October 13th
Blog Post
Dear all,
This week has seen the ISY community really pull together to support flood victims; see below for information on what took place.
Currently, we are working on a special overnight trip for Grade 5 which will potentially take place in February. We will provide more information soon.
The International Day event information can also be found below.
Have a fantastic weekend.
Ms. Sheppard
Flood Response
Our students really made us proud this week.
On Monday, we became aware of the serious flooding that has had a devastating impact on our Chinthe Fund service learning project partners: The Care to the Least Center (CLC) orphanage, Kalihtaw School, and the Yangon Animal Shelter.
At Kalihtaw, although the school itself remained relatively unharmed, the community in which the students reside, along with their families has suffered severe flooding. 55 families have been affected, 21 of which are Kalihtaw school student families. They have suffered severe damage to their homes, and a loss of basic necessities like food and water. Similarly at CLC, the children have had to evacuate the orphanage due to the flood. In regards to YAS, 30 dogs have gone missing, and resources like dry food, rice, and clean water are in dire need.
At ISY, compassion is something we talk about a lot. It is at the heart of our Mission as a school. At ISY, compassion is the ‘will and understanding to care about, respect and value the identity, culture, perspective, and experience of others in acting to make a positive difference to their lives and the world.’
At ISY, to be compassionate is to act. And our Secondary School students jumped into action this week.
On Tuesday, after ISY staff had reached out to CLC, Kalihtaw School, and YAS to identify what their needs were, our Chinthe Fund service learning groups met with their faculty supervisors and Mr. Sturmey, our Service Learning Coordinator. In little over an hour they had developed and put into action a detailed plan to collect and distribute what was needed. They had also developed a communication plan to involve the whole ISY community.
On Wednesday, students addressed a special Secondary School Assembly to communicate what was needed and how we can help. They also visited Elementary School classrooms to make sure everyone knew the plan.
On Thursday, essential items started piling up on the front steps, and money to buy more items was being generously donated.
On Friday, today, more essential items and money have been donated. The Middle School School Student Council organized a Movie Night with all proceeds from admission and food going to the Chinthe Fund. A bake sale and popcorn sale were organized outside this afternoon’s volleyball games to raise more money. Elementary Students from the CLC service group also sold popcorn at lunchtime to raise money. Students volunteered to organize and pack essential items for quick and effective distribution to those in need.
On Saturday, tomorrow, and into next week, the essential items collected will be distributed to CLC, Kalihtaw families, and YAS.
Our support of CLC, Kalihtaw School, and YAS obviously goes beyond this week. However, this week required immediate action. We are very proud of how our students, with the support of their service learning faculty supervisors and Mr. Sturmey, acted so decisively and compassionately.
Thank you to all our families for your support.
International Day Reminders
Parent Association Notices
International Day is coming up soon, on the 18th of November. The Parent Association has a raffle at this event. The raffle raises money to be used by the Parent Association to support student activities.
Thank you to all the parents and students who have donated raffle prizes so far. The parent association would love to see more come in.
Prizes can be dropped off in the B Building on campus or given to Crystal Win (09- 5165638).
Contact Ms. Crystal Win mpinkycrystal@gmail.com for more information.
Dates to Remember
18th October – Chinthe Parent Learning Circle – 8:30 a.m., Multi-Purpose Room (sign-up information below)
21st – 31st October – Thadingyut Holiday
31st October – International Day raffle tickets go on sale
31st October – 3rd November – Spirit Week (see poster below)
3rd November – Progress Reports go home – 3:00 p.m.
3rd November – Elementary Spirit Week parade and fun games organized by the Parent Association
10th November – ES Movie Night (more information to come)
8th November – Parent/Teacher Conferences (no school for students) 9:00 – 5:00 p.m.
18th November – International Day 3:30 – 6:30
6th December – Holiday Bazaar (more information to come)
Chinthe Parent Learning Connections
Wednesday, October 18
8:30am t0 10:00am
We extend a warm invitation to parents to join us on Wednesday, October 18th, from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. for a session led by Dr. Hedger, Mr. Simpson, and Ms. Sheppard.
Together, we will delve into an Adaptive Schools Assumptions Wall – an instructional strategy reflective of our classroom practices at ISY. This interactive experience is designed for parents to explore and discuss our Mission and Vision, as well as the instructional approaches we implement. We encourage a minimum of 10 participants and welcome a maximum of 30. To secure your spot for the session above, kindly register using the form provided here by the end of the day Monday, October 16th.
Following this session, there will be another session from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. In this session, we will shift our focus to a review and discussion of the IB Diploma program. This segment will be specifically tailored for parents with children currently enrolled in the IB program. No registration is required for this session.
See the pictures below from today’s popcorn sale by the Care to the Least Elementary School Service Learning Group. The sale today was very successfully and raised money for the Chinthe Fund.
THIS SECTION
LEARNING AT ISY
Our passionate and experienced educators continuously seek out the latest research and practices to create dynamic and engaging classrooms where students thrive.
Whether it’s integrating technology, fostering critical thinking, or promoting social and emotional development, our approach is always forward-thinking. Through learning opportunities, we encourage the development of our ISY learner attributes. Every week see the photos below highlighting learning at ISY.
Youth and Social Media Tips
As noted in the previous post, the American Pediatric Association recently published some guidelines for youth and social media use. Here are a few tips highlighted in their guidelines.
- Social Media is neither inherently good nor bad. It is a tool and like all tools can be used to benefit or hinder its users.
- Parents should encourage their children to use social media to build community and make connections. Often youth can find support and encouragement through social media. These can minimize feelings of isolation and depression.
- Compare the social media applications to your child’s developmental and physical age. Applications such as “like” buttons, endless scrolling and pop-ups need to be reviewed and assessed based on your child’s understanding.
- Role Model appropriate use. Do you find yourself endlessly scrolling? Do you lose track of time online or miss information because we are distracted by our social handles? Our children see these actions and follow. Be honest with your use and talk with your youth about your habits.
CHINTHE CUBS
In our latest video, Mabel interviews Mr. Macheski, one of our second-grade teachers. In this funny and engaging video, Mr. Macheski reveals his favorite stories and novels.
Chinthe Cub is a service learning program in the ISY elementary school that provides public service announcements for the community. The programming is designed, produced, and created by elementary students.
The International School Yangon
20 Shwe Taungyar Street
Bahan Township
Yangon, Myanmar
+95 (0) 9 880 441 040