Secondary Newsletter 2 – August 9th, 2019
- Feedback on some changes
- August Parent Information Sessions and Events
- Class Parents and Homeroom Teacher Meeting
- Secondary Library Update
- Grade 11 Baturiti Camp
- After School Activities (ASA)
- Religion Classes
- Math Support
- House Group & Sweatshirt Shirts
Dear Secondary Parents,
We have had a very positive and productive start to the school year. Students and teachers have spent time getting to know each other and setting themselves up for a successful year ahead. There has and will be a strong focus on self-management, specifically with organisation, this year and the feedback so far has been very positive.
Feedback on Some Changes
The students have overwhelmingly appreciated the change from seven lessons to four in a day. Below are some more quotes from Grade 6-8 students…
“Much better”…
“the day goes quicker”…
“better transitions between classes”…
”love the longer lunch time”…
”Best timetable so far, helps us get our stuff ready before class, and we get a little break in between”…
”It was a bit different but overall I liked it. It gives me more time to get into my lessons and the day feels more manageable”…
”The breaks between the 80 minute classes are really helpful because you have time to calm your brain”…
”longer lessons are good because then you can get more done in class. I also like that you get ten minutes in between so you can get to class on time.”
Teachers have also expressed that they are also pleased with the change in timetable. Some of the benefits reported so far by teachers include less transitions, at least one lesson for collaboration, planning and assessment each day and having more opportunity and time to create deeper learning experiences for students to better understand concepts.
Use of lockers, students have seamlessly transitioned to not carrying bags around and using their lockers. The campus looks much more tidy as does the learning environment in every classroom.
“I like not carrying my bags everywhere. I feel more organized”…
”I have to carry less stuff”…
”I have been more organized due to the new lockers system”…
August Parent Information Sessions and Events
A reminder that the following sessions and events are scheduled for the month of August:
- Wednesday, August 14
- Introduction to Secondary, who to contact, systems, communication
- DP introduction for new G11 parents
- Thursday, August 15 – EOTC G6 3.00-3.15, G7 3.15-3.30, G8 3.30-3.45, G9 3.45-4.00
- Friday, August 16 – EOTC G10 3.00-3.15, G11&12 3.15-3.3
- Monday, August 19 – 8.00 – Campus Security and Child Protection
- Friday, August 23 – 3.00-5.30 Meet the teachers, 5.30-8.00 PTA Potluck
Class Parents and Homeroom Teacher Meeting
Class parents are invited to meet with the Homeroom Teachers on Wednesday, August 14 in Room 9 at 3.00pm. The objective of this meeting is to share some feedback and discuss potential opportunities for this year by building a close school and parent relationship. If parents would like to pass on some feedback at this meeting please contact your class parent.
Secondary Library Update
Greetings and welcome back (or welcome for the first time) to BIS for the 2019-20 school year. A few things from the library….
We have approximately 200 or so new books for the start of the year. The books are from all genres and all age levels, so drop by to pick something out for yourself or for your children.
Remember, parents can (and should) have library accounts for themselves so they can borrow books. Parents are allowed up to 3 books at a time and can check out each selection for 14 days. We have already had over 10 new parents join our library community with new accounts thus far this year. Additionally, if there is a book you would like the library to purchase, simply drop by and let us know which title. Rumor has it that Amazon has been successfully delivering books to Bali recently, so this is very encouraging and expands our potential for procurement.
The library also has some limited hardware (chargers, headphones, extension cords, etc) so limited checkout in case of an immediate need. This is available to all members of the BIS community; hardware is circulated 1 day a time and renewed as necessary.
Grade 11 Baturiti Camp
The Grade 11s are presently at an overnight camp in Baturiti. The rain has held off and spirits are high. So far we have talked about the importance of maintaining balance in school, trusting friends and teachers and not keeping worries to ourselves. Also all the support networks available to the students in school.We have covered the activity stand of CAS with football, rugby, frisbee and basketball. The students got very creative in our TOK activity about who students would rescue from a sinking ship and take to a desert island with them. I’m sorry to report that a lot of parents were left to sink…
Lunch is almost over and we are looking forward to a few student led activities, trust building exercises and some CAS activities. We teachers are also looking forward to the boys vs girls BBQ cook off tonight. Sleeping in tents under the stars with the insects singing in the background… Bali is beautiful and our students are wonderful!
Matt Wood
After School Activities (ASA)
ASAs start on Monday and there are many wonderful opportunities which have been offered by teachers and students in Secondary. We would really like to see more students developing their leadership capacity by leading ASAs this year so please discuss with your child what they will be able to offer in Term 2, 3 and 4.
Religion Classes
Please note that Secondary religion classes will again be held for Indonesianindonesian passport holders on Tuesday afternoon from 3.35-4.15 PM. This is an Indonesian government requirement which the school must follow.
Math Support
Improvement in Mathematics continues to be a focus for our school in 2019/20. Our Math teachers Mr. Gokalp and Mr. Collins are available to assist students with their understanding of concepts after school on Thursday and Monday each week. Please encourage your child to take advantage of this assistance or to ask their teacher to find another time.
House Group & Sweatshirt Shirts
If you would like to order a House Shirt please fill in the form and pay to Ibu Indira in Reception. Students are encouraged to wear these on Friday each week. Our BIS Sweatshirt (hoodie) is also available to order and both of these order will be due on Thursday, August 15th
Kind regards,
Ross Ferris
Secondary Principal