Saturday, January 28, 2017

Saturday, January 28, 2017

Dear Parents,

Just when we thought things had got back to normal, we had an exceptional Tuesday! I am sure you too would join me in appreciating our wonderful teachers and assistants who stepped up and really went the extra mile to ensure not only were your children safe and cared for, but also had an enjoyable experience with their extended school day. As for all of our wonderful children - we are so proud of the way they all kept calm, remained positive and rolled with what turned out be a rather unusual school day!

Thank you too for keeping calm and following extraordinary measures as we accounted for each child and ensured we knew where everyone was at all times. Sure is never a dull moment in Chennai!

PK - Grade 2 Field Days

Mr. Jonathan, Ms. Rosario, Ms. Sohba, Mr. James and Ms. Nushrath once again orchestrated fun and engaging Field Days for both our youngest children in Preschool and Kindergarten, and our First and Second graders. As with our older children last week, teams were divided by colors and named with natural disasters. Children participated in a variety of individual and partner activities from scooter races to water balloon tossing. The first and second graders also participated in a team tug-of-war with the gritty Yellow Sandstorm pulling off a hard earned win over the Red Wild Fire.

Hunchback of Notre Dame
Yesterday, many of our older children were invited to a special preview of the MS play ‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’, with one of our elementary students remarking “That was awesome!  I loved the costume..and the set!”.  To see more, you can purchase tickets for the full performance next week - see below.

MS Theater Production - February 2 & 3 - The Hunchback of Notre Dame
Middle School Theatre students proudly bring you a new, exciting and spectacular adaptation of the novel by Victor Hugo.

The young man Quasimodo has been locked up in the cathedral of Notre Dame for twenty years.  When he sneaks out to look at the Festival of Fools, he is suddenly thrust into a world which he does not understand. And so begins this tale of love, courage, and comprehending the value of true inner strength.

With stunning costumes, music, lighting and a breathtaking set, this original production promises to bring to life this classic tale.  

Tickets are on sale before school in the Middle and High School Entrance, and after school at Elementary School.  Tickets are 200 rupees.  Performances are on the 2nd and 3rd of February, at 5pm.  Tickets go on sale next week.  

We have a hunch you’ll love it!

Feb Fling is coming up!
Feb Fling 2017 will be held on Saturday, February 11th from 12 to 4. It is our yearly event where High School students interact with Elementary and Middle School students and their families while raising money for service clubs throughout the school. The ticket price is Rs 400 (Rs 500 if purchased at the door) and both students and parents will be able to participate in the various booths and receive lunch if they present their tickets.

The high school Student Council are currently working together to organize fun activities such as water bottle flip, obstacle course, Middle School pool party and lots more! Delicious food and great raffle prizes will be prepared so come to Feb Fling on the 11th of February and have fun!

Call to donate shoes
NHS is hosting a beach cleanup in association with Namma Beach, Namma Chennai. It will take place on Sunday, February 19th at Palavakkam beach and students from local schools are invited.

As you may know, Chennai beaches are highly polluted and often littered with sharp objects that could prove dangerous without proper footwear. To ensure that everyone who participates in the beach cleanup has footwear, especially the young children from local schools, NHS is organizing a shoe drive at AISC for the next four weeks.  

Please feel free to donate any used shoes, especially flip flops and sandals, in children’s sizes. Boxes will be located near the main reception, in the iHub and in front of the high school office.

Thanks for all your support!

February 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).

SAISA Track and Field
Starts: Monday, February 13th
Days: Monday. Tuesday. Thursday. Friday
Times: 6:15 a.m. - 8:00 a.m.
Where: Soccer Field
Attire: Workout Clothes + Sneakers
Who: 4th and 5th Grade - 12th Grade (must be 10 by April 20th)

The first two weeks of the season will be a preliminary try-out for anyone interested in competing in the T&F season.

It is ENCOURAGED that you attend the first two weeks of the season, all 8 practices, so we are able to figure out your events and if Track and Field is the most appropriate sport for you!

ASA - CREATORS CLUB Opens up on Thursdays this Semester
Grade level: 3-5
Instructor: Mr. Carl Knudsen
Cost: Rs.4000/-  

In addition to the existing Creators Club ASA on Mondays and Tuesdays, we are opening a new class on Thursdays this semester. Students who want to take another day of this activity are welcome to do so. Registration can be done at the ASA office (MC-1B).

About the activity:
This activity is going to allow students to choose, plan, learn, and build anything they want during their time in the Discovery Studios. The students can work together or by themselves to make anything from robots to wearable tech, from paper mache monsters to sewing fantasy costumes, they can conduct science experiments or create a hydroponics garden etc. Students will be responsible for all aspects of their time in the Discovery Studios which will hopefully foster a greater interest in their activity, a higher level of learning, and a greater sense of achievement and confidence. All of this will lead to more enjoyment and fun while in this ASA. The Creator’s Club will be set up and run using the following:

  • The first couple of sessions will include a safety demonstration about the different materials and tools found in the Discovery Studio.
  • The students will be having ownership over what they choose and plan to do as long as the Discovery Studio can accommodate it.
  • Students will be taught how to properly research, plan out their ideas and source their materials.
  • Planning and research for the different projects will be the responsibility of the students.
  • Students must have a completed plan before they can come into the Discovery Studio to work.
  • Students will be encouraged at all times to be as independent as possible in order to build their confidence and risk taking abilities.
  • The Discovery Studios will be divided into different work areas along common materials and equipment used.
  • After the initial orientation, students can use the rest of their remaining weeks to create/build as many projects as they wish.
  • Material cost Rs.1000/- payable to the Instructor.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Warmly,

Keryn Dowling

Saturday, January 21, 2017

Saturday, January 21, 2017

Dear families,

The theme of natural disasters continued through humour in our fabulous Grade 3-5 Field Day on Thursday. Classes were split into colored teams, each aligned with a natural disaster. Children took part individually in a wide range of events, as well as competed as a color team in a tug-of-war. In the end, it was the Blue Tsumani’s who remained undefeated in the team tug of war, and walked away as the victors. Congratulations Blue Tsunami’s! A huge thank you to our PE department, as well as Mr James, who meticulously planned a day that was enjoyed by all.  Great to see so many parents out watching and supporting our students too.

Also, congratulations to Bua in Grade 5, whose wonderful Field Day design was selected to be printed onto all the t-shirts. Don’t they look amazing?
PreKindergarten - Grade 2 Field Day - Friday 27th January
  • 3+, 4+ and KG; 9:00a.m - 10:00am
  • Grades 1 & 2; 10:30am - 11:45am

The Field Day is a celebration of physical activity where the students participate in a range of competitive and participatory challenges that highlight the enjoyment they receive in engaging their bodies in a variety of physically fun tasks.  

We have divided the day into separate events that will involve a cohort of 2 or 3 adjacent grade levels at the same time. The reason for this is to keep it safe, age relevant and maximise the community building between grade levels.

On the day your PreKindergarten - Grade 2 child will be issued an AISC Field Day T-shirt, but please ensure on the day you pack with your child
  • Hat and sunscreen
  • Change of clothes (children may get wet as some of the fun activities involve water)

If you wish to volunteer your assistance in the running of the day, please contact your child’s teacher or the parent representative for the class. Parent spectators are of course also welcome. Please come and cheer to students on and be part of this fun event.

After school Activities
Activities for Semester 2 begins on Monday January 23.  Please refer to the ASA Handbook for details.

February 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).

Middle School Theater Production - February 2 & 3 - The Hunchback of Notre Dame
Middle School Theatre students proudly bring you a new, exciting and spectacular adaptation of the novel by Victor Hugo.

The young man Quasimodo has been locked up in the cathedral of Notre Dame for twenty years.  When he sneaks out to look at the Festival of Fools, he is suddenly thrust into a world which he does not understand. And so begins this tale of love, courage, and comprehending the value of true inner strength.

With stunning costumes, music, lighting and a breathtaking set, this original production promises to bring to life this classic tale.

Tickets are on sale before school in the Middle and High School Entrance, and after school at Elementary School.  Tickets are 200 rupees.  Performances are on the 2nd and 3rd of February, at 5pm.  Tickets go on sale next week.

We have a hunch you’ll love it!   

Make-Up Day
A reminder that next Saturday 28th January is a school day.  We will be running a Thursday schedule.

SAISA Track and Field
Starts: Monday, February 13th
Days: Monday. Tuesday. Thursday. Friday
Times: 6:15 a.m. - 8:00 a.m.
Where: Soccer Field
Attire: Workout Clothes + Sneakers
Who: 5th Grade - 12th Grade

The first two weeks of the season will be a preliminary try-out for anyone interested in competing in the T&F season.

It is ENCOURAGED that you attend the first two weeks of the season, all 8 practices, so we are able to figure out your events and if Track and Field is the most appropriate sport for you!

Have a nice weekend!

Warmly,

Keryn Dowling

Friday, January 13, 2017

Friday, January 13, 2017

Dear Parents,

Happy New Year! It has been a smooth start back into school with a lot of energy and smiles from teachers and students alike. I spent the break travelling northern India with my parents, who came out visiting from New Zealand. Our highlight was visiting the ghats of Varanasi and witnessing the cycle of life unfolding in their ancient traditions!

Pongal - air quality today
We spent today closely monitoring the air quality and at each recess assessed whether it was safe for our children to play outside.  Unfortunately they had to spend all of their recess breaks inside today, so there may be a lot of unspent energy at home tonight!

Parent Coffee - Tuesday, January 17, 8.45 am - 9.45 am
Our next parent coffee is rescheduled from late December, and will be on Understanding Elementary Education in the 21st century, with a particular focus on understanding the Inquiry pedagogy as well as the role of co-teaching. There will be time for questions at the end. We look forward to welcoming you in the ES Cafeteria.

New Parent Coffee / Orientation Session - Rescheduled to Friday, January 20, 9:15-10:15
The New Parent Coffee/Orientation Session originally scheduled for Friday, January 13, is being moved to Friday, January 20th in order to include more new families. The venue will stay the same, in the BBT.

Yearbook Photos
New students and students who missed the first round will have their Yearbook photos taken on January 17 and 18 between 8:30 - 10:00 am.

Early Release Wednesdays & Make - up Saturdays
A reminder that the Early Release day on Wednesday 25th will be a normal, full school day, finishing at 3:30 pm.

We also have two 'Make Up Saturdays', scheduled for Saturday, January 21st, and Saturday, January 28th. Saturday 21st will be a Monday schedule, so students with PE should come prepared for this.  Saturday 28th will be a Thursday schedule.

Field Days

Thursday, January 19th
  • Grades 3, 4 and 5; 9:00am - 10:30am

Friday, January 27th
  • Preschool 3+, 4+ and KG; 9:00a.m - 10:00am
    Grades 1 & 2; 10:30am - 11:45am

The ES Physical Education team are excited to once again invite you to our annual Field Days. The Field Day is a celebration of physical activity where the students participate in a range of competitive and participatory challenges that highlight the enjoyment they receive in engaging their bodies in a variety of physically fun tasks.

We have divided the days into three separate events that will involve a cohort of 2 or 3 adjacent grade levels at the same time. The reason for this is to keep it safe, age relevant and maximise the community building between grade levels.

On the day your child will be issued an AISC Field Day T-shirt, but please ensure on the day you pack with your child
  • Hat and sunscreen
  • Change of clothes (children may get wet as some of the fun activities involve water)

If you wish to volunteer your assistance in the running of the day, please contact your child’s teacher or the parent representative for the class. Parent spectators are of course also welcome. Please come and cheer to students on and be part of this fun event.

Raptor's Swim Club Swim-A-Thon Rescheduled
The Raptor's Swim Club Swim-A-Thon fund-raising project has been rescheduled for Thursday, January 19, 2017 from 3:45-5:00pm. Raptor's Swim Club Swimmers have collected pledges to raise money for the non-profit organization Lead Nepal. The money collected will be used to begin the rebuilding of a village in Nepal that was devastated by the April 25th, 2015 earthquake. Please contact Ms. Donna Fava if you have any questions.

After School Activities
IN-PERSON (CASH) REGISTRATION :
  • The cash registration for after school activities is on January 17 (Elementary Covered Area) & 18  (Elementary Cafeteria) from 8.00 am – 9.30 am
  • We do not accept payments by cheque.
  • Payments cannot be dropped off at Receptions or Section Offices.
  • The ASA handbook & Registration forms will be available on school website, click here for quick link After School Activities

Looking forward to another great semester ahead.

Warmly,

Keryn Dowling

Upcoming Dates For Your Calendar
Monday 16 January            Pongal Holiday (no school)
Tuesday 17 January            ES Parent Coffee 8:45am - 9:45am
Thursday 19 January          Grade 3-5 Field Day
Saturday 21 January           Make Up Work Day
Tuesday 24 January            Korean Food Festival
Monday 23 January            ASA Semester 2 Begins
Wednesday 25 January      No early release
Thursday 26 January           Indian Republic Day Holiday (no school)
Friday 27 January                Preschool - Grade 2 Field Day
Saturday 28 January           Make Up Work Day
February 6-10                      Consultant: Tom Schimmer visits AISC