March 2013 - the International School of Stavanger
March 2013 - the International School of Stavanger March 2013 - the International School of Stavanger
The Informer P ub l i s h e d b y I S S a s a C o m m u n i t y N e w s l e t t e r 23 January 2013 - Volume XXXV - No 5 2012/13 Look! I found my own piece of lake!
- Page 2 and 3: From the Director: “Lights. Camer
- Page 4 and 5: use our AEDs at school, we also are
- Page 6 and 7: The Counselor’s Corner QUESTIONS
- Page 8 and 9: International School of Stavanger A
- Page 10 and 11: News from the Exams Coordinator Reg
- Page 12 and 13: H i g h S c h o o l N E W S High sc
- Page 14 and 15: H i g h S c h o o l N E W S ISS-SFL
- Page 16 and 17: Middle School News and Events 6th g
- Page 18 and 19: Middle School News and Events 18 ·
- Page 20 and 21: The classroom has been moved to Sto
- Page 22 and 23: 22 · The Informer 23 January 2013
- Page 24 and 25: Learning can be so exciting ...! 24
- Page 26 and 27: All School News 26 · The Informer
- Page 28 and 29: SIBS Babysitter Service is now
- Page 30 and 31: Chef: Jean-Pierre Duc Lunch Menu In
- Page 32: Three swords and a frozen fjord Ota
The Informer<br />
P ub l i s h e d b y I S S a s a C o m m u n i t y N e w s l e t t e r 23 January <strong>2013</strong> - Volume XXXV - No 5 2012/13<br />
Look! I found my own piece <strong>of</strong> lake!
From <strong>the</strong> Director:<br />
“Lights. Camera. Action.”<br />
On Monday, January 14th, ISS became <strong>the</strong> setting<br />
for a British television filmshoot. It was not exactly<br />
a typical day at an international school, but one that<br />
<strong>the</strong> school was willing to play a small role in as it was<br />
such a compelling subject.<br />
The British network ITV, (yes, that same network<br />
that has produced “Downton Abbey” along with a<br />
whole host <strong>of</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r well-known shows), has a weekly<br />
current affairs programme entitled, “Tonight.”<br />
The topic for <strong>the</strong>ir show, scheduled to be aired on<br />
Thursday, February 7, is connected to <strong>the</strong> concept that<br />
prior knowledge <strong>of</strong> first aid is crucial when medical<br />
emergencies take place.<br />
Lights? Camera? Action!<br />
The view <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> ITV producers is that in <strong>the</strong> case<br />
<strong>of</strong> an individual having a heart attack, <strong>the</strong> victim’s<br />
chance <strong>of</strong> survival is exponentially greater if <strong>the</strong><br />
emergency happens in <strong>Stavanger</strong>, Norway, than if it<br />
happens in <strong>the</strong> United Kingdom. Why is that? The<br />
ITV producers believe it is because here in Norway<br />
<strong>the</strong>re is a much more rigorous discipline <strong>of</strong> teaching<br />
students first aid in schools and <strong>the</strong>n following up on<br />
that with refresher training in <strong>the</strong> workplace. All this<br />
leads to a greater degree <strong>of</strong> confidence in being able to<br />
react when <strong>the</strong>re is a sudden need.<br />
To prove <strong>the</strong>ir point, <strong>the</strong> producers researched <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
<strong>the</strong>ory through a number <strong>of</strong> sources, including<br />
Lærdal Medical which has its home <strong>of</strong>fice in<br />
<strong>Stavanger</strong> and <strong>the</strong>n a three-person ITV crew traveled<br />
here to interview a doctor at <strong>the</strong> <strong>Stavanger</strong> University<br />
Hospital who has researched cardiac survival statistics<br />
and <strong>the</strong>y also stopped <strong>of</strong>f at ISS to watch and film our<br />
9th grade health classes in action.<br />
<strong>Stavanger</strong> is quite an interesting place because <strong>of</strong> its<br />
connection to Lærdal Medical, (http://www.laerdal.<br />
com/gb/), which is <strong>the</strong> “home” <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Resusci-Anne<br />
dolls and <strong>the</strong>ir ground-breaking work in helping lay<br />
people know how to react in medical crisis situations.<br />
We use both <strong>the</strong> dolls for CPR training, but also<br />
Lærdal cardiac defibrillators which are also known as<br />
AEDs, (Automated External Defibrillators).<br />
Margaux tries to save ‘Annie’ using CPR<br />
ISS has long had first-aid training for our employees<br />
and students. Additionally, since 2002, we have been<br />
training all <strong>of</strong> our employees and our students in<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir health classes in 7th, 8th and 9th grades in <strong>the</strong><br />
use <strong>of</strong> AEDs. We have AED training models, but<br />
more importantly “real” AEDs that are distributed<br />
throughout <strong>the</strong> school and also available for our<br />
student groups to take along on field trips. (And no,<br />
I am not on <strong>the</strong> payroll <strong>of</strong> Lærdal, but I have long<br />
admired <strong>the</strong>ir corporate ethics and <strong>the</strong>ir dedication to<br />
helping lay people know how to save lives.)<br />
Our school got involved, particularly with <strong>the</strong> AEDs,<br />
2 · The Informer 23 January <strong>2013</strong> www.isstavanger.no
ecause we have a responsibility to our students to<br />
help <strong>the</strong>m know how to do <strong>the</strong> right thing at <strong>the</strong> right<br />
time. One can see AEDs in many places—airports,<br />
shopping centres, train stations, etc. The machine can<br />
save lives as long as someone is willing to take it <strong>of</strong>f<br />
<strong>the</strong> wall and use it. Part <strong>of</strong> our “missionary work” as<br />
educators is to see that more people have <strong>the</strong> skills<br />
and confidence to do <strong>the</strong> right thing when o<strong>the</strong>rs are<br />
standing by as passive spectators in <strong>the</strong> midst <strong>of</strong> a<br />
medical emergency. And yes, members <strong>of</strong> our school<br />
community have used <strong>the</strong> defibrillators in “real”<br />
situations.<br />
The school owns five defibrillators. Three <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se are<br />
found in unlocked cabinets in <strong>the</strong> building. One is<br />
on <strong>the</strong> wall in <strong>the</strong> lobby near <strong>the</strong> receptionist’s <strong>of</strong>fice,<br />
and <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r two can be found at ei<strong>the</strong>r end <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
building near our two gym complexes. Finally, <strong>the</strong>re<br />
is one in <strong>the</strong> nurse’s <strong>of</strong>fice which is also available to go<br />
on field trips with students and one is in <strong>the</strong> athletic<br />
director’s <strong>of</strong>fice where it is available to have at sports<br />
practices outside or travel along to away games and<br />
tournaments.<br />
All ISS students have first aid and AED training in<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir health classes during 7th, 8th and 9th grades.<br />
All employees receive training at regular intervals.<br />
The school purchased its first AEDs in 2002 and we<br />
have worked hard to convince o<strong>the</strong>r international<br />
schools as well <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> important value <strong>of</strong> having this<br />
resource onsite. Here in Norway, <strong>the</strong> AEDs are a<br />
common sight as <strong>the</strong>re is wide understanding <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
need to be able to react very quickly. We are fortunate<br />
here in <strong>Stavanger</strong> to have excellent medical care and<br />
ambulance service close at hand, but proactively<br />
taking action immediately is essential before <strong>the</strong><br />
medical experts can arrive.<br />
There is only a short ten-minute window from <strong>the</strong> time<br />
that cardiac arrest occurs until death or significant<br />
brain damage occurs. How many <strong>of</strong> us are within a<br />
ten minute reach <strong>of</strong> an ambulance on a regular basis?<br />
When we think about <strong>the</strong> increasing amount <strong>of</strong> traffic<br />
on <strong>the</strong> roads, <strong>the</strong> ambulance’s journey to <strong>the</strong> scene<br />
<strong>of</strong> an accident is only extended in time. And no, <strong>the</strong><br />
AED can’t “harm” anyone if used incorrectly. If <strong>the</strong>re<br />
is any kind <strong>of</strong> cardiac action detected, <strong>the</strong> machine<br />
will not deliver a shock. Too <strong>of</strong>ten, lay people believe<br />
<strong>the</strong> machines are complicated—<strong>the</strong>y are very simple<br />
to use correctly and <strong>the</strong>re is a body <strong>of</strong> research on<br />
lives being saved by Good Samaritans who had never<br />
touched an AED before finding <strong>the</strong>mselves in <strong>the</strong><br />
midst <strong>of</strong> an emergency, yet being able to follow <strong>the</strong><br />
simple verbal instructions from <strong>the</strong> machine and save<br />
a life.<br />
The school’s Mission Statement reminds us that we<br />
are assisting our students to become, “. . . responsible<br />
and contributing citizens in <strong>the</strong> global community.”<br />
While we do not expect to frequently have a need to<br />
www.isstavanger.no<br />
Celine is practising ‘staying alive’<br />
ITV is filming <strong>the</strong> students using <strong>the</strong> AED<br />
The Informer 23 January <strong>2013</strong> · 3
use our AEDs at school, we also are cognizant that<br />
our students and staff are <strong>of</strong>ten in locations such as<br />
shopping centers or airports where this life-saving<br />
equipment will be hanging on <strong>the</strong> wall. Through<br />
training and practice we seek to provide our ISS<br />
community with <strong>the</strong> confidence and knowledge to<br />
proactively step forward and do <strong>the</strong> right thing while<br />
awaiting pr<strong>of</strong>essional medical attention to arrive on<br />
<strong>the</strong> scene <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> emergency.<br />
And so that is what <strong>the</strong> ITV film crew saw when <strong>the</strong>y<br />
visited <strong>the</strong> school. Not only did <strong>the</strong>y film <strong>the</strong> classes in<br />
action, but <strong>the</strong>y also interviewed a number <strong>of</strong> students<br />
about <strong>the</strong>ir views on <strong>the</strong>ir willingness and sense <strong>of</strong><br />
readiness to react in an emergency. The film crew<br />
had asked in advance to have <strong>the</strong> chance to interview<br />
Norwegian citizen students and I am grateful to<br />
Ferdinand Geus, Frida Hjellvik, Alec Karlsen, Emilia<br />
Meling, Erlend Meling and Anja Minsaas who took part.<br />
While <strong>the</strong> crew filmed many students in action,<br />
Margaux Huelvan, Elizabeth Ramsay and Rebecca<br />
Svege-Cornwell also were singled out for special<br />
time on camera. And, <strong>of</strong> course, our health teachers<br />
Rianne Hettema, Jeff Bakke and Richard Sygrove<br />
did a brilliant job in teaching <strong>the</strong>ir students during<br />
<strong>the</strong> class on January 14th—just as <strong>the</strong>y do every day,<br />
regardless <strong>of</strong> whe<strong>the</strong>r <strong>the</strong>re is a film crew <strong>the</strong>re or not.<br />
crews come onto campus is that while <strong>the</strong>y can spend<br />
a lot <strong>of</strong> time filming, <strong>the</strong> actual amount <strong>of</strong> time used<br />
in <strong>the</strong> final product may be exceedingly short. So,<br />
regardless <strong>of</strong> how much “air time” <strong>the</strong> final product<br />
includes from <strong>the</strong>ir half-day spent at ISS, our students<br />
can take pride in having a small role in hopefully<br />
encouraging a greater emphasis on future first aid<br />
training in British schools through <strong>the</strong> positive<br />
impact we hope <strong>the</strong> “ITV Tonight” final product<br />
brings about.<br />
And as a final note, I challenge all parents reading<br />
this message to ask at <strong>the</strong>ir workplace—if <strong>the</strong>y are<br />
unaware <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> answer—whe<strong>the</strong>r <strong>the</strong>re are AEDs<br />
available for use that can be accessed easily by<br />
anyone who witnesses a medical emergency. And,<br />
if <strong>the</strong>re are none available, <strong>the</strong>n please do encourage<br />
your employer to make <strong>the</strong> important—but not<br />
particularly expensive—investment in having at least<br />
one AED available. Fur<strong>the</strong>r, don’t be afraid to ask<br />
your employer to train many employees to know how<br />
to do <strong>the</strong> right thing when an unexpected emergency<br />
occurs. If ISS can make <strong>the</strong> financial investment to<br />
have five AEDs on our campus, my guess is that all <strong>of</strong><br />
our local employers can make a similar investment in<br />
this life-saving equipment as well.<br />
Thank you.<br />
And to make things even more interesting, <strong>the</strong> local<br />
television station, TV Vest, came along to film <strong>the</strong><br />
ITV crew in action filming our students!<br />
One <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> things that we know in advance when film<br />
In good health to all,<br />
Dr. Linda Duevel<br />
Director<br />
LDuevel@isstavanger.no<br />
4 · The Informer 23 January <strong>2013</strong> www.isstavanger.no
From <strong>the</strong> Deputy Director<br />
Dear Parents & Students,<br />
I trust that you all had an enjoyable and restful<br />
vacation and have taken <strong>the</strong> opportunity to skate on<br />
our frozen lakes over <strong>the</strong> past week.<br />
I wanted to provide you with an update on how we<br />
are progressing with our re-accreditation process. As<br />
you may be aware from my previous articles in The<br />
Informer ISS is currently undergoing a process <strong>of</strong> reaccreditation<br />
with <strong>the</strong> two agencies: The Council<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>International</strong> <strong>School</strong>s (CIS) and New England<br />
Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>School</strong>s and Colleges (NEASC). This<br />
process stated back in May 2012 with a survey that<br />
was set to all areas <strong>of</strong> our school community including<br />
parents, students, board members, staff and faculty.<br />
This was followed up with a review <strong>of</strong> our Guiding<br />
Statements. The update <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se is currently with <strong>the</strong><br />
Board <strong>of</strong> Trustees and we hope to see <strong>the</strong>m adopted<br />
at <strong>the</strong> next board meeting in February and I hope to<br />
share <strong>the</strong>m with you in <strong>the</strong> next issue <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> informer.<br />
From September to December 2012 we also worked<br />
on ga<strong>the</strong>ring toge<strong>the</strong>r a great deal <strong>of</strong> information<br />
which will can be used by our self-study committees<br />
and ultimately shared with <strong>the</strong> visiting team in <strong>the</strong><br />
Spring <strong>of</strong> 2014. Between now and June <strong>the</strong> following<br />
committees will be conducting a self-study in relation<br />
to where ISS stands in regard to meeting its Guiding<br />
Statements (Vision and Mission) as well as a set <strong>of</strong><br />
defined ’best practice’ Standard and Indicators as<br />
established by CIS and NEASC.<br />
The re-accreditation committees are as follows:<br />
Section A: Guiding Statements<br />
Section B: Teaching and Learning<br />
(Numerous Pre-S, K – 12 subject areas)<br />
Section C: Governance and Leadership<br />
Section D: Faculty & Support Staff<br />
Section E: Access to Teaching and Learning<br />
Section F: <strong>School</strong> Culture and<br />
Partnership for Learning<br />
Section G: Operational Systems<br />
I will provide fur<strong>the</strong>r updates as <strong>the</strong> process progresses;<br />
however, an overview can be seen in <strong>the</strong> diagram<br />
below.<br />
With kind regards,<br />
Gareth Jones<br />
Deputy Director<br />
GJones@isstavanger.no<br />
www.isstavanger.no<br />
The Informer 23 January <strong>2013</strong> · 5
The Counselor’s Corner<br />
QUESTIONS FOR THE COUNSELOR? Email MJJetabut@isstavanger. no or call 51 55 43 13<br />
NOTICE TO ALL TWELFTH GRADE<br />
STUDENTS<br />
Having survived <strong>the</strong> college application rush, college<br />
interviews, and mock exams, I can imagine <strong>the</strong> relief<br />
you must be experiencing by now. However, remain<br />
steadfast! Be aware that as <strong>the</strong> wea<strong>the</strong>r becomes<br />
brighter and <strong>the</strong> workload appears to lighten up, <strong>the</strong><br />
dangerous senior slump may begin to take over. Many<br />
universities will be contacting us for mid-year reports<br />
or call to check on your progress. To avoid having a<br />
college acceptance rescinded, stay on course and forge<br />
ahead towards a strong senior finish!<br />
If you are planning to attend a Norwegian university<br />
program in <strong>the</strong> fall <strong>of</strong> <strong>2013</strong> you must apply<br />
DIRECTLY by <strong>March</strong> 1, <strong>2013</strong>. For those students<br />
planning to apply to Universities in countries o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
than <strong>the</strong> UK and/or have not already completed <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
applications, please check your deadlines carefully and<br />
be sure to notify <strong>the</strong> Counseling Office three weeks<br />
beforehand, in order for us to send <strong>of</strong>f your transcript<br />
and references to meet <strong>the</strong> due date. Make sure you<br />
complete one information form per university so that<br />
all necessary material is sent.<br />
GAP YEAR IDEAS: For students planning a<br />
gap year, have you considered a volunteer or service<br />
project? Review http://www.unitedplanet.org or<br />
http://www.volunteerabroad.com for fur<strong>the</strong>r ideas.<br />
Also be sure to check with <strong>the</strong> Counseling Office to<br />
see that your current teacher references have been<br />
submitted so you may use <strong>the</strong>m in <strong>the</strong> Fall <strong>of</strong> 2014<br />
when you plan to apply to university.<br />
NOTICE TO ALL ELE VENTH GRADE<br />
STUDENTS<br />
Junior Seminar has begun! Per my email to you back<br />
in December, <strong>the</strong> time to begin planning for your<br />
future is NOW. I have included my message to you<br />
again below to reiterate <strong>the</strong> HIGH-5 items that we<br />
will accomplish over <strong>the</strong> coming months. Even if<br />
you are considering a gap year after your graduate, we<br />
strongly recommend that you go through <strong>the</strong> college<br />
application process with your peers while you are still<br />
an ISS student, surrounded by a plethora <strong>of</strong> support.<br />
1. Standardized college admissions tests<br />
Depending on what you would like to study,<br />
you may need to take certain exams such as <strong>the</strong><br />
TOEFL, LNAT, BMAT, or UKCAT (to name a<br />
few acronyms). Research NOW, what required<br />
exams you will need for various programs so<br />
that you can prepare accordingly and plan to<br />
register.Many students take <strong>the</strong> SAT and/or<br />
ACT if <strong>the</strong>y are looking at universities in <strong>the</strong><br />
U.S. Even if you are not planning to study in<br />
<strong>the</strong> U.S. <strong>the</strong>se are reputable exams that provide<br />
excellent feedback on your level <strong>of</strong> college<br />
readiness. The ACT website is: http://www.<br />
act.org/ and here is general information on<br />
<strong>the</strong> SAT: http://sat.collegeboard.org/home<br />
2. Extended Essay draft<br />
The extended essay is a core component <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> IB Diploma Programme. For some, it is<br />
one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> most challenging projects <strong>the</strong>y will<br />
ever accomplish in high school. As such, <strong>the</strong><br />
extended essay takes tremendous planning,<br />
reflection, and research. It all begins with a<br />
research question. What will yours be?<br />
3. Resume/CV<br />
Many <strong>of</strong> you have already begun your resume.<br />
Is it a comprehensive draft? Have you included<br />
experiences that may be relevant to a future<br />
career pathway? IT skills? Language fluency?<br />
Building a strong resume takes time. If you do<br />
not have much work experience to date, this may<br />
be a good time to delve into some opportunities.<br />
Network. Ask friends and families. Look into<br />
local internship options and summer work<br />
possibilities. Above all, be sure to invest your<br />
time into options that interest you and may serve<br />
you well for a future field <strong>of</strong> study or career path.<br />
4. Personal Statement/Essay<br />
Most, if not all <strong>of</strong> you, will need to complete<br />
a personal statement or essay for your college<br />
applications next year. The personal statement<br />
can be a very meaningful experience since it<br />
involves self-reflection and focused research<br />
on your future field <strong>of</strong> study. It is also a<br />
different piece <strong>of</strong> writing depending on which<br />
college system you apply to. Do you know <strong>the</strong><br />
differences? Now is <strong>the</strong> time to look into <strong>the</strong>m.<br />
5. College Short list<br />
The world is your smorgasbord! At <strong>the</strong> end <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> day, you will be attending ONE university.<br />
The challenge lies in determining THE ONE.<br />
Research <strong>the</strong> world. Ask yourself where you<br />
see yourself living and thriving as a university<br />
student. Applying to too few or too many can<br />
be dangerous for too many reasons to mention.<br />
Create a shortlist <strong>of</strong> your top schools (within<br />
a healthy range) and focus your time and<br />
6 · The Informer 23 January <strong>2013</strong> www.isstavanger.no
The Counselor’s Corner<br />
Email MJJetabut@isstavanger. no or call 51 55 43 13<br />
energy on perfecting applications to <strong>the</strong>m.<br />
There is so much more to follow. But as you look<br />
around you, you are surrounded by teachers and staff<br />
who have been <strong>the</strong>re before. Ask, listen, and learn.<br />
TESTING REMINDERS: To register online for<br />
<strong>the</strong> SAT that will be <strong>of</strong>fered here at ISS on May 4,<br />
<strong>2013</strong> go to www.collegeboard.com. The registration<br />
deadline is April 5, <strong>2013</strong>.<br />
To register online for <strong>the</strong> ACT that will be given here<br />
at ISS on April 13, <strong>2013</strong> go to www.actstudent.org<br />
The registration deadline is <strong>March</strong> 8, <strong>2013</strong>.<br />
PLEASE NOTE: Spaces for <strong>the</strong>se exams fill up<br />
quickly. It is recommended that you sign up as soon<br />
as possible to ensure that you will be able to take <strong>the</strong><br />
exams.<br />
NOTICE TO ALL TENTH GRADE<br />
STUDENTS AND THEIR PARENTS<br />
All students and parents are encouraged to attend <strong>the</strong><br />
IB Information Night on Wednesday, January 23,<br />
<strong>2013</strong>. At this event, we will be discussing IB program<br />
requirements in depth and setting up individual<br />
appointments to review course choices for next year.<br />
NOTICE TO ALL NINTH GRADE<br />
STUDENTS AND THEIR PARENTS<br />
Congratulations! You have completed 1/8 <strong>of</strong> your<br />
high school career! As you reflect on last semester, how<br />
would you assess your experience and performance?<br />
Are your grades something you can be proud <strong>of</strong>?<br />
Were you actively involved in sports, clubs, or <strong>the</strong><br />
school play? If you feel that you could have had a<br />
stronger start to 9th grade, it is not too late to have a<br />
strong finish. Remember that 9th grade counts! Your<br />
grades, courses, and credits will be recorded on your<br />
overall high school transcript. What is a transcript?<br />
See Ms. J to find out!<br />
COLLEGE INFORMATION NIGHT is<br />
scheduled for Wednesday February 6, <strong>2013</strong> in <strong>the</strong><br />
ISS Theater from 18-20:00. We will be discussing<br />
general information regarding <strong>the</strong> “college short list,”<br />
country-specific criteria, and application timelines.<br />
UNIVERSIT Y VISITS AT ISS<br />
Universities and colleges are eager to visit ISS! Since<br />
our return from Christmas break, here is <strong>the</strong> list <strong>of</strong><br />
guest visitors…and it continues to grow!<br />
www.isstavanger.no<br />
QUESTIONS FOR THE COUNSELOR?<br />
January 10, <strong>2013</strong><br />
January 15, <strong>2013</strong><br />
February 5, <strong>2013</strong><br />
February 6, <strong>2013</strong><br />
Oxford Brookes University<br />
IE University (Spain)<br />
Arts University Bournemouth<br />
Savannah College <strong>of</strong> Art &<br />
Design<br />
Please check <strong>the</strong> Daily Report for o<strong>the</strong>r university<br />
visits and updates.<br />
SUMMER STUDY PROGRAMS : We have<br />
received a wide variety <strong>of</strong> brochures and information<br />
from summer study programs in China, <strong>the</strong> U.K,<br />
France, Spain, Switzerland, and <strong>the</strong> U.S.A. Please<br />
check <strong>the</strong> college bulletin board or ask in <strong>the</strong><br />
Counseling Office for more information.<br />
INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE –<br />
SPRING/SUMMER RE VISION COURSES<br />
<strong>2013</strong> AND SUMMER UNIVERSIT Y TOURS:<br />
Pre-IB and Mid-IB summer programs are available,<br />
as well as pre-exam revision courses in <strong>the</strong> spring.<br />
University tours for both <strong>the</strong> UK and US are also<br />
available this summer. For more information go to<br />
www.osc-ib.com and www.college-visits.com<br />
Last but not least, to our dear ISS PARENTS:<br />
No matter where I am in <strong>the</strong> world, I am always<br />
baffled by how quickly time escapes us. We are nearly<br />
halfway through <strong>the</strong> academic year, and although<br />
<strong>the</strong>re is still much work to be done, we have already<br />
accomplished a great deal. These celebrations are due<br />
to <strong>the</strong> persistent effort and unwavering commitment <strong>of</strong><br />
our remarkable high school students. It is important<br />
to acknowledge <strong>the</strong> good work that we have seen thus<br />
far but it is equally important to continue to support<br />
<strong>the</strong>m through until <strong>the</strong> end. As such, we must be<br />
cognizant <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> fact that <strong>the</strong>y are still teenagers going<br />
through 9th grade transition for <strong>the</strong> first time, making<br />
critical IB choices as a 10th grader, beginning a 4000<br />
word assignment in 11th grade, or determining a<br />
career pathway as a 12th grader. These experiences<br />
are tremendous benchmarks that can be educationally<br />
enriching, but <strong>the</strong>y can also be extremely stressful and<br />
trying. As <strong>the</strong>ir support system, we must look out<br />
for <strong>the</strong>ir well-being, watch <strong>the</strong>ir eating and sleeping<br />
habits, and help <strong>the</strong>m achieve some semblance <strong>of</strong><br />
balance. It is mainly due to this culture <strong>of</strong> community<br />
that we have established here at ISS, which makes it a<br />
continued honor to be your child’s counselor.<br />
Warmest regards,<br />
Ms. Jetabut<br />
High <strong>School</strong> Counselor<br />
MJJetabut@isstavanger.no<br />
The Informer 23 January <strong>2013</strong> · 7
<strong>International</strong> <strong>School</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Stavanger</strong><br />
A Note from Admissions<br />
January <strong>2013</strong><br />
HAPPY NEW YEAR!<br />
Hope you had a relaxing and rejuvenating holiday! A few Admissions updates, including new “Morning Connections” topics…<br />
Enrollment<br />
ISS had a lively start to <strong>the</strong> new year with 20 new students starting in January, bringing enrollment up to around 805. As more<br />
expats from around <strong>the</strong> world land on Norwegian shores, <strong>the</strong> number <strong>of</strong> children continue to increase at ISS, positively<br />
expanding our multi-cultural community <strong>of</strong> learners! We send a warm welcome to all new ISS families!<br />
Orientations<br />
Given <strong>the</strong> number <strong>of</strong> students beginning mid-year, ISS held a combined middle and high school orientation for students to<br />
become more familiar with ISS before <strong>the</strong> first full day <strong>of</strong> school (similar to <strong>the</strong> August orientation). The January orientation<br />
<strong>of</strong>fered families a mini introduction to <strong>the</strong> school and <strong>Stavanger</strong>, IT and iPad tutorial, English as an Additional Language testing<br />
and a chance to finalize schedules and logistics. Also, new students met <strong>the</strong>ir ISS Student Ambassador!<br />
Student Ambassadors<br />
Arriving in a new country and school can bring excitement as well as anxiousness. So many changes: <strong>the</strong> culture, language,<br />
customs, school, classes, friends and more. Across <strong>the</strong> school, we feel its important new students feel welcomed, connected<br />
and informed before, during and after a move. The student ambassadors at ISS help to ensure new students – irrespective <strong>of</strong><br />
start date – feel comfortable with <strong>the</strong>ir new school and life at ISS. Student ambassadors communicate with new students prior<br />
to <strong>the</strong> move, participate in new student orientations, provide social support (e.g., sharing lunch toge<strong>the</strong>r) and more. Thanks to<br />
Mr. Armstrong (PS/MS guidance counselor) and Dr. Liam Browne (HS principal) for helping to lead this effort. We’re continually<br />
updating this program and always welcome suggestions – feel free to e-mail admissions@isstavanger.no with ideas.<br />
<strong>International</strong> Parent Ambassadors<br />
Similarly, ISS’ <strong>International</strong> Parent Ambassadors are happy to chat with anyone interested in connecting with someone from<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir home country or language. From shopping recommendations and transport tips to school questions and travel ideas, our<br />
<strong>International</strong> Parent Ambassadors are great resources. Please e-mail admissions@isstavanger.no for more information.<br />
Morning Connections<br />
"Morning Connections" kicks <strong>of</strong>f in <strong>2013</strong> with a topic relating to <strong>the</strong> increasing number <strong>of</strong> children with focus, learning and<br />
behavior issues: Nutrition and Brain Health. Nathalie Skogland, ISS parent, will lead <strong>the</strong> session, which has good timing with<br />
many people thinking about healthy intentions at <strong>the</strong> start <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> year! Details for this Jan. 24 event and future topics (“Digital<br />
Safety,” “Culture Shock”) are on <strong>the</strong> next page.<br />
New to ISS? "Morning Connections" is a networking and resource series for ISS parents with monthly topics relevant to expat<br />
life, living in Norway, education and more. These sessions complement <strong>the</strong> morning c<strong>of</strong>fees <strong>of</strong>fered to ISS parents by <strong>the</strong><br />
Parent Association (PA). We hope you join us, whe<strong>the</strong>r to meet new friends, ga<strong>the</strong>r information or enjoy a pastry!<br />
Newcomer C<strong>of</strong>fee Mornings from <strong>the</strong> Parent Association<br />
The newcomer c<strong>of</strong>fee mornings, courtesy <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> PA’s Welcome & Hospitality committee, provide a chance for new parents to<br />
meet o<strong>the</strong>r parents, ask questions about <strong>Stavanger</strong> and find out about life at ISS. All parents are welcome to stop by <strong>the</strong> next<br />
one on Tuesday, Feb. 26 at 8:45 in <strong>the</strong> cafeteria. Special thanks to Charlotte Smit-Veeger (smitveeger@getmail.no), Wyntsje<br />
Bonekamp (c.pantelaras@planet.nl) and Vlatka Duric (vlatkaduric@hotmail.com) for organizing.<br />
Kindly,<br />
Katharine Mudra<br />
Admissions & Communications Officer<br />
admissions@isstavanger.no<br />
8 · The Informer 23 January <strong>2013</strong> www.isstavanger.no
<strong>International</strong> <strong>School</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Stavanger</strong><br />
A Note from Admissions<br />
January <strong>2013</strong><br />
MORNING CONNECTIONS: Thursdays, Jan. 24, Feb. 21 & <strong>March</strong> TBD -- 8:45-10:30<br />
Three upcoming “Morning Connections” events are:<br />
Jan. 24: Nutrition and Brain Health<br />
News reports show <strong>the</strong> number <strong>of</strong> children with attention and behavioral concerns as well as diagnosed conditions like ADHD<br />
and autism continues to rise. January’s “Morning Connections” looks at <strong>the</strong> ADHD epidemic among today’s children and <strong>the</strong><br />
connection between <strong>the</strong> role <strong>of</strong> gut health and brain health. And while ADHD and autistic children may have more symptoms<br />
from diet, <strong>the</strong> gut-brain connection and impact <strong>of</strong> nutrition is applicable to all.<br />
How is <strong>the</strong> brain affected by diet? What is <strong>the</strong> relationship between sleep, focus, student learning and a child’s diet? Can ADHD be<br />
prevented or even reversed through nutrition? What role does functional medicine play in understanding <strong>the</strong> root causes <strong>of</strong><br />
imbalances/disorders in <strong>the</strong> body and correcting imbalanced biochemical pathways through individualized diet and supplementation?<br />
Trained as a naturopath in Paris, Nathalie Skogland (an ISS parent) will discuss <strong>the</strong> above questions and <strong>of</strong>fer related<br />
suggestions for improving a child’s focus, learning and behavior. Nathalie discovered functional medicine in London in 2009 and<br />
has since extensively studied <strong>the</strong> field wherever her family has been located. She took an online American program while in<br />
Perth, Australia and recently attended a research-rich conference in London. Nathalie is eager to share <strong>the</strong> latest in trends and<br />
biomedical interventions during <strong>the</strong> first “Morning Connections” <strong>of</strong> <strong>2013</strong>.<br />
RSVP here: http://isstavanger.wufoo.com/forms/w7x1q9/<br />
Feb. 21: Digital Safety<br />
There’s no question…today’s kids are tech-savvy. They’re networkers, gamers, masters <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> touch screen and more. But techsavvy<br />
doesn’t always mean tech-smart, especially when it comes to <strong>the</strong> digital world. While technological skills are important for<br />
use in <strong>the</strong> classroom and beyond, digital safety is <strong>of</strong>ten top <strong>of</strong> mind for many parents. How do you monitor? When do you pull<br />
<strong>the</strong> plug…or, swipe to close? How can parents and teachers help students understand <strong>the</strong> opportunities and risks?<br />
Mr. Andrew Rhodes, ISS’ Director <strong>of</strong> Technology, will cover a range <strong>of</strong> topics around digital safety. He’ll consider social<br />
networking, gaming and some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r things that young people do online, some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> related issues and how we can help<br />
students to learn how to use <strong>the</strong> technology responsibly.<br />
There’s a reason <strong>the</strong> phrase “digital citizenship” evolved so quickly. As Director <strong>of</strong> Technology and an Apple Distinguished<br />
Educator, Mr. Rhodes’ aim is for ISS students to learn <strong>the</strong> skills to become good “digital citizens.” As such, he will overview<br />
some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> ways ISS helps students to make safe and smart decisions in <strong>the</strong>ir digital lives. Mr. Rhodes will also discuss what<br />
ISS does to try to safeguard students and encourage responsible use, using <strong>the</strong> rules for <strong>the</strong> iPad 1:1 program in middle and<br />
high school as one example. As always, a Q&A session will take place at <strong>the</strong> end <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> presentation.<br />
An RSVP link will be sent to parents via e-mail in February.<br />
<strong>March</strong> Date TBD: Culture Shock<br />
Many <strong>of</strong> ISS’ globetrotting families have lived in numerous corners around <strong>the</strong> world, sometimes quickly saying goodbye to one<br />
home and culture and onto <strong>the</strong> next within months. The international way <strong>of</strong> living brings many benefits, but <strong>the</strong>re are certainly<br />
challenges too. It’s been said that “a successful moveable family is one in which each family member feels welcome, safe and<br />
valued not only as a member <strong>of</strong> his/her family but also in <strong>the</strong> new community in which <strong>the</strong>y live.” This session looks at culture<br />
shock for parents and managing change as adults. It will also overview strategies for managing culture shock, such as creating<br />
new support networks and meaningful connections during time <strong>of</strong> change.<br />
We’re lucky to have <strong>the</strong> talents and expertise <strong>of</strong> an ISS parent, Dr. Vlatka Duric, to lead <strong>the</strong> session. Dr. Duric is a psychologist<br />
from Australia with extensive clinical and research experience with individuals and groups addressing change; adjustment to<br />
change and loss; and, how to create safety and stability during and after change. She has developed and led many workshops<br />
and seminars in a variety <strong>of</strong> settings such as communication skills training for medical students as well as experienced doctors<br />
and nurses. She is a mo<strong>the</strong>r <strong>of</strong> two ISS students, an expatriate, a trailing spouse and once a TCK (‘third culture kid’) herself.<br />
An RSVP link will be sent to parents via e-mail in <strong>March</strong>.<br />
www.isstavanger.no<br />
The Informer 23 January <strong>2013</strong> · 9
News from <strong>the</strong> Exams Coordinator<br />
Registration forms for IGCSE examinations in May/June <strong>2013</strong> are now due!<br />
<strong>International</strong> General Certificate <strong>of</strong> Secondary<br />
Education (IGCSE) examinations are normally<br />
taken by students in 10th grade, following a two-year<br />
preparation programme in 9th and 10th grade.<br />
Some 9th grade students choose to take <strong>the</strong> Drama<br />
IGCSE after one year.<br />
Some 11th and 12th graders may choose to retake<br />
IGCSE examinations in English Language or<br />
Ma<strong>the</strong>matics, particularly if <strong>the</strong>y failed to achieve <strong>the</strong><br />
‘magic’ grade C (UK universities normally consider a<br />
grade <strong>of</strong> C or better as a ‘pass’, and in some cases<br />
require <strong>the</strong> minimum <strong>of</strong> a C grade in English and<br />
Ma<strong>the</strong>matics for entry to courses).<br />
I am currently emailing <strong>the</strong> parents <strong>of</strong> all 10th grade<br />
students as part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> process <strong>of</strong> entering students for<br />
<strong>the</strong> IGCSE examinations in May / June <strong>2013</strong>.<br />
The letter may also be relevant to <strong>the</strong> parents <strong>of</strong> some<br />
9th grade, 11th or 12th grade students, and it can<br />
be accessed via Edline (HS – IGCSE information).<br />
Parents <strong>of</strong> 10th graders are asked to complete <strong>the</strong><br />
registration form carefully, even if <strong>the</strong>y do not wish<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir son / daughter to take external examinations<br />
this year. The signed and completed form should<br />
<strong>the</strong>n be returned to me in <strong>the</strong> Examinations Office<br />
(in <strong>the</strong> High <strong>School</strong> <strong>of</strong>fice area) by Thursday 24th<br />
January <strong>2013</strong>.<br />
Why should students take IGCSE?<br />
There are various reasons why students may choose to<br />
take (or not take) IGCSE examinations, and it should<br />
be a considered decision by <strong>the</strong> students and <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
parents. Every student’s situation is different, and<br />
should be thought about carefully. Some guidelines<br />
are available on Edline (HS – IGCSE information)<br />
along with more information about <strong>the</strong> IGCSE at<br />
ISS, and <strong>the</strong> Cambridge website www.cie.org.uk/<br />
igcse is a great source <strong>of</strong> specific information about<br />
<strong>the</strong> programme.<br />
The IGCSE is taught in over 2900 schools, in more<br />
than 140 countries worldwide,<br />
and <strong>the</strong>re are approximately<br />
half a million entries each year.<br />
<strong>2013</strong> marks 25 years <strong>of</strong><br />
Cambridge IGCSE, so it is<br />
a well-established and wellrespected<br />
programme.<br />
In <strong>the</strong> UK, <strong>the</strong> Secretary <strong>of</strong> State for Education,<br />
Michael Grove suggested that UK schools should<br />
“consider how <strong>the</strong> IGCSE might be an appropriate<br />
preparation for <strong>the</strong> changes that we [<strong>the</strong> Government]<br />
hope to introduce”. Many UK schools have, in fact,<br />
changed to Cambridge IGCSE in advance <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
proposed reforms in England.<br />
In <strong>the</strong> US, a number <strong>of</strong> high schools are <strong>of</strong>fering<br />
IGCSE as part <strong>of</strong> a pilot programme which aims<br />
to raise standards in education (<strong>the</strong> ‘Excellence for<br />
All’ programme developed by <strong>the</strong> National Center<br />
on Education and <strong>the</strong> Economy). (Information from<br />
Cambridge IGCSE Update for schools – November 2012)<br />
At ISS, we are seeing that a number <strong>of</strong> universities<br />
in <strong>the</strong> USA and Canada are requesting students’<br />
IGCSE results as part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> application process. We<br />
have long known that good IGCSE results certainly<br />
help students’ university applications in <strong>the</strong> UK, and<br />
it seems that <strong>the</strong>y can now help students applying<br />
to some universities elsewhere in <strong>the</strong> world. They<br />
act as a positive objective indicator <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> students’<br />
performance in subject tests at <strong>the</strong> 10th grade level.<br />
Many universities use this as part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> selection<br />
process, in addition to o<strong>the</strong>r standardised tests that<br />
<strong>the</strong> students may have taken, and very <strong>of</strong>ten predicted<br />
IB scores.<br />
I would always recommend that students taking <strong>the</strong><br />
IGCSE examinations should ensure that <strong>the</strong>y do as<br />
well in <strong>the</strong>m as <strong>the</strong>y can – <strong>the</strong>y should never be taken<br />
just as a ‘practice’ for IB, although <strong>the</strong>y can help<br />
students learn how to manage <strong>the</strong>ir time and revise<br />
two years’ work for a single examination at <strong>the</strong> end <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> course (which is something that is also needed for<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir IB Diploma in 11th and 12th grade).<br />
Teachers will help students prepare well for <strong>the</strong><br />
examinations, providing <strong>the</strong> necessary instruction,<br />
and opportunities to practise <strong>the</strong> skills needed to<br />
tackle <strong>the</strong> different styles <strong>of</strong> examination questions.<br />
Students should definitely check out <strong>the</strong> dedicated<br />
student website at http://www.cambridgestudents.<br />
org.uk/ for tips and information (a great resource for<br />
parents too!!).<br />
I wish all our IGCSE students “Good Luck” in <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
studies.<br />
Lynn Park<br />
Exams Coordionator<br />
LPark@isstavanger.no<br />
10 · The Informer 23 January <strong>2013</strong> www.isstavanger.no
News from <strong>the</strong> Health, Security, Safety and Environment (HSSE) Committee<br />
Ms Sølve Ims Ottesen SOttesen@isstavanger.no<br />
Bedriftshelsetjenesten has done a Safety Walk through<br />
<strong>the</strong> school. Even though we didn’t find any severe<br />
shortcomings, we noticed areas in need <strong>of</strong> improval and<br />
put <strong>the</strong>m on <strong>the</strong> agenda. It is useful to have someone<br />
’from outside’ to review us who can also give advice on<br />
how to do <strong>the</strong> right things in <strong>the</strong> right way.<br />
As you will have seen when accompanying your son<br />
or daughter to school, <strong>the</strong>re is ISS staff on bus duty<br />
mornings and afternoons to regulate traffic and prevent<br />
hazardous situations. I sometimes receive reports on<br />
parents parking outside indicated parking areras or<br />
driving in a way that can lead to incidents. We all<br />
have busy days and both mornings and afternoons can<br />
be more than hectic. Never<strong>the</strong>less, I urge you to put<br />
safety first. When someone tries to save time by parking<br />
outside marked areas, o<strong>the</strong>rs may be obstructed or put<br />
at risk.<br />
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.<br />
In <strong>the</strong> months ahead we will focus on risk assessment,<br />
and also involve <strong>the</strong> students at all levels in this.<br />
Solve Ims Ottesen<br />
sottesen@isstavanger.no<br />
HSSE Coordinator<br />
www.isstavanger.no<br />
The Informer 23 January <strong>2013</strong> · 11
H i g h S c h o o l N E W S<br />
High school students studying Information and Communications<br />
Technology (ICT) and Design and Technology were lucky enough<br />
to have a visit from Adsign Reklamebyrå, a Norwegian advertising<br />
company specialising in web and graphic design.<br />
Our 3 visitors engaged <strong>the</strong> students by talking about how <strong>the</strong> whole<br />
design process works from finding leads through to launching a<br />
product. Students were particularly fascinated by a discussion<br />
about how designers find <strong>the</strong>ir inspiration. I know that a number <strong>of</strong><br />
students have now signed <strong>the</strong>mselves up on “Pinterest”, “Behance”<br />
and “Dribble” to try to get some design ideas for <strong>the</strong>ir own projects!<br />
One key discussion point was on trying to ensure that designers<br />
create a product that <strong>the</strong>ir customers actually want, and how<br />
important it is to get user feedback as part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> process; <strong>the</strong><br />
perfect product is unlikely to be created <strong>the</strong> first time round, this<br />
is more likely to be an iterative process. It is <strong>of</strong>ten hard for our<br />
students to accept that feedback is a good thing, so it was great for<br />
<strong>the</strong>m to hear this from some real pr<strong>of</strong>essionals!<br />
Students also learned that when sites are created, developers need<br />
to think about a variety <strong>of</strong> platforms. So many people are using<br />
mobile devices that <strong>the</strong> focus is now more on developing for mobile<br />
devices first and <strong>the</strong>n working on how to fit it onto a bigger screen.<br />
This certainly impressed our iPad-loving students!<br />
We would like to thank Adsign for allowing its employees time<br />
out <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir busy schedules to help our students better understand<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir industry.<br />
The company’s article on this visit can be found here: http://adsign.<br />
no/<strong>2013</strong>/01/09/inspiring-students-at-<strong>the</strong>-international-school-<strong>of</strong>stavanger/#.UPQV1qVKbTQ<br />
We are always looking to provide <strong>the</strong> students with opportunities<br />
to learn about how ICT is used in businesses. If you think that<br />
you could spare some time to show how you use ICT within your<br />
job, <strong>the</strong>n please contact Miss Cherry Siddall (csiddall@isstavanger.no)<br />
12 · The Informer 23 January <strong>2013</strong> www.isstavanger.no
H i g h S c h o o l N E W S<br />
www.isstavanger.no<br />
The Informer 23 January <strong>2013</strong> · 13
H i g h S c h o o l N E W S<br />
ISS-SFL – A 2012 Project/Trip Recap<br />
Service, culture, adventure, nature and community in Nor<strong>the</strong>rn Thailand<br />
By: Victoria Normann (12 th grade) and Alef Comisso (11 th grade)<br />
Life is made up <strong>of</strong> experiences and<br />
unexpected moments. Our time in Thailand is<br />
probably going to be one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> most amazing<br />
and life-changing experiences in our lives. We<br />
have never felt so sad to leave a place than<br />
we did <strong>the</strong> day we left <strong>the</strong> <strong>School</strong> for Life<br />
(SFL) campus.<br />
Nineteen ISS students from different grade<br />
levels traveled to Nor<strong>the</strong>rn Thailand in<br />
October 2012 to share with <strong>the</strong> students <strong>of</strong> SFL our talents and hobbies, including<br />
dancing, games, singing and puzzles. SFL is a school/orphanage for nearly 120 children,<br />
and never did we think that in less than four days <strong>the</strong> bond created between us and <strong>the</strong><br />
children would be so strong. They may not have as much as we do, but our group can<br />
definitely agree that we have learned so much more from <strong>the</strong>m than we could have ever<br />
tried to teach <strong>the</strong>m. Learning to care for one ano<strong>the</strong>r, to give, to share, to be kind.<br />
“The best and most beautiful things in this world cannot be seen or even heard,<br />
but must be felt with <strong>the</strong> heart.” - Helen Keller<br />
Leaving <strong>School</strong> For Life was not easy, but we were looking forward to our next<br />
destination – a few hill tribe villages tucked away in <strong>the</strong> mountains northwest <strong>of</strong> Chiang<br />
Mai. We drove hours to Cave Lodge, where <strong>the</strong> best fruit smoothies are made, and<br />
stayed in huts. Here, <strong>the</strong> adventures began with caving, kayaking and river swimming,<br />
which was later followed by bamboo rafting, elephant riding and rock climbing. So many<br />
<strong>of</strong> us were out <strong>of</strong> our comfort zones, but no one backed out. While <strong>the</strong>re, we worked<br />
on building and painting walls around a school in a Karen village (Ban Muang Phaem).<br />
During <strong>the</strong> rest <strong>of</strong> our time in Nor<strong>the</strong>rn Thailand, we also visited temples, were blessed<br />
by monks, rode tuk-tuks to <strong>the</strong> Chiang Mai night market and more. Even though Thai<br />
culture is quite different from Norway's, we loved every single bit <strong>of</strong> it -- from <strong>the</strong> food<br />
to <strong>the</strong> people. – continued –<br />
14 · The Informer 23 January <strong>2013</strong> www.isstavanger.no
H i g h S c h o o l N E W S<br />
Once we completed our volunteer tasks, it was amazing to feel <strong>the</strong> difference we made<br />
at <strong>School</strong> for Life and in <strong>the</strong> village. But <strong>the</strong> difference <strong>the</strong>y made in us is greater!<br />
Although <strong>the</strong> nineteen <strong>of</strong> us go to <strong>the</strong> same school, some <strong>of</strong> us had never spoken to<br />
each o<strong>the</strong>r or were not very close; now, we have become a family. This trip brought us<br />
so much closer and made us realize that life is not to be taken for granted. We hear it<br />
so many times, but I don't think it actually hits you until you recognize what you have or<br />
experience something like we did.<br />
Thank you so much to Mr. and Mrs. Mudra for organizing <strong>the</strong> trip, and everyone who<br />
was involved in making this happen. We appreciate <strong>the</strong> donations and support during<br />
fundraisers to help <strong>the</strong> SFL children. I think I can speak for all <strong>of</strong> us when I say it has<br />
sincerely been one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> best trips <strong>of</strong> our lives. – Victoria Normann (12) and Alef Comisso (11)<br />
In front <strong>of</strong> Wat Phrathat Doi Su<strong>the</strong>p Buddhist temple<br />
Trip Participants: Top L-R: Jakub Dziegielowski, Tony Mudra, Hannah Visser, Conor Clarke, Caitlin Hand, Kristin Williams, Thomas<br />
Townsend, Sophie Newby, Tugberk Sengezer, Victoria Normann, Joakim Olsen, Kieran Wilcock, James Baxter, Christina Apelseth, Michelle<br />
Darrehshoori / Bottom L-R: Lotte Olsen, Anna Chiandet, Katarzyna Kabulska, Kelcie McCafferty, Alef Comisso, Katharine Mudra<br />
"It's funny because you meet <strong>the</strong>se people and <strong>the</strong>y make you laugh, and <strong>the</strong>y give you hope,<br />
and <strong>the</strong>y make you realize <strong>the</strong>re is so much more to life." - Anonymous<br />
www.isstavanger.no<br />
The Informer 23 January <strong>2013</strong> · 15
Middle <strong>School</strong> News and Events<br />
6th grade science experiments with states <strong>of</strong> matter<br />
Here is <strong>the</strong> latest news from <strong>the</strong> Middle <strong>School</strong>:<br />
Ice Skating on Stokka Lake<br />
The Middle <strong>School</strong> had a wonderful time at <strong>the</strong><br />
lake on Tuesday and it was a perfect opportunity to<br />
experience Norwegian culture at its best.<br />
Middle <strong>School</strong> Recognition Ceremony – Q2<br />
It was lovely to see so many parents at <strong>the</strong> Q2 ceremony.<br />
Congratulations and thanks to <strong>the</strong> following students<br />
for <strong>the</strong> entertainment at <strong>the</strong> ceremony:<br />
• Sashja Hermelink and Nora Hatteland (6th<br />
grade) for a very interesting presentation on<br />
how we spend our time. How do you spend<br />
your 86,400 seconds that you have every day?<br />
• Shannon Smyth for her beautiful vocal<br />
performance <strong>of</strong> ‘Fix You’ from Coldplay.<br />
• Ms. Uddenberg and Ms. May’s Spanish class for<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir Spanish song .<br />
Balder Award Winners<br />
6th grade – Rebecca Neil<br />
7th grade – Leonie Dieker<br />
8th grade – Rachel Henderson<br />
Troll Attendance Winners<br />
Mudra/Walker Homeroom<br />
House Winners for Q2<br />
Facebook House<br />
16 · The Informer 23 January <strong>2013</strong> www.isstavanger.no
Middle <strong>School</strong> News and Events<br />
6th grade science trying to separate mixtures<br />
Semester 1 Reports<br />
The MS grades for Semester 1 have been completed<br />
and <strong>the</strong> semester 1 report (with comments) should<br />
be on its way to you. Please remember that <strong>the</strong> Q1<br />
report was a progress report and this current report is<br />
looking at work and progress over <strong>the</strong> entire semester.<br />
This report card (and <strong>the</strong> Semester 2 report) will be<br />
<strong>the</strong> report that will be sent to future schools.<br />
MS Homeroom<br />
Our Homeroom <strong>the</strong>me for January is ‘Conflict<br />
Resolution’ Students will be discussing <strong>the</strong>se important<br />
topics during <strong>the</strong>ir advisory time in homeroom.<br />
Middle <strong>School</strong> Dance ‘Black and White’ Dance’<br />
Friday, 1st February from 19:00-22:00<br />
• The dress code for this dance is <strong>the</strong> same as <strong>the</strong><br />
December dance – semi-formal, but with Black<br />
or White or Black and White clo<strong>the</strong>s. Accessories<br />
too .<br />
• Smart trousers/shirt and shoes for <strong>the</strong> boys and<br />
smart trousers or skirt or dresses for <strong>the</strong> girls.<br />
• Thank you to all who contributed to <strong>the</strong> Bake<br />
Sale this week.<br />
Respectfully,<br />
Extra-Curricular Activities<br />
• Basketball continues on Tuesday and Thursday<br />
(15:30-17:00)<br />
• Swimming has started on Tuesday and Thursday<br />
(15:30-17:00)<br />
• Work Space – Monday and Wednesday<br />
(3:30-17:00)<br />
• MS Musical – Monday and Wednesday<br />
(15:30-17:30). Sunday (13:00-16:00)<br />
• Math Club – Thursday - 15:30-16:30<br />
www.isstavanger.no<br />
Carol Wallace<br />
Middle <strong>School</strong> Principal<br />
cwallace@isstavanger.no<br />
The Informer 23 January <strong>2013</strong> · 17
Middle <strong>School</strong> News and Events<br />
18 · The Informer 23 January <strong>2013</strong> www.isstavanger.no
Middle <strong>School</strong> News and Events<br />
www.isstavanger.no<br />
The Informer 23 January <strong>2013</strong> · 19
The classroom has been moved to Store Stokkavatn<br />
Primary <strong>School</strong> News<br />
The big event at <strong>the</strong> end <strong>of</strong> January is <strong>the</strong> Primary<br />
<strong>School</strong> musical ”Treasure Island”. Children in Grades<br />
3, 4 and 5 have been practicing for months (yes,<br />
months) to provide three special performances for<br />
<strong>the</strong> community on 24 January at 18:00, 25 January<br />
at 19:00 and 26 January at 14:00. Please join <strong>the</strong> fun.<br />
Tickets are only 20 kroner, so you cannot beat <strong>the</strong> price<br />
<strong>of</strong> a wonderful evening or afternoon <strong>of</strong> entertaining<br />
acting, singing and dancing. Join <strong>the</strong> fun!<br />
The second quarter reports will have come home by<br />
<strong>the</strong> time this is published. These reports are one <strong>of</strong><br />
four documents that teachers write to help you know<br />
what your child has been learning, <strong>the</strong> achievements<br />
made and <strong>the</strong> next steps in learning. If you have any<br />
questions about <strong>the</strong> reports, please contact <strong>the</strong> teachers<br />
directly so you can get more detail or clarification <strong>of</strong><br />
your child’s progress.<br />
In just a few weeks, 8 February, we will have studentled<br />
conferences. In a student-led conference, more<br />
responsibility is placed on <strong>the</strong> child to reflect on<br />
learning. Your child takes time in class to prepare and<br />
time will be taken to look for evidence <strong>of</strong> learning<br />
by finding examples that show improvement and<br />
growth. The student reflects on past achievement<br />
to set learning goals. This opportunity gives your<br />
child an active and meaningful role in reviewing and<br />
reflecting on learning. Thank you for joining us on<br />
this important day. You will receive a letter with a time<br />
to come to school. Please contact teachers individually<br />
beforehand if you would like to meet with <strong>the</strong>m in<br />
addition to your child’s appointment or if you need to<br />
schedule ano<strong>the</strong>r time.<br />
Grade 5 students will be at outdoor education week at<br />
Gullingen Leirskule, 18-22 <strong>March</strong>. This is a fantastic<br />
trip when students learn about Norway in a very<br />
hands-on way. They also learn how to cross-country<br />
ski and build skills both in working independently<br />
and as a team.<br />
The admissions process for Pre-<strong>School</strong> has started. If<br />
your child is three years <strong>of</strong> age before 1 September<br />
or four years <strong>of</strong> age before 1 September and you<br />
would like your child to enroll in ISS Pre-<strong>School</strong> 3<br />
or Pre-<strong>School</strong> 4, I encourage you to apply as spaces<br />
are limited for <strong>the</strong>se age groups by contacting our<br />
Admissions Office, Ka<strong>the</strong>rine Mudra at admissions@<br />
isstavanger.no.<br />
There is one more exciting event at <strong>the</strong> end <strong>of</strong> January.<br />
The children are privileged and very excited about <strong>the</strong><br />
week <strong>of</strong> 28 January - 1 February. Korky Paul will visit<br />
ISS and spend all week in our Primary <strong>School</strong> Library.<br />
Korky Paul has a lot in common with <strong>the</strong> third<br />
culture children attending ISS. Born in Zimbabwe in<br />
1951, he grew up in <strong>the</strong> African Bushveldt, went to<br />
20 · The Informer 23 January <strong>2013</strong> www.isstavanger.no
Facing <strong>the</strong> ice<br />
art school in Durban, South Africa, worked in Cape<br />
Town and <strong>the</strong>n went on to Greece, London and Los<br />
Angeles and now lives in Oxford, Great Britain. There<br />
are two times when he will be signing books, and<br />
you are welcome to join at <strong>the</strong>se times on Friday, 1<br />
February: 12:00-14:00 and 15:00-16:00.<br />
With visiting author, Korky Paul, coming to spend<br />
about an hour with each homeroom <strong>of</strong> Grades K-5,<br />
I thought it might be time for a little story here.<br />
Winter has brought us clear skies and ice on <strong>the</strong><br />
lakes. Somehow <strong>the</strong> ice on <strong>the</strong> lake makes <strong>the</strong> city<br />
seem so rural and takes us back to one <strong>of</strong> my favorite<br />
childhood memories.<br />
Our family lived on a farm with <strong>the</strong> Platte River<br />
running through <strong>the</strong> woods on its way to <strong>the</strong><br />
Mississippi, about three hours if riding a tube down<br />
<strong>the</strong> river. One Sunday afternoon, our family <strong>of</strong> nine<br />
walked through about one km <strong>of</strong> snowy woods and<br />
pastures to Big Rock, one <strong>of</strong> our favorite swimming<br />
spots in <strong>the</strong> summers. Swimming was important to<br />
cool <strong>of</strong>f as <strong>the</strong>re was no such thing as air conditioning.<br />
Well, actually we got electricity on <strong>the</strong> farm when I<br />
was three so I don’t remember dealing without at least<br />
a fan. Winter had o<strong>the</strong>r challenges, including sawing<br />
wood in <strong>the</strong> forest, loading it on trailers and hauling<br />
it to <strong>the</strong> house, so we were quite familiar with working<br />
in <strong>the</strong> woods, but that Sunday on <strong>the</strong> ice was a day to<br />
www.isstavanger.no<br />
play. My mo<strong>the</strong>r and oldest sister made hot chocolate,<br />
and we shoveled snow <strong>of</strong>f an area <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> river to make<br />
<strong>the</strong> skating easier. My fa<strong>the</strong>r built a fire and had tested<br />
<strong>the</strong> ice for thickness, though with some nights as cold<br />
as minus 40, we were pretty sure it was about as thick<br />
as my younger sister was tall. We shoveled a large area<br />
to make it seem like a skating rink, but was also made<br />
paths through <strong>the</strong> snow so we could play tag, and we<br />
weren’t allowed to go <strong>of</strong>f <strong>the</strong> path. Somehow I don’t<br />
remember <strong>the</strong> cold, so shoveling <strong>the</strong> snow and skating<br />
afterwards must have been like <strong>the</strong> wood, it warmed<br />
us more than once. Our favorite part, however, was<br />
rubbing <strong>the</strong> ice until we could see through it to <strong>the</strong><br />
water and when we were very still, we sometimes saw<br />
a fish swimming below us. Trudging home to milk<br />
cows at <strong>the</strong> end <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Sunday afternoon seemed to<br />
take much longer than getting to <strong>the</strong> river, and it<br />
probably had more to do with starting chores than<br />
walking uphill.<br />
We all have favorite stories from our childhood, and<br />
you can make memories <strong>of</strong> special days by just calling<br />
<strong>the</strong> day a special one for <strong>the</strong> family.<br />
Enjoy <strong>the</strong> winter!<br />
Len Duevel, PhD<br />
Primary <strong>School</strong> Principal<br />
LPDuevel@isstavanger.no<br />
The Informer 23 January <strong>2013</strong> · 21
22 · The Informer 23 January <strong>2013</strong> www.isstavanger.no
Pre-<strong>School</strong> on ice!<br />
www.isstavanger.no<br />
The Informer 23 January <strong>2013</strong> · 23
Learning can be so exciting ...!<br />
24 · The Informer 23 January <strong>2013</strong> www.isstavanger.no
All <strong>School</strong> News<br />
Payment on lunch accounts<br />
The school auditors have indicated that we need to limit<br />
cash payments for lunch accounts.<br />
In <strong>the</strong> cases where you have not been able to open a bank<br />
account yet, you can continue to pay cash.<br />
However, as soon as you have a Norwegian bank account,<br />
please follow <strong>the</strong> instructions below.<br />
MAKING PAYMENTS ON A LUNCH ACCOUNT:<br />
Parents and students can deposit money and top <strong>of</strong>f<br />
balances on <strong>the</strong>ir lunch account via online/internet<br />
banking, which can be done at any time. Please allow<br />
three days for <strong>the</strong> payment to process.<br />
To make a bank transfer into your family’s ISS lunch<br />
account, <strong>the</strong> following information is required:<br />
ISS Canteen/Cafeteria Bank Account: 3201 42 47857<br />
KID # (translates to ‘customer identification number’):<br />
Your identification number (KID) should have been<br />
given to you with <strong>the</strong> initial information about <strong>the</strong> lunch<br />
account and it appears on all email reminders when <strong>the</strong><br />
lunch account is low and needs to be topped <strong>of</strong>f.<br />
If you cannot find your KID number, you can contact<br />
Brynhild Åsheim, <strong>the</strong> Business Manager at 51 55 43 24.<br />
www.isstavanger.no<br />
The Informer 23 January <strong>2013</strong> · 25
All <strong>School</strong> News<br />
26 · The Informer 23 January <strong>2013</strong> www.isstavanger.no
BATS<br />
presents<br />
A great<br />
family<br />
night out<br />
January/February <strong>2013</strong><br />
31 Jan - 3 Feb - 7pm<br />
Saturday, Sunday matinee - 2pm<br />
Tickets: kr.150/50, www.billetservice.no<br />
Byfjord skole<br />
Soltunveien 28, 4026 <strong>Stavanger</strong><br />
www.bats.no<br />
www.isstavanger.no<br />
The Informer 23 January <strong>2013</strong> · 27
SIBS Babysitter Service is now open for bookings! We are proud <br />
to present a pool <strong>of</strong> highly skilled and certified babysitters, all <br />
dedicated to children and eager to take on tasks. They are from <br />
all over <strong>the</strong> world, <strong>of</strong> all ages and both genders, and we are sure <br />
we will be able to find your match. <br />
SIBS Day Park is welcoming you to an Open Day on January <br />
29th, from 10 AM to 12 PM. This is a day for getting to know <br />
our wonderful Supervisors, check out <strong>the</strong> bright and spacious <br />
premises and let your kids check out <strong>the</strong> toys and make friends. <br />
This day is for you to drop in and stay with your kids. As a start <br />
<strong>the</strong> Day Park will be open every Tuesday from 9AM to 1PM, <br />
opening also Thursdays, pending on demand. For more <br />
information, please check out our website: www.sibs.no. <br />
28 · The Informer 23 January <strong>2013</strong> www.isstavanger.no
Objetivos<br />
Ayudar a los padres en la<br />
tarea de que sus hijos, junto<br />
con otr@s niñ@s y mediante<br />
una variedad de actividades<br />
lúdico-educativas,<br />
mantengan vivas su lengua<br />
materna y su cultura en<br />
Noruega.<br />
Destinatarios<br />
Padres hispanohablantes y<br />
niñ@s de entre 0 y 10 años<br />
cuyo idioma materno o de<br />
herencia sea el español, que<br />
uno de los padres o ambos<br />
sean hispanohablantes.<br />
Fecha y horario<br />
Todos los domingos<br />
De 12:00 a 13:30<br />
Lugar<br />
Variado. Se comunicará<br />
semanalmente<br />
El idioma materno es de máxima<br />
importancia, tanto para la identidad<br />
del niño, como para la capacidad de<br />
aprendizaje. Resultados de<br />
investigaciones demuestran que el<br />
niño que recibe este tipo de ‘apoyo<br />
cultural’ desde temprana edad, tendrá<br />
más facilidades en la escuela y para<br />
aprender otros idiomas<br />
El bilingüismo es un recurso sumamente<br />
valioso en la sociedad de hoy en día. Para<br />
el desarrollo de la competencia y de la<br />
identidad bilingüe del niño, es<br />
sumamente importante la actitud positiva<br />
de los padres con respecto al idioma<br />
materno.<br />
Información y matrícula<br />
M. Lourdes Pérez<br />
maloupm@hotmail.com<br />
Teléfono 41078784<br />
Aportación<br />
Según actividad.<br />
En encuentros ordinarios<br />
20 NOK por primer niñ@ en<br />
concepto de materiales<br />
(10 NOK por segundo hij@<br />
y sucesivos).<br />
www.isstavanger.no<br />
The Informer 23 January <strong>2013</strong> · 29
Chef: Jean-Pierre Duc<br />
Lunch Menu<br />
In addition to <strong>the</strong> daily HOT MEAL and <strong>the</strong> soup <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> day, <strong>the</strong> cafeteria also <strong>of</strong>fers a vegetarian option for lunch<br />
NB! The symbols V and GF means vegetarian and gluten free, respectively - and, all our beef meat is halal<br />
The menu <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Valhall Cafeteria is regularly updated on <strong>the</strong> ISS website:<br />
http://www.isstavanger.no - Cafeteria<br />
January/February Menu<br />
We 23.01: Chicken wings w/BBQ sauce & guacamole<br />
Th 24.01: Chilli con Carne served w/rice<br />
Fr 25.01: Pollock w/shrimps & carrots in cream sauce<br />
Mo 28.01: Hot dog w/mashed potatoes<br />
Tu 29.01: Pasta Primavera: ham & peas & parmesan<br />
We 30.01: Chicken burritos w/salsa and cheese<br />
Th 31.01: Sweet & sour pork w/rice<br />
Fr 01.02: Salmon Teriyaki w/wild rice<br />
Mo 04.02: Jack Sparrow Caribbean fried rice with ham<br />
Tu 05.02: Bali chicken stew served w/mashed potatoes<br />
We 06.02: Beef lasagna<br />
Th 07.02: Penne w/homemade tomato sauce & parmesan<br />
Fr 08.02: Bouillabaise w/cod, salmon and crustacean<br />
Mo 18.02: Pizza & salad<br />
Tu 19.02: Sweet & sour pork w/rice<br />
We 20.02: Chicken wings w/BBQ sauce & guacamole<br />
Th 21.02: Beef burgers w/gravy and fred onions<br />
Fr 22.02: Ravioli w/sea food tomato sauce<br />
Mo 25.02: Hot dog stew w/mashed potatoes<br />
Tu 26.02: Gnocchi w/Carbonara sauce<br />
We 27.02: Beef burritos w/salsa and cheese<br />
Th 28.02: Chicken Tikka Masala<br />
Fr 01.03: Breaded pollock w/potatoes & carrots<br />
Every day we serve ei<strong>the</strong>r a vegetarian option or a vegetarian soup.<br />
The soup variety is announced on <strong>the</strong> on-line menu daily<br />
To have CLASSIFIED ADS published in The Informer, please e-mail: LHoie@isstavanger.no.<br />
The editor reserves <strong>the</strong> right to edit ads to fit <strong>the</strong> space requested by you.<br />
Prices: Companies 1 Private persons 2 <strong>the</strong>ir parents 3*<br />
ISS Teachers/<br />
Students and<br />
Full page (260 x 180mm) NOK 2400 NOK 1200 NOK 600<br />
1/2 page (130 x 180 mm): NOK 1200,- NOK 600,- NOK 300,-<br />
1/4 page (125 x 88 mm): NOK 800,- NOK 400,- NOK 200,-<br />
1/8 page (60 x 88 mm): NOK 400,- NOK 200,- NOK 100,-<br />
1/16 <strong>of</strong> a page (28,5 x 88 mm): NOK 200,- NOK 100,- NOK 50,-<br />
1. If you run a business/company/activity that makes your living, you are a “company” price-wise.<br />
2. If you have a small activity, a non-pr<strong>of</strong>it foundation, organise a charity, advertise your belongings for<br />
sale, insert small personal ads, etc., you are charged a “private person” price.<br />
3. *These prices are valid from January 2010<br />
Issues <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Informer in <strong>the</strong> school year 2012-<strong>2013</strong> are due: 05.09, 03.10, 07.11. and 12.12. 2012.<br />
In <strong>2013</strong>: 23.01, 06.03, 17.04 and 29.05. Deadline is one week before.<br />
If you do not wish to receive <strong>the</strong> Informer any more -<br />
or if you have changes to your e-mail address,<br />
please notify Liv N. Høie at 51 55 43 22<br />
or e-mail: LHoie@isstavanger.no<br />
The Informer is issued on <strong>the</strong> ISS web-page: www.isstavanger.no<br />
Editor: Liv Nærland Høie<br />
Go to “News” and <strong>the</strong>n to “Informer” and current issue.<br />
Phone: +47 51 55 43 22 E-mail: LHoie@isstavanger.no<br />
30 · The Informer 23 January <strong>2013</strong> www.isstavanger.no
Calendar <strong>of</strong> Events <strong>School</strong> year 2011-2012<br />
High <strong>School</strong> event Middle <strong>School</strong> event Primary <strong>School</strong> event All <strong>School</strong> event<br />
2012-<strong>2013</strong> <strong>School</strong> Year<br />
The Informer is published by<br />
<strong>International</strong> <strong>School</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Stavanger</strong><br />
Treskeveien 3<br />
NO-4043 STAVANGER<br />
Norway<br />
www.isstavanger.no<br />
Tel: +47 51 55 43 00<br />
Fax: +47 51 55 43 01<br />
E-mail: info@isstavanger.no<br />
www.isstavanger.no<br />
High <strong>School</strong> Office: +47 51 55 43 43<br />
Middle <strong>School</strong> Office: +47 51 55 43 11<br />
Primary <strong>School</strong> Office: +47 51 55 43 23<br />
Director: Dr. Linda Duevel<br />
Deputy Director: Mr. Gareth Jones<br />
High <strong>School</strong> Principal: Dr. Liam Browne<br />
Middle <strong>School</strong> Pricipal: Ms. Carol Wallace<br />
Primary <strong>School</strong> Principal: Dr. Len Duevel<br />
Business Manager: Ms. Brynhild Åsheim<br />
IB Coordinator: Ms. Lynn Park<br />
High <strong>School</strong> Counselor: Ms. Monchaya (June) Jetabut<br />
Primary/Middle <strong>School</strong> Counselor: Mr. Matt Armstrong<br />
<strong>School</strong> Nurse: Ms. Hea<strong>the</strong>r Melhus<br />
The ISS Vision Statement<br />
The ISS vision is to prepare students for greater global<br />
participation by helping <strong>the</strong>m become responsible,<br />
empowered learners.<br />
The ISS Mission Statement<br />
The <strong>International</strong> <strong>School</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Stavanger</strong> is dedicated<br />
to providing its students with English language<br />
education in a supportive, academically stimulating,<br />
and multi-cultural environment. We strive to foster<br />
a love <strong>of</strong> learning, <strong>the</strong> development <strong>of</strong> individual<br />
skills and talents, and an awareness <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> value each<br />
person has to society. Our goal is to enable students<br />
to succeed in continuing educational programs and<br />
to live as responsible and contributing citizens in <strong>the</strong><br />
global community.<br />
The <strong>International</strong> <strong>School</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Stavanger</strong> (ISS), founded<br />
in 1966, is an independent, non-pr<strong>of</strong>it Norwegian<br />
foundation accredited by <strong>the</strong> New England Association<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>School</strong>s and Colleges and <strong>the</strong> Council <strong>of</strong> <strong>International</strong><br />
<strong>School</strong>s. The school enrolls students from ages<br />
3 through 18. ISS <strong>of</strong>fers an international university<br />
preparatory curriculum that combines <strong>the</strong> best features<br />
<strong>of</strong> many national educational systems. Both <strong>the</strong> <strong>International</strong><br />
Baccalaureate Diploma programme and <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>International</strong> General Certificate <strong>of</strong> Secondary Education<br />
external examinations are available to students.<br />
In 2012, <strong>the</strong> school has an enrollment <strong>of</strong> over 800<br />
students who represent some 54 nationalities, including<br />
students from six <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> earth’s seven continents.<br />
January <strong>2013</strong><br />
9-23 IB Mock Examinations, grade 12<br />
23 IB Information Evening<br />
24-26 Primary <strong>School</strong> drama production: Treasure Island<br />
25 Pre-<strong>School</strong> 4 Assembly, 09:00<br />
25 100th Day <strong>of</strong> <strong>School</strong><br />
27/1-1/2 THIMUN Conference, The Hague<br />
28/1-1/2 Author Paul Corky visits ISS<br />
February<br />
1 Middle <strong>School</strong> Dance, 19:00-22:00<br />
5 Grade 4 Assembly, 10:30<br />
6 College Night, Lovelace Theater, 18:00-20:00<br />
8 Student-led Conferences<br />
11-17 Winter Week Holiday<br />
21 Grade 8 - 9 Transition Meeting, 18:00<br />
21 Grade 8 - 9 Transition Meeting, 18:00<br />
22 StuCo Valentine’s Dance,<br />
25-26 High <strong>School</strong> Parent-Teacher Conferences<br />
28 Grade 9 Information Afternoon, 15:30 - 16:15<br />
<strong>March</strong><br />
1 StuCo Dance<br />
7-8 Middle <strong>School</strong> Parent/Teacher/Student conferences<br />
7-10 NECIS - Boys & Girls Basketball<br />
8 Pre-<strong>School</strong> 3 Assembly, 09:00<br />
10 Middle <strong>School</strong> Ski Trip<br />
14-17 High <strong>School</strong> ISTA Festival, Czech Republic<br />
17-22 8th Grade Leirskule to Trysil<br />
15-16 NECIS Boys & Girls Swimming (ISS hosting)<br />
18-22 Grade 5 Outdoor Education Week<br />
25/3-1/4 Easter Vacation<br />
April<br />
12 Grade 1 Assembly, 10:30<br />
12 All-<strong>School</strong> DEAR Day<br />
13 ACT<br />
17-21 Middle <strong>School</strong> ISTA at ISS<br />
17 Grade 5, MS & HS Band concert<br />
17 Grade 5, MS & HS Band concert<br />
19-21 <strong>International</strong> Award - Coastal Qualifying Walk<br />
19<br />
26<br />
Student Council Spring Elections<br />
SWEC Spring Fling<br />
26 Last day <strong>of</strong> school for IB students<br />
29/4-20/5 IB Examinations<br />
May<br />
2 High <strong>School</strong>/Middle <strong>School</strong> Choir Concert<br />
3 Last day <strong>of</strong> school for IGCSE-students<br />
4 SAT<br />
6/5 - June IGCSE Examinations<br />
7 Grade 11 Group 4 Science Project<br />
7 Grade 5-6- Orientation Evening<br />
16-19 NECIS - Boys Rugby & Girsl Football<br />
23 Kindergarten Assembly, 10:30<br />
The Informer 23 January <strong>2013</strong> · 31
Three swords and a frozen fjord<br />
Otat et illaudae et