Secondary School Blog

The Little Mermaid

Mike Simpson

Secondary School Principal

April 4, 2025

Tonight and tomorrow night, we are so lucky to come together and share the joy of music and performance. A school musical is a celebration of talent, teamwork, and creativity, and we are grateful for everyone who has worked so hard to bring this show to life.

At the same time, we want to acknowledge those who have been affected by last Friday’s earthquake. Our thoughts are with them, and we stand in solidarity with all who are facing loss and hardship.

I hope you get to come along to enjoy this performance. As we do, let us be grateful for the strength of our community and think about the power of coming together in both joy and support.

Secondary School Events

This Week:

Friday (Tonight) & Saturday:

  • ISY Student Production ‘The Little Mermaid’ from 6pm in ISY Gym.

Tuesday:

  • Tuesday Talks: Univerity Admissions in Europe from 5:30pm in the Multi-Purpose Room (see below for details)

    Friday:

    • Grade 12 Final Assembly and 11:30am Finish

    Happy Thingyan! We look forward to seeing you all on Tuesday, April 22.

      Thingyan Update

      We wanted to share an update regarding Thingyan celebrations at school this year. The township office has informed us that all Thingyan celebrations must take place during the official holiday period. Since this coincides with our school break, we will not be able to hold any activities at school this year.

      Activities & Athletics

      Here is a link to Ms.Rebekka Jensen’s Athletics and Activities Blog for up-to-date information regarding Activities and Athletics at ISY.

      Upcoming Events

      • April 22: Grade 12 Check In After Thingyan
      • April 25: Earth Day Celebration: Chinthe Communities Trashion Show!
      • April 28: IB Exams Start (for ISY Grade 12 students)
      • May 5-9: AAPPL Testing (Grades 6 to 10 Languages)
      • May 19-23: Grade 11 Exams
      • May 21: IB Exams Finish
      • May 24: High School Prom
      • May 27: Graduation
      • May 28-30: Grade 9 & 10 Exams
      • June 4: Quarter 4 / Semester 2 Report Cards live on Powerschool
      • June 6: Last Day of School (11:30am dismissal)

        Join Us for Tuesday Talks – Your Guide to University Admissions!

        Are you starting to think about university applications? Join us for Tuesday Talks, a series of informative presentations designed to help students and families navigate the university admissions process.

        When: Tuesdays at 5:30 PM
        Where: MPR

        Each week, we’ll explore key topics, including university admissions in different countries, scholarships, and career pathways. This is a great opportunity to gain insider tips and get your questions answered!

        This Tuesday, we will provide an overview of university admissions in Europe.

        ISY 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

        HELPFUL TIPS FOR DISCUSSING THE EARTHQUAKE

        Last Friday’s earthquake has affected everyone in our community in some way—some more directly and profoundly than others.  During times of crisis, children often look to their parents for comfort, safety, and reassurance. Navigating these conversations can be challenging. Here are some helpful tips for discussing the earthquake with your child.

        Connect: Begin by understanding what your child knows and how they are feeling. Use calm, age-appropriate language and share simple, accurate facts to help them process what happened. This approach builds trust and provides comfort.

        Role Model: Children often mirror the emotions of trusted adults. Speak calmly, be mindful of your body language, and share your concerns with other adults rather than your child. Demonstrating calmness helps them feel secure.

        Validate: Acknowledge and validate your child’s feelings. Let them know that whatever they are feeling is natural. Avoid minimizing or dismissing their emotions, as feeling heard and understood is crucial for their sense of safety.

        Check In Regularly: In the days and weeks ahead, create space for your child to share their feelings and ask questions. Monitor their media exposure to ensure they are accessing information that is age-appropriate and presented in manageable amounts.

        Serve & Get Involved: Encourage your child to channel their energy into positive actions. Participating in recovery efforts, supporting local relief initiatives, or engaging in school activities can be empowering and healing.

        Your guidance and presence can make a tremendous difference. By providing a calm, caring environment, you help your child feel secure and supported during this challenging time.

        The ISY Counseling Department is here to support you and your family.  If you have any questions or concerns or feel your child may need extra support, please contact Mr. A-G at mamundson-geisel@isyedu.org or Ms. Patty at escouselor@isyedu.org