Ryan Haynes
ryanh@isb.ac.th
Grade 9
This week our Freshman Seminar had Mr. Bradley (High School Principal) and Mr. Vaughan (HS Dean of Students) visit and talk with students about citizenship and getting off to a good start in high school. Students in another FS session also produced a creative “Dream Print”; this is a collage of images that represent hopes, aspirations and dreams for the future. These images are also accompanied by values they see as important to be part of their future lives. This will be part of an electronic “About Me Portfolio” they will be producing.
Our Community Group Activity that we had this week focused on Academic Honesty. This was a great session, especially for freshman, as different scenarios were presented and they had the opportunity to gain greater awareness of what is and is not acceptable behavior in regards to the use of other resources.
Grade 10
Sophomores: Three full weeks of school finished and the students are, in general, set in their routines. The beginning of the year is a crazy time when so many things (sports, music, clubs, etc.) are on offer. Talk with your students to make sure that they don’t have too much on their plate. Getting the right balance early is important in order not to become over-extended later when assignments and obligations pile up.
The first Sophomore Seminar will be Monday, September 14th during flex. We will explore students’ character strengths using the VIA survey. Research is showing that people who are more aware of their strengths tend to be more satisfied and knowledgeable of their selves and their goals. It’s our first step in helping students find out about what they are good at, and what they like to do. Could that help them in deciding their futures?
Grade 11
With the third week of school among us, students should be settled into their classes. Please check-in with your son/daughter to make sure they are not feeling overwhelmed and they are maintaining balance with their academics and personal lives.
The first Junior Seminar will take place next Thursday, September 10 during Flex. In the seminar we will review the student’s character strengths from last year, discuss the importance of grade 11, and have students complete worksheets that will assist them in further examining their character traits and how this will assist them as they begin their college/university search.
Grade 12
Senior lives are filling up with activities, schoolwork, and friends. Any help you can provide in assisting them to maintain balance and a healthy outlook, will go a long way.
Two sessions were held earlier this week for those students who plan to apply to the UK and US. Those applicants should now be registered with their respective UCAS and Common Application accounts.
Senior University lab started this past Monday. Labs are held in room 203 during Flex for ANY student who wants additional support or has questions about their university process.
Grades 9-12
US Mock Admission Workshop
Saturday, September 26 @ 12:30pm
The US university admission process can be confusing. More than any other country, student voice, institutional priorities, and the subjectivity of the reader determine acceptance. In this workshop, you will have a chance to read real applications and model how university admission committees make decisions. ISB is fortunate to have 5 US universities join us and participate in this program.
Upcoming University Visits
University of British Columbia – Wednesday, September 9
Blue Mountains Int’l Hotel Mgmt. School – Friday, September 11
Cornell, Rice, Vanderbilt, and University of Chicago – Saturday, September 12 @ 1:00pm (MPB)