the international school yangon newsletter november 2016
TRANSCRIPT
The International School Yangon Newsletter November 2016
The International School Yangon Newsletter November 2016
The International School Yangon 20, Shwe Taungyar Street
Bahan Township Yangon, Myanmar
The ISY Newsletter is created by the Communications Office; all articles, advertisements and photos are submitted by individuals of the ISY Community.
Current Edition: November 2016 Cover Photo by Josh Van Lare
Cover & Ad Designs by May Su Yadana Bo Editing and Formatting by Elena Van Lare
For information or interest in submitting for the next edition, please contact Elena Van Lare, Communications Coordinator at [email protected].
The International School Yangon Newsletter November 2016
A Letter from the Director Dear Community,
As educators, we have an awesome responsibility. We are charged with preparing our students for the future. No matter what they may end up doing in the future – whether they are business people, authors, political leaders, or engaged in a trade, we have the responsibility to make sure they have the skills they need to successfully engage in the world around them and to be meaningful global citizens. This is a responsibility I often find myself thinking about as I strive to make sure we are doing everything we can to best meet our student’s individual needs.
I recently found myself reflecting on this topic again. I was at a conference, and the presenter raised the question, ‘What are the ‘must haves’ our students need to make sure they are prepared for the 21st century?” This is a difficult question. I often think about the data telling us that most of our children will end up in jobs that are unheard of today. If that is true, how do we make sure we are preparing students for these “unknowns”?
One of my favorite educational leaders is a professor at the University of Toronto named Michael Fullan. I think highly of him because I find his work to be very practical and realistic for promoting effective education. In one of his recent works, he stated, “All of the work we are doing in schools is just tinkering unless we clarify the role of collaboration and inquiry.” I found this quote to be interesting in that it caused me to begin thinking about the role of certain skills that may be needed in the future and the importance of teaching these skills as much as we teach certain content.
If that is the case, then what are some of those skills we need to make sure we are teaching and promoting? In my mind, there is a need to focus on thinking. That might seem to be apparent, but there really is skill that goes into thinking, to pushing ourselves to see beyond the obvious, to question, and to draw conclusions. This is important stuff! Similarly, reasoning and problem solving should be high on our list. Whatever jobs our students have in the future, there is no doubt innovators who are able to solve problems will be leading the way. However, I believe we need to push further and promote the ideal of moral reasoning, encouraging our students to see themselves as fitting into the larger world, taking responsibility for what goes on there, and seeking solutions. Collaboration seems to be key. The world of working in isolation seems to be coming to a close. Students who are prepared for the future will be those who know how to collaborate and build on each other’s ideas. Finally, I think it is very evident technology is key. It seems to be an absolute that our students must be proficient in the use technology as a tool for communication and innovation.
Some of the skills that ISY encourages and embeds in learning include: Thinking, reasoning and problem solving, collaboration, and proficiency in technology. As I think about the future, and how we can best prepare our students for success, I hope our work will be more than just the tinkering described by Fullan.
Warm Regards,
Gregory A. Hedger, Ed.D.Director
Photo by Josh Van Lare
The International School Yangon Newsletter November 2016
The International School Yangon Newsletter November 2016
Dear ISY Community:
As 2016 comes to a close, we hope that your children are immersed in a positive and productive school year. The ISY Board of Trustees is pleased to provide you with this summary of key decisions taken at our most recent meeting held on November 7, 2016.
2017-2018 Budgets, Tuition and Fees As indicated in the ISY Director’s email dated November 9, 2016, the Board has approved the 2017-2018 Operational and Capital Budgets. In order to meet the School’s needs, we have also given the green light for a 5% tuition increase, a 5% increase in the field study fee, and a $500 increase to the enrollment fee for new students. As per ISY By-laws, this proposal has now entered a three-week consultation period during which Association members may contact the Director to ask questions or make alternate proposals. The Board of Trustees would like to take this opportunity to commend the Director on a thorough and well-organized budget review process.
Closure of the ECIC After careful consideration, the Board has also approved the Director’s recommendation, based on financial, logistical and pedagogical factors, to close the Early Childhood Interim Campus (ECIC) at the end of the current school year. We look forward to welcoming our youngest students back to the main campus in August 2017!
ISY Strategic Governance Pol icy Framework Following on the successful amendments to ISY’s Articles of Association and By-Laws in May 2016, we are pleased to announce the adoption of the ISY Strategic Governance Policy Framework. This document, which can be found here , def ines the roles and responsibilities of the Board of Trustees and Director and indicates the principles and parameters that the Board determines essential to ensure the long‐term sustainability of the School. The policies contained in this framework are effective immediately and supersede any and all other ISY Board-level policy document(s).
In the coming months, we will begin work on a Board Procedures Manual, which will further define the specific
Board processes that the Board employs in order to adhere to the policies contained within this framework. Likewise and in parallel to this, the D i rec to r w i l l ensure tha t a l l bus iness , administrative and educational procedures and guidelines of the school are in line with the Strategic Governance Policy Framework.
Board Member Profile Following the recent amendment to the ISY By-laws, which converted two of eight elected Board positions into appointed positions, the Board has spent some time deliberating on the personal attributes and other characteristics that we believe define the ideal Board member. For more information, please see the Board Member Profile here.
Appointment of New Board Member Thank you to those parents who expressed interest in joining the Board. Although there were a number of excellent candidates, the Board has decided to appoint only one new member at this point in the year. After careful consideration, we are pleased to appoint to the ISY Board of Trustees, effective immediately, Mr. Matthew Pietz. Matt is a new ISY parent with children in Kindergarten and Grade 2. Given his background in public administration, commitment to ISY and understanding of key governance concepts, we believe he will make a valuable Board member. Please join us in welcoming Matt Pietz to the ISY Board of Trustees!
Phase II of the Campus Development Project Finally, the Board also made an important decision on the next phase of the Campus Development Project. Instead of two additional buildings as originally envisaged, the Board has approved the Director’s recommendation to pursue only one additional building, which would include a theatre, music rooms, a library, a cafeteria, and additional classrooms – all under one roof. The development of a detailed Master Plan is now underway and will include consultation with Association members among other key stakeholders.
The next Board meeting will take place on Monday, February 27, 2017. Thank you for your continued support.
Best wishes,ISY Board of Trustees
From the ISY Board of Trustees
The International School Yangon Newsletter November 2016
The International School Yangon Newsletter November 2016
From the Director of Teaching and Learning by Laurie Ransom
November 14, 2016 Professional Work Day
On November 14, teachers engaged in a professional work day, but one might ask, what exactly did teachers do on this day? What were the goals and outcomes? This day was carefully planned to align with our schoolwide goals for continuous school improvement, thus teachers collaborated on analyzing common formative assessments and planning responsive instruction; they worked on developing and revising units of study; and secondary teachers attended a workshop on teaching research skills.
What are ISY’s current goals relating to teaching and learning? Building on the three-year schoolwide focus on assessment, an emphasis on instruction over the next three years will help bridge effective assessment and learning practices to strengthen overall impact on student learning. A three-year plan with a focus on instruction has been mapped out with identified yearly emphases. For school year 2016-2017, all professional development and collaboration efforts are focused on the following goals:
1. Individually and collaboratively determine best instructional approaches to respond to formative assessment data.
2. Plan for intentional instruction by developing and/or refining quality units of study.
To support Goal #1, and harnessing ISY faculty’s strong culture of collaboration, since September, teachers, in grade groups and divisional teams, have been collaborating to design and develop common formative assessments (assessments designed to inform instruction and learning) and to analyze student performance to determine best responses to instruction to assist students who are struggling on the assessed learning goal or to extend learners who are already proficient. This dialogue is facilitated by a collaboration protocol and documented for sharing and further collaboration. Monitoring and reviewing prior instructional responses to formative data are also a part of the protocol. Preceding these collaborative efforts, teams studied the elements of high impact instruction to help inform their collaboration on responsive instruction.
During the professional development day, teachers also utilized principles of unit design to continue their ongoing efforts of developing, revising, and refining their units of study. These units incorporate the identification and development of unit goals, inquiry questions, enduring understandings, and learning targets; documenting the formative and summative assessments used to gather evidence of student learning; and finally, outlining the learning activities that will engage and enable students to successfully achieve and transfer their learning.
Teachers reported that collaboration tasks were productive and meaningful and the day’s time was well spent. It was evident the day directly supported schoolwide goals and aimed to improve student learning.
It is exciting to share ISY’s continuous schoolwide improvement efforts in the areas of curriculum, instruction, and assessment. If you are intrigued, you may read more about this topic on our web site, http://www.isyedu.org/about-isy/schoolwide-continuous-improvement, or I invite you to contact me to continue the conversation ([email protected] or 521-793 ext. 320).
Photo by Josh Van Lare
The International School Yangon Newsletter November 2016
The International School Yangon Newsletter November 2016
December Exam Week for IB Students The second week in December is set aside for mid-year exams for students in grades 11 and 12. The purpose of the exams is to prepare our grade 11 and 12 students for the IB examinations that will take place in May of their grade 12 school year. This exam is spread out over 5 days so that students can adequately prepare of each exam. Students can anticipate a two hour exam for each subject area which will be comprised of past IB papers when possible. If a student is sick on the day of an exam, they must have a doctor’s note.
From the Secondary School Principal Christina Powers
Day 1, Wednesday, December 7
Day 2, Thursday,
December 8
Day 1, Friday,
December 9
Day 2, Monday,
December 12
Day 1, Tuesday,
December 13,
Grade 12 8:00-
11:00 AM
English SL/HL
Math SL/HL
Psychology HL/SL
Economics HL/SL
Biology HL/SL
Lunch (11:00 – 12:30) Wednesday,
December 7 Thursday,
December 8 Friday,
December 9 Monday,
December 12 Tuesday,
December 13
Grade 12 12:30-
3:30 AM
Physics HL/SL French HL/SL Mandarin HL/SL Burmese HL/SL
Chemistry HL/SL
History HL/SL Conflict Day
Day 1, Wednesday, December 7
Day 2, Thursday,
December 8
Day 1, Friday,
December 9
Day 2, Monday,
December 12
Day 1, Tuesday,
December 13
Grade 11 8:00-11:00
AM
Math SL Math HL Math ST
Biology SL/HL
English –HL/SL
Physics HL/SL
Econ HL/SL
Lunch (11:00 – 12:30) Wednesday,
December 7 Thursday,
December 8 Friday,
December 9 Monday,
December 12 Tuesday,
December 13
Grade 11 12:30-3:30
AM
Chemistry HL/SL
History HL/SL Psychology HL/SL
French Burmese Mandarin
Conflict Day
Middle School Week Without Walls Philosophy Week Without-Walls (WWW) focuses around an outside-of-the-classroom learning experiences which provides students with a unique cultural, personal, interpersonal and environmental experience not available within the regular academic classroom.
Within the WWW program, students learn, reflect, and grow socially and emotionally. While some of the grade level trips focus on cultural aspects of the host country, others focus on community service, or adventure challenges where students push their limits. All trips embrace teamwork, cooperation, leadership, and independence.
Participation in WWW in not optional, as it is an extension of our core programs, and it reinforces the skills and content in our existing curriculum. This off-campus experience can take students out of their comfort zones and put them into new situations that help them grow and develop.
Photo by Josh Van Lare
The International School Yangon Newsletter November 2016
2016-17 Trips Grade 6- Pyay, Myanmar
With a focus on Myanmar history, culture, geography, and economy, the Grade 6 Bago region trip has students visiting the ancient city of Thayakhittayar, observing local village life, hiking to Buddhist pagodas, viewing rice production at a local rice mill, learning about how weather is monitored and measured locally at a weather station, and engaging in community service.
Grade 7- Hpa An, Myanmar
The Grade 7 trip to Hpa An focuses on community and team building through outdoor education. Activities include cycling, cave exploration and learning about the local culture. Hpa-An is the capital of Karen State, Myanmar. Hpa-An is the largest and most populated city in Karen State. The setting itself, the surrounding caves and mountains to explore, and the relaxed atmosphere are the highlights of the area.
Grade 8- Chiang Mai, Thailand
Outdoor adventure challenge is the theme of the Grade 8 Week Without Wall trip where activities and emphases include hiking, kayaking, rock climbing, understanding physical capacity, and fostering leadership skills. Chiang Mai is a city in mountainous northern Thailand that dates back to the 1200s. Its Old City area still retains vestiges of walls and moats from its history as a cultural and religious center. It’s also home to hundreds of elaborate temples, including 14th-century Wat Phra Singh and 15th-century Wat Chedi Luang, adorned with carved serpents.
Week Without Walls Continued: Grades 6-8 January 9-13, 2017 Immediately following the winter holiday, middle school students will depart for Week-Without-Walls (WWW). As families finalize their winter holiday plans, please remember:
• Students in Grade 8 will be leaving ISY for Chang Mai on Monday, January 9, 2017, at 9:00 AM.
• Students in Grades 6 and 7 will remain on campus and participate in community building activities in preparation for their trip on Tuesday, January 10, 2017. Students will depart ISY at 7:30 AM by bus for their WWW experience.
An invitation to attend a parent information session for each trip will be arranged soon.
The International School Yangon Newsletter November 2016
First Season of Sports at ISY Ends with Heartbreak and Hurrah! by Tom Just, Athletic Director
CHINTHE UPDATE
The world of ISY sports has been exciting since the beginning of the school year. For the high school students, the year started with the boys and girls soccer and volleyball teams holding tryouts. As the teams were chosen, the teams fell into their routines with practices and games before the SEASAC tournaments, which were held the weekend of November 4-6.
The soccer teams traveled to Kuala Lumpur for their Division II SEASAC tournaments. The results of the tournaments left the ISY girls finishing in fifth place and the boys capping off the tournament with a third place finish.
The boys and girls volleyball teams traveled to Bangkok for the Division I SEASAC tournaments. The girls eagerly played in Division I rounds this year after moving up from a championship win in Division II last year. The girls found Division I challenging as they finished in sixth place. The opportunity and experience that the girls embraced, however, will not be forgotten as they continue to Division II next year. The ISY boys continued their dominance in Division I by winning all of their first six matches. Their only loss came harshly as they moved into the finals playing the Canadian International School of Hong Kong (CDNIS); hats off to the ISY boys as they took second place.
With the culmination of the first SEASAC season, the ISY boys and girls tennis and basketball teams, as well as the girls touch rugby began the second season. Each of the season two teams wi l l t rave l to the i r respect ive SEASAC tournaments in early February. The tennis team will host the Division II SEASAC tournament here in Yangon at the Myanmar Tennis Federation. The basketball teams will travel to Bangkok, hosted by Ruamrudee International School (RIS), for the Division II tournaments, while the ISY Girls Touch Rugby team will travel north as the Canadian International School of Hong Kong (CDNIS) will host.
In addition, the ISY Cross Country and golf teams have been pract icing for their SEASAC tournaments that will take place from November 24-26, 2016. The ISY cross country team will travel to Singapore as United World College (UWC-East) hosts the two-day meet; the individual races will take place on the first day and the team relay on the second day.
Traveling at the same time, the ISY boys and girls golf teams will arrive in Bangkok and visit the NIST International School who will host the team at one of Bangkok’s finest golf courses. We wish both of those teams the best of luck.
The middle school enjoyed their basketball season, which provided many exciting games for both boys and girls. The teams completed their seasons at the Yangon Athletic Conference (YAC) tournament; the girls finished third and the boys harnessed fourth place. Both teams gained valuable experience in regular season games as well.
Middle school has now moved on to the second season of the year, which includes volleyball. Both, boys and girls teams, have had a few matches already, and each team will play four more matches before the December 10 YAC tournament. Both of the coaches for the boys and girls volleyball teams are confident that if the players continue to practice hard, they will easily win the MS YAC volleyball tournament on December 10.
All of the ISY sport activities that take place are listed on the ISY website school calendar. Please come and watch any of the games or matches at any time. Consider this your personal invitation to come and cheer the students on, as they represent ISY in the various sports that take place all year long.
ISY is very happy to host three SEASAC events this year. Along with the tennis mentioned earlier in this article, ISY will also host the Division II SEASAC girls softball at the American Club in the middle of March, as well as its first ever SEASAC MUN at the ISY main campus on the first weekend in March.
Thank you to all who have been supporting the sports teams and to all of the parents and relatives who will attend games in the future.
Continued on Next Page
The International School Yangon Newsletter November 2016
The ISY sporting program is extremely excited for the opening of the new sports center which includes a new 25 meter swimming pool, side by side regulation-play indoor basketball courts, and a new weight room. The new facility will help ISY to continue to be successful in our future sporting challenges.
Chinthe Pride
Photos by Josh Van Lare
The International School Yangon Newsletter November 2016
Secondary School Counseling Information and Updates
Admissions Decisions at Highly Competitive US Universities
Ever wonder how admissions decisions are made at highly selective US universities? Or how your child can prepare to apply to a highly selective university? Come find out on Thursday, December 1, 2016 in the cafeteria on the main campus beginning at 5:30 PM. The high school counselor will answer these questions and will invite you to participate in an activity that might give you added insight. Parents with children in any grade level within the ISY community are welcome to attend.
Update from the High School Counselor
We have had over 90 visits up to this point from universities from around the world. ISY students have been introduced to universities from the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Japan, the United Kingdom, France, Austria, Germany, Switzerland and Italy. This year’s seniors are reflecting this diversity by correspondingly applying to a variety of universities in multiple countries. University deadlines continue to sneak up on them, but they are working feverishly to write essays, obtain recommendations and meet deadlines. As a parent of a senior, if you are concerned at this stage, please feel free to contact the high school counselor at your convenience.
As of the week of November 14-18, university visits have abated. They will again resume in February and continue until the end of March. Please visit our website, along with the secondary principal’s weekly message for updates.
Our juniors are not far away from starting the admissions process, themselves. Juniors who need to (those applying to US and Canadian schools) should take the SAT test twice during their junior year. The dates remaining this school year are as follows: January 21, May 6 and June 3. Please find registration information HERE for deadlines and test dates. Individual meetings with the counselor to have in-depths discussions and provide guidance will begin in January and last until May. Any students or parents interested in having a meeting during this time are encouraged to make an appointment with with the counselor.
The Grade 10 students will soon be choosing their IB classes for the 2017-2018 school year. During the final week of November and the first week in December, students and parents will learn about the parameters of our IB program, what they need to keep in mind as they choose classes, and how those decisions connect with different university systems. See dates and times on our website and via email announcements.
The Grade 9 students are adapting to their increased independence, academic expectations and social freedoms within our high school. They also have access to Naviance, where they can take career surveys and begin the process of researching information related to college admissions and career development. Within weeks, they will obtain their first set of grades that will be part of their university transcripts.
The International School Yangon Newsletter November 2016
IB Course Selection for Current Grade 10 Students
To help parents and students plan for the International Baccalaureate (IB) commitment, the following information sessions will be provided.
Monday, November 28, 2016
Grade 10 students will be given introductory information about IB courses. Student will hear from the IB coordinator, high school counselor, subject specific teachers and current IB students.
Specifically we will address the following • Introduction to the IB • Why course selection matters and why now?• Things to think of when choosing IB courses- How it may impact University
acceptances. Do your selections fit with your interests and aptitudes?
Through out the day students will be asked to select the courses they think they are most interested in taking and return it at the end of the day. This is simply a first draft or best guess.
Tuesday December 6th, 2016 at 5:30 PM
Information evening for Parents and Students in the cafeteria we will be hosting an IB information evening for parents and grade 10 students. All grade 10 students and a guardian are required to attend, as IB course decision will impact students for the next two school years.
The following points will be discussed • General information about the IB• Course decisions and impacts on Universities• Specific details about each course and area. • Answer specific questions you may have.
IB course selection forms are due to the office no later than December 8, 2016.
Staffing for next year will be largely determined by the requests that we receive on December 8; it is important that by this date the selections are as accurate as possible.
If you would like additional information on the IB Diploma Program, please go to the IBO Parent Page. Once there, focus on the section for the IB Diploma Program. Specific information on Course Selection is also located on a linked page.
The International School Yangon Newsletter November 2016
Be a part of the Legacy: Building the Foundation for
Our Future
Dear ISY Community:
Our current ISY Capital Building Campaign is the largest fundraising effort in the school’s history. Building the Foundation for Our Future brings to life the recommendations of a comprehensive Master Plan, initiated over a decade ago, which outlines a multi-phase campus growth project. ISY’s long-term goal aims to fund an area of critical importance for our future - to transform the campus environment for 21st Century learning.
We understand that reaching our fundraising goal requires unprecedented generosity and support from our entire ISY community. We know by achieving our goals to raise 9 million dollars and to complete phases one and two, we will advance ISY to even higher levels of excellence. As we ask our students to go above and beyond every day, we must ask the same of ourselves. At such a pivotal time in our school’s remarkable history, we ask for your commitment and generosity. Your support, in essence, shows your commitment to take part in the effort that will shape and define The International School Yangon for the future, further establishing our place as the leading international school in Myanmar.
Please download and fill out our Capital Building Campaign Donation form, and join our growing list of donors today!
With gratitude,
Sarah PritchardDirector of Advancement
Our Current Donors
Naming Rights
• Classroom Naming - Dawn Construction Co., Ltd.
Giving Levels
Gold – $ 100,000+ • Soe Mar Lar• Dawn Construction Co., Ltd.• Wai Thit Lwin
Silver – $ 25,000+ • Dr. Aung Soe Win, Khin Swe
Swe and Family• U Soe Moe Thu and Daw Win
Win Tint (City Mart)• Krislite
Bronze – $ 10,000+ • Zaw Lin Soe and Family• AC Concept Furniture &
Design• Win Naing and Hmwe Hmwe
Chinthe – $ 5,000+ • Chan Mya, Prestige
Automobiles• Gregory, Kirstin and Anna
Hedger• Taing Nandi Aung and Taing
Eaindray Aung• The U Tun Lwin and Daw
Saing Nyunt Family• Sammy Tin
Community Circle - $100+• Sarah Pritchard• The Powers Family• Marvin/Ransom Family
For more information, please visit our support section of the www.isyedu.org website or contact Sarah Pritchard at [email protected] or 09 252 475 700. Thank you.
The International School Yangon Newsletter November 2016
Poster Design by May Su Yadana Bo; Photos by Josh and Elena Van Lare
The International School Yangon Newsletter November 2016
A few of us were lucky to greet Donát Kiss, ISY Class of 1970, and his wife, Dr. Marta Judit, when they arrived from Hungary to visit Donát’s alma mater. This is his first trip back to Myanmar after attending ISY 46 years ago. Donát shared his fondness for his time spent at the school, as well as the warmth and kindness of the ISY faculty and staff. He was particularly nostalgic when recalling his ten years as a child attending schools in four different countries; as the son of a diplomat, Donát found The International School Yangon to be his favorite overseas experience.
The visit was heightened as we heard stories describing ISY’s past - when the location was at 99 Mandalay Road. The stories of this converted home/school, with a graduating class of ten students, was embraced by all in the room, as we realized the pride of ISY that is held in many hearts. We were honored to receive the couple’s thoughtful gifts, including a hand-painted and gilded classic porcelain bell from the famous Herend manufacturer, a picture book of Hungary, and a copy of Donát’s ISY yearbook from 1970!
A Treasured Visit
News from the Admissions Office
by Nirmala Jayaram, Admissions Coordinator ISY has been using an online application
system called InfoSnap since 2014 to manage
applications. In a change from previous years, the
online application for the 2017-2018 academic year will
launch later on February 15, 2017. The deadline for in-
country applications and transfers (within Myanmar) will
be March 15, 2017.
The school will make the first admissions
offers on April 3, 2017. Currently enrolled ISY families
will be asked to confirm their return for the 2017-2018
school year by making a financial commitment. The re-
enrollment survey and deposit deadline will be
March 24, 2017. As spaces are limited, ISY wants to
ensure that new famil ies receive enrol lment
notifications in a timely manner to facilitate their
relocation to Myanmar.
As you may be aware, according to Board
policy, the school has a cap on all nationalities that
ranges from 20% to 30%. This nationality cap has been
reached in most grade levels for some nationalities.
The Admissions Office will reach out to all
families with children in the waitpool regarding the
application process for 2017-2018. Please contact the
Admissions Coordinator with any queries regarding the
2017-2018 application. Information can also be found
on the school website.
by Sarah Pritchard ; Photos by Nirmala Jayaram
The International School Yangon Newsletter November 2016
The International School Yangon Newsletter November 2016
John Coy writer’s workshop for Author’s Circle Reported by Hyejun Ahn, Grade 8
The award-winning author John Coy, who wrote multiple children's and young adult novels, visited ISY's community on October 5 to hold many discussions and eagerly answer all kinds of curious questions and understand the long process of writing. In addition to these discussions, the participants of the Author's Circle club had a special opportunity with John Coy after school for a writers workshop. He shared that he writes and creates characters to help him understand himself better. Then, he discussed how to start off a novel. His creative way of making us close our eyes and visualize stories inspired many of the participants who struggled to start a story. His thoughtful advice such as emphasizing the five senses and the setting helped the young writers describe their story smoothly. In spite of the short period of time, it was a special opportunity for young writers and students and an inspiration to many.
Excerpt from Hyejun Ahn, Grade 8:
I was just about to turn to the corner of the street right when a tall, slim figure pushed passed me. My shoulder hit against the nearby shop door that, which unfortunately, was opened at the exact same moment by a plump lady dressed in a colorful coat. The pain throbbed on my shoulder as I dropped down the floor. The agony was taking over, but I didn’t say anything. A reaction led to another reaction. That was the last thing that I wanted right now. “Are you okay?” the plump lady questioned as she checked on me, “I am so sorry.” But that was on the last thing that was on my mind. My purse was gone. My head swished toward the street as I squinted my eyes. He was there. The guy. The guy who stole my purse. He was dashing as fast as he can. Despite my tendency to not have any reactions in any situations, I screamed on the top of my lungs. “Catch him! He got my purse!” The crowd that ignored my life for the whole entire
time of their lives were suddenly intrigued by the situation. One head by another, they turned toward the guy who was dressed in black head to toe. “Get him!” a man yelled as a couple of people dashed towards the man.
Excerpt from Gustave Monnier, Grade 8:
It was in the afternoon. Frank was doing his routine walk from his school to his house. This day was boring, he had algebra for two hours and it was so complicated he tried to do the less he could. When he entered his house his dad was cooking an apple pie. It smells like the perfume of an angel cooking. He went to see his dad and said, “Good morning.” Then he kissed him and went to his room and began to do his homework. He wasn’t very concentrated this day and stopped a moment. He went to have a rest on his bed and start to think of himself as a spy trying to get nuclear codes to avoid world war three. Then he had to imagine his partners. There was no need because he had his imaginary friend with him. He thought of his imaginary friend to be real, at the same moment a shooting star travel in the sky.
The next morning, Frank went to school and went to his desk to prepare for class. The teacher came in and asked to welcome a new student. Frank couldn’t believe his eyes it was Paul! Frank fell on the ground unconscious. When he woke up, Paul was with Frank in the infirmary. “What do you want?” asked Frank. Paul looked shocked. “Is this how you treat your best friend,” then asked Frank. Frank took a pen from the desk and told Paul not to move. Frank then took his bag and ran outside of school to the grocery store. But surprise, Paul was there too. Frank couldn’t believe his eyes. He then tried to hide in a small street. “What are you doing?” asked Paul.
Frank then passed out.
Continued on next page.
The International School Yangon Newsletter November 2016
Excerpt from Anika Luchtenburg, Grade 6:
My brain then remembers that I did nothing and then… and then my brain remembers that I did all my homework that was due tomorrow with Kate yesterday. To be honest she basically did everything. All I did was mutter, “Yes,” and “I agree” or “I think so, too.”
I am pretty sure that my teacher will be confused once he sees me get like everything right. I mean I don’t fail in EVERYTHING if that’s what you think. I just kinda don’t pass everything but I have never really fail. I still do my homework, but I never get a perfect score like everyone else in my class.
Even Daisy gets perfect scores and I thought I was smarter than her. Ugg. I think I might repeat the 5th grade. Or maybe get on academic probation at least 7 times. Is that even possible? I hope not.
Excerpt from Khant Lin Aung, Grade 7:
Cara loved the garden on Sundays. There was no work so it was silent besides of the singing of the many lovely birds that stayed in the garden. She always walked barefooted to the oak tree at the center of the garden. Her mother always complained that it wasn’t proper to walk without shoes and certainly didn’t approve of climbing trees as it wasn’t ‘ladylike’. Her dad, the local baron, agreed with her and they often argued. Cara always came to the garden as it was her ‘thinking place’. On this particular day the sky was clear and the sun warmed Cara’s skin. A cool breeze made her jump and she suddenly she heard the crunching of dead leaves.
Excerpt from Victoria Liau, Grade 9:
Of course, Mom came home late again. It was the fifth time in a row, he thought. He was sure he left her dinner, or rather what was left of what
he cooked, in the microwave, so there was no need to take off his earphones. He could hear his mom's keys rattling in the door lock just fine. But he didn't register why she slams open his really thin and narrow room door right after the keys jingle. She could've knocked off the only hanging poster of some Hong Kong guy singer superglued from the past owners for all he knew. She just keeps screaming unrelated complaints of why the apartment got too warm (the rain was taking a painstakingly long break from KL again), why his schoolbag wasn't on the couch (she nagged him to keep the couch bare last week), and why the framed photo on the cupboard outside fell (she probably made it topple stomping on the floor). But it sure got to him when she yelled why the hell were those two guys hugging on his Tumblr dashboard glowing on the hand-me-down laptop he got from his mom. He had no clue whatsoever on how to stop his mom screaming, but she had already slammed the door shut, with her on the other side this time. He sighs in relief and goes back to the fan art, resting his arms on the worn wooden table with Disney stickers permanently stuck on them.
Writer’s Workshop continued
The International School Yangon Newsletter November 2016
What’s Your Mindset? by Patty Amundson-Geisel, ES Counselor
Earlier this month, Ms. Luba and I presented on the concept of Mindset. Mindset was first introduced in Carol S. Dweck’s 2016 book entitled: “Mindset the New Psychology of Success.” In her book, Dr. Dweck argues that the way people approach their thinking directly affects their success. The terms growth and fixed mindset were coined to explain how individuals think or approach a task. Individuals with a fixed mindset believe that one is born with a predetermined amount of ability; one’s skills and abilities are stable and cannot be improved with effort or practice. In contrast, individuals with growth mindsets believe that ability can be altered with effort and practice.
The differences between the growth and fixed mindsets are highlighted in a variety of situations. For example, students with a fixed mindset tend to experience challenges as stressful and overwhelming. They have difficulty persisting in the face of adversity and often view constructive criticism as personal attacks. A person with a fixed mindset may say things like, “I’m just not good at this” or “The teacher just doesn’t think I’m smart enough.” In contrast, students with growth mindsets tend to see challenges as areas for improvement, they cherish feedback as opportunities to expand their understanding and celebrate the success of others for other’s success inspires them. Students with growth mindsets might be heard saying things like, “My mistakes tell me where I need to improve,” or “Wow! I can learn from that example.”
In our presentation, Ms. Luba and I highlighted the differences in these two mindsets and shared ideas with parents regarding how they might speak to their children when they hear fixed mindset thinking. Here are a few suggestions for supporting a growth mindset:
• Encourage your child to take risks. Risks build resiliency and children can learn when they move beyond the safety of the known.
• Celebrate the process. Children who are praised for doing something quickly or easily may find themselves believing that effort implies inability.
• Praise mistakes. Mistakes are not failures, they are signals that we are learning, and highlight areas for improvement. Failure is only when one completely gives up on a task or challenge.
• Encourage and model positive self-talk. Add the word “yet” to phrases like “I’m not good at this” or “I’m just not a math person.” Trading negative for positive self-talk can inspire your child to follow your lead.
If you are interested in learning more about the differences between a growth and fixed mindset, feel free to contact the elementary counseling offices. Ms. Luba and I are happy to talk with you or send you the information shared at the parent education session.
The International School Yangon Newsletter November 2016
Red Scarf Girl Reported by Eleanor Wynne McAden
On Thursday, October 27, 2016, the sixth grade video-called Ms. Ji-Li Jiang, the author of a text they recently finished reading. The book, Red Scarf Girl, is a memoir of the author’s experience as a child during the Chinese Cultural Revolution, a revolution that took place in China from 1966-1976. The ostensible goal of the Revolution was to change China from a Capitalist country to a Communist country and was led by Chairman Mao. With millions of casualties, it was not a peaceful revolution. During the call, students asked questions they had relating to the book, and Ms. Ji-Li answered them. The sixth grade was very excited about the call. Before the call, the room was bright with the smiling faces of forty excited kids, sitting in rows facing the screen and the camera that allowed Ms. Ji-Li to see them. After all, they were [about to] Skype with the author of the book they just read who was calling from all the way in California, so they had the right to be excited.
This call was for them to learn important life lessons. Some lessons to take away from Ms. Ji-Li’s experience are that you shouldn’t follow leaders blindly and that you should use your own mind to make decisions. These are both great points to remember throughout life.
The overall review of this call was very positive. Several students said that they had a great time and learned a lot. One student, Morgan Versosky, said, “I got to see the author in real time. It was very cool to listen to her responses and to the questions.” Another student, Mai Phuong Dong, said, “I learned several life lessons from this call. I learned to trust my own judgment, and not always the judgment of leaders. This was a very fun experience.” These and other positive comments can conclude that this was a beneficial and informative experience for the sixth grade.
The International School Yangon Newsletter November 2016
HATS ON, PLAY ON: A CALL FOR SUN SAFTEY By Brett D. McLeod, Elementary Assistant Principal
Perhaps it is because I grew up in a country known to have one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, I pause to repeatedly promote sun safety. Even during the cloudy monsoon season, the risks posed by the sun remain high. Overcast days offer no guarantee of protection. If there are breaks in cloud cover one can still get sun burned. Clouds do attenuate ultraviolet (UV) radiation, the essential cause of sunburn and skin cancer, but their scattering of UV can also result in localized increases in radiation (Estupinan, et al, p. 16,817). All it takes is one instance of “blistering sunburn to double a child's lifetime risk of developing skin cancer” (Sun Saftey Alliance). That is why a change of school policy requiring the wearing of hats and sunscreen is necessary.
UV radiation is directly linked with melanoma, “the most serious form of skin cancer,” but UV radiation can also damage eyes and prematurely age skin (Mayo Clinic). UV rays in and of themselves are not entirely harmful, however. In fact, “they are necessary for our body to produce vitamin D, a substance that helps strengthen bones and safeguards against diseases” (NSF). So, it is obviously important for the health and fitness of ISY students to continue to engage in outdoor activity.
The challenge is that children’s proclivity for outdoor fun means greater exposure to UV radiation; however, the negative effects of UV can be considerably diminished with a commonsensical approach. For instance, the wearing of a broad-brimmed hat is a simple and incredibly effective way to protect one's face, head, and neck from ultraviolet radiation (British Columbia Cancer Agency).
Sunscreen is another measure that helps protect against ultraviolet radiation and should be considered. Even young children can be taught to apply sunscreen to parts of the body exposed to the sun. Those with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 are generally advised by experts, as are sunscreens that provide protection against both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. UVA rays may not cause sunburn but are linked to skin cancer as well as darken and age the skin (Oaklander, 2015). UVB rays are directly responsible for sunburn and “play a key role in the development of skin cancer” (Skin Cancer Foundation, 2013).
Interestingly, all sunscreens provide protection from UVB but this is not true for UVA. Only sunscreens that have UVA/UVB protection labeled on them provide protection from both types of rays. Naturally, these are recommended. The best way to determine if a sunscreen offers UVA protection is to look for the words “broad spectrum” on the label or bottle (Oaklander, 2015). If it does, then one is assured of protection from both types of ultraviolet radiation.
The right choice of clothing is also important in protecting children from the potentially harmful effects of the sun. “Bright- or dark-colored, lustrous clothes reflect more UV radiation than do pastels and bleached cottons; and tightly woven, loose-fitting clothes provide more of a barrier between one’s skin and the sun” and thus provide more protection (Skin Cancer Foundation, 2013).
It’s also a good idea to remind children to play in shaded areas. The Main campus and the ECIC have umbrellas, covered walkways, courts and large trees that provide respite from the sun. Additionally, the libraries of both campuses are always open to students during recess if they would like to read a book in air conditioned comfort.
ISY students may not spend an inordinate amount of time in the sun, nonetheless it is important that they develop the habit of protecting themselves against the harmful effects of excessive ultraviolet radiation. While the school has been incredibly active in its encouragement of the protective measures aforementioned, many children continue to play outdoors without a hat or sunscreen.
That is why beginning the 2017-2018 school year ISY will require all students to wear hats in campus areas exposed to the sun. This will hold true for recesses and Physical Fitness and Health classes held outdoors. Until then, please help us in urging your children to wear hats, protective clothing, and sunscreen at school. Hats on, play on! is the mantra espoused at ISY and by working together in its promotion we can better safeguard our children from the potential risks of too much sun.————————————————————————————————————————— Sources:
“Be a Sun-Safe Facility.” British Columbia Cancer Agency. www.bccancer.bc.ca/PPI/[email protected]
Estupinan, et al. Effects of Cloud and haze on UV-B radiation. Journal of Geophysical Research. Vol. 10, No. D11.Page July 20, 1996. www.climate.ncsu.edu/sraman/publications/J120.pdf
“Diseases and Conditions: Melonoma.” Mayo Clinic. 2016. www.mayoclinic.org/diseasesconditions/melanoma/basics/definition/con-20026009
“National Science Foundation Polar Programs UV Monitoring Network.” National Science Foundation. September 29, 2016. www.uv.biospherical.com/student/page4.html
Oaklander, Mandy. “This Is the Only Sunscreen Article You Need to Read.” Time. June 17, 2015. www.time.com/3924609/sunscreen-spf-uva-uvb/
Skin Cancer Foundation. Understanding UVA and UVB. May 24, 2013
“The Bare Facts.” The Sun Safety Alliance. www.sunsafetyalliance.org/bare_facts.html “Understanding UVA andUVB.” Skin Cancer Foundation. May 24, 2013. www.skincancer.org/prevention/uva-and uvb/understanding-uva-and-uvb.
Photo by ECIC faculty stock
The International School Yangon Newsletter November 2016
The International School Yangon Newsletter November 2016
Photo submitted by Steven Lake
The International School Yangon Newsletter November 2016
Elementary Middle School High School
Pre K 4 toothbrushes and 4 tubes of toothpastes
Grade 6 Each student will bring:1 Toothbrush and 1 tube of toothpaste AND 3 packets of noodles
Grade 9 Each student will bring:1 Toothbrush and 1 tube of toothpaste AND 3 packets of noodles
Kindergarten
Noodle 4 packets
Grade 7
Each student will bring: 2 bars of soap AND 1 liter bottle of cooking oil
Grade 10
Each student will bring: 1 bottle of cooking oil AND 2 bars of soap.
Grade 1 1 bottle of shampoo
Grade 8
Each student will bring:1 bag of sugar AND a 2kg bag of rice
Grade 11
Each student will bring: 1 bag of sugar AND a 2kg bag of rice
Grade 2 Bar soap (3)
Grade 12
Each student will bring:1 bag of Rice 2 kg AND1 bottle of shampoo
Grade 3 Cooking oil - 1 liter
Grade 4 Sugar 1 Bag
Grade 5
Rice 2 kg Bag
The Season of Giving: ISY December Gift BasketsThe International School Yangon has a tradition of giving gifts in the month of December to our staff of custodians, gardeners, guards, and maintenance team. To show how we care and are thankful for all that they have done for us, the Student Councils organize, collect and distribute gift baskets to include useful household items for each individual just before the semester ends.
This year our collection process will be as follows:
• Time period for collection: December 1 - 14• Elementary students may bring their individual
contributions to their classroom, and secondary students may bring their individual donations to Room F201 by December 14, 2016
Decem
ber Gift B
askets 2016
The International School Yangon Newsletter November 2016
The International School Yangon Newsletter November 2016
To request a form for sponsorship, please contact May Su Yadana Bo, Communications Associate at [email protected]
The International School Yangon Newsletter November 2016
ISY Celebrates in Late October ECIC and ES Students The students on both campuses enjoyed a fun-filled afternoon as they paraded around campus with teachers to celebrate the American Halloween holiday. Younger students were eager to show off their creative costumes by passing by middle and high school classrooms. Congratulations to all who participated in the creativity of the day!
The same evening, students and parents an opportunity to attend the Read Aloud, which promoted many wonderful reading selections with a Halloween theme.
Halloween at ISY & Halloween Read Aloud
Photos by Josh Van Lare and ECIC Faculty and Staff
The International School Yangon Newsletter November 2016
Photos by Josh Van Lare and ECIC Faculty and Staff
The International School Yangon Newsletter November 2016
The International School Yangon Newsletter November 2016
General Announcements
Girl Scouts of Yangon Help the Girl Scouts of Yangon (Troop # 20017) learn financial management and sales skills while raising money to go camping! Please donate gently used books of any genre (child or adult) by placing them in the box outside the ES office by December 7. Books will be sold as a fundraiser on December 10th and any unused books will be donated to local schools or orphanages.
For any questions about the sale, or Girl Scouting in Yangon, contact Erica at [email protected].
Thanks for your support!
Tuition Fees Update from the Business Office
The tuition fees invoice for Semester 2 of the 2016-2017 school year will be distributed before Winter Break. Therefore, students who will no longer attend ISY after December 2016, must inform the Business office of their intentions. Beginning on January 1, 2017, ISY will charge a handling fee of .5% for cash payments of tuition and fees greater than US$100.
For more information, or to inform the Business Office office of your intentions for next semester, please email: [email protected].
For all current news, policies, and updates, please visit the ISY website at www.isyedu.org
ISY Newsletter Publication ISY Communications October/November 2016
Main Campus: 20, Shwe Taungyar, Bahan Township, Yangon, Myanmar
Phone: +95 1 512793/512794/512795 | Fax +95 1 525020 Email: [email protected]
Early Childhood Interim Campus (ECIC): 9 Wingabar Lane, Bahan Township Yangon, Myanmar
Phone: +95 1 554051 Email: [email protected]
Communications Office: [email protected]