‘Virtual Finish’
Dear Parents,
As this week’s edition of the HS Enews will be the last communication for the school year. I wish to share my sincere thanks and gratitude to all of our students, parents and teachers for their effort, commitment, flexibility and positive approach to dealing with this pandemic and the impact on our ideal learning environment and conditions over the past 13 weeks.
We would not voluntarily choose virtual school over ‘regular’ school, but I can say with pride and confidence that our teachers were amazing this semester during virtual school. Their effort, dedication and willingness to learn and consider new teaching styles and pedagogies ensured that virtual school (ISB style) was the best it could possibly be. From screencasts, online quizzes, breakout rooms, chat rooms, flipgrid videos, zoom lessons, screen sharing, flipped classrooms and of course lots of opportunities for discussion, our teachers really did go the extra yard to make the learning engaging, fruitful and meaningful. Their work was made easier though because of the resilience and efforts of our students, who also deserve commendation for making their way through these uncertain times. There were ups and downs along the way for sure, but our teachers are very proud of the amazing attitude and engagement of our students.
Thank you parents for sharing your children with us this year.
Our Seniors have had an equally disrupted year, but were still able to graduate last week and celebrate together on campus with a golf cart parade and a gathering on campus to say goodbye to one another and to the ISB campus. I wish all of our ISB graduates all the best with whatever challenge they pursue next whether that is college, a gap year or another endeavour. Congratulations Class of 2020.
For students, families and teachers that are leaving at the end of the school year, I wish you all the best with your move back home or to a new country and school. I hope that your travel plans work out and you are able to make your way to your new destination. Remember and appreciate your experiences here in Thailand and good luck to you all.
For our returning families and students, please enjoy the summer break, take time to be together and to follow your interests. Stay healthy and safe and we look forward to seeing you back in school on Monday August 10th, 2020
Regards
Justin Alexander
HS Principal
Report Cards
Justyna McMillan
justynam@isb.ac.th
Report cards for semester 2 will be available on Powerschool from around 5pm on Tuesday 16th June. If your child has not returned a book or has unpaid fees etc. then a report card hold may be in place and you will receive an automated email to this effect.
Grade 12 – CONGRATULATIONS!!!!
Andrew Weiser
andreww@isb.ac.th
Grade 10, 11 – College Counseling Site: Virtual Visits, SAT Testing, Screencasts, etc.
The College Counseling Office has created a site to serve as a “One-Stop-Shop” for important college-related information. There you will find information about SAT testing, screencasts about various aspects of the college process, and a list of virtual/online university info sessions and tours. This list is a living document that we will be updating as we receive information from colleges and universities around the world.
Please bookmark this site and check it frequently for updates!
https://sites.google.com/isb.ac.th/isb-college-counseling/home
How to Choose Colleges With Virtual Tours
A guide to some of the tour sites that aim to help students feel as if they are walking around campuses without leaving home.
All – Have a GREAT SUMMER!!!! See you in August
Counseling Newsletter
Kevin Davy
kevind@isb.ac.th
A massive congratulations to our seniors! It’s hard to believe another school year has passed here. For many the recent events of the pandemic have presented some real challenges and from it we have encountered great stories of resilience & empathy. Our students, teachers, administrators and parents have to be commended for their commitment and adaptability. There is such potential to come out of this stronger.
I (Kevin Davy) have had the chance to share with some in the community that I will not be returning to ISB next year. It has been a wonderful 9 years at the school. Our facilities are incredible, but it is the students, staff and community that have made the experience for me. You are ISB! Thank you.
As I head out to Switzerland with my family to be closer to my home country (UK) I will cross by in the other direction the counselor that will be replacing me. She is kind, energetic and very knowledgeable. A great addition to the ISB community.
Here is some info from Shannon:
My name is Shannon Leoni and I will be joining the ISB team as a High School Counselor. I can’t wait! I’m finishing my 6th year as the Social and Emotional Counselor at the International School of Brussels. This was my first international school position, and I’m looking forward to continuing the adventure at another ISB. A few things about me: I’m originally from Chicago, have lived in Spain and South Africa, and completed my Master of Social Work at Boston College.When I’m not in counseling mode, I can be found eating dessert, studying languages, attempting to cook, making puns, and planning my next trip. One of the highlights of working as a counselor is getting to connect with students and being a part of their high school experience, and I’m really looking forward to meeting everyone and immersing myself in the ISB community.
If you are leaving ISB we wish you all the best in your new adventure and for those returning we will look forward to seeing you next year. Have a great summer everyone.