ISY Elementary Blog

March 11

Mike Simpson, Elementary School Principal

March 11, 2022

This week has continued to see more students move from our online program to our in-person program.

If your child is learning in-person but they need to learn online, you must notify the Elementary School office on elementaryoffice@isyedu.org before they can join the online program. This ensures that teachers can plan to deliver both programs as effectively as possible.

Possible Power Outage Next Week

Although we still have no direct confirmation it seems likely that there may be long periods at a time next week with no power. This week we have already seen a number of power outages in the school area as I’m sure many of you have at home. Despite these power outages the school systems have not been affected and classes have continued as normal. We are fully prepared for this scenario and strongly encourage all students to attend in-person next week if they can to minimize any disruption to learning. We will continue to provide any updated information as we hear of it.

Mask Wearing

ISY has come to the end of the spike in cases which is in line with what was seen in Yangon. There are almost no cases currently being reported at school among students or staff. Therefore, we have made the decision that from this Monday, while students and staff are in outside spaces on the ISY campus, mask wearing will be optional. As the situation changes we may go back to mandatory mask wearing at all times or may continue to relax the requirements so please bear with us as we move forward.

Donations can be made at

https://isyedu.org/life-at-isy/online-ordering/

COUNSELOR’S CORNER with Ms. Patty:

Developing a Healthy Body Image

Recently I have been talking with students about body image or the way a person views their own body and how attractive they believe they are. Children form opinions of their bodies at a very young age. Some research indicates children as young as 3 can have a negative view of their bodies. In today’s world, it is difficult to shield anyone from the “ideal” (and typically photoshopped or filtered) images of beauty. So what can you do to support your child in developing a healthy body image?

Demonstrate that exercising develops a strong healthy body for a lifetime, not to lose weight.
Show that the primary purpose of a healthy body is to be a vessel for an active life, not to be viewed as attractive or unattractive.
Praise your child for who they are and the qualities they demonstrate as an individual, not for how they measure up to societal beliefs about external beauty.
Provide healthy meals. Let them know that eating healthy is important, not dieting.
Give your child a choice regarding their meals. Children need to learn how to plan a balanced meal.
At meal time, allow your child to determine when they have satisfied their hunger. A clean plate is not always a measure of healthy eating.
Listen to how your child speaks about their bodies. If you hear them making negative comments, don’t blow it off. Talk to them about their perceptions and learn what is influencing their thoughts. Reframe the conversation to focus on the body’s abilities, not just its looks.

Starting a conversation with your child about their perceptions of beauty and body image can open a larger conversation about value, worth and self esteem.

Ms. Patty is available to ISY families for support regarding body image or other concerns. Please contact her at escounselor@isyedu.org

Patty Amundson-Geisel

Pre-K to Grade 6 Counselor

How to help highly sensitive children

Yesterday, driving home after dropping my children to school, this interview with a clinical psychologist came on the radio.

As I thought about my own children, I found it to be full of practical and sensible advice for helping highly sensitive chhildren manage their emotions. These might be children who have large empathy for others, who are deeply reflective, or can be easily overstimulated or overwhelmed.

I found it so useful that I thought I would share it with you:

How to help highly sensitive children

Mike