First Friday with Andy
By: Dr. Andrew Davies, ISB Head of School
andrewd@isb.ac.th
“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.
The next “First Friday with Andy” will take place on Friday 2 September at 8:00am in the new Business Office Conference Room (aka Orange Room).
Welcome Wai Coffee
By: Welcome Wai
welcomewai@isb.ac.th
The PTA Welcome Wai would like to invite all ISB parents to our morning coffee Wednesday, September 7th at 8:00 am in MPB rooms 2-3. Come learn about various activities for you in our community from groups such as Nonthaburi Neighborhood Reach, After the Boxes, White Elephant, and ISB Adult Education. You will also enjoy a mini showcase of performances featuring Zumba, Bollywood and Latin Rhythm dances.
ISB hosts Massed Band Festival – you’re invited!
By: Anthony Giles, Arts and Activities Director
anthonyg@isb.ac.th
On September 10th, ISB is hosting our annual Massed Band Festival involving international school students from Bangkok and surrounding areas. Everyone is invited to the Gala Concert, held at 2pm in the Chevron Theatre. Come and enjoy the students culminating performance, brought together through a full day of collaboration and rehearsing under a notable guest conductor, Mr. Dusty Molyneaux, Arts Supervisor from Great Falls, Montana in the USA. The students will perform marches, ballads, dances and more. Don’t miss it!
This year’s festival will involve six schools and over 200 students.
(No prior booking needed.)
Appointment of Director of Operations
By Dr. Andrew Davies (Head of School)
andrewd@isb.ac.th
Dear ISB Community,
We are very pleased to announce that Mr. Marc de Vries joined the ISB team last week as Director of Operations. Mr. De Vries will be supporting Dr. Ugo Costessi who has returned to ISB as Deputy Head of School/CFO on a part time and interim basis. Dr. Costessi’s main focus will be on the school’s financial management, while Mr. De Vries will oversee the day to day operations.
Mr. De Vries’ availability presented a unique opportunity to ISB as he possesses key institutional knowledge of the school following his many years as both Chair of the Board of Trustees and Chair of the Business Committee. He also has the relevant professional experience and skill set to effectively oversee operational aspects. Mr. De Vries’ strong passion for learning, his many personal qualities, along with his knowledge of ISB, our history and our ethos, make him ideally suited to this position. Two of Marc’s children have graduated from ISB, while his daughter Carina is studying in Grade 11.
Mr. De Vries has resigned from the Board of Trustees and Mr. Eric Ma was appointed Chair of the ISB Board of Trustees in his stead at the Board Retreat last Friday.
The search process for a full time Deputy Head of School/CFO for the 2017/18 school year is underway and the position has been posted with Search Associates.
Please join me in welcoming Mr. De Vries to the ISB staff.
Sincerely,
Dr. Andrew Davies
Head of School
Board of Trustees Communication
By: Sumiter Broca (Secretary, ISB Board of Trustees)
Dear ISB Community
Last Friday, the ISB Board of Trustees (BOT) held its annual retreat to plan for the school improvement work for the 2016/17 school year and beyond. The ISB Leadership Team presented aspects of the school’s Strategic Learning Plan, while discussions also took place around safety, marketing & communications, athletics, and external test data.
Additionally, appointments were made for the BOT officer positions for the 2016/17 school year. The appointments are as follows:
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BOT Chair – Mr. Eric Ma
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BOT Vice Chair – Ms. Elizabeth Bredin
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BOT Treasurer – Mr. Bill Harvey
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BOT Secretary – Dr. Sumiter Broca
The Board of Trustees bids farewell to long standing Chair, Mr. Marc De Vries and thanks him wholeheartedly for his exemplary leadership of the board for the past five years. Mr. De Vries has been employed by ISB as Director of Operations for the 2016/17 school year.
Incoming Chair, Mr. Eric Ma, is a former ISB student and father of Nico in Grade 11. Mr. Ma has been working for Morgan Stanley for 23 years.
The first Board of Trustees meeting of the year will be held on Tuesday 20th September at 6:00pm in MPB 3. All parents are cordially invited to attend.
Please join the Futures Forum
By: Graeme Scott, Deputy Head of School for Learning
graemes@isb.ac.th
Dear ISB Community Members,
As I’m sure you’re aware, we are living in rapidly changing times. The changes we are witnessing are impacting global needs, the workplace and also education. ISB has been working for the last four years on ways to ‘future-proof’ our organization and looking into how we best prepare our students for this challenging and dynamic environment.
Please join us on Wednesday, September 14th from 1:00 – 2:15 in MPB 1 for a Futures Forum. You will hear how ISB is approaching this challenge, find out how your own child might be impacted and also have a chance to join the discussion yourself. Click here to hear some thoughts to begin with.
The discussion will be led by Graeme Scott, our Deputy Head of School for Learning, and Dr. Chris Jansen. Chris is Adjunct Senior Lecturer at the University of Canterbury, New Zealand. He is also an expert in change leadership. He currently spends much of his time working with the community of Christchurch, New Zealand, helping to rebuild schools in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake of 2011. Chris has been working alongside us, supporting our work for the past two years. We would love to share some of our findings and hear your thoughts too.
Please join us for a lively discussion and snacks.
Information about MAP Testing
By: Graeme Scott, Deputy Head of School for Learning
graemes@isb.ac.th
Dear Parents,
In the coming weeks, children in grades 3-8 will participate in MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) testing. MAP is an assessment produced by Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA) and is the largest standardized assessment of its type in the US. It is done on a computer and each test adapts to the student’s previous answers, so if they answer a question correctly, a more challenging question is presented. If they answer incorrectly, a simpler question follows.
MAP is a standardized test and is only one of many different types of assessment that we use to determine student learning progress. Children do not all learn in the same way, so any standardized assessment needs to be viewed only in conjunction with a range of other learning data. We get the most accurate picture of a student’s progress by using a variety of learning evidence including everyday ongoing assessments, learning conversations with students, ongoing formative assessment (assessment that helps us design more appropriate subsequent learning experiences) and short quizzes.
MAP also measures your child’s achievement level compared to other students who have taken this test, and measures academic growth over time in the areas of mathematics and reading. However, the student sample is drawn from US public and private schools, not international schools. The test does not cover all academic skills, nor does it cover such areas as physical, artistic, or interpersonal skills. Parents will gain a more complete picture of student performance by looking at this test alongside a variety of classroom work samples and other assessments over a period of time.
For further information, please visit the website www.nwea.org
Kind regards,
Graeme Scott
Deputy Head of School for Learning
Maid/Driver Guest replacement ID card 2016-2017
By: Mark Hevland, Head of Risk Management
markh@isb.ac.th
As a reminder, all maids, drivers and guest ID Cards must be replaced annually (no need for parents to replace their IDs). Car/Golf Cart stickers are valid for two years, so if you already have a car sticker from last year, there is no need for a new one.
As of Monday, September 5th, last year’s cards will no longer be accepted for access.
Maid/Driver/Guest replacement ID Card 2016-2017
Maid/Driver/Guest ID’s are now available for printing from the Safety & Security Team Office (next the Chevron Theater). The person receiving the card must present himself or herself in person, so as they can get a photo.
The ID Card for Maid/Driver/guest can be done by completing the attached document. See instructions below and please include the necessary documentation listed.
Instructions for the applicant:
- Print out the attached form
- Complete application form
- If the sponsoring Parent/Staff cannot accompany the applicant, he/she may present the sponsor’s non-expiring ISB ID as proof of eligibility
- Bring old ID card if renewing
- The old card must be returned to ISB
- Each ISB family will be issued a maximum of three (3) Photo-ID cards for domestic staff. This may be any combination of Maids and/or Drivers. Additional cards (extra staff or staff turnovers) will be provided at a cost of Baht 200.
The new ID card will be valid until August 2017, or as otherwise announced by ISB. We will take the ID photo and issue the ID as soon as possible. In the event of volume delays, the card’s owner may pick up the completed ID during normal office hours (Monday–Friday between 7:00-
Car/Golf Cart ISB Access Sticker (only required for new families)
For new parents to obtain ISB access sticker, please print and complete the form attached below, attach a copy of the car registration and submit to the Safety & Security Team Office (next to the Chevron Theater). The sticker will be issued immediately upon completion of the required documents.
If you have any questions please contact Khun Ratthavit, at 02- 963-5800 Ext 7730.
Mini-Calendars for sale
By: Matthew Kelly, High School Social Studies
matthewk@isb.ac.th
The High School Service Fund Club are proud to be selling ISB mini-calendars. All money raised will help students to develop their service based learning activities.
Where?
- Calendars are available from HS, MS and ES offices as well as the main front office
How much?
- 50baht per calendar.
Your support is greatly appreciated,
Service Fund Team
Health Clinic: Fast facts on Influenza
By: Sally Plomley
sallyp@isb.ac.th
Over the last few days we have noticed an increase in students being diagnosed with influenza (especially in the High School). We wanted to make sure parents are aware of the symptoms. Please read the information below and keep your children at home if they are unwell to help us prevent influenza spreading throughout the school. Influenza vaccination for the 2016/17 season is currently available at the Bumrungrad Nichada Clinic.
How is Influenza Spread?
Influenza virus is spread when someone with influenza coughs or sneezes, producing airborne droplets that come into contact with another person. Droplets can be spread through the air. Infection may also be spread by contact with hands, tissues and other articles soiled by infected nose and throat discharges.
Symptoms:
- rapid onset of fever
- headache
- muscle aches
- fatigue
- sneezing
- running nose
- sore throat
- a cough
- may have nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain
Most people recover within a week, although the cough and fatigue may last longer. Influenza is much more serious than the common cold. It can lead to pneumonia (lung infection or inflammation) and other complications, and even death.
Once you are exposed to the influenza virus it is an average of 2 days for seasonal influenza (range 1 to 4 days) before you get symptoms. You are usually contagious from 1 day before onset of symptoms until 7 days after the onset of symptoms.
Treatment
Most people recover with rest, drinking plenty of fluids and use of paracetamol/acetaminophen for the relief of pain and fever.
If the influenza virus is detected on throat/nasal swab antiviral medication can be given. This should be started within 48 hours of the onset of the illness and may decrease the duration and the severity of the illness. The entire course of the antiviral medication should be taken.
It is important that children are able to recover fully prior to returning to school otherwise they will relapse and risk spreading the infection to their peers. They should be fever free without medication for 24 hours prior to returning to school.
If your child is diagnosed with influenza please notify the Health Clinic. They will then need to present a medical certificate to the Health Clinic stating they are fit to return to school and no longer contagious prior to going to class.
Seek medical advice if:
- you are concerned about the symptoms
- symptoms are getting worse
- shortness of breath
- difficulty breathing
- confusion
- inability to keep liquids down because of vomiting
- symptoms of dehydration (such as being dizzy when standing or passing much less urine than normal)
- If you want to see if antiviral medications will help.
Prevention
- If children are unwell they should stay away from school until there has been no fever for 24 hours (without using a fever reducing medicine such as paracetamol/acetaminophen).
- Wash hands as soon as possible after sneezing or coughing and after contact with nose and throat discharges or articles soiled by these. Use soap and water or an alcohol based hand rub.
- Wipe down all frequently touched surfaces regularly with a cleaning cloth dampened with detergent, or a large alcohol wipe.
- Cover a cough or sneeze with a tissue or your arm, not with your hand. Drop used tissues immediately into a rubbish bin, then wash your hands.
- Flu vaccines reduce the risk of getting severe influenza. Influenza vaccination is required every year as the influenza virus is constantly changing and each year the influenza vaccines are altered to provide protection against the strains that are circulating.
- Annual influenza vaccination is recommended for anyone 6 months of age or older who wishes to reduce the likelihood of becoming ill with influenza.
ISB is committed to your child’s overall development, both educationally and health related. Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact your healthcare provider or the ISB Health Clinic (nurse@isb.ac.th).
Adult Education Program Fall 2016 – Coming soon!
By: Gabriela Alvarez Fourcade, PTA Adult Education Coordinator
isbadulted@gmail.com
This is a volunteer-run fundraiser for ISB PTA. Funds raised from this program go to support many activities at school, including grants for the Clubs, supporting our students and surrounding community.
This program provides a variety of classes for all adults in our Community. You don’t need to be an ISB parent… Cuisine, Dance & Physical Fitness, Arts & Creativity, Languages, Technology Information and much more!
This is your chance to meet new friends while learning a new skill or just refreshing an old one…
A detailed Class Catalogue will be available on Sept 7th. Please, mark the date in your calendars! In the meanwhile you can have a look at a preliminary class list here:
https://inside.isb.ac.th/parentportal/adulteducation/.
Online Registration will start on September 19th
There is further information in the link above or if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me by email.
Best wishes,
Gabriela Alvarez Fourcade
ISB
PTA Adult Education Coordinator
isbadulted@gmail.com
0907978728
Volunteers needed for popcorn sales
By: Sraboni Pal
srabonip1508@gmail.com
The PTA popcorn sales team needs volunteers for their Friday popcorn sales. If you are new to ISB and looking to make new friends, this is your opportunity! For the returning parents, it is 2 hours of fun socializing. We are there every Friday opposite the Booster hut from 9.00am – 1.00pm. Interested parents please email us to sign up!
Sraboni Pal srabonip1508@gmail.com and Jesmin Tarana tarana.jesmin@gmail.com
PTA Popcorn Sales Coordinators
ISB Panthers’ Game Schedule
By: Derrick Quinet, Athletics Director
derrickq@isb.ac.th
The sports season is officially underway! Don’t miss your opportunity to come out and cheer for our Mighty Panthers. The schedule of upcoming games is available on the website, and it is updated regularly. Please bookmark the following link:
Go Panthers!
Saturday night Adult Softball at ISB
By: Dan Jovanovic
djovanovic21@yahoo.com
Come play adult slow pitch softball on the best field in Thailand. Starting in September, pick up softball games for adults will be played at Reinsch Field on Saturday nights. To be included on the email distribution list for specific game dates and times, please contact Dan Jovanovic djovanovic21@yahoo.com.
Thanks,
Dan Jovanovic
092-257-7074
Bangkok All-Stars Tournament Baseball Teams – Tryouts in September
By: Andy Minckler
andy@mincklermail.com
Dear Parents,
The Bangkok All-Stars are travel and tournament baseball teams, with 4 age groups: U10s, U12s, U14s and U18s. Teams are very competitive and kids from all over Bangkok are eligible. Tryouts are mandatory and will be held on Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th September at ISB fields. See below schedule and the attached flyer for the age cut-off dates and information about the program. Players selected for this team may be required to participate in local and overseas tournaments, as well as attending mandatory practices each week. Registration in the BBSA is also required, but the commitment to play on these teams is over and above participation in the BBSA. Not all teams may travel overseas this year, so please consult the Head Coach for details.
Bangkok All-Stars Tryout Schedule
Date Time Field Team
Saturday, 10 Sep 4:00pm to 5:30pm Reinsch U10s
Sunday, 11 Sep 4:00pm to 5:30pm Field B U12s
Sunday, 11 Sep 11:00am to 12:30pm Reinsch U14s
Sunday, 11 Sep 1:30pm to 3:00pm Reinsch U18s
At the tryout, make sure your son wears proper attire and brings their own baseball glove. Bats and all other equipment will be provided. Cleats are recommended, but please also bring a pair of sneakers / trainers in case of rain – we will use indoor facilities if it rains, and cleats are not allowed indoors. Having your own water bottle is also recommended, though water will be provided at the fields.
If you have any additional questions or concerns, please email the appropriate Head Coach contact as provided in the flyer.
See you on the diamond!
Andy Minckler
Bangkok All-Stars
Bangkok All-Stars Flyer_2016-7
ISB’s Debate and Forensics department needs your help!
By: Nancy Le Nezet
nancyl@isb.ac.th
We are looking for people with experience in debate (any style) and / or other public speaking events (Extemp, Original Oratory, Oratory Interpretation, Impromptu) to help us during the large IASAS tournament ISB is hosting in March 2017. Even if you haven’t debated since High School, your experience is valuable to us!
We need quite a number of judges (available on Thursday 2nd, Friday 3rd and/or Saturday 4th of March) for all events. You will receive training beforehand and be able to practice at ISB before the big event.
We also need volunteers to make sure the event runs smoothly (no debate / public speaking experience needed).
If you think you can help, please email me: nancyl@isb.ac.th
Girl Scout registration deadline
By: Amy Hall
amersuec@yahoo.com
Please remember that the deadline for registering your Girl Scout is Friday, Sept. 2. Forms and payment can be given to Julie Swierczewski or Amy Hall or dropped at the CAO office. For more information, please contact Julie at julieswierczeski@yahoo.com or Amy at amerce@yahoo.com.
ISB Music program
By: Angela Kohl, Music Program Coordinator
angelak@isb.ac.th
Our ISB music program is in the first week of lessons. Most slots are filled, but we do still have openings for flute, guitar and trumpet lessons. For more information please contact the coordinator, Angela Kohl (angelak@isb.ac.th).
eNews Guidelines
Shelley Bragg, Director of Marketing and Communications
shelleyb@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.
phremjiz@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 Director