The break
Justin Alexander
justina@isb.ac.th
Dear Parents,
I hope that your level of excitement matches that of our students and faculty as we complete the last day of school before the Songkran break. We enjoyed a whole school Songkran assembly on Wednesday which helped us understand and appreciate the cultural elements of the Thai New Year through dance, song, and the symbolism of water and respect.
We return to school on Monday, April 17th (Day 3) when our seniors will begin counting down the days until their last day of school before exams start on 28th April. IB and AP exams run from April 28th through until May 19th before their graduation on Saturday, May 27th. Exciting times are ahead for our senior class.
Have a great Songkran break.
Justin Alexander
High School Principal
Important Links
HS Parent Meetings – Semester 2 – Updated March 16th –
ISB Panther page for Varsity and Junior Varsity game schedules etc
Have a question to ask and do not know who to ask – Please email me at justina@isb.ac.th or click on HS QUESTION LINK and we will get you the answer you need.
Meeting for Parents of IB Students: Focus on Predicted Grades, support through Exams & IB Results
Justyna McMillan
justynam@isb.ac.th
Thank you to those parents who were able to attend the focus meeting that took place on April 5th. We discussed the nature of predicted grades (PGs), how they are determined and how they are used by the IB as well as the student. We also discussed other important informational pieces surrounding the IB exams coming up in May.
HERE is a copy of the presentation slides used at the meeting. If you have any questions about this or other IB matters, please contact Justyna McMillan, the HS Dean of Academics.
Tardies and Absences Update
Andy Vaughan
andyv@isb.ac.th
This week concludes the end of the second six week period of tardies for semester two. Tardies have been counted throughout the past six week interval. If a student has 1-2 tardies there is no consequence, tardies that are excessive of this amount receive a tiered discipline outcome.
Students who have had excessive tardies will be receiving an email today outlining the consequences that will take place when we return after Songkran break.
We will also be sending out an update for any student who has 5 or more absences in one or more of their classes. Students who exceed 7 absences in a single class during a semester may lose credit, therefore it is important that parents regularly check PowerSchool and have conversations with their child to ensure that their attendance is within the boundaries of receiving credit.
If a student exceeds the 7 absences, there is an appeal process in place for each case, however this can only be made once in a student’s High School career. Please note that IASAS absences do count towards the 7 absence limit, even though students are involved in a school based program.
News from College University
Debbie McDowell
debbiem@isb.ac.th
It’s been another busy week in the University Counseling Department. We send best wishes to all families for a restful and safe Songkran holiday!
Thank you to the grade 12 parents who joined the counselors for the Transitions presentation on Tuesday. To review the information, please go to the presentations tab on the university counseling website.
The grade 12 students who will attend university in the US and need an F-1 visa were able to attend the US Visa presentation on Tuesday. To review the information, please go to the presentations tab on the university counseling website.
Thank you to the parents and students who attended the Grade 10 Family University Night on Wednesday. To review the information, please go to the presentations tab on the university counseling website.
The final Senior Seminar will be the week after break when the counselors wrap up the guidance for the grade 12 students. We will be discussing transitions with the students and celebrating their accomplishments from the past year!
The last Junior Seminar will be next week after break when students will register for their accounts on the Common Application, UCAS and Concourse websites. The student’s final draft of their university essay is also due on that day.
SAT Registration deadline for the 6 May exam is 21 April. Deadline for the 3 June exam is 19 May.
Students have access to four, full-length practice tests in Bluebook™, our new digital testing app. Encourage them to download Bluebook now so they’ll have plenty of time to prepare. Students also have access to Official Digital SAT Prep on Khan Academy®.
University Fair Opportunity
Students and parents are invited to attend the Asia University Fair at St Andrews
ASIA UNIVERSITY FAIR at St Andrews International School Sukhumvit 107 Wednesday April 19th, 1:00pm – 3:30pm, School Auditorium (Building 3, 3rd floor) All information for higher education in Engineering, Business, Science, Technology, Liberal Arts and much more from leading universities in Thailand
Chulalongkorn University; King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT); Mahidol University International College (MUIC); Asian Institute of Hospitality (AIHM) in Association with Les Roche; King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang (KMITL) Business School; CMKL University; Silpakorn University International College (SUIC); British College, Sripatum University; The Food School Bangkok; Dusit Thani College; Raffles International College Bangkok; Assumption University; School of Global Studies Thammasat University; Thammasat Business School; Thammasat School of Engineering Stamford International University – Asoke Campus
Special Attraction: Presentations and Workshops; Admission Documents – When and How to Submit University Life
CONTACT: Deepa Patel, University and Careers Advisor and IBCP Coordinator dpatel@standrews-schools.com, 02 393 3883 ext 913
Upcoming University Visits:
Monday, 17 April, Boston University, 3:00-3:40 @ MPB 1
Thursday, 20 April, Vanderbilt University & University of Chicago, 3:00-3:40 @ HS Conference Room
Thursday, 18 May, Sogang University (Korea), 11:00-11:40 @ HS Conference Room
Please encourage your child to consistently check the Virtual and Off Campus University Events spreadsheet to know what’s available. Please note that pre-registration is needed for some events.
Please check the ISB University/College Counseling website for useful information. You will find university research tools, transition resources for students and parents, recordings and slide shows from Parent Coffees and family presentations, virtual and off campus university visits, information about testing and how to sign up for the SAT at ISB, a list of summer programs about which the counselors have been informed, and the ISB School Profile.
Kindly,
Debbie
News from School Counselors
Frank Sambula Jr.
franks@isb.ac.th
This week, we introduced Monet, a labrador retriever therapy dog at the high school. When the students heard about having a dog on campus, they highly anticipated meeting her. Several students came and waited at the counseling office to pet Monet. It was evident that a therapy dog brings the students joy as studies show therapy dogs help them deal with stress and boost academic engagement. Monet will continue to be on campus Mondays and Wednesdays from 9:15 am to 12:15 pm.
Also, the counseling team wants to wish you and your family a Happy Songkran! We hope you use the break to rest, relax, and focus on self-care as we draw near the end of the school year.
See you after the holiday break!
Season 4 Registration Update
Kelly McKenna
kellym@isb.ac.th
At this time, registration is back open for all U11/12/14 sports but not for any Panther Sports or Activities. We will update you as soon as our Panther Sports and Activities registration is back open.
News from HS Library
Christopher Bell
christob@isb.ac.th
Please click News from HS Library
ISB Pathways Program and Careers Fair
Anthony Giles
anthonyg@isb.ac.th
Dear ISB Community,
We are two eleventh-grade students who are relaunching an event that ISB used to host pre-COVID, Pathways. Please read on for more information.
The ISB Pathways Program seeks to better connect our students with alumni and friends of ISB, who are making a difference through their work in the real world. Through Pathways, we will develop a bank of contact information for individuals with a variety of career experiences for our students to be able to reach out to, collaborate with, and learn from. ISB has offered successful career internship programs for years and career resources through our counseling department but Pathways provides a chance for us to expand our efforts and better utilize our extensive network of alumni, parents, and partner businesses to serve our students better.
ISB is hosting a Pathways Career Fair for high school students and we are asking current professionals or businesses in Thailand to host a table on June 7, 2023. It is a chance to promote your company and your programs and share your experiences and expertise with students currently navigating their choices of study and career.
Please register your interest in supporting this initiative HERE. Deadline: April 30, 2023
We would love your contribution!
Amandine Massard and Ayaka Bijl
SPRING DRAMA SHOWCASE 6:30PM THURSDAY, APRIL 20th CC Theater
Anthony Giles
anthonyg@isb.ac.th
Join us in the CC Theater at 6:30pm on Thursday night, April 20th for the High School Spring Drama Showcase, an exhibit of ten short student-directed performances. These include both scripted and devised works, and all have been chosen or created, directed and perfected by ISB Drama students. Each piece runs between 3-15 minutes in length, and the showcase also includes the first appearance on stage by ISB’s very own Varsity Drama Improv troupe! Tickets are free and are available in the Panther Den starting Monday, April 3rd or the night of the show at the door. – Augusta Harison Denby
HS Spring Music Concert Tuesday, April 25th Chevron Theater
Anthony Giles
anthonyg@isb.ac.th
Join the HS ensembles for an evening filled with amazing band, choir and orchestra repertoire followed by a closing collaboration featuring all 120 HS band, choir and orchestra musicians! Cake reception to follow. – The HS Music Team
ISB Music Department presents: A Faculty Recital – 6:30 May 3rd
Anthony Giles
anthonyg@isb.ac.th
Join members of the ISB Music Department Faculty and Friends at 6:30pm in the CC Theater for an evening filled with music. Donations go to benefit the Immanuel Orchestra. Cake reception to follow. – Miao Rong Wang
Boy Scout Troop 701 Flower Sales
Anthony Giles
anthonyg@isb.ac.th
Description
Boy Scouts Troop 701 is offering pre-orders for flower bouquets and single roses for your upcoming musical performance events. Flower sales are one of our major fundraising events that support scouting activities and service projects. The bouquets and single roses can be picked up at the front gate near Chevron Theatre half an hour before the performance begins.
Please click here for the Google order form.