International School Manila

ES PARENT BULLETIN
Volume 01 12 Aug 2011

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER

AUG
15 17, 24, 31 19 22 Preschool & Kindergarten Regular Day Begins Wednesday Morning Student Late Start @ 8.30am ESL Parent Afternoon Tea @ 1-2pm, ES Office Lounge First day of After School Activities PTA Bearcat Welcome @ 7.30am, Little Theatre Open House for Preschool, Kindergarten and Grade 1 5.00pm Refreshments, Little Theatre 5.15pm Introductions and Inquiry Learning Overview, Little Theatre 6.00 - 7.00pm Classroom presentations, in your childs classroom

From the ES Administration

Dear Elementary School Parents, May we extend the warmest of welcomes to all new and returning students and parents for the 2011-12 academic year at International School Manila. This week we have had 170 new students starting in the Elementary School, representing 28 different nationalities, forming part of a total of 53 nationalities within the entire Elementary school. Diversity One of the key parts of our mission statement is an explicit acknowledgment of being a diverse and dynamic school. What does this look like in reality and most importantly, how does this look within our classrooms? This will manifest itself in a learning environment that celebrates the diversity which each class has to offer. It allows each student to bring their own cultural context and experience to the learning table and share with their peers. It is the promotion of an inquiry process which actively encourages students to pursue areas of learning which engage, connect and mean something to them, as an individual. Hopefully, it is much more than just an annual celebration of International Day it is a very real sense that all are equally valued and celebrated and that our students are given regular opportunities to celebrate and discuss their own culture and context. As our students and your children progress through their learning in 2011-12, I hope that you are able to see and experience this in reality and it becomes more than just words on a piece of paper. Questions? One of the cornerstones of effective schooling and learning for your child is a strong relationship between the school and home. Please do have an on-going discussion with us about your child and their learning. Central to the inquiry process of learning which we advocate at ISM and model for our students, is questioning. Please do not hesitate to ask us questions and give us feedback about what is going on at ISM. It is only through this on-going dialogue that we can continue to be on a path of school improvement with a focus on our students learning.
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Wednesday Morning Student Late Start @ 8.30am Open House for Grades 2 - 4 5.00pm Refreshments, Little Theatre 5.15pm Introductions and Inquiry Learning Overview, Little Theatre 6.00 - 7.00pm Classroom presentations, in your childs classroom ES Parent Bulletin ES Assembly @ 8am, Fine Arts Theatre School Holiday for National Heroes Day - No Classes School Holiday for Eid-Ul-Fitr - No Classes

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Elementary School Parent Bulletin

12 August 2011

Please visit your childs classroom blog! The blogs will keep you informed of things going on in the classroom and they are for your use, too. Please leave us comments so we know you are enjoying reading them! You can get to each teacher/class blog through our Elementary School blog: http://es.ism-online.org/

From the ES Administration

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How do you know your child is being successful at school? Success in schools can be measured in so many ways. Is my child achieving their personal best in terms of academic success? Have they formed strong and stable relationships with their peers? Are they being challenged? As a school, the academic rigor elements of our program are relatively easy to measure, whereby we gain regular data in all areas of curriculum to see how your child is progressing and how we can use this data to set goals and impact their learning. The dispositions element and social/emotional side of education is, by its nature, a greyer area. Gaining concrete data (for example, how do we measure happiness??) involves asking our students to reflect on their school experience and to develop self-awareness of the choices they make, the independence they are developing, and the different perspectives that exist in our world. At this stage of the school year, our initial goal is to ensure that your child feels safe, settled and happy in their new classroom environment. Teachers are working hard at establishing relationships with their entire class and ensuring that they get to know each individual student, how they learn and what motivates them. This relationship building is fundamental to giving our students the space to be happy at school and then will ultimately flow into personal challenges for them, as they strive for their own personal academic success. Open House We look forward to welcoming our entire ISM community on two Open House evenings on Tuesday 23 August (Preschool, Kindergarten, & Grade 1) and Wednesday 24 August (Grades 2, 3 & 4). Our goals for these sessions are to share more specific details about how we learn at ISM Elementary, spend some time with your classroom teacher learning about the specific curriculum at that grade level, and provide you with an opportunity to meet other parents in your childrens class. The evening will look as follows: 5pm 5:15pm 6 7pm Assembly On Friday 26 August we will be holding our first Elementary whole school assembly. This will be at 8am in the Fine Arts Theatre and will be a chance for us to celebrate the start of the school year together. We look forward to working with you over the next year and supporting your childs learning. Refreshments (Little Theatre) Introductions and Inquiry Learning Overview (Little Theatre) Classroom presentations

Adam Campbell
Elementary Principal

Michael Rourke
Elementary Assistant Principal
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Elementary School Parent Bulletin

12 August 2011

From the PE Department

RECESS SUCCESS! The Physical Education team has two green recess boxes in the ES Plaza with sports equipment for children to use during their play time. Children simply need to hand in their school ID to a supervisor located near the recess box. At the end of play, children return the borrowed equipment and collect their student ID card. This system helps students be responsible. SEND IN YOUR ACTIVE PHOTOS We have a bulletin board in the playground showcasing all the ways our community was physically active over the holidays. Please send/e-mail me a photo of you and/or your children being active. You can place photos in an envelope and send to school with your child addressed to Amanda Pekin, Elementary School Physical Education or simply e-mail me at pekina@ismanila.org Lastly we have a website which has a list of the activities children can become involved in and around Manila. Check out http://sportsmanila.wikispaces.com/

From the ES PE team

Pizza Day!
Every Friday is Pizza Day for Elementary School (grades 1-4). The pizzas are being supplied by Piadina. Pizzette Quattro Formaggi Pizzette Margherita Coupons will be sold at the undercovered ES playground every Friday from 6:30 a.m. up to 7:30 a.m. These coupons are then redeemed by the students at the ES Cafeteria during their lunch break. - Php 60.00 - Php 50.00

Elementary School Parent Bulletin

12 August 2011

ES After School Activities

School Year 2011-2012 First Semester: August 22 - December 9, 2011
The AFAC Mission is to develop confident and committed students that are enthusiastic about learning. We provide opportunities for students to engage in safe and fun recreational activities that extend their educational experience in ISM. Our program begins August 22 and ends December 9, 2011 during the 1st Semester and continues January 16 and ends May 25, 2012 during the 2nd Semester. Registration for first semester activities will end on August 17. We will send a confirmation letter to you through the childs Homeroom Teacher or Advisor on August 19. This form will have the childs schedule of confirmed activities. Thank you, Bill Blankenship ES Afterschool Activity Coordinator

Elementary School Parent Bulletin

12 August 2011

From the ATAC Office

ATAC (Athletics & Activities) is up and running for school year 2011-12! HS Tryouts are now over and coaches will be posting teams lists this week for varsity and junior varsity squads. Thanks to the 220 students who came out for HS tryouts this is a great response for our 1st season program. Our ES Soccer tryouts and MS tryouts for 1st season teams began this past Wednesday Aug 10 thru to Friday Aug 12. ES/ MS students have been attending with good numbers as well this week to all 3 tryout sessions to begin training and to meet the coaches. The ATAC all year round teams start next week Aug 15th information posters are on notice boards giving the times and venues to meet for tryouts. The 1st season practice schedule is now posted on the blog and around school This schedule is valid from Aug 15th - Oct 21st. The ATAC Blog (http://atac.ism-online.org/) is the one stop shop for information related to the sports/activities program...please take some time to peruse the blog for information related to the sports and activities program. Using the blog you can find out about; IASAS our international schools league for HS competition, schedules for tryouts, season practice schedules and weekly matches, ATAC guidelines, facilities photos, Bearcat Council, Bearcat Den, IASAS hosting/housing, coaches blogs and much more.. Until PowerSchool opens, general details of the weekly match schedule will be posted on the ATAC blog and in the Friday bulletins.. Friday Aug 19th Varsity/JV Soccer/Volleyball v Faith at ISM Sat Aug 20th ISSA MS/HS Volleyball League matches begin ISSA ES Soccer Festival at CSA (Dasmarinas Village) 8Noon RIFA girls and boys soccer league matches begin (MS and HS Teams) Fri Aug 26th HS Varsity/JV Volleyball v Brent Varsity Girls Soccer v Miriam College Visit the blog on a regular basis to keep up to date with all the action! Go BEARCATS in 11-12!

Mark Pekin
Athletic Director

Elementary School Parent Bulletin

12 August 2011

Elementary School Parent Bulletin

12 August 2011

From the Sailfish Swim Club Sailfish Swim Club News

TRYOUTS: for grades 112 will continue during the week 15th 19th August. Come to the swimming pool straight after school. SWIMMING STARTS: Swimmers who have already completed their tryout or are existing Sailfish Swimmers, swimming starts on Monday the 15th. Squad lists are posted on the Swimming Pool Notice board. SAILFISH REGISTRATION: Sailfish is holding a registration day on Friday the 26th of August. From 3:005:00pm, swimmers will be able to pay their 2,000 pesos fee, and will be able to pick up their Sailfish Tshirt and Swim Cap. You can pay your fee on the day or you can pay now at the cashiers office.(please bring your receipt on the 26th) TIME TRIALS: On Friday 26th all Sailfish swimmers will also be doing a time trial. Swimmers aged 8 years and younger will swim 25m Freestyle, Backstroke and Breaststroke, 918 years will swim 50m Freestyle, Backstroke and Breaststroke. QUESTIONS/INQUIRIES: Pleased contact Coach Andy: astfal cka@ismanila.org, or go to the Sailfish Blog: http://sailfish.ism online.org

From the Superintendent

August 4, 2011 Dear Parents, Greetings and welcome to the school year 2011/12 International School Manila. I hope that these weeks of summer vacation have given you the opportunity to enjoy some family time together. As I am beginning to realize myself with my son and daughter in Grade 10 children grow up far too quickly! I want to take this opportunity to remind you of some of the support services and campus procedures to ensure an orderly and efficient school start. I hope you understand that, in such a large community, it is essential for us to establish certain agreements in order to make things easier for everyone. School Office hours Monday Friday, 7 am 4 pm. Uniform Shop Extended days through to Sept 2, 2011 Monday Friday, 7 am to 4 pm Regular hours start the week of Sept 5th 2011 Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7 am to 4 pm Canteen Parents can now sign up for prepaid meals for Elementary School children. Please proceed to the Urban Chef (International Cuisine) and Yogi Chef (International Vegetar7 ian Cuisine) offices located in the MS/HS Canteen for sign ups. Cost for lunch is Php90.00. Parents of MS/HS students can also avail of the debit system for the main concessionaire (Urban Chef). You may also refer to the ISM website for additional information on the canteen concessionaires and services. Bus Service Over the past three years there has been a significant growth in the number of students choosing to use the ISM Bus Service on a regular basis, with this usage reaching just over 25% of the total school population during School Year 2010/11. In an effort to continue this steady growth the School Administration conducted a review of our existing busing service. Further to this, last December the PTA canvassed the opinions of parents of both existing bus riders and students who do not regularly use the bus to identify possible improvements to the service. Based upon the Schools review, and informed by the PTA survey, a bidding exercise was held to select our school bus provider for the School Year 2011/12. After a careful evaluation of the submitted proposals a decision was made to change our school bus service provider, and so I am pleased to welcome T Shuttle Services, Inc. to
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12 August 2011

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ISM. The decision to appoint T Shuttle Services was made in the interests of securing satisfactory standards of fleet serviceability, operational flexibility and value for money. Safety and security were of course our first priorities, but we were also mindful of the identified desire of many parents to avoid increases in cost whilst maintaining as flexible a service as possible. In particular, it was clear that the door-to-door service that has traditionally been provided remains a feature valued by many parents, and I can confirm that this service will continue to be offered for most riders, where practicable and allowed by village associations. With the introduction of our new bus operator there are a number of features of this years service that I would like to highlight for parents: 1. All rates set for Semester 1 of School Year 2011/12 for both regular riders and occasional coupon riders remain the same as last year. This despite increases in fuel prices over the past twelve months. These rates will be maintained for Semester 2 unless there are significant sustained changes to the price of fuel, and any adjustments will be proportional to the rise or fall of running costs. 2. As with past practice, the agreement for student use of the bus service will be between parents and the school bus service provider. 3. All buses to be used for the regular school routes will be newly reconditioned, refurbished and commissioned for this service contract. 4. A minimum of fifteen buses will be used to operate the regular ISM bus service. An additional bus will be held on campus to provide a replacement in the event of mechanical problems or significant delays caused by unusually heavy traffic conditions. Further to this, two Nissan Urvans will be deployed as rescue vehicles and in support of low passenger volume bus routes. 5. T Shuttle Services Inc. will provide a driver and one bus attendant for each bus deployed on a regular school route and all T Shuttle Service personnel must undergo screening by ISM before being deployed. T Shuttle Service staff will undergo an ISM orientation program before deployment. 6. The School will continue to provide one School Marshal, assigned from our security staff, to each regular bus route. 7. Each school bus will carry a GPS unit to be monitored from the ISM Security Office. 8. All regular school buses are fitted with seat belts for all seats and students will be required to use them. In addition to the points above, parents should note that there will be an adjustment to the afternoon departure times on regular school days. Due to the very low numbers of students 8

making use of the 4:15 pm and 5:15 pm activities buses, these services will no longer be operated. In their place a new, combined 4:45 pm service is being offered. This change has been made following discussions between the School Administration, the ATAC and AFAC Offices and our new bus service provider. HS and MS after school activities will be arranged so that participating students who ride the bus can make use of this service whilst avoiding the need for students to wait around on campus without a structured activity to keep them occupied. The scheduling of the combined 4:45 pm service will also allow additional buses to be deployed to the 2:30 pm and 3:20 pm departure times. It is planned that this will help address two other areas of concern identified by parents: student travel time and limited areas serviced by the 2:30 pm routes in the past. As part of our discussions with T Shuttle Services we have stressed the importance of making the bus service an attractive option for travel between home and school for as many students as possible. They have expressed a willingness to explore ways in which they can, within the constraints of running an efficient and practical service for the majority of riders, provide a viable transport solution for all those who express an interest in using the school bus service. Of course, there will always be certain locations or needs that cannot be provided for but if the offered bus service does not at first appear to address a particular need, in regard to location or routing, parents are encouraged to discuss this with the Transport Office staff. I encourage all parents to consider making use of the ISM Bus Service for their students. Should parents wish to discuss in more detail the school busing arrangements for the new school year, or they have any particular concerns or needs they can also contact the ISM Transport Coordinator, Ms. Ruth Estella, on 8408541 or email Ruth at EstellaR@ismanila.org. Billing Billing statements are now sent to parents and other patrons through email and are also available for online viewing on the School website to facilitate access. A user ID and password has already been provided to existing parents and is available for every new parent. Parents are advised to maintain an up-to -date email address for billing information. Please read carefully the School Fees and Payment Schedule on the web. As was the case last school year, there will be no reenrollment deposit. Instead, we shall expect all departing families to complete the WITHDRAWAL NOTIFICATION FORM on or before the second Friday of May 2012. Failure to do so will lead to a deduction of $1,000.00 from the Facilities Upgrade Deposit.
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Elementary School Parent Bulletin

12 August 2011

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Payments Payments may be in cash, check or through wire transfer in any of the BPI, Citibank and HSBC branches. Please make sure that the name of the student for whom the payment is being made is indicated on the deposit slip, check, or in the bank instruction for wire transfer to ensure proper recording. Contact Treasury Office at 840-8506 if you have questions. Operations and Security Access and parking within the campus are important security and safety issues. For the well-being of all members of the ISM community, those entering the school campus are requested to follow the procedures outlined below. Vehicular Access During drop-off and pick-up times, vehicles may enter through Gates 2 and 3. Those entering through Gate 2 should proceed to the drop off area and, once the student has alighted or boarded, they should exit via Gate 1. Those vehicles entering through Gate 3 must turn into the covered parking area and use the designated drop-off areas. All vehicles must exit through Gate 1. (Please note that Gate 2 may only be used by vehicles displaying a valid ISM vehicle sticker. Alternatively, vehicles entering through Gate 3 may park in the covered car park. The spaces reserved for parent-driven cars should only be used by those vehicles which are driven by parents themselves. Vehicles in which parents are traveling, but which are driven by a driver, should not use these spaces. Rather, they should park elsewhere in the covered car park or make use of the outside spaces next to the power center. Family/company drivers should not remain within school once they have delivered a student. They should exit the school and return no sooner than 30 minutes before the scheduled pick up time. Visitors to ISM may only enter through Gate 3. There is an area for short stay visitors parking near Gate 1. The Pedestrian Gate

of the ISM Community at the beginning of the school day. It will only be open between 7:00 and 7:45 (8:00 to 8:45 on Wednesdays). Due to parking restrictions and in the interests of security it will not be open in the afternoon for pick-ups. During the time it is open, it will be under the supervision of members of the ISM Guard Force. Drop-off Procedure Drivers should stop adjacent to the paved area and students should alight from the right side of their vehicle. The driver should then move off, clearing the space for other vehicles dropping off students. Under no circumstances should a student be dropped off from the middle lane. This is dangerous as the student would need to walk in front of another vehicle. Drivers are reminded that traffic regulations forbid parking on the roads around ISM. Therefore, vehicles should only be stopping for the brief time it takes for a student to alight. Drivers must not wait for anybody to return to the vehicle. Car Stickers The car stickers for the school year 2011/2012 are available from the security office. Each ISM family will be issued one vehicle sticker free of charge. Any additional stickers will be issued following payment of Php100.00 to the cashiers office. For vehicles already displaying an existing sticker, parents should submit a completed renewal form with a copy of the current LTO official receipt. For new vehicles, parents are reminded that a copy of the vehicles certificate of registration and a current official receipt need to be submitted with the application. Applications for vehicles registered with companies or other institutions should be supported by a letter of assignment. In order to facilitate the easy recognition of authorized cars at the gates, the stickers should be affixed to the top right corner of the windshield. Further to this, old ISM stickers issued in previous years should be removed. Vehicles not displaying this years car sticker will not be allowed access from August 31, 2011 ID Cards Parent IDs

Location The pedestrian gate is located in the perimeter fence mid-way between Gate 1 and Gate 2. There is a paved area between the road and the perimeter fence, allowing easy access to the gate. The pedestrian gate is solely for the entry of members Parent IDs issued in previous school year will continue to be valid for the new school year 2011/2012. Parents who require replacement school IDs due to loss or damage can acquire these from the Security Office upon payment of Php100.00
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12 August 2011

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to the Cashier. School Passes School passes issued to parents employees and representatives need to be replaced for this school year. As of August 31, 2011 the light green bordered passes issued for the school year 2010/2011 will be invalid. Each family will be given two free school passes. Additional school passes may be obtained after paying a processing fee of Php100.00 each to the Cashiers Office. Visitors Passes All visitors must secure a pass from the guardhouse at Gate 3. Before entry will be allowed, a telephone check will be made with the relevant office to confirm the visitors business within the school. Vehicle checks The practice of inspecting vehicles will continue. During off -peak hours all vehicles will be checked before they are allowed to enter the campus. During peak hours (drop off and pick-up times), all vehicles without valid stickers and randomly selected vehicles with stickers will be asked to undergo an examination. Whether an examination is conducted or not, it is important that the security staff at the gates are able to identify the occupants of vehicles entering the campus; therefore IDs must be clearly displayed. Vehicles with tinted windows must roll down windows to allow a clear view of the interior of the vehicle. Drivers, Helpers and Bodyguards Drivers, helpers and bodyguards should not wait on campus for students throughout the school day. After dropping off students they should exit the school grounds and not return more than 30 minutes before dismissal time. Those who repeatedly fail to comply with the regulation will have their access privilege suspended. Only those vehicles carrying parents or other people with business within the school will be allowed to return to the campus before the scheduled pick up time. There are designated areas for unaccompanied drivers, yayas, helpers and security escorts to wait for parents and students. Unless specifically authorized, they may not enter any other area. In the interest of security, and to prevent congestion at the pedestrian entrances to the covered parking area, parents are requested to emphasize to their employees the importance

of cooperating with the security staff and remaining in the appropriate areas. Firearms All members of the ISM community are reminded that it is strictly forbidden for firearms to be brought onto the campus. This includes concealed weapons carried by bodyguards for close protection. Any person arriving at the school with a firearm should inform the gate guard and arrangements will be made for the weapon to be safely and securely stored during the visitors stay. Security staff directions Our security team is endeavoring to make the school as safe and secure an environment as possible for all members of our community. We ask that everybody cooperate with us in this important task. In particular, all those entering our campus are requested to comply with any directions given to them by members of our guard force. If you are confused or unclear as to the purpose of such instructions, please seek clarification from the security office. Please note that it is the parents responsibility to advise their staff accordingly. Thank you for your cooperation. We are looking forward to another successful year at International School Manila. Best wishes,

David Toze
Superintendent

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