Elementary Principal’s Blog

November 22nd
Blog Post

Sandy Sheppard, Elementary School Principal

Dear Parents,

We look forward to seeing you all tomorrow at the annual Family Fun Fair. ISY wishes everyone a Happy National Day. School will be closed on Monday, November 25th, and will resume on Tuesday, November 26th. Please also join us Thursday afternoon to welcome Mr Heney the new Elementary School Principal for the 2025-26 school year who will be visiting the school.

This week’s blog has reminders about our many upcoming events.

1st– Family Fun Fair tomorrow; see below.

2nd – Holiday Bazaar on December 5th.

3rd—On January 18th, we will have our annual International Day celebration. A country booth sign-up and cultural show sign-up have gone out and are in the Friday Notices, along with a call from the parent association to donate raffle prizes. See all the information below.

LEGACY PAGE

This dedicated page showcases our rich history, key milestones, and the incredible stories that make ISY the vibrant community it is today. Take a moment to explore the page and join us in celebrating our legacy, starting with the official kick-off at tomorrow’s Family Fun Fair.

Let’s honor our past, celebrate the present, and look forward to a bright future together! Visit the page here: ISY Legacy Page

Discover the Chinthe Cubs at ISY

We are thrilled to share a special video showcasing the Chinthe Cubs, a Reggio Emilia-inspired program.

ISY Family Fun Fair – Tomorrow (Saturday, November 23rd)
Entrance Fee: 15,000 MMK | Family Special: 50,000 MMK

Join us tomorrow for an evening of fun, connection, and purpose. This family event reflects ISY’s commitment to service learning, with proceeds supporting the Chinthe Fund and Student Council service learning projects.

Important Reminders:

  • Reusable Water Bottles: Please bring reusable water bottles. Water filling stations will be available throughout the event to keep everyone hydrated.
  • Parking: A nearby embassy event at 3:00 PM may make parking more challenging. Please plan accordingly for a smooth arrival.
  • Book Sale: Don’t forget to bring an empty bag to fill with gently used books—just 5,000 MMK per bag!

Thank you for your support and we can’t wait to see you there!

Warm regards,

Ms. Sandy Sheppard

 

 

Mark your calendar; the Holiday Bazaar is coming on December 5th. There will be lots of outside vendors and students selling items for the Chinthe Fund as well as Music sharing. Come and join in the fun at this community event that celebrates students and also helps us give back to our partner Chinthe Fund organizations.

 

 

INTERNATIONAL DAY EVENT INFORMATION

On behalf of the Cultural Show Team, we invite you to join the Cultural Show and share your traditions through music, dance, or other forms of art! Celebrate our community’s unity and uniqueness. Sign up by filling out one form per group by Wednesday, November 27th. If you have any questions, please contact the Cultural Show Team at rjensen@isyedu.org.

On behalf of the Parents Association, we invite you to sign up for an International Day country booth.  Groups of parents set up tables and celebrate their country through food and decorations.  Each booth provides a glimpse into the heart of a nation, creating a vibrant global village for our community to explore. Sign up now to share, learn, and celebrate as a truly global community at ISY.

The Parent Association is excited to host a raffle on International Day, with all proceeds going directly to support student activities!  We are inviting families to help make this raffle memorable by donating prizes. Drop off items at the school office (B Building) or call 880441040 ext.100 for details.

Dates to Remember

23rd November – Family Fun Fair

25th November – No School National Day

5th December – Holiday Bazaar

13th December – Last Day of School – school finishes at 11:30

18th January – International Day

 

COUNSELOR’S CORNER

Child Safety Protection Month

November is Child Safety Protection Month, a dedicated time to highlight and strengthen our commitment to safeguarding students. At ISY, we have a comprehensive Child Protection Policy designed to ensure student safety on multiple levels. Each layer of our policy is crafted to address potential threats from different perspectives, creating a stronger, more resilient safety net for our students.

First Layer: Staff Training and Conduct
ISY staff and volunteers are thoroughly trained in child protection measures. Every year, all staff members participate in training on child safety issues and are reminded of their responsibility to report any concerns. Additionally, each staff member pledges to uphold ISY’s code of conduct, reinforcing our commitment to a safe environment.

Second Layer: Advertising and Recruitment Practices
Our commitment to child protection is prominently communicated on our website and in other school materials, serving as a deterrent to anyone who might intend harm. Additionally, all prospective employees undergo rigorous background checks and are asked specific safeguarding questions to ensure they align with our safety standards.

Third Layer: Student Empowerment and Education
Our counselors deliver a comprehensive safeguarding curriculum to educate and empower students directly. This curriculum covers essential topics, including assertiveness, recognizing abuse, anti-bullying strategies, and digital citizenship. Through these lessons, we aim to provide students with the knowledge and confidence they need to protect themselves and others.

If you have questions regarding ISY’s commitment to student safety, please feel free to reach out to Ms. Patty at escounselor@isyedu.org.