Dear Parents,
On behalf of the AISC Elementary School faculty and staff, it is truly my pleasure to extend a warm and heartfelt welcome to you as we begin the 2016-2017 school year. This is the time of year to reconnect with old friends and welcome new friends. To everyone new to AISC, we extend a very warm welcome. You have joined a very special family like community.
This will be my first year at AISC as Elementary Principal. Together with my husband, James (PE) and our two daughters, Amelie (Grade 6) and Summer (Grade 3) I am joining the school from Zurich International School in Switzerland where I have worked for the past 5 years. Prior to Zurich, we have worked at International Schools in Vietnam, Abu Dhabi, Vienna and London.
We spent our ‘summer’ break at home in New Zealand, which fortunately was experiencing a very mild winter.
We are delighted to be here in India with you all, and really look forward to connecting with as many families as possible as the year unfolds.
Please know that I operate an ‘open door’ philosophy, and encourage you to drop by and introduce yourselves or schedule a time via the Elementary Assistants to talk with me. It is going to be a fabulous year!
We also welcome the following new faculty and staff members to the elementary school:
Amy Sedestrom (Grade 1), Rachael Moser (Instructional Coach), Nicole Merletti (Spanish), John Merletti (Associate Teacher) and Leontheen Briggs (EAL) and Farhana Mala (Preschool TA).
Following is some important information that I want to share with you prior to August 4th, the first day of school.
Principal's Notes
Every Friday, I will blog about the events taking place in the elementary school and share other important information with the elementary school community. An email reminder, with a link to my blog, will be sent to you each Friday afternoon. Please read these notes carefully to stay informed about what is going on in the elementary school. Your child's grade level teachers will keep you updated on news from the classroom via Edmodo.
Identification (ID) Badges
There are approximately 3,000 students, parents, faculty and staff in the AISC community. For safety and security reasons, we ask that the ID badges of all adults be visible at all times while on campus. We appreciate your understanding. Please note:
1. New families will receive ID badges on Orientation Day, August 3
2. Returning ES community members will be able to collect their new ID badges from the Elementary School Gate. All students and parents will receive new ID badges. Please note that any funds that were on the old ID card have been transferred to the new card.
3. Community members arriving on campus without a badge must collect a temporary one.
4. AISC photo identity badges are not transferable. Lost or damaged ID badges should be reported to the security staff.
ID Badges for Drivers/Household Staff
If a driver or nanny has been authorized by a parent to drop off and pick up their student an ID badge will be issued. Please follow this process if authorization has been granted:
For new families, a household staff and driver ID badge application form will be issued at Security help desks in Main Reception and Elementary Reception area. A passport photo and a valid government issued ID of the household staff is required for processing the application. Drivers and household staff are not allowed to pick up students without direct confirmation either from the parent until they are issued with an ID.
ID badge for nannies and drivers will be processed within 2-3 days after receiving the application form.
Class Lists for 2016-17
Class lists will be emailed to parents Tuesday evening. If you do not receive your child’s class placement by 9am on Wednesday morning, please call the Elementary School Office (25549000 extension 5) or email Ms. Cheryl (fcheryl@aischennai.org) or Ms. Hazel (bhazel@aischennai.org).
Teachers and counselors spent a great deal of time creating the class lists, reflecting a balanced approach to cultural groups, language acquisition, gender and individual needs. We do not expect to make any changes. We ask that you encourage your child to make new friends in their new class on the first day of school. We understand that for a few children, the challenge of a new class and making new friends is difficult. If you find this is the case, please check in with your child’s teacher or grade level counselor if you observe this. Contact Ms Padma (ppadma@aischennai.org) to make an appointment with one of the counselors.
Ms Meg - for PK - Grade 2 children and Mr Ron for Grade 3 - 5 children.
Food Services
The Taj Madras Flight Kitchen (TMFK), our school-wide food vendor, will be selling meals and a-la-carte items at both cafeterias (ES & FAC) and the I-Hub beginning on the first day of school, August 4th. Note: The I-Hub will be stocked with items and open on Wednesday, August 3rd for new students and their families.
Information regarding food and menu options will continue to be communicated as needed through the principals.
AISC Access Cards (photo IDs) will also serve as smart cards (prepaid debit cards) for all purchases on campus. Cards can be charged on campus at the I-Hub, both cafeterias, the cashier’s window located off the main courtyard and recharged online using credit/debit cards.
Cash will continue to be accepted for purchases through Wednesday, August 31. From September 1, only smart cards will be accepted in all food outlets.
Cakes for special occasions can be pre-ordered in both the cafeterias.
In the spirit of continual improvement, AISC food services will focus on new menu choices while keeping nutrition standards for students.
Cashier & Food Sales – Hours of Operation
Main Courtyard Cashier: 8:00 a.m - 4:00 p.m.
ES Cafeteria: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Main Cafeteria: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
I-Hub: 7:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Parent MC Café: 7:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Elementary School Lunch Pre-Ordering Options
The elementary lunch menu will be published on a monthly basis. It will be communicated to parents through this blog, and will be available on the Elementary moodle page. Four options are available for Elementary students, all of which include a serving of fruit and dairy or juice. To cater to our diverse community, the menu will feature various food options alternating between Continental and Asian food.
Grades 3 – 5 students may purchase the regular lunch, as well as sandwiches, salads and savories at the counter without a pre-order.
Vegetarian Meal Rs.170
Non-Vegetarian Meal Rs.200
Veg. Soup Rs.140
Non-Veg. Soup Rs.170
Soup of the day (Veg)
Soup of the day (Veg)
Veg Soup
Non Veg Soup
Vegetables
Vegetables
Bread accompaniments
Bread accompaniments
Main course Veg
Main course Non Veg
-
-
Fruits
Fruits
Fruits
Fruits
Dairy / Juice (Flavored milk or yogurt or Juice box)
Dairy / Juice (Flavored milk or yogurt or Juice box)
Dairy / Juice (Flavored milk or yogurt or Juice box)
Dairy / Juice (Flavored milk or yogurt or Juice box)
August Lunch menu & Order links
If you wish to order a school lunch for your child, you can access the elementary lunch menu here. You may use either the Payonline or the Lunch Pre-order system to order lunch for your child(ren).
The Payonline System
Payonline allows parents to charge their child’s smart cards online, order and pay for lunches, and register and pay for after school activities. Payment is completed online using a credit or debit card. You need a username and password to access this system. Please see the user guide here for help using the system. You can access the Payonline link here.
Lunch Pre-Order System for Cash Payments
This system allows parents to pre-order lunches for the month and pay with cash at the cash counter. Login using just the email address we have on file at AISC. Please see the user guide here. You may access the Lunch Pre-Order System here.
If you have any difficulties logging in or ordering, please notify itsupport@aischennai.org.
Health Forms
As a quick reminder, all AISC returning students are required to complete the "Student Health Form" and "Physical Exam Form" by the beginning of this school year.
This form was sent to each of you in the final version of Principal's Notes last June.
Any 5th Grade student wishing to participate in ASIAC Table Tennis or Badminton and SAISA Swimming must have this form returned to the school by no later than Tuesday, August 16, 2016.
Students that have not returned these forms by this deadline, will not be permitted to practice or participate.
Elementary School Handbook
You will soon receive the Elementary School Handbook 2016-17. It is very important that your family takes the time to familiarize yourself with its contents.
I would like to draw your attention to page 57, the “Signature Page.” We require a parent signature, and ask that every student in grades 3, 4 and 5 sign the signature page. You may have more than child in the upper division (grades 3 to 5). If so, we ask that each child sign the page. Parents are asked to remove the perforated page from the handbook and take it to the Elementary Reception or Office. Alternatively, students can give the page to their homeroom teacher. The due date for returning this page is Thursday 18th August.
Elementary School Curriculum Guide
Our Curriculum Guide is under extensive revision, and teachers and instructional coaches are working hard to ensure this document remains relevant and updated. This document will be published later in the year - any curricular questions for now can be directed to your child’s teachers. Regular posts will be made in Edmodo regarding learning and events taking place in your child’s classroom.
After School Activities
ASA Fair
Date: August 5, 2016
Time: 3.00 pm – 4.30 pm Venue: Elementary Cafeteria
What is the ASA fair? It is an exhibition of all the activities offered for the year 2016-17. It will be held at the elementary cafeteria. Guest Instructors/AISC Teachers who will be leading ASA will be assigned tables with their activity placard to meet the parents and students. This gives parents and students a chance to better understand the ASA in order to make the best choice.
Registration Process
ASA Registration Forms will be distributed to elementary & middle school students on August 4, 2016 in their homerooms and advisory.
Payonline registration
-
Online registration opens on August 8 and concludes on August 10, 2016.
-
If you are unable to register through pay online due to any problem (username/password) please write to itsupport@aisch.org. IT will reset your username and password and you may register thereon.
-
Kindly note that payments made through credit card will carry a service charge. This fee is charged by the bank and not by the school.
-
We encourage parents to register through pay online.
In-person (Cash) Registration
If you missed registering online, then in-person (cash) registration can be done on August 16 & 17 at the elementary cafeteria from 8.00 am – 9.30 am.
-
Activity registrations will be on a first-come-first-served basis, as the activities will be capped (limited number for each class) depending on their nature.
-
We do not accept payments by cheque.
-
Payments cannot be dropped off at Receptions or Section Offices. Registration can be done either online or in-person only.
ASA - Swim Program - Registration
From the desk of the Aquatic Director - Ms. Donna Fava
-
All elementary parents need to check your child's swim level before signing up for Level 1, 2 or 3. You may get this information from the Aquatics Office (by the pool side), either from Coach Donna or Mr. Velin Prabhu. You can also email Coach Donna at fdonna@aischennai.org
-
If your child has not participated in PE swimming you must bring your child to the pool to be tested to determine which level is appropriate for them.
-
If you register your child for the wrong level, your registration will be invalidated, so please be sure to check.
-
Please only sign up for one swim session per child per semester so everyone can have an opportunity to benefit from extra lessons. If there are open spaces after sign-ups are finished, and you are on a waiting list, we will then contact you.
-
Raptors Swim Club information: Try-outs: August 5, 8, 9 & 10 after-school from 3.30 - 4.30 pm. There is likelihood that there will be two sessions of this ASA program. Session 1 will be from 3:30-4:30 for beginner and intermediate Club members and Session 2 will be from 4:30-5:30, for more advanced swimmers. If numbers are high, group division will be determined after the first week.
-
Signups for Swim programs can be done online and is preferable. If for some reason, you are unable to sign up online, please note that seat cannot be blocked at the ASA office through a phone call. You can register in-person on the specified dates.
-
Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Coach Donna or the ASA office.
Questions or Concerns
Please remember that if you have a question or concern about any aspect of your child's educational experience, please contact the classroom teacher first. In most cases, your question or concern will be resolved after speaking with the teacher.
In the rare case that it is not, please make an appointment to see the associate principal, Ms. Lori Newman. If your question or concern remains unresolved at this level, please make an appointment to see me. Please contact Ms. Cheryl or Ms. Hazel to schedule an appointment.
You are also welcome to make an appointment to see a guidance counselor by contacting Ms. Padma (ppadma@aischennai.org).
Looking forward to a fantastic year!
Keryn Dowling
Elementary School Principal
Dear Parents,
On behalf of the AISC Elementary School faculty and staff, it is truly my pleasure to extend a warm and heartfelt welcome to you as we begin the 2016-2017 school year. This is the time of year to reconnect with old friends and welcome new friends. To everyone new to AISC, we extend a very warm welcome. You have joined a very special family like community.
This will be my first year at AISC as Elementary Principal. Together with my husband, James (PE) and our two daughters, Amelie (Grade 6) and Summer (Grade 3) I am joining the school from Zurich International School in Switzerland where I have worked for the past 5 years. Prior to Zurich, we have worked at International Schools in Vietnam, Abu Dhabi, Vienna and London.
We spent our ‘summer’ break at home in New Zealand, which fortunately was experiencing a very mild winter.
We are delighted to be here in India with you all, and really look forward to connecting with as many families as possible as the year unfolds.
Please know that I operate an ‘open door’ philosophy, and encourage you to drop by and introduce yourselves or schedule a time via the Elementary Assistants to talk with me. It is going to be a fabulous year!
We also welcome the following new faculty and staff members to the elementary school:
Amy Sedestrom (Grade 1), Rachael Moser (Instructional Coach), Nicole Merletti (Spanish), John Merletti (Associate Teacher) and Leontheen Briggs (EAL) and Farhana Mala (Preschool TA).
Following is some important information that I want to share with you prior to August 4th, the first day of school.
Principal's Notes
Every Friday, I will blog about the events taking place in the elementary school and share other important information with the elementary school community. An email reminder, with a link to my blog, will be sent to you each Friday afternoon. Please read these notes carefully to stay informed about what is going on in the elementary school. Your child's grade level teachers will keep you updated on news from the classroom via Edmodo.
Identification (ID) Badges
There are approximately 3,000 students, parents, faculty and staff in the AISC community. For safety and security reasons, we ask that the ID badges of all adults be visible at all times while on campus. We appreciate your understanding. Please note:
1. New families will receive ID badges on Orientation Day, August 3
2. Returning ES community members will be able to collect their new ID badges from the Elementary School Gate. All students and parents will receive new ID badges. Please note that any funds that were on the old ID card have been transferred to the new card.
3. Community members arriving on campus without a badge must collect a temporary one.
4. AISC photo identity badges are not transferable. Lost or damaged ID badges should be reported to the security staff.
ID Badges for Drivers/Household Staff
If a driver or nanny has been authorized by a parent to drop off and pick up their student an ID badge will be issued. Please follow this process if authorization has been granted:
For new families, a household staff and driver ID badge application form will be issued at Security help desks in Main Reception and Elementary Reception area. A passport photo and a valid government issued ID of the household staff is required for processing the application. Drivers and household staff are not allowed to pick up students without direct confirmation either from the parent until they are issued with an ID.
ID badge for nannies and drivers will be processed within 2-3 days after receiving the application form.
Class Lists for 2016-17
Class lists will be emailed to parents Tuesday evening. If you do not receive your child’s class placement by 9am on Wednesday morning, please call the Elementary School Office (25549000 extension 5) or email Ms. Cheryl (fcheryl@aischennai.org) or Ms. Hazel (bhazel@aischennai.org).
Teachers and counselors spent a great deal of time creating the class lists, reflecting a balanced approach to cultural groups, language acquisition, gender and individual needs. We do not expect to make any changes. We ask that you encourage your child to make new friends in their new class on the first day of school. We understand that for a few children, the challenge of a new class and making new friends is difficult. If you find this is the case, please check in with your child’s teacher or grade level counselor if you observe this. Contact Ms Padma (ppadma@aischennai.org) to make an appointment with one of the counselors.
Ms Meg - for PK - Grade 2 children and Mr Ron for Grade 3 - 5 children.
Ms Meg - for PK - Grade 2 children and Mr Ron for Grade 3 - 5 children.
Food Services
The Taj Madras Flight Kitchen (TMFK), our school-wide food vendor, will be selling meals and a-la-carte items at both cafeterias (ES & FAC) and the I-Hub beginning on the first day of school, August 4th. Note: The I-Hub will be stocked with items and open on Wednesday, August 3rd for new students and their families.
Information regarding food and menu options will continue to be communicated as needed through the principals.
AISC Access Cards (photo IDs) will also serve as smart cards (prepaid debit cards) for all purchases on campus. Cards can be charged on campus at the I-Hub, both cafeterias, the cashier’s window located off the main courtyard and recharged online using credit/debit cards.
Cash will continue to be accepted for purchases through Wednesday, August 31. From September 1, only smart cards will be accepted in all food outlets.
Cakes for special occasions can be pre-ordered in both the cafeterias.
In the spirit of continual improvement, AISC food services will focus on new menu choices while keeping nutrition standards for students.
Cashier & Food Sales – Hours of Operation
Main Courtyard Cashier: 8:00 a.m - 4:00 p.m.
ES Cafeteria: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Main Cafeteria: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
I-Hub: 7:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Parent MC Café: 7:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Elementary School Lunch Pre-Ordering Options
The elementary lunch menu will be published on a monthly basis. It will be communicated to parents through this blog, and will be available on the Elementary moodle page. Four options are available for Elementary students, all of which include a serving of fruit and dairy or juice. To cater to our diverse community, the menu will feature various food options alternating between Continental and Asian food.
Grades 3 – 5 students may purchase the regular lunch, as well as sandwiches, salads and savories at the counter without a pre-order.
Vegetarian Meal Rs.170
|
Non-Vegetarian Meal Rs.200
|
Veg. Soup Rs.140
|
Non-Veg. Soup Rs.170
|
Soup of the day (Veg)
|
Soup of the day (Veg)
|
Veg Soup
|
Non Veg Soup
|
Vegetables
|
Vegetables
|
Bread accompaniments
|
Bread accompaniments
|
Main course Veg
|
Main course Non Veg
|
-
|
-
|
Fruits
|
Fruits
|
Fruits
|
Fruits
|
Dairy / Juice (Flavored milk or yogurt or Juice box)
|
Dairy / Juice (Flavored milk or yogurt or Juice box)
|
Dairy / Juice (Flavored milk or yogurt or Juice box)
|
Dairy / Juice (Flavored milk or yogurt or Juice box)
|
August Lunch menu & Order links
If you wish to order a school lunch for your child, you can access the elementary lunch menu here. You may use either the Payonline or the Lunch Pre-order system to order lunch for your child(ren).
The Payonline System
Payonline allows parents to charge their child’s smart cards online, order and pay for lunches, and register and pay for after school activities. Payment is completed online using a credit or debit card. You need a username and password to access this system. Please see the user guide here for help using the system. You can access the Payonline link here.
Lunch Pre-Order System for Cash Payments
This system allows parents to pre-order lunches for the month and pay with cash at the cash counter. Login using just the email address we have on file at AISC. Please see the user guide here. You may access the Lunch Pre-Order System here.
If you have any difficulties logging in or ordering, please notify itsupport@aischennai.org.
Health Forms
As a quick reminder, all AISC returning students are required to complete the "Student Health Form" and "Physical Exam Form" by the beginning of this school year.
This form was sent to each of you in the final version of Principal's Notes last June.
Any 5th Grade student wishing to participate in ASIAC Table Tennis or Badminton and SAISA Swimming must have this form returned to the school by no later than Tuesday, August 16, 2016.
Students that have not returned these forms by this deadline, will not be permitted to practice or participate.
Elementary School Handbook
You will soon receive the Elementary School Handbook 2016-17. It is very important that your family takes the time to familiarize yourself with its contents.
I would like to draw your attention to page 57, the “Signature Page.” We require a parent signature, and ask that every student in grades 3, 4 and 5 sign the signature page. You may have more than child in the upper division (grades 3 to 5). If so, we ask that each child sign the page. Parents are asked to remove the perforated page from the handbook and take it to the Elementary Reception or Office. Alternatively, students can give the page to their homeroom teacher. The due date for returning this page is Thursday 18th August.
Elementary School Curriculum Guide
Our Curriculum Guide is under extensive revision, and teachers and instructional coaches are working hard to ensure this document remains relevant and updated. This document will be published later in the year - any curricular questions for now can be directed to your child’s teachers. Regular posts will be made in Edmodo regarding learning and events taking place in your child’s classroom.
After School Activities
ASA Fair
Date: August 5, 2016
Time: 3.00 pm – 4.30 pm Venue: Elementary Cafeteria
What is the ASA fair? It is an exhibition of all the activities offered for the year 2016-17. It will be held at the elementary cafeteria. Guest Instructors/AISC Teachers who will be leading ASA will be assigned tables with their activity placard to meet the parents and students. This gives parents and students a chance to better understand the ASA in order to make the best choice.
Registration Process
ASA Registration Forms will be distributed to elementary & middle school students on August 4, 2016 in their homerooms and advisory.
Payonline registration
- Online registration opens on August 8 and concludes on August 10, 2016.
If you are unable to register through pay online due to any problem (username/password) please write to itsupport@aisch.org. IT will reset your username and password and you may register thereon.
- Kindly note that payments made through credit card will carry a service charge. This fee is charged by the bank and not by the school.
- We encourage parents to register through pay online.
In-person (Cash) Registration
If you missed registering online, then in-person (cash) registration can be done on August 16 & 17 at the elementary cafeteria from 8.00 am – 9.30 am.
- Activity registrations will be on a first-come-first-served basis, as the activities will be capped (limited number for each class) depending on their nature.
- We do not accept payments by cheque.
- Payments cannot be dropped off at Receptions or Section Offices. Registration can be done either online or in-person only.
ASA - Swim Program - Registration
From the desk of the Aquatic Director - Ms. Donna Fava
- All elementary parents need to check your child's swim level before signing up for Level 1, 2 or 3. You may get this information from the Aquatics Office (by the pool side), either from Coach Donna or Mr. Velin Prabhu. You can also email Coach Donna at fdonna@aischennai.org
- If your child has not participated in PE swimming you must bring your child to the pool to be tested to determine which level is appropriate for them.
- If you register your child for the wrong level, your registration will be invalidated, so please be sure to check.
- Please only sign up for one swim session per child per semester so everyone can have an opportunity to benefit from extra lessons. If there are open spaces after sign-ups are finished, and you are on a waiting list, we will then contact you.
- Raptors Swim Club information: Try-outs: August 5, 8, 9 & 10 after-school from 3.30 - 4.30 pm. There is likelihood that there will be two sessions of this ASA program. Session 1 will be from 3:30-4:30 for beginner and intermediate Club members and Session 2 will be from 4:30-5:30, for more advanced swimmers. If numbers are high, group division will be determined after the first week.
- Signups for Swim programs can be done online and is preferable. If for some reason, you are unable to sign up online, please note that seat cannot be blocked at the ASA office through a phone call. You can register in-person on the specified dates.
- Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Coach Donna or the ASA office.
Questions or Concerns
Please remember that if you have a question or concern about any aspect of your child's educational experience, please contact the classroom teacher first. In most cases, your question or concern will be resolved after speaking with the teacher.
In the rare case that it is not, please make an appointment to see the associate principal, Ms. Lori Newman. If your question or concern remains unresolved at this level, please make an appointment to see me. Please contact Ms. Cheryl or Ms. Hazel to schedule an appointment.
You are also welcome to make an appointment to see a guidance counselor by contacting Ms. Padma (ppadma@aischennai.org).
You are also welcome to make an appointment to see a guidance counselor by contacting Ms. Padma (ppadma@aischennai.org).
Looking forward to a fantastic year!
Keryn Dowling
Elementary School Principal
Elementary School Principal