Andrew Weiser
andreww@isb.ac.th
All
Alumni Fair – On January 14, ISB Counselors will host an Alumni Fair in room 203 at 10:20. Come talk to former ISB students who are now at university. You can learn more about their specific university, their transition, experience, advice, etc. All high school students and parents are invited. Tentatively, ISB alumni in attendance represent universities in Belgium, Scotland, Switzerland, and the US. More details to follow upon return from the break in January.
Grade 9
This week our freshmen had their final freshman seminar. With the exams just around the corner we decided to have some additional focus on unhealthy stress and anxiety reduction. This included focused breathing techniques, mindful walking, plus the sharing of additional tools to get the mind and body in a good place. Over the break we would like our freshmen to take a well deserved rest, keep healthy, and maybe pick up a book of interest to read at leisure.
Grade 10
All the semester’s work is almost complete and fortunately there are fewer semester exams this year for 10th graders. Two things are necessary for success. First, it is imperative to get proper sleep in the days leading up to exams. Whenever a person needs to perform at peak capacity (in sports, acting, music, or other performances), their bodies must be properly rested. The same goes for intellectual activities. The brain needs rest too, and no one performs optimally on a reduced sleep schedule. Secondly, before students get anxious about final tests and their consequences, they would do well to understand that an assessment worth 20% of the grade (maximum allowed on semester exams) generally has very little influence on the grade. For example, do the math on this one: If a student goes into the final with an A- and 92% in the class, and they get an 84 on their final, what will their semester grade be? Need any help on this? Ask your son or daughter to assist you! Best of luck to students in their last week of the semester!
Grade 11
On Wednesday, Dec. 10, grade 11 students met with their counselors to learn about ISB’s Student Safeguarding Policy. Counselors went through the policy with the students, highlighting different areas and explaining the reasons behind why ISB has strengthened its policy. At the conclusion of the presentation, students were given two scenarios in which they had to decide what would be the best course of action during a potential safeguarding issue. The scenarios were a catalyst for good discussions among the students.
Grade 12
It’s hard to believe that Seniors have only one semester left of high school. How are you feeling about this big life event for both you and your student? We hope that as the 3 week holiday approaches, you are able to spend quality time together connecting, relaxing, and reflecting. It’s been a stressful, exciting, and busy last few months and it’s important to have some downtime and recover.
There is one week left for Seniors with application deadlines now through January to submit their application (US, Canada, HK, UK). After a Senior has submitted the application, required documents (transcripts, recommendations) will be sent to the university. Please keep in mind that university offices are very busy places managing thousands of applications and application documents. In this high tech world, receiving materials is still not instant. It can take 4-6 weeks for a university to recognize and acknowledge that all application materials have arrived. Please assume best intent on the part of the ISB counseling office that all materials have been sent correctly.
If a university requires SAT, ACT, TOEFL, IELTS, etc., it is the student’s responsibility to send these materials directly from the testing agency BEFORE the application deadline.
Upcoming University Visits
Pima Community College December 14, 2015 10:20 AM