Secondary Newsletter 2 – August 21, 2020

August 21, 2020August 27, 2020 Secondary Secretary

University and Career Counseling

Registrations and deadlines:

Due to COVID, universities are offering optional online workshops and events. The dates and registration links will be provided for students to register as interested. Students should prioritize universities from regions they wish to attend, and in fields, they want to pursue.

Aug. 22-23 – Australia & New Zealand Virtual Fair & Workshop

Aug. 25 – HKBU Webinar – Do you want to be a Film Star?

Aug. 28 – Meet The University of Melbourne

Sept. 3 – Discover Central New York Colleges and Universities

Oct. 17 and Dec. 12 – Ursinus College – Virtual Events

PSAT – Last Reminder

For students in Grades 9 and 10 who would like to take the PSAT exam in October, please register by Friday, August 28th by emailing Indra in the Counseling Office at counselorsecretary@baliis.net

The PSAT is a practice version of the SAT exam used in university admissions in North America. Scores are for your use only and are not sent to universities.

Upcoming International SAT Test Date & Deadline

How to Register for the SAT

Test Date	SAT	SAT Subject Test	Registration Deadline
September 26	YES	NO	August 26, 2020

Upcoming International ACT Test Date & Deadline

How to Register for the ACT

Test Date	Registration Deadline
September 12, 2020	August 21, 2020

Social-Emotional Counseling

Students in G6-10 Health will be focusing on communication as a means of establishing and maintaining healthy relationships. Understanding how to communicate effectively and knowing who owns the problem is crucial to providing the right types of support to others while meeting their own needs.

I shared an email with all students and parents in G9-12 about a video going around social media involving a sexual assault. Unfortunately, students at BIS have seen and heard about this disturbing incident that happened in Bali. Current events are the perfect time to have a values conversation with your teens. Be clear on your expectations and how they can come to you for support with anything upsetting. If you find your teen is struggling after watching or hearing about this video, please contact me. For some, the stress of this will go away with time; others might need individual support.

I hope you remember to look after yourself as you try to support your children with their learning.

Take care,
Sharon
Student Support Services

Distance Learning…. Routines and Learning Spaces at Home

By Jackie Wyncoll, Student Support

Distance Learning (DL)! For many of us it can be challenging…but, here we are, so let’s get the most out of the DL experience for your child. Even though you are at home, it is important for children to establish ‘school’ routines and build good work habits that support learning. You can help support your child’s focus and productivity in the following ways:

Routines

Visible schedule- Use a corkboard, whiteboard, window or paper print-out to display the schedule for the week.
Consistent wake-up times- get a bedside clock alarm and set it with enough time to allow your child to eat breakfast, wash up and dress appropriately before the first video call.
Times for Work, Times for a Break- Children have limited attention spans- how long… try doubling your child’s age: 7 year olds=14 mins, 10 year olds= 20mins, 16 year olds= 32 mins before they will need a break. To increase engagement, alternate work times with movement breaks- younger children get active outside or try GoNoodle. Older students can consider Pomodoro Technique:

Set a timer for 25 minutes, and start your task. It doesn’t have to be a tomato timer—Use your phone or this online version.
If a distraction pops into your head, write it down on a piece of paper and return to your task.
When the buzzer rings, put a checkmark on your paper. You’ve completed one increment, also known as a pomodoro.
Take a five-minute break. You can check the distractions that popped into your head, stretch, grab a cup of tea, etc.
After four pomodoros, take a thirty-minute break.
Repeat!

Make a checklist for the daily tasks at the start of the day, or the start of an activity- write keywords for each of these required activities: watch, read, write. Check off each task as it is completed, and allow some positive reinforcement when finished. (use a window, whiteboard, notebook, GoogleKeep).
Flexible Schedule-Consider: when is your child most alert and focused on challenging tasks? Is your child highly engaged or frustrated with a particular activity? Adjust accordingly for longer or shorter work times.
Regular and age-appropriate bedtime– establish a bedtime routine at a consistent time, preferably with books instead of devices for a better night’s sleep.

Work Space

Desk- positioned so that you are able to see their screen.
Comfortable seating- cushioned and with sides for a restless learner.
Shelf- to store workbooks and folders, as well as resource materials.
Organizers for materials- keep the desk area as clutter-free as possible and support good organizational habits.
Block off distractions- away from the TV, wall posters, toys conversation areas.
Plenty of Light – natural light if possible to boost well being, energy and performance.
Use wall space for a corkboard or whiteboard to hang up a calendar, write notes, make a checklist.

Indonesia Independence Day Homeroom Photo Competition

Congratulations to Grade 7 as the winner of the Indonesia Independence Day Homeroom Photo Competition!