Secondary Newsletter on Friday, 26th August 2016
Week 5 International Mindedness
This coming Friday, September 2nd, 2016, Bali Island School will be celebrating its 30th anniversary. This is a chance for BIS to celebrate all of the diversity that makes it the special place that it is. Our long history of welcoming students from many different cultures will be on display. We encourage all students, parents and staff to come to school in clothes that are specific to their culture.
We will participate in an International Parade, showcasing all of the different cultures that make up our BIS community. Parents and students from the Taman Bacaan will also be with us, as will the staff. The International Parade will begin the march to the covered court accompanied by our walking band at 1pm. From there the Anniversary Presentation will begin in the covered court. Following the presentation all students will be dismissed from the covered court so that they can visit the International Stalls on the field that have been prepared by our community.
A number of country stalls under tents will be on the field highlighting some of the many different cultures we have here on our campus. Students are welcome to sample some of the snacks from around the world and given BIS passports. They will be encouraged to engage with each country stall i.e. converse, play games etc, and in return will have their passports signed, completing a world tour of our BIS community! I look forward to seeing all of our students in their national dress and for a chance to engage with all of the different cultures that make BIS such a special place.
EOTC Week is coming!
This past Thursday we held two informational meetings regarding our upcoming EOTC week. Our grade 11-12 students and parents were given information regarding their upcoming trip as well as the grade 9 class with their trip. This coming Thursday we will hold another informational meeting with the parents of the remaining trips, grades 6,7,8, and 10. The meeting will be held on campus from 8am until 9am. Both parents and students will continue to receive information and updates regarding packing suggestions and other logistical items. I am really looking forward to participating in this year’s EOTC. It is always such a great way to see our students in a different context and watch them develop more confidence and stronger bonds between themselves and their teachers.
Writing Opportunities for our Students
A local newspaper named “Jawa Pos Radar Bali” will have an information session for BIS Secondary students in the coming week. This 30 minutes information session is for students who have interest in writing and photography.
The newspaper has a one-full page rubric for teens that is called “Zetizen”, which will be a great opportunity for BIS students to post photos, opinions or articles in Bahasa Indonesia. Recently, they have also had a photo competition upholding the theme of “the most inspiring action”.
This will be a way to have real life connections and give students an opportunity to publish their work.
Some of our Secondary students are also presenting their writing to the Jakarta Post Digital Youth Community. This program is looking to help young writers grow and develop their voice. We are actively encouraging our students to get their work out there!
BIS Has Talent
I am always amazed at the level of confidence and professionalism that our students show when they perform. It is a wonderful environment that has grown here that allows our students to continue to flourish with the arts. In that tradition our Grade 12 Theater collaborative performance of Killing with Kindness is to be performed on Thursday 1st September at 10:00 am in the MPR. This production is also being opened up to our Secondary classes throughout the following week. I have seen a few sneak previews and it looks fantastic!
Action as Learning at BIS
This past week our MYP students used their MYP hour to set up their CAS activities for the coming year, including their EOTC experiences. Please ask your children how they are getting involved with the community and what exciting things they are doing to extend their learning beyond the classroom. Your children are truly amazing.
Thank you for your continued interest and support of BIS and our students.
Kind Regards,
Justin Walsh
secondaryschoolprincipal@
Secondary School Principal