Board News

The ISD Board is the governing body of the International School of Dakar. It is responsible for advancing ISD's mission as effectively as possible, developing policy, and ensuring sound financial stewardship of the school. The Board held its monthly meeting on Monday 16 January. Here are some of the highlights from the meeting. Curriculum ISD currently runs the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program for its senior students. The IB also has programs for younger year levels and the school is exploring whether these programs would be suitable to introduce to ISD. Brad Chumrau (Grade 5 class teacher) and Melissa Brieter (Kindergarten class teacher) are two members of the committee looking at this issue. The IB program for elementary year levels is called the Primary Years Program (PYP). Brad and Melissa, who both have experience in teaching the PYP at previous schools, explained to the Board some of the key elements of the PYP program. As with the Diploma Program, the PYP aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect. The Board heard that the PYP committee has conducted an initial survey to establish staff interest, explored professional literature and PYP training and presented its conclusions to the school’s Education Advisory Committee. There are some funding implications if the school were to adopt the PYP program and the Board is considering these as possibilities under budget scenarios. Finance The Board reviewed the proposed budget for 2017 – 2018. Board members asked questions about the assumptions and planned expenditure. Also on the topic of Finance, the Board approved the 2015-2016 Financial Statement. Annual General Meeting With the AGM approaching in April, the Board reviewed the timeframe for AGM preparations. There will be more information for the community about this soon, but please do keep in mind that Board membership is made up of elected parents and guardians of ISD students. Please feel free to approach current board members or send us an email to boardbox@isd.sn if you are interested in learning more about being a Trustee of the Board. General The minutes of Board meetings are posted on the Board notice board at the front of the school. The next Board meeting will be on Thursday 16 February at 6.00 pm in the Conference Room. Refreshments will be served from 5.30 pmand all members of the ISD Association (parents and guardians of current ISD students, and faculty) are welcome to attend as observers. Kind regards, Louisa Gibbs Chair, ISD Board of Trustees