Dear Parents, I hope the vacation was a restful one, and you saw sand, snow, surf or whatever else you may have been in your plans for the break. It was truly wonderful to see so many of our students running to the gate Monday morning to share stories, and this stimulated a lot of productive writing in classes later in the morning! We look forward to keeping the momentum of our studies going through the year. More on this week, and upcoming events below.... Notes: 1. Welcome to our New Friends: On Wednesday, we welcomed 9 new students to the Elementary School, and we wish all families a sooth transition to the school and city. New parents, we welcome you to the ISD community; the PTO mention an event next week below, which could give you an opportunity to talk to other parents in the class. 2. SIPS Athletics Training: The Sports Invitational for Private Schools is an annual athletics event which includes students in Gr 3-5. Training is on Thursdays after school, and the event takes place on March 4, 5 & 6. A lot of students turned up this Thursday, but students may also start next week. 3. Gr 3-5 Samusocial Visits Begin: Next week, 3C starts our program with Samusocial, an organization that helps street children. Our students will spend two one-hour sessions at the center as a class, and later as a grade they will host an event at ISD for the children they have been with. As this is a service learning project, we try and structure activities that will overcome language barriers, allow team work to occur, and we try to "add value" to their program. The children learn a lot from each other while, most importantly, having fun. 4. Listen to the Band!: This is from the PTO: The PTO wishes everyone a happy and healthy New Year! Now that the kids are back in school, are you ready for a night out? Come hang out with other ISD parents and teachers as we listen to the band Waawzers, whose members are ISD teachers and parents. Friday, January 16 at Surfers Paradise (Corniche des Almadies) 8pm-11pm Free entrance - you pay for your own food and drinks We look forward to seeing you there!  5. Friday is 12:00 Pick-up: On the afternoon of Friday January 16, the teachers will be working on Professional Development activities. We do appreciate a pick-up at 12:00 prompt. 6. Letters of Support for Ebola Workers - UPDATE: Ms. Pregont, who coordinated the letters has mentioned that the letters were delivered through UNICEF to volunteers (many of them survivors) and health care workers in Liberia. UNICEF Liberia shared on their Facebook HERE. ISD's Facebook page has shared a couple of UNICEF Liberia's posts today... check it out HERE. According to UNICEF contacts, many of the letters are pinned on the walls, being shared and shared again, and that they were genuinely touched by the love and concern our kids shared. Thank you to Grainne the UNICEF team for your valuable assistance and advice. Post from their Facebook page below:  7. Swish for Wish: This is from one of our proactive HS students; a fundraiser on Saturday, January 17:  8. Nurse's Notes: Nurse Jennifer will be posting updates, so please do look to click on the Nurse's Notes on the sidebar, or click HERE. 9. French Photos: It is good to see we are quickly back into celebratory mode. The French Team leading the charge with the cooking of galette des rois earlier in the week: 10: Programming Robots: Finally, a mention to Ms. Christy who is venturing into the robotics territory in her ASA. The children had a lot of fun programming the robots to move to complete tasks. We would also like to thank the PTO, who provided the grant money for the robots:  Upcoming Events: - Jan. 16: PD Afternoon - 12:OO PICK-UP - Jan. 16: Waawzers at Surfers' Paradise - Jan. 17: Swish for Wish - Jan. 29: 1G Assembly - Jan. 30: 5S Assembly Ian Clark Ian Clark Ed.D. Elementary School Principal International School of Dakar |
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