Secondary Principal’s Blog
March 26, 2020, Update
Christina Powers, Secondary School Principal
“March Madness” is quickly coming to an end. Each year, the month of March is a hectic time as we prepare for the submission of IB papers, assessments, and quarter three units comes to an end. The current political situation and covid have only added to the madness. However, with March soon behind us, we have a great deal to look forward to.
Over the next week, students will be wrapping up some of their coursework as they move into the last quarter of the school year. Quarter 3 reports will be available prior to the Break on April 9, 2021. In addition, please note that Parent-Teacher conferences will occur on April 30th and will follow the same zoom format as in the fall. Information on how to sign up for conferences will be sent out at a later date.
What to Expect in Quarter 4
As was indicated in Dr. Hedger’s last update, many of our faculty will be departing Yangon the first weekend of Thingyan. By leaving the weekend before Thingyan, learning will not be disrupted. Teachers will be able to use the Thingyan break to get settled and recommence classes on Monday, April 19, 2021.
In spite of this shift, the secondary program will continue to operate as it is now.
All ISY teachers will be teaching live synchronous classes on Myanmar time between 9am and 1pm. Students will remain in the same classes with their classmates using the same online platforms, tools, and zoom links. We consider this consistency in classes and program delivery to be very important for our students in order to stay connected and engaged in their learning throughout the quarter. If you find yourselves in a time zone that will make it difficult for your child to join their regular class between 9 am and 1 pm Myanmar time, please email me directly at cpowers@isyedu.org so that we are aware of your difficulty and we can assist in supporting your child. Please note, an asynchronous learning option is not available for High School students.
Support for Students
Teachers will continue to be available for academic support outside of school hours from 1:00-3:00 PM. Students are encouraged to schedule an appointment with a teacher in order to ensure their availability as many teachers host study sessions during these hours.
ISY School counselors will continue to work with students who are in need of emotional/social support. Our counselors will continue to reach out to students and work individually and in groups to support their engagement and ensure that they are connected with others. As parents, do not hesitate to reach out to our counselors if you have concerns. middle School counselor rfact@isyedu.org or High School counselor MAmundson-Geisel@isyedu.org.
Creative Wednesdays
In grades 6-10, during the fourth quarter Wednesdays will be a time to mix things up in order to spark interest and engagement in learning. Wednesdays will be a time for students to explore the arts, or focus on service learning or environmental initiatives. Students in Grade 11 will use some Wednesdays to work on the extended essay and CAS initiatives for the IB. This creative schedule will be shared next week prior to the end of the third quarter.
Photos for Yearbook
If you have not already had a Yearbook photo and have not submitted your photo for the yearbook, please do so soon. If you have questions please see the email sent by communications which outlines how to take and submit your own photo.
Thank you for your ongoing support during these challenging times.
The ISY community continues to be a supportive environment where we are all working together to guide and encourage each other through these challenging times. On behalf of our teachers, I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you. Your feedback and words of encouragement have been greatly appreciated. Please continue to reach out and ask questions by emailing cpowers@isyedu.org.
The International School Yangon
20 Shwe Taungyar Street
Bahan Township
Yangon, Myanmar
+95 (0) 9 880 441 040