Happy new academic year everyone! As we commence this school year in our hybrid setting, the secondary visual arts classes have started out on a high note. This transition period is significant as we anticipate a return to a norm of art-making and art experimenting in our refurbished secondary art studio! The visual art teachers would like to sincerely thank the parents and students for their support and understanding, as we straddle the online/in person phase of our learning. read more
Mr. Stevenson interviewed Afraz, Alejandro and David after the lesson. The three boys all said how much easier it was to understand the instructions for playing the guitar when they were with the teacher ‘for real’. Afraz said coming to the music lesson for the first time was really enjoyable and he noticed the energy in the room. read more
In Playgroup, the children are settling in and starting to develop personal and social skills. The children are learning to share toys and take turns while playing. They are also learning to use the appropriate expressions to communicate their needs and wants. Meanwhile we teachers continue to model conversations so that they can constantly hear the language. read more
4 Reasons the Class of 2022 Needs More Guidance
COVID-19 restrictions may be lifted, but its effects are still felt by the Class of 2022. Consider the extra challenges students face this year and what ISD has to help students surmount the university application process. read more
Over the last few weeks in Primary, we have all really shaken off the cobwebs from being online, rolled up our sleeves and got back into the swing of things in school.
It has been such a change in the way our day runs and even now, moving to full days in school next week we are continually moving forward and shifting our routines. read more
As a service team in ISD, we have been supporting the LEF organization which is established to provide Love, Education, and Food to children in need. We have been awarded the annual ISD Service Award for the second year in a row and we are thankful for this wonderful recognition of our work. read more
The first 3 years are the most crucial determinants of the mental health of our children. The interactions with caregivers at this time are critical to setting the brain stage for dealing with stress, fear, abandonment and trust. These are basic relationship foundations that affect us for the rest of our lives. Later in life we may wonder why we have strong reactions to what our friends say, spouse does or children do. read more
Do you have an old laptop you no longer need?
Please can we have it for LEF? read more
5 Reasons the Class of 2022 May Need More Guidance
First, Class of 2022 has had more learning disruption. An entire year spent learning online, is a significant amount of time and teachers recognize this because we experienced it as well. ISD faculty are working to provide additional contact time with students to prepare for the IB world exams, while also helping students to submit quality internal assessments.
Second, Projecting scores and writing recommendations or references is trickier for the class of 2022. Now is a vital time for students to engage with teachers. Ways to engage with faculty includes attending classes in-person. Then, if and when learning online, in hybrid classes turn those cameras on in virtual meets, participate in classes, and attend office hours and additional HL hours on your schedules.
If you and your family choose to continue to learn online, ISD Faculty want to see your faces and hear your voices. ISD Faculty including teachers and Counselors need to hear from students and see their engagement to appropriately describe them as learners at ISD in university letters of recommendation and reference statements.
“How can I build rapport with teachers to facilitate effective teacher recommendations while distance learning?”
US News & World Report, Getting Recommendation Letters During COVID-19 (October 2020)
Teachers report visibility can go a long way. From a teacher’s perspective it is defeating to teach to a screen full of black muted squares and it’s enlightening to see a face on the other side.
We are not yet one month into online learning, but some of us miss seeing student’s faces. Even though it may feel embarrassing for students to take themselves off mute and ask questions virtually, it helps everyone and builds a classroom community that is difficult to do virtually.
Beginning in October, Grade 12 students began requesting letters of recommendation required by US universities. Students applying to UK universities will request faculty write reference statements from teachers. Students speak with College Counselors Ms. Ellen Johnston, and Ms. Tasnuva Ahmed if they need help with this process.
Up to 3 recommendation letters may be required by universities– two from different teachers and one from the College Counselor. The recommendation letters should be from educators who know the student well and have taught them in the last two years of courses.
Students have been provided with a Brag Sheet to share with each teacher. This workshop allows students to provide background information to their faculty. Students can explain why they chose to ask the teacher to write a letter of recommendation and detail their goals for college and beyond. Students can also let faculty know the particular points they would like them to consider when writing the letter – including the course taken – and share their broader application narrative. They can include any key terms that they hope college admissions officers will associate with them. Requesting a recommendation students can tell faculty what they are doing, but faculty are also looking for students to show them engagement and participation in their classes and appointed office hours.
Third, the Class of 2022 may be receiving conflicting message about applying to universities abroad.
Fourth, the Class of 2022 faces more competition for university places.
During the summer, forward thinking students finalized lists, attended summer programs, begun essays and started their applications. Students are encouraged and supported to complete early applications, meet priority deadlines and submit applications well before the stated deadlines as universities and programmes may fill up before the stated deadline due to increased number of applicants applying this year.
Finally, there’s an increased demand for higher education as nations work to resume in-person routines. Universities around the world note an uptick in medical applicants and health related degrees as students seek to prepare to prevent further pandemics. Students in Grade 11, are advised to dedicate time during the school day to exploring countries to study in,
Families can support their students, by sharing expectations for what, where and how to study early on so that Grade 11 students are prepared to apply to universities as early as August 2022 of their senior year.
Ellen Johnston
College Counselor
References:
https://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/articles/how-college-applicants-can-get-recommendations-letters-amid-coronavirus?src=usn_college_extrahelp&utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Extra%20Help:%20College%20Admissions-Tue%20Sep%2007%2008:08:00%20EDT%202021&utm_term=Extra%20Help:%20College%20Admissions
https://bridge-u.com/blog/five-reasons-why-the-class-of-2022-needs-more-guidance-than-ever/
Bullying really hurts. Saying mean things repeatedly, excluding others on purpose and name calling over and over are not OK. At ISD we take bullying seriously. As part of our child protection policy, children are to be protected from ongoing intentional bullying. read more
