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Thursday 9th April
How our world has changed since the last time we blogged! During the school closure for the COVID-19 circuit breaker, we have decided to change our method of communication. This is because our blogs aim to share the events that have been happening within school.
Over the next few weeks we will be communicating through vlogs, Twitter, Instagram, information posts on ManageBac and through our COVID-19 well being page on our website.
http://www.iss.edu.sg/5-ways-better-wellbeing-covid-19-outbreak/
You will find our vlogs – offered by different staff members over the coming weeks- on this website.
During the school closure we will also continue to offer activities that support our strong community feel and will give hints and share articles on how to manage home based learning. We will resume the blogs when school re-opens.
Our teachers have, over the past weeks, been busy preparing for a possible closure. I have been in correspondence with fellow heads around the world, some of whom are in schools that have been closed since Chinese New Year, to share experiences and to learn from each other. All agree that the amount of preparation time needed for online learning is huge. Indeed, as I scrolled through several schools’ approaches, I came across a comment from the head of the International School Athens that succinctly summarises the challenges for teachers, students and their parent supporters.
“ Specifically, preparing for one hour of online learning classes requires three to four times the level of effort and time in terms of preparatory work by the teachers compared to the level of effort required for face-to-face learning. The delivery is more intensive, and the use of technology requires discipline by both the teacher and the students.”
I am very thankful that our teachers, parents and students have risen to the challenges of online learning and are so committed to maintaining as normal a learning environment as is possible in the circumstances. It really is an impressive effort and I thank you parents and students for the many supportive comments and compliments you have shared with our teachers. I attach some photographs of Day 1 of online learning .
During the break, the building works at Block 4 on Preston Campus were completed. The new facility looks impressive and is a marvellous fusion of Preston’s heritage and modern, fresh construction in a green environment. We are so looking forward to being able to use these new spaces when school reopens. Please see the photograph of one of the classrooms attached.
I hope all of you are safe and well. We really miss you, especially the wonderful energy and vibrancy that our students bring!
Margaret Alvarez (Dr.)
Head of School
Over the next few weeks we will be communicating through vlogs, Twitter, Instagram, information posts on ManageBac and through our COVID-19 well being page on our website.
http://www.iss.edu.sg/5-ways-better-wellbeing-covid-19-outbreak/
You will find our vlogs – offered by different staff members over the coming weeks- on this website.
During the school closure we will also continue to offer activities that support our strong community feel and will give hints and share articles on how to manage home based learning. We will resume the blogs when school re-opens.
Our teachers have, over the past weeks, been busy preparing for a possible closure. I have been in correspondence with fellow heads around the world, some of whom are in schools that have been closed since Chinese New Year, to share experiences and to learn from each other. All agree that the amount of preparation time needed for online learning is huge. Indeed, as I scrolled through several schools’ approaches, I came across a comment from the head of the International School Athens that succinctly summarises the challenges for teachers, students and their parent supporters.
“ Specifically, preparing for one hour of online learning classes requires three to four times the level of effort and time in terms of preparatory work by the teachers compared to the level of effort required for face-to-face learning. The delivery is more intensive, and the use of technology requires discipline by both the teacher and the students.”
I am very thankful that our teachers, parents and students have risen to the challenges of online learning and are so committed to maintaining as normal a learning environment as is possible in the circumstances. It really is an impressive effort and I thank you parents and students for the many supportive comments and compliments you have shared with our teachers. I attach some photographs of Day 1 of online learning .
During the break, the building works at Block 4 on Preston Campus were completed. The new facility looks impressive and is a marvellous fusion of Preston’s heritage and modern, fresh construction in a green environment. We are so looking forward to being able to use these new spaces when school reopens. Please see the photograph of one of the classrooms attached.
I hope all of you are safe and well. We really miss you, especially the wonderful energy and vibrancy that our students bring!
Margaret Alvarez (Dr.)
Head of School
FRIDAY 13TH mARCH
This Saturday over 70 parents took part in our Preston Campus Tour. In keeping with social distancing recommendations, we split into groups as we visited the campus. Participants were given an overview of our renovation and construction project and a tour of the campus. This was an opportunity to view the work that has already been completed and the work that is currently in progress and to learn about the work that is planned for the next few months. During the coming holiday, the works to Block 4 will be completed and construction will begin on toilets for the Elementary School at Block 5. Many thanks to everyone that came along. A special thanks to our PTA for providing refreshments and to Mr Ohn, our student teacher and parent, who helped us with Korean translations and to Ms Yuki, High School teacher, who helped with Japanese translations. Thanks too to our Marketing, Communications and Admissions team, our Deputy CEO, Ms Mun- E Chan, and to our senior leaders, Mr Hayward , High School Principal, and Ms Susan Tilney, Paterson Principal, for assisting with tours and child minding.
We have now finalised the major dates for next academic year.
Start date Grades 11 and 12 : August 17th
Start date Kindergarten to Grade 10: August 20th
October Break: October: 19th – 23rd,
End of Semester Break: December 21st to January 8th.
Chinese New Year : February 10th-12th
Spring Break: March 22nd to April 2nd.
As part of our inclusive philosophy and our commitment to realising each student’s potential, ISS is introducing an additional service to all students (Kindergarten- Grade 12) from August 2020. Each student will have, developed with the support of classroom/subject area and Kampong teachers, their very own personal learning plan that identifies learning needs in subject areas, study/learning skills and personal development. These plans will be guided by the data we have gathered about each individual student’s achievement. Teachers will provide resources for the students to achieve their individual learning plan and progress will be monitored at frequent intervals. Parents will be an integral part of the process, providing information about learning habits and preferences and will assist in building the plan. Currently 6 classes are piloting this new service (2 in each section of the school) and the final service will be ready for implementation in August. The following quotation from educational research sums up the benefits of such a service:
Personalising learning increases student interest and engagement in learning activities. If students are able to develop their personal learning and individual expertise in the areas in which they either feel incompetent or in need to increase their existing expertise then their individual interest in learning can be enhanced. Curiosity and creativity can be inspired by personalised learning.
Jarvela S (2006) NEW INSIGHTS INTO FOSTERING LEARNING CAPACITY – 43 PERSONALISING EDUCATION, CHAPTER 2. PERSONALISED LEARNING? – ISBN-92-64-03659-8 © OECD 2006
We are excited to be one of very few schools, that have taken the time to truly and fully commit to supporting individual student learning needs K-12 by developing a bespoke programme geared at the ISS context and the needs of our students. Research I have undertaken amongst schools in our region suggests that this approach is on many schools' wish list but it is not something they have invested in yet. A huge thank you to the ISS development team and to all the teachers and students that are currently involved in the pilot programme.
Have a wonderful weekend and a safe and restful upcoming holiday.
Margaret Alvarez (Dr.)
Head of School
We have now finalised the major dates for next academic year.
Start date Grades 11 and 12 : August 17th
Start date Kindergarten to Grade 10: August 20th
October Break: October: 19th – 23rd,
End of Semester Break: December 21st to January 8th.
Chinese New Year : February 10th-12th
Spring Break: March 22nd to April 2nd.
As part of our inclusive philosophy and our commitment to realising each student’s potential, ISS is introducing an additional service to all students (Kindergarten- Grade 12) from August 2020. Each student will have, developed with the support of classroom/subject area and Kampong teachers, their very own personal learning plan that identifies learning needs in subject areas, study/learning skills and personal development. These plans will be guided by the data we have gathered about each individual student’s achievement. Teachers will provide resources for the students to achieve their individual learning plan and progress will be monitored at frequent intervals. Parents will be an integral part of the process, providing information about learning habits and preferences and will assist in building the plan. Currently 6 classes are piloting this new service (2 in each section of the school) and the final service will be ready for implementation in August. The following quotation from educational research sums up the benefits of such a service:
Personalising learning increases student interest and engagement in learning activities. If students are able to develop their personal learning and individual expertise in the areas in which they either feel incompetent or in need to increase their existing expertise then their individual interest in learning can be enhanced. Curiosity and creativity can be inspired by personalised learning.
Jarvela S (2006) NEW INSIGHTS INTO FOSTERING LEARNING CAPACITY – 43 PERSONALISING EDUCATION, CHAPTER 2. PERSONALISED LEARNING? – ISBN-92-64-03659-8 © OECD 2006
We are excited to be one of very few schools, that have taken the time to truly and fully commit to supporting individual student learning needs K-12 by developing a bespoke programme geared at the ISS context and the needs of our students. Research I have undertaken amongst schools in our region suggests that this approach is on many schools' wish list but it is not something they have invested in yet. A huge thank you to the ISS development team and to all the teachers and students that are currently involved in the pilot programme.
Have a wonderful weekend and a safe and restful upcoming holiday.
Margaret Alvarez (Dr.)
Head of School
Friday 6th March
We finished the week on a fabulously high note as we celebrated the achievements of our highly talented Grade 12 Music students. Their final concert, which is a key part of their overall IBDP Music assessment, was originally scheduled to be held at the Esplanade as we have done in the past. However, the on going COVID -19 outbreak meant that this was not possible, therefore we rescheduled the performance to Friday in our school hall and live streamed the concert on Youtube and Instagram to around 150 viewers. Seraphino, Joyce and Angelicia did us proud and treated the various on and offline audiences to a technically proficient and creative array of musical pieces ranging from classical, to modern and popular music. Well done to everyone and thanks to Mr Miscovich who organised the performance, our marketing team who supported us with live streaming and to all that supported our students.
In the coming weeks ISS will be sending out a short questionnaire about the ISS Guiding Statements (mission, vision, values, culture, inclusion and global citizenship statements). This is the first stage of the preparations for our re-accreditation with the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), the Council of International Schools (CIS) and our re-authorisation visit with the International Baccalaureate. These take place on a five year cycle. The information gathered will assist us in reviewing those statements to determine whether or not they effectively reflect our guiding philosophy. ISS has been accredited by WASC since the 1980s, by CIS since 2011 and has been an IB World school since 2000.
Next Saturday ISS will host a Preston Campus visit. Please let us know if you would like to attend if you have not already done so. This is an opportunity to view the work that has been completed to date and to learn about what will be completed in the coming months.
Have a wonderful weekend,
Margaret Alvarez (Dr.)
Head of School
In the coming weeks ISS will be sending out a short questionnaire about the ISS Guiding Statements (mission, vision, values, culture, inclusion and global citizenship statements). This is the first stage of the preparations for our re-accreditation with the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), the Council of International Schools (CIS) and our re-authorisation visit with the International Baccalaureate. These take place on a five year cycle. The information gathered will assist us in reviewing those statements to determine whether or not they effectively reflect our guiding philosophy. ISS has been accredited by WASC since the 1980s, by CIS since 2011 and has been an IB World school since 2000.
Next Saturday ISS will host a Preston Campus visit. Please let us know if you would like to attend if you have not already done so. This is an opportunity to view the work that has been completed to date and to learn about what will be completed in the coming months.
Have a wonderful weekend,
Margaret Alvarez (Dr.)
Head of School
Friday 28th February
In our quest to keep school as normal as possible during the COVID-19 situation, we carried on with plans to hold our scheduled Literacy Week. In order to avoid large gatherings and to account for the school’s no visitors on campus policy during this period, we changed the format of some events without taking away from the fun and opportunities for learning. Congratulations to Mrs Herbert who spearheaded the week and to all of our students, teachers and parents for being so understanding and flexible. Enjoy some of the photos that celebrate the collaboration and exploration that happened.
As several families have decided not to travel during the upcoming Spring Break, we have received a number of requests for ISS to cater for the children that will now be spending their holiday in Singapore. Gerard William, who is in charge of the Spring School, is working hard to support this request. Please check out the Spring School website for more details www.issdiscoveryschool.com
A reminder of the student return dates for the 2020-2021 academic year. As mentioned earlier, we have adjusted the start date to allow teachers to set up classes after the construction and renovation works are completed. To ensure that students do not miss class time, we have reduced the number of teacher In Service dates that normally take place during the first semester and moved them to the period prior to school opening.
Start Date for Grade 11 and 12: 17th August
Start Date for the rest of the school 20th August
Have a great weekend,
Margaret Alvarez (Dr.)
Head of School
As several families have decided not to travel during the upcoming Spring Break, we have received a number of requests for ISS to cater for the children that will now be spending their holiday in Singapore. Gerard William, who is in charge of the Spring School, is working hard to support this request. Please check out the Spring School website for more details www.issdiscoveryschool.com
A reminder of the student return dates for the 2020-2021 academic year. As mentioned earlier, we have adjusted the start date to allow teachers to set up classes after the construction and renovation works are completed. To ensure that students do not miss class time, we have reduced the number of teacher In Service dates that normally take place during the first semester and moved them to the period prior to school opening.
Start Date for Grade 11 and 12: 17th August
Start Date for the rest of the school 20th August
Have a great weekend,
Margaret Alvarez (Dr.)
Head of School
FRIDAY 21ST fEBRUARY
The first set of virtual parent – teacher-student conferences got underway this week and we are very pleased with the results. Next week we roll out the process to additional grades. In the High School, our reconfiguration of the meeting format, that results in the meetings being led by the Kampong teacher, has brought several added benefits. As the Kampong teacher has, prior to the meeting, gathered data from all of the students’ teachers, he or she is well positioned to determine trends and patterns between and across subjects. This valuable information can be powerful in supporting students’ on going development. We will do a thorough review of the process once it is complete.
We are excited to announce that we have new dates for the Aladdin performance -3rd and 4th June at the same venue. We hope that the current COVID-19 situation will be over by then.
Due to our current restrictions on visitors during school hours, we had to cancel our Parent Tour of Preston scheduled for February 27th. We have scheduled an alternative non school day visit on March 14th.
Paul, Adamberry, Director of Marketing, Communications and Admissions has sent out sign up forms for the event . If you would like further details please email him on [email protected]
Have a wonderful weekend.
Margaret Alvarez (Dr.)
Head of School
We are excited to announce that we have new dates for the Aladdin performance -3rd and 4th June at the same venue. We hope that the current COVID-19 situation will be over by then.
Due to our current restrictions on visitors during school hours, we had to cancel our Parent Tour of Preston scheduled for February 27th. We have scheduled an alternative non school day visit on March 14th.
Paul, Adamberry, Director of Marketing, Communications and Admissions has sent out sign up forms for the event . If you would like further details please email him on [email protected]
Have a wonderful weekend.
Margaret Alvarez (Dr.)
Head of School
Friday 14th February
.Happy Valentine’s Day. This is a wonderful day to reflect on and appreciate our loved ones and professional and personal friends that support us on life’s journey.
I would like to share with you news about our new ISS friends. We are delighted to announce that we have created an official partnership with Hiroshima International School (HiGA). HiGA is a selective public school within the Japanese government system offering an IB education to potential leaders. It is located on a beautiful island near Hiroshima, Japan.
I initially made contact with the school through long term professional friends when attending the IB conference last March. When I was in Japan earlier this year I visited the HiGA and discussed a possible collaboration between our schools. Both HiGA and ISS are very excited about the enormous possibilities such a partnership can bring.
The Hiroshima area offers unique opportunities for scientific inquiry, service learning and peace studies. The school, a boarding school, aims to provide ISS students with low cost accommodation, support and unique collaborative activities. Our initial collaboration is likely to be an option within our 2020-2021 Week Without Walls programme when we are planning to send a group of students to Hiroshima. HiGA students will likely visit Singapore the following year. Such exchange programmes provide powerful opportunities for students to develop intercultural competencies and to study, in a truly meaningful and relatable way, issues of global significance.
We look forward to our ongoing collaborative work.
Have a wonderful Valentine’s weekend,
Margaret Alvarez (Dr.)
Head of School
I would like to share with you news about our new ISS friends. We are delighted to announce that we have created an official partnership with Hiroshima International School (HiGA). HiGA is a selective public school within the Japanese government system offering an IB education to potential leaders. It is located on a beautiful island near Hiroshima, Japan.
I initially made contact with the school through long term professional friends when attending the IB conference last March. When I was in Japan earlier this year I visited the HiGA and discussed a possible collaboration between our schools. Both HiGA and ISS are very excited about the enormous possibilities such a partnership can bring.
The Hiroshima area offers unique opportunities for scientific inquiry, service learning and peace studies. The school, a boarding school, aims to provide ISS students with low cost accommodation, support and unique collaborative activities. Our initial collaboration is likely to be an option within our 2020-2021 Week Without Walls programme when we are planning to send a group of students to Hiroshima. HiGA students will likely visit Singapore the following year. Such exchange programmes provide powerful opportunities for students to develop intercultural competencies and to study, in a truly meaningful and relatable way, issues of global significance.
We look forward to our ongoing collaborative work.
Have a wonderful Valentine’s weekend,
Margaret Alvarez (Dr.)
Head of School
Friday 7th February
friday 31st January
It is good to be back!
After the hectic environment of recruitment fairs, I attended the Association for the Advancement of International Education (AAIE) conference held this year in New York. This organisation brings together international school heads from around the world to share ideas and to build collaborative networks. As the President of EARCOS (East Asia Regional Council of Schools) I also engaged in important meetings that will influence developments in international education both locally as well as globally. Needless to say the coronavirus was a hot topic as well as how to creative effective online learning environments. It was good to share and learn and to be able to further contribute to our efforts to protect student safety and learning at ISS.
I also attended several sessions aimed at furthering the learning of talented students. This is a major focus of our strategic plan this year as we strengthen our systems to support a growing number of students identified as talented in our school. Other areas of focus were promoting student and staff diversity in schools and data protection. We were also treated to an inspiring keynote by university professor and psychologist Dacher Keltner, who laid out a roadmap for collaborative practice as a catalyst for change.
On Saturday the Senior Leadership Team and our Deputy CEO held a meeting to review our anti coronavirus procedures. A separate note will be sent shortly that outlines changes in the light of Singapore raising the DORSCON level to orange. Please make sure to read this. We would like to thank you for your tremendous support and words of encouragement as we continue to work to ensure the safety of our students.
Have a great week ahead,
Margaret Alvarez (Dr.)
Head of School
After the hectic environment of recruitment fairs, I attended the Association for the Advancement of International Education (AAIE) conference held this year in New York. This organisation brings together international school heads from around the world to share ideas and to build collaborative networks. As the President of EARCOS (East Asia Regional Council of Schools) I also engaged in important meetings that will influence developments in international education both locally as well as globally. Needless to say the coronavirus was a hot topic as well as how to creative effective online learning environments. It was good to share and learn and to be able to further contribute to our efforts to protect student safety and learning at ISS.
I also attended several sessions aimed at furthering the learning of talented students. This is a major focus of our strategic plan this year as we strengthen our systems to support a growing number of students identified as talented in our school. Other areas of focus were promoting student and staff diversity in schools and data protection. We were also treated to an inspiring keynote by university professor and psychologist Dacher Keltner, who laid out a roadmap for collaborative practice as a catalyst for change.
On Saturday the Senior Leadership Team and our Deputy CEO held a meeting to review our anti coronavirus procedures. A separate note will be sent shortly that outlines changes in the light of Singapore raising the DORSCON level to orange. Please make sure to read this. We would like to thank you for your tremendous support and words of encouragement as we continue to work to ensure the safety of our students.
Have a great week ahead,
Margaret Alvarez (Dr.)
Head of School
As I write I am in snowy Cedar Falls, Iowa, USA, attending the University of Iowa’s annual teacher recruitment fair. This is the time of year when international heads of school travel overseas to fill teacher vacancies for the coming academic year. I thought it might be of interest to learn how ISS ensures that we have the best possible recruits for our vacancies.
Teacher recruitment has become an art and a science and demands high levels of energy, focus, drive and an ability to get by with limited sleep!
As early as October, ISS asks its teachers whether they wish to renew their contracts (generally two year contracts) for the following year. Using this data, along with a forecast of the courses and classes that are likely to be needed, the Senior Leadership Team and Academic Board co- construct a staffing plan for the coming year. This plan is then discussed and approved by the School Board and the recruitment season begins. Contract renewal offers are made to staff and a list of possible vacancies are drawn up. The leadership team then creates a profile for each vacancy that includes the skillsets, qualifications, expertise and dispositions sought for each position. These vacancies are advertised, international teacher recruitment fairs where there is most likely to be a match for our needs are identified, and interviews begin. Throughout the process, as new colleagues are hired, the leadership team adjusts vacancy profiles to fit changing needs.
International school teachers are diverse, some decide to go overseas for a few years only to gather international experience, others decide to do short stays in different countries to experience the world. A few become seasoned international educators and dedicate their career to international education.
What does a typical day on the road look like? Most mornings begin with round robin interview sign up sessions, followed by interviews, second interviews, third interviews, school presentations and ‘socials’ to determine if candidates would fit into the ISS culture. Evenings are spent liaising with the team back in Singapore and making reference check phone calls to ensure that teachers meet child protection requirements and to verify written references. It is an incredibly busy but fulfilling task. We meet new people, teachers and fellow administrators, share stories and look forward to our new colleagues bringing their unique experiences to our school.
This recruitment season I have been particularly grateful to have the opportunity to share processes for managing the coronavirus with fellow international school heads from Singapore and the region. The sharing and collegiality helps all of us as we manage evolving situations in our schools and countries.
This year I was very fortunate to be able to visit the University of Iowa and to learn of its programmes, entry requirements and to tour its facilities. I had a very productive meeting with the Director of the University’s international admissions department- an important contact as we support our students beyond Grade 12.
Many thanks for supporting our leadership team as they respond to changing government requirements and work hard to ensure the safety of our ISS community. We remain in contact and collaboratively build systems for the safety of all. Please keep checking ManageBac as we often need to respond quickly to changing circumstances and report these changes to you. I will be back in the office on February 10th.
Margaret Alvarez (Dr.)
Head of School
Teacher recruitment has become an art and a science and demands high levels of energy, focus, drive and an ability to get by with limited sleep!
As early as October, ISS asks its teachers whether they wish to renew their contracts (generally two year contracts) for the following year. Using this data, along with a forecast of the courses and classes that are likely to be needed, the Senior Leadership Team and Academic Board co- construct a staffing plan for the coming year. This plan is then discussed and approved by the School Board and the recruitment season begins. Contract renewal offers are made to staff and a list of possible vacancies are drawn up. The leadership team then creates a profile for each vacancy that includes the skillsets, qualifications, expertise and dispositions sought for each position. These vacancies are advertised, international teacher recruitment fairs where there is most likely to be a match for our needs are identified, and interviews begin. Throughout the process, as new colleagues are hired, the leadership team adjusts vacancy profiles to fit changing needs.
International school teachers are diverse, some decide to go overseas for a few years only to gather international experience, others decide to do short stays in different countries to experience the world. A few become seasoned international educators and dedicate their career to international education.
What does a typical day on the road look like? Most mornings begin with round robin interview sign up sessions, followed by interviews, second interviews, third interviews, school presentations and ‘socials’ to determine if candidates would fit into the ISS culture. Evenings are spent liaising with the team back in Singapore and making reference check phone calls to ensure that teachers meet child protection requirements and to verify written references. It is an incredibly busy but fulfilling task. We meet new people, teachers and fellow administrators, share stories and look forward to our new colleagues bringing their unique experiences to our school.
This recruitment season I have been particularly grateful to have the opportunity to share processes for managing the coronavirus with fellow international school heads from Singapore and the region. The sharing and collegiality helps all of us as we manage evolving situations in our schools and countries.
This year I was very fortunate to be able to visit the University of Iowa and to learn of its programmes, entry requirements and to tour its facilities. I had a very productive meeting with the Director of the University’s international admissions department- an important contact as we support our students beyond Grade 12.
Many thanks for supporting our leadership team as they respond to changing government requirements and work hard to ensure the safety of our ISS community. We remain in contact and collaboratively build systems for the safety of all. Please keep checking ManageBac as we often need to respond quickly to changing circumstances and report these changes to you. I will be back in the office on February 10th.
Margaret Alvarez (Dr.)
Head of School
Friday 17th January
Exciting times at ISS. This week we finalised our preparations for a new ISS service- a programme for students with talents. This service is designed to support students that demonstrate, through their achievement profile, potential and/or special talents. It is designed to further develop the skills that have been identified as essential for academic success.
Our new service will begin immediately after the Chinese New Year holiday and will serve students in Grades 6-8.
The service aims to enhance critical thinking such as:
and also to develop a student’s skill in constructing an argument, in reasoning, and in research. These skillsets will be embedded in an inquiry approach based on a study of global perspectives.
We believe this service will significantly accelerate the development of skills that contribute to success at higher levels of study.
Today ISS had the honour of hosting a regional workshop by Callido, a professional development and software developer for IB Schools. The topic of the workshop 'Transformed Learning: Building the Schools of Tomorrow, Today' was led by Mr Malcolm Nicholson, former MYP and DP Manager for the International Baccalaureate Organisation (IB). The workshop was attended by international schools in Singapore and Malaysia and proved a timely opportunity for educators to focus on the development of skills and characteristics that students entering higher education and the workplace in the future will need to be successful.
This week we also welcomed two counselling interns: Ms Tatiana Nasr, from our Admissions Office, who is interning in Paterson and Ms Audrey Moh who is interning in Preston. We are very happy to be involved in training the next generation of school counsellors.
Margaret Alvarez (Dr.)
Head of School
Our new service will begin immediately after the Chinese New Year holiday and will serve students in Grades 6-8.
The service aims to enhance critical thinking such as:
- Identification of perspectives
- Identification of cause and consequence
- Questioning perspectives and knowledge claims
- Questioning reliability of information etc
and also to develop a student’s skill in constructing an argument, in reasoning, and in research. These skillsets will be embedded in an inquiry approach based on a study of global perspectives.
We believe this service will significantly accelerate the development of skills that contribute to success at higher levels of study.
Today ISS had the honour of hosting a regional workshop by Callido, a professional development and software developer for IB Schools. The topic of the workshop 'Transformed Learning: Building the Schools of Tomorrow, Today' was led by Mr Malcolm Nicholson, former MYP and DP Manager for the International Baccalaureate Organisation (IB). The workshop was attended by international schools in Singapore and Malaysia and proved a timely opportunity for educators to focus on the development of skills and characteristics that students entering higher education and the workplace in the future will need to be successful.
This week we also welcomed two counselling interns: Ms Tatiana Nasr, from our Admissions Office, who is interning in Paterson and Ms Audrey Moh who is interning in Preston. We are very happy to be involved in training the next generation of school counsellors.
Margaret Alvarez (Dr.)
Head of School
Friday 10th January
Welcome to Semester 2 of the 2019-2020 and a very happy new year to everyone. This week we have welcomed many new students, across Elementary, Middle and High schools to ISS. We are delighted that you are part of our community.
This semester promises to be a productive and exciting semester. During the Winter break a significant amount of painting and construction works took place on our Preston Campus in preparation for the unification of our campuses in August 2020. Block 2- The Arts Suite is now complete and offers students a tranquil learning environment surrounded by greenery. Renovation and construction of toilets are currently in progress as is the reconfiguration of the classroom section of Block 4. These works are due to be completed by the beginning of February. I attach a photograph of our transformation into a ‘black and white’.
Our Spring School programme has been published. A link can be found on the ISS website. The programme will run over the two week Spring Break and comprises English language courses.
Our ECA and partner activities programme is ready. Links to the information will follow shortly. All of our ECAs, which are run by teachers, are free of charge. As a result of student and parent interest we also host activities run by partner organisations. These are paid activities and include activities such as football run by Real Madrid and Italian classes run by the Italian Association. Our aim is to provide courses and activities that meet the interests of our community.
Margaret Alvarez (Dr.)
Head of School
Friday 13th December
Welcome to our final blog before the holiday.
Our past week has been one of celebration as our community came together to celebrate our diversity and the upcoming festival season.
On Saturday the 7th December we held our first Christmas Fair. This event provided an opportunity for early festive season shopping, fun games based on the festive theme, photo opportunities with friends and Santa, gourmet food and a chance to catch up with old friends and strike up new friendships. We were pleased with the level of participation and are planning to hold a similar event next year. Many thanks to all that supported this event and special thanks to Paul Adamberry and his team for working tirelessly over several months to bring the event to fruition.
On Friday 13th the ISS community came together to celebrate its diversity and to provide an opportunity to further its global citizenship skills through participation in activities related to United Nations Sustainable Development Goal No 13: Climate Action. Our older students worked with our younger students to create bird feeders, learn about climate change, sustainable energy, and how our individual actions can make a difference. The day finished with a sumptuous international food festival. Many thanks to our families for providing such a wonderful spread of food and many thanks to all students and staff for making it such a wonderful day.
In preparation for International Day our communications team prepared a display board that gives information about our campus unification project. The board is adjacent to the Paterson Office. Please take a look if you are passing and let us know if you have questions.
ISS was very honoured to have been invited to attend Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts closing concert for its international arts camp- STEP Sunburst Youth Camp. We were treated to outstanding multi media arts performances from the ASEAN region.
As the first semester of this year draws to a close, I would like to thank you for your support and wish you all very happy holidays. Enjoy reconnecting with family and friends and I will see you in January refreshed and ready for another exciting semester!
My best,
Margaret Alvarez (Dr)
Head of School
Our past week has been one of celebration as our community came together to celebrate our diversity and the upcoming festival season.
On Saturday the 7th December we held our first Christmas Fair. This event provided an opportunity for early festive season shopping, fun games based on the festive theme, photo opportunities with friends and Santa, gourmet food and a chance to catch up with old friends and strike up new friendships. We were pleased with the level of participation and are planning to hold a similar event next year. Many thanks to all that supported this event and special thanks to Paul Adamberry and his team for working tirelessly over several months to bring the event to fruition.
On Friday 13th the ISS community came together to celebrate its diversity and to provide an opportunity to further its global citizenship skills through participation in activities related to United Nations Sustainable Development Goal No 13: Climate Action. Our older students worked with our younger students to create bird feeders, learn about climate change, sustainable energy, and how our individual actions can make a difference. The day finished with a sumptuous international food festival. Many thanks to our families for providing such a wonderful spread of food and many thanks to all students and staff for making it such a wonderful day.
In preparation for International Day our communications team prepared a display board that gives information about our campus unification project. The board is adjacent to the Paterson Office. Please take a look if you are passing and let us know if you have questions.
ISS was very honoured to have been invited to attend Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts closing concert for its international arts camp- STEP Sunburst Youth Camp. We were treated to outstanding multi media arts performances from the ASEAN region.
As the first semester of this year draws to a close, I would like to thank you for your support and wish you all very happy holidays. Enjoy reconnecting with family and friends and I will see you in January refreshed and ready for another exciting semester!
My best,
Margaret Alvarez (Dr)
Head of School
Friday December 6th
Excitement mounts for our Christmas Fair tomorrow, Paterson Campus 11am- 3pm. We will host over 40 partnering vendors selling items ranging from handmade crafts, home decor, eco-friendly lifestyle products, games, accessories, wine samples, and food and beverage.
Look out for our Christmas themed photo booth with hourly Santa photo opportunities, games and handicraft activity stations, and our bouncy castle and inflatable football zone!
We would most sincerely like to thank our supporting partners;
Citibank for the Christmas photobooth where photographs can be printed for free. Santa will be available for photos at 12noon, 1pm and 2pm.
Expat Dental for supporting the Hotdog stall.
Whizz Kids who are offering creative Christmas gifts for sale and running Christmas craft activities from their maker space in the canteen.
Prima Deli have very kindly supplied wonderfully cute and tasty Christmas themed confectionaries as prizes for our Christmas game stalls.
School Notice Singapore
A fantastic online platform for Parents, Faculty and Alumni to share in a trusted international school community and marketplace.
We would also like to thank our dedicated ISS Parents Association who will be volunteering and sponsoring the bouncy castle and inflatable football activity as well as selling the wonderful ISS merchandise they have for sale at their stalls.
I look forward to seeing you tomorrow.
Yesterday evening we were treated to top quality musical performances (Festival of Lights) by our High School students and High School music staff. The variety was immense- from classical pieces to folk to popular music. Many congratulations to everyone and thank you for your participation. We had a full house- the hall was packed!
Prior to the Festival of Lights our architect, Mr Lem, shared information about the Preston renovation and construction project. Again a packed house! This was the second presentation Mr Lem graciously provided for us. If you were unable to attend but would like further information, please approach Mr Paul Adamberry from MARCOM or myself.
We are happy to share the major calendar dates for next academic year. We have staggered the start date for students to allow for Kindergarten- Grade 8 classes to be fully set up before this age group returns.
IB Diploma students return August 17th 2020
Remainder of students return August 20th 2020.
October Break 19th-23rd 2020
Winter break 21st December 2020 -8th January 2021
Spring Break 22nd March- 2nd April 2021
Year ends 11th June 2021.
Have a wonderful weekend and see you tomorrow!
Margaret Alvarez (Dr.)
Head of School
Look out for our Christmas themed photo booth with hourly Santa photo opportunities, games and handicraft activity stations, and our bouncy castle and inflatable football zone!
We would most sincerely like to thank our supporting partners;
Citibank for the Christmas photobooth where photographs can be printed for free. Santa will be available for photos at 12noon, 1pm and 2pm.
Expat Dental for supporting the Hotdog stall.
Whizz Kids who are offering creative Christmas gifts for sale and running Christmas craft activities from their maker space in the canteen.
Prima Deli have very kindly supplied wonderfully cute and tasty Christmas themed confectionaries as prizes for our Christmas game stalls.
School Notice Singapore
A fantastic online platform for Parents, Faculty and Alumni to share in a trusted international school community and marketplace.
We would also like to thank our dedicated ISS Parents Association who will be volunteering and sponsoring the bouncy castle and inflatable football activity as well as selling the wonderful ISS merchandise they have for sale at their stalls.
I look forward to seeing you tomorrow.
Yesterday evening we were treated to top quality musical performances (Festival of Lights) by our High School students and High School music staff. The variety was immense- from classical pieces to folk to popular music. Many congratulations to everyone and thank you for your participation. We had a full house- the hall was packed!
Prior to the Festival of Lights our architect, Mr Lem, shared information about the Preston renovation and construction project. Again a packed house! This was the second presentation Mr Lem graciously provided for us. If you were unable to attend but would like further information, please approach Mr Paul Adamberry from MARCOM or myself.
We are happy to share the major calendar dates for next academic year. We have staggered the start date for students to allow for Kindergarten- Grade 8 classes to be fully set up before this age group returns.
IB Diploma students return August 17th 2020
Remainder of students return August 20th 2020.
October Break 19th-23rd 2020
Winter break 21st December 2020 -8th January 2021
Spring Break 22nd March- 2nd April 2021
Year ends 11th June 2021.
Have a wonderful weekend and see you tomorrow!
Margaret Alvarez (Dr.)
Head of School
Friday 29th November
On Thursday our architect, Mr Lem, gave a very interesting talk about our Preston Road renovation and construction project during the Paterson Campus Coffee Morning. He gave some information about his experience in working with heritage buildings; explained why he was particularly interested in this project; outlined the scope of the work and described the research and architectural concepts that have gone into the planning. It was extremely interesting. The talk finished by sharing photographs of the recent Elementary and Middle School visits to Preston and the reflections our students shared with us.
Mr Lem will be repeating his talk on:
Thursday 5th December at 6pm
Preston Library.
All parents are invited. During the upcoming vacation, extensive work is scheduled for Block 4. We look forward to sharing more information about this. In the meantime, in the background, the school administration is planning the logistics for the move.
On Tuesday our counsellors gave an informative talk on “Tips and Strategies on Increasing Technology Use”. Very interesting collaborative discussions took place. We aim to hold a follow up to this session in the near future.
Please mark your calendars for three important events in the next few weeks.
Festival Of Lights, a High School musical evening
Thursday 5th December at 7pm (after the architect’s talk)
Preston Hall
ISS Christmas Fair
Saturday 7th December 11am -3 pm
Paterson Campus
ISS International Day, a whole school celebration of our school values and diversity.
Friday 13th December 8am- 1pm
Paterson Campus
I look forward to seeing you at our events.
Margaret Alvarez (Dr.)
Head of School
Mr Lem will be repeating his talk on:
Thursday 5th December at 6pm
Preston Library.
All parents are invited. During the upcoming vacation, extensive work is scheduled for Block 4. We look forward to sharing more information about this. In the meantime, in the background, the school administration is planning the logistics for the move.
On Tuesday our counsellors gave an informative talk on “Tips and Strategies on Increasing Technology Use”. Very interesting collaborative discussions took place. We aim to hold a follow up to this session in the near future.
Please mark your calendars for three important events in the next few weeks.
Festival Of Lights, a High School musical evening
Thursday 5th December at 7pm (after the architect’s talk)
Preston Hall
ISS Christmas Fair
Saturday 7th December 11am -3 pm
Paterson Campus
ISS International Day, a whole school celebration of our school values and diversity.
Friday 13th December 8am- 1pm
Paterson Campus
I look forward to seeing you at our events.
Margaret Alvarez (Dr.)
Head of School
Friday November 22nd
What a fun time our Elementary students had during their visit to Preston Campus. Students checked out their new home starting in August 2020 and enjoyed a quiz about Preston Campus. Many completed fun pictures connected with ISS. It was wonderful to share their energy and to see our older students and younger students interact.
Parents will have two opportunities in the next two weeks to learn more about our campus renovation and construction project. Our architect Mr Lem will give a presentation about the project on :
Thursday 28th November at 8am, Paterson Campus, during the scheduled Coffee Morning.
Thursday 5th December, Preston Campus, at 6pm immediately prior to the High School Festival of Lights.
Please join us and learn more about our plans.
This week two of our alumni from the early 1990’s visited us , Indha McCutcheon and Kevin Tan. It was a real pleasure to listen to their happy memories of their time at ISS and to catch up with news of former alumni and teachers. Indha and Kevin were fascinated by the work we are doing to the Preston site and aim to come back and visit when it is completed.
This week we also hosted Mrs Elizabeth Loadwick and her husband, Fred, during their short stopover in Singapore. Mrs Loadwick, our Interim Elementary Principal last academic year, spent Thursday afternoon with us. It was such a treat to see her again and she really enjoyed catching up with our students and teachers once more.
Finally congratulations to ISS on achieving alignment with the Tripartite standards. These standards promote good recruitment and hiring practices . The award is given to organisations that meet standards set. This is a great achievement and a testament to our Team's commitment to ongoing improvement.
Have a lovely weekend.
Margaret Alvarez (Dr.)
Head of School
Parents will have two opportunities in the next two weeks to learn more about our campus renovation and construction project. Our architect Mr Lem will give a presentation about the project on :
Thursday 28th November at 8am, Paterson Campus, during the scheduled Coffee Morning.
Thursday 5th December, Preston Campus, at 6pm immediately prior to the High School Festival of Lights.
Please join us and learn more about our plans.
This week two of our alumni from the early 1990’s visited us , Indha McCutcheon and Kevin Tan. It was a real pleasure to listen to their happy memories of their time at ISS and to catch up with news of former alumni and teachers. Indha and Kevin were fascinated by the work we are doing to the Preston site and aim to come back and visit when it is completed.
This week we also hosted Mrs Elizabeth Loadwick and her husband, Fred, during their short stopover in Singapore. Mrs Loadwick, our Interim Elementary Principal last academic year, spent Thursday afternoon with us. It was such a treat to see her again and she really enjoyed catching up with our students and teachers once more.
Finally congratulations to ISS on achieving alignment with the Tripartite standards. These standards promote good recruitment and hiring practices . The award is given to organisations that meet standards set. This is a great achievement and a testament to our Team's commitment to ongoing improvement.
Have a lovely weekend.
Margaret Alvarez (Dr.)
Head of School
Friday 15th November
It has been a busy time in ISS in the run down to the end of semester.
Excitement rippled through the Alladin cast as they tried out costumes for the upcoming musical theatre performance in March. Rehearsals are in full swing and we look forward to another wonderful opportunity for our students to gain impressive performance, creative expression and self management skills that will serve them well as they prepare for university or the workplace.
On a similar note, an impressive team of High School students participated in a local Model United Nations competition. In the course of this competition, students are assigned a country and then research global issues from that country’s perspective. They then debate the chosen issue with other students representing other countries. A high level of research, debate and diplomatic skills are needed along with a sense of presence and excellent public speaking skills. Well done to all.
This week also witnessed our annual Kindness Day, a celebration of thanks to all that support us on life's journey. As part of the celebration, students showed their appreciation to our support staff . The contributions of these important members of our community are often ‘behind the scenes’ therefore it was wonderful that we could recognise them and celebrate all that they do for us.
It was wonderful to welcome Dr Chia, one of our Board members, to Elementary School where he supported the Grade 4’s unit on Governance. Dr Chia, a member of our Board for several years, is a senior general surgery and vascular surgeon at Mount Elizabeth Hospital here in Singapore.
This week I have been serving as a member of an accreditation team to a school in Thailand. It was good to be part of such an auditing team prior to beginning our own school’s preparation for the same process starting next semester. During the visit I was delighted to catch up with a former ISS Middle School Math teacher , Ms Rochford, who taught at ISS in the early 1990’s. Our international school world is a small one indeed.
I look forward to seeing you at upcoming events. Please mark your calendars for the Paterson Coffee morning on November 28th, the Festival of Lights on December 6th, our Christmas Fair on December 7th and ISS International Day on December 13th.
Have a restful weekend,
Margaret Alvarez (Dr.)
Head of School
Excitement rippled through the Alladin cast as they tried out costumes for the upcoming musical theatre performance in March. Rehearsals are in full swing and we look forward to another wonderful opportunity for our students to gain impressive performance, creative expression and self management skills that will serve them well as they prepare for university or the workplace.
On a similar note, an impressive team of High School students participated in a local Model United Nations competition. In the course of this competition, students are assigned a country and then research global issues from that country’s perspective. They then debate the chosen issue with other students representing other countries. A high level of research, debate and diplomatic skills are needed along with a sense of presence and excellent public speaking skills. Well done to all.
This week also witnessed our annual Kindness Day, a celebration of thanks to all that support us on life's journey. As part of the celebration, students showed their appreciation to our support staff . The contributions of these important members of our community are often ‘behind the scenes’ therefore it was wonderful that we could recognise them and celebrate all that they do for us.
It was wonderful to welcome Dr Chia, one of our Board members, to Elementary School where he supported the Grade 4’s unit on Governance. Dr Chia, a member of our Board for several years, is a senior general surgery and vascular surgeon at Mount Elizabeth Hospital here in Singapore.
This week I have been serving as a member of an accreditation team to a school in Thailand. It was good to be part of such an auditing team prior to beginning our own school’s preparation for the same process starting next semester. During the visit I was delighted to catch up with a former ISS Middle School Math teacher , Ms Rochford, who taught at ISS in the early 1990’s. Our international school world is a small one indeed.
I look forward to seeing you at upcoming events. Please mark your calendars for the Paterson Coffee morning on November 28th, the Festival of Lights on December 6th, our Christmas Fair on December 7th and ISS International Day on December 13th.
Have a restful weekend,
Margaret Alvarez (Dr.)
Head of School
Friday November 8th
Congratulations to our students that participated in the opening of the In Art Exhibition at the Australian High Commission on Wednesday. ISS was very well represented in the number of beautiful art works on display and the excellent musical performance. We were all very proud of our students and the teachers that support them. The exhibition continues over the next few weeks, please drop by and you will be in for a treat.
Renovation and reconstruction work continues on our Preston Campus. Block 2, which will become our arts suite, is currently under renovation. In addition, we have begun the big task of turning our building into a ‘black and white’. The results are very impressive and I share a picture so that you can begin to imagine how beautiful our campus will look. In the coming weeks we will be offering opportunities for our students and parents to visit our Preston Campus. Our architect has also kindly agreed to make a presentation to our community. We will be sending out details shortly.
Today our tropical weather got the better of us and we had to cancel our swimming gala. Despite this, spirits remained high and a carnival atmosphere was created as staff and students waited for the rain and lightning to stop. A big thank you to all that turned out to support the event, to those back in Paterson working with our younger students who were waiting to travel to Toa Payoh and to those on site that kept spirits high. A brilliant display of our ISS spirit. It was very unfortunate that the event did not take place but we have started planning to hopefully hold it at another time.
Mark your calendar for our Christmas Fair on December 7th; many opportunities to purchase gifts, support charities and meet a special certain man in red!
Have a wonderful weekend,
Margaret Alvarez (Dr.)
Head of School
Friday 1st November
We hope that our community had a wonderful Deepavali holiday. Our students certainly had a great deal of fun creating a massive rangoli in our school grounds. This gave an opportunity for them to not only learn about the Indian Festival of Lights, but also about the rangoli itself, the traditions associated with this art form and how it is thought to bring luck. Above all, its creation provided a wonderful opportunity for our students to express their own creativity as they planned and designed the intricate patterns.
As I write I am with Chris Hayward, High School Principal, at the East Asia Regional Council of Schools (EARCOS) annual Leadership Conference in Kota Kinabalu. This annual gathering of regional and global school leaders provides important opportunities for us to create connections for our schools, to learn about the recent developments in our education industry and to learn new strategies that we can implement in our schools.
Predominant amongst themes this year is the need for schools to further student collaboration, communication, creativity, critical thinking and cultural competency skills as these skills will be critical to navigate the world of artificial intelligence, big data and virtual reality that our students will inherit. I also managed to purchase one of Michael Fullan’s latest books –Nuance. Michael Fullan is considered a thought leader in education. In this latest book he describes the need for students to be exposed to learning that is personally relevant, has a clear purpose and is of benefit, not only to themselves, but to the world in general. Developing this skillset, which Fullan names ‘deep learning’, is a challenge for educators. Nevertheless, our alumni remind us that these skills are central features of the PYP Exhibition, MYP Personal Project and the Diploma TOK and Extended Essay components.
As the current President of EARCOS it has been an incredibly busy few days but very productive. During my time at the conference I have chaired the EARCOS Board meeting and Annual General Meeting (AGM), delivered the opening address, hosted a women in leadership breakfast gathering and organised and participated in a paneI that examined the importance of diversity in schools. I look forward to being back in school on Monday and sharing my new learning and connections with our community.
Have a wonderful weekend,
Margaret Alvarez (Dr.)
Head of School
As I write I am with Chris Hayward, High School Principal, at the East Asia Regional Council of Schools (EARCOS) annual Leadership Conference in Kota Kinabalu. This annual gathering of regional and global school leaders provides important opportunities for us to create connections for our schools, to learn about the recent developments in our education industry and to learn new strategies that we can implement in our schools.
Predominant amongst themes this year is the need for schools to further student collaboration, communication, creativity, critical thinking and cultural competency skills as these skills will be critical to navigate the world of artificial intelligence, big data and virtual reality that our students will inherit. I also managed to purchase one of Michael Fullan’s latest books –Nuance. Michael Fullan is considered a thought leader in education. In this latest book he describes the need for students to be exposed to learning that is personally relevant, has a clear purpose and is of benefit, not only to themselves, but to the world in general. Developing this skillset, which Fullan names ‘deep learning’, is a challenge for educators. Nevertheless, our alumni remind us that these skills are central features of the PYP Exhibition, MYP Personal Project and the Diploma TOK and Extended Essay components.
As the current President of EARCOS it has been an incredibly busy few days but very productive. During my time at the conference I have chaired the EARCOS Board meeting and Annual General Meeting (AGM), delivered the opening address, hosted a women in leadership breakfast gathering and organised and participated in a paneI that examined the importance of diversity in schools. I look forward to being back in school on Monday and sharing my new learning and connections with our community.
Have a wonderful weekend,
Margaret Alvarez (Dr.)
Head of School
FRIDAY 25TH october
Welcome back to the first blog for term 2. It has been a short week for students but a very busy one indeed as you can read from our individual news.
Right before students headed out to Week Without Walls trips and camps, a large group of students, staff, and parents took part in the annual Singapore Pink Ribbon Walk. This is a walk to create awareness about breast cancer. Our annual participation was initiated several years ago by one of our alumni that continues to be a strong advocate for women’s health. Each year, one or two of our senior students take responsibility for organising the ISS group. This year, not only did we have a large number of participants, but we were also fortunate to meet the Guest of Honour, Minister for Education, Mr Ong Ye Kung. He graciously chatted to us about ISS and was genuinely interested in how our students brought together our community in support of the walk. He also agreed to be photographed with us- the second time that week ISS was photographed with him! A big thank you to everyone that participated.
During Week Without Walls, I was invited to serve as an accreditation team member to United World College (UWC) Changshu. I was very honoured to have been entrusted with this important task. In the course of the visit I also met one of our former students that, after returning home to China, had won a place at UWC Changshu. He volunteered to look after me during my stay and was keen to let me know just how critical a role ISS had played in his early education. For me, it was a delight to meet again this remarkable young man and to learn how ISS had given him the resilience, communication skills and confidence to successfully compete for a place on the next stage in his educational journey.
At the start of this week, our teachers engaged in two days of professional learning. We spent time working on strategic planning projects, reviewing our action research approach to improve professional practice, as well as honing our Google and data analysis skills. Some of our teachers undertook First Aid certification training and I gave an update on the progress of our Preston Campus renovation and construction work. If you are on Preston Campus you will see that we have begun the transformation of our campus into a beautiful ‘black and white’ building. It looks great! We look forward to sharing further details with you very soon.
As I write I am in China, Shenzen, presenting at the annual RAISE conference at the invitation of the organisers. On the first day of the conference I did a keynote speech on building and sustaining a professional learning community and participated on a panel about the importance of building professional networks within the education sector. On the second day I ran a workshop, primarily aimed at human resource personnel, on creating an effective leadership pipeline within a school.
Enjoy our photographs.
Margaret Alvarez (Dr.)
Head of School.
Right before students headed out to Week Without Walls trips and camps, a large group of students, staff, and parents took part in the annual Singapore Pink Ribbon Walk. This is a walk to create awareness about breast cancer. Our annual participation was initiated several years ago by one of our alumni that continues to be a strong advocate for women’s health. Each year, one or two of our senior students take responsibility for organising the ISS group. This year, not only did we have a large number of participants, but we were also fortunate to meet the Guest of Honour, Minister for Education, Mr Ong Ye Kung. He graciously chatted to us about ISS and was genuinely interested in how our students brought together our community in support of the walk. He also agreed to be photographed with us- the second time that week ISS was photographed with him! A big thank you to everyone that participated.
During Week Without Walls, I was invited to serve as an accreditation team member to United World College (UWC) Changshu. I was very honoured to have been entrusted with this important task. In the course of the visit I also met one of our former students that, after returning home to China, had won a place at UWC Changshu. He volunteered to look after me during my stay and was keen to let me know just how critical a role ISS had played in his early education. For me, it was a delight to meet again this remarkable young man and to learn how ISS had given him the resilience, communication skills and confidence to successfully compete for a place on the next stage in his educational journey.
At the start of this week, our teachers engaged in two days of professional learning. We spent time working on strategic planning projects, reviewing our action research approach to improve professional practice, as well as honing our Google and data analysis skills. Some of our teachers undertook First Aid certification training and I gave an update on the progress of our Preston Campus renovation and construction work. If you are on Preston Campus you will see that we have begun the transformation of our campus into a beautiful ‘black and white’ building. It looks great! We look forward to sharing further details with you very soon.
As I write I am in China, Shenzen, presenting at the annual RAISE conference at the invitation of the organisers. On the first day of the conference I did a keynote speech on building and sustaining a professional learning community and participated on a panel about the importance of building professional networks within the education sector. On the second day I ran a workshop, primarily aimed at human resource personnel, on creating an effective leadership pipeline within a school.
Enjoy our photographs.
Margaret Alvarez (Dr.)
Head of School.
FRIDAY 4th October
Tuesday this week our CEO, Mrs Chan, Director of Marketing and Admissions, Paul Adamberry, and I attended a Distinguished Speaker session by Minister Ong Ye Kung hosted by the Singapore International Chamber of Commerce. The talk afforded us important insights into developments in the Singapore education sector and a unique opportunity to network with colleagues working in education.
This week our School Board held the first of its meetings for this year. Topics discussed mainly focused on our construction and renovation project, the ISS strategic plan and preparations for next academic year. Updates were also given on school projects and events this quarter. It was a highly positive meeting as we shared our ideas and enthusiasm for our school and laid out plans for ISS' future development. Members of our Board are:
Mrs Chan Ching Oi -Chair and CEO of ISS
Ms Chan Mun E- Deputy Chair and Deputy CEO of ISS
Mrs Julie Lee- member
Mr Clarence Lim- member
Mr Charles Chan- member
Mr Leong Weng Kam- member
Mrs Karen Kaylor- member
Dr Chia Kok Hoong- member
Ex Officio members include:
Mr Rick Ong-Director Projects and Compliance
Ms Mei So -Director of Finance
Dr Margaret Alvarez- Head of School
Last week the fee structure for next academic year was announced in the school magazine. In case you missed it, I have posted it below.
Have a wonderful weekend,
Margaret Alvarez (Dr.)
Head of School
This week our School Board held the first of its meetings for this year. Topics discussed mainly focused on our construction and renovation project, the ISS strategic plan and preparations for next academic year. Updates were also given on school projects and events this quarter. It was a highly positive meeting as we shared our ideas and enthusiasm for our school and laid out plans for ISS' future development. Members of our Board are:
Mrs Chan Ching Oi -Chair and CEO of ISS
Ms Chan Mun E- Deputy Chair and Deputy CEO of ISS
Mrs Julie Lee- member
Mr Clarence Lim- member
Mr Charles Chan- member
Mr Leong Weng Kam- member
Mrs Karen Kaylor- member
Dr Chia Kok Hoong- member
Ex Officio members include:
Mr Rick Ong-Director Projects and Compliance
Ms Mei So -Director of Finance
Dr Margaret Alvarez- Head of School
Last week the fee structure for next academic year was announced in the school magazine. In case you missed it, I have posted it below.
Have a wonderful weekend,
Margaret Alvarez (Dr.)
Head of School
friday sEPTEMBER 27TH
Congratulations to the Scholastic Environment Fund (SEF) Committee, ably supported by our ISS Team, on a very successful oratory competition on environmental challenges in Singapore. The theme for the competition was ‘Youth Action to Prevent Negative Impact on the Non-Human Environment in Singapore’. Our Serangoon Hall was packed with young students from 19 international, government and private schools in Singapore. The children competed against students in similar age ranges and were also treated to a motivating talk by Singapore environmental activist, Cheryl Cadeline Lee, EcoFriend Award Winner 2018, Youth and Student Category.
ISS’ two competing teams from Grades 4 and 5 did an excellent job in describing their commitment to environmental stewardship. Many thanks to all our High School student volunteers and to the numerous ISS staff that were involved as judges, supporters and team coaches. A special thank you to our CEO, Mrs Chan, who is a wonderful advocate for the Scholastic Environment Fund. It really was a wonderful opportunity for our students to engage in research, to learn more about the environment in Singapore and to make friends with children from other local and international schools. SEF, a charity, was founded by ISS in 2001 in celebration of 20 years of service to the international community.
As I write this blog I am in Japan on a very interesting mission to expand opportunities for our students to further their global citizenship skills. After a very productive meeting with the Superintendent of the Hiroshima Prefectural Board of Education, I visited the newly opened Hiroshima Global Academy, a public boarding school, currently offering the IBMYP and preparing for its first IB Diploma cohort. After exploring service as action opportunities and outdoor experiential learning opportunities in the neighbourhood of the school, I engaged in discussions on how our two schools might collaborate to offer purposeful learning opportunities in the spirit of the IB. We will continue our discussions over the coming weeks.
Have a wonderful weekend and see you back in school on Monday,
Margaret Alvarez (Dr.)
ISS’ two competing teams from Grades 4 and 5 did an excellent job in describing their commitment to environmental stewardship. Many thanks to all our High School student volunteers and to the numerous ISS staff that were involved as judges, supporters and team coaches. A special thank you to our CEO, Mrs Chan, who is a wonderful advocate for the Scholastic Environment Fund. It really was a wonderful opportunity for our students to engage in research, to learn more about the environment in Singapore and to make friends with children from other local and international schools. SEF, a charity, was founded by ISS in 2001 in celebration of 20 years of service to the international community.
As I write this blog I am in Japan on a very interesting mission to expand opportunities for our students to further their global citizenship skills. After a very productive meeting with the Superintendent of the Hiroshima Prefectural Board of Education, I visited the newly opened Hiroshima Global Academy, a public boarding school, currently offering the IBMYP and preparing for its first IB Diploma cohort. After exploring service as action opportunities and outdoor experiential learning opportunities in the neighbourhood of the school, I engaged in discussions on how our two schools might collaborate to offer purposeful learning opportunities in the spirit of the IB. We will continue our discussions over the coming weeks.
Have a wonderful weekend and see you back in school on Monday,
Margaret Alvarez (Dr.)
FRIDAY 20th September
A very big thank you to everyone that came along and supported our annual Japanese University Fair held last Saturday. It was a resounding success. Surveys sent to the universities suggest that they were delighted with the organisation of the event and the large turnout. A special thank you to Mr Mizota, First Secretary Public Diplomacy, Education and Science of the Embassy of Japan in Singapore for supporting the event as well as participating universities and our media partners SingaLife. Thank you too to the ISS team and the Global Education Foundation in Japan for working tirelessly behind the scenes to make the event happen and to our panelists who shared their experiences of studying in Japan. We were delighted that one of our ISS alumni from the Class of 2015 participated in the panel discussions and explained how an ISS IB education had prepared her for the rigours of study in Japan.
This week our Parent Teacher Association held its Annual General Meeting. During the meeting: reports were heard on the events that had taken place last academic year, the financial accounts were presented and the new committee for this year was elected. Thank you to outgoing President Savannah Fellows for all her initiatives and hard work over the last two years. Welcome and best wishes to Masako Yuge our incoming President. We look forward to working with you and your team.
This Saturday ISS will host the Scholastic Environment Fund (SEF) Environmental Speech competition on our Paterson Campus. A combined Grade 4 and 5 team will be competing. Several High School students will be supporting the event and many teachers are involved as judges. Please wish our students luck as they compete against students from Ministry of Education as well as international schools.
Please remember to keep your ManageBac details- especially contact details- up to date. This is how we will contact you. This includes instances where we might need to set in motion our haze emergency plans.
Have a wonderful weekend,
Margaret Alvarez (Dr.)
Head of School
This week our Parent Teacher Association held its Annual General Meeting. During the meeting: reports were heard on the events that had taken place last academic year, the financial accounts were presented and the new committee for this year was elected. Thank you to outgoing President Savannah Fellows for all her initiatives and hard work over the last two years. Welcome and best wishes to Masako Yuge our incoming President. We look forward to working with you and your team.
This Saturday ISS will host the Scholastic Environment Fund (SEF) Environmental Speech competition on our Paterson Campus. A combined Grade 4 and 5 team will be competing. Several High School students will be supporting the event and many teachers are involved as judges. Please wish our students luck as they compete against students from Ministry of Education as well as international schools.
Please remember to keep your ManageBac details- especially contact details- up to date. This is how we will contact you. This includes instances where we might need to set in motion our haze emergency plans.
Have a wonderful weekend,
Margaret Alvarez (Dr.)
Head of School
FRIDAY 13th September
As we enter the haze season, I thought this would be a timely opportunity to revisit the ISS Haze policy and procedures. I have pasted it below:
Haze Policy
ISS International School is committed to safeguarding the well being of the Community. During haze periods of air pollution known as ‘the haze’, the school will monitor the PSI readings as appropriate.
When the outdoor air quality reaches 51+ PSI, ISS administration will respond in accordance with the guidelines provided to schools by the Singapore government. These guidelines are outlined below. The school may however, deviate from the guidelines should this be viewed to be in the best interests of students and staff.
In addition, on both campuses, air filters have been installed in both of the nurses’ offices. Any student or employee can go to those rooms should breathing difficulties be experienced. The nurses will then decide on any further action that needs to be taken.
In the unlikely event that conditions become so unhealthy that we need to close, our emergency communication system procedure will be used to inform parents and guardians.
GUIDELINES FOR SCHOOLS IN HAZE SITUATIONS
PSI Reading
Air Quality
Action to be taken
50 and below
Good
51 – 100
Moderate
101 - 200
Unhealthy
201 – 300
Very unhealthy
Above 300
Hazardous
Please note that we may make the call to suspend outdoor activities when the PSI level is below 100 depending on conditions around our campuses and/or elevated levels of one or more pollutants. We have in fact made this call on Thursday and Friday of this week in the interests of student and staff safety.
If we need to make an emergency school closure we will inform the community via ManageBac. Please make sure that your details are up to date. Should this happen, learning will continue through our Virtual Learning Environment- ManageBac. Hopefully this will not occur, nevertheless, we are ready to operationalize our haze preparedness plan.
On a more cheerful note, we were very happy to host two important learning and sharing opportunities; one for parents and one for students. On Tuesday our Preston and Paterson counsellors hosted the first- for this year- Conversations with Counsellors. Topics such as Singapore laws, parenting teenagers and transitions were discussed. It was wonderful to be with such a mutually supportive group.
Today ISS hosted guest speaker, Marie- Chrisitine Nibagwire, a former refugee from Rwanda, who spoke and ran workshops for Middle and High School on the importance of peace and the plight of refugees.
Tomorrow, Saturday, ISS will host a Japanese University Fair on Paterson Campus from 11am to 4pm. All are welcome and the event is free of charge. Details were sent in a separate ManageBac email earlier today.
On Wednesday our PTA will be holding its Annual General Meeting at 8.30am on Paterson Campus. Please come along and support this hardworking team.
Have a wonderful weekend,
Margaret Alvarez (Dr.)
Head of School
Haze Policy
ISS International School is committed to safeguarding the well being of the Community. During haze periods of air pollution known as ‘the haze’, the school will monitor the PSI readings as appropriate.
When the outdoor air quality reaches 51+ PSI, ISS administration will respond in accordance with the guidelines provided to schools by the Singapore government. These guidelines are outlined below. The school may however, deviate from the guidelines should this be viewed to be in the best interests of students and staff.
In addition, on both campuses, air filters have been installed in both of the nurses’ offices. Any student or employee can go to those rooms should breathing difficulties be experienced. The nurses will then decide on any further action that needs to be taken.
In the unlikely event that conditions become so unhealthy that we need to close, our emergency communication system procedure will be used to inform parents and guardians.
GUIDELINES FOR SCHOOLS IN HAZE SITUATIONS
PSI Reading
Air Quality
Action to be taken
50 and below
Good
- Outdoor physical education lessons, sports and games to continue as usual.
51 – 100
Moderate
- PSI readings to be monitored by the respective school offices hourly until readings drop below 51.
- Outdoor physical education lessons, sports and games to continue as usual, except for pupils with respiratory disorders and haze-related symptoms such as skin irritations, eye irritations, sneezing and coughing.
101 - 200
Unhealthy
- When PSI rates reach 100 all breaks and recesses will be held indoors.
- Physical education lessons to be conducted indoors
- Outdoor ECA activities may be cancelled. Divisional Heads will endeavour to make such decisions in time to allow students to go home in their normal way.
201 – 300
Very unhealthy
- All physical activities, both indoor and outdoor, will be suspended.
Above 300
Hazardous
- All physical activities, both indoor and outdoor, to be suspended. MOE will monitor and assess the situation in consultation with the NEA’s Haze Task Force. If the haze situation degenerates and the air quality
Please note that we may make the call to suspend outdoor activities when the PSI level is below 100 depending on conditions around our campuses and/or elevated levels of one or more pollutants. We have in fact made this call on Thursday and Friday of this week in the interests of student and staff safety.
If we need to make an emergency school closure we will inform the community via ManageBac. Please make sure that your details are up to date. Should this happen, learning will continue through our Virtual Learning Environment- ManageBac. Hopefully this will not occur, nevertheless, we are ready to operationalize our haze preparedness plan.
On a more cheerful note, we were very happy to host two important learning and sharing opportunities; one for parents and one for students. On Tuesday our Preston and Paterson counsellors hosted the first- for this year- Conversations with Counsellors. Topics such as Singapore laws, parenting teenagers and transitions were discussed. It was wonderful to be with such a mutually supportive group.
Today ISS hosted guest speaker, Marie- Chrisitine Nibagwire, a former refugee from Rwanda, who spoke and ran workshops for Middle and High School on the importance of peace and the plight of refugees.
Tomorrow, Saturday, ISS will host a Japanese University Fair on Paterson Campus from 11am to 4pm. All are welcome and the event is free of charge. Details were sent in a separate ManageBac email earlier today.
On Wednesday our PTA will be holding its Annual General Meeting at 8.30am on Paterson Campus. Please come along and support this hardworking team.
Have a wonderful weekend,
Margaret Alvarez (Dr.)
Head of School
FRIDAY 6th September
Many thanks to everyone that attended our series of Parent Information evenings held over the last few weeks. It was a pleasure to be able to share with you the plans for our Preston Campus. During this period we have had weekly meetings with our architect. Paterson Campus teachers and staff have also visited Preston and had an opportunity to give input into the design and layout of classes for our younger children. Shortly we should be able to share more details with you.
This week we welcome our new Guardianship Co-ordinator, Gerard William. Gerard is known to all of us as our Spring and Summer School Co-ordinator. His role has now been expanded to include support for students living in Singapore in homestays. Gerard has been making visits to homestays this week and is also developing various support programmes for guardians and guardian students. Alice Kuah, our outgoing guardianship Co-ordinator, retired last week after many years of service to ISS. A farewell party was held in her honour at which many guardians and staff members were in attendance.
Over the next few weeks ISS will host several events. Next Saturday (14th September) from 11am to 4pm on Paterson Campus we will host our annual Study in Japan University Fair. Please refer to my ManageBac message for details of the schedule and for a list of universities attending the Fair. The Fair is open to all parents and students and is free of charge. It is never too early to learn about the options your student will have after they leave school! Japan offers high quality, well recognised and very affordable study options. Several scholarships are also available. ISS organises this Fair as a service to the local as well as the international communities in Singapore.
On Wednesday 18th at 8.30am on Paterson Campus our hard working PTA will hold its Annual General Meeting (AGM). The AGM is held annually to elect the office bearers for the next year. Reports are also given on events that have been held and the PTA accounts are presented for approval. Please come along and support the PTA.
On Saturday 21st September ISS will host the Scholastic Environment Fund (SEF) Oratory Competition. Students from local and international schools will present the projects they have undertaken on the theme “Youth Action to Prevent Negative Impact on Non- Human Environment in Singapore”. SEF is a charity dedicated to promoting environmental stewardship amongst young people in Singapore. It was set up by ISS in 2001 to celebrate 20 years of service to the international education community.
Come and join us this Sunday (8th September) for a Swedish Crayfish party in Gillman Barracks- just down the hill from our Preston Campus. Yummy food and a great atmosphere!
Have a wonderful weekend,
Margaret Alvarez (Dr.)
Head of School
This week we welcome our new Guardianship Co-ordinator, Gerard William. Gerard is known to all of us as our Spring and Summer School Co-ordinator. His role has now been expanded to include support for students living in Singapore in homestays. Gerard has been making visits to homestays this week and is also developing various support programmes for guardians and guardian students. Alice Kuah, our outgoing guardianship Co-ordinator, retired last week after many years of service to ISS. A farewell party was held in her honour at which many guardians and staff members were in attendance.
Over the next few weeks ISS will host several events. Next Saturday (14th September) from 11am to 4pm on Paterson Campus we will host our annual Study in Japan University Fair. Please refer to my ManageBac message for details of the schedule and for a list of universities attending the Fair. The Fair is open to all parents and students and is free of charge. It is never too early to learn about the options your student will have after they leave school! Japan offers high quality, well recognised and very affordable study options. Several scholarships are also available. ISS organises this Fair as a service to the local as well as the international communities in Singapore.
On Wednesday 18th at 8.30am on Paterson Campus our hard working PTA will hold its Annual General Meeting (AGM). The AGM is held annually to elect the office bearers for the next year. Reports are also given on events that have been held and the PTA accounts are presented for approval. Please come along and support the PTA.
On Saturday 21st September ISS will host the Scholastic Environment Fund (SEF) Oratory Competition. Students from local and international schools will present the projects they have undertaken on the theme “Youth Action to Prevent Negative Impact on Non- Human Environment in Singapore”. SEF is a charity dedicated to promoting environmental stewardship amongst young people in Singapore. It was set up by ISS in 2001 to celebrate 20 years of service to the international education community.
Come and join us this Sunday (8th September) for a Swedish Crayfish party in Gillman Barracks- just down the hill from our Preston Campus. Yummy food and a great atmosphere!
Have a wonderful weekend,
Margaret Alvarez (Dr.)
Head of School
FRIDAY 30th August
Last Saturday the Scholastic Environment Fund (SEF) hosted a very successful public speaking workshop on our Paterson Campus. Participants came from local as well as international schools. Ms Winpenny, our K-12 Student Support and Wellness co-ordinator, and an accomplished public speaker, led the training on our behalf ably supported by Mr Whitehead, High School Science and CAS Co-ordinator, Ms Mangali, High School Chemistry teacher and Dr Omar from NTU. The event was held to support students in their preparation for the SEF Environment Project Public Speaking competition which ISS will host on September 21st. SEF, a charity in its own right, was founded by ISS in 2001 to celebrate 20 years of service to the international community.
This week I had the honour of showcasing our teachers and students' work at the Next Generation Learning Spaces conference here in Singapore. Three international schools in Singapore were invited to speak. On behalf of ISS, I shared how students can extend their learning, in particular collaboration skills and creativity, when teachers skilfully blend rigorous learning outcomes with technology and purposeful classroom and out of class experiences.
On Tuesday, ISS hosted its yearly Mother Tongue Information session. Although ISS is an English medium school, it formally supports our learners’ home language so that they can present themselves for a bilingual IB Diploma when they reach Grade 12. Last academic year 72% of our Diploma students received a bilingual diploma; a wonderful qualification that will support them as they move into further education or the workplace. Many thanks to all parents, teachers and tutors that attended.
On September 14th, on Paterson Campus, ISS will host what has become an annual Study in Japan Fair. This year we have a record number of Japanese universities attending the Fair. These universities offer courses taught only in English as well as courses in Japanese. Japan offers high quality and affordable study options. The Fair will consist of presentations by each of the universities and a session on what it is like to study in Japan. Please save the date if studying in Japan is on your radar. The event begins at 11am.
Margaret Alvarez (Dr.)
Head of School
This week I had the honour of showcasing our teachers and students' work at the Next Generation Learning Spaces conference here in Singapore. Three international schools in Singapore were invited to speak. On behalf of ISS, I shared how students can extend their learning, in particular collaboration skills and creativity, when teachers skilfully blend rigorous learning outcomes with technology and purposeful classroom and out of class experiences.
On Tuesday, ISS hosted its yearly Mother Tongue Information session. Although ISS is an English medium school, it formally supports our learners’ home language so that they can present themselves for a bilingual IB Diploma when they reach Grade 12. Last academic year 72% of our Diploma students received a bilingual diploma; a wonderful qualification that will support them as they move into further education or the workplace. Many thanks to all parents, teachers and tutors that attended.
On September 14th, on Paterson Campus, ISS will host what has become an annual Study in Japan Fair. This year we have a record number of Japanese universities attending the Fair. These universities offer courses taught only in English as well as courses in Japanese. Japan offers high quality and affordable study options. The Fair will consist of presentations by each of the universities and a session on what it is like to study in Japan. Please save the date if studying in Japan is on your radar. The event begins at 11am.
Margaret Alvarez (Dr.)
Head of School
FRIDAY 23rd August
Many thanks to High and Middle School parents and guardians that attended the ‘Meet the Teachers Evenings’ held this week. These events gave us an important opportunity to share information about: the programmes we offer; how the schools operate; as well as an opportunity to personally meet the teachers that are working with your students. I also had the opportunity to share details about our Preston Campus renovation and construction project. Many thanks for all the positive feedback you have given us. We share your excitement!
Next week we have our Elementary School ‘Meet the Teachers Evening’ and I look forward to presenting to the community once more.
This Saturday ISS will be hosting the Scholastic Environment Fund's (SEF) annual public speaking workshop in our Serangoon Hall (Paterson Campus). Many thanks to Ms Patty Winpenny for serving as the trainer for the event and to Mr Wes Whitehead and Mrs Kajal Manglani for supporting the event and helping us with the organisation. The workshop serves as a training session for the annual oratory competition that will take place on September 21st in our Serangoon Hall.
SEF, a charity in its own right, was founded by ISS in 2001 in celebration of 20 years of service to the international community in Singapore. It offers opportunities for students in international schools, private Singapore schools and government schools to come together and work on environmental projects pertinent to Singapore. It is ISS’ own special way of helping to promote environmental stewardship amongst young students.
Have a wonderful weekend,
Margaret Alvarez (Dr.)
Head of School
Next week we have our Elementary School ‘Meet the Teachers Evening’ and I look forward to presenting to the community once more.
This Saturday ISS will be hosting the Scholastic Environment Fund's (SEF) annual public speaking workshop in our Serangoon Hall (Paterson Campus). Many thanks to Ms Patty Winpenny for serving as the trainer for the event and to Mr Wes Whitehead and Mrs Kajal Manglani for supporting the event and helping us with the organisation. The workshop serves as a training session for the annual oratory competition that will take place on September 21st in our Serangoon Hall.
SEF, a charity in its own right, was founded by ISS in 2001 in celebration of 20 years of service to the international community in Singapore. It offers opportunities for students in international schools, private Singapore schools and government schools to come together and work on environmental projects pertinent to Singapore. It is ISS’ own special way of helping to promote environmental stewardship amongst young students.
Have a wonderful weekend,
Margaret Alvarez (Dr.)
Head of School
Friday 16th August
A warm welcome to the 2019- 2020 academic year. We opened this year with two incredibly exciting pieces of news.
Firstly, we celebrated the outstanding IB Diploma results earned by the graduating class of 2019. This year we had a 98% pass rate- a remarkable achievement and way ahead of the IB world average of 78%. This firmly places us in the top league of IB Diploma schools.
Equally remarkable, 12% of the IB Diploma graduates achieved 40 points or more. This achievement translates to entry into the very top universities world-wide. In addition, one third of the class received 36 points or more which facilitates entry into very competitive universities around the globe.
In addition, and in keeping with our focus on promoting heritage languages (home languages), 72% of our Diploma students received bilingual diplomas. What a wonderful foundation for life after ISS.
Subject area results were also good. To give you some highlights, 53% of our students received the top grades in Theory of Knowledge (TOK) and out of the nine students in Higher Level Maths five received the top grade of 7.
I am very grateful to the amazing team of teachers I work with. They worked tirelessly with the support programmes and student progress tracking systems that ISS has developed to support student learning. They also set high expectations for our students and tirelessly supported them to reach these goals. We look forward to another set of sterling results from the Class of 2020.
Another piece of exciting news was the decision to bring our two campuses together on the Preston site in August 2020. This decision was taken after the Singapore authorities agreed to extend our lease for the Preston site. We started renovation work during the summer and this will continue on weekends, after 3pm and holidays throughout the rest of the year. The feasibility study undertaken with an architect prior to beginning renovation and construction work suggests that we can accommodate our present enrolment and some additional students on the Preston site by better utilising space and expanding some current buildings. The current renovation and construction works aim to achieve this. We also aim to take full advantage of our heritage building and its unique environment. Please let me know if you did not receive the letter I sent out a few weeks ago. I will present further information during the upcoming Parent Information Evenings.
Immediately prior to opening our school year, our teachers undertook four days of training. The training included child protection, supporting second language speakers and diverse learners and a deep dive into the ISS philosophy. Our new colleagues also participated in a week- long introduction to Singapore and ISS. It was an energy filled couple of weeks and a chance to celebrate, reconnect and recharge ready for our new year.
Have a wonderful year.
Margaret Alvarez (Dr.)
Head of School
Firstly, we celebrated the outstanding IB Diploma results earned by the graduating class of 2019. This year we had a 98% pass rate- a remarkable achievement and way ahead of the IB world average of 78%. This firmly places us in the top league of IB Diploma schools.
Equally remarkable, 12% of the IB Diploma graduates achieved 40 points or more. This achievement translates to entry into the very top universities world-wide. In addition, one third of the class received 36 points or more which facilitates entry into very competitive universities around the globe.
In addition, and in keeping with our focus on promoting heritage languages (home languages), 72% of our Diploma students received bilingual diplomas. What a wonderful foundation for life after ISS.
Subject area results were also good. To give you some highlights, 53% of our students received the top grades in Theory of Knowledge (TOK) and out of the nine students in Higher Level Maths five received the top grade of 7.
I am very grateful to the amazing team of teachers I work with. They worked tirelessly with the support programmes and student progress tracking systems that ISS has developed to support student learning. They also set high expectations for our students and tirelessly supported them to reach these goals. We look forward to another set of sterling results from the Class of 2020.
Another piece of exciting news was the decision to bring our two campuses together on the Preston site in August 2020. This decision was taken after the Singapore authorities agreed to extend our lease for the Preston site. We started renovation work during the summer and this will continue on weekends, after 3pm and holidays throughout the rest of the year. The feasibility study undertaken with an architect prior to beginning renovation and construction work suggests that we can accommodate our present enrolment and some additional students on the Preston site by better utilising space and expanding some current buildings. The current renovation and construction works aim to achieve this. We also aim to take full advantage of our heritage building and its unique environment. Please let me know if you did not receive the letter I sent out a few weeks ago. I will present further information during the upcoming Parent Information Evenings.
Immediately prior to opening our school year, our teachers undertook four days of training. The training included child protection, supporting second language speakers and diverse learners and a deep dive into the ISS philosophy. Our new colleagues also participated in a week- long introduction to Singapore and ISS. It was an energy filled couple of weeks and a chance to celebrate, reconnect and recharge ready for our new year.
Have a wonderful year.
Margaret Alvarez (Dr.)
Head of School
FRIDAY 31ST May
Welcome to the final blog of the year. We end this year with the extremely positive news that ISS has been awarded the maximum term for CPE/Edutrust certification with very few recommendations for change. CPE/EduTrust is a Singapore inspection service that examines all areas of a school’s operations and academic programmes. It is extremely rigorous. A certified school must meet certain non negotiable criteria such as: attain a good credit rating; engage in fair practices; have effective improvement plans with KPIs and monitoring and evaluating processes in place and demonstrated student achievement results. ISS was commended for:
Our end of year activities are in full swing along with all the preparations taking place for the new academic year.
This week our Academic Board met to draft the new teaching and learning section of our strategic plan. Many of our plans, still in draft form, focus on further personalisation of student learning, enhancing our extra curricula and service learning activities and further supporting our high potential students. We look forward to sharing them when they have been granted Board approval. The areas identified in the plan stem from the feedback we received through our ISS community surveys and focus groups as well as CPE mandated data. These plans promise further engaging learning opportunities for our students.
This week we also hosted our incoming K-8 Principal Ms Susan Tilney. Ms Tilney spent the week doing a handover with our outgoing team. She also met with her incoming team, attended several school events, met students and parents and found herself an apartment so that on her arrival in July she is ready to go!
On Thursday, in collaboration with our business partner, we hosted a team of visitors from Hangzhou, China. The visitors learned about our programmes- in particular how we implement the IB and ensure seamless transitions between programmes- and discussed possible future collaborations. They were tremendously impressed by the quality of teaching and learning in the school and took many photographs and asked many, many questions.
On Friday we hosted a Thank You Tea Party for our student guardians. During the event we also brought our guardians up to date with ISS developments. Many thanks to all that attended.
Many congratulations to our Paterson students for a magical Arts Festival during which we were treated to high quality art displays and an outstanding performance by the OOTI cast. Many parents and non community members commented not only on the high standard of performance, but also on the very obvious teamwork, the joy on students’ faces and on the pride they displayed when the connection was made with the children of Sok Sabay; the charity that benefitted from the ticket sales.
We look forward to a few weeks break and then to welcoming our new academic year starting in August. Many thanks for your support over the year. A huge thank you to our hardworking teachers, PTA , students and support staff and a special personal thank you to the senior leadership team. We have achieved so much together.
All the best to families leaving us at this point. Safe travels, happy transitions and please stay in touch.
Margaret Alvarez (Dr.)
Head of School
- the breadth, level and organisation of student services it offers,
- the strong mission and vision that is put into practice through its inclusive philosophy,
- its excellent IB Diploma results
- its focus on and commitment to providing several educational pathways for students
- the numerous data gathering tools that the school has invested in to determine how best to support students.
- Areas for improvement include streamlining or further documenting some of our processes.
Our end of year activities are in full swing along with all the preparations taking place for the new academic year.
This week our Academic Board met to draft the new teaching and learning section of our strategic plan. Many of our plans, still in draft form, focus on further personalisation of student learning, enhancing our extra curricula and service learning activities and further supporting our high potential students. We look forward to sharing them when they have been granted Board approval. The areas identified in the plan stem from the feedback we received through our ISS community surveys and focus groups as well as CPE mandated data. These plans promise further engaging learning opportunities for our students.
This week we also hosted our incoming K-8 Principal Ms Susan Tilney. Ms Tilney spent the week doing a handover with our outgoing team. She also met with her incoming team, attended several school events, met students and parents and found herself an apartment so that on her arrival in July she is ready to go!
On Thursday, in collaboration with our business partner, we hosted a team of visitors from Hangzhou, China. The visitors learned about our programmes- in particular how we implement the IB and ensure seamless transitions between programmes- and discussed possible future collaborations. They were tremendously impressed by the quality of teaching and learning in the school and took many photographs and asked many, many questions.
On Friday we hosted a Thank You Tea Party for our student guardians. During the event we also brought our guardians up to date with ISS developments. Many thanks to all that attended.
Many congratulations to our Paterson students for a magical Arts Festival during which we were treated to high quality art displays and an outstanding performance by the OOTI cast. Many parents and non community members commented not only on the high standard of performance, but also on the very obvious teamwork, the joy on students’ faces and on the pride they displayed when the connection was made with the children of Sok Sabay; the charity that benefitted from the ticket sales.
We look forward to a few weeks break and then to welcoming our new academic year starting in August. Many thanks for your support over the year. A huge thank you to our hardworking teachers, PTA , students and support staff and a special personal thank you to the senior leadership team. We have achieved so much together.
All the best to families leaving us at this point. Safe travels, happy transitions and please stay in touch.
Margaret Alvarez (Dr.)
Head of School
FRIDAY May 25th
A short week this week, but nevertheless a significant one for the Class of 2019 whose members finished their external examinations yesterday and will become ISS graduates later today. Their journey to this stage in their education is one of determination, tenacity, resilience and hard work accompanied with an incredible sense of achievement. The graduating class consists of students from 15 different nationalities. Many students joined ISS in Elementary School and three graduates have brothers or sisters that are also ISS alumni. We have accomplished musicians, performers, talented artists, skilled sportsmen and women, and a published author amongst our graduates. We also have students that have initiated and undertaken, without adult supervision, service learning projects such as: The Memory Project Syria, the ISS Weather Station, and Habitat for Humanity. Two of our students won a scholarship to the Harvard Summer Programme, and several graduates demonstrated outstanding debating and intercultural competency skills through participating in the Model United Nations programme.
The graduating class has also received outstanding university placements. These include:
United Kingdom
In addition to celebrating the achievements of our students, we also celebrated the achievements of one of our teachers. Ms Ayda Alp, High School ESL teacher, hosted a spectacular Art Exhibition as part of the Tatinis Art Show at the F1 Pit Building . The exhibition opened on Thursday and continues over the weekend. Well done Ms Alp. Many ISS teachers attended the opening yesterday to give support to our colleague.
Our Summer School programmes (1st- 26th July) are enjoying a great deal of interest. If you are interested in finding out more, please contact Mr William Tel: 97225340. Our Summer School website can be accessed at:
http://www.isssummerschool.edu.sg
Please join us tomorrow Saturday 9am – 12 noon, Paterson Campus, and pick up some great bargains at our PTA Jumble Sale. Thank you everyone for supporting our efforts to be environmentally friendly and to reduce, reuse and recycle!
Looking forward to next week’s Once Upon an Island, our Middle School Show along with the PYP and MYP Arts Exhibition.
Please also welcome our incoming K-8 Principal, Ms Susan Tilney, who will be with us next week.
Have a wonderful weekend,
Margaret Alvarez (Dr.)
Head of School
The graduating class has also received outstanding university placements. These include:
United Kingdom
- University of Bristol
- Kings College London
- Royal Holloway
- University College London
- University of Edinburgh
- University of Manchester
- University of Newcastle
- University of the Arts London
- University of Reading
- The University of British Columbia
- University of Toronto
- International Christian University
- Keio University
- Okayama University
- Waseda University
- HongKong University Sience and Technology
- University of Melbourne
- University of New South Wales
- University of Amsterdam
- University of Groningen
- University College the Hague
- Ateneo de Manila
- ESSEC Asia Pacific Business School
- Instituto Empresa, Segovia
- Drexel University
- Rochester Institute of Technology
- University of the Arts, Philadelphia
In addition to celebrating the achievements of our students, we also celebrated the achievements of one of our teachers. Ms Ayda Alp, High School ESL teacher, hosted a spectacular Art Exhibition as part of the Tatinis Art Show at the F1 Pit Building . The exhibition opened on Thursday and continues over the weekend. Well done Ms Alp. Many ISS teachers attended the opening yesterday to give support to our colleague.
Our Summer School programmes (1st- 26th July) are enjoying a great deal of interest. If you are interested in finding out more, please contact Mr William Tel: 97225340. Our Summer School website can be accessed at:
http://www.isssummerschool.edu.sg
Please join us tomorrow Saturday 9am – 12 noon, Paterson Campus, and pick up some great bargains at our PTA Jumble Sale. Thank you everyone for supporting our efforts to be environmentally friendly and to reduce, reuse and recycle!
Looking forward to next week’s Once Upon an Island, our Middle School Show along with the PYP and MYP Arts Exhibition.
Please also welcome our incoming K-8 Principal, Ms Susan Tilney, who will be with us next week.
Have a wonderful weekend,
Margaret Alvarez (Dr.)
Head of School
Friday 17th May
ISS welcomed a visit from our IB Relationship Manager, Mr Chris Horan.
Members of our outgoing leadership team: Mr Michael Taylor, Mrs Nicki Zulu and Mrs Elizabeth Loadwick , incoming leadership team: Mr Chris Hayward, Dr Dharshini Jeremiah, along with Finance Director Mrs Mei So and I met to discuss how we can further build on the excellent synergy between ISS and the IB. Ms Ariana Rehu, incoming leadership team member, was on camp.
ISS is the longest established three programme IB school in Singapore and is very keen to collaborate with the IB to use its expertise and experience to support the development of continuum schools (three programme schools) in the region.
Last Saturday the Scholastic Environment Fund Committee (SEF) met to plan its upcoming environment competition on September 21st. SEF, a charity in its own right, was founded by ISS in 2001 to celebrate ISS’ twentieth year of service to the international community. The charity runs an annual environment competition for international as well as local schools. It affords a unique opportunity for international and local school children to come together and learn from each other. Prior to the competition, SEF organises a workshop to teach students how to create engaging presentations based on meaningful and quality research. Last year several students participated from ISS and I believe they are very keen to do so again next year. Good luck with your preparations!
Please remember our PTA Jumble Sale that will be held on Saturday May 25th on Paterson Campus 9 am –noon. This is an opportunity to clear cupboards and recuperate some money in the process. Purchase a table from the PTA and all the proceeds go to you! The Salvation Army will locate receptacle bins on Paterson Campus that can be used for any left over items. Thank you for reducing, reusing and recycling!
Have a wonderful long weekend,
Margaret Alvarez (Dr.)
Head of School
Members of our outgoing leadership team: Mr Michael Taylor, Mrs Nicki Zulu and Mrs Elizabeth Loadwick , incoming leadership team: Mr Chris Hayward, Dr Dharshini Jeremiah, along with Finance Director Mrs Mei So and I met to discuss how we can further build on the excellent synergy between ISS and the IB. Ms Ariana Rehu, incoming leadership team member, was on camp.
ISS is the longest established three programme IB school in Singapore and is very keen to collaborate with the IB to use its expertise and experience to support the development of continuum schools (three programme schools) in the region.
Last Saturday the Scholastic Environment Fund Committee (SEF) met to plan its upcoming environment competition on September 21st. SEF, a charity in its own right, was founded by ISS in 2001 to celebrate ISS’ twentieth year of service to the international community. The charity runs an annual environment competition for international as well as local schools. It affords a unique opportunity for international and local school children to come together and learn from each other. Prior to the competition, SEF organises a workshop to teach students how to create engaging presentations based on meaningful and quality research. Last year several students participated from ISS and I believe they are very keen to do so again next year. Good luck with your preparations!
Please remember our PTA Jumble Sale that will be held on Saturday May 25th on Paterson Campus 9 am –noon. This is an opportunity to clear cupboards and recuperate some money in the process. Purchase a table from the PTA and all the proceeds go to you! The Salvation Army will locate receptacle bins on Paterson Campus that can be used for any left over items. Thank you for reducing, reusing and recycling!
Have a wonderful long weekend,
Margaret Alvarez (Dr.)
Head of School
FRIDAY 10th May
Many thanks to all our parents that attended the Munch and Learn session on Wednesday. We hope that our presentations on:
were useful. We also appreciated your feedback on the trends emerging from our annual parent survey. This data will be used to guide our upcoming strategic planning exercise. The feedback we received about this format was very positive. We all learned from each other and in doing so furthered our shared goal of supporting ISS students.
On Monday we held our annual Feedback Pizza Lunch with representatives from the Elementary School and Middle School. It was delightful listening to our students’ perceptions of our school. Their feedback will also be used within our strategic planning process.
Please remember our PTA Spring Jumble Sale on Saturday May 25th. Pay 5 dollars for a table and any profit from selling your second hand goods is all yours. Let’s reduce, recycle and reuse.
Where: Paterson Campus
When: May 25th Saturday
Time: 9 am-12pm
Please register with our PTA by May 17th
Have a wonderful weekend.
Margaret Alvarez (Dr.)
Head of School
- Supporting language development,
- Our new High School Diploma programme and
- Parenting teenagers
were useful. We also appreciated your feedback on the trends emerging from our annual parent survey. This data will be used to guide our upcoming strategic planning exercise. The feedback we received about this format was very positive. We all learned from each other and in doing so furthered our shared goal of supporting ISS students.
On Monday we held our annual Feedback Pizza Lunch with representatives from the Elementary School and Middle School. It was delightful listening to our students’ perceptions of our school. Their feedback will also be used within our strategic planning process.
Please remember our PTA Spring Jumble Sale on Saturday May 25th. Pay 5 dollars for a table and any profit from selling your second hand goods is all yours. Let’s reduce, recycle and reuse.
Where: Paterson Campus
When: May 25th Saturday
Time: 9 am-12pm
Please register with our PTA by May 17th
Have a wonderful weekend.
Margaret Alvarez (Dr.)
Head of School
Friday MAY 3RD
Please welcome our incoming Marketing and Admissions Director to the ISS Community. Paul Adamberry, a member of the graduating Class of 1999, currently lives and works in Sydney, Australia and was brought up in Singapore. He will join us at the beginning of June and his wife, an experienced PYP teacher, will join our Elementary School in August. Paul has spent the last couple of weeks re-orienting himself to ISS but as he himself remarked the ‘community feel’ remains much the same as when he was an ISS student. As a great believer in building and sustaining community he is very keen to work with us to build events and activities that foster our values as a school. Paul is our third alumnus to join the ISS team. He joins alumni Fiona Edwards, Head of ESL, and Sophia Bustamante Kindergarten 1 teacher.
This week we hosted a visit from a group of students from Beijing. These students travelled to Singapore during their May vacation and undertook a STEAM course within our school. Our visiting students also had a marvellous time meeting ISS students during breaks. When I asked our visitors what they enjoyed most about their time in Singapore ‘playing with ISS students’ was a highlight. Well done to our students for being excellent hosts and I hope they had a wonderful time with their new friends.
On Thursday we completed our three day Committee of Private Education, EduTrust audit. This audit takes place every four years. We received excellent feedback during the concluding interviews about how we use data to support student learning, our commitment to inclusion and the way in which we track and support student progress. Well done ‘Team ISS’!
Please remember to sign up for our ‘Munch and Learn’ session at 8. 30 am, Middle School Design Room, Paterson Campus on Wednesday 8th May. Come and listen to talks on wellness, supporting language development and parenting and give your input into our new strategic plan.
Do you have items that you would like sell? Please come along to our Spring Jumble Sale on Saturday May 25th, Paterson Campus. Simply pay 5 dollars for a table and the money you make from selling your items is all yours. Many thanks to our PTA for supporting our efforts to create awareness for and promote the idea of ‘reduce, recycle, reuse’. The PTA will be sending out a flyer with registration details.
Have a great weekend.
Margaret Alvarez (Dr.)
Head of School
This week we hosted a visit from a group of students from Beijing. These students travelled to Singapore during their May vacation and undertook a STEAM course within our school. Our visiting students also had a marvellous time meeting ISS students during breaks. When I asked our visitors what they enjoyed most about their time in Singapore ‘playing with ISS students’ was a highlight. Well done to our students for being excellent hosts and I hope they had a wonderful time with their new friends.
On Thursday we completed our three day Committee of Private Education, EduTrust audit. This audit takes place every four years. We received excellent feedback during the concluding interviews about how we use data to support student learning, our commitment to inclusion and the way in which we track and support student progress. Well done ‘Team ISS’!
Please remember to sign up for our ‘Munch and Learn’ session at 8. 30 am, Middle School Design Room, Paterson Campus on Wednesday 8th May. Come and listen to talks on wellness, supporting language development and parenting and give your input into our new strategic plan.
Do you have items that you would like sell? Please come along to our Spring Jumble Sale on Saturday May 25th, Paterson Campus. Simply pay 5 dollars for a table and the money you make from selling your items is all yours. Many thanks to our PTA for supporting our efforts to create awareness for and promote the idea of ‘reduce, recycle, reuse’. The PTA will be sending out a flyer with registration details.
Have a great weekend.
Margaret Alvarez (Dr.)
Head of School
Friday 26th April
Our ISA (International Schools Assessment) results have arrived. Each year we benchmark our students’ performance against other schools in the region and the world. The ISA tests core skills in mathematical literacy, reading, writing, and scientific literacy from Grades 3 to 9. We use our external examination results in the IB Middle Years Programme and IB Diploma Programme to benchmark performance in our higher grades. These results help us inform curriculum development, teacher training and individual student progress planning. We are delighted to announce that the results are excellent and testimony to the investment we have made in our programmes and our teachers' hard work. Many congratulations to our students and teachers. We are now embarking on our annual internal analysis of the results. Individual student results will be shared with parents shortly.
This week we continued our data gathering exercise in preparation for the renewal of our strategic plan. Each year we examine the data received from our parent, student and faculty surveys and use this data as the basis of questions explored at Focus Group Meetings with the same groups. On Monday we held our Faculty Focus Group during which each Faculty member had the opportunity to give their thoughts and to suggest areas for inclusion in the next ISS Strategic Plan. We would like to invite parents to a similar exercise on May 8th in the morning on Paterson Campus. I will send out a separate and more detailed invitation next week.
For a part of this week I have been in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, at the EARCOS (East Asia Regional Council of Schools) Board Meeting and Heads Institute. Prior to the Institute, in my capacity as Board President, I led a Memorial for our former Executive Director, Dr Dick Krajczar. Our retreat leader- Dr Chris Jansen, from New Zealand, is well known as a thought leader in leadership . It has been an interesting few days examining our practice and hearing what other schools are doing. There are three Singapore international schools in attendance- UWC Singapore American School and ISS.
Have a great weekend
Margaret Alvarez (Dr.)
Head of School
This week we continued our data gathering exercise in preparation for the renewal of our strategic plan. Each year we examine the data received from our parent, student and faculty surveys and use this data as the basis of questions explored at Focus Group Meetings with the same groups. On Monday we held our Faculty Focus Group during which each Faculty member had the opportunity to give their thoughts and to suggest areas for inclusion in the next ISS Strategic Plan. We would like to invite parents to a similar exercise on May 8th in the morning on Paterson Campus. I will send out a separate and more detailed invitation next week.
For a part of this week I have been in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, at the EARCOS (East Asia Regional Council of Schools) Board Meeting and Heads Institute. Prior to the Institute, in my capacity as Board President, I led a Memorial for our former Executive Director, Dr Dick Krajczar. Our retreat leader- Dr Chris Jansen, from New Zealand, is well known as a thought leader in leadership . It has been an interesting few days examining our practice and hearing what other schools are doing. There are three Singapore international schools in attendance- UWC Singapore American School and ISS.
Have a great weekend
Margaret Alvarez (Dr.)
Head of School
Friday aPRIL 19TH
This week ended with the wonderful news that ISS was awarded the maximum level of renewal for its Committee of Private Education licence. The decision is based on the school’s good credit rating and compliance with the Enhanced Registration Framework stipulated in the Private Education Act of Singapore. All privately owned schools need to hold this licence. Our school registration renewal extends to 2023 at which point we will embark on the renewal process once again. Well done ISS for maintaining high standards.
During this week we once again hosted a visit from ISS alumni, this time alumni from 1992. Sara and Johanna Malcus, from Sweden, were in Singapore on business and dropped by to Preston Campus to visit their alma mater. Sarah reminded me of her days in my Spanish class, of the various activities she enjoyed at ISS and both sisters mentioned that ISS has much the same ‘feel’ as in their days- a warm, unique school in a rare (for Singapore), stunning setting.
Earlier in the week Dr Dharshini Jeremiah, Michael Taylor and I attended, at the invitation of the IB, a focus group meeting designed to gather school perceptions about IB programmes and operations. We were joined by other selected schools and were extremely honoured to be a part of the IB’s development.
Enjoy the long weekend!
Margaret Alvarez (Dr.)
Head of School
During this week we once again hosted a visit from ISS alumni, this time alumni from 1992. Sara and Johanna Malcus, from Sweden, were in Singapore on business and dropped by to Preston Campus to visit their alma mater. Sarah reminded me of her days in my Spanish class, of the various activities she enjoyed at ISS and both sisters mentioned that ISS has much the same ‘feel’ as in their days- a warm, unique school in a rare (for Singapore), stunning setting.
Earlier in the week Dr Dharshini Jeremiah, Michael Taylor and I attended, at the invitation of the IB, a focus group meeting designed to gather school perceptions about IB programmes and operations. We were joined by other selected schools and were extremely honoured to be a part of the IB’s development.
Enjoy the long weekend!
Margaret Alvarez (Dr.)
Head of School
Friday April 12th
A big thank you from all at us at ISS to our PTA for organising such a fun evening event last Friday. Our PTA is a hardworking group of parent volunteers that work tirelessly to help us create and maintain the warm family atmosphere that we treasure. This year our PTA were real ‘risk takers’ and tried out a new way of running the annual event. Please support them by giving them your encouragement and feedback.
By 4pm on Friday our Paterson Campus was a hive of activity as vendors set up stalls, student initiated activities began and our every own ISS student entertainment got underway. Added to this, our first Silent Auction, organised and run by Elizabeth Loadwick, attracted a great deal of interest. Money raised on Friday will be donated to the charities our school supports. These include: Dressember, the Foodbank, Red Cross and Willing Hearts. Thank you everyone for your generosity and for being good role models to our students. Your efforts will really help make a difference in the lives of others.
This week we hosted a team from our business partner in China. On Tuesday they joined some of our support staff for a whole day workshop on the IB, its programmes, philosophy and the ISS brand. On Wednesday and Thursday they visited classes on both the Paterson and Preston campuses. They were very keen to learn about how we have developed strategies to individualise programmes and to learn more about the power of inquiry based programmes in developing student thinking and entrepreneurial skills.
Have a lovely weekend,
Margaret Alvarez (Dr.)
Head of School
By 4pm on Friday our Paterson Campus was a hive of activity as vendors set up stalls, student initiated activities began and our every own ISS student entertainment got underway. Added to this, our first Silent Auction, organised and run by Elizabeth Loadwick, attracted a great deal of interest. Money raised on Friday will be donated to the charities our school supports. These include: Dressember, the Foodbank, Red Cross and Willing Hearts. Thank you everyone for your generosity and for being good role models to our students. Your efforts will really help make a difference in the lives of others.
This week we hosted a team from our business partner in China. On Tuesday they joined some of our support staff for a whole day workshop on the IB, its programmes, philosophy and the ISS brand. On Wednesday and Thursday they visited classes on both the Paterson and Preston campuses. They were very keen to learn about how we have developed strategies to individualise programmes and to learn more about the power of inquiry based programmes in developing student thinking and entrepreneurial skills.
Have a lovely weekend,
Margaret Alvarez (Dr.)
Head of School
friday 5TH aPRIL
Welcome back to the final term of this academic year. I hope you have come back refreshed and ready for the final weeks of this school year.
During the break several of our teachers were involved in sharing their professional expertise with the international community here in Singapore and overseas.
Mr Bruno LeBon, our Middle School French and Drama teacher was invited to share how the Arts contribute to student (and adult) wellness at the East Asia Regional Teachers’ Conference (EARCOS) held in Bangkok. Mr LeBon combined educational research and his vast experience in performing arts and directing musical theatre to present a workshop on the positive psychological effects of the arts. It was extremely well received. At the same conference, in my capacity as President of the EARCOS Board of Trustees, I gave the opening address- a eulogy for the Executive Director who passed away in February.
On the first Saturday of our holiday, Ms Sophia Bustamante, K1 teacher, shared her first hand and very up to date knowledge of trends and thinking in early years programmes. She was asked numerous questions about how best to support learning with children in this age group and parents were very interested in how we build children’s conceptual understandings and creativity- two key skills for learning success- at this very early age.
During the second week of the holiday ISS was also well represented at the annual IB Global Conference in Hong Kong and several of our teachers attended IB workshops . A busy yet highly productive two weeks!
Please remember to fill out our annual survey. Our survey is how we gather data to improve and to guide us in our strategic planning. A link to the survey was sent via ManageBac earlier this week.
Many thanks for your help.
Margaret Alvarez (Dr.)
Head of School.
During the break several of our teachers were involved in sharing their professional expertise with the international community here in Singapore and overseas.
Mr Bruno LeBon, our Middle School French and Drama teacher was invited to share how the Arts contribute to student (and adult) wellness at the East Asia Regional Teachers’ Conference (EARCOS) held in Bangkok. Mr LeBon combined educational research and his vast experience in performing arts and directing musical theatre to present a workshop on the positive psychological effects of the arts. It was extremely well received. At the same conference, in my capacity as President of the EARCOS Board of Trustees, I gave the opening address- a eulogy for the Executive Director who passed away in February.
On the first Saturday of our holiday, Ms Sophia Bustamante, K1 teacher, shared her first hand and very up to date knowledge of trends and thinking in early years programmes. She was asked numerous questions about how best to support learning with children in this age group and parents were very interested in how we build children’s conceptual understandings and creativity- two key skills for learning success- at this very early age.
During the second week of the holiday ISS was also well represented at the annual IB Global Conference in Hong Kong and several of our teachers attended IB workshops . A busy yet highly productive two weeks!
Please remember to fill out our annual survey. Our survey is how we gather data to improve and to guide us in our strategic planning. A link to the survey was sent via ManageBac earlier this week.
Many thanks for your help.
Margaret Alvarez (Dr.)
Head of School.
Friday March 8th
Welcome to our final Blog before our Spring Break.
As we have increased our school enrolment, we have hired an additional teacher for our Middle School. We are delighted that Mr Gary Serbent has joined us and has very quickly settled in to our community. Mr Serbent is from the United States and most recently taught at Shanghai American School. Mr Serbent will continue with us next academic year. Please say hello and welcome him if you happen to pass him on Paterson Campus.
This morning, the Senior Leadership Team joined members of the PTA planning the PTA annual community event. A great deal of thought and planning has gone in to organising our community fun event that will be held on our Paterson Campus on April 5th from 4pm to 8pm. There promises to be great food, wonderful entertainment, fun games, excellent items for sale and a fabulous Silent Auction. The PTA will send out further details soon but please mark your calendars for this ‘not to be missed’ event.
As mentioned above, we will not produce a blog next week due to the holiday. It has been a very busy few months and the next months promise to be equally as packed with activities. During the final months of the school year one of our foci is preparing for next academic year. We have prepared several additions to our programmes that will support our students’ needs and promote our commitment to quality inclusive international education. These include:
High School Diploma- our very own ISS Diploma will provide an additional pathway to Grade 11 and 12. The programme is designed to offer a well rounded education and the opportunity for students to craft a programme that meets their needs.
Japanese/Chinese Language A (Middle School) - From August we will teach 1st language Japanese in the Middle School. Additional support will also be provided for Language and Literature Chinese students.
Early Years- Starting from August, parents will have the option to enrol their child for 2, 3 or 5 days. We can now enrol students in Kindergarten starting from age 3.
ESL in Elementary- the structure/timing of the ESL withdrawal support programme will be changed to allow ESL withdrawal students to attend Mandarin. Students will now be withdrawn for ESL support during Language Arts times. This results in more support time.
ECAs From next year all ECAs K-12 will be free of charge and the scope and breadth of our offerings will be expanded. Any activity involving a cost will be offered under Educational Laboratree, our enrichment programme
These developments were made possible by the dedication, creativity and experience of our teachers. Please join me in thanking them for their efforts and commitment to our students.
Enjoy the photographs of last Friday's IB Diploma Music performance at the Esplanade.
Margaret Alvarez (Dr)
Head of School
As we have increased our school enrolment, we have hired an additional teacher for our Middle School. We are delighted that Mr Gary Serbent has joined us and has very quickly settled in to our community. Mr Serbent is from the United States and most recently taught at Shanghai American School. Mr Serbent will continue with us next academic year. Please say hello and welcome him if you happen to pass him on Paterson Campus.
This morning, the Senior Leadership Team joined members of the PTA planning the PTA annual community event. A great deal of thought and planning has gone in to organising our community fun event that will be held on our Paterson Campus on April 5th from 4pm to 8pm. There promises to be great food, wonderful entertainment, fun games, excellent items for sale and a fabulous Silent Auction. The PTA will send out further details soon but please mark your calendars for this ‘not to be missed’ event.
As mentioned above, we will not produce a blog next week due to the holiday. It has been a very busy few months and the next months promise to be equally as packed with activities. During the final months of the school year one of our foci is preparing for next academic year. We have prepared several additions to our programmes that will support our students’ needs and promote our commitment to quality inclusive international education. These include:
High School Diploma- our very own ISS Diploma will provide an additional pathway to Grade 11 and 12. The programme is designed to offer a well rounded education and the opportunity for students to craft a programme that meets their needs.
Japanese/Chinese Language A (Middle School) - From August we will teach 1st language Japanese in the Middle School. Additional support will also be provided for Language and Literature Chinese students.
Early Years- Starting from August, parents will have the option to enrol their child for 2, 3 or 5 days. We can now enrol students in Kindergarten starting from age 3.
ESL in Elementary- the structure/timing of the ESL withdrawal support programme will be changed to allow ESL withdrawal students to attend Mandarin. Students will now be withdrawn for ESL support during Language Arts times. This results in more support time.
ECAs From next year all ECAs K-12 will be free of charge and the scope and breadth of our offerings will be expanded. Any activity involving a cost will be offered under Educational Laboratree, our enrichment programme
These developments were made possible by the dedication, creativity and experience of our teachers. Please join me in thanking them for their efforts and commitment to our students.
Enjoy the photographs of last Friday's IB Diploma Music performance at the Esplanade.
Margaret Alvarez (Dr)
Head of School
Friday 1st March
Developing student literacy is an important focus at ISS. This week we hosted our annual Literacy Week as part of our efforts to develop a love of reading and writing in students. Events this week included guest speakers that ran workshops for students on both campuses, fun dress up activities to bring book characters to life, a book fair to enhance access to quality reading materials and mystery readers in English and in several of the home languages represented in our school, to help students appreciate the power of storytelling. Please enjoy the photographs.
This week also included parent, student and teacher conferences (Three Way Conferences) across the school. These important conferences aim to strengthen the home-school-student partnership that is critical to improved student learning. Preparation for such conferences involves a significant amount of pre-planning. I would like to thank everyone for ensuring they were a great success.
Yesterday evening (Friday), the final IB Music Diploma students’ public performance was held at the Esplanade Library. These high quality performances are part of our students’ assessment for the performance component of the course. Thank you for coming to encourage and support them. A wonderful way to celebrate our talented students.
Have a wonderful weekend,
Margaret Alvarez (Dr.)
Head of School
This week also included parent, student and teacher conferences (Three Way Conferences) across the school. These important conferences aim to strengthen the home-school-student partnership that is critical to improved student learning. Preparation for such conferences involves a significant amount of pre-planning. I would like to thank everyone for ensuring they were a great success.
Yesterday evening (Friday), the final IB Music Diploma students’ public performance was held at the Esplanade Library. These high quality performances are part of our students’ assessment for the performance component of the course. Thank you for coming to encourage and support them. A wonderful way to celebrate our talented students.
Have a wonderful weekend,
Margaret Alvarez (Dr.)
Head of School
Friday 22nd February
ISS is delighted to have been invited to host an international WIDA Institute Thursday- Sunday this week. Around 50 international teachers based in schools around the region are currently undertaking a 4 -day training in our Serangoon Hall on Paterson Campus.
WIDA is a leading educational tool to support multilingual learners. WIDA provides reliable tests to measure a learner’s English proficiency as well as targeted teaching tools to support an individualised approach to addressing learners’ needs. ISS invested in WIDA several years ago and we are very pleased with the rate at which we have been able to accelerate learning. As well as hosting the institute, we have been sharing our expertise with staff from other schools. ISS and its success using WIDA to support learning were also featured in an article. Please click on this link to read more.
https://wida.wisc.edu/memberships/isc/members/focus-school-iss-international-school
We are once again pleased to support our colleagues in international schools in Singapore and overseas.
The importance of service to international schools was highlighted this week in the untimely demise of the director of our regional professional development organisation, EARCOS. Dr Dick Krajczar was at the helm of EARCOS for over 20 years. He worked selflessly to support student learning in schools across our region. Dr Krajczar was a great friend of ISS and a huge supporter of the ISS mission. He really understood what we do at ISS for students. As the current President of EARCOS, I had first hand experience of his dedication, drive and deep commitment to international education. I will fly to Manila, where the EARCOS Office is based, on Tuesday to represent EARCOS and ISS at his funeral mass.
On a much more cheerful note, congratulations to our High School students on their wonderful performance during the Chingay Parade. Each year ISS participates in the parade and contributes to this national celebration. Enjoy the photograph!
Have a wonderful weekend,
Margaret Alvarez (Dr.)
WIDA is a leading educational tool to support multilingual learners. WIDA provides reliable tests to measure a learner’s English proficiency as well as targeted teaching tools to support an individualised approach to addressing learners’ needs. ISS invested in WIDA several years ago and we are very pleased with the rate at which we have been able to accelerate learning. As well as hosting the institute, we have been sharing our expertise with staff from other schools. ISS and its success using WIDA to support learning were also featured in an article. Please click on this link to read more.
https://wida.wisc.edu/memberships/isc/members/focus-school-iss-international-school
We are once again pleased to support our colleagues in international schools in Singapore and overseas.
The importance of service to international schools was highlighted this week in the untimely demise of the director of our regional professional development organisation, EARCOS. Dr Dick Krajczar was at the helm of EARCOS for over 20 years. He worked selflessly to support student learning in schools across our region. Dr Krajczar was a great friend of ISS and a huge supporter of the ISS mission. He really understood what we do at ISS for students. As the current President of EARCOS, I had first hand experience of his dedication, drive and deep commitment to international education. I will fly to Manila, where the EARCOS Office is based, on Tuesday to represent EARCOS and ISS at his funeral mass.
On a much more cheerful note, congratulations to our High School students on their wonderful performance during the Chingay Parade. Each year ISS participates in the parade and contributes to this national celebration. Enjoy the photograph!
Have a wonderful weekend,
Margaret Alvarez (Dr.)
FRIDAY 15TH fEBRUARY
The highlight of this week has to be our spectacular Chinese New Year celebrations. This year we celebrated the Year of the Pig by bringing together our whole school on Paterson Campus for a traditional Lion Dance. This proved to be a marvellous success. Our younger students really enjoyed having our ‘older’ students with them on this special occasion and in turn our High School students were thrilled to be part of the Elementary and Middle School students’ excitement at seeing a real live lion dance. The performance included many symbolic items designed to bring good luck and fortune in the new year and our staff and students wore red to support this. The performance concluded with the ISS tradition of a special good luck and best wishes ‘blessing’ for our Grade 12 students who will shortly be taking their final IB Diploma examinations and leaving us for university, national service or a gap year.
On Thursday and Friday of this week our Grade 3- 9 students took the ISA standardised tests. These tests, are designed to give us information on how our students are performing in literacy, maths and science (Grade 7 onwards). These tests are normed against like schools, offering like curricula and with similar demographics. At ISS we use this information to develop individualised approaches to support student learning and this information forms an important part of our curriculum review processes. The results arrive towards the end of the school year. Our teachers then share individual performance with parents and spend time analysing results and planning for the future.
Enjoy the photographs of the Lion Dance.
Margaret Alvarez (Dr.)
On Thursday and Friday of this week our Grade 3- 9 students took the ISA standardised tests. These tests, are designed to give us information on how our students are performing in literacy, maths and science (Grade 7 onwards). These tests are normed against like schools, offering like curricula and with similar demographics. At ISS we use this information to develop individualised approaches to support student learning and this information forms an important part of our curriculum review processes. The results arrive towards the end of the school year. Our teachers then share individual performance with parents and spend time analysing results and planning for the future.
Enjoy the photographs of the Lion Dance.
Margaret Alvarez (Dr.)
Friday 1st February
Supporting our theme for this academic year- developing intercultural competencies-, we hosted two important events this week.
On Wednesday we were treated to a visit from alumnus Bennet Chang from the Class of 1987. Mr Chang, a highly successful manager of a chain of hotels, shared with our Grade 11 and 12 students the importance of developing a global outlook and how this skillset has promoted his success across the various industries he has served throughout his career. He also shared some important lessons in leadership within an international context and how his ISS education and ISS’ culture created a crucial foundation for his success. Our students asked him several pertinent questions that he graciously answered.
Mr Bennet’s visit is part of our ISS Connects programme. This programme sponsors ISS alumni visits to help prepare our students for the world after ISS and to give inspiration and support to students in their final years of school.
On Thursday our Middle School hosted a visit from Zhengheng Secondary School in China. Sixteen middle school students and their teacher spent a day with us, participating in our classes and recreational time. Our students and our visitors enjoyed interacting and learning about each other’s schooling experiences and culture. This exchange was made possible by the new business agreement our CEO announced recently and we look forward to future opportunities for our students to hone their global citizenship skills.
Have a wonderful Chinese New Year holiday, and enjoy the festivities. All the best for the Year of the Pig.
Margaret Alvarez (Dr.)
On Wednesday we were treated to a visit from alumnus Bennet Chang from the Class of 1987. Mr Chang, a highly successful manager of a chain of hotels, shared with our Grade 11 and 12 students the importance of developing a global outlook and how this skillset has promoted his success across the various industries he has served throughout his career. He also shared some important lessons in leadership within an international context and how his ISS education and ISS’ culture created a crucial foundation for his success. Our students asked him several pertinent questions that he graciously answered.
Mr Bennet’s visit is part of our ISS Connects programme. This programme sponsors ISS alumni visits to help prepare our students for the world after ISS and to give inspiration and support to students in their final years of school.
On Thursday our Middle School hosted a visit from Zhengheng Secondary School in China. Sixteen middle school students and their teacher spent a day with us, participating in our classes and recreational time. Our students and our visitors enjoyed interacting and learning about each other’s schooling experiences and culture. This exchange was made possible by the new business agreement our CEO announced recently and we look forward to future opportunities for our students to hone their global citizenship skills.
Have a wonderful Chinese New Year holiday, and enjoy the festivities. All the best for the Year of the Pig.
Margaret Alvarez (Dr.)
fRIDAY 25TH jANUARY
This is the time of year when international schools around the world are engaged in teacher recruitment for next academic year. I thought it might be interesting to share how ISS searches for the teachers that work with our students.
ISS bases its teacher search on various criteria. These include: vacancies resulting from teachers that we know will be leaving, vacancies resulting from new courses, programmes or services that we will run in the coming academic year and openings that have been created to expand professional skillsets such as technology expertise, data analysis, or coaching expertise. Working with our Senior Leadership Team and the ISS Academic Board, we create a list of potential vacancies and the skillsets and experience that we are seeking. These openings and criteria are then advertised locally, as required by local law, and then posted on international teacher recruitment agencies’ websites and our own ISS website. In addition, I attend international recruitment fairs. These can be in the USA, the UK or in major international hubs.
In order to determine whether a teacher will be a ‘good fit’ for our school, we look beyond simply a teacher’s qualifications and experience and use a carefully crafted set of questions to gather information about a teacher’s: values; educational philosophy; drive; passion for working with young people; commitment to on-going professional development and genuine commitment to inclusive education. In doing this we aim to align a teacher’s aspirations with the vision and mission of ISS.
The process that we follow is comprehensive. Multiple interviews are conducted, multiple reference checks are made, child protection checks take place and qualification verifications are undertaken. When all these areas are complete and we are satisfied with the outcome, only then do we make a job offer. Needless to say, this process is all consuming but one that, I believe, is critical to create the safe, quality learning environment that we believe is necessary for our students to be successful.
Please enjoy the photographs. One is from our Grade 10 Taster Day during which Grade 10 students experience what it is like to be a Grade 11 student. The other is from our Grade 8 Parent Orientation to High School. Parents were given important information to support students in the transition from Middle School to High School.
Have a wonderful weekend,
Margaret Alvarez (Dr.)
Head of School
ISS bases its teacher search on various criteria. These include: vacancies resulting from teachers that we know will be leaving, vacancies resulting from new courses, programmes or services that we will run in the coming academic year and openings that have been created to expand professional skillsets such as technology expertise, data analysis, or coaching expertise. Working with our Senior Leadership Team and the ISS Academic Board, we create a list of potential vacancies and the skillsets and experience that we are seeking. These openings and criteria are then advertised locally, as required by local law, and then posted on international teacher recruitment agencies’ websites and our own ISS website. In addition, I attend international recruitment fairs. These can be in the USA, the UK or in major international hubs.
In order to determine whether a teacher will be a ‘good fit’ for our school, we look beyond simply a teacher’s qualifications and experience and use a carefully crafted set of questions to gather information about a teacher’s: values; educational philosophy; drive; passion for working with young people; commitment to on-going professional development and genuine commitment to inclusive education. In doing this we aim to align a teacher’s aspirations with the vision and mission of ISS.
The process that we follow is comprehensive. Multiple interviews are conducted, multiple reference checks are made, child protection checks take place and qualification verifications are undertaken. When all these areas are complete and we are satisfied with the outcome, only then do we make a job offer. Needless to say, this process is all consuming but one that, I believe, is critical to create the safe, quality learning environment that we believe is necessary for our students to be successful.
Please enjoy the photographs. One is from our Grade 10 Taster Day during which Grade 10 students experience what it is like to be a Grade 11 student. The other is from our Grade 8 Parent Orientation to High School. Parents were given important information to support students in the transition from Middle School to High School.
Have a wonderful weekend,
Margaret Alvarez (Dr.)
Head of School
Friday January 18th
Demonstrating student learning has very much been the focus of this week at ISS. Our Grade 4 students treated us all to an exhibition of their work on the Human Body which was attended by staff and parents and our Grade 10 and 12 students began their Preparation Examinations for the upcoming IB Diploma and IB MYP external examinations in May. These examinations are run as full- scale IB examinations so that our students can experience what it will be like in May and they can reflect on their performance and plan their revision schedule for the coming months.
Using our bespoke ISS student achievement tracking programme, our teachers have also been comparing expected Semester 1 student achievement K-12 with actual Semester 1 achievement. This system is based on several defined data points and is designed to assist teachers to maximise student performance by indicating where interventions may be needed to either further ‘stretch’ a student or give other kinds of additional support. Our team has been developing this system over the last 18 months and we are very pleased with results so far.
Given our busy learning environment we are, in parallel, expanding our wellness services to ensure that students maintain the physical and mental wellbeing necessary to be successful. We are very pleased to announce that we will host on Tuesday February 12th, 5pm -6.30 pm, Changi Hall, a discussion on ‘Managing Stress through Self-Compassion and Mindfulness’ by Randolph Oudemans, an expert in stress solutions and mindfulness, and Lorraine Hobbs, Director of Youth and Family Programs, UC San Diego Center for Mindfulness. The program will bring insights, practical tips and resources to better manage stress through self-compassion and mindfulness. All are welcome, Kindly register your attendance by February 1st, at
https://thestresssolution-12feb.eventbrite.com
Have a wonderful weekend,
Margaret Alvarez (Dr.)
Using our bespoke ISS student achievement tracking programme, our teachers have also been comparing expected Semester 1 student achievement K-12 with actual Semester 1 achievement. This system is based on several defined data points and is designed to assist teachers to maximise student performance by indicating where interventions may be needed to either further ‘stretch’ a student or give other kinds of additional support. Our team has been developing this system over the last 18 months and we are very pleased with results so far.
Given our busy learning environment we are, in parallel, expanding our wellness services to ensure that students maintain the physical and mental wellbeing necessary to be successful. We are very pleased to announce that we will host on Tuesday February 12th, 5pm -6.30 pm, Changi Hall, a discussion on ‘Managing Stress through Self-Compassion and Mindfulness’ by Randolph Oudemans, an expert in stress solutions and mindfulness, and Lorraine Hobbs, Director of Youth and Family Programs, UC San Diego Center for Mindfulness. The program will bring insights, practical tips and resources to better manage stress through self-compassion and mindfulness. All are welcome, Kindly register your attendance by February 1st, at
https://thestresssolution-12feb.eventbrite.com
Have a wonderful weekend,
Margaret Alvarez (Dr.)
Friday January 11th
Welcome to Semester 2 of the 2018-2019 academic year. We are very pleased to welcome a large number of new students K-12 that have joined us this week and a number that will be joining us in the coming week. We start 2019 with higher than anticipated enrolment and are currently hiring additional staff to support this growth.
Semester 2 promises to be as exciting and busy as Semester 1. Take a read of our Elementary, Middle and High School blogs to learn of all the exciting opportunities ahead. Enjoy the photograph of rehearsals for our upcoming Musical Theatre Performance- Once On This Island (OOTI). It promises to be an excellent showcase of ISS talent.
Above you will also find a photograph of an interesting project that we have launched- the ISS Family Cookbook. Please consider contributing your favourite recipe and the story that accompanies it. Our cookbook will become a wonderful, practical and meaningful souvenir of your time at ISS and will make an excellent gift. All entries need to be with Ms Ally [email protected] by February 11th.
Today we honoured Nurse Jit's long service to ISS. Nurse Jit, based on our Paterson Campus, retires today from full time nursing after a long career. We wish her a long and happy retirement and thank her for all that she has done for the ISS Community.
Have a wonderful semester and I look forward to sharing our news as the semester progresses.
Margaret Alvarez (Dr.)
Head of School
Semester 2 promises to be as exciting and busy as Semester 1. Take a read of our Elementary, Middle and High School blogs to learn of all the exciting opportunities ahead. Enjoy the photograph of rehearsals for our upcoming Musical Theatre Performance- Once On This Island (OOTI). It promises to be an excellent showcase of ISS talent.
Above you will also find a photograph of an interesting project that we have launched- the ISS Family Cookbook. Please consider contributing your favourite recipe and the story that accompanies it. Our cookbook will become a wonderful, practical and meaningful souvenir of your time at ISS and will make an excellent gift. All entries need to be with Ms Ally [email protected] by February 11th.
Today we honoured Nurse Jit's long service to ISS. Nurse Jit, based on our Paterson Campus, retires today from full time nursing after a long career. We wish her a long and happy retirement and thank her for all that she has done for the ISS Community.
Have a wonderful semester and I look forward to sharing our news as the semester progresses.
Margaret Alvarez (Dr.)
Head of School
FRIDAY 14TH DECEMBER
Last day of Semester 1 , how time flies! On behalf of everyone at ISS, I would like to thank you for your support and to wish you a very happy holiday season. We look forward to welcoming our students back to school on January 8th.
This semester we have achieved so much together. Our Three Year ISS Strategic Development Plan is about to enter its final semester and we have much to celebrate in terms of the additional services we have developed over the last years. These include Spring School, our new service, Edulaboratree, and our new High School Diploma programme that will begin in August 2019. We also celebrate all the enhancements we have made to our existing programmes such as our focus on the development of global citizenship skills and the substantial investment we have made in our ESL and student support systems in alignment with our inclusive philosophy. Child protection, inspirational alumni involvement, student achievement data analysis and benchmarking that provide unique opportunities to further personalise student programmes and help students reach their potential have all featured highly in this iteration of the ISS Strategic Plan. We will create the next development plan toward the end of next semester. Please support us in our data gathering efforts (surveys, parent focus groups) and do let us know if you would like to be part of the planning process. It is a collaborative effort and one that is incredibly rewarding.
To round up the semester I have shared some more photographs of the wonderful learning opportunities that took place in the course of the semester. Thank you to my amazing team of dedicated and professional educators that have been on this journey of learning and thank you to the PTA for working alongside us to build the wonderful family culture that we all hold dear.
Have a wonderful break.
Margaret Alvarez (Dr.)
Head of School
This semester we have achieved so much together. Our Three Year ISS Strategic Development Plan is about to enter its final semester and we have much to celebrate in terms of the additional services we have developed over the last years. These include Spring School, our new service, Edulaboratree, and our new High School Diploma programme that will begin in August 2019. We also celebrate all the enhancements we have made to our existing programmes such as our focus on the development of global citizenship skills and the substantial investment we have made in our ESL and student support systems in alignment with our inclusive philosophy. Child protection, inspirational alumni involvement, student achievement data analysis and benchmarking that provide unique opportunities to further personalise student programmes and help students reach their potential have all featured highly in this iteration of the ISS Strategic Plan. We will create the next development plan toward the end of next semester. Please support us in our data gathering efforts (surveys, parent focus groups) and do let us know if you would like to be part of the planning process. It is a collaborative effort and one that is incredibly rewarding.
To round up the semester I have shared some more photographs of the wonderful learning opportunities that took place in the course of the semester. Thank you to my amazing team of dedicated and professional educators that have been on this journey of learning and thank you to the PTA for working alongside us to build the wonderful family culture that we all hold dear.
Have a wonderful break.
Margaret Alvarez (Dr.)
Head of School
Friday 7th December
The highlight of this week was undoubtedly International Day, held today on Paterson Campus. This important event in the ISS calendar celebrates the mission, vision and values of our school and our amazing diversity that we all hold so dear. This year our chosen theme was “Uniting together to take action towards the sustainable development goals.” This theme reflects ISS’ commitment to developing our students’ global citizenship skills. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals are a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure all people enjoy peace and prosperity.
At ISS we are committed to educating students to become global citizens who understand world issues and take action to make the world a better place. This year, thanks to the work of ISS’ very own educational research team- the Ed Design Team- we created a system that made teaching and learning around the sustainable development goals an integral part of our whole school curriculum. We are striving for all students from Kindergarten to Grade 12 to actively engage with these goals in all of their lessons and we have also linked overseas excursions and other activities to these ideals.
Today we began our celebration with a parade of the flags of the nations represented in our student community, thus honouring our own identity and the identities of fellow members of the ISS community. We were then treated to a diverse selection of cultural performances from students throughout Elementary, Middle and High Schools. Our special day continued with a series of workshops run by our older students for Elementary and Middle School students. Each of these workshops explored at least one of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Activities ranged from games such as: fishing for plastic bags in the ocean -thus raising awareness about polluants in our environment- to group activities that helped students understand poverty and the impact on life opportunities. Our day ended with our traditional international food festival, a real treat!
Enjoy the pictures and thank you everyone for your support and for helping make this day such a powerful learning experience for ISS students.
Margaret Alvarez (Dr.)
Head of School
At ISS we are committed to educating students to become global citizens who understand world issues and take action to make the world a better place. This year, thanks to the work of ISS’ very own educational research team- the Ed Design Team- we created a system that made teaching and learning around the sustainable development goals an integral part of our whole school curriculum. We are striving for all students from Kindergarten to Grade 12 to actively engage with these goals in all of their lessons and we have also linked overseas excursions and other activities to these ideals.
Today we began our celebration with a parade of the flags of the nations represented in our student community, thus honouring our own identity and the identities of fellow members of the ISS community. We were then treated to a diverse selection of cultural performances from students throughout Elementary, Middle and High Schools. Our special day continued with a series of workshops run by our older students for Elementary and Middle School students. Each of these workshops explored at least one of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Activities ranged from games such as: fishing for plastic bags in the ocean -thus raising awareness about polluants in our environment- to group activities that helped students understand poverty and the impact on life opportunities. Our day ended with our traditional international food festival, a real treat!
Enjoy the pictures and thank you everyone for your support and for helping make this day such a powerful learning experience for ISS students.
Margaret Alvarez (Dr.)
Head of School
Friday 30th November
We are delighted to announce that starting in August 2019, ISS will offer a US style High School Diploma in addition to the IB Diploma. This High School Diploma will offer students that choose not to pursue the IB Diploma, an exciting and alternative pathway to Higher Education. As an accredited school, our High School Diploma will be recognised as a university entrance qualification in the USA, several countries in Europe, Australia and Canada. Last week during our Grade 10 information session, details of our new programme were shared. Please read the High School blog and subsequent ISS communications for further details.
ISS is currently extremely busy preparing for International Day on December 7th on our Paterson Campus. It is a very special day in the ISS calendar that celebrates our mission, vision and values. Our day will begin with a ‘Parade of Nations’, then continue with cultural performances and workshops that further our students’ commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. A unique aspect of our workshops is that they are designed and delivered by our older students for our younger students. This develops our more senior students’ presentation and organisational skills while at the same time supports them in honing their skills in engaging with and promoting ideas. In turn, our younger students work with student role models and learn how to engage with complex ideas in a fun way. The day ends with a delicious International Food Fest. Please come and enjoy the fun and learning as the ISS Family celebrates its diversity and engages with serious global issues. Our International Day website will give you further information.
https://sites.google.com/iss.edu.sg/international-day-iss/home
Have a good weekend,
Margaret Alvarez (Dr.)
Head of School
ISS is currently extremely busy preparing for International Day on December 7th on our Paterson Campus. It is a very special day in the ISS calendar that celebrates our mission, vision and values. Our day will begin with a ‘Parade of Nations’, then continue with cultural performances and workshops that further our students’ commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. A unique aspect of our workshops is that they are designed and delivered by our older students for our younger students. This develops our more senior students’ presentation and organisational skills while at the same time supports them in honing their skills in engaging with and promoting ideas. In turn, our younger students work with student role models and learn how to engage with complex ideas in a fun way. The day ends with a delicious International Food Fest. Please come and enjoy the fun and learning as the ISS Family celebrates its diversity and engages with serious global issues. Our International Day website will give you further information.
https://sites.google.com/iss.edu.sg/international-day-iss/home
Have a good weekend,
Margaret Alvarez (Dr.)
Head of School
Friday 23rd November
This week our students explored global issues in several different ways. On the Paterson campus, students participated in ‘The Big Squat’. This activity was designed to create awareness about sanitation and the struggles many people around the world have to access hygienic toilet facilities.
Our High School Visual Arts and Music students joined fellow arts students from international schools in the Singapore –Malaysia IN International Schools network in creating an outstanding Arts exhibition at the Australian High Commission. Various arts, genre and materials from around the world were on display. Congratulations to all involved, it was a wonderful event.
On Tuesday our Grade 12 students joined our Grade 2 students for a nature walk to further our younger students’ learning about different living creatures and plants on land. This activity supports awareness of UN Sustainable Development Goal number 15 – Life on Land.
As we move towards the end of the calendar year. Please remember to plan for exciting learning activities starting in January and continuing through into the summer. If you are interested in our Laboratree Enrichment programme that provides STEM/STEAM and language opportunities, please take a look at
https://educationlaboratree.edu.sg/ For enquiries please email our co-ordinator at educationlaboratree.edu.sg or telephone 97225340.
Looking further ahead, if you are interested in our Spring School, held during Spring vacation, please contact [email protected] or call 97225340.
Several parents have asked the start date for the 2019-2020 academic year. Students will return to school on Tuesday August 13th 2019.
Have a wonderful weekend,
Margaret Alvarez (Dr.)
Head of School
Our High School Visual Arts and Music students joined fellow arts students from international schools in the Singapore –Malaysia IN International Schools network in creating an outstanding Arts exhibition at the Australian High Commission. Various arts, genre and materials from around the world were on display. Congratulations to all involved, it was a wonderful event.
On Tuesday our Grade 12 students joined our Grade 2 students for a nature walk to further our younger students’ learning about different living creatures and plants on land. This activity supports awareness of UN Sustainable Development Goal number 15 – Life on Land.
As we move towards the end of the calendar year. Please remember to plan for exciting learning activities starting in January and continuing through into the summer. If you are interested in our Laboratree Enrichment programme that provides STEM/STEAM and language opportunities, please take a look at
https://educationlaboratree.edu.sg/ For enquiries please email our co-ordinator at educationlaboratree.edu.sg or telephone 97225340.
Looking further ahead, if you are interested in our Spring School, held during Spring vacation, please contact [email protected] or call 97225340.
Several parents have asked the start date for the 2019-2020 academic year. Students will return to school on Tuesday August 13th 2019.
Have a wonderful weekend,
Margaret Alvarez (Dr.)
Head of School
FRIDAY 16TH NOVEMBER
This week our students K- 12 celebrated Kindness Day on Tuesday the 13th. In the High School students were greeted at the start of the day with a chocolate and a kind word. On the Paterson Campus, Elementary and Middle School students came together to meet and greet and share their positivity with fellow students. There were some wonderful moments of sharing, some incredibly touching interactions between our younger students and our older students some of which are reflected in the photographs above. Sharing positive thoughts is a powerful strategy in building community, fostering integration and in building healthy self -esteem and mental health. Given the frightening statistics about adolescent mental health across the globe, the work that we do to build up a culture of kindness and support the development of positive interactions is critical in building the foundation for future student success.
As I write I am in Shanghai, China, at the invitation of the RAISE organisation- Redefine Asian International Schools and Education. This morning I delivered a keynote speech on leadership and on Sunday I will be delivering a workshop on developing teacher intercultural competencies. There are speakers from the UWC group, University College London, ISC Research, the Center for Global Education, Asia Society, Shanghai American School, and various public and international schools in China and beyond. A fascinating insight into the changes taking place in education in China!
Have a wonderful weekend!
Margaret Alvarez (Dr.)
Head of School
As I write I am in Shanghai, China, at the invitation of the RAISE organisation- Redefine Asian International Schools and Education. This morning I delivered a keynote speech on leadership and on Sunday I will be delivering a workshop on developing teacher intercultural competencies. There are speakers from the UWC group, University College London, ISC Research, the Center for Global Education, Asia Society, Shanghai American School, and various public and international schools in China and beyond. A fascinating insight into the changes taking place in education in China!
Have a wonderful weekend!
Margaret Alvarez (Dr.)
Head of School
FRIDAY 9TH nOVEMBER
Following the significant demand for courses last March, we are very happy to announce our Spring School programme for 2019. Our Spring School offers students an additional opportunity to hone their English skills with an experienced English acquisition teacher within a hands –on, immersion environment. If you are interested in finding out more about what is on offer, please contact issspring.edu.sg call +65 9722 5340 or email isss[email protected].
Preparations are underway for our annual International Day that will be held on December 7th. International Day is a day when the whole ISS Community gathers on Paterson Campus to celebrate our diversity and our school’s vision, mission and values. The day begins with a spectacular Parade of Nations, and then continues with cultural performances, workshops and a wonderful food festival. This year, in keeping with our vision, ‘Educating to make a difference’, the IB philosophy and our commitment to developing active global citizens, we have linked our workshops to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Our students will be exploring how they can make a difference through examining global issues. It promises to be an exceptional day. Please save the date and celebrate with us.
Please enjoy the photograph of the stunning rangoli our students made in celebration of Deepavali; an important celebration in Singapore. Students inquired into the meaning of a rangoli and then created one themselves.
Have a wonderful weekend ahead,
Margaret Alvarez (Dr.)
Head of School
Preparations are underway for our annual International Day that will be held on December 7th. International Day is a day when the whole ISS Community gathers on Paterson Campus to celebrate our diversity and our school’s vision, mission and values. The day begins with a spectacular Parade of Nations, and then continues with cultural performances, workshops and a wonderful food festival. This year, in keeping with our vision, ‘Educating to make a difference’, the IB philosophy and our commitment to developing active global citizens, we have linked our workshops to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Our students will be exploring how they can make a difference through examining global issues. It promises to be an exceptional day. Please save the date and celebrate with us.
Please enjoy the photograph of the stunning rangoli our students made in celebration of Deepavali; an important celebration in Singapore. Students inquired into the meaning of a rangoli and then created one themselves.
Have a wonderful weekend ahead,
Margaret Alvarez (Dr.)
Head of School
Friday 2nd November
We are very happy to announce the start of a new ISS service. Our enrichment programme –Education Laboratree- will start in January 2019. This new service offers students the opportunity to extend their interests in areas such as STEM/STEAM, Chinese and English without leaving the convenience of the school campus.
As the programme grows we will add offerings to meet student interest. The idea for the programme came from ISS community requests and ideas gathered from the survey we sent to ISS parents and guardians last semester. All courses will take place on our Paterson Campus. If you are interested in finding out more, please use the website link below.
https://educationlaboratree.edu.sg/
For enquiries please email our co-ordinator at educationlaboratree.edu.sg or telephone 97225340.
After a highly successful Halloween Party, organised and sponsored by our PTA, our students are now preparing to celebrate Deepavali, the Indian Festival of Lights. I look forward to sharing photographs with you in next week’s blog! ISS will host its own Festival of Lights on December 12th. The event begins with an ISS School Board reception which is an opportunity to meet members of the ISS School Board and to learn about the work they do. Please save the date.
Have a wonderful weekend ahead,
Margaret Alvarez (Dr.)
Head of School
As the programme grows we will add offerings to meet student interest. The idea for the programme came from ISS community requests and ideas gathered from the survey we sent to ISS parents and guardians last semester. All courses will take place on our Paterson Campus. If you are interested in finding out more, please use the website link below.
https://educationlaboratree.edu.sg/
For enquiries please email our co-ordinator at educationlaboratree.edu.sg or telephone 97225340.
After a highly successful Halloween Party, organised and sponsored by our PTA, our students are now preparing to celebrate Deepavali, the Indian Festival of Lights. I look forward to sharing photographs with you in next week’s blog! ISS will host its own Festival of Lights on December 12th. The event begins with an ISS School Board reception which is an opportunity to meet members of the ISS School Board and to learn about the work they do. Please save the date.
Have a wonderful weekend ahead,
Margaret Alvarez (Dr.)
Head of School
Friday 26th October
Last weekend ISS hosted the SEARCH Associates International Teacher Recruitment Fair on Paterson Campus. This is the first SEARCH International Recruitment Fair held in Singapore. We welcomed over 30 schools and 150 international teachers from around the world. The event started with a welcome reception on Friday evening and continued with briefing sessions and opportunities for teacher interviews throughout Saturday and Sunday. Chris Hayward, Assistant Principal High School, and I recruited on behalf of ISS. We have received wonderful feedback from the organisers, SEARCH, about the level of service received. Well done and thank you to Team ISS for helping make this prestigious event so successful.
This week Michael Taylor, Middle School Principal, Nicola Zulu, High School Principal, Chris Hayward, Assistant High School Principal, Rick Ong, Director of Administration and Board members, Clarence Lim and Mr Leong are attending the annual East Asia Regional Council of Schools (EARCOS) conference in Kuala Lumpur. This year EARCOS is celebrating its 50th Anniversary of service to international education in the region. It was my great honour, as President of the Board of Trustees, to give the opening address to 1200 delegates. In the course of the conference I also ran workshops entitled “The Concept of Diversity: the Why and What for Schools” a workshop that presented collaborative research on inclusive education undertaken by ISS, Nagoya International School and consultant Deidre Fischer. In the course of the workshop we presented empirical data that demonstrates how inclusive learning environments have a positive impact on all learners and we shared current thinking on best practice. On Day 2 of the conference I facilitated a panel discussion by four international teacher recruitment agencies on “Promoting and Supporting Women in Leadership”. All in all the conference has offered all of us a wonderful opportunity to learn about changes in our education world and create partnerships and networks that will support our school’s development.
Have a great weekend!
Margaret Alvarez (Dr)
Head of School
This week Michael Taylor, Middle School Principal, Nicola Zulu, High School Principal, Chris Hayward, Assistant High School Principal, Rick Ong, Director of Administration and Board members, Clarence Lim and Mr Leong are attending the annual East Asia Regional Council of Schools (EARCOS) conference in Kuala Lumpur. This year EARCOS is celebrating its 50th Anniversary of service to international education in the region. It was my great honour, as President of the Board of Trustees, to give the opening address to 1200 delegates. In the course of the conference I also ran workshops entitled “The Concept of Diversity: the Why and What for Schools” a workshop that presented collaborative research on inclusive education undertaken by ISS, Nagoya International School and consultant Deidre Fischer. In the course of the workshop we presented empirical data that demonstrates how inclusive learning environments have a positive impact on all learners and we shared current thinking on best practice. On Day 2 of the conference I facilitated a panel discussion by four international teacher recruitment agencies on “Promoting and Supporting Women in Leadership”. All in all the conference has offered all of us a wonderful opportunity to learn about changes in our education world and create partnerships and networks that will support our school’s development.
Have a great weekend!
Margaret Alvarez (Dr)
Head of School
FRIDAY 19th October
Welcome to the first week of the second quarter of this academic year. The week started with an intensive two days of teacher in service training and development work. Topics covered included: engaging learners; feedback as a learning tool; curriculum development and strengthening global citizenship skills. The two days finished with a staff photoshoot and a delicious barbecue that allowed all our staff to reconnect after the break.
Our first week concluded with our Swim Gala held at Toa Payoh Swimming Complex. This was a new venue and new event format for us. One of the aims was to bring together students in our PYP and MYP programmes to learn from each other and collaboratively experience the competition. The winning house was Orchard and the house captains proudly stepped forward to receive the Swim Gala Plaque on behalf of their house. Our IB Diploma students (Grades 11 and 12) remained in school and received additional support with Extended Essays, Internal Assessments and CAS requirements.
In the week prior to the break, our ISS School Board held its regular meeting. One of its tasks was to approve the staffing plan for next academic year and to approve curricular changes. I am very pleased to announce that the Board approved the introduction of Mother Tongue Japanese in Grades 6-8 (Middle School) starting in August. This class will be taught by a native Japanese speaker and will support Japanese students to sit for a bilingual IB Diploma in Grades 11 and 12. ISS is committed to developing bilingual students (Mother Tongue and English) and will continue to grow its mother tongue offerings when there is interest to do so.
Also during the week prior to the break. ISS hosted well known consultant in communication and presentation skills- Kendall Zoller. Mr Zoller ran a workshop on 'Managing Difficult Conversations'. This workshop was attended by teachers from several international schools in Singapore as well as our staff.
At the start of our break a large number of staff and students participated in the Singapore Breast Cancer Awareness Walk at the Singapore Sports Hub. Well done to everyone for organising such a large ISS group and well done for continuing our annual commitment to this cause.
This weekend ISS Paterson is hosting the East Asia SEARCH Associates International Teacher Recruitment Fair. Around 150 international teachers and 40 international schools will attend from around the globe. This event officially 'kicks off' the international recruitment season for the 2019-2020 academic year. We are incredibly proud to have been selected as the host for this event and I am very grateful to my colleagues for supporting this venture.
Have a wonderful weekend,
Margaret Alvarez (Dr)
Head of School.
Our first week concluded with our Swim Gala held at Toa Payoh Swimming Complex. This was a new venue and new event format for us. One of the aims was to bring together students in our PYP and MYP programmes to learn from each other and collaboratively experience the competition. The winning house was Orchard and the house captains proudly stepped forward to receive the Swim Gala Plaque on behalf of their house. Our IB Diploma students (Grades 11 and 12) remained in school and received additional support with Extended Essays, Internal Assessments and CAS requirements.
In the week prior to the break, our ISS School Board held its regular meeting. One of its tasks was to approve the staffing plan for next academic year and to approve curricular changes. I am very pleased to announce that the Board approved the introduction of Mother Tongue Japanese in Grades 6-8 (Middle School) starting in August. This class will be taught by a native Japanese speaker and will support Japanese students to sit for a bilingual IB Diploma in Grades 11 and 12. ISS is committed to developing bilingual students (Mother Tongue and English) and will continue to grow its mother tongue offerings when there is interest to do so.
Also during the week prior to the break. ISS hosted well known consultant in communication and presentation skills- Kendall Zoller. Mr Zoller ran a workshop on 'Managing Difficult Conversations'. This workshop was attended by teachers from several international schools in Singapore as well as our staff.
At the start of our break a large number of staff and students participated in the Singapore Breast Cancer Awareness Walk at the Singapore Sports Hub. Well done to everyone for organising such a large ISS group and well done for continuing our annual commitment to this cause.
This weekend ISS Paterson is hosting the East Asia SEARCH Associates International Teacher Recruitment Fair. Around 150 international teachers and 40 international schools will attend from around the globe. This event officially 'kicks off' the international recruitment season for the 2019-2020 academic year. We are incredibly proud to have been selected as the host for this event and I am very grateful to my colleagues for supporting this venture.
Have a wonderful weekend,
Margaret Alvarez (Dr)
Head of School.
Conversations with the Counsellors
Join us for our second "Conversations with Counsellors" session for the 2018-2019 school year.
These sessions are a time for ISS Counsellors, parents and guardians to talk openly about the joys and challenges of raising young people. We will share resources, tips, and strategies, as well as provide time for sharing and discussion.
DATE: Wednesday, 24 October, 2018
TIME : 8:00-10:00am
TOPIC: HOW TO ESTABLISH AND ENCOURAGE HEALTHY HABITS & CREATE A BALANCED LIFESTYLE
(FROM FOOD TO FRIENDSHIP)
VENUE: CHANGI HALL- Paterson Campus
Kindly fill in the attached form
https://docs.google.com/forms/...
Come and join us on Wednesday!
Please reach out to us directly should you have any questions.
Jo-Anne Kys, Preston Campus [email protected]
Berna Sekhon, Paterson Campus, [email protected]
FRIDAY 28TH SEPTEMBER
Congratulations to the four ISS Grade 5 teams that took part in the Scholastic Environment Fund (SEF) Competition on the environment. Although they ultimately did not win, the four teams did us proud. They were very creative and self- directed, spoke without memorising their presentation and behaved impeccably. An excellent performance! Around thirty five teams presented from a combination of local and international schools and the presentations ranged from a study on the impact of E-waste, food and plastic waste to water conservation. Students also described the action that they has taken within their own schools to address the environmental challenge they had selected. A large number of ISS students and staff supported the event. A huge thanks for making this event possible.
The following day, ISS hosted what has become an annual Japanese University Fair. The idea for the Fair came from ISS and the Japan based Global Education Foundation members' deep rooted belief in service to international education. Working together we created the idea of building an event to support students in our schools. From 10 am in the morning until 3pm in the afternoon our Serangoon hall was full of local and international school students seeking information about studying in Japan. In the middle of the Fair Ms Takai from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports Science and Technology (MEXT) talked about higher education in Japan, government sponsorships and life as a student. Our Fair was also supported by Ms Tsuboya and Mr Takeda from the Global Education Foundation, Japan and a representative from the Embassy of Japan in Singapore. Many thanks to all members of our school that supported this event.
Congratulations to all members of our community that took part in 'Race the Lion City', a triathlon, last Sunday. Teams comprising parents, students and staff participated and one team came away with a prize! Well done to all and well done for supporting ISS' focus on wellness.
This week I have been in Mumbai at the Association of International Schools of India conference. There are many incredibly interesting sessions on artificial intelligence in education, building effective collaborative teams, child protection and security and student engagement. We have also been treated to inspiring stories of resilience, entrepreneurship and social activism by young Indian men and women that have overcome significant challenges to make a difference to their society. I am presenting on agile leadership in international schools; a study of how appreciative inquiry methods and communication techniques support effective educational planning in our changing world.
Have a wonderful week and enjoy the photographs.
Margaret Alvarez (Dr.)
Head of School
The following day, ISS hosted what has become an annual Japanese University Fair. The idea for the Fair came from ISS and the Japan based Global Education Foundation members' deep rooted belief in service to international education. Working together we created the idea of building an event to support students in our schools. From 10 am in the morning until 3pm in the afternoon our Serangoon hall was full of local and international school students seeking information about studying in Japan. In the middle of the Fair Ms Takai from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports Science and Technology (MEXT) talked about higher education in Japan, government sponsorships and life as a student. Our Fair was also supported by Ms Tsuboya and Mr Takeda from the Global Education Foundation, Japan and a representative from the Embassy of Japan in Singapore. Many thanks to all members of our school that supported this event.
Congratulations to all members of our community that took part in 'Race the Lion City', a triathlon, last Sunday. Teams comprising parents, students and staff participated and one team came away with a prize! Well done to all and well done for supporting ISS' focus on wellness.
This week I have been in Mumbai at the Association of International Schools of India conference. There are many incredibly interesting sessions on artificial intelligence in education, building effective collaborative teams, child protection and security and student engagement. We have also been treated to inspiring stories of resilience, entrepreneurship and social activism by young Indian men and women that have overcome significant challenges to make a difference to their society. I am presenting on agile leadership in international schools; a study of how appreciative inquiry methods and communication techniques support effective educational planning in our changing world.
Have a wonderful week and enjoy the photographs.
Margaret Alvarez (Dr.)
Head of School
friday 21ST september
We are very pleased to announce that our K-8 Principal starting in August 2019 will be Ms. Susan Tilney.
Ms Tilney holds a B.Ed from Reading University and a M.Ed from the University of London. In addition Ms Tilney has a subject specialisation in mathematics, is a qualified ESL teacher and has, in a previous career, held the position of Regional Manager , Finance and Administration for a global organisation. Currently, Ms Tilney is Head of Junior School at Branksome Hall, Asia , an international school in Jeju. South Korea. Prior to working in Korea, she has held positions in The Bahamas, Dubai, New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia and various schools in Hong Kong including the English Schools Foundation. Originally from the United Kingdom she began her career in the United Kingdom.
During her finalist interview, held last week on our Elementary Campus, she was asked what attracted her to ISS. She mentioned our caring family atmosphere, the strength of our IB programmes and the benefits of learning in an inclusive environment. Many thanks to all the staff members that worked with me on this project and to all parents, Board members, teachers and administration staff that participated in the panel interview. We are delighted that Ms Tilney shares our vision and is keen to continue building the special and unique learning environment we have created.
This week began with great excitement - Senior 'Hoodies' arrived. Please see the photograph above. Each year the Grade 12 class designs a 'hoodie' which seniors wear throughout the year and each graduating student has the opportunity to create a name or slogan that represents their time at ISS. I was particularly pleased to see that one student had chosen 'Realising Potential'! Our ISS promise to students. Enjoy your 'hoodies' and I hope they become a wonderful souvenir of your time at ISS.
This weekend is particularly busy at ISS. On Saturday we are hosting the Scholastic Environment Fund Environment Competition- a wonderful opportunity for local and international school students to come together to examine environmental issues pertinent to Singapore while at the same time strengthening their research and presentations skills. Four groups are participating from ISS. Please wish then luck!
On Sunday in collaboration with the Japanese Ministry of Education and the Global Education Foundation, Japan, we are hosting a Japanese University Fair. The Fair not only offers opportunities to speak directly to Japanese universities (offering courses in English and courses in Japanese) but also provides an opportunity to learn about Japanese Education at school and tertiary level. The Fair begins at 10am on our Paterson Campus and talks will take place at 11.50 in English and at 12.40 in Japanese. Hope to see you there.
Have a wonderful weekend,
Margaret Alvarez (Dr.)
Head of School
Upcoming Events
30 Sept - 5th Oct - G6-G11 Week Without Walls
1st Oct - 5th Oct - Study Week for Grade 12
5th Oct - Last day of school
17th Oct - school opens for Students
19th Oct - K- G10 Swim Gala
Ms Tilney holds a B.Ed from Reading University and a M.Ed from the University of London. In addition Ms Tilney has a subject specialisation in mathematics, is a qualified ESL teacher and has, in a previous career, held the position of Regional Manager , Finance and Administration for a global organisation. Currently, Ms Tilney is Head of Junior School at Branksome Hall, Asia , an international school in Jeju. South Korea. Prior to working in Korea, she has held positions in The Bahamas, Dubai, New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia and various schools in Hong Kong including the English Schools Foundation. Originally from the United Kingdom she began her career in the United Kingdom.
During her finalist interview, held last week on our Elementary Campus, she was asked what attracted her to ISS. She mentioned our caring family atmosphere, the strength of our IB programmes and the benefits of learning in an inclusive environment. Many thanks to all the staff members that worked with me on this project and to all parents, Board members, teachers and administration staff that participated in the panel interview. We are delighted that Ms Tilney shares our vision and is keen to continue building the special and unique learning environment we have created.
This week began with great excitement - Senior 'Hoodies' arrived. Please see the photograph above. Each year the Grade 12 class designs a 'hoodie' which seniors wear throughout the year and each graduating student has the opportunity to create a name or slogan that represents their time at ISS. I was particularly pleased to see that one student had chosen 'Realising Potential'! Our ISS promise to students. Enjoy your 'hoodies' and I hope they become a wonderful souvenir of your time at ISS.
This weekend is particularly busy at ISS. On Saturday we are hosting the Scholastic Environment Fund Environment Competition- a wonderful opportunity for local and international school students to come together to examine environmental issues pertinent to Singapore while at the same time strengthening their research and presentations skills. Four groups are participating from ISS. Please wish then luck!
On Sunday in collaboration with the Japanese Ministry of Education and the Global Education Foundation, Japan, we are hosting a Japanese University Fair. The Fair not only offers opportunities to speak directly to Japanese universities (offering courses in English and courses in Japanese) but also provides an opportunity to learn about Japanese Education at school and tertiary level. The Fair begins at 10am on our Paterson Campus and talks will take place at 11.50 in English and at 12.40 in Japanese. Hope to see you there.
Have a wonderful weekend,
Margaret Alvarez (Dr.)
Head of School
Upcoming Events
30 Sept - 5th Oct - G6-G11 Week Without Walls
1st Oct - 5th Oct - Study Week for Grade 12
5th Oct - Last day of school
17th Oct - school opens for Students
19th Oct - K- G10 Swim Gala
FRIDAY 14TH SEPTEMBER
This week we celebrated the efforts of three of our teachers: Mrs Patty Winnpenny, K-12 Head of Learning Support and Wellness, Dr Dharshini Jeremiah, Middle School Science and Middle School Pastoral Leader and Mr. Chris Hayward, Assistant Principal High School. Each staff member completed the Singapore International Schools' Leadership programme, a programme that lasted for a year and involved, research, assignments and various training sessions. Well done to all a wonderful achievement!
This week at the PTA Annual General Meeting (AGM) we also celebrated the achievements of the outgoing 2017-2018 Committee and voted in the new committee that will be responsible for events this academic year. Our very supportive committee is planning several interesting events to support our community, the first of these, a road trip, is later this month . We are delighted that our PTA Chair Savannah Fellows along with several of last year's members will continue in their roles . Please make sure to connect to the ISS International School PTA Facebook .
A lovely week of celebrations! Next week we look forward to a very busy week full of ISS events and activities- our Scholastic Environment Fund Environment competition and our Japanese University Fair. Hope to see you there!
Have a great weekend.
Margaret Alvarez (Dr.)
Head of School
Upcoming Events:
Monday 17th September and Wednesday 19th September Preston Campus- High School Three Way Conference
Saturday 22nd September- Scholastic Environment Fund Environment Competition- Paterson Campus
Sunday 23rd September-Japanese University Fair, Paterson Campus
This week at the PTA Annual General Meeting (AGM) we also celebrated the achievements of the outgoing 2017-2018 Committee and voted in the new committee that will be responsible for events this academic year. Our very supportive committee is planning several interesting events to support our community, the first of these, a road trip, is later this month . We are delighted that our PTA Chair Savannah Fellows along with several of last year's members will continue in their roles . Please make sure to connect to the ISS International School PTA Facebook .
A lovely week of celebrations! Next week we look forward to a very busy week full of ISS events and activities- our Scholastic Environment Fund Environment competition and our Japanese University Fair. Hope to see you there!
Have a great weekend.
Margaret Alvarez (Dr.)
Head of School
Upcoming Events:
Monday 17th September and Wednesday 19th September Preston Campus- High School Three Way Conference
Saturday 22nd September- Scholastic Environment Fund Environment Competition- Paterson Campus
Sunday 23rd September-Japanese University Fair, Paterson Campus
Friday 7th September
Another busy week at ISS draws to a close, a week of further alumni visits, parents’ evenings and a coffee morning. It was also a week in which our students made a significant contribution to the Singapore Food Bank. Well done and a big thank you to all contributors.
As was announced at the end of last academic year, Mrs Loadwick is with ISS for one year as our Interim Principal Elementary School. We are nearing completion of our search for a new principal starting in August 2019. Next year our plan is that the principal will oversee K-8 and will be assisted by 2 deputies. We will be hosting an afternoon tea on Friday September 14th on our Paterson Campus at 2.45- 3.15pm to meet one of the candidates for the position. We would like to invite interested parents to join us and meet our candidate, a very experienced principal currently working in an international school in Korea. Please let my PA, Sally, know if you would like to come so that I can cater effectively [email protected] I look forward to introducing our candidate to the ISS community.
Next Wednesday the PTA will be holding its Annual General Meeting (AGM) in the Elementary Performing Arts Room, Paterson Campus at 8.30am. Please join us for this important meeting and learn about all the wonderful things our PTA does to support the community spirit we all enjoy at ISS.
Margaret Alvarez (Dr.)
Head of School
Upcoming Events:
Wednesday 12th September 8.30 am Paterson Campus-PTA Annual General Meeting
Thursday 13th September - 8:15 am Preston Campus - MYP/DP Coffee morning
Thursday 13th September - 8:00am Paterson Campus - MYP coffee morning
Monday 17th and Wednesday 19th - High School 3-way conferences at Preston campus
Sunday 23rd September-Japanese University Fair, Paterson Campus
FRIDAY 31st AUGUST
ISS News
ISS welcomed former students from 2001 this week. The Holmala family from Finland spent around four years with us in the early 2000’s. Olli, Ero and Ella, who were all in Elementary School enjoyed reminiscing about: all the fun activities they were involved in, the varied learning approaches used by teachers and all the friends they made from around the world. I thoroughly enjoyed reconnecting with the Holmala’s and catching up with each of our family’s news.
On September 23rd ISS will be hosting on our Paterson campus, what has now become an annual Japanese University Fair. Japanese universities offering courses taught in English as well as courses in Japanese will be attending. There will also be two talks throughout the day, one by a representative from the Ministry of Education, MEXT, Japan, and the other from the Global International Foundation, Japan. Japanese Higher Education offers quality and affordable university options in a very safe environment. Funding is also available in some instances to support students. We are encouraging our globally minded students to explore this interesting opportunity right on our doorstep! Please click here for more information event website
One of the key foci of our work at ISS is supporting our students in maintaining a balanced life. This includes ensuring mental and physical wellness. As teachers we know that it is important for us to role- model this behaviour to our students. As a result, we have created a series of wellness classes that several of us attend to promote these healthy behaviours. We would like to open up our classes to parents that would like to join. Classes start at 4.15pm on Mondays (yoga), Tuesday (exercise class) and Thursday (exercise class). If you are interested please email Ms Leah, [email protected] Our instructor is very good at differentiating for different levels of fitness and flexibility!
We are also launching #ISSCelebrates, a picture contest where community members post, using Instagram, special and meaningful moments from school related activities/events. This post must be meaningful to the person posting and support any of the ISS values, the IB Learner Profile, or Approaches to Learning where possible. Don’t forget to add a caption to your post, explaining how this moment is meaningful to you and include your name, grade and the hashtags #ISSCelebrates and #ISSPride! Younger students can create pictures in place of posting on Instagram.
The contest will be run on a monthly basis and there will be 3 monthly contest winners, 1 from each of Elementary, Middle and High School. All monthly contest winners will be automatically entered to the final contest at the end of the year, where we will vote for the best submissions, one from each school. Each winner walks away with a $200 monetary award to be donated to a charity of the winner’s choice.
So don’t wait, start posting today! (click here for the full list of terms and conditions and the contest schedule)
Margaret Alvarez (Dr.)
Upcoming Events:
Thursday 6th September-PYP/MYP Coffee Morning
Thursday 6th September-Grade 11 University Presentation
Wednesday 12th September 8.30 am Paterson Campus-PTA Annual General Meeting
Sunday 23rd September-Japanese University Fair, Paterson Campus
Friday 24th August
ISS News
ISS was very proud to host and present an innovative workshop on Saturday 18th August on behalf of the Scholastic Environment Fund (SEF). Around 100 students from local (Ministry of Education) and international schools attended a 3 hour workshop in our Paterson Campus. The workshop, led by ISS teachers, taught students how to develop a research question, apply inquiry based methodology to answer the inquiry question, and assisted students in honing their presentation skills so that they would be well prepared for the SEF Environment Project Competition on September 22nd. ISS students modelled some of the judging criteria and did an outstanding job. We were so proud of them! The workshop was very well received and students and teachers in the audience mentioned that they had enjoyed the workshop and learned a great deal. We look forward to the final competition on September 22nd, also hosted by ISS. SEF is a charity founded by ISS is 2001 to celebrate ISS’ twentieth anniversary. It aims to promote environmental stewardship by providing opportunities for local and international students to wok together on environmental issues important to Singapore.
This week we celebrate Hari Raya Haji. Students have been busy learning about the celebration and making decorations typical of the festival. Enjoy our photographs.
Margaret Alvarez
Upcoming Events:
Monday 27th August, PTA meeting (8:15) Changi Hall
Tuesday 28th August, MYP/PYP ESL Coffee morning (08:15) Changi Hall
Mother tongue evening
Greetings and welcome to the 2018 - 19 school year from the Language and Literature department. There is a Mother Tongue Information Evening for all G6-10 Mother tongue students, parents and tutors, Thursday, August 30th, in Serangoon Hall ISS Paterson campus at 6:00 pm. If you are going to join us please fill in the form at this LINK
Conversation with Counsellors
Join us for our first Conversations with Counsellors session for the 2018-2019 school year.
These sessions are a time for ISS Counsellors, parents and guardians to talk openly about the joys and challenges of raising young people. We will share resources, tips, and strategies, as well as provide time for sharing and discussion.
DATE: MONDAY, August 27
TIME : 8:30-10:00am
TOPIC: THE IMPORTANCE OF ROUTINES & GETTING YOUR TEENS ORGANISED
VENUE: CHANGI HALL- Paterson Campus
Come and join us on Monday!
Please reach out to us directly should you have any questions.
Jo Kys, Preston Campus [email protected]
Berna Sekhon, Paterson Campus, [email protected]
Resources available at:
http://isssupportforfamilies.weebly.com
Please come early to join the PTA meeting which be from 8:15-8:30am.
ISS was very proud to host and present an innovative workshop on Saturday 18th August on behalf of the Scholastic Environment Fund (SEF). Around 100 students from local (Ministry of Education) and international schools attended a 3 hour workshop in our Paterson Campus. The workshop, led by ISS teachers, taught students how to develop a research question, apply inquiry based methodology to answer the inquiry question, and assisted students in honing their presentation skills so that they would be well prepared for the SEF Environment Project Competition on September 22nd. ISS students modelled some of the judging criteria and did an outstanding job. We were so proud of them! The workshop was very well received and students and teachers in the audience mentioned that they had enjoyed the workshop and learned a great deal. We look forward to the final competition on September 22nd, also hosted by ISS. SEF is a charity founded by ISS is 2001 to celebrate ISS’ twentieth anniversary. It aims to promote environmental stewardship by providing opportunities for local and international students to wok together on environmental issues important to Singapore.
This week we celebrate Hari Raya Haji. Students have been busy learning about the celebration and making decorations typical of the festival. Enjoy our photographs.
Margaret Alvarez
Upcoming Events:
Monday 27th August, PTA meeting (8:15) Changi Hall
Tuesday 28th August, MYP/PYP ESL Coffee morning (08:15) Changi Hall
Mother tongue evening
Greetings and welcome to the 2018 - 19 school year from the Language and Literature department. There is a Mother Tongue Information Evening for all G6-10 Mother tongue students, parents and tutors, Thursday, August 30th, in Serangoon Hall ISS Paterson campus at 6:00 pm. If you are going to join us please fill in the form at this LINK
Conversation with Counsellors
Join us for our first Conversations with Counsellors session for the 2018-2019 school year.
These sessions are a time for ISS Counsellors, parents and guardians to talk openly about the joys and challenges of raising young people. We will share resources, tips, and strategies, as well as provide time for sharing and discussion.
DATE: MONDAY, August 27
TIME : 8:30-10:00am
TOPIC: THE IMPORTANCE OF ROUTINES & GETTING YOUR TEENS ORGANISED
VENUE: CHANGI HALL- Paterson Campus
Come and join us on Monday!
Please reach out to us directly should you have any questions.
Jo Kys, Preston Campus [email protected]
Berna Sekhon, Paterson Campus, [email protected]
Resources available at:
http://isssupportforfamilies.weebly.com
Please come early to join the PTA meeting which be from 8:15-8:30am.
Friday 17th august
The ISS Family loves to host alumni and former staff member visits. This week I was delighted to reconnect with former colleague Mrs Ela Lev and her son and former student Shay. Mrs Lev taught Information Technology in our High School from 1991- 1993 and Shay attended our Elementary School. In those days I taught High School French, Spanish and ESL and was the High School Principal, therefore we worked very closely together. We reminisced about past times and former colleagues and caught up on each others’ news. Afterwards Mrs Lev and Shay toured the campus.
This Saturday ISS will host a workshop on building and presenting a research project. The workshop is designed for Upper Elementary and Lower Middle School students enrolled in the Scholastic Environment Fund Environment (SEF) research competition that will be held on September 22nd.
SEF was founded by our school in 2001 as part of our 20th Anniversary celebrations. It aims to provide opportunities for local and international students to come together and work on environmental issues pertinent to Singapore. Saturday’s workshop was created by and will be run by ISS teachers. Students will learn how to create a research hypothesis, build a research project that addresses the research question, undertake research, build creative and clear arguments and develop solutions that include a call to action. Many thanks to all of our teachers and students involved in this important service opportunity.
Have a wonderful week and enjoy the photographs; one of Mrs Lev’s visit and the other of Kindergarten 1 celebrating Singapore’s National Day.
Margaret Alvarez (Dr.)
Head of School
Upcoming Events:
Monday 20 August - As part of Grade 5's Unit of Inquiry, they will be visiting the Chinatown Heritage Centre.
Tuesday 21 August - The Nature Society will be training all of the DP ESS students in how to participate in the Every Singaporean a Naturalist programme.
Wednesday, 22nd August - Hari Raya Haji (Public holiday- no school)
Thursday, 23rd August - Elementary Meet the Teacher 5:30pm
This Saturday ISS will host a workshop on building and presenting a research project. The workshop is designed for Upper Elementary and Lower Middle School students enrolled in the Scholastic Environment Fund Environment (SEF) research competition that will be held on September 22nd.
SEF was founded by our school in 2001 as part of our 20th Anniversary celebrations. It aims to provide opportunities for local and international students to come together and work on environmental issues pertinent to Singapore. Saturday’s workshop was created by and will be run by ISS teachers. Students will learn how to create a research hypothesis, build a research project that addresses the research question, undertake research, build creative and clear arguments and develop solutions that include a call to action. Many thanks to all of our teachers and students involved in this important service opportunity.
Have a wonderful week and enjoy the photographs; one of Mrs Lev’s visit and the other of Kindergarten 1 celebrating Singapore’s National Day.
Margaret Alvarez (Dr.)
Head of School
Upcoming Events:
Monday 20 August - As part of Grade 5's Unit of Inquiry, they will be visiting the Chinatown Heritage Centre.
Tuesday 21 August - The Nature Society will be training all of the DP ESS students in how to participate in the Every Singaporean a Naturalist programme.
Wednesday, 22nd August - Hari Raya Haji (Public holiday- no school)
Thursday, 23rd August - Elementary Meet the Teacher 5:30pm
PATERSON BLOG
- Start of a new school year
- Welcome to our new teachers
- Meet the Teachers and Week Without Walls evening
Preston Blog
- Start of a new school year
- Welcome to our new teachers
- Meet the Teacher and Week Without Walls evening
10th AUgust
Welcome to the start of a new year. We began the year by celebrating our 100% pass rate for the IB Diploma- a fabulous achievement. Congratulations to the Class of 2018 and to all teachers involved.
It was equally wonderful to have our students back in school with us, to learn about their holiday and to listen to their aspirations for the coming year. This year we welcome a large number of new students as well as a group of new faculty to our community. Please read about our new teachers in the blogs below. Our teachers joined ISS after undergoing a rigorous global selection process, a series of in depth reference and background checks and a very busy orientation to Singapore and our ISS programme. We are delighted to welcome them to our community and welcome their experience and contributions to our ongoing development.
I would like to thank our Facilities and Services, Information Technology, Human Resource, Marketing and Admissions staff for all their efforts while we were on holiday, During this time, extensive renovations and improvements including; major cabling works, a new phone system, science laboratory renovations, construction of an eco garden and major painting works took place.
Over the coming week we have a number of opportunities for parents and guardians to learn how they can be effective partners in their son/daughter/ward’s learning journey. Please refer to the list of events below.
I also attach a link to our ISS Regulations Handbook. This handbook outlines some of the critical processes and procedures that we follow and how we comply with the Committee for Private Education (CPE) regulations.
Regulations Handbook
Once again welcome, and I look forward to seeing you at our events.
Margaret Alvarez (Dr.)
Upcoming Events:
Tuesday, 14th August - High School ‘Meet the Teachers’
Thursday, 16th August - Middle School ‘Meet the Teachers/ Week Without Walls’
Wednesday, 22nd August - Hari Raya Haji (Public Holiday) SCHOOL CLOSED
Thursday, 23rd August - Elementary School 'Meet the Teachers'
It was equally wonderful to have our students back in school with us, to learn about their holiday and to listen to their aspirations for the coming year. This year we welcome a large number of new students as well as a group of new faculty to our community. Please read about our new teachers in the blogs below. Our teachers joined ISS after undergoing a rigorous global selection process, a series of in depth reference and background checks and a very busy orientation to Singapore and our ISS programme. We are delighted to welcome them to our community and welcome their experience and contributions to our ongoing development.
I would like to thank our Facilities and Services, Information Technology, Human Resource, Marketing and Admissions staff for all their efforts while we were on holiday, During this time, extensive renovations and improvements including; major cabling works, a new phone system, science laboratory renovations, construction of an eco garden and major painting works took place.
Over the coming week we have a number of opportunities for parents and guardians to learn how they can be effective partners in their son/daughter/ward’s learning journey. Please refer to the list of events below.
I also attach a link to our ISS Regulations Handbook. This handbook outlines some of the critical processes and procedures that we follow and how we comply with the Committee for Private Education (CPE) regulations.
Regulations Handbook
Once again welcome, and I look forward to seeing you at our events.
Margaret Alvarez (Dr.)
Upcoming Events:
Tuesday, 14th August - High School ‘Meet the Teachers’
Thursday, 16th August - Middle School ‘Meet the Teachers/ Week Without Walls’
Wednesday, 22nd August - Hari Raya Haji (Public Holiday) SCHOOL CLOSED
Thursday, 23rd August - Elementary School 'Meet the Teachers'