Counselor’s Corner – August 30, 2019
Peer Mediation Program Launched!
The executive members of STUCO have been trained to assist other students in conflict to resolve their conflicts peacefully, and to find win-win solutions. The students announced the program launch at this week’s secondary school assembly. Students may request a mediation by speaking to the school counselor directly or by completing a Peer Mediation Request Form found in the CCC, the Counseling office, and in each of the Principals’ offices.
New Students welcomed to BIS
In our ongoing efforts to create as smooth a transition as possible for new students joining our community, we have arranged a number of “connective activities”.
Class Buddies: Each student in Secondary has been matched with a grade level “buddy” to help him or her settle in, understand our schedule and systems, ask questions, and introduce him or her to fellow classmates and Teachers. In Primary, all classmates are considered buddies and new students are paired with other students for various activities so that they all get to know each other quickly.
Tech support Sessions for new students took place at the end of week 2 in Secondary, to help new students with our most frequently used online platforms, such as ManageBac and Google Classroom. Ongoing support is available in this area, just ask!
Regular Check-ins: Check-ins are scheduled with the Counselor and the Principals to assist new students with questions, classes, and emotional support as they navigate the challenges of entering a new country and a new school.
New Student Lunch: A New Student Lunch is scheduled for new students (and their buddies in Secondary) to discuss the various aspects of Culture Shock and share tips on coping with the inherent challenges of it.
ASAs: During week two, new students learned about the various after school activities and were encouraged to get involved by signing up for activities that bring them joy and give them a chance to meet other students, perhaps from other grades levels. ALL Term 1 ASAs are up and running.
EOTC: Our Secondary Education Outside the Classroom (EOTC) trips were moved earlier this year to assist new students in making friends and feeling part of this amazing community from the start. The EOTC camps are a great way for students to connect, meet new friends, have fun, and help others all while contributing to making Bali a better place to live through their service component.
Primary camps give students a chance to get to know each other better and develop lasting connections inside and outside the classrooms.
Please find here the Culture Shock presentation that was used during last week’s Culture Shock pizza lunch and sharing meeting in Secondary. A similar presentation was given to parents during this week’s New PYP Parent Session in the library.
