High School Upcoming events (Please click):
Spirit or Smog
Justin Alexander
justina@isb.ac.th
Dear Parents,
A short message from me this week to match the short week at school. I am currently in Manila with the IASAS swimming team who are about to start the 2nd day of competition against the other schools from our IASAS family. The swimmers are doing well, sitting second on the points table in the Boys and third in the Girls. The coaches are very pleased with the efforts of the team and the boys finished the day yesterday by winning gold in the 4x50m freestyle relay and smashing the ISB school record for this event.
Good luck to our basketballers in Singapore, our Rugby and Touch players in Kuala Lumpur and of course to our Tennis players battling it out in Bangkok on our home court. With no school on today, it would be great for parents and students to come along to support our tennis players in this great competition.
For livestream action and results etc please visit
Have a great weekend
Regards
Justin Alexander
High School Principal’s Forum
Pascale Kervyn & Ginny Condra
hsppforum@isb.ac.th.
Call For Questions
The first HS Principal Forum will on Wednesday March 6 at 9:30 am in the Literary Lounge of the library. This meeting, hosted by Justin Alexander and the HS Admin team, is an opportunity to discuss high school specific questions, comments, suggestions or concerns.
High school parents play a role in this process by submitting written comments, questions and concerns to the HS team in advance. These submissions are reviewed and summarized by a committee of high school parents who sit on the Principal’s Forum committee. All concerns will be addressed but a selection of these concerns will be discussed with the Principal during the Principal forum. Please note that all submissions will be considered anonymous when brought forward to the parent committee compiling the report for the HS Admin Team.
Please submit items directly to the dedicated HS Principal Forum email – hsppforum@isb.ac.th. Submissions are due by Friday February 22. Parents may also submit questions via their PTA country representative which will be forwarded to the committee.
Pascale Kervyn & Ginny Condra
GCW Update
Andy Vaughan
andyv@isb.ac.th
We are now on countdown for the start of our High School Global Citizenship Week with only 7 days to go before our first groups depart!
This enews repeats much of what was in last weeks enews, but contains a few reminders and important links for our HS trips.
Visa’s & Passports
By now any visa’s required for overseas trips should have been 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 this weekend as your child may be required to bring these to be checked in their final GCW meeting next week on Tuesday, February 5.
GCW Information Website & Information
Your GCW lead teacher will be emailing you 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.
Communication with your child
Most GCW trips have norms which require students on the trip to be without technology or to have limited access to technology. We are encouraging students to disconnect during this week so that they can better connect with each other and the environments they are interacting with.
As trips depart and arrive in their location you will receive an SMS from ISB to confirm that groups have arrived safely. During the week there will be limited and in some cases no communication from trip chaperones. Parents should also expect an SMS when trips arrive back into Bangkok.
If a family emergency arises and there is a need to contact your child, please direct these requests direct to Andy Vaughan (0875149550) who will coordinate this communication.
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 February 6th at 6.30pm.
We look forward to this amazing week and the many experiences our students will encounter in their course!
Andy Vaughan
High School Dean of Students
M: +668 7514 9550
Grade 12 Exam Schedules, Mock exams and for May 2018
Susan Canobie
susanca@isb.ac.th
Important information
Grade 12 students will be undertaking Mock exams from Wednesday 6th March to Thursday 14th March, with the Arts students having a working session at specific times in the schedule. The Mock exam schedule for students will be available on PowerSchool this coming week. Please note, morning exams begin at 7:30am and afternoon exams begin at 12:00pm, with the exception for Wednesday March 6, where the session will begin at 8:00am.
Grade 12 students will all finish formal classes on Friday 26th April and start study leave the following week. The official IB exams for ISB start onFriday 3rd May and go through to Thursday 23rd May. There are IB exams on Thai holidays during this period.
All exams are in MPB with AM (mornings) starting at 7:30am and PM (afternoon) starting at 12noon.
Grade 10 ISA Testing
Susan Canobie
susanca@isb.ac.th
On the mornings of Wednesday 20th and Thursday 21st February all Grade 10 students will be completing the International Schools Assessment (ISA) in Mathematical Literacy, Reading and Writing. This assessment is conducted in grades 3, 5, 7 and 10 at ISB and the results are used to provide patterns in learning and assist in charting future direction. Students are expected to bring a pencil, black pen, eraser, ruler, sharpener and calculator tothe test. EAL students may also bring a translating dictionary for the Mathematics.
IB Basics for Parents
Susan Canobie
susanca@isb.ac.th
An information session on the basics of the IB Diploma dated for Tuesday February 26th will at 6:30-7:30pm in MPB1. Please come and learn the basics of the IB Diploma Program and its assessment.
Overall Grade-to-date
Susan Canobie
susanca@isb.ac.th
Teachers will update PowerSchool on Friday February 8 with a Grade-to-date and HAL Grade for all students. This Grade-to-date is based on the ‘body of evidence’ of student work completed so far, with teachers using the Grade Descriptors and their professional judgement. For your reference, the Grade Descriptors can be found inside the back cover of the Student Daily Planner. Please note that this is a ‘snapshot’ of current achievement and may be based solely on 1 or 2 assessments. The next grade update will occur on March 1.
College Counselor News
Stephan Golas
stephang@isb.ac.th
As a final reminder for Grade 10 Students: in Advisory on January 10 you were given a PSAT 10 Sign Up Form. The PSAT 10 is OPTIONAL and you MUST opt-in to take it by completing the form and turning it in to the College Counseling Office to register for the test. If you have not returned the form, please do so no later than Monday, February 5th. After the 5th, we cannot accept any additional registrations.
High School Counselors News
Kevin Davy
kevind@isb.ac.th
From 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.
More Information on Vaping
Several weeks ago Mr. Vaughan shared a letter and article to parents in regards to concerns with some of our students “vaping”. As a follow up in this and the next E-news we will share educational articles that are part of a 4 series email thread from Freedom from Chemical Dependency (FCD). We have put them into word document format here for easier reading:
FCD Vaping Articles (Part 1 & 2)
STUDENT VOLUNTEERS AT IFF
Becky Hansberry
beckyh@isb.ac.th
STUDENT VOLUNTEERS AT IFF- February 23, 2019 from 3-7:30 pm
The PTA needs your students to help at the International Family Fair, February 23rd, 3:00-7:30pm. Please sign up to assist with the games or selling wristbands. The IFF will be using a wristband system instead of paper tickets to pay for food and games for which there will be a training session on Friday, February 8th at 10:25 am in the MPB 3. If you cannot make the training session, you may still volunteer as there will be additional times to learn. Have fun, get service hours, and help the community! Sign up here.
IASAS CHAMPIONSHIPS – SEASON 2
Derrick Quinet
derrick@isb.ac.th
ISB is currently hosting the 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. Don’t miss the finals, this Saturday! 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 offering 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.
All of our other varsity teams are battling it out across SE ASIA. You can find all the other IASAS 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 teams would love your support, so tune in and cheer on our Panthers via live stream. We are proud of you!
GO PANTHERS!
SEASON 3 SPORTS – TRYOUTS BEGIN FEB. 5
Derrick Quinet
derrick@isb.ac.th
Season 3 begins next week, with varsity tryouts starting Feb. 5. Sports on offer include: track & field, golf, baseball/softball, and badminton. U15 sports include volleyball, tennis, and track & field. We will also have an extended club water polo season!
Please check the information in the linked TRYOUT SCHEDULE & INFORMATION for times and venues for the upcoming season 3 sports at ISB.
Only students in grades 9-12 are eligible for varsity squads. JV tryouts will continue in the two weeks that follow for students in grades 8-12 and for those not initially selected for varsity. 9th graders are eligible for U15 sports.
If you have any questions, please let us know. Good luck, and GO PANTHERS!!
SEASON 2 SPORTS BANQUET TICKETS – ON SALE NOW
Derrick Quinet
derrick@isb.ac.th
The ISB Booster Club and the Athletic Department cordially invites you to attend the 2nd Season Sports Banquet on Thursday, February 21 at 5:30pm. The Sports Banquet celebrates the accomplishments of our teams, honors our Panther tradition, and recognizes the outstanding athletic achievements of our students. Athletes from our JV/Varsity teams are required to attend, and we strongly encourage parents/families to join this celebratory event, designed to highlight the contributions of every athlete within our program.
TICKETS ON SALE NOW IN ATHLETICS OFFICE!
Derrick Quinet
derrick@isb.ac.th
The evening will commence in the Rajendra Gymnasium from 5.30pm with dinner included. All athletes will be guests of the Booster Club. We would appreciate if all parents & siblings planning to attend purchase extra tickets from the Athletics office by Friday, February 15. Ticket prices are 500 BHT for adults and 300 BHT for students. Tickets MUST be purchased in advance of the banquet. Limited tickets might be available at the door at 800 baht per. Thank you for purchasing your tickets prior to February 15 at the Athletics Office.
We will have a combined program from approximately 6.00-7.00 pm, after which the teams will break off to team rooms to recognize their individual athletes, celebrate their season, and present their certificates and letter awards.
GO PANTHERS!
SPIRIT OF ISB NOMINATIONS – SEASON 2 SPORTS
Derrick Quinet
derrick@isb.ac.th
It is that time of year again when we reflect upon the outstanding deeds and uplifting character that has helped propel our teams, athletes and program forward this season.
Please take a moment to nominate for the Spirit of ISB Award, presented at the Season Two Sports Banquet on Thursday, Feb. 21. Thank you and good luck to all our teams at IASAS and BISAC this weekend!
IASAS Forensics and Debate CC Showcase
Anthony Giles
anthonyg@isb.ac.th
February 4 & 5 (3:00pm MPB1)
IASAS Forensics and Debate delegates are excited to showcase their talents for the ISB community! Please join the Debate Teams in MPB1 on Monday, February 4th as they hash out the finer points behind the motion: THBT dating apps kill romance. What’s your opinion on the matter?
We are expecting a fun filled event with a chance for you, the audience, to participate and and cast your vote to decide a winner.
After that, join members of the dynamic Forensics Team, also in MPB1, on Tuesday, February 5th as they present their speeches in the categories of Oral Interpretation, Original Oratory, Impromptu, and Extemporaneous Speaking. Come support our IASAS delegates and listen to impressive speeches that will have you laughing, crying and contemplating life. The performances are free of charge and all are invited.