High School Transition to University with Guest Speaker
DP History, TOK and MYP Humanities teacher, Mr. Mike Dorsey, invited a former student to speak to Grade 11-12 students during the transition from Semester 1 to Semester 1 on 1 February. The guest, Charley Pugsley in his second year studying Finance & Economics at Creighton University in Nebraska, USA. Charley joined students and faculty to discuss his experience, including what it’s like to attend university and manage the restrictions during COVID semesters from 2020 to 2021. Charley discussed some critical differences between high school and college, choosing a major, volunteer or working experience while studying. He also discussed how new students might balance school schedules, extracurricular activities and how career services help prepare students for work experience post-graduation.
Parent Education for Grades 9-11 on 7 February
Grade 9-11 parents were invited to meet with ISD’s College Counselors for a virtual session online.
College Counselors work with students directly in a weekly class period in Grade 11-12 to explore, plan and prepare college applications to the countries and programs of their choice. In Grades 9-10s, students benefit from sessions arranged by the counselors to support their transition to the Diploma Program and consider their future choices after attending ISD. Parents may set individual meetings with their child by reaching out to the College Counselors throughout the year or during the Three-Way Conference held twice yearly.
International School Counselor Week February 7-12, 2022
School counselors use their positions to positively impact ISD and the community every day. During International School Counselor Week from February 7-12, 2022, ISD Primary Counselor Ms. Vivian Huizenga, Ms. Sekai Chitaukire, Secondary Social Emotional Counselor and Ms. Ellen Johnston, College Counselor, emailed their respective divisions to share ways that counselors use their skills to share ways we support students at school, in-person and online.
A sample message shared with secondary students.
We’re “better together.” Whether it’s teamwork, compromise, learning to lean on each other or embracing our differences, these are skills students, parents and faculty practice every day. When you’re spending time with other people – whether it’s your friends, teachers, family or even us – remember that you are having an impact. Togetherness raises the possibility of hurt. Remember to be kind and practice empathy. Judy Blume, author of “Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing,” said, “Our fingerprints don’t fade from the lives we touch.” What kind of mark will you leave today? In our school community and everywhere you go, we hope you’ll spread kindness, show empathy, provide a shoulder to cry on or an ear to listen. Together, we are better – if we want to be. Thank you for celebrating School Counseling Week with us.
