FRIDAY NEWSLETTER from Secondary – 19th May 2017
Week 36-Graduation!
This Friday we are celebrating the culmination of thirteen years of hard work for 19 members of the BIS community. I feel so fortunate to have been a part of their final year of highschool. They have been tremendous ambassadors of BIS and role models for their peers. They have certainly made my transition into the BIS community a very smooth and welcoming one. High School graduation marks a tremendous turning point in the lives of these young men and women, they will be leaving the comfort of their homes and support groups and moving on to challenge and prove themselves in the world that awaits them. I can say for certainty that they are well prepared, ready and able to take on these challenges. I know that we will be hearing about their tremendous accomplishments and contributions to the world for years to come. Congratulations!
BIS Library
As we prepare for the renovations to open the new library space in the coming school year we will need to close the library a bit early this year. The last day the library will be open will be the 31st of May. All books and materials will need to be turned back in by this date. Students have been reminded of this in their homerooms with the daily bulletin. Thank you for your help and support as we prepare to update our learning spaces.
BSSA Cross Country
This past Wednesday our BSSA Cross Country team went to the Green School and ran away with the combined cross country championship. Running takes a different level of discipline and mental toughness. Our young men and women did a fantastic job and were great supporters of one another. Way to go Dragons!
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 as well as 1 Creativity 1 Action and 1 Service award for grade 11class. 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 during 6th block on the 30th of May.
Parent Session-ISA Testing Results
We have just received our ISA Testing results. This is an extremely busy time of the year, so we will look closely at the calendar dates to find the most suitable time to have an information session regarding the ISA test and reading the results. That information will be coming in the forthcoming week.
End of Term Assessments
Today our grade 11 students have started their end of semester exams. They will be taking these exams over the next three days. The rest of the secondary school will also be preparing their end of term summative assessments. This is a busy time of year for our students and it is important to help them prepare and finish as strongly as they have worked all year. Please make sure that you are helping your student stay on top of their deadlines and also getting enough sleep as we near the end of the school year. What a tremendous job they have done.
End of Year Sports Banquet
We will be celebrating our students athletic accomplishments and acknowledging what we have accomplished as a school throughout the whole year. The banquet will take place on June 6th. We have had to move this date as a result of the holiday being called on the 1st of June. More details about timing and ticket information will be forthcoming. I look forward to seeing you there.
Busy Week Ahead
Next week is a very busy week here at BIS. We will have our BIS Athletic day for grades 3-11 off campus. Our PTFA will also be there helping and running a concession stand. This event will mark the end of a short week as we will have a four day weekend with both the 25th and 26th school holidays. Enjoy this time, relax and reconnect with your family.
Thank you for your continued interest and support of BIS and our students.
Kind Regards,
Justin Walsh
secondaryschoolprincipal@balii
Secondary School Principal
