Counselor’s Corner – May 10, 2019
Smooth Transitions: (for primary and secondary parents)
Is your family moving? Though we are sad to see you go we definitely want your transition to be a smooth one. To help with this, I am meeting with all students departing BIS at the end of this year and giving each of them a RAFT guide. The RAFT concept can be used by the whole family and helps us transition to our new home without feelings of regret or unfinished business. The R stands for Reconciliation; is there anyone in your life here you need to apologize to or have a heart to heart with? This is the time for reconciliation. The A stands for Affirmations; are there people here you’d like to thank for helping and supporting you? Now is the time to show them your appreciation. The F stands for Farewell; Are there people, places, pets, or possessions you’ll be saying goodbye to? Now is the time to visit those special people and places one more time and relinquish pets and possessions to new owners with whom you know they’ll be in good hands. The T stands for Think Destination; What are you excited about and looking forward to in your new home? Now is the time to Talk about your new school, your new home, and the new opportunities that will be available to you there. We wish all departing families a smooth transition to your new homes and will continue to hold you in our hearts here at BIS, where you have each left a positive imprint.
Below are some good resources about moving and transitioning:
- Curious George Goes to School by Margret Rey
- The Berenstain Bears Go To School by Jan and Stan Berenstain
- Oh, the Places You’ll Go by Dr. Seuss
- Benny & Omar by Eoin Colfer
- The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn
- Moving day by Ralph Fletcher
- Hey, New Kid! By Betsy Duffey
- Footsteps Around the World, 2nd Ed. : Relocation Tips for Teens by Beverly D. Roman
- The League of Super Movers: My Moving Adventure by Beverly D. Roman
- Third Culture Kids: Growing Up Among Worlds by David Pollock & Ruth E. Van Reken
Child Safeguarding at BIS: (for primary and secondary parents)
In our ongoing efforts to protect the children in our care, we have posted Child Protection Posters (see below) in all classrooms and offices around campus. The posters outline what to report– any concerns around child abuse (physical, sexual, or emotional) by adults or peers, who to report to– the Child Protection Team, comprised of the school counselor, head of school, division principals, and our Child Protection Officer (CPO), Mr. Hamish Sutherland. The posters outline as well, that all concerns will be taken seriously and will be followed up on confidentially. Homeroom Teachers in the secondary have shared the information on the poster with their students and the School Counselor, Rachael Gerbic, has facilitated discussions on child protection through the MYP health classes, in addition to visiting all primary classrooms to explain the new posters. The primary students also do a follow up activity, identifying where they feel safe or unsafe on campus by coloring the school map, green, yellow, or red. This student feedback will be used to determine areas in need of more supervision or monitoring. Please help keep BIS safe by wearing your ID lanyard on campus, replacing lost or torn student bag tags, and by reporting any concerns to our Child Protection Team.
The PSAT will be offered on Oct. 30, 2019 and is a practice version of the SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) which is used in college admissions around the globe. The PSAT provides feedback to students about areas they test well in and areas they need to improve in. Results of the PSAT are not sent to universities so this is a good opportunity to see how students will do on the actual SAT.
If you would like your so or daughter to take the PSAT in October, please register in the Counseling Office this month. The fee has not yet been announced by the College Board but last year was the equivalent IDR 350,000, payable in the business office.
Check out the College Counseling Center (CCC): (for Primary & Secondary Parents)
Our CCC is home to all the college binders that were once housed in the back of the library. Check this spot for summer programs, scholarships, testing information, and college resources. All Students and Parents are welcome in the CCC, which is open every day from 7:30-4PM. Enter through the Green door next to the Staff Room.
Opportunities for BIS Students (for Primary & Secondary Parents)
Dear Parents, Please continue to check the Opportunities for Students to view the college visits calendar and learn about upcoming college fairs, summer programs, camps, and scholarships for BIS students of all ages. This document is updated daily as new opportunities come in.
Career Interest Inventory (For Secondary Parents)
If you would like an in-depth assessment of your son’s or daughter’s aptitudes and career interests, please review this information about Interquest and complete and return the registration form to the Counseling Center.