LION'S ROAR 3 31 May 2013 - The British School Manila

LION’S ROARUnited Nations International Strategy for Disaster ReductionLiyora Santos, a student in Year 5, has just been on a trip to Switzerland as a youth representative ofthe Philippines. She gives her account very well below-:I had just had an amazing week in Geneva, Switzerland. No, it was not for a grand holiday, butmore like an intellectual journey for my sister and I, who were the Philippine youth representativesto the United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction or UNISDR. The event ran from19-23 May, and during this seemingly short time we were able to learn a lot about making ourselvesmore aware of disasters, especially how to keep ourselves – and possibly others – out ofharm's way.The first thing I noticed when I entered the convention hall was that it held an exhibit of postersand photos on how to be safe at home and at school. The posters talked about why children shouldlearn about disasters and what to do when calamity strikes. As the most vulnerable during earthquakes,fires, or storms, we should be knowledgeable about simple things we can do so we can survivesuch tragedies. There were other safety measures presented, and one that called my attentiontalked about why laminating windows should be done to all schools and hospitals. This is importantparticularly during earthquakes as it can lessen the injuries done by glass on people. Another postertalked about the importance of mangroves in the ecosystem, which can be beneficial to ourcountry since we have many river systems.I met children from different countries in Africa as well as from countries such as Japan, Norwayand Thailand. There was an 11 year-old Vietnamese boy who was physically disabled. He has cerebralpalsy and he was sitting on a wheelchair. Yet his presence there was so inspiring since he obviouslydid not let his difficulty keep him at home. There was also a 12 year-old Cambodian girl whowas sharing stories on why she wanted to know how other countries reduce the risks brought bythese disasters because she wanted a better, uninterrupted education.Through all these, I learned that everyone could make a difference, no matter how small it may be.I could do my part by sharing to other students how to keep themselves safe during calamities sothat they will have an idea what to do and how to act responsibly and properly. Hopefully our countrywill be more disaster-smart so that we can enjoy a more secure future.Summer SchemeMr Cosgrove and his team are starting to get ready for this year’s Summer Scheme. This is open for childrenin the current Reception class through to Year 6 and will begin Monday 1 July and run until Friday12 July. Children who take part in the scheme have a lot of fun, enjoying many different activities rangingfrom ‘Mad Science’ to a sleepover in tents in the school hall. There are banners up near the Level 0entrance which show pictures of activities from previous years. There are still places on the scheme andmore details are on the flyer at the back of this edition of the Lion’s Roar. If you wish your child to takepart please let us know as soon as possible, since places on the scheme usually go very quickly.Key dates Term 3June10 June – Reports out to parents13 June - Primary Music Concert, 8-8.45am26 June –Primary Teacher Conferences/Student Led Conferences27 June – Shine Day28 June - End of school yearEnjoy your weekend.Glenn HardyPrimary School Head3 31 May 2013THE BRITISH SCHOOL MANILATelephone 860-4800 Fax 860-4900 Website www.britishschoolmanila.org