Self-Belief
August 27, 2021
After months of having no COVID cases in the community, New Zealand finally had to lockdown last Wednesday. To make sure COVID does not get out of control, we cannot leave our neighbourhoods and schools are closed. This is my first experience of a New Zealand lockdown.
It was interesting for me to observe what happens in New Zealand when students are forced to learn online.
Firstly, I don’t think that many students in New Zealand come close to learning what our ISY students learn online. I feel guilty about how proud that makes me feel!
There are many reasons why New Zealand schools cannot do what we can do at ISY. But I wonder if one reason is that more and more New Zealanders doubt the adaptability and strength of their children when faced with a challenge. This is strange to me given that adaptability and strength has always been a big part of the New Zealand national identity.
Our ISY community did the right thing last year to believe in the adaptability and strength of our children. We knew we would have to support our children differently but we still believed that they could learn. They proved us right last year and they will prove us right again this year.
It is very important to believe that our children can thrive when times are tough. Supporting a child to work through challenges and experience success builds that child’s belief in themselves. Self-belief is what will allow our students to thrive in the future and our faculty are working hard to help them develop it now.
COUNSELOR’S CORNER with Ms. Patty:
Strategies for Successful Online Learning
As we start the year online again, the realities of online learning are not new to most of us. Over the past year and a half we have become rather skilled at managing and assisting our children’s learning at home. Having said that, I thought perhaps it might be helpful to review a few things to help your child as they begin this new year.
- Set a Routine: Children thrive when they understand what is expected of them. A regular sleep and meal schedule will provide them the structure they need to feel successful. Allow your child to voice their opinions when creating the schedule. Visually displaying the schedule can be helpful.
- Work Space: Create an individual learning environment for your child that is away from clutter and other distractions. If possible outside of their bedroom or playroom. Keep devices not needed for school out of their view.
- Encourage self regulation: Help your child identify when they are feeling frustrated, bored or confused. Talk with them about the connection between the body and the brain. Explore strategies for how your child can regulate their emotions, allowing them to remain present. This can also help build online learning stamina and focus.
- Celebrate their accomplishments: Ask your child about the work they are doing. Display their work in your home. Show them that you are proud of their accomplishments. This will help them value learning.
If you find your child or family is struggling with online learning, please feel free to reach out to me at escounselor@isyedu.org. I am available to support you with social, emotional or academic issues.
Patty Amundson-Geisel
Elementary Counselor
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ‘BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT’
On Tuesday, August 31 at 7pm (Myanmar Time), we will have our first online gathering of families. This will be a chance for us to share how we will be meeting your children’s needs this year, for you to ask any questions you may have, and for us all to get to know each other.
A Zoom link will be sent to you via email.
STUDENT AGREEMENTS OF ACCEPTABLE TECHNOLOGY USE
This week, our students will be signing Student Agreements of Acceptable Technology Use.
These agreements are an important part of educating our students about good digital citizenship and keeping them safe online. Once your child signs their agreement, you will also receive an agreement to sign by email.
Elementary Update September 20
This week on Wednesday I visited the ISY Nay Pyi Taw campus where there are lots of fabulous things happening.
At ISY we continue enjoying our learning.
Elementary School Blog- Sept 13
It seemed that the rain this week purposely chose to come down at break and dismissal times. The rain never hampers our fun here at ISY though and in between the rain we had lots of creative fun outdoors this week (see pictures below).
Elementary School Blog – Sept 6
Dear Parents, It has been another fantastic week at ISY. We have really settled into the school year and we look forward to sharing with you all the wonderful things that are happening in our classrooms over the coming weeks.
Elementary School Blog – August 30
Thank you for the great turn out at the Back to School event this week. We appreciate you taking the time out of your busy schedules to join us. A good home and school connection is so important for student learning.
Elementary School Blog – August 23
Dear all,
This has been a wonderful first full week at ISY. The students have settled into their classrooms an are enjoying school life. In particular the new playground is proving to be very popular.
Elementary School Blog – August 16
Welcome back everyone to the new school year. It is wonderful to have your children back with us at school, we missed them. This blog will be sent out each Friday and will contain important information and dates, as well as reminders. I hope you take the opportunity to read it each week.
The International School Yangon
20 Shwe Taungyar Street
Bahan Township
Yangon, Myanmar
+95 (0) 9 880 441 040