Message from HS Principal
Dear Parents,
Thank you for your support this week as we resumed online schooling for all of our students. The ‘practice’ that our students and teachers had during the previous stint of virtual school ensured that we had a relatively smooth start to virtual school. HS Teachers had prepared for this eventuality of a return to virtual school prior to the break and as such had measures in place to support student learning.
We made arrangements for essential learning materials to be collected from school on Wednesday and if necessary we will do the same in coming weeks. In the coming weeks, we will be collecting feedback from students and teachers about virtual school to see if there are any adjustments that we need to make, but initial reports suggest that our schedule and zoom lessons are going well.
As always, we will keep students and parents informed about any adjustments or changes to upcoming events that have been caused by school campus closure. Parent meetings etc that were planned to take place on campus during the month of January will now take place via zoom webinars. Please note carefully the zoom links etc for these meetings as they are announced.
Stay safe and stay well.
Regards
Justin Alexander
HS Principal
Contact Tracing Requirements
Andy Vaughan
andyv@isb.ac.th
Last semester, students in MS and HS and parents of ES students began keeping logs of places visited outside of school hours in order to facilitate contact tracing should it be necessary. The Government continues to require this documentation of locations visited for all students at ISB even during virtual school.
We have created a basic log sheet that students need to maintain (students will be emailed this sheet today). Students are required to record where they have been each day in the case that contact tracing is requested through a government agency. At this time, students will maintain their own log and only be asked to share this in the case of a confirmed covid case.
Students can download a copy of the Daily Covid Log at this link, which has also been shared with students via email. Students will be reminded to complete this task through email and in their advisory.
Many thanks for your support in this government requirement
Attendance During Virtual School
Andy Vaughan
andyv@isb.ac.th
During Virtual School, attendance is taken as we do ‘in-person’ school, which happens in the first ten minutes of class time. Due to the challenges of following up absences in virtual school, we send an email home to both parents as well as the student, informing all that the student was not in class.
In the case that there is an error, or your child was tardy, your child needs to inform their teacher via email requesting them to correct their absence on PowerSchool on the day of the absence.
If your child is absent due to sickness or has an excused absence, either parent is required to email Khun Gade (sasivimb@isb.ac.th) so this can be accurately recorded on PowerSchool.
Absences are still treated the same in virtual school as ‘in-person’ school. Please also note that for any missed class, your child should communicate with their teacher and needs to catch up on any missed work.
IB Basics for Parents and Students
Justyna McMillan
justynam@isb.ac.th
An information session on the basics of the IB Program will be held virtually as a Webinar on Thursday, January 21st at 6:30 PM. This session is primarily aimed at parents and students who are interested in learning more about the IB Program at ISB, which includes information about the IB Diploma, IB Courses and Assessment. The sign-up information for this Webinar, will be shared via ENews next week.
If you have any questions about this session please contact Justyna McMillan, the Dean of Academics.
Grade 12 IB Predicted Grades
Justyna McMillan
justynam@isb.ac.th
The next round of IB Predicted Grades for IB Year 2 students will be uploaded onto PowerSchool by Monday 18th in the PM. You can download the PG report on the Quicklookup as a PDf file. IB Predicted Grades are an estimate of student performance based on a ‘body of evidence’ of the student’s work and the teacher’s knowledge of IB assessment standards. These predicted grades are shared with colleges and universities if they are requested by the institutions. The main purpose of these grades is to communicate to IB students the grade they are most likely to achieve, based on current evidence of their learning.
News from the Virtual College Office
Sonya Ohlsson
sonyao@isb.ac.th
Well, we have made it through our first week back! While not ideal nor desired, life and school will keep moving forward via online methods. This goes for the college process as well. Whether you are a senior, finishing your final applications and waiting on decisions, or if you are a junior, just starting to really think and research your own personal “good fit” schools, being a virtual student, college researcher or applicant is the new normal.
Just as we did last semester, we ask that students and families take a look at the Google site we created. This will allow you to see all the virtual college visits and fairs that are happening. Some will be just for ISB students and others are open to people globally and we are listing them for your convenience. This list is not complete by any means–if there are universities that you are interested in, look on their own website to see what sort of virtual visits or information sessions they have. Remember, this is the new normal for colleges as well–while they used to travel and try to meet people in person, those days are gone so they are learning how to connect with potential students virtually. Demonstrated interest still matters!!
Seniors:
We are just getting ready to send your Mid-Year Transcripts to schools (all US schools require it), but we need you to update your Cialfo before we can do this. You need to indicate that you have actually applied. And if you have received a result, please indicate this as well–this is for all schools, in all countries, not just the US. Please refer to the emails sent to you this week from your College Counselor.
Some students are getting messages from schools they applied to that documents are missing. All documents were sent by our office before the break to all schools that had a deadline up to Feb. 15–as long as the student turned in their transcript request form. It’s important to remember that the colleges and universities were also closed over the holidays and so they are just now getting back to processing the tens of thousands of documents and it can take 2-3 weeks to process and then update your status (I have even heard of some places taking up to 4 weeks!). If it is 2 weeks past the official application deadline (not the day you submitted it) and a school is saying they are missing something, contact your college counselor and well help you sort it out.
Juniors:
Today, your University Research Assignment is due–hopefully you have shared this or emailed it to your counselor. Remember, this isn’t about knowing exactly what you want to study or where you will go, it’s about learning how to research the kind of schools that seem like they may be the right fit for you!! Right now, in a way, you are “shopping”, trying to see what color, style and fabric suits you best! You will “try on” several different things, you may think you know exactly what you want to wear, but the closer you look, you realize that no, that style doesn’t quite fit you well and it doesn’t flatter you! So, don’t be afraid to explore, to really look at a school, to question what they say about themselves or what their reputation is–look beyond the superficial rankings–do your due diligence!!
The next Junior Seminar is moved from Friday, 22 January to Thursday 28 January, 12:30-1:30pm. You will receive a message/calendar invitation later next week from your counselor to join that meeting via Zoom. This will be a very important session where you will learn about the Junior-led Conference that you will present to your parents and your college counselor. Do not miss it!!
The second Gr.11 College Night presentation will take place via Zoom on Thursday 21 January at 6:30pm. A link will be sent to all juniors and parents separately.
Parent College Coffees:
Well, we had hoped these would not be virtual any longer, but alas, we continue with them online. The next one is Monday, 18 January at 9:00am. The Topic is the history, educational style and general application process of US colleges and universities. To join this Parent Coffee, please use this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84000491448
SATs:
At this time, as far as we know, the March SAT is still on and we are planning for it. Registration deadline is 12 February. Please use our website to help you register for ISB as your test center.
ISB Virtual University Visits Next Week:
20 January — Waseda University (Japan) 11:30am
22 January — Univ. of Michigan-Shanghai Jiao Tong University Joint Institute (US/China) 11:30am
For more information on all virtual visits (how to register and join in on a call) as well as links to other resources, please look here: tinyurl.com/isbcollege
~Sonya Ohlsson
Head of College Counseling
News from HS Counselors
Shannon Leoni
shannonl@isb.ac.th
Welcome back! While we know this is not the return to school that we had expected or planned for, we hope that you all managed to have restful, relaxing, and rejuvenating winter breaks.
Virtual school is an adjustment for all of us, and while we hope we are temporarily at home, there are ways to make sure this time is healthy and that you are able to find the balance between school and home life. Consider ways to take care of yourself that are away from the screen- consider trying something from this lengthy list: https://www.tcn.org/news/2020/3/24/coping-with-the-quarantine-100-self-care-ideas-amp-activities-to-do-at-home
Or come up with your own ideas! We counselors are also here to help discuss ways to find the balance during virtual learning.
Parents, please let us know if you would like us to schedule a check-in with your child during this time, or if you have any questions or concerns.
CAS
Peter Assimakopoulos
petera@isb.ac.th
Please find an updated list of upcoming events that are postponed, cancelled, or confirmed.
Upcoming Events
- 20 January – TedX – this event is currently being organised and will be virtual this year – Postponed.
- 21 January – IB Night – Offered Online – Confirmed.
- 21 January – College Night – Offered Online – Confirmed.
- 15th – 16th January – JV Tournaments – Touch, Rugby, Basketball, Tennis – CANCELLED
- 23rd January – BISAC Varsity Championship- Rugby, Tennis, Basketball and Touch – CANCELLED
- 30th January – BISAC JV, U15, U13 and U11 Championships – CANCELLED
- 29th, 30th and 31st January – Battle of Bangkok – Varsity Basketball, Touch, Rugby, Tennis and Swimming – CANCELLED
Need to Book Me for an Appointment? Use this link to make a booking.
Peter Assimakopoulos
CAS and Service Learning Coordinator
News from The Main Library
Chris Bell
chrisb@isb.ac.th
Welcome back! We know this isn’t the way any of us wanted to start 2021, but such is life during COVID. Hopefully we can get back to face to face soon. This week is just some special notes about accessing resources for students and parents from the Main Library.
Main Library Information:
The Book Club/Gathering scheduled for Jan. 28th had to be postponed, we will update when we get confirmation of allowing people on campus.
The Library plays a major role in the HS Tedx Event – we are working on solutions but do not have a decision yet, stay tuned for an announcement.
RESOURCES
We are updating as fast as we can the Main Library website with information about checkouts and other resources. Take a look if you need something at: https://library.isb.ac.th/
BOOK RETURNS
Bins will be out in front of the turnstiles by the panther – you can drop them off anytime.
REQUEST BOOKS ANYTIME!
- Using the Library Catalog – find the book you would like (make sure to check if it is AVAILABLE). You will need the Title and Author.
- STUDENTS Complete this Book Request Form.
- PARENTS Complete this Book Request Form.
- Wait for an email confirmation
- Pick up of Book Requests will be on Tuesdays and Thursdays
REQUESTING A BOOK TO BE PURCHASED
We are always accepting requests for New Print Books or Audio/eBooks (on Sora). At the bottom of the Book Request Form, you can make a request for a new book to be purchased by the library. If it is purchased we will email you to confirm and with the details.
BELL’S BEST BOOK!
The Strain ~ by Guillermo Del Toro
MELINDA’S BEST BOOK
Where the Crawdad’s Sing ~ by Delia Owens
TECH UPDATES
- Make sure your Zoom App is updated and that when you sign in you are using the Google Sign On and not logging in – if you don’t you won’t be able to enter teachers classes.
- BigSur the Mac OS update came out last week. PLEASE do not update yet as we are waiting to see if any issues arise. Also, it takes about 45 minutes to go through the process, so I would wait.
- Make sure to clean your computer, update apps, and restart at least once a week for best performance
- Let Mr. Bell know if you are having any issues: christob@isb.ac.th
TECH RESOURCE OF THE WEEK
Before break Mr. Cowherd, MS Tech, and Mr. Bell hosted a Parent Training for setting up your home for Virtual Learning training. We got some great feedback and support for conducting more of these training sessions. This training provides information on study breaks, physical environment, and tools to help with students having to work at home. Take a look at the presentation and remember you can always write to Mr. Bell to ask questions. christob@isb.ac.th
VIRTUAL ACTIVITIES @ ISB START NEXT WEEK!!!
Anthony Giles
anthonyg@isb.ac.th
As mentioned in last week’s message from ISB Athletics and Panther Activities, while campus is closed we will be offering daily after school Virtual Activities for students starting next week. January 18th-22nd. More information will be sent out Monday morning, January 18th with the what, where (Zoom links) and when. Questions? Contact Anthony Giles, Chris Mott, Lucas Rivera or Mark Jaspers at anthonyg@isb.ac.th, chrism@isb.ac.th,
lucasr@isb.ac.th, or markj@isb.ac.th.
JOIN THE VIRTUAL PANTHER RUN JANUARY 25th-31st!!!
Anthony Giles
anthonyg@isb.ac.th
Register HERE to participate, and then run anywhere you like, or use one of our suggested 3K or 5K routes anytime between January 25th-31st. Awards will be given to the top three runners in each division (w/GPS data proof only), as well as for best Panther dress-up, and the 25th, 50th, and 100th finishers!!! Questions? Contact Mark Jaspers at markj@isb.ac.th.
Multilingual Learning at Home
Avery Udagawa
averyu@isb.ac.th
Virtual School is a great time to use native languages at home! Here are ISB’s Tips on Multilingual Learning at Home.
Also, check out Four Resources for Parents of Multilinguals.
Panther Native Language Academy classes will resume in February, online if necessary.
If you have questions, feel free to email:
PantherNativeLanguageAcademy@isb.ac.th