May 9th
Blog Post
Dear Parents,
We have 4 weeks to go in the school year, and we will make the most of them. We will be working hard right to the end!
While we are focusing hard on finishing this year strongly, we are also very much focused on smooth and successful student transitions into next year.
We place a lot of importance on transitioning students into their next grade level and are also very careful to emphasize that all students are part of the same community, regardless of their grade level or whether they are in Elementary, Middle, or High School.
Over the last few years, we have been very deliberate in strengthening the connections between the Elementary, Middle, and High Schools. Our Elementary and Secondary School Offices are combined, many of our teachers teach in Elementary and Secondary School, and our Chinthe Communities programme has students from different grade levels interact with each other on a weekly basis. These communities will continue into next year.
The connections between students from different parts of the school are clear to see around campus in the way that they interact with each other. This is very pleasing to us as it shows that our students feel that they belong to the same community and this is a feeling that we will keep nurturing at ISY.
As our students change grade levels or move from Elementary to Middle to High School, it is very helpful for them to feel that they are moving through the same community instead of moving on to a different one. The confidence that comes from belonging to a strong community makes for smooth and successful transitions throughout each student’s time at ISY.
All the best,
Ms Sheppard
We wish to celebrate our Grade 12 students who are already being accepted to multiple universities around the world. Well done Grade 12! We are proud of you.
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.
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
29th May – Grade 5 Compassion Project Exhibition
30th May – Teacher Appreciation
4th June – Report Cards go home
6th June – Last day of school – finish at 11:30 am
COUNSELOR’S CORNER
Supporting Your child’s Sleep Habits
It’s no secret that kids need sleep. Research shows that sleep isn’t just about rest. It’s one of the most critical factors in how well students perform academically, manage stress, and even behave in class. Students who don’t get enough sleep are more likely to have poor concentration, be less able to manage their emotions and struggle to retain information. To ensure your child is getting enough sleep consider these factors.
- Children under 12 need 9-12 hours of sleep. Establishing a consistent bedtime routine is important to ensure the appropriate amount of sleep is achieved.
- Devices should not be used at least 1 hour before bedtime. The blue light screens emit interferes with melatonin production, which helps one to fall asleep.
- Exercise, done regularly before the evening as shown to help people sleep better. Get your child ‘s heart rate up for 30-60 minutes each day can support restful sleep.
- Model and monitor your own sleep habits. Set boundaries around work, screen time, and bedtime for yourself and your child will follow suit.
Proper sleep is essential for your child’s learning and emotional well-being. By making sleep a priority at home, you’re giving your child a solid foundation for success in and outside of school. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your child’s sleep or how to develop positive sleep habits, please contact Ms. Patty at escounselor@isyedu.org. She is happy to support your family.
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