FRIDAY NEWSLETTER from Secondary – 28th April 2017
Week 33-Reflection and Preparation
With our busy schedules it is always nice to have a bit of time to reflect and prepare for the coming events. Yesterday marked the last day of classes for our grade 12’s. We were fortunate to have some time to honor them and reflect on their accomplishments as they get ready for their IB exams, which begin today. Please take some time this long weekend to help your student slow down and reflect on the learning that they have gone through, this will certainly help them as they prepare for the events that are upcoming.
Farewell Assembly
Yesterday afternoon we were able to celebrate our senior class, wish them farewell and offer them our congratulations. The students started by touring the BIS campus one last time before entering the MPR for a celebration of their class, accomplishments and time here at BIS. I am so proud of this class, they have made my first year at BIS truly memorable, they are such an open and welcoming group, true ambassadors for the BIS Community. I know I speak for the whole school when I say Congratulations and Good Luck on your IB Exams-you will do fantastic!
IISSAC Swimming
Today we will be hosting the IISSAC Swimming competition. Coming off our BSSA Swim Championship victory our students are very excited to compete against other athletes off the island. Mr. Lennan and Mr. Sutherland have been putting in a great deal of work to organize this event, as it is another highlight of the BIS School year. Our PTFA is also providing refreshments and concessions throughout the event. Please contact the PTFA if you would like to help out. IISSAC Events are a great way to establish long term friendships with different students and when we host it allows us to be ambassadors for BIS and Bali. I hope to see you there.
IB Diploma Exams
Today we are beginning our IB Exam period. Students and teachers have revised and prepared all of the material that they have covered for the past two years. This can be a stressful time. We do everything that we can to help relieve some of this stress and the more prepared we are the less stress we feel. It is important to keep things as normal and calm as possible during these weeks. Students need the space to study and review, while also being given some time to rest and recharge. Encourage your student to get outside at some point during their studying, fresh air and sunshine promote clearer thinking.
Celebrating Success
It is nearing the end of the school year. At this time of the year we want to pause,reflect and honor all of the hard work and accomplishments of our students. We know that our students shine in many different areas and we want to ensure that we recognize and honor all of our student’s varying skills. The way we honor our students should reflect what we value as a school and a community. We will acknowledge the success of our students in each academic area as well as their Approaches to Learning and willingness to engage and give back to their community. Each subject specific class will give two awards-1 for academic achievement, 1 for growth/improvement. Each grade level will have 1 IB Learner profile award-student who best exemplifies the traits that make up a well rounded and engaged learner. We will also honor our students for their engagement with the community; 2 Community and Action awards for MYP-1 lower MYP, 1 upper MYP- for the student(s) who have best exemplified the spirit of Community Engagement. We will also honor our year one DP students with 1 Creativity, 1 Action and 1 Service award for the grade 11 class. These awards highlight what we value as a school, academic growth, engaged learning and a positive and active role within the community. These awards will be given right before the end of the term.
Long Weekend
This coming Monday will be an all school holiday. For clarification the 25th and 26th of May will be whole school holidays as well. Please enjoy the long weekend and I look forward to seeing you on Tuesday morning.
Thank you for your continued interest and support of BIS and our students.
Kind Regards,
Justin Walsh
secondaryschoolprincipal@
Secondary School Principal
