September 13th
Blog Post
Dear Parents,
We had our first Parent Association (PA) meeting this week. We still need a lot of parent support for committees. You can still sign up to support in the school office. We hope you will join in and support all the good work that the PA do.
Discover ISY: A Community of Compassion and Change
We are excited to share our new video showcasing our amazing school. Tune in and discover more about our outstanding Chinthe Fund partnerships and the remarkably compassionate community at ISY. See the video below.
REMINDERS
Please remember that during this time, we only have dedicated adult supervision on campus in the morning from 7:30 AM. Elementary School Students go directly to the steps at dismissal unless they have an after-school activity.
Warm regards,
Ms. Sandy Sheppard
PRIDE OF THE PRINCIPAL (POP)
We had our first POP of the new school year today.
Well done to the students who demonstrated our learner profile.
Dates to Remember
17th September – Lent Day – no school
MEASURES OF ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE (MAP)
MAP Testing will be completed next week for students next week for students from Grade 2-5. Students will take a math, reading, and language test.
The MAP test does not impact your child’s report or grade. The results from the MAP test allow teachers to better know our students. We then use this data to better inform our teaching practices so that we can best meet the needs of our students. We also look for overall trends among the students, so that we can make adjustments to our curriculum as needed. Students do not need to prepare for the MAP, the teachers will guide them in the classroom.
A REMINDER OF OUR NEW INITIATIVES
- Technology-Free Steps: To encourage face-to-face interaction and maintain a continued break from screens after school, students will no longer be allowed to use devices on the school steps. Phones should only be used for communicating with drivers when necessary.
- Library on the Steps: To further promote a love for reading, we will set up a small library on the steps for students to use while they wait. We also encourage students to keep a book in their bag. We will continue introducing new reading initiatives throughout the year, so please keep an eye on the blog for updates.
- No Smartwatches in Elementary School: In our effort to reduce distractions, smartwatches will no longer be permitted during school hours.
- Common Sense Media Curriculum: We are incorporating Common Sense Media resources into our elementary school curriculum. These lessons will be integrated into units taught throughout the year. The first lesson occurred this week, with all Grades 1 to 5 students reviewing the ISY technology agreement. As your children sign these agreements, you will receive an email to acknowledge and sign as well.
PROMOTING READING AT ISY
Ensure your child has a book in their bag for dismissal time.
Then waiting time can become reading time!
When to Keep Your Child Home
COUNSELOR’S CORNER
Sportsmanship at ISY
Competition offers invaluable lessons for children, helping them develop essential values such as respect, discipline, time management, and teamwork. Whether it’s during a structured activity or casual play on the playground, the principles of positive sportsmanship are crucial in any competitive setting. Recently, in Life Skills, we have been reviewing and practicing the core elements of sportsmanship at ISY. These include:
Play Fair and Respect the Rules: ISY competitors seek victory by giving their best effort while respecting to the rules. Children learn that sports and games are far more enjoyable for everyone when participants play honestly and do not compromise the integrity of the game to win at any cost.
Be Polite and Kind: Fostering a spirit of encouragement among teammates and opponents builds a stronger sense of community. After a game, we extend a handshake and offer genuine compliments to others for their efforts. Recognizing the strengths and contributions of all players enriches the experience for everyone.
Encourage Everyone: Ensure that every child has the opportunity to participate, regardless of their skill level. Celebrate the unique abilities and strengths each child brings to the game, fostering an inclusive environment that supports development and growth.
Play for Enjoyment: While winning can be exhilarating, playing solely for trophies or titles can diminish the joy of the game. Recess and playtime should be about having fun, learning, and developing skills that extend beyond the field or court.
Be Mindful of Your Emotions: Competition often brings out intense emotions. It is vital to be aware of our emotional reactions to maintain a positive atmosphere and to use these experiences to build resilience and emotional intelligence.
If your child needs support with sportsmanship or friendships, please reach out to me at escounselor@isyedu.org. I am happy to support your child and your family.
Warm regards, Ms. Patty
The International School Yangon
20 Shwe Taungyar Street
Bahan Township
Yangon, Myanmar
+95 (0) 9 880 441 040