Whole School: United in Our Diversity, Thriving in Our Individuality

BIFS NEWSLETTER
United in our Diversity, Thriving in our Individuality
Contents
ISSUE 28, October 02 2015
(Click to jump straight to the article home icon brings you back to Contents)
Whole School
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
What is a Relevant education?

PTA News
PE Uniform Shop
BIFS Parent Coffee
Ulsan & Geoje Parent Coffees
NWEA MAP Testing for Grades 2 9
Image Rights Permission
Chuseok Celebration
Approaches to Learning with Lance King
Cafeteria Menu
Elementary School
1.
2.
3.
4.
Grades 4 and 5 Parent Session

NWEA MAP Testing for Grades 2 5
Professional Development
Upcoming Events
Middle School and High School

1.
2.
3.
4.
Celebrating Our Students - IB Learner Profile Awards

Music Festival Participation for Middle School Students
Counselors Corner
College Visits
For Your Diary

BIFS Annual Calendar 2015-2016
School & Community Links
www.bifskorea.org | enquiries@bifskorea.org | T. 82 51 742 3332
Busan International Foreign School
BIFS NEWSLETTER
Whole School
What is a Relevant education?

I hope everyone had a memorable Chuseok Holiday! It was wonderful
to welcome all of our students back! I would like to continue to my
series that highlights our belief statements at BIFS. Over the course of
this series, we have reflected on the central role of our students in the
education process, how education at BIFS is a shared responsibility,
about what it means to be a non-denominational family school and
also being a school that is unified and respectful in our diversity. This
week, I would like to focus on our belief that BIFS should provide the
very best inquiry based relevant and experiential education for each
student. While this is a tall task it is also a central principle behind the
BIFS difference! A great example of this is our upcoming visiting expert,
Mr. Lance King and his work on the IB Approaches to Learning.
goo.gl/Tg3q9p
Education is no longer just a matter of memorizing facts and figures and reciting them when called upon. Just
ask Yoda! Education today is about applying what you know in a critical, meaningful, and relevant way so as to
respond to lifes challenges. In short, it is just as much about the skills that a student learns as much as the
concepts and facts. This is why BIFS is so deeply committed to the IB programmes and to the focus on
developing our students approaches to learning. These approaches are communication, social, selfmanagement, research and thinking skills. In the process of developing these skills our students develop the
abilities to reflect and to be resilient. I invite our community to come out and learn more about our
approaches to learning from Mr. Lance King next week! Even Yoda thinks it will be relevant!
Kevin Baker
Head of School
Reminder there is no school for students on Friday, October 9 as it is a faculty professional development day.
BIFS NEWSLETTER
PTA News
Upcoming events:
Board of Governors Annual Meeting on Saturday, 3 October at 10:00 am. Come cast your
vote for the board and listen to the plans for our school.
PTA General Meeting on Wednesday, 7 October at 10:00-11:00 am. Learn ten common Korean
phrases to help you navigate in this society and see how you can help with the Fall Family Festival.
PTA Hiking Trip in Haeundae on Thursday, 8 October at 9:00-1:00 pm. Everyone is welcome! We will meet at
the Homeplus Haeundae east side (facing the train station) at 9:00 am. It will take about 2 1/2 hours going up
and 2 hours coming down. Wear a hat and comfortable shoes. Bring water, sunscreen and a snack. Don't worry
about your fitness level. We will naturally split into those who go fast and those who stroll. Its about being
together and enjoying this beautiful land. Look forward to seeing you there!
http://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050c4fafae2dab9-ptatrip1
Fall Family Festival on Saturday, 24 October 10:00 am-2:00 am at BIFS
We are having fun planning this event. There will be a chili cook-off that will be judged for those of you who
make a mean pot of chili. Hey students, especially middle and high school students! We are having a carved
pumpkin contest. Get your ideas together to enter. You are never too old to carve a pumpkin. There will also be
food, carnival games, activities on the pitch, and entertainment provided by our children. Plan to sign-up for
one hour to volunteer for activities. Sign-up Genius coming soon. We cannot provide a wonderful event for your
child and family without you. Check your childs backpack for information about pre-order tickets and about the
festival.
Volunteer Signup
http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0945a8ac2ba5fe3-fall
Cake Wheel Donations Sign Up
http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0945A8AC2BA5FE3-fall1
Chilli Cook Off Sign Up
http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0945A8AC2BA5FE3-fall2
Please note that the last day to pre order tickets is Friday, October 16.
BIFS NEWSLETTER
PE Uniform Shop
THE PE UNIFORM SHOP is now open Monday thru Thursday! Please check the calendar on the BIFS website for
actual shop hours each week. Note: Shop hours are determined by the availability of our volunteers!
The weather is starting to cool off so it is a great time to consider your cool weather PE Uniform options!! Stop
by the PE Uniform Shop and let us help you!!
Also available: BIFS blankets, coffee mugs and Eco-bags!!
Our vendor has indicated that he is changing factories because of quality issues. If you are having difficulty with the quality of your
uniform, please be sure to let us know! In most cases, we will not be able to replace it but we can ask the vendor to repair it.
BIFS Parent Coffee

Please come to the next BIFS Parent Coffee! Come learn why the IB approaches to learning and building
resilience is so important for our students.
Date: Wednesday, October 7
Time: 9 - 10 AM
Location: ES Hall (B5.5)
Immediately following the BIFS Parent Coffee, the PTA will hold their meeting in the same location. Please join
the BIFS admin team for a meaningful coffee morning conversation!
Ulsan & Geoje Parent Coffees

We are going to hold Parent Coffees in Ulsan and Geoje on following dates:
Ulsan Coffee
Date: Tuesday, October 13, 09:30 am - 11:00 am
Place: Coffeesmith
Address: 84-5, Okgyodong, Jung-Gu, Ulsan
Tel: 052-243-7959
Geoje Coffee: Friday, October 16, 10:30 am - 12:00 pm (the meeting place is TBC)
As you may be aware, the purpose of these meetings is to be able to support communication between parents
and the school, and to be able to positively discuss ways that we can continue to improve our school. We look
forward to meeting you at the meeting!
BIFS NEWSLETTER
NWEA MAP Testing for Grades 2 - 9

During October, children in grades 2 - 9 will take tests called Measures of Academic Progress (MAP). We give
MAP tests as a measure of individual student instructional levels, to measure individual academic growth from
year-to-year, and as a reflective tool on our programs in the areas of mathematics, reading, and language
usage.
MAP tests are unique in that they are computerized and adapt to be appropriate for each childs level of
learning. When taking a MAP test, the difficulty of each question is based on how well a student answers all of
the previous questions. As the student answers correctly, questions become more difficult. If the student answers
incorrectly, the questions become easier. In an optimal test, a student answers approximately half the items
correctly and half incorrectly. The final score is an estimate of the students achievement level. As a result, each
student has the same opportunity to succeed and maintain a positive attitude toward testing.
Over the next few days, your child will spend a total of about three hours completing these tests. Following the
testing period, you will receive a report showing your childs growth. For more information on resources for
parents, we encourage you to download the Parent Toolkit here. The toolkit includes information on how the
MAP is run and scored, as well as tips for parents to support their child at home.
The following is excerpted from the toolkit.
Ways to help your child prepare for testing:
Meet with your childs teacher as often as needed to discuss his or her progress. Ask the teacher to
suggest activities for you and your child to do at home to help prepare for tests and improve your
childs understanding of schoolwork. Parents and teachers working together benefits students.
Provide a quiet, comfortable place for studying at home.
Make sure that your child is well rested on school days and especially the day of a test. Children who
are tired are less able to pay attention in class or to handle the demands of a test.
Give your child a well-rounded diet. A healthy body leads to a healthy, active mind.
Provide books and magazines for your child to read at home. By reading new materials, a child learns
new words that might appear on a test.
Image Rights Permission

Our assumption is that by joining the school parents give us their permission for any photos, videos, and audio
files featuring their child or themselves to be published on the school's website, blogs, and in other marketing
materials belonging to the school. Please notify Ms. Miyoung Kim at miyoungkim@bifskorea.org if you do not
wish photos, videos and audio files featuring your child or yourselves to be used.
BIFS NEWSLETTER
Chuseok Celebration
BIFS NEWSLETTER
Approaches to Learning with Lance King

This year, there is a whole-school focus on the IB Approaches To Learning (ATL). Self Management, Research,
Social, Communication and Thinking skills will take center-stage. MYP and DP students will be building digital
portfolios that feature reflections on the ATL's. The initiative will have a dynamic introduction by Lance King, who
has worked with the IB to introduce the ATL's and embed them across the four IB programs. Lance hails from
New Zealand and has travelled the world, teaching students, teachers and parents about the ATL's.
On October 7th, Lance will work with our Grade Eleven and Twelve students all day and will focus on study skills
and building resilience.
On October 8th, Lance will work with our Grade Six students (half in the morning and the other half in the
afternoon) and will focus students' attention on Learning About Learning.
We are happy to invite parents to a special event at 7:00 pm on October 8th in the Middle and High School Hall
5F in C building on Learning Skills, Approaches To Academics and Personal Excellence. This event is for parents
of children of all ages. Please RSVP suhakim@bifskorea.org if you are interested in attending this event.
October 9th is a professional development day and all teachers will attend an all-day event titled: Teaching,
Learning and Assessment with the ATL's in Mind.
Here is Lance King's website if you are interested in finding out more.
Daun Yorke
IBDP Coordinator & Curriculum Director
(for more information on this event, please contact dyorke@bifskorea.org)
More details on Lance King on the next page
BIFS NEWSLETTER
BIFS NEWSLETTER
Cafeteria Menu
October 5 - 8
We serve brunch buffet or international buffet every 3rd Thursday of a month.
10
BIFS NEWSLETTER
Elementary School
Grades 4 and 5 Parent Session
On October the 5th from 2:30-3:15pm in the Elementary Hall, the Grade 4 and 5 parents are invited to an
information session led by Kit Whitney, our School Counselor. This session will involve information about how
parents can help their child(ren) improve their friendship skills. Ms. Whitney will talk about some of the social
issues at this developmental stage and how parents can listen to and support their child(ren). Please contact the
Grade 4 or 5 teachers if you'd like to attend.
NWEA MAP Testing for Grades 2 - 5

Grades 2 -5 will test on the following days:
Grade 2
Grade 3
Grade 4
Grade 5
Oct 6, 8, 13
Oct 6, 12, 13
Oct 5, 7, 12
Oct 5, 7, 8
Test Completion and Make Up Tests for all Grades - Daily and Oct 14
Professional Development
Our PYP Coordinator, Leda Cedo, just returned from leading an IB workshop in China.
Mr Brendan Lea, IT coordinator, is attending the Learning2 Asia conference in Manila, Philippines.
Upcoming Events
Date/Time
Event
Details
October 5, 9:15-3:15
Lower Elementary trip
Grades Kindergarten, 1, and 2 take a field trip to farm in

Ulsan
October 5, 2:30-3:15
Grades 4 and 5 Parent

Session
Friendship and social issues confronted by students in Grades

4 and 5
11
BIFS NEWSLETTER
Upcoming Events
Date/Time
Event
Details
October 5-19
ES MAP Testing
Grades 2-5
October 9
Staff Development Day
No School for Students
October 12-23
Electives Registration
Registration for term 2 electives
October 14-16
Grade 5 Camp
Grade 5 travels to Seoul and the DMZ as a learning

component in their unit, Who we are.
October 14, 9:00-10:00
Elementary Parent Coffee
The PYP and Inquiry-Based Learning
October 16, 2:35-3:20
Elementary Assembly
Handwashing and Flu prevention:

Nurse and students will demonstrate proper handwashing techniques and why it is important. We will
also discuss flu season and ways to prevent spreading
germs to others.
October 20, 8:30-4:30
Parent-Teacher-Student
Conferences
We will meet with parents and students in 3-way

conferences to set goals for the year and look at
progress so far. No regular school for students on this
day, and no electives.
October 23, full day

(exact times to be set)
ES Soccer Tournament
Grades 4 and 5 soccer electives students only @ DIS.

Permission slip to follow.
October 23, 2:35-3:20
Elementary Assembly
Music: Grade 1 students will present their mad pad or

other videos of their rhymes that they have recorded.
October 29, 30
School Photos
School photos will be taken for yearbook and for

purchase on these days. A schedule will be sent home
to parents as the date nears.
October 30, 12:45-3:20
Halloween Celebration
The student council is planning a Halloween

celebration. Details to follow. Please note that children
must come to school in regular clothing and are invited
to change into costumes after lunch. Parents are
welcome to come help out!
October 30
End of Term 1 Electives
12
BIFS NEWSLETTER
Middle School and High School

Celebrating Our Students - IB Learner Profile Awards
One of our Middle/High school initiatives is to regularly celebrate our students. We have decided to use the IB
Learner Profile to capture the successes of our students. During our monthly Divisional Assemblies we will take a
moment to highlight students for their positive contributions to the school. We want to recognize students who
are consistently thinkers, knowledgeable, inquirers, principled, open-minded, balanced, caring, communicators,
reflective and risk-takers.
The IB Learner Profile
Inquirers
We nurture our curiosity, developing skills for inquiry and research. We know how to learn independently and
with others. We learn with enthusiasm and sustain our love of learning throughout life.
Knowledgeable
We develop and use conceptual understanding, exploring knowledge across a range of disciplines. We engage
with issues and ideas that have local and global significance.
Thinkers
We use critical and creative thinking skills to analyze and take responsible action on complex problems. We
exercise initiative in making reasoned, ethical decisions.
Principled
We act with integrity and honesty, with a strong sense of fairness and justice, and with respect for the dignity
and rights of people everywhere. We take responsibility for our actions and their consequences.
Open-Minded
We critically appreciate our own cultures and personal histories, as well as the values and traditions of others.
We seek and evaluate a range of points of view, and we are willing to grow from the experience.
Balanced
We understand the importance of balancing different aspects of our lives - intellectual, physical, and emotional to achieve well-being for ourselves and others. We recognize our interdependence with other people and with
the world in which we live
Caring
We show empathy, compassion and respect. We have a commitment to service, and we act to make a positive
difference in the lives of others and in the world around us.
13
BIFS NEWSLETTER
Celebrating Our Students - IB Learner Profile Awards (Continued)

Communicators
We express ourselves confidently and creatively in more than one language and in many ways. We collaborate
effectively, listening carefully to the perspectives of other individuals and groups.
Reflective
We thoughtfully consider the world and our own ideas and experience. We work to understand our strengths
and weaknesses in order to support our learning and personal development.
Risk-takers
We approach uncertainty with forethought and determination; we work independently and cooperatively to
explore new ideas and innovative strategies. We are resourceful and resilient in the face of challenges and
change. 1
We look forward to taking the time to celebrate and acknowledge all of the wonderful contributions that the
students make to the school each and every day. Lets celebrate!
Nate Swenson
Middle School Principal
Jamie Robb
High School Principal
1 "Learner Profile for IB Students | International Baccalaureate."International Baccalaureate Organization. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Sept. 2015.
<http://www.ibo.org/en/benefits/learner-profile/>.
BIFS NEWSLETTER
14
Music Festival Participation for Middle School Students

The Music Department will be offering students a chance to participate in the Korea International Music
Education Association (KIMEA) Music Festivals that will be held in Seoul. The trips will be an overnight trip and
will cost each student KRW 250,000.
Middle School Honor Choir Festival will take place on Thursday, January 28, 2016.
Middle School Honor Band Festival will take place on Tuesday, February 2, 2016.
Middle School Honor Orchestra Festival will take place on Tuesday, March 15, 2016.
We encourage students who enjoy singing and play band and orchestral instruments to take part in these
festivals. These festivals are an opportunity for students to engage in music rehearsals and performances with
students from other international school in Korea.
An itinerary and further information will be emailed to Middle School parents prior to these individual trips. For
more information about KIMEA please visit: http://www.kimeaonline.org.
Zahra Khalifeh
Head of Music
BIFS NEWSLETTER
15
Counselors Corner
I am excited to announce that BIFS will host the first UK University Fair to be held in our gymnasium on October
6, 2015, from 4:00-7:00 PM. This is a great opportunity for the BIFS community as well as the greater Busan
community to visit with some great UK institutions of higher education. Scheduled UK universities that will visit
include the following:
University of Warwick
Goldsmiths University of London
Cardiff University
University of Sheffield
University for the Creative Arts
Falmouth University
Arts University Bournemouth
Anglia Ruskin University
Edge Hill University (unconfirmed)
University of Liverpool (unconfirmed)
In addition to the UK University fair, break out sessions are scheduled that will cover topics to include
completing the UCAS, writing the personal statement, selecting a UK university, and the art focused universities
will talk about the portfolio as well as be available to offer a review of portfolios.
I look forward to seeing students and parents attend this event.
Bence Brown
College Counselor
16
BIFS NEWSLETTER
College Visits
Each year BIFS receives university recruitment visits from universities from all over the world. The following is the
list of universities that have been scheduled so far to visit BIFS. We anticipate getting many more throughout the
school year.
Date
College
September 1
Miami University, Oxford

University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
University of Oregon
University of Vermont
September 8
St. Georges University (Caribbean)
September 18
North Carolina State University
September 25
Widener University
Augustana College
University of California, Santa Cruz
Creighton University
Fordham University - Lincoln Center Campus/Rose Hill Campus
Iowa State University
October 1
University of Wisconsin, Whitewater
October 7
Hampshire College
Lynchburg College
University of Puget Sound
Saint Mary's College of California
October 8
University of Connecticut
October 12
Calvin College
The College of Wooster
October 20
University of Missouri Columbia

University of Colorado at Boulder
The University of Iowa
17
BIFS NEWSLETTER
For Your Diary

October 2015
October 2015
2nd
ES Assembly
29th 30th
3rd
BIFS BOG AGM
Campus Photography International Taking

Student Photos
5th 14th
ES MAP Testing
30th
End S01 CCA/Elective
5th
Lower Elementary Ulsan Field Trip
ES Halloween
SKAC HS Volleyball @BIFS
ES Assembly
6th
UK University Fair @ BIFS Gym
MS House Assembly
7th
BIFS Parent Coffee
Spirit Day
PTA Meeting
MS/HS Halloween Dance
8th
Whole School Meeting
9th
Staff Professional Development Day - No

School for Students
12th 23rd
ES Electives Registration
13th
Ulsan Parent Coffee
14th
ES Parent Coffee
14th 16th
Grade 5 Camp
16th
17th
November 2015
2nd 6th
Mid-term Holiday
9th
Start of S02 CCA/Elective
11th
BIFS Parent Coffee
PTA Meeting
Geoje Parent Coffee
13h
ES Assembly
ES Assembly
18th
ES Parent Coffee
MS/HS Mid-Semester Reports
20th
Battle of the Bands
Global Gathering
ES Assembly
MS Parent Coffee
MHS Movember Assembly
ES Assembly
MS/HS Skype Interviews
25th
Schoolwide 3-Way Conferences
27th
21st
MS Parent Coffee
23rd
ES Assembly
28th
BIWA Bazzar
HS House Assembly
30th
End of Semester Examinations
24th
PTA Fall Family Festival
28th
HS Parent Coffee
28th 29th
One Act Plays
20th
BIFS NEWSLETTER
19
School & Community Links
Please contact Ms. Miyoung Kim if you wish to inquire about

promoting your company in the BIFS Newsletter.
miyoungkim@bifskorea.org | 051-742-3332 (#114)

Whole School: United in Our Diversity, Thriving in Our Individuality

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BIFS NEWSLETTER

United in our Diversity, Thriving in our Individuality

ISSUE 28, October 02 2015

What is a Relevant education?

Grades 4 and 5 Parent Session

Middle School and High School

Celebrating Our Students - IB Learner Profile Awards

For Your Diary

www.bifskorea.org | enquiries@bifskorea.org | T. 82 51 742 3332

Busan International Foreign School

ISSUE 28, October 02 2015

What is a Relevant education?

www.bifskorea.org | enquiries@bifskorea.org | T. 82 51 742 3332

Busan International Foreign School

ISSUE 28, October 02 2015

Busan International Foreign School

United in our Diversity, Thriving in our Individuality

ISSUE 28, October 02 2015

BIFS Parent Coffee

Ulsan & Geoje Parent Coffees

Busan International Foreign School

United in our Diversity, Thriving in our Individuality

ISSUE 28, October 02 2015

NWEA MAP Testing for Grades 2 - 9

Image Rights Permission

www.bifskorea.org | enquiries@bifskorea.org | T. 82 51 742 3332

Busan International Foreign School

United in our Diversity, Thriving in our Individuality

ISSUE 28, October 02 2015

www.bifskorea.org | enquiries@bifskorea.org | T. 82 51 742 3332

Busan International Foreign School

United in our Diversity, Thriving in our Individuality

ISSUE 28, October 02 2015

Approaches to Learning with Lance King

More details on Lance King on the next page

www.bifskorea.org | enquiries@bifskorea.org | T. 82 51 742 3332

Busan International Foreign School

United in our Diversity, Thriving in our Individuality

ISSUE 28, October 02 2015

www.bifskorea.org | enquiries@bifskorea.org | T. 82 51 742 3332

Busan International Foreign School

ISSUE 28, October 02 2015

We serve brunch buffet or international buffet every 3rd Thursday of a month.

www.bifskorea.org | enquiries@bifskorea.org | T. 82 51 742 3332

Busan International Foreign School

ISSUE 28, October 02 2015

NWEA MAP Testing for Grades 2 - 5

Lower Elementary trip

Grades Kindergarten, 1, and 2 take a field trip to farm in

Grades 4 and 5 Parent

Friendship and social issues confronted by students in Grades

www.bifskorea.org | enquiries@bifskorea.org | T. 82 51 742 3332

Busan International Foreign School

ISSUE 28, October 02 2015

Staff Development Day

No School for Students

Registration for term 2 electives

Grade 5 travels to Seoul and the DMZ as a learning

October 14, 9:00-10:00

Elementary Parent Coffee

The PYP and Inquiry-Based Learning

October 16, 2:35-3:20

Handwashing and Flu prevention: