Dear Parents,

Welcome back to school, I wish you all a very happy 2025. 

INTERNATIONAL DAY

Join the Celebration at ISY International Day on the 18th of January for all the fun – there will be a parade of nations, country booths, and a cultural show.

Students will need to be at school and in the Gymnasium from 3:30 pm on the day in preparation for a 4 pm parade start. See the image below for more information.

We have many wonderful prizes for this year’s annual International Day raffle draw, including hotel stays at some fantastic destinations. You can still contribute to the Parent Association Raffle Draw.  Donate prizes to support student activities and enrich their school experience. Drop off items at the school office or B Building. For questions or details, call 880441040 ext. 100.

IB VIDEO

Check out the new IB Video here

UPCOMING TEACHER EVENT

On the 23rd of January, ISY will host our annual Teachers, Teaching, Teachers event with the theme of ‘Growing Lifelong Learners’. ISY will host participants from four other Yangon schools at this event. This year we have a record number of more than 300 participants. It is a wonderful opportunity for ISY to support learning within Myanmar.

A keynote address along with professional development presentations will take place, with presenters from the various schools, including ISY. This is a wonderful opportunity for our faculty to receive professional development locally. 

This day will be a half day for students, with school finishing at 11:30 for KG – Grade 12 and 11:00 for Chinthe Cubs. 

LEGACY PAGE

This dedicated page showcases our rich history, key milestones, and the incredible stories that make ISY the vibrant community it is today. Please 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 ISY Legacy page here.

An Island of Sanity: Celebrating ISY’s Security Team and Our Community

ISY’s security team is at the heart of our safe and welcoming campus. Their warmth and professionalism ensure safety and a deep sense of belonging for everyone who steps through our gates.  

Learn more about how this dedicated team and the ISY community help make ISY a true island of sanity. Please read our latest Learning story here.

Warm regards,

Ms. Sandy Sheppard

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
Stay tuned for the Early Bird Special Ticket Sales, opening January 15, 2025.
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. 

COUNSELOR’S CORNER

Appropriate Language 

As mentioned in a recent email, we have observed a small increase in students using inappropriate language. While we are addressing this issue at school, it is also valuable to explore how we, as parents, can help our children understand the importance of appropriate language.

Children may swear or use inappropriate words for various reasons. Some may be expressing uncomfortable or angry feelings. Others might be trying to fit in socially, imitating peers, or copying what they see in their environment or on screens. Sometimes, children use strong language to provoke a reaction from parents or teachers. Understanding the reasons behind your child’s language choices can help you address the issue effectively.

How Can Parents Respond?

When Children Seek a Reaction:
If your child is swearing to provoke a strong response from others, such as laughter or anger, it’s essential to remain calm. Explain why the language is inappropriate and how it can affect others’ feelings.

When Children Want to Fit In:
If your child uses inappropriate language to fit in socially, it’s important to acknowledge their desire to belong. Ask why they think their friends swear and encourage them to consider alternative ways to connect with their peers. Regularly review their social media and screen time, as content often normalizes swearing. Discuss how influencers’ behavior may not fit with acceptable family or social expectations.

When Children Express Strong Emotions:
If your child swears to express frustration or other strong emotions, help them develop healthier coping strategies. Techniques such as counting to ten, practicing mindfulness, or engaging in calming activities can be effective. Brainstorming a list of alternative, acceptable words they can use might also be beneficial.

To promote long-term positive language habits, establish clear family expectations about acceptable language. Decide as a family which words are appropriate and enforce these standards consistently for all household members.

If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Ms. Patty at escounselor@isyedu.org.