High School Upcoming events (Please click):
https://inside.isb.ac.th/parentportal/?p=25965
Songkran Break
Philip Bradley
philb@isb.ac.th
We head into the Songkran break with very heavy hearts after the Tragic loss of Anthony. In many ways the break comes at a good time but I know the opportunity to relax and spend time with family and loved ones will be very poignant this year. Looking out for each other at this time is very important; in school our students have been amazing, demonstrating just the right mix of support, sensitivity and encouragement to each other. If you are concerned about a particular individual please approach them or ask others for assistance. Please also keep the Faseler family in your thoughts and prayers.
PTA and Principal’s Forum
Philip Bradley
philb@isb.ac.th
A sincere thank you to all the parents who attended last week’s Principal’s Forum and for your engagement in your child’s learning. Here is the link to the presentation used – it includes the slides and some presenter notes.
This was our last meeting of the year and I would especially like to thank our two dedicated HS PTA reps Diana Nelson and Cheryl Martin who have given many years of service to HS and worked tirelessly to ensure good communication and student centered conversations fill our agendas, sadly both are leaving ISB next year. Also sincere thanks to the Principal’s Forum committee members – your work and efforts are appreciated.
Message to the Parents of Graduating Seniors – Class of 2016
Philip Bradley
philb@isb.ac.th
Please be advised of two changes in the logistical arrangement for this year’s graduation ceremony.
The number of graduating seniors is the largest for many years with over 185 graduates – consequently we have had to reduce the family seat allocation on the floor of the gymnasium from four to three. There is still plenty of “free” seating options with good visibility on the risers at the back of the gymnasium.
Private/hired photographers will no longer be allowed on the floor of the gymnasium. ISB hires our own professional photographers who cover the entire event and provide each family with still photographs and a video of the entire ceremony. Private photographers, can stage additional shots with family and graduates after the ceremony is over.
Party Reminder
Philip Bradley
philb@isb.ac.th
Dear Parents
The Linked communication is a consequence of a shared concern for the safety of our students. It is a part of a joint effort by the principals at BPS and NIST to ensure we are giving our communities a consistent message and good information. It includes:
- Information related to parties in Bangkok
- Concerns related to “senior trips, class trips or prom trips”
- General Guidelines for Student Safety in Thailand
- Alcohol related / legal matters in Thailand
- An important legal reminder regarding student visas
The full text of this document is at the following LINK
Grade 12 Information
Philip Rogers
philr@isb.ac.th
The Songkran break is a good opportunity for our Seniors to take a breather over the next few days. Many students will have study plans and should keep in mind that interspersing breaks and opportunities to have some time for enjoyment.
Others will also be finalising their plans on which university offer to accept or continuing to make applications for entry later than August 2016.
On Tuesday 19th all Seniors will be having a meeting (2:!5pm in MPB) where important information will be provided regarding their upcoming IB, AP or ISB exams in May. Please note that ALL Seniors will be on study leave as of Thursday 28th April.
- Exam rules and regulations
- Exam schedules are available via Powerschool
- Transportation on Public holidays (both Thursday 5th May and Friday 22nd May)
- IB & AP Results release on 6th July
- IB Results service direct to universities
H.S. Counseling Newsletter
Jennifer Melton
jenniferm@isb.ac.th
If you will or may be leaving ISB this June, please plan to meet with your student’s counselor. We’re here to support families through this transition.
This week we were reminded of the great supportive community we have at ISB. We observed a “togetherness” with students in supporting each other after learning of the tragic loss of Anthony. We also saw an outpouring of good will, love and support from students for Anthony’s family. Students have been provided with tips and strategies on supporting each other and taking care of themselves. Please see the link below for these:
Supporting Yourself and Friend’s With Grief
Talking To Children About Death
Your sons and daughters have earned a well-deserved break with Songkran Holiday! Encourage them to have a safe and enjoyable week off and do something that they like to do. Go to the beach, read a book (that is not assigned by school!), see a movie, get outside and celebrate the Thai New Year!
The HS Counseling Office wishes families have a restful and enjoyable Songkran Break.
A few upcoming reminders:
Grade 11
Reminder, if students are thinking of taking the May 7 SAT, the registration deadline is today, April 8. There are a variety of universities visiting ISB in the month April. Students should take the time to meet with university representatives of schools of which they are interested. Thank you to parents for taking part on the Junior Conference. As part of the continued programming to support students applying to university, students should plan to attend upcoming University Labs:
- Applying to the UK, Thursday, April 21
- UK/UCAS Personal Statements on Friday, April 22
- US College Essays on Monday, April 25
- Researching Universities on Wednesday, April 27
Grade 12
University Decisions – This can be an anxious time for students with decisions arriving and preparing for exams. Seniors need to notify their counselors of admission decisions. If your student faces an admission denial or waitlist, it’s important to stress to that this decision is rarely a reflection of the student. If students have questions about being on a waitlist, trying to weigh their choices, etc., they’re encouraged to speak with their counselor who can help them in this process. We also encourage students to thank the teachers and counselors who put in a lot of time supporting students with recommendations.
Visit our December blog post on this very topic: “What your college applications don’t tell you” and our most recent post about how to handle “The College Waitlist”
Japan, Korea, and India – Students applying to Japan, Korea, and India met with counselors a few weeks ago to begin planning for upcoming applications. Students and parents should speak with their counselor and plan accordingly especially if deadlines are beyond graduation.
University Visits After Songkran
Monday, April 18
Ithaca College – 10:20am
Wednesday, April 20
University of British Columbia – 10:20am
Computers and back pain
Sally Plomley
sallyp@isb.ac.th
How is using your computer affecting your child’s back?
As we are using computers a lot more in schools and at home, there has been an increase in teenagers developing back pain.
The pain can be both upper and lower back and there can be changes in the back muscles due to poor posturing whilst using computers.
Some recommendations for your child:
- Place the computer on a table with the screen close to eye level
- Use a desk chair with lumbar support. May be leaned back slightly if unable to get screen at eye level
- Don’t slouch….try and keep your back straight
- If possible use a separate keyboard and mouse. Have it positioned such that the elbows are at a right angle
- Prop the feet up so your knees are level with your hips
- Do NOT use the computer whilst sitting on the ground, couch or floor
- Take a break every 30 minutes
- Limit screen time
- Encourage regular exercise (at least 1 hour a day)
Remember to protect your back as well be following the above recommendations….hopefully your children will follow your example!
This short video helps explain the correct posturing.
Athletic News
Derrick Quinet
derrickq@isb.ac.th
IASAS LINKS
Keep up with all the live streams, results, and IASAS news by following these links:
IASAS Track & Field: https://iasastrackandfield.org/
IASAS Badminton: iasas2016badminton.com
IASAS Golf: https://iasas.jisedu.or.id/golf
IASAS Softball: inside.isb.ac.th/pn/iasas
Go Panthers!
Derrick Quinet
Athletics Director
Don’t miss the tantalizing sounds of the HS Orchestra
Anthony Giles
anthonyg@isb.ac.th
HS Intermediate Band, HS Wind Ensemble, and the HS Jazz Band in ISB’s annual High School Bands, Jazz Band, and Orchestra Concert scheduled for 6:30pm on Thursday, April 21 in the Chevron Theatre. From Baroque to BeeBop, and Romantic to Rock, this concert has it all!!! Hope to see you there.
Clean out that closet!
Kerry Dyke
kerryd@isb.ac.th
Earth Week is starting the Monday after Songkran. All week we will have containers in front of the school collecting items to donate and recycle. Most of the items (toys, books, magazines, clothing, sports equipment, shoes, etc) will go to a local refugee camp helping kids the same age as our students without a country. Most are from Somalia and cannot go to school here or work. Some items will go to Second Chance Bangkok helping local designers in one of Bangkok’s poorest neighbourhoods. As well we will collect E-waste for the first time and recycle it responsibly, thus bring in those old devices, chargers, etc.
We will also have the documentary Cowspiracy showing on Tuesday, 2:15 in the MPB 1 and parents are welcome to join as well.
Throughout the week we will have presentations and activities that you can see on the attached poster.
Happy Songkran and Happy Earth Week
The ROTCS meeting for grade 9 parents who has son with Thai Nationality.
Pongsak (Nam) Srisomsup
nam@isb.ac.th
Please mark your calendars on Tuesday morning, April 19 ( 7:30-9:30 am at MPB 3 ). The important information will be provided regarding the application for the ROTC 2016. All details about the step to apply, documents list, fees for training/ uniforms/ transportation will be explained on this meeting. Also the ROTC training schedule and the exam date of 2016 will be announced and will give chances for parents for any Q&A.
eNewsletter Guidelines
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.