High School Upcoming events (Please click):
Panther Pride
Justin Alexander
justina@isb.ac.th
Dear Parents,
The Black and Gold assembly on Tuesday was the HS’s student bodies opportunity to wish our IASAS season two athletic teams all the best with their fast approaching tournaments. Our Basketball teams travel to Singapore, Rugby/Touch teams to Kuala Lumpur, the Swimmers head to Manila whilst our Tennis teams are playing here at ISB. Come out and support our tennis players on Thursday – Saturday and stay connected with the other teams progress through live stream links which you will find later in this enews. Go Panthers!
HS PTA meeting
Justin Alexander
justina@isb.ac.th
Come along for our first HS PTA meeting of the year held on Wednesday, February 6th at 6.30pm. Parents in attendance will have an opportunity to
*hear of upcoming news and events from our HS PTA reps (Ginny Condra and Vartika Bawa)
*see our students showcase their talents in advance of our hosting of the Cultural Convention in late February which includes Forensics/debate and much more.
*receive updates on GCW, upcoming course selection meetings and much more from the High School
Justin Alexander
High School Principal
+66 62 332 5955
GCW Update
Andy Vaughan
andyv@isb.ac.th
Our High School Global Citizenship Week is fast approaching, with our first groups scheduled to depart from ISB in just two weeks! This enews contains a few reminders and important links for our HS trips.
Visa’s & Passports
By now any visa’s required for overseas trips should be in process or completed. If there are any queries on whether a visa is required for your specific country, please feel free to contact Khun Pat, in the HS office or please contact the teacher sponsor for your trip.
Please also double check that your child’s passport has more than 6 months validity on it for any trip travelling internationally. We have checked passports submitted, but we ask that you take this additional step to ensure the smooth travel of your child.
Medication & Health Information
If your child is taking routine medication they will be required to turn in a ‘Field Trip Medication Consent Form’ which is found at this link. These forms need to be turned into the ISB Medical Clinic at least a week before your child departs.
For some trips there are recommended vaccinations that are required, these will have been communicated by the trip leader, however for a detailed summary of recommended health considerations that are specific to each trip, please refer to this document.
Special Clothing and Equipment.
If your child is attending a trip that has a cooler environment or that requires special equipment, please ensure these are purchased well before your departure as your child may be required to bring these to be checked in their final GCW meeting on February 5.
GCW Information Website & Communication
Your GCW lead teacher will be emailing you by next Friday with more information specific to your child’s trip. Please also find the GCW information site that is shared with parents and students at this link.
Any other questions?
If you have any further questions regarding your child’s course, please first contact the sponsor of your child’s course. There will also be a short feature on GCW at the upcoming PTA meeting, which is taking place on Wednesday Febryary 6th at 6.30pm.
We look forward to this amazing week and the many experiences our students will encounter in their course!
IB Predicted Grades
Susan Canobie
susanca@isb.ac.th
IB students who are registered for an IB Course and Exam this May will be given a Predicted Grade. The Predicted Grade is the subject teacher’s ‘best guess’ of the students’ final IB result and is based on evidence of achievement so far in the subject. They are used to give students an indication of their achievement so they can evaluate where they are at. They are also used by some colleges and universities for admission purposes. A January Predicted Grade report is now available for students and parents on PowerSchool. If you would like to discuss this grade please do so with the subject teacher, the counselor or myself. A final IB Predicted Grade will additionally occur in March.
College Counselor News
Stephan Golas
stephang@isb.ac.th
Thank you to all of you who attended our Australian higher education chat this week! Linked here is a copy of the presentation for anyone who was not able to attend. If you would like more information of Australian higher education – or higher education in a the UK, Thailand, Japan, the Netherlands, Canada, Hong Kong, or Korea – please see the list below which details our Office’s upcoming College Counseling Coffees on different education systems around the World. In addition, our final Coffee of the year, which is on May 7th, will be an open forum for you to hear a bit about the “Year in College Counseling” before we open the floor up to parents to share any questions they may have on any college or university topics they choose!
Tuesday, 5 Feb, 12:30 PM – Japanese Parent Coffee: Standardized Tests, Applying to University in Japan and the US (MPB 2) (Translation available during the meeting)
Tuesday, 5 Feb, 12:30 PM – Korean Parent Coffee: Standardized Tests, Applying to University in Korea and the US (MPB 3) (Translation available during the meeting)
Wednesday, 6 Feb, 12:30 PM – Thai Parent Coffee: Standardized Tests, Applying to University in Thailand and the US (MPB 1) (Translation available during the meeting)
Tuesday, 5 March, 8:00 AM – Applying to University in the UK and Hong Kong (MPB 1)
Tuesday, 2 April, 8:00 AM – Applying to University in Australia, Canada and the Netherlands (MPB 1)
Best regards,
Stephan
High School Counselors News
Kevin Davy
kevind@isb.ac.thFrom time to time students are going to need extra help or clarification in a subject. Students are encouraged first to see their teacher after school. Flex time is 2:25 – 3:20 and nearly all teachers are in their rooms readily available to assist students with their questions. Please encourage your son / daughter to take advantage of this time if they are having difficulties in a subject. Also available to all students is the learning hub were we have specialized teachers and assistants to assist our students. They can drop in anytime during the day.
In addition, we have a peer-tutoring program where students might be able to get individualized assistance from a peer who has volunteered their services. Students should drop by to see Mr. Callahan in the counseling office if they are interested in either getting help or helping others. Lastly, we do have a list of outside tutors, which is vetted through our administrative office. If a student needs tutorial beyond the above fore mentioned then your son/ daughter’s school counselor can be contacted for the most up to date version of tutors offering their services.
It’s been a fast-moving three weeks and students seem to be all settled in their second semester classes. Soon, in early February, they will be asked to think carefully about their course selections for the coming school year. We will take time to explain the different academic options for their years ahead. Hopefully with some careful thought and discussion, your sons and daughters will have the perfect fit of classes for next year and following.
Safeguarding and Consent – Life beyond ISB
This week we had a very informative session on student safeguarding and consent. Parents expect their children’s school to give them the academic skills to succeed in university and life, but what about the skills to manage the social demands that they face in feeling good about themselves and making smart decisions about friends and relationships? ISB strives to impart the additional skills our students need to survive “life beyond ISB” from PreK to Grade 12 – setting boundaries and fully understanding consent. We feel that learning these skills is every bit as important to a healthy, fulfilling future. The below link is to the slides shown at the presentation.
Mental Health Link for the week
Calm: Calm is the #1 app for meditation and mindfulness. Enjoy 100+ guided meditations to help you manage anxiety, lower stress and sleep better. Calm is the perfect mindfulness app for beginners, but also includes hundreds of programs for intermediate and advanced users.
Adolescents and Wellness
Elizabeth Rossini
elizabethr@isb.ac.th
Adolescents and Wellness: Strategies to Support Your Teen – Tuesday, February 5th 2.30-3.30pm MPB1
Wellness is a hot topic in schools across the world and personal wellness is a key factor in ensuring our students are prepared for their future. Research supports the need for strong wellness programs in schools across all grades. Join this session to understand some of the health and wellness needs of adolescents and how you can support your teen at home.
This workshop will be facilitated by Amy Smith who teaches Middle School Health at the Hong Kong International School and has a passion for curriculum that is current, relevant, and adaptable. She has presented at conferences in Asia as well as SXSWedu and the SHAPE America National Conventions, and serves as the Education Editor for Choices, Scholastic’s health magazine for teens. You can find her online at thehealthteacher.com and on twitter: @teaching_health.
IASAS CHAMPIONSHIPS – SEASON 2
Derrick Quinet
derrick@isb.ac.th
ISB is gearing up to host what promises to be another classic IASAS Tennis Tournament, January 31-February 2. Join us for all the non-stop action, festivities, fun, and unrelenting, irrepressible displays of Panther Pride at ISB. This is our time to shine!
Check the IASAS TENNIS SCHEDULE and plan your time to cheer on our hard-working, talented players and teams. You can also follow all of the action via the tournament website, brought to you by the HS Tech Council: iasas.isb.ac.th, and the live stream brought to you by the HS Broadcasting Club.
For this tournament at ISB, we are able to offer an exclusive, unique, and unmatched experience for spectators, with on-court seating and a front row view to witness some of the most exciting tennis in SE Asia. Forget the Australian Open! Come sit courtside at IASAS!
An ISB team plays in every time slot throughout the day, so bring your family, tell your friends, plan your meals at our delicious vendors, and don’t forget to wear your Black & Gold spirit gear for IASAS Tennis 2019, hosted at ISB! This is one tournament you will not want to miss!
All of our other varsity teams travel out for their season ending championships as IASAS takes place across SE ASIA. You can find all the tournament websites and follow all of the action, with live streaming games, results, photos and more by going to iasas.asia and following the links for Season 2.
The rugby and touch teams travel to ISKL in Malaysia, the swim team journeys to Manila, and the basketball teams head south to Singapore, all with high hopes of performing their best. The teams would love your support, so tune in and cheer on our Panthers via live stream. We are proud of you!
GO PANTHERS!
SEARCHING FOR A TRACK & FIELD COACH
Derrick Quinet
derrick@isb.ac.th
ISB is searching for an assistant varsity track and field coach to help with throws (discus, javelin, shot put) in season 3. If you are interested and experienced or know someone who is, please contact the Athletic Department (derrickq@isb.ac.th) to express your interest. The season begins Feb. 5 and extends until April 14.
Thank you!
Derrick Quinet
|Athletic Director
Inter-School Technology Competition (ISTC)
Anthony Giles
anthonyg@isb.ac.th
Inter-School Technology Competition (ISTC) is coming up on Saturday April 6, 2019! Sign up now!
Are you passionate in coding, graphic design, film or photography? This is the chance for you to showcase your talent! Coders and graphic designers: come on Saturday April 6, 2019 (8:30am – 3:30pm) to compete and showcase your talent. Filmmakers and photographers: you will have the chance to submit your films and photographs to be part of this competition. Prizes and certificates will be awarded to the best performing teams/individuals.
Please fill out this form if you are interested in participating in this event. The deadline is February 18, 2019. For more information, please visit https://istc.isb.ac.th/ or contact techcouncil@students.isb.ac.th
ISB CC Music Showcase Performances
Anthony Giles
anthonyg@isb.ac.th
ISB CC Music Showcase Performances 2:45 February 6 and 7, 2019 MS/HS Choir Room
The annual ISB CC Music Showcase Performances will be held in the MS/HS Choir Room on both Wed. Feb. 6th and Thurs. Feb. 7th beginning at 2:45 pm. Delegates from the four music areas, choir, band, strings and piano, will be performing their solos and ensembles which they will also perform at the Cultural Convention in Singapore in late Feb./early March for adjudication. Audience members may come and go throughout the program between performances as necessary. Come out and support our wonderful music students as they prepare for the 2019 Music Cultural Convention in Singapore. The recital is free of charge and all are welcome.
AP Exam Sign-up (Repeat)
Susan Canobie
susanca@isb.ac.th
Over the next two weeks student sign-up for Advance Placement (AP) exams which take place this coming May.
If students are currently taking the IB Math SL2/AP Calculus course at ISB they are expected to sign up and take the AP Calculus AB exam. For students in IB Math HL2, they have been prepared for the AP Calculus AB exam and they have been partially prepared for the majority of the AP Calculus BC exam, and with a little extra individual work on their part, can be fully prepared for this BC exam. Please note, the CollegeBoard stipulates that students cannot take both the Calculus AB and BC exams in the same year. Any students in other ISB Math classes are not prepared by ISB and we recommend they do not take the AP math exams.
Students should collect an AP exam form and information from Ms. Canobie’s secretary, Khun Mook. They must then see their counselor to discuss the workload implications of taking these exams.
Registration for AP exams must be handed into the Dean of Academics office no later than Friday 1st February.
IB Mock Exam Schedule (Repeat)
Susan Canobie
susanca@isb.ac.th
Students who are registered to take IB exams this May will sit Mock Exams on March 6-14. The individual student schedule will be available on PowerSchool within the next week.
eNewsletter Guidelines
Shelley Bragg
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.
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.