Topic Group Invitation

The Board would like to invite you to join the BIS Topic Groups. Topic Groups (TGs) are Board lead groups of community members, whose purpose is to perform work in support of the foundation’s strategic goals and/or the annual plans.

Function

The TG’s function is to provide input to the Board on topics that will influence the direction of the foundation and thus the school. It must be understood that the suggestions put forward will be considered by the Board but may not necessarily be adopted. The TG’s will carry out research, hold in-depth discussions on various topic and form a recommendation to be presented to the Board.

These groups not only play an important role in assisting the functioning of the Board, but they are also a key element in how the community is able to provide input into the foundation and thus, the school.

Membership

The Topic Groups are open to all active community members. Basic understandings of the topics are beneficial but not always mandatory for membership.

Member Expectations:

• Attend all meetings
• Participate in discussion
• Place personal interests aside to work for the greater good of the community
• Follow the rules and regulations of the TG and the general school guidelines

Integrity

All members will sign integrity pacts as sensitive aspects of the foundation may be divulged. The members are also expected to perform their duties with the best interests of the school in mind – not their own individual needs.

Time Commitment

While the Topic Group will have a set meeting schedule, some work may need to be accomplished outside the meetings (such as for reading, research or communications). Meeting times will be discussed amongst the TG members to find an ideal time to accommodate all members.

There is no material compensation for your participation, but your support will play a key role in helping to make BIS a better institution.

Below is some background information related to the structure and function of the Topic Groups:

Vision & Mission Statements

Vision

To be the school of choice for internationally-minded families and a leader of IB World Schools in Indonesia.

Mission

Engaging and empowering globally-minded, confident learners to reach their utmost potential in an active, creative and respectful learning community.

Values

Our values are derived from the IB Learner Profile. Through these attributes, we embed the concept of internationalism and provide opportunities for leadership within our community and in our curriculum. All members of the BIS community strive to be:

Reflective	Risk-takers	Knowledgeable	Balanced	Inquirers
Thinkers	Principled	Communicators	Caring	Open-minded

Statement of Identity

Bali Island School is an IB World School, fully authorized by the International Baccalaureate to deliver the Primary Years, Middle Years and Diploma Programs from Preschool to Grade 12. We are Council of International Schools and Western Association of Schools and Colleges accredited, nonprofit, college-preparatory and operate under Indonesian law.

Strategic Goals – from 2016-17 to 2021-22

1. We will continuously strive to ensure that the skills, knowledge and understandings essential for learning are integrated into the curriculum for students to reach their utmost potential.
2. We will continue to build the means to deliver a high–quality international education.
3. We will commit to active community engagement within and outside our school walls.
4. We will seek to modernize our facilities while keeping an authentic Balinese ambiance.
5. We will encourage all employees to be lifelong learners and to be role­ models of the Learner Profile for our students.

BIS By-Laws

5.7    Board of Director’s Topic Group Principles (Komite Sekolah)

Topic Groups, when used, will be assigned in order to reinforce the wholeness of the Board of Director’s job and never to interfere with delegation from the Board of Directors to the Head of School.

Accordingly:

5.7.a      Topic Groups assist the Board of Directors by preparing and providing input in the form of ideas for the development and improvement of the school in line with the long-term strategic plan;

5.7.b      Topic Groups may not speak or act for the Board of Directors except when formally given such authority for specific and time-limited purposes. Expectations and authority will be carefully stated in order not to conflict with authority delegated to the Head of School.

5.7.c       Topic Groups cannot exercise authority over the Head of School or his/her staff;

5.7.d      Finance and Governance Topic Groups will be permanent while other Topic Groups may be run as deemed necessary;

5.7.e      this policy applies to any group that is formed by the Board of Directors’, whether or not it is called a Topic Group and regardless of whether the group includes Board of Directors members.

BIS Policy on Topic Groups

Policy: 2.02

Board Of Directors Topic Groups

The Board of Directors may create a Topic Group(s) as it deems necessary.

Within their Terms of Reference, Topic Groups will consider issues, prepare reports and make recommendations for the decision by the Board of Directors. Topic Groups have no decision-making authority.

CIS/WASC, IB

There are many standards from each of these agencies that also guide the governance of the school that may affect the purpose and function of any Topic Group.

Board Topic Groups – SY 2018-2019

We will run two topic groups for the remainder of the year as outlined below.

Governance Topic Group

Objectives

Review, propose amendments to Policy, ensure alignment with By-Laws

Design a governance workshop for the community (PD on how governance works at BIS)

Preparation for CIS/WASC visit

Review Strategic Plan

Membership Qualifications:

• It would be best for members to have some knowledge of Bahasa Indonesia. Members should have strong intercultural skills as we are a very diverse community. 
• Must have excellent comprehension for reading through legal documents (policy, by-laws).
• Willing to devote time to reading outside of meetings.

School Development Topic Group

Objectives

STEAM

4th IB Program            

How to best utilize our 42 are of land (the second soccer field)

Student Survey

Creating and measuring school goals

Candidates should have:

• Background in education
• Understanding of curriculum
• Analytical skills
• Research skills

If you are still reading, you must be really interested in helping out, here is how to apply:

Please send a CV / Resume to bisboard@baliis.net before 11 January 2018.

Aside from the CV / Resume, please provide up to a 250-word explanation of yourself and your interest in joining the TG along with the strengths that you can bring to the group. Please specify which TG you would like to join.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Regards,

Kib

Chairman

YBIS Board of Directors