Practicing Mindfulness- The challenges of being a middle school student are significant. The subtle (and not so subtle) messages relayed to adolescents through advertisements, the internet and sometime their peers to "fit in," dress or act in a certain way can lead to stress and loss of self esteem. Worries about doing well in school or meeting expectations also can be the cause of significant anxiety. The noise from outside sources can be truly be overwhelming, especially for middle schoolers.
To support your child, please make sure they are allowed to have quiet time each day away from digital media, homework and other distractions. Allowing children a space and time to "be bored" and let their minds wander promotes creativity, play based learning and calmness. The opportunity to think about and reflect on our actions is something we all could benefit from.
Parent Conferences: We had a very successful first parent conference session on Thursday that was attended by many parents and guardians. If you did not get the chance to visit teachers or sign up for conferences, there is one more session for parents this Thursday in the Middle School Hall from 5:00-8:00pm. Spaces are limited so please sign up soon using the links provided in my last blog post. Students are welcome to attend. We look forward to seeing you there.
Free Dress on Friday: On Friday October 30th we will have a free dress day for students. Since this free dress day falls very close to Halloween students will be allowed to wear costumes to school provided they are not offensive or too scary. Of course, costumes must also be conservative and appropriately cover students' bodies. Our first disco of the year will also take place on Friday from 6-8pm. Students will be allowed to wear their costumes to disco.
To support your child, please make sure they are allowed to have quiet time each day away from digital media, homework and other distractions. Allowing children a space and time to "be bored" and let their minds wander promotes creativity, play based learning and calmness. The opportunity to think about and reflect on our actions is something we all could benefit from.
Parent Conferences: We had a very successful first parent conference session on Thursday that was attended by many parents and guardians. If you did not get the chance to visit teachers or sign up for conferences, there is one more session for parents this Thursday in the Middle School Hall from 5:00-8:00pm. Spaces are limited so please sign up soon using the links provided in my last blog post. Students are welcome to attend. We look forward to seeing you there.
Free Dress on Friday: On Friday October 30th we will have a free dress day for students. Since this free dress day falls very close to Halloween students will be allowed to wear costumes to school provided they are not offensive or too scary. Of course, costumes must also be conservative and appropriately cover students' bodies. Our first disco of the year will also take place on Friday from 6-8pm. Students will be allowed to wear their costumes to disco.
Other Upcoming events:
School Photos- Monday October 26th during the school day- All students will have their school photos take on Monday. As always, students must wear their normal school uniform. Information about purchasing individual photos will be delivered home soon.
Spirit Week- October 26-30- Students will compete against each other during lunch time competitions earning points for their house with each win.
Tutor evening -rescheduled October 26th- 3:15-4:00- Room 1-14 at the high school. This event is designed to help outside English tutors better understand the IB Middle Years Program and learn how to best support English Learners at ISS. Please contact Sandra Guillotel ([email protected]) if you have any questions.
Parent Teacher Conferences- Thursday October 29th- 5-8pm- Middle School Hall
Week Without Walls (formerly Activity Week) information meeting- November 4th- 3:30-4:15pm- Room 5. Believe it or not, it is time to start organising our Week Without Walls trips which will take place from February 15-19th, 2016. You will be receiving information from the school about the costs and itinerary for each trip in the coming weeks. We encourage all parents and guardians to join us on the 4th to learn more about your child's trip from our grade level leaders.
Staff in-service training (School Closed for Students) Monday November 9th
Deepavali Holiday School Closed: Tuesday November 10th
School Photos- Monday October 26th during the school day- All students will have their school photos take on Monday. As always, students must wear their normal school uniform. Information about purchasing individual photos will be delivered home soon.
Spirit Week- October 26-30- Students will compete against each other during lunch time competitions earning points for their house with each win.
Tutor evening -rescheduled October 26th- 3:15-4:00- Room 1-14 at the high school. This event is designed to help outside English tutors better understand the IB Middle Years Program and learn how to best support English Learners at ISS. Please contact Sandra Guillotel ([email protected]) if you have any questions.
Parent Teacher Conferences- Thursday October 29th- 5-8pm- Middle School Hall
Week Without Walls (formerly Activity Week) information meeting- November 4th- 3:30-4:15pm- Room 5. Believe it or not, it is time to start organising our Week Without Walls trips which will take place from February 15-19th, 2016. You will be receiving information from the school about the costs and itinerary for each trip in the coming weeks. We encourage all parents and guardians to join us on the 4th to learn more about your child's trip from our grade level leaders.
Staff in-service training (School Closed for Students) Monday November 9th
Deepavali Holiday School Closed: Tuesday November 10th