FRIDAY NEWSLETTER from Secondary – 11th May 2018
Week 35
So Proud of Our Students!
As we come into the final weeks of the term I am so proud of the way all of our students are finishing. Whether it is the concentrated efforts of our seniors as they complete their IB exams, the exuberance that our World Scholar’s Cup students as they are getting ready to compete, to the completion of the Group 4 projects, summative term assignments and research projects finishing, community outreach projects or the large number of students challenging themselves in BSSA Athletics our students are racing towards the end of the year, pushing and challenging themselves throughout these final weeks of our academic year. I am so proud of the way that all of our students in so many different endeavors are giving everything they have to the end of this school year. It is this type of work and self motivation that separates BIS students from many other secondary students around the world. Keep up the hard work!
IB Exams
Our seniors are now in the midst of the IB Exams. The first week is always the hardest, the anticipation, recognition of how much I need to prepare and the mental scheduling of the back to back exams. Our students have gone in and left each exam session in a positive frame of mind, this is extremely important. Making sure that they are here well before their exams, having enough sleep the night before, sticking with their study schedule while maintaining breaks for balance are so important as they help alleviate stress and allow the students the ability to remain positive and focused. I want to reiterate my sense of pride at all they have accomplished and reminding our students that they are prepared and ready to show all that they have learned. Please make sure to help your student take some down time and get outside to rejuvenate their mind, body and spirit.
Graduation
On Friday the 25th of May we will be 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 high school. They have been tremendous ambassadors of BIS and role models for their peers. It has been fantastic to watch them grow and push themselves over these past two years. 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.
PTFA Potluck Dinner
This coming week on Friday, May 18th, at 6pm the PTFA will be hosting the PTFA Potluck dinner. This is a nice community event where parents, teachers and community members are able to get together for a nice meal and some socializing. I hope to see you then.
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 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 during 6th block on the 31st of May.
Parent Session-ISA Testing Results
The parent session for the ISA results will be on Monday May 21st. We have received all of the papers and are finalizing the data.
BSSA Cross Country
On the 16th of May our Cross Country students will competing against the other BSSA schools. This is an opportunity for our runners to showcase all of their hard work and training. It should be a great event.
On Tuesday June 5th, the Arts Department will be hosting a sharing of work exhibition across the MYP years. Visual Arts students will have their work displayed around the walls of the MPR and musical and theatrical performances will also take place. All students in grades 6 – 10 are required to attend and stay until the end of all performances, even if their roles have already been performed. Parents are invited and encouraged to come and enjoy what is building up to be an enjoyable afternoon of showcasing the Arts at BIS. The event will begin at 4pm at which time students and parents can view the artworks and enjoy the music and drama performances. I encourage you to take part and see what the varied talents that our students possess. On behalf of the Arts team, we look forward to seeing you there.
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 the 7th of June. More details will be forthcoming. I look forward to seeing you there.
Thank you for your continued interest and support of BIS and our students.
Kind Regards,
Justin Walsh
secondaryschoolprincipal@
Secondary School Principal
