March 7th
Blog Post

Dear Parents,
We had a great book week with lots of fun activities. Thank you to the Parent Association for their support of this event, and special thanks to Ms Kris and Ms Audrey for all her hard work to make the week a great success.
Next week on Friday, Mr Geoff Heney and his wife Kate will be at the school for the day. Geoff is our new Elementary School Principal for next school year; we are excited to have him back at ISY.
Thursday next week is a holiday; school will be closed. We will see you again on Friday.
Gala Tickets
Ms. Sandy Sheppard
HOT WEATHER
As the weather warms up, we want to remind everyone of the importance of staying safe in the heat. Younger children are more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses, so it is essential to take preventive measures. ISY will monitor the weather daily and implement necessary actions to ensure everyone’s safety, such as adjusting outdoor activities, encouraging hydration, and providing shaded or indoor alternatives when needed. We appreciate your support in helping us keep students safe.
To help prevent heat illness, please ensure that your child:
- Stays Hydrated: Please make sure your child brings a NAMED water bottle to school every day. Encourage your child to drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially before, during, and after outdoor activities.
- Wears Appropriate Clothing: Lightweight, loose-fitting, and light-colored clothing is ideal.
- Wears a hat: A wide-brimmed NAMED hat provides the best coverage by shielding the face, ears, and neck.
- Sunscreen: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 or higher before coming to school.
Thank you for your cooperation in keeping our students safe and healthy. Should you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us.
Celebrate ISY’s 70 Years at the 6th Annual Fundraising Gala!
Saturday, March 29, 2025, at 6:00PM | Melia Hotel Yangon
Join us for an evening of timeless traditions, community, and global impact. Proceeds from this event will support the Chinthe Fund and its community initiatives.
Ticket Information
To reserve tickets in advance, please contact our Advancement Associate – May Su Yadanar Bo at +95-9-880-441-040 or mbo@isyedu.org.
Don’t miss this special evening.
Visit the ISY Gala page for details.
We look forward to celebrating with you!
Note: This event is for guests aged 18+; student attendance is limited to approved performers.

How We Teach Literacy in the Elementary School at ISY
At ISY, we believe that every child is a reader and that literacy is the foundation for lifelong learning. Our approach to teaching reading is based on the English Language Arts Common Core Standards, but we also incorporate additional resources and strategies to meet the unique needs of our students.
Reading instruction happens every day and is designed to be engaging, supportive, and responsive. Our teachers use small group instruction to provide targeted teaching, ensuring that each student receives the support and challenge they need. We also conduct regular assessments to track progress, celebrate growth, and adjust instruction as needed. This helps us ensure that every child is learning at the right pace and getting the tools they need to succeed.
Beyond daily instruction, we foster a love of reading through special events like Book Week and other literacy activities throughout the year. These celebrations inspire students to explore new books, share their favorite stories, and see reading as an enjoyable and meaningful part of their lives. Our Library is a thriving reading hub.
By combining research-based instruction, personalized learning, and a joyful reading culture, we aim to help every student become a confident, capable, and enthusiastic reader.
Dates to Remember
13th March – No School – Tabung Holiday
14th March – Geoff and Kate Heney are in school
27th March – Parent Teacher Conferences – no school for students
28th March – Quarter 3 ends
14th – 22nd April – Thingyan Holiday
1st May – No School – Labour Day
6th June – Last day of school
COUNSELOR’S CORNER
The Benefits of Social-Emotional Groups
At ISY, inclusion is at the heart of our approach to supporting and nurturing students in all areas, including social and emotional development. Each year, the ISY elementary counseling department offers several sessions of Social-Emotional Support Groups. These groups are designed to enhance and support students’ social-emotional learning, helping them grow both personally and academically.
Research shows that participation in targeted social-emotional learning programs benefits students in many ways, including:
- A Positive Impact on Academic Learning – Social-emotional learning improves overall school functioning, including better grades, increased work completion, improved attendance, and higher test scores.
- Increased Student Engagement – Developing social skills helps students collaborate more effectively with their classmates, leading to a more inclusive and interactive learning environment.
- Reduced Bullying and Aggression – Building prosocial skills enhances problem-solving abilities and fosters empathy, helping to create a more respectful and supportive school culture.
- Improved Mental Health – Students who engage in social-emotional learning tend to experience fewer symptoms of anxiety and depression, contributing to their overall well-being.
- Enhanced Resilience and Coping Skills – These groups help students identify and manage their emotions more effectively, equipping them with the tools to handle challenges in a healthy and constructive way.
If you would like to learn more about these groups, please contact Ms. Patty at escounselor@isyedu.org.
The International School Yangon
20 Shwe Taungyar Street
Bahan Township
Yangon, Myanmar
+95 (0) 9 880 441 040