Dear Parents,
Happy Diwali! This past Wednesday, we held our Diwali Assembly and tomorrow night we will come together as a community to celebrate. The fun all begins at 5:45 pm in the FAC Cafeteria.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank our Indian Studies teachers, Ms. Anu and Ms. Bindu, as well as our Theater Director, Mr. Shawn, for organizing our assembly. I would also like to acknowledge the beautiful posters created by our lower elementary school students: the Kindergarten students for the lamps, the grade 1 students for the fireworks and the grade 2 students for the Diwali lamps. Thank you to Mr. Joseph, our lower elementary school art teacher, for leading this activity.
You can view pictures taken during the assembly by clicking here. Thank you, Mr. Pradeep, for sharing these beautiful pictures with us.
Assistant Principal News: Back in September, Ms. Sweet informed Mr. Hoover and me that she was ready to advance her career and would begin to explore administrative opportunities in other schools and may not return to AISC next year. Although she was only on an exploratory path, the school chose to start a global search and listed the position as tentative with an international recruiting agency. We soon began to receive applications and over the past several weeks, we shortlisted and interviewed potential candidates in the event she decided not to return. This week, Ms. Sweet informed Mr. Hoover and me that she would not be returning to AISC for the 2014-15 school year. Mere words cannot express my gratitude and appreciation for the work that she has done over the past few years. Ms. Sweet has been an inspirational leader who will long be remembered for her passion and commitment to excellence in education. I know that the AISC community will always hold a special place in her heart. I certainly wish her nothing but the very best. We have six great months left with Anne and I know that we will appreciate every one of them.
I am pleased to inform you that Lori Newman has accepted the position of ES Assistant Principal. Lori is currently the Assistant Director for Learning at the American School in Japan (Tokyo). She has held this position since 2009, although she has been with ASIJ since 1998, having taught grades 2 and 4 from 1998 to 2009. Lori will be joined by her husband and two sons. You will learn more about Lori later this school year.
Parent Coffee with the ES Administration: Please join us at 8:45 on Tuesday, November 12th in the FAC Cafeteria. This month, we will be talking about our English as an Additional Language (EAL) program. This session will be an extension of the EAL Parent Curriculum Coffee held before the fall break, and our presenters will focus on the program at the elementary school level.
Guidance Counselor’s Presentation: In the life of international schools, this is the time of year when we recognize that some families will be moving on from our school community. For kids, as well as moms and dads, it is a transition that is both exciting, and one of challenges and fears. Please join our elementary counselors, Ms. Geetha and Mr. George, as they share a presentation specifically designed for families on the move. All parents are welcome whether you are leaving this semester or you just want to be aware of issues surrounding moving with your family. Please join us for, Families on the Move, on Monday, November 18th, beginning at 8:45 in the Hall of Light. Our counselors will also be conducting special sessions with children prior to the winter break. If you are leaving AISC next month, please be sure to notify Ms. Hazel or Ms. Cheryl in the Principal's Office.
Student Council News: The Elementary Student Council is ready for its annual Toy Drive which supports children from orphanages who are in need of holiday cheer. Students from grades 1-5 are being asked to look into their toy chests, book shelves or other special places for clean and gently used old toys and books that are not being used any longer. Students can bring donations to their classrooms where there will be a donation box. Another donation box will be in the Elementary Reception Office. The Toy Drive will be held from November 11-22.
NESA Virtual Science Fair for 5th Graders: Last school year, several of our 5th grade students participated in the NESA Virtual Science Fair. The basic rule for the science fair was that the entry must have a problem that could be solved experimentally with measurable results. The entire activity was conducted after school hours, and the parents were a great inspiration and support to the kids. As it progressed, the children became more involved, focused, motivated, and as many of them said, “We just love science now”.
This past spring, the winners were announced, and just this week, we received the trophy. Once again, congratulations to 1st place winners, Vinay, Reuben and Domenic for their project on “BIOGAS.” These boys are now in grade 6, but they stopped by earlier this week to have their picture taken with Ms. Shobhana and me, and of course, with the trophy.
SAISA News: The following message is from our Athletic Director, Ron Thomson:
I wanted to update you on a change of venue that recently occurred for our season three sporting events. Due to the major renovation project at the American International School of Dhaka, they will not be able to host the 2014 SAISA Track & Field Meet this coming March 11-15th. We have agreed to switch sporting events with AISD this spring, therefore we will be hosting the 2014 SAISA Track & Field Meet and AISD will host the 2014 SAISA Boys Basketball Tournament.
By helping one of our SAISA member schools in this way we can assure that all the SAISA Track & Field Athletes have a properly run and rewarding meet. We look forward to the excitement and community building that hosting a meet with 300 athletes can do for our school identity and pride.
If you have any questions or concerns about this please feel free to contact me at tronald@aisch.org. Thanks again for your understanding.
AISC’S Middle School Theatre Production:
The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood
Thursday 14 November & Friday 15 November
5:30
FAC Theatre
It sure is hard to be humble when you're a swashbuckling, egocentric super-hero. But our gallant guy-in-green tries his best as he swaggers through The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood, a frantically funny retelling of the classic story.
The legendary legend, in his never-ending quest to aid the needy, encounters a lovely damsel-in-distress, an ever-scheming sheriff, a greedy bad-guy monarch with a fan club of fawning ladies, a good-natured "Town's Guy" who manages to make his way into every scene, and a band of Merry Men whose collective IQs equal six.
Join us for an irreverent jaunt through Sherwood Forest that you won't soon forget!
Tickets will go on sale Monday 11 November.
Note: The show plot and humor is suitable material for students in upper elementary and older.
Show time is approximately 1.5 hours. Please contact Rachel Griffiths at 8754593507 or at rtgriffiths@btinternet.com for more information.
Have a great weekend. I hope to see you tomorrow at the PTA Diwali Celebration.
Kevin Hall
Elementary School Principal