scott                                                   Elizabeth
Rossini

Deputy Head of School for Learning          Director of Curriculum

Graeme Scott

Deputy Head of School for Learning
*International School Bangkok*

Head of School Notes

by Dr. Andrew Davies
andrewd@isb.ac.th

Calendar for 2014/15

Please note that the calendar for the 2014/15 school year has been prepared by the school administration and approved by the Board of Trustees. Please click here to access the 2014/15 calendar.

First Friday With Andy Delayed Until 15 November

Please note that “First Friday With Andy” has been delayed Until 15th November because of Passion Day. We will meet in the “Orange Room” (in the Admissions area) at 9:00am.

First Friday with Andy” is an open forum for parents to meet informally with the Head of School and address any topics of interest or concern. No signing up is necessary – simply come and participate if you are free and interested.

Board Chair Letter

by Marc de Vries
marc.devries@vigilant-techno.com

On October 15^th the Board of Trustees had its monthly Board Meeting. Below is a summary of the most important discussion points.

WASC Accreditation

Every six years the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) visits ISB as part of its accreditation process. The next accreditation visit will take place in the week of November 3^rd. In preparation for this visit, ISB has made a thorough self-evaluation highlighting its strengths and areas for improvement. Under the direction of Jayne Lund (ISB’s WASC Self-Study Coordinator) and the efforts of the various Focus Groups, this 18 month effort resulted in a report that will serve as a guideline for the audit. The WASC self-study report is available for parents online at:   https://inside.isb.ac.th/parentportal/wasc-report/   The Board commends the thoroughness of the project and the honest and constructive approach to the self-study that will help ISB continue to improve in the future.

Challenge and Enrichment

One of ISB’s mission points is to inspire students to achieve their academic potential. The new “challenge and enrichment” program is being led by Dr. Selena Gallagher to offer challenge and enrichment to students that excel or have a strong interest in certain areas. To some degree, ISB already provides challenge and enrichment opportunities to students, but this isn’t yet done in a comprehensive and systematic way. The program currently being developed identifies 4 levels of service the school will offer students, ranging from Level 1, where the services are offered to all students, to Level 4 where the services are offered on an individual basis. The program will rely on five essential attributes:

(1) Flexibility – programming is multidimensional, not one formula, curriculum or set program of activities or services;

(2) Inclusivity – programming is appropriate, challenging and developmental and therefore available for anyone;

(3) Responsiveness – programming responds to the positive needs of students;

(4) Proactive – taking initiative for talent development becomes everyone’s business – teachers, parents, community;

(5) Unifying – provides a structure and terminology for effective communication about talent development.

The program is still in its developmental stage and currently feedback is being sought from staff and teachers. The Board supports the challenge and enrichment program, which, together with inclusivity and more “voice and choice” for students, leads to more individualized learning that is part of ISB 2020’s vision.

Update Student Council

Jin Ahn and Benya Kraus presented an overview of Student Council activities. The student body is very active and already successful events such as Games Night and Munch & Music have taken place. The Student Council is looking forward to the Winter Dance themed “Winter in New York” and the senior class is looking to restore the tradition of giving the school a parting gift at graduation. The BOT would like to ask for student involvement in determining the school’s facilities plan by sharing their thoughts on what new facilities students could help learning. In addition the BOT will seek the Student Council’s help in increasing BOT election voter turn-out at the next BOT election.

School Trip Destinations

In the previous BOT Meeting concerns were expressed regarding school trips to countries where students are unable to obtain visas because of their nationality. Specifically there was a concern for Israeli students not being able to attend GCW trips to Indonesia. The BOT and administration looked into the matter and through meetings with the Indonesian Embassy it became clear that there is a procedure for Israeli students to obtain a visa. Among others, the procedure requires sponsorship from a person or entity in the host country, and Jakarta International School has agreed to help us in this regard. The BOT thanks the parents who brought this issue to the Board’s attention as we hope it will ensure that all of our students are able to participate in any of the GCW trips on offer.

Committee on Trustees

The COT, chaired by Joy Davy, reported that it is seeking ways to increase voter turn-out for Board of Trustees elections. Online voting and extending the election period from one day to multi-days are measures currently being evaluated. In addition, one of the COT goals this year is to review BOT and HOS self-evaluation processes.

Strategic Improvement and Learning Committee

The SILC Committee, chaired by Ana Coghlan, will start evaluating the effectiveness of the Learning Indicators. ISB is relatively unique that it has developed Key Performance Indicators that help the school focus on specific areas of learning and drive improvements. The Learning Indicators also provide another tool for the BOT to measure school performance. Having been implemented 3-4 years ago, the SILC would now like to take stock of how effective the Learning Indicators have been and also ensure progress with respect to all mission points is being assessed.

Business Committee

The Business Committee presented the Final Budget 2013-2014 which was approved. Highlights of the budget include a record enrollment of 1940 students. Income is expected to be THB 1,629 million and the surplus budgeted at just under THB 100 million. As usual, the largest expense line-item is salaries and benefits accounting for 75% of cost. Capital expenditure for the school year is budgeted at THB 150 million, with major items like renovations and improvements of the existing older buildings accounting for THB 42 million, technology, including the last phase of rolling-out of the 1-to-1 lap top program accounting for THB 36 million and the installation of the Bill Gerritz Invention Center budgeted at THB 13.5 million. The Final Budget 2013-2014 meets all the Financial Performance Indicators, and continues to show financial improvement for the school.

Head of School Blog

As a final point I would like to recommend reading Dr. Davies’ blog on what makes a good international school. The article captures the underlying ideas behind ISB’s vision and mission and is an excellent read. It can be accessed at:

https://www.isb.ac.th/Head_of_School_s_Blogs/What_Makes_a_Good_International_School_/default.aspx

Next Board Meeting

The next Board meeting will be held on Tuesday November 19^th 2013 in MPB3 at 6:00pm – 09:00pm. The meeting is open for all ISA members to attend.
Yours sincerely,

Marc de Vries
BOT Chair

Late Bus on Fridays

by Suthida Jiravichai
suthidaj@isb.ac.th

A gentle reminder that we will be offering only two bus departure times each Friday. The normal bus departure will take place immediately after school and the only late bus will now depart at 3.30pm to all normal routes.

Student Athletes and Community Service Students will have transport provided at the end of their activities and practices, arranged from the Community Service and Athletics Office.

Important Nurse Information

by Justin Wah
justinw@isb.ac.th

Dear Parents, Faculty, Staff, and Community Members,

by  Mary Turner
plturner33@hotmail.com

Please join us Monday, November 4th @ 11:00am in the MPB 1 for our Booster Meeting.

IB Dance Show – Nov. 8th

by Kerri Fitzgerald
kerrif@isb.ac.th

There are dancers in our midst and they are in training right now for the FALL Dance Show: A DAY IN A PASSIONATE LIFE. We have a day exploring our interests and passions on Nov 8th and for the grand finale, ISB Dancers will leap into action at 3:15 and at 6:30pm in the Chevron.

Tickets for the evening show which includes a light reception, are on sale now in the HS/ MS cafeteria 100 THB for adults and 50 THB students. Photo unveiling will be at 3 pm in the foyer and there is free entrance for the matinee 3:15pm

Be there …  be passionate …and be absorbed in the power of movement.

 

The 17th annual Nancy Crosser Fitness Challenge is coming on Nov. 9th

by Gaile Rockey
gailer@isb.ac.th

2013 NCFC Fitness Event

 

MS Theatre Sports: “Scared Scriptless” – Nov. 14th

by Michael Sharp
michaels@isb.ac.th

The annual Middle School Theatre Sports Competition, “Scared Scriptless” hits the stage of the CCT on November 14 at 3pm. Tickets will be available on Thursday November 7 and Monday November 11 during breaks in the cafeteria. Tickets cost 50 THB and proceeds will go to Operation Smile.

The 25 strong cast have been in teams since the start if the year and have been training in the art of spontaneous improvised theatre. This is challenging, fun and extremely rewarding for all who participate. Come along to the one performance show and see what it is all about. You are sure to be entertained!

 

 

 

ISB British Community – Lunch Social – Thursday 14th November at 12:30pm

by Heather Powell
heather.wyn@gmail.com

There will be a lunch social for the ISB British community on Thursday 14^th November starting 12:30pm at Baan Kimchi, (Oasis on Samakee Road).  A set menu has been agreed at a great price (300 baht) to help reduce our ordering time. The lunch will follow on from the MS PTA meeting being held on that day and we hope some of our downtown parents will be able to join us.  For more information and to RSVP please contact ISB British Representative – Heather Powell  Heather Powell (email: heather.wyn@gmail.com mobile 083 293 2169). Car and golf cart sharing arrangements will be available for those needing a lift.

KidsFoto at ISB

by Mike Rutherford
miker@isb.ac.th

KidsFoto will be at ISB on Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 16 & 17 from 9:00am-5:00pm for Senior photo make-ups. During this time, families may also have KidsFoto take family photos. You may schedule a time with Khun Gade in the H.S. Office.

Road Safety Education Training for Young ISB Bicycle Riders

Justin Wah
justinw@isb.ac.th

Dear ISB Community,

As part of our continued efforts to improve safety for our students and our school community, ISB is offering Road Safety Educational Training for Young Bicycle Riders.
This training program is offered the two weekends in November to ISB students aged 5-10 years and 11-14 years in a 4 hour session covering road safety, correct usage and riding of a bicycle, and responsibility to self and road user.

Program of training sessions

 

Register your student now for this valuable opportunity on this Community Activity Office link (Click Here to Register) Cost:  500 baht per child (with ISB subsidy of 1500 baht per student)

Venue:  ES MPR and the main parking lot

Trainers:  Interdisciplinary Centre for Road Safety (ICRS) was founded by Roy Ben-Eliezer, a public health expert who has been working for more than seven years in the field of road safety and injury prevention in Israel, Myanmar and Vietnam. ICRS activities focus on promoting safer roads and responsible driving culture with the objective of changing behavioral patterns, providing road users with the tools and knowledge of better road usage.

Website: https://www.icroadsafety.com/education

 

Wonderful volunteer Opportunities

by Cory Fox
mockingbird8@me.com

The ISB PTA is looking to fill the position of 1st Vice President.  This is a wonderful way to get involved at ISB, learn more about the school, the leadership team, and all of the ways the parents contribute to the ISB community.  The main obligations of this position are coordinating PTA volunteers, attending one transportation committee and one food committee meeting each term, and coordinating the PTA and Board of Trustees elections in May.  We have a talented and experienced PTA board that will guide you assist you in this role if you become part of our great team.  If you are interested in this position please email me, Cory Fox, at mockingbird8@me.com.

Touchstone High School Coordinator

by Heather Ferguson
touch@isb.ac.th

This is a rare opportunity to stay in touch with all that goes on in the High School (that your teenager forgets to mention). We need someone to coordinate the High School content for Touchstone. This involves contacting members of the faculty who will submit writing and photos to you. You will work with a team of enthusiastic volunteers all putting together the four issues of Touchstone published each school year. If you are interested and would like to know more please contact touch@isb.ac.th or speak to your PTA representative.

eNewsletter Guidelines

by Tony Arnold
anthonya@isb.ac.th

ISB eNewsletters provide a valuable avenue for communication within the ISB parent community. For your convenience we have provided you with our eNewsletter guidelines below.

Submitting an announcement for publication
ISB accepts announcements from ISB families for potential publication in our eNewsletters. The announcements are generally intended to highlight events that occur at ISB and/or highlight information about ISB.

What to include in the announcement
• A title for your announcement
• An email contact for further information

Where to submit your announcement
4publish@isb.ac.th is for announcements of interest to the entire ISB community.
tinaratr@isb.ac.th is for Elementary School (ES) announcements of interest to ES families.
maurilib@isb.ac.th is for Middle School (MS) announcements of interest to MS families.
vijitl@isb.ac.th is for High School (HS) announcements of interest to HS families.

Your announcement will be submitted to the appropriate Principal and/or to our Marketing Director for review. ISB reserves the right to determine which announcements will and will not be published, and to edit announcements that are approved for publication.

Frequency of eNewsletter mailings
The ISB eNewsletter that is for the entire community is sent out on Thursdays. Announcements for potential publication in this newsletter must be received by noon on Thursdays.

The ES, MS, and HS eNewsletters are sent out on Fridays. Announcements for potential publication in these newsletters must be received by noon on Fridays.