Kevin Davy
kevind@isb.ac.th
The High School runs an internship program for our grade 9-11 students at the end of the 2016-17 school year. The program will run from June 12-22 and includes workshops (prior to the actual internship) on resume-writing, interviewing skills, and other information related to success on the job. We work with businesses that are happy to sponsor one or more ISB students in an appropriate, stimulating internship where they have a chance to learn about the workings of a business/career while gaining valuable experience in what it takes to be successful in a job. The cost of the internship is 18,300 baht. If you think that your son or daughter would benefit from such an experience, have them contact Mr. Callahan at kevinc@isb.ac.th and he will help them with further steps in securing an internship.
Grade 9
It was great to see another event where students took some risk in putting themselves forward to represent in the student counsel for next year. Well done to all those that took that risk and congratulations to those elected. Throughout the year I have been able to see many students take risks through joining clubs, trying out for a team or performance, taking challenging courses, trying new approaches to learning and many more. The outcome sometimes will be successful and sometimes not – its OK to “fail forward” as we learn; the growth comes in the process. In the community in which we live hopefully our students feel in a safe place where they will be supported in taking on new challenges by those around them acting as safety net.
Temperatures and humidity are extremely high, as you know. It is so important to keep encouraging hydration for both health and learning purposes. Keep Hydrated:)
Grade 10
Many parents wonder about the best times for their sons and daughters to take standardized tests that are
used for university application/selection. Some start as early as 9th grade, and some parents become
anxious when they aren’t doing the same as their children’s peers. Some thoughts to consider:
Taking the PSAT in 11th grade, and their first SAT in the second semester of 11th grade, keeps students right on track for maximizing their scores. Take the second in May-June and third, if necessary, in fall of senior year. Students very rarely increase their scores after the third try. Developmentally, it is much better to prep for a test designed for 11th and 12th graders when the student is closer to that age, and the curriculum of ISB in math and English will certainly be adding to their skills and ultimate scores. Plus, and maybe most
importantly, there is no need to add further to students’ stress and anxiety about the future by making them study outside of school for a test two or three years down the line. Please consider this plan when thinking of your student’s future… and present.
Grade 11
Counselors met with Juniors in the last seminar of the year this past week. Students took a self-assessment related to their college planning and identified their personal “to do” list. Ask them about it! We discussed summer visits to colleges, the need to find balance in Senior year with enjoying what is the final year at home for most students, and making a plan for testing, recommendations, and essay writing. Students have access to resources on Haiku to get them starting to think about how to write for the US and UK.
As the last few weeks of 11th grade fast approach, help your student reflect on what has gone well this year and where they’ve met success. This will help students identify what is important to them as they prepare for life after ISB. Many classes will start final exam review soon. Help students find balance in what can be a hectic time ensuring they get plenty of rest and downtime to stay recharged through June 9!
Grade 12
IB Exams are now underway. Please remind your seniors to get plenty of rest, set a study plan, and confer with teachers for any necessary exam support. This can be a time of many mixed feelings for students and parents. Counselors are still available to support students in any way.
Senior Transition Day will take place on Wednesday, June 7 from 7:30am-2:00pm. Attendance is mandatory for all seniors.
Students were given their Leaver’s Form a few weeks ago and will need to turn them in by Friday, May 19th. School records will not be released if the form is not completed and submitted to their counselor. Laptops are also due by this date. There is also a Senior Graduation Survey in Naviance that students need to complete.
University Decisions – Seniors need to notify their counselors of admission decisions. If a student decides NOT to attend a university to which they’ve been accepted, they should notify the university of their decision. This can be done through an email or an online portal as directed in the acceptance notification. Please read university acceptances very carefully for details. Finally, students should have deposited to US universities by now and just a reminder that only ONE deposit should have been made.
Japan, Korea, Australia, New Zealand, and India Applicants- Students met with a counselor 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.
College News
Here is the link to university visits for the upcoming week:
https://sites.google.com/a/isb.ac.th/isb-hs-university-advising/university-visit-calendar