Primary eNews – Aug 6, 2021

BIS Library availability during Distance Learning

The BIS Library would like to support reading and learning during distance learning; therefore, we have devised 2 systems for BIS community members to use the library for book circulation.

The first option is to use the BIS Library Checkout Distance Learning Support form to schedule short in-person visits to check out books from the library. These visits will be limited to 15 minutes. All of the relevant information is contained in the form. Please fill it out completely, wait for a confirmation message (which will come very shortly), and then come during your scheduled time.  Please return any current library materials at the time of your appointment.

The second option is to use the BIS Library Book Online Request & PickUp form. This option allows you to search our online book holdings catalog (called Destiny), request books you want using the form, and then having the library package these books for pickup at the front gate of BIS without having to enter the campus. On the form, there are a few screenshots to demonstrate the process, a link to the Destiny catalog as well as a tutorial video on how to use Destiny.

And of course, the BIS Library Resources website is always available to find e-books, audiobooks, databases, and other online sources to support learning.

 

BIS Counselor
Thanks for reading my first post in the E-news counseling section, this post is for you to get to know me a little better.

My name is Noortje Janssen and I’m the new counselor at BIS.

I’m from Holland and have been working abroad since 2012, working as a counselor in different settings. For the last 6 years, I have been working as a school counselor in several international schools in Kenya and Qatar. 

I hold a bachelor’s in Pedagogy and a master’s degree in Special and Inclusive Education. At BIS, I will be the whole school counselor and work with all students and parents. I love working with children of all ages and you will see me around in the primary as well as secondary school, guiding the new students in their transition to BIS and engaging with all students about social and emotional well-being. Support can be given during individual or small groups sessions, as well as in regular Social and Emotional lessons in the class of your child. I aim to break down any stigma around mental health and social and emotional well-being, by creating a safe and warm environment where students are given the opportunity to share their experiences and feel free to express their emotions. 

I also support our senior students in the preparation for college and university admission, by walking next to them, providing support and advice through the university application process.

In addition to working with the students, I like to support parents and teachers in different areas related to social and emotional counseling, child development, and university applications through workshops and by sharing relevant information in the weekly E-news.

My door is open for all students and parents and I want you to know that I’m only one email away. If you have a question or concern, drop me an email at njanssen@baliis.net.

Take care,

Ibu Noortje

 

Grade 4 Settling into a New School Year
Only three days, but loads of connections were made! Congratulations to the Grade 4 students for being open-minded, confident, and enthusiastic this week as they settled into their new learning environment. 

Establishing a classroom culture is important in our first few weeks. We are learning about each other’s talents, strengths, concerns and challenges. We are sharing ideas, experiences, successes and expectations. We are establishing routines, learning platforms and options to support our needs. We are developing our Grade 4 Culture and here is how we are feeling!

Kristen Turner – Grade 4 Teacher