April 4th
Blog Post
Dear Parents,
Thank you for all your support for our earthquake drive.
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 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 can attend this performance. As we do, let us be grateful for our community’s strength and consider the power of coming together in joy and support.
The Thingyan break will begin next Friday. School will finish at 11:30 on the 11th of April; we will return to school on Tuesday, the 22nd of April.
Why Swimming Is Great for Your Child’s Health and Well-being
1. Strengthens the Body
Swimming helps build strong muscles and bones. It’s a low-impact, full-body exercise that supports healthy growth and improves coordination and balance.
2. Supports a Healthy Heart and Lungs
Swimming boosts cardiovascular health and improves lung function. It teaches children how to control their breathing, which also supports calmness and focus.
3. Helps Children Stay at a Healthy Weight
Regular swimming keeps kids active and helps maintain a healthy weight in a fun, enjoyable way.
4. Builds Mental Well-being
Swimming is calming and stress-reducing. It can improve mood, reduce anxiety, and help children feel more relaxed and happy.
5. Encourages Better Sleep
The physical activity from swimming helps children sleep more deeply and feel more refreshed in the morning.
6. Keeps Children Healthy—It Doesn’t Make Them Sick
It’s a common myth that swimming causes colds. In fact, swimming does not make children sick. Colds are caused by viruses, not by being in the pool. Clean, well-maintained pools are safe, and the exercise actually helps strengthen the immune system.
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.
PITCH UPDATE
Maintaining Excellence: ISY Pitch Resurfacing Notice
Our football pitch will undergo important resurfacing work and will be unavailable for the next four weeks starting on Tuesday, March 25. This maintenance is essential to ensure the turf remains in top condition. The work needs to be completed before the rainy season begins.
Artificial turf needs to be replaced approximately every 9 years, and this work will help maintain a high-quality playing surface for everyone. Thank you for your understanding and patience during this time.
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.
Dates to Remember
4th – 5th April – Musical Production – Little Mermaid (see the poster below for more information). Elementary Students should be accompanied by an adult.
14th – 22nd April – Thingyan Holiday – school will finish at 11:30am on the 11th of April.
1st May – No School – Labour Day.
6th June – Last day of school – finish at 11:30am
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.
COUNSELOR’S CORNER
Thoughtful Goodbyes as we Transition
Each year, as our ISY community continues to evolve, we are faced with the bittersweet reality of saying goodbye to some of our members. While change is an exciting part of life, these goodbyes are never easy. When reflecting on this process, I’m reminded of the insights from Third Culture Kids: Growing Up Among Worlds by David C. Pollock, Ruth Van Reken, and Michael Pollock. In their book, they introduce the RAFT acronym, which offers a helpful framework for navigating farewells.
Reconciliation: This crucial step involves addressing and resolving any lingering issues or conflicts with those you’re leaving behind. It allows you to part ways with peace of mind, free from regrets.
Affirmation: Taking time to acknowledge and express gratitude for the relationships you’ve built is key. Whether through words, gifts, or shared moments, affirming the value of your connections helps solidify the impact they’ve had on your life.
Farewell: Though it can be tempting to avoid saying goodbye, this step is necessary. It’s important to consciously say goodbye not only to people, but also to places, animals, and experiences that have shaped your time there.
Think Destination: Finally, focusing on the future is essential. Building excitement for the new opportunities, places, and experiences awaiting you helps shift your mindset and prepares you for the next chapter.
By keeping RAFT in mind, we can navigate goodbyes in a way that honors our past while embracing the future.
If you would like to learn more, 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