International School Manila

ES PARENT BULLETIN
Volume 08 02 December 2011

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER

DEC
5, 6 7, 14 9 ES AFAC Recitals @ 3.30pm, AMR Student Late Start @ 8.30am ES Parent Bulletin ES Assembly @ 8am, Fine Arts Theatre ESL Parent Coffee @ 1pm, ES Faculty Lounge 13 15 16 Jan 6 1st Semester Report Card Distribution Distribution of School Photos End of 1st Semester Early Student Release @ 12pm Semester Break

From the ES Administration

Dear Elementary School Parents, Filipiniana Last Friday, ISM celebrated Filipiniana, providing our students with an opportunity to explore some of the elements of Filipino culture. It was great to see the entire Elementary School experiencing music, art, language, stories, food and other cultural aspects of the Philippines throughout the day. Equally, it was wonderful to see the collaboration that took place throughout the school as our teaching assistants, parents and class teachers all worked to ensure that the day was a success for all. Clearly, Filipiniana is one day out of an entire school year. It is a fun day with a collapsed schedule, invited guests, and a range of different tastes, sights and sounds for our students to experience. However, our goal is that, through our curriculum, we are constantly looking at issues and concepts to analyze through the lens of our host culture. This may be as simple as looking at the concept of ocean biodiversity by first examining the context of the Philippines for relevant examples. Or, when discussing with our students the idea that we all belong to a variety of different, overlapping communities, we look at the various communities that exist in Manila, prior to extending to a wider context. A sincere thank you to all our teaching assistants, for their pivotal role in the day and our PTA parent liaisons and parent body for their support. Creativity and the Arts Explicit in our mission at ISM is a focus on creativity: Nurture creativity and originality as precursors for critical and reflective thought and action. Today we had the pleasure of two concerts in the Elementary put on by our Kindergarten and Grade 1 students. The children were given a forum to showcase their creativity and originality through the arts, including dance, folktales, songs, poetry and expressive movement. Thank you to all our students who were involved, the teachers for supporting their learning and our parent community who attended the event. A special thank you to our Music teachers for facilitating our Kindergarten and Grade 1 ES concerts. PCF visit On Tuesday we hosted 161 students from the PCF School in
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JAN
9 Start of Second Semester 11, 18, Student Late Start @ 8.30am 25 17 20 21 ES New Parent Coffee @ 7.30am, ES Faculty Lounge ES Parent Bulletin International Family Fun Day

UPDATING PARENT CONTACT INFORMATION

In order to best serve the ISM Parent Community, it is essential that information be quickly disseminated when necessary. For this reason, the accuracy of your contact details in our database is of the utmost importance. Please note that Parent Contact Information must be updated online by the parent. To make any changes or verification in contact information, please access one of your childrens data file via the ISM website (www.ismanila.org) and then under Login, click on Powerschool Public Access and enter your Username and Password. On the page that opens, click on the Demographic Update icon for changing or updating demographic information.

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02 December 2011

From the ES Administration

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Tondo with our Grade 4 students. This is a school with which ISM has an on-going relationship as part of our Service Learning Program. On Tuesday the students collaborated together on a number of projects, prior to sharing a lunch together. This visit is one of three that we hope to have throughout this year, as we facilitate the development of longer term friendships between the students, culminating in a collaborative arts project to be carried out on both campuses. As we walked through classrooms and the playground on Tuesday, it was wonderful to see the friendships starting to develop and for us all to see that regardless of background and nationalities, children can always find some form of commonality. Mother tongue classes Thanks to the support, talent and expertise of families at ISM, we are now offering Dutch, French and Hindi as mother tongue or first language maintenance classes. The goal of supporting and promoting bilingualism at ISM is to affirm our students identity by providing a crucial connection to a students home country and culture. It also allows families from the same linguistic background to connect and to share in their childrens growth within their first language. Many ISM families have children who already speak both English and another language (some even more than that!) with perfect fluency and pronunciation. First language maintenance provides students with the opportunity to build vocabulary, to be introduced to more complex grammatical structures, and to deal with subtleties and nuances within a language. It is intended to be an opportunity to extend students proficiency in their mother tongue, through reading, writing, listening and speaking the language. One of the most important consequences of nurturing students mother tongue is the positive impact it has on the development of the language of instruction at ISM: English. In promoting bilingualism, indeed multilingualism, we aim to
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From the ES Guidance Office

Attention Parents: After an entire semester off, the Parent Book Club will resume for the 2nd semester. If you are interested in attending the group, or finding out more information please attend an informational meeting in the Little Theater at 12:30pm on Thursday, December 8th. The books for the next semester will be introduced; and dates and format will be discussed. We look forward to seeing you there!

From the School Clinic

Peanut /Nut Allergy Reminder for class celebrations
In this season of holiday and end of year celebrations many classes will have parties and parents generously send in goodies from home. Can we please ask that you check labels and send foods that do not contain nuts. We have a number of children in the school that have severe allergy to nuts and this will help to keep them safe. If you have any questions about suitable foods please see the class teacher in the first instance or Monique in the Clinic.

From the ESL Office

ESL Parent Coffee

Creating a Positive Learning Environment for Your Child

Friday, Dec 9th 1 2pm ES faculty lounge We hope youll join us to share ways we can do this. We will also be sharing the ESL report card format with you and familiarizing you with the reporting style at ISM.
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Elementary School Parent Bulletin

02 December 2011

From the After School Activities Office

AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES (AFAC) for KINDERGARTEN
After School Activities for Kindergarten will begin on January 25, 2012 and will end on May 23, 2012. It will be held every Wednesday from 2:20 to 3:15 pm. The program is strictly for Kindergarten students only. Registration forms will be distributed on January 13 through the teachers. There are going to be 6 sections of students and each will be supervised by teacher assistants. They will assist the activity coaches and escort students to their activities. They will pick up/return your child to/from the Kindergarten Hallway every Afterschool Activities day. Your child will stay with their section and attend all activities described below on a monthly rotation (a different activity every month) and it is free of charge! TRANSPORTATION: After the activities, Bus riders will be picked up by their respective bus mothers from the Kindergarten Hallway Other students must be picked up by their parents/guardians at 3:15; students who are not picked up by 3:20 will be taken to the ES office Teacher Assistants will remain with your child until he/she get picked up. The after school activities program aims to expose Kindergarten students to the following activities:

Activity: Dance
The program is designed for the Kindergarten students to enhance their creativity and body coordination. Children are sure to learn different basic moves embedded in fun and simple choreography.

Activity: Swimming
Participants in this program will learn basic personal water safety information and skill to help them feel comfortable in the water and enjoy the water safely. They will be taught elementary aquatic skill through games and fun activities. The program will help them start to develop positive atti-

Activity: Art
Students will learn the basic folding directions through making delightful puppets, cutting strips of paper to create rainbow streamers and dancing dragons, celebrate earth week by making earth pendants, design their own name plates and boxes using glitters, beads and their own cut outs.

Activity: Wall Climbing

Students will experience climbing our schools safe and challenging wall. Our program is designed to develop the attitude, confidence, discipline, perseverance, coordination and physical fitness of the students.

Activity: Gymnastics

This program will introduce floor exercises focused on balance, posture, positioning, and movements.

Activity: Games
Activities designed to promote the development of fundamental motor skills, basic movement patterns (ex. for organized sports), and physical activity behaviors (such as sportsmanship, turn-taking, working together in a group) that can help them in the future.

Elementary School Parent Bulletin

02 December 2011

AFAC
for

Grades 1 to 4
LAST DAY of AFTER SCHOOL AC TIVITIES (AFAC) for FIRST SEMES TER

DECEMBER 9, 2011 (FRIDAY)

All ES Afterschool Activities will end on the week of December 59. If your child wishes to either CONTINUE with the same activity or sign up for a NEW activ ity for the second semester he/she MUST register again.

REGISTRATION of AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES (AFAC) for SECOND SEMESTER

DECEMBER 5 DECEMBER 15
AFAC Registration Form for Second Semester will be sent out to the students (through the homeroom teachers) on December 2. Regis tration period is on December 5 until December 15. To get the com plete description of all the activities please visit htt://esafac.ism online.org/. You may also download the registration form from this site.

AFAC OFFICE Tel no: 8408485

Elementary School Parent Bulletin

02 December 2011

From the Admissions & Advancement Office

ADMISSIONS WITHDRAWAL PROCEDURE
Dear ISM Community Members, The Admissions Office is sending out a friendly reminder regarding our Withdrawal Procedure. If your family will be leaving we would appreciate that you submit the official Withdrawal Notification Form in order to initiate the withdrawal process. All forms are available on our web site at www.ismanila.org under the Admissions tab < Re-Enrollment & Withdrawal. WITHDRAWAL NOTIFICATION FORM (required for ES/HS/MS students) Please submit the completed form to the Admissions Office MIDDLE SCHOOL CLEARANCE FORM Once completed please submit this to the Cashiers Office HIGH SCHOOL CLEARANCE FORM Once completed please submit this to the Cashiers Office ES Students will be cleared directly through the ES Office once the Admissions Office receives the Withdrawal Notification Form. 2012 Seniors will be notified by the HS Office regarding clearances.

From the Athletics Office

IMPORTANT DATES: December 8, 2011 Payment Deadline for 2nd Semester Tuition December 15, 2011 End of 1st Semester May 11, 2012 Withdrawal Notification Forms from School Year 2011-2012 must be submitted. Forms received after this date will incur a penalty on the refund of the FUD. For detailed information regarding receiving Report Cards, Transcript of Records, obtaining a yearbook and/or the refund of the FUD please visit our web site at www.ismanila.org under the Admissions TAB < Re-Enrollment & Withdrawal. We appreciate your notification as we have many families awaiting word for enrollment for the second semester. Please feel free to contact us at admissions@ismanila.org for any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Stephanie H. Hagedorn
Director of Admissions & Advancement
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Elementary School Parent Bulletin

02 December 2011

Swimathon
Saturday, December 10th
Welcome to the Sailfish Swim Club Swimathon! It is a fun activity for all of our swimmers and the ISM community as a whole (Parents, Teachers, and Students). It gives the kids and parents a chance to set goals, and strive to exceed those goals. Goal distance will be set based on squad level and development. Our objective for Swimathon is twofold: 1. Ensure that the swimmers have a positive experience and can demonstrate their increased ability in the sport. 2. Help the swim club raise funds for the Child Hope charity, for equipment as well as end of year awards. We hope that each swimmer will participate in the Swimathon to the best of their ability. Thank you very much for your participation!

Schedule
Parent Volunteers are required to assist with registration; at least 3 parents are needed during the 15 minute registration period. Please go here to register your help. http://sailfish.ism-online.org/sign-up-forms/swimathon-parent-volunteer/

Pledge forms are attached so swimmers can start collecting pledges. On the day of the Swimathon, swimmers are asked to bring along a plate of food for share after they have finished their swim, they will have earned it. Please arrive early to allow time to register and prepare for the swim. It is a good idea to have a large water bottle on pool deck to sip on during the swim. Once the Swimathon is complete, you will need to gather your pledges and pay to the school cashier into the Sailfish Account by Thursday 15th December. GROUP Elementary School Middle School ISM COMMUNITY High School REGISTRATION 2:15-2:25 pm 3:15-3:25 pm 4:15-4:25 pm 5:15-5:25 pm MEAL TIME 3:30 pm 4:30 pm 5:30 pm 4:30 pm SWIM TIME 2:30-3:30 pm 3:30-4:30 pm 4:30-5:30 pm 5:30-7:30 pm TARGET METERS / LAPS 1,000-2,500m / 40-100 2,000-3,500m/ 80-140 1,000-2,500m / 40-100 5,000-9,000m / 200-360

Rules
1. Swimmers may start collecting pledges as soon as they receive the pledge sheets. Reminder: Pledge sheets need to be turned in on Swimathon day. Pledges may be made by anyone. 2. Each sponsor making a pledge should write their name, pledge per lap, and maximum pledge or set amount pledge. Swimmers may collect the pledge in advance but must keep pledges until all are collected then take the total to the cashier. 3. On the day of the Swimathon, each swimmer MUST have an adult lap counter/ supervisor, to keep track of the number of laps completed. Swimmers will not be able to swim if they dont have an adult supervisor. Each group will swim during a specified period in our pool. Each lap is 25 meters. 4. During the Swimathon, swimmers are allowed to stop as needed for toilet and water breaks. If a swimmer needs to stop they simply move to a corner of their lane or get out of the pool so that other swimmers may continue unimpeded. Older swimmers are encouraged to stop as little as possible. Do note that swimming aids of any form are not allowed. 5. Upon completion of the Swimathon, students will get their lap count approved. A volunteer will record each students lap total on their pledge sheet and return it. Students may then collect outstanding pledges. Please pay the pledges to the school cashier into the Sailfish Account as well as return the pledge sheets to the ISM Sailfish Swim Club by Thursday 15th December, or on the day of the event. We look forward to all our participants having a great time! For questions or concerns, or to volunteer, contact Andy Astfalck, Head Coach at astfalcka@ismanila.org 6

Elementary School Parent Bulletin

02 December 2011

ISM Sailfish Swim Club - Swimathon

Saturday, December 10th
Name School Grade Pledges: A sponsor can pay a flat rate or pay a rate per lap. Swimmers are encouraged to collect their pledges in advance. Swimmers must collect their pledges and hand in by Thursday 15th, December, or on the day of the event. Pledges will go toward: 1. Child Hope which is a school sponsored charity 2. Club equipment and end of years awards ceremony

SPONSOR NAME

PHONE NUMBER

FLAT RATE

RATE PER LAP

CASHIER STAMP

GRAND TOTAL

SUB TOTAL

SUB TOTAL

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02 December 2011

From the PTA

Giving Back This Season Remember the date, December 8! 7:30am - 12:30pm at The Loft, at ISM *More than 20 Charity organizations are coming to ISM to sell their handmade crafts. *It's your chance to do some bazaar shopping and at the same time give back to the community. *Come for coffee and treats and start feeling the festive season! Get entertained by our talented ES and MS musicians who will perform for us that morning. Hope to see you there!
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Elementary School Parent Bulletin

02 December 2011

Dear Parents, The holidays are quickly approaching, and Im sure we are all looking forward to enjoying some well-deserved vacation time. However, the PTA has its biggest event of the school year coming up as well International Family Fun Day (IFFD), which will take place on January 21, 2012. This is an event that continues to be a highlight of the ISM experience. There are many reasons for attending and participating in IFFD from children enjoying the games and fun with their friends to parents experiencing a new adventure in culinary diplomacy at the International Food Tasting Booths. In past years, countries from all over the world have been represented in the International Food Fair. It only takes a small group of volunteers to put together a booth, and sharing our diverse, multi-national cuisine is a truly rewarding experience. Please contact me if you want to get involved. Any help at all would be greatly appreciated!

Japan, Taiwan, Pakistan, Thailand, Latin America, Australia/New Zealand, and Europe

Thus far I have at least one volunteer for the following countries:

Here are the countries that have not yet been represented:

Philippines, India, Korea, America/Canada, China, and Indonesia. If you are interested or know anyone who is, my contact information is:

Melanie Ball
(Food Booths Chair) E-Mail: melaniehball@gmail.com Mobile: 09154636387 Landline: 816-0059

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From the ES Administration

(Continued from page 2)

extend students English proficiency particularly as our students grow and require more academic language at school. First language maintenance classes are offered as a part of our After School Activities program. For more details, please contact Ms. Toni Narvaez in the AFAC office. For more information about supporting and developing bilingualism, please dont hesitate to contact the ES Program Leader for English as a Second Language Ms. Pippa Beetson, or check out her blog, http://elementaryesl.ism-online.org/

Adam Campbell
Elementary Principal

Elementary Asst. Principal

Michael Rourke
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