December 2008 Community News Vol. VIII No. 4

An Of f i c i a l Pu b l i c a t i o n o f TASIS Th e Am e r i c a n Sc h oo l i n En g l a n d The Headmaster’s View Inside This Neither happened. In fact, the butterfly Issue spent the rest of its life crawling around with a swollen body and deformed wings. It was never able to fly. Upper School 2 What the man in his kindness and haste did not understand, was that the restricting Dean of Residential Life 3 cocoon and the struggle required for the butterfly to get through the small opening of College Counseling 3 the cocoon are nature's way of forcing fluid from the body of the butterfly into its wings Student Activities 4 Tastes of Thanksgiving were in abundance during the so that it would be ready for flight once it TASIS Cub Scout bake sale. Scouting groups at TASIS achieved its freedom from the cocoon. are open to all students of all nationalities and offer Admissions 5 opportunities for action, adventure, and learning. Sometimes struggles are exactly what we need. If we were allowed go through our life Middle School 5 Le a r n i n g t o Fl y without any obstacles, we would be crippled. We would not be as strong as we could have I was recently reminded of the story below Lower School 7 by another headmaster when talking about been and we would never be able to fly. our enormous responsibility as educators to Helen Keller put it this way, “Character cannot Sports and Activities 9 prepare children for life. be developed in ease and quiet. Only through the experience of trial and suffering can the Th e Bu tt e r f l y – Au t h o r Un k n o w n Fitness Center 10 soul be strengthened, ambition inspired and One day a man found a cocoon of a butterfly. success achieved.” When a small opening appeared, he sat and Theatre 11 watched the butterfly for several hours as it Human beings are constantly faced with struggled to force its body through the little difficult choices, and adolescence is a crucial Music 11 hole. time to teach children to live with integrity, to honor their word, and to begin the struggle Then it seemed to stop making any progress. to become loving, trustworthy human beings. Summer Programs 12 It appeared as if it had gotten as far as it It is also the time to learn to engage self- could and could go no farther. Then the man Romanian Children's discipline when faced with a choice that, 13 Relief decided to help the butterfly. at the moment, may seem to be the most desirable, but which is fraught with danger. He took a pair of scissors and snipped the Scouting 14 remaining bit of the cocoon. The butterfly Real integrity is making the right choice, even then emerged easily. if no one else will ever know. Parents’ Council 16 However, something was strange. The Therefore, whenever the administrators and teachers at TASIS are faced with butterfly had a swollen body and shriveled PIRC 18 wings. The man continued to watch the difficult decisions concerning the behavior butterfly because he expected at any of our students, we remind ourselves we are moment, the wings would enlarge and here to prepare the child for the path, not the expand to be able to support the body, which path for the child. would contract in time. (Continued on page 2)

Th e TASIS Sc h oo l s a n d Su m m e r Pr o g r a m s a r e o w n e d b y t h e TASIS Fo u n d a t i o n , a Sw i ss n o t -f o r -p r o f i t e d u c a t i o n a l f o u n d a t i o n r e g i s t e r e d i n De l é m o n t , Sw i t z e r l a n d . The Headmaster’s View, continued Dean of Residential Life

The decisions that we make are arduous, sometimes students. These characteristics do not come about by contentious, and at times believed to be “unfair.” However, accident; they are a direct result of our high expectations and please be assured they are made with all the facts available parental support. For, to make the struggle too easy means and with the welfare of all our students in mind. In our they will never learn to fly. recent Ofsted inspection, the examiners commented on the respectful nature, kindness, and good behavior of our

Dr. James A. Doran

He a d m a s t e r

Upper School

Ac a d e m i c Pl a n n i n g i n t h e Hi g h Sc h o o l A goal without a plan is just a wish. Following the Winter Break, Course Registration Forms —Antoine de Saint-Exupéry and Upper School Course Handbooks will be distributed Helping our students plan for the future, set goals, and at class meetings. Whether our students are AP, IB, or realize ambitions is something the Upper School Academic International Section bound, they will begin the process of Team takes very seriously, and in an effort to enable each determining their classes for next year. Whilst it is important student to recognize and develop their full potential, we to ensure graduation requirements are met and our students provide academic counseling throughout the school year. are prepared for post high school ambitions, students Counseling begins for our rising ninth graders in January. are encouraged to explore and develop their passions. Each student benefits from an individual meeting where discussion about priorities for the next academic year will The philosophy of academic counseling at TASIS is based begin. Students will begin to work on mapping out their on a personal approach. One of the most important academic Four Year Plan. This Plan, a future road map, will services a school can provide is academic counseling, of course be initially written in “pencil”, and throughout and we strive to make our students feel cared for their upper school career and at yearly intervals, students are and valued. For specific deadlines regarding course encouraged to revisit and redefine, if necessary, their goals. registration forms, please refer to the dates listed below.

Michele Bett Ac a d e m i c De a n

De a d l i n e s f o r Co u r s e Re g i s t r a t i o n Fo r m s

January 7, 2009: Distribution of Course Registration Forms to rising 10th, 11th and 12th Grades January 10, 2009: AP/IB meeting for 9th and 10th Grades, 7 p.m. January 28, 2009: Distribution of Course Registration Forms to rising 9th Grade January 29, 2009: Rising 9th Grade Parent Meeting February 6, 2009: Rising 12th IB Year 2 Course Registrations due February 27, 2009: Rising 9th Grade Course Registrations due March 6, 2009: Rising 10th Grade Course Registrations due March 13, 2009: Rising 12th Grade Course Registrations due March 27, 2009: Rising 11th Grade Course Registrations due

Page 2 Dean of Residential Life

Bo a r d i n g Li f e TASIS will assist in transporting boarding students to the airport for their flight home in December only if they leave The first semester is coming to a close—and with it the anxiety after all final exams have finished on Friday, December 19th. of finals as well as the anticipation of the Holiday Break when Faculty are on duty Friday, December 19th from 3:15-10:30 TASIS boarding students will travel both near and far. Most p.m. and again Saturday, December 20th from 9:00 a.m. to of the boarding parents have submitted travel plans. If you 1:00 p.m. Students needing a ride to Heathrow Airport will have not already done so, please provide travel details to the be given the option to join a school shuttle at stated times Upper School Office as soon as possible. Please communicate during these duty periods. Students needing transportation to your son/daughter the travel information (flight details and at any other time will have to make their own arrangements. host information) so he/she may complete and return the Ms. Feltham and Ms. Calton in the Upper School Office can necessary forms to Ms. Feltham in the Upper School Office. assist students in arranging taxis. You may also send an e-mail ([email protected]) or a fax (+44 1932 560493). Full information can be obtained Please note that students are responsible for their own return on the TASIS website at http://england.tasis.com, click on to school at the end of their break. Taxi information may be Campus Life, Boarding and, then Christmas Break. We must found on the above-listed TASIS website and also on the have this information no later than Monday, December 8th. Gemini Taxi website (www.geminicars.co.uk; telephone 0044 1784 471111). The dorms will close at 1 p.m. on Saturday, December 20th. Students may move back into the dorms no earlier than We hope this information will prove useful in completing Sunday, January 4th, 2009. All students are expected to be travel plans for the TASIS Holiday Break. back on campus no later than 7:00 p.m. Monday, January Wishing all of you a restful and rewarding holiday, 5th, 2009. Please understand that no boarder may stay beyond Saturday 1:00 p.m. on December 20th. They may Michael Bett not return earlier than Sunday, January 4th, as we have no De a n o f Re s i d e n t i a l Li f e supervision in the dorms during this period. Monday, January Denise Levesque 5th is a professional day for teachers only. Classes resume on As s i s t a n t , De a n o f Re s i d e n t i a l Li f e Tuesday, January 6th. College Counseling

The College Counseling Office is about playing an increasing role in admissions processes around the to enter our busiest time of year. With world, so these predictions can be helpful for many of our college application deadlines looming, students. Other students can use the results to help evaluate we are doing our best to help the their own reading, writing, and math skills, as compared to seniors put the finishing touches on over a million other test-takers of the same age. their applications. As soon as the final Every year TASIS offers an optional SAT Prep course taught essays are polished, the last standardized here on campus by tutors from the company The Studyworks. tests are taken, and the resumes are The Studyworks is a London-based company that helps completed, students will be sending in students prepare for the SAT by teaching them both test- their applications. By the time that we break up for the winter taking strategies and content-based knowledge. If a student is holidays, we hope to have the vast majority of our students’ planning to take a SAT prep course, we recommend that they applications submitted to the US and UK universities. take the course in the spring of his or her junior year. Over a Of course, as we finish with the seniors, it means that it is course of eight sessions, students will take two practice tests time to start working with our junior class. After the winter and work on different aspects of the Critical Reading, Math, break, we will be concentrating on making sure the juniors and Writing sections. The courses are held here on the TASIS get off to the right start. In addition to helping these students campus on Sundays during the spring semester (on 11 January, choose the right courses for next year, we will be giving back 18 January, 1 February, 22 February, 1 March, 8 March, 29 the PSAT results for both the sophomores and the juniors in March, and 26 April). If you are interested in registering your January. The test results will give us an indication of how each son or daughter for the course or need more information, student will do on the future SAT exams. The SAT exam is please contact Anna Wright at [email protected] by

Page 3 College Counseling, continued

December 12th. The course costs £490.00 and the first class follow the directions for registering online. During the spring will meet on January 11th in the Hall. semester, the College Counseling Team will be meeting with students and parents to offer more information about the The College Counseling Office also recommends that most SATs. However, we feel it is important that families register juniors consider taking the SAT exams for the first time in May now before tests centers are full. If you have any questions and/or in June. Most students take the Reasoning test in May about the SAT registration process, please feel free to contact and the specific SAT Subject tests in June. This year, the June us with any questions or concerns. We would be happy to SAT date is on the same Saturday as TASIS’ graduation. Due explain the process and give you more information about to this serious conflict, TASIS will not be able to offer the SAT these important tests. exam here on campus. Students who are interested in taking the June exam should register as early as possible, while there We hope that all TASIS families have a safe and relaxing is still plenty of space at the other London-area schools. In holiday season. order to register, you must go to www.collegeboard.com and Anna Wright

Di r e c t o r o f Co l l e g e Co u n s e l i n g a n d Th e Co l l e g e Co u n s e l i n g Te a m

Im p o r t a n t Da t e s To Re m e m b e r Dec 1st: College Application Paperwork Deadline for Seniors Dec 6th: SAT Reasoning and SAT Subject Tests Dec 13th: ACT Exams Student Activities

Co m m u n i t y Se r v i c e To date, most of the upper school students Buses will take all the students to the hotel from the gym car have registered their CSP on StudyWiz and park at 6:15 p.m. and will return to school at approximately begun their service. Amongst the many 11:30 p.m. on-campus projects in which students are Dress is semi-formal, with boys expected to wear at least a engaged are Spanish tutoring, scorekeeping at basketball jacket and tie and girls donning their cocktail dresses and party games, and serving as a Kindergarten classroom helper. clothes. Please note that dresses must be of a respectable Off-campus, students are making a big impact, too, with length (not mini or micro skirt length) and outfits in general projects such as One to One, working in a hospital youth should not be too revealing or skimpy. ward, volunteering at orphanages in India and Romania, and serving as a museum guide. Winter Ball tickets will go on sale from the Fun Hut at the subsidized price of £30 each, starting Monday 8 December Students should remember to log their service hours on until exams start on 17 December. timesheets, which are due to the Fun Hut by 12 December. Any students who have yet to register their CSP project should Checks should be made payable to TASIS England; please see us at the Fun Hut right away. write “Winter Ball” and the student’s name on the back.

Ac t i v i t i e s Uta Reinikainen, CAS a n d St u d e n t Activities Di r e c t o r Saturday, 24 January will bring the annual Carolyn Norris-Atkins, Sc h o o l Ye a r En r i c h m e n t Co o r d i n a t o r TASIS Winter Ball. Upper school day Angie Rayner, As s i s t a n t St u d e n t Activities Co o r d i n a t o r students are invited to join the boarders in celebrating the season with a three-course dinner and dancing at the Heathrow/ Windsor Marriott Hotel in Langley.

Page 4 Admissions

December is such a busy month, filled with fun activities– We would like to wish our leaving families all the best; you concerts, parties, decorating, shopping! Some of our families will be missed in our community; please stay in touch! have added relocation to their already full December Happy holidays to all, and have a safe and enjoyable holiday schedules; please remember in the midst of all the holiday season. activities that you need to notify Admissions of your withdrawal in writing. The 45-day notice period for withdrawal has passed, so if you are planning to move and have not contacted Th e Ad m i s s i o n s Te a m Admissions, please do so as soon as possible. Remember to forward us your “for sale” lists so that we can pass them on new families who are trying to plan ahead on their purchases.

Middle School

Dear Parents, Ch r i s t m a s Ha m p e r s As we write this in advance, it does create that familiar anxiety: Every year, we collect food to be donated to our local December, already?! In reality, the students and teachers Salvation Army chapter, this year in . They are have just finished up their November student/teacher/parent always very appreciative of our efforts to collect items that go conferences and it appears that most parents got a chance to making the holiday season more fulfilling for individuals to speak with most of their child’s teachers. In our hectic and families, locally, who cannot afford a bountiful Christmas. lives we sometimes don’t have enough opportunities to sit We are setting up a friendly competition between the Houses and have a really good talk with our children, especially as to bring in food for the needy from November 27th through they get older. What a wonderful chance for your child to to December 17th. Housepoints for items brought in will have you AND his or her teacher(s) as a captive audience! be awarded to your sons and daughters and their Houses. Do remember to fill in the conference feedback sheet as we Canned or packaged items that will not expire until well after are always striving to improve this important conferencing process. Christmas will do nicely. Thank for your contributions. Looking ahead, the Theatre Arts Department will open Cu m u l a t i v e Te s t s /Ex a m s Sc h e d u l e December with a three-night run of The Music Man Jr. While The test/exam schedule for the first semester varies, as is the teachers involved, of course, deserve a tremendous appropriate for sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students and amount of praise for their tireless commitment to such a for the level of math and foreign language courses. Students production, we know also that there are many unseen parent in sixth grade will not, as a rule, have cumulative tests or volunteers who are presently working away to support their children and our school and who might not be acknowledged exams and will follow a regular schedule, except if they are on the night. Thank you! We couldn’t do it without your in an advanced math or foreign language course. A sixth support. (And all those “kisses”—Hershey Kisses!) grade teacher may have a test (cumulative or not) or project due sometime during that week as they would normally. Don’t miss our annual Middle School Musical, which promises Students in seventh grade will have 45-minute (a class period) to be a great evening’s entertainment! If you haven’t already cumulative tests (subjects on the same days designated for got your ticket you can telephone 01932-568137 (theatre direct line) or e-mail [email protected]; ticket eighth grade below) and will follow their regular schedule, prices are £8 for adults and £5 for students. except if they are in an advanced math or foreign language course. Students in eighth grade will have semester exams Also in December, we have a choral concert to help us get that will follow this special exam schedule: into that holiday spirit. Our very best to you and your family during this upcoming holiday season. Wednesday, Dec. 17 afternoon History Sincerely, Thursday, Dec. 18 morning Science Debi Cross Kim Betts afternoon Foreign Language He a d o f Mi d d l e Sc h o o l As s i s t a n t He a d o f Mi d d l e Sc h o o l Friday, Dec. 19 morning English afternoon Math

Page 5 Middle School, continued

Please note that there are no after school activities and no Ad v i s o r y Ho l i d a y /Bi r t h d a y Pa r t i e s late buses during this middle school and upper school study/ These little celebrations, during advisory period, will take exam week. place on Friday, December 12th. Snack donations will be gratefully accepted.

MIDDLE SCHOOL DECEMBER DATES Mon., December 1st Extended Music Man Jr. Rehearsal until 7 p.m. Tues., December 2nd Pre-Season MS Rugby and Basketball Late Music Man Jr. Rehearsal, until 7 p.m. Wed., December 3rd Music Man Jr. Dress Rehearsal, until 5:15 p.m. Thurs., December 4th Pre-Season MS Rugby and Basketball Thurs. – Sat. December 4-6 Performances of MS production of The Music Man Jr., 7:30 p.m. Mon., December 8th House Council Bake Sale Music Man Jr Cast/Crew/Musicians Party After School Activities: Art and Drama Clubs Carol Service, St. Mary’s Church Tues., December 9th Individual Photo Retakes Official start of MS Winter Sports/Activities Weds., December 10th Grades 4 – 12 Choral Concert, 7:30 p.m. Fri., December 12th MS/US Rags 'n' Tags Advisory Birthday/Holiday Parties Sixth Grade to Windsor Theatre, Peter Pan Mon., December 15th No after school activities or Library/Computer Lab supervision, no late busing due to Faculty Meetings Tues., December 16th Exam Review Day Weds., Dec. 17th – 19th MS Cumulative Tests/Exams Fri., December 19th Last Day of First Semester Sat., Dec. 20th – Mon. Jan. 5th Holiday Break Tues., January 6, 2009 Classes resume Second Semester begins

Page 6 Middle School, continued Lower School

Ch a r i t y - De c e m b e r Co r e Vi r t u e The core virtue for December is charity. Charity is love, caring, which are sure to put you in a festive mood and make you and working to be kind. It is giving of heart and soul and mind ready for the holiday break that begins at 3:20 p.m. on Friday, and is selfless giving to those in need. Charity is “the root December 19. and mother of all the virtues.” “December, the month of our 'light in the darkness' holidays, is a time when people have Th e Ye a r b o o k historically turned their hearts toward miracles of deliverance Congratulations to Joshua Cherner and Riley Moran! and their thoughts toward the needs of others. Jews celebrate Their combined cover design for our yearbook, Journeys – Hanukkah with its traditions of 'mitzvah' and Hanukkah gold. Adventures in Learning, was chosen by the Lower School Christians celebrate Christmas and place special emphasis on students as their favorite! Thank you to everyone who the needy and the works of charity. Some African Americans submitted a design. celebrate Kwanza with its attendant themes of generosity. The yearbook staff members are setting up pages for the Numerous secular organizations have made December a 2008-2009 yearbook and are looking for photographs. time to focus their energies on the needs of the poor.” (from Please send in any photographs of TASIS life that you may Core Virtues by Mary Beth Klee). have at home. These can include field trips, Scouts, Saturday sports, etc. Alternatively, you may e-mail any digital photos Ch a r i t y Co n t r i b u t i o n s (300 resolution) to [email protected]. In light of the December core virtue, charity, we would like to thank everyone for your generosity and your charitable Ra g s 'N' Ta g s —De c e m b e r 19 thoughts for those less fortunate than we. On Friday, December 19, Lower school students may come to school out of uniform. Clothing should include festive READATHON £1083.50 colors (Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza). Children may choose UNICEF (Immunization Appeal) £263.30 to wear casual clothes or even dressy clothes. All students will “Operation Christmas Child” Shoeboxes 80+ boxes need to bring £1 (or more) for this privilege. Li b r a r y Ne w s Cl a ss Ph o t o g r a p h s Here is a research tip from the Library. Your child comes home Matthew Self, the school photographer, will be taking class and needs to find information on a topic s/he is studying. photographs on the morning of Tuesday, December 9. Please Where do you turn to find a safe, child friendly site that can make sure that your child is in complete school uniform provide the answers your child needs? Try the TASIS library including shoes (please refer to Page 22 of the Lower School computer catalogue (http://destiny.tasis.com, then click on Handbook) and no fancy accessories. the lower school option. Along with a list of books found in the library collection, you will often find Internet links through Ch o r a l Co n c e r t WebPath Express. Our catalogue provider has reviewed the The choral concert for students in grades 4 – 12 will be held sites listed in WebPath Express. You will be able to link to age in the Fleming Theatre on Wednesday, December 10, at 7:30 appropriate sites that will provide much of the information p.m. your child needs. Be it explorers or planets you can discover all your answers as you follow our WebPath Express. Lo w e r Sc h o o l Ho l i d a y Pr o g r a m s The library welcomes the following staff and students to As we have a large number of attendees and limited space, the library’s Birthday Book Club. As of mid November the the holiday program for Frog Hollow – grade 3 students will following new members include: take place on two separate evenings, as it did last year. Frog Jonathan Arcay Riley Moran Bryce Martin Hollow, Pre-Kindergarten, and Kindergarten students will be Jack Burke Dean Wilcox Gabrielle Martin performing on Monday, December 15, at 6:30 p.m. in the Blythe McCurry George Stephen Joia McGivern Fleming Theatre. Likewise, all first, second, and third grade Ben Douglas Lucas Williamson Mallory Clifton students will present their program on Tuesday, December Mary Clare Boselli Peter Cady Isabella Pardi 16, at 6:30 p.m. Additionally, lower school dance students Angelica Maria Alvarez-Barbosa Santiago Alvarez- will be performing at assembly on December 17, starting at Barbosa 8:40 a.m. We look forward to seeing you at these events,

Page 7 Lower School, continued

There are two ways to join the Birthday Book Club. You library. In either case a bookplate with your child’s name can make a £10 donation to the library and have your child will be placed in the book. Additionally, the book title and select a book from the library’s new books, or if you have a donor’s name is placed on the Library’s Birthday Book Club special book you wish to donate, provide a new copy to the bulletin board.

Up c o m i n g Lo w e r Sc h o o l Fi e l d Tr i ps An d Ev e n t s Fo r De c e m b e r

Monday, 1st Second Grade to the Science Museum to study simple machines Tuesday, 2nd Fifth Grade to the Globe Theatre for study of drama/Shakespeare and the Tudors and Stuarts Tuesday, 9th Lower School Class Photos Wednesday, 10th PK/FHM & PK/D to Novello Theatre to see the pantomime Snow White as part of looking at different ways of telling a story Choral Concert for students in Grades 4 - 12 Monday, 15th Lower School Holiday Program for Frog Hollow through Kindergarten - 6:30 p.m. in the Fleming Theatre Tuesday, 16th Lower School Holiday Program for Grades One through Three - 6:30 p.m. in the Fleming Theatre Friday, 19th Lower School Rags 'n' Tags Last Day of Classes

Page 8 Sports And Activities

Upp e r Sc h o o l Mi d d l e Sc h o o l TASIS teams enjoyed great success at the fall season The fall season concluded with the soccer and volleyball I.S.S.T.’s with the Varsity Girls Soccer team being crowned games against the ASL “Eagles”, and congratulations to I.S.S.T. champions in The Hague, and the Varsity Girls the Boys A Soccer team who capped their season with a and Boys Volleyball teams both winning bronze medals. remarkable win, coming back from a 1-4 deficit to win 5-4. Congratulations also to the TASIS team members who were A great day of sporting fun was enjoyed by all of the middle selected to the I.S.S.T. All Tournament teams, and to Orsola school participants to end a most successful fall season. Well Montini who finished in the top ten of the Varsity Girls race done to the athletes, and a big thank you to the coaches. at the I.S.S.T. Cross Country Championships in Munich. Pre-season training commences on Tuesday, 2 December for Full I.S.S.T. results have been posted on the web site, and those students not involved in the middle school production. included in the weekly sports update. Well done to all of The full program of sports/activities will commence on the varsity and junior varsity athletes for their hard work Tuesday, 9 December. Intramural teams will be offered in and commitment throughout the fall, and thank you to the basketball, cheerleading, and rugby. Students should now coaches for their support and dedication. have signed up for their choice of sport/activity. Tryouts and auditions have been held for the cheerleading, basketball and rugby teams, the upper school production, Sa t u r d a y Sp o r t s : In t r a m u r a l Ba s k e t b a ll and the delegation has been selected for the Model United Intramural basketball will commence in December. Nations in The Hague at the end of January. Student sign- Registration forms have been e-mailed home, and are ups have now been completed for the winter term of sports/ available from the sports/activities office. The program is activities, which commenced on Monday, 17 November. offered to students in grades Pre K-8, and takes place in the Letters have also been e-mailed home to the parents of varsity TASIS gymnasiums between 9 and 12 every Saturday during and junior varsity athletes with more information about the the winter season. Thank you to the many parents who have structure of the season. The schedule is posted on the web volunteered to help out with the coaching and concessions. site, but please refer to the weekly sports update for the most There will also be professional players from the Guildford accurate information regarding game times, venues, etc. The Heat basketball team present at each session to provide update will also include the weekly basketball schedule, technical assistance. which provides detailed information of the practices and A.E. Cross game times for the middle and upper school teams. Di r e c t o r o f Sp o r t s a n d Activities Pr e K-12 The Varsity Girls and Boys Basketball teams will be in action in the English Schools National Cup Competition in November and December with games against Maidstone, Dartford, Holy Trinity, Helenswood, and Angmering schools, and they travel to The American School of The Hague for the Holiday Tournament over the weekend Friday 5-Sunday 7 December. The Varsity Rugby season kicks off on Friday, 5 December when TASIS plays host to The British School of The Netherlands.

Page 9 Fitness Center

We l c o m e , Co l i n St r e e t s . The underpinning philosophy of the Fitness Center is that of all sections of our community being able to work out alongside We are delighted to officially welcome Colin Streets as our each other. The only exception to this is 3:30 – 5:30 Monday new Fitness Center manager. Colin joins us from Fitness First to Thursday, due to the very popular after-school activity in Teddington and The Castle Gym in Windsor where he was option. P.E. classes use the Fitness Center during the day, and duty manager. Colin holds the highest level of qualification we encourage you to use the Center during these times as possible in the fitness industry, and we are delighted that he well. It helps to create a wonderful atmosphere and prove has agreed to join TASIS to help us develop our Fitness Center. that working out is not just a school requirement. However, Many of you have already met Colin at the open-mornings we may need to take priority on some of the machines for we arranged or are participating in the morning classes that some of the time to complete our objectives for the class. We he runs. If you have not yet met Colin, pop in to the Fitness thank you for your cooperation with this. Center to say hello. Spinning classes and the group training sessions have started, P.E. c l a s s e s m e e t i n t h e Ce n t e r at t h e f o l l o w i n g t i m e s : and there are a couple of places available for these classes. Monday 10 – 11 & 12 – 12:45 The classes take place on Monday and Thursday mornings: Tuesday 11:15 – 12:45 Spinning at 8:45 and Group training at 9:45. Please contact Colin to book your place. These classes are great fun and a Wednesday 10 – 11 super way to maintain/improve your fitness levels (and there Thursday 12 – 12:45 is always the group Starbucks class afterwards!) Colin is also Friday 11:15 – 12:45 available for one-to-one personal training sessions. He has a wealth of experience in this area. Please contact him to For those wishing to join the Fitness Center, please contact us discuss your training needs. to arrange an induction. Thank you for your support of the Fitness Center and we wish you a peaceful Christmas and a Du r i n g t h e b r e a k , t h e Fi t n e s s Ce n t e r w i l l r e v e r t t o fit and healthy New Year! h o l i da y h o u r s : Mark Hurst 20 Dec. Normal hours, no supervision Fi t n e s s Ce n t e r Di r e c t o r 22 – 24 Dec. Normal hours, supervised hours 10 a.m.– 2 p.m. [email protected] 24 Dec. 2 p.m. Closing Colin Streets 2 Jan. 6 a.m. Re-Opening Fi t n e s s Ce n t e r Ma n a g e r 2–3 Jan. Normal hours, no supervision [email protected] 4 Jan. Normal hours, supervision 1 – 5 p.m. 5 Jan. Normal hours, normal supervision

Fi t n e ss Ce n t e r Ho u r s f o r Ad u l t Me m b e r s 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. (except Mon. – Thur. 3 – 5:30 p.m.)

Please remember that a minimum of two adult members must be present in the Fitness Center at all times. It is forbidden to work out alone at any time. Any contravention of this rule will jeopardize our ability to open the Center outside supervised hours.

Student members may only work out when a qualified supervisor is present.

Page 10 Fitness Center Theatre

Th e a t r e a n d Dr a m a De p a r t m e n t Ne w s - De c e m b e r 2008 Huge Congratulations to Brendan January 31st TASIS Revue! Featuring the talents of TASIS Harris and the young actors in faculty, staff, parents, and students. We are still looking IB2 and Advanced Acting for their production of Lend Me a for talented (and brave!) performers to help make this an Tenor. The outstanding performances and Derick Chappel’s evening to remember. Tickets will go on sale at the beginning amazing set brought West End quality to TASIS! It was indeed of January: adults £10, students £5. a hilarious production enjoyed by all. Again this year Anne Gundry and Maureen Saage have The next production on the Fleming Theatre stage will be the made a beautiful TASIS quilt. The quilt will be raffled at the middle school musical, The Music Man Jr. The cast, directors, Revue! and the proceeds from the raffle will help to equip and crew are working incredibly hard as performance dates the school in Bula. Huge Thanks to Anne and Maureen for approach. You can buy your tickets now for The Music Man their generosity and incredible quilting skills! Tickets for the Jr. and TASIS Revue! To order tickets, call 01932 568137 or TASIS quilt are £1 each and you can buy them at the Revue! e-mail [email protected]. or you can contact Anne on 01932 568137 or agundry@ tasisengland.org, and Anne will send them out to you. h e a t r e a t e s T D For more information on Fleming Theatre Membership and December 4th–6th The Music Man Jr., 7:30 p.m. on all our productions and presentations call Ros Morgan tickets: £8 for adults, £5 for students on the Theatre office 01932 568137 or e-mail rmorgan@ January 15th 4th Grade Theatre Night: The Phantom Toll tasisengland.org. Booth, directed by Nicola Holdaway, 6:30 p.m., production to be advised soon Ros Morgan

Th e a t r e Ma n a g e r

Music

December is upon us and we are looking 10th Choral Concert presented by our Lower, Middle, forward to a music-filled holiday season! and Upper School Choirs. Singers from grade 4 Listed below are the many musical events to grade 12 will perform a festive musical program happening in the next few weeks. If you have in the Fleming Theatre at 7:30 p.m. any questions about times, dates, or places, 15th Holiday Program: Frog Hollow, Pre-K, and please do not hesitate to call us in the Music Kindergarten. Seasonal songs from our youngest Department, extension 2363, or e-mail performers, 6:30 p.m., Fleming Theatre Maureen Alldridge: malldridge@tasisengland. org. 16th Holiday Program: Grades 1, 2, and 3. Vocal and instrumental music, 6:30 p.m., Fleming Theatre. 4th – 6th The Music Man, Jr., Fleming Theatre, 7:30 p.m. Tickets available from the Theatre Office. 8th TASIS Carol Service, at 3:30 p.m. in St. Mary’s Maureen Alldridge Church He a d o f Mu s i c

Page 11 Summer Programs

2009 TASIS ENGLAND SUMMER SPORTS, DRAMA, AND SPANISH LANGUAGE CAMPS 2009 SUMMER PROGRAMS IN ENGLAND, SPAIN, AND FRANCE It’s hard to believe, but summer is not far away, and to help you plan summer fun for your children, here are the dates and course offerings for the TASIS Summer Programs 2009. ENGLAND Sports, Baseball, Drama, Spanish Language, and Multi-Activity Camps: June 9 – 19 (2 weeks) Basketball, Pre-season Soccer Training, Soccer, Drama: August 17 - 21 (1 week) Academic Courses June 21 – August 9 (7 weeks) Algebra I/II, Geometry, English Literature, and International Business Enrichment courses June 21 – July 18 (4 weeks) and July 20 – August 9 (3 weeks) ShakespeareXperience, SAT Review, TOEFL Review, Lights Camera Action, Speaking in English, Art in London, Movie Animation Workshop, Theatre in London, Reading for Success, Writing Enhancement and Middle School Skills Day Camp (ages 5-11) June 22 – August 9 (7 weeks) Basketball, Pre-season Soccer Training, Soccer, Drama August 17 – 21 (1 week) SPAIN Spanish Language Program in Salamanca (ages 14-18) July 2 – July 31 (4 weeks) LES TAPIES, FRANCE Art, Architecture, and Photography (ages 14-18) June 20 – July 11 (3 weeks) For more information about any of the above programs, please contact the Summer Admissions Office: 01932 582346; [email protected]. Applications and brochures are available on campus or can be downloaded from the website. Faie Gilbert

Di r e c t o r o f Su m m e r Ad m i s s i o n s

Page 12 Romanian Children's Relief

Pl e a s e He lp Us Ma k e A Ch i l d ’s Da y This year, RCR’s request is as follows: Br i g h t e r ! Shoes, trainers, and slippers (all kind, all sizes) On February 8, 2009, and for the tenth year in a row, 16 Clothing for ages infant (sleepers, bibs, every type of infant upper school students will travel for eight days, to Bistrita, wear) to adult (including, but not limited to: pants with elastic Romania. There, they will give of their time to undertake in the waist, blouses, t-shirts, jackets) community service with the charity Romanian Children’s Liquid and chewable vitamins Relief (RCR). This award-winning, Romanian Certified, USA Medication containing ibuprofen (e.g. Motrin tablets/ charity provides aid and assistance to abandoned children: in chewable and liquid) Bistrita at a hospital, an orphanage/placement center, and a Tylenol (tablets/chewable and liquid) group home for severely disabled orphans; and in Bucharest at a hospital that also happens to double as a center for Medication for increasing immunity (e.g. Echinacea) several dozen well, but abandoned, babies. Diaper ointment (e.g. Desitin) The children in the Placement Center in Bistrita are generally Baby oil aged from infant to 10 years. Most of them have had a very Baby and adult shampoo difficult life. Many children who come to the Placement Baby wipes Center are now fostered in a fairly new program thanks, Latex gloves/exam gloves in part, to RCR. TASIS students will work and play with the Antibacterial gel children in the Placement Center. Other students will go to Nassau to work in the newly opened group home, which Bandages houses more severely developed, slightly older kids. Yet Shaving foam, aftershave others will work in a gypsy latchkey program for 7-14 year- Razor blades olds, which is overseen by a former TASIS student, Clare Acne solutions (especially for Dan, a hydrocephalic boy) Vierbuchen, who went with me to Romania on the first of Deodorant the nine trips. Clare has established her own charity, Open Doors, with whom we also work. Clare is now in Virginia, Body lotion getting her Ph.D. in psychology at UVA. Toys and games for all ages Several of our students will work in the children’s wing of Computer games the local community hospital in Bistrita in what is known as Materials for arts and crafts (colored paper, crayons, glue, the “Child Life Program”. The children there are generally markers etc) from very poor families. The program provides a safe space Nursing/medical scrubs (all sizes) for these children to relax, learn, and play while they receive You may obtain further information from one of the two medical treatment at the hospital. Many of the children have permanent chaperones involved with RCR’s program (both no visitors. of us are on the Board of Advisors of RCR): Mr. Robert Stern, TASIS is one of RCR’s main donors, and they are grateful organizer of the trip and Head Chaperone, or Ms. Wendy for your support. We do turn to you for help, providing a Gediman, second grade teacher. Further, Ms. Erica DeVoir, donation that will go to maintaining the wonderful programs kindergarten teacher, will help chaperone the trip. Your offered by RCR to over 800 Romanian children annually. We donation makes a difference! For both TASIS students and the are grateful for any amount. Please bring your donation to children with whom we work, the joys and rewards cannot the school’s Reception or to me, Robert Stern, at the school, be described. Items may be delivered to my classroom, or send your donation made out to “TASIS”, if in British temporary classroom 1, located in the small parking lot near sterling (placing “RCR” at the bottom or back of the check), or New Hall and the Gym. Thank you for adding to that joy. “Romanian Children’s Relief”, if in dollars, also to me, Robert Sincerely, Stern, at the school. Your donation is tax deductible for USA tax purposes. All donations go towards operating costs. Robert Stern

RCR has also sent us a Wish List of much needed items, Up p e r Sc h o o l Hi s t o r y a n d Humanities which we can take with us on the trip in February. Last year, we took 6 suitcases of items with us, and I shipped by truck an astounding 55 boxes of items to Romania.

Page 13 Scouting

Cu b Sc o u t s The Pack 301 Cub Scouts have Also in November, the Webelos I led the pledge of been very busy! In early November, allegiance and placed a memorial flower arrangement at the the Cub Scouts held the annual Remembrance Day Ceremony (Veteran's Day) at Brookwood Pinewood Derby. 26 cars contended Military Cemetery in Woking. The boys performed their duty in the very competitive races. We in a very professional manner. They represented Pack 301 don't know who had more fun, the boys or the dads! It was very well, and we are very proud of them. truly a fun event, and a very impressive showing by all. Our final Pack Meeting before we break for the holidays will The winners in each category were as follows: be December 3 in the Lower School Dining Room. Jimmy Vigar, Wolf: Overall Winner for Speed (Fastest Car in the Pack) Congratulations, Jimmy! Tigers: 1st: Max Quinton 2nd: Misha Scokalo Wolves: 1st: Jimmy Vigar 2nd: Max Schultz 3rd: Soham Mongia Webelos I: Jimmy Vigar, winner of the Pinewood Derby 1st: Anav Saxena 2nd: Alex Quinton 3rd: Frankie Westmoreland Webelos II: 1st: Nicholas Ontiveros 2nd: Ethan Pomeroy 3rd: Jeff Welch

Scouts at Rememberance Day Ceremony

Page 14 Scouting Scouting, continued

Gi r l Sc o u t Ne w s Carrying on an annual tradition, the Girl Scouts and their families joined together on Saturday, November 15 for Family Skating Day at the leisure center in Bracknell. Thanks to the organizational skills of TASIS parent Kristen Joyce, Girl Scouts and family members from TASIS and ACS slipped, glided, and smiled their way around the ice. This year more than 120 skaters attended the event, a record turnout. Thank you Kristen and Girl Scouts for a great day! Family Skating Day at the leisure center in Bracknell Our newest Girl Scouts, the Kindergarten Daisy troop, are shown here with their leaders shortly after their investiture ceremony. For Investiture the girls must learn what it means to be a Girl Scout and recite the Girl Scout Promise. During this ceremony they receive their Girl Scout pin for the first time. Our Daisy Girl Scouts sure look great, proudly wearing their new pins! Congratulations, Daisies! Our third grade Brownie troop is pictured here donning some of the “Bags for Boarders” that they decorated (along with several other troops) in Halloween theme for use on Trunk or Treat night. While this may be a fun and simple project, it is a good opportunity to help the girls think about doing Daisy Girl Scouts wearing their new pins something for others. The third grade Brownies have more community service plans in store with a nursing home visit scheduled soon. Thank you, Brownie Girl Scouts! For Remembrance Day this year, the fifth and sixth grade Junior Girl Scout troop served refreshments to about 250 people following the service at the Brookwood US Military Cemetery. The wind and rain threatened, but the sun shone for the service and refreshments following. The service was very moving with participation by a number of Girl and Boy Scout troops, local dignitaries, area American Women’s groups, and military personnel. If you didn’t get a chance to attend the ceremony this year, consider it for next year, as this is one of those worthwhile opportunities that’s unique to Third grade Brownie troop with Bags for living here. Boarders We have a number of Girl Scouts leaving TASIS after the December holidays. Any girl registered as a Girl Scout here in the Runnymede “neighborhood” can transfer her membership to another location, without having to re-register or pay additional registration fees. When you get to your new council, just tell them you are already registered here and they can help get you sorted. Any questions about this, please contact our wonderful registrar, Susie Watson. Cynthia Erickson

Page 15 Parents’ Council

Co o r d i n a t o r : Su s a n Jo h n s Ad o p t - A -Se a t Ca m p a i g n Fo r Th e Fl e m i n g Th e a t r e [email protected] Co n t i n u e s : Last year, as many of you may remember, one of Parents’ The spirit and festivities of the holiday season came early to Council’s main fund-raising goals was to help provide new TASIS this year with the Fête de Noël taking place in November. theatre seating for the Fleming Theatre. As part of that effort It was a great day filled with loads of shopping opportunities, we organized an Adopt-a-Seat campaign whereby families delicious food, and FUN activities over in the Kids' Club. We could sponsor a seat for £100 and their name would be hope you enjoyed this event and also the opportunity to get engraved and displayed on a brass plaque for years to come. a ‘jump start’ on your holiday preparations and shopping. A We raised £30,000 last year and of that £6500 was from huge thank you to my Board and a great team of parent and the Adopt-a-Seat program. We are currently working on student volunteers; as well as thanks for the support from displaying all the donors' names to date, so watch the weekly the Maintenance, Security, and Housekeeping staff who newsletters for the announcement of the new display. all worked extremely hard to help make this event such a success. Your time and efforts are greatly appreciated! The theatre project has grown from this initial idea and it will now receive not only new seating, but a complete Events such as this, along with all the other wonderful events refurbishment which is all very exciting! This understandably Parents' Council plans throughout the year, would not be takes time to organize and also to find a block of time when possible without the enthusiasm, support, commitment, the theatre is not in use. Since the theater is used virtually and leadership from our many talented and hard-working every day of the week this is obviously not an easy task! With volunteers and Board members. Thank you. that in mind more information will be coming out later with WE NEED YOU: At this time we are taking nominations for regard to the actual start date later in 2009. next year's Parents' Council Board, as one of our main goals is In the meantime we would like to continue the opportunity to have time for a smooth and well-organized transition. This for the community to “adopt a seat”. This will again be also provides an opportunity for the new board members to promoted at the upcoming theatre and PC events but you shadow their new position, and gain a comfort level for their can adopt anytime by requesting a form by e-mailing me. start next year. Once again thank you for your support. Please know that all of the Board positions are up for In closing, on behalf of the parent community, I would like to nominations each year, as families move and current members extend to those families leaving the school at Christmas, all may choose to volunteer in other areas or in other positions. our best wishes and much happiness in your new locations. So, the opportunities are endless for you to come on Board!! It is a 1-year commitment and you can then decide at the Good luck to all the upper and middle school students with end of the year whether you would like to continue or not. their semester exams and tests. You can nominate yourself or another person for any of It’s been a great first semester and a big thank you to my Board the following positions: Coordinator, Secretary, Treasurer, for all their continued work and support to me throughout, Social, Arts, Hospitality, Volunteers, Communications, Sports and as we ring in the New year…I know 2009 will continue Services, and Ways & Means. Nominations can be submitted to be filled with many more activities, and opportunities for in writing or in e-mail form to Susan Johns. Please contact the the entire TASIS community to enjoy. school for further information. Wishing all of you and your family a wonderful and safe Parents’ Council is a fun and dynamic group to be a part of. holiday season! We take great pride in our work and what we can in turn Susan Johns give back to the school community. If interested and wishing to find out more, please contact myself or any of the other Pa r e n t s ' Co u n c i l Co o r d i n a t o r current Board members.

Page 16 Parents’ Council Parents’ Council, continued

Ar t s Se r v i c e s : Ch r i s Ma u r e r Vo l u n t e e r s : Su s a n Ph e lps [email protected] [email protected] TASIS Vo l u n t e e r s The TASIS Arts Calendar is filled with music in December. THANK YOU so very much for volunteering at Fête de Check this month's Music and Fleming Theatre sections Noël, Holiday Greens, Holiday Decorating, Trunk or Treat, and watch Friday bulletins for details of the Middle School Merchandise Sales, Sports Concessions, Birthday Cakes for performance of The Music Man, Jr., the St. Mary's carol Boarders, Library and all the other volunteer areas at TASIS service, lower school holiday programs, and the choral over the past month! Your time and generosity in volunteering concert presented by students in all three divisions. While are truly appreciated by the entire TASIS community! you enjoy the winter break, why not think about putting together an act for the TASIS Revue? Sincere thanks to all the Volunteering at TASIS is an easy way to meet other parents, artists, performers, teachers, audiences, and volunteers who do rewarding work, and have FUN at the same time. It can have supported arts programs throughout the first semester. be one of the highlights of your stay in England. You can volunteer for an hour or two for a single event or do more, Ho sp i ta l i t y : Da w n Ke o g h & Ja c k i e depending on your schedule! If everyone volunteers even Ku c h i n s k i just a little of their time - we can accomplish great things. [email protected] Together, we can make a difference! Save the Date! January 19th, Parents' Council will be Sa v e t h e dat e - organizing a winter pub lunch. Look for details in upcoming Teacher Appreciation Week, February 2-6 2009 - week weekly newsletters as the date approaches. before February break So c i a l : La u r a Jo h n e s We much appreciate any help with making dishes, setup, and [email protected] cleanup for the luncheon scheduled for Thursday, 5 February. Thank you in advance for your support for this celebration of Fe t e Th a n k Yo u ’s – our wonderful faculty and staff at TASIS! A big thank you to all the Kids' Club volunteers who helped • Co-Coordinators: Susan Lynn and Cindy Westerfield the children have a joyful, exciting day to kick off this holiday season! Special thanks to Jen Curren for fabulous crafts and • Theme: “Classic Hollywood” (“Star” decorations) help, Jeana Holt and Narda Ellsmere for making the Kids' • Combine Staff & Administration Brunch and Faculty Shop truly excellent, Kristen Joyce for the darling decorated Luncheon faces and recruitment, Mary Alice DeBeer for taking photos • Thursday, 5 February from 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. in The of the kids with Santa, and of course, to our wonderful Santa Hall Burton whom the kids just adore! • Staff/Administration 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Thanks also to Joanna Hunt and her team of holiday decorators for making our campus look wonderfully festive. • Faculty: 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. • Approximately 190 Total: 125 Faculty + 65 Staff & “Bo o t ” Sa l e – Administration PC will be hosting a “boot” sale on Saturday, December 13th. A “boot” sale is like a garage sale out of the trunk – a.k.a. – Wa y s An d Me a n s : Su s a n Li d b a c k “boot” of your vehicle. There is no fee to participate. Just [email protected] drive in to the main lot from 8:30-9:00 to set up if you have Thank you to Jill Pelletier for all her work over the months something to sell. The boot sale will run from 9 a.m. – Noon. to organize all the wonderful Fête vendors...it was truly a Electronics, clothing, books, toys, etc. are all welcome. If holiday shopping extravaganza! Thank you to Germaine you are headed back to the States or another country this O’Donnell for organizing the Holiday Greens sales and to all December, this is a great time to sell off items that you hope the wonderful volunteers for helping with the Fête! I hope won’t make the trip with you! If you have any questions everyone is enjoying their beautiful poinsettias, wreaths, and regarding this event please contact Jen Staid. Christmas trees and had a great family day attending the 11th Annual TASIS Fête de Noël. Parents’ Council wishes you and your family a wonderful holiday season.

Page 17 Parents' Council, continued

Ne w TASIS Sp i r i t Me r c h a n d i s e f o r Ch r i s t m a s TASIS Co o k b o o k Pr o j e ct Mark your calendars! TASIS Spirit Merchandise will be “Strange to see how a good dinner and feasting reconciles available only one more time before Christmas: Wednesday, everybody.” –Samuel Pepys December 17, from 2-4 p.m. New items have arrived for Attention all chefs! We’re hoping to put together a cookbook Christmas: An elegant storm-proof TASIS umbrella; 'Lenny via the Epicurious/Tastebook website with lots of favorite the Lion' wearing his TASIS t-shirt; TASIS baseball caps; scenic recipes from our TASIS parents/students/faculty. Please send TASIS coasters; TASIS memo blocks for the desk; and bombki any of your favorite recipes to me and I will collate them TASIS London taxi and telephone booth Christmas ornaments into a recipe book that will be available for purchase later in for the tree. We have something for everyone on your list! the spring. For those of you leaving us mid-year, please try If you need any merchandise outside of these hours, please and submit an offering soon! We already have many recipes contact Susan Lidback. from the International Festival and we welcome any and all additions. For further information, please contact Sooz.

PIRC

Pa r e n t s ’ In f o r m a t i o n a n d Re s o u r c e The first Christmas card, displaying the greeting, “Happy Co m m i t t e e Christmas”, was posted in England in the 1840’s; and the practice soon became an established part of the Christmas The Parents’ Information and Resource Committee (PIRC) is season. Over a billion Christmas cards are now sent every a group of volunteer parents that provides support to TASIS year in the UK, many of them sold in aid of charities. England parents, faculty, and administration as we cope with the emotional, social, and practical issues inherent in Christmas decorations, in general, have even earlier origins. the transitions of expatriate life. Please feel free to call any Holly, ivy, and mistletoe are associated with rituals going back of the PIRC members anytime with questions, comments, or beyond the Dark Ages. The custom of kissing beneath a sprig suggestions. of mistletoe is derived from an ancient pagan tradition. The Christmas tree was popularized by Prince Albert, husband of PIRC Ca l e n d a r o f Up c o m i n g Ev e n t s Queen Victoria, who introduced one to the royal household in 1840. Since 1947, the country of Norway has presented Mo n da y , 12 Ja n u a r y Britain with a large Christmas tree annually which stands in “Mid-year Orientation for New Families”, 9 a.m. - 12 noon, Trafalgar Square in commemoration of Anglo-Norwegian in the Salon cooperation during the Second World War. Mo n da y , 19 Ja n u a r y Here are some ideas for ways to enjoy Christmas in England “Winter Warmer Coffee and Travel Tip Exchange”, 10 a.m. - and celebrate the true meaning of the season. 12 noon, in the Barn, for all parents • Attend the TASIS England carol service on Monday, 8 Tu e s da y , 3 Fe b r u a r y December at St. Mary’s Church at 3.30 p.m., the TASIS England Choral Concert on Wednesday, 10 December, “Navigating the College Application Process”, 7 - 9 p.m. in grades 4 to 12, in the Fleming Theatre at 7:30 p.m., and/or the Salon, for parents of juniors the TASIS Lower School Holiday Programs on Monday, 15 Ch r i s t m a s i n En g l a n d December, grades FH to K, and on Tuesday, 16 December, grades 1 to 3, both in the Fleming Theatre at 6:30 p.m. Christmas is a wonderful time of year in England. The pace slows considerably, giving you time to enjoy the season. • Hanukkah, or Chanukah, is the Jewish festival of lights This is Britain’s most popular holiday and is characterized and is marked by the lighting of the Menorah as a symbol of by traditions which date back hundreds of years. Many religious freedom. Attend the annual ceremony at City Hall Christmas customs which originated in Britain have been in London. Visit the Jewish Community Center for London adopted in the United States. website (www.jcclondon.org.uk) to learn about their cultural and family events. For Chanukah supplies, try www.grodzinski. co.uk, www.chabad.org, and www.chabadsw19.com. Page 18 Parents' Council, continued PIRC, continued

• Go to Christmas Eve services at St. George’s Chapel in • Pulling Christmas crackers at the Christmas dinner table is Windsor Castle (see website for times). Arrive early and plan fun for both kids and adults! Christmas crackers were invented to wait in a long queue outside. St. Mary’s Church in Thorpe by a London baker in 1846. When pulled by two people, also has Christmas Eve services. they give out a crack as the treats inside are dispersed. • Christmas markets in Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and • Keep an eye out for notices announcing changes in trash Belgium are beautiful and a treat for the whole family. Local and recycling pickups. Christmas markets are also fun. • It is customary in England to tip the postman, bus driver, • Regent Street, Oxford Street, and Bond Street have house cleaners, and anyone who provides a regular service elaborate Christmas lights display. View the shop windows of that you appreciate. A few pounds are sufficient; it’s truly the Selfridges, Liberty's, and Harrod’s. thought that counts. • Visit www.visitbritain.com and go to “Events” for a list of • Boxing Day is the quietest day in England. It takes its name attractions occurring in London, including the tree lighting from a former custom of giving a Christmas box—a gift of and carol singing in Trafalgar Square, Santa’s Land at Earl’s money or food inside a box—to regular delivery men or Court, and ice skating in Canary Wharf, Greenwich, Kew trades people. This tradition survives in the custom of tipping Gardens, Natural History Museum, Windsor, Hampton the postman and other callers of good cheer at the holiday Court Palace, Somerset House, and the Tower of London. season. On Boxing Day, all shops, except the one-stop shops, The Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park will have the largest will be closed. You may want to take a walk around Virginia outdoor rink in the capital, a German Christmas market, Water Lake, as many families do, or create you own Boxing observation wheel, rides and a Santa’s Grotto. Day custom. • Consider going to a British “panto.” English pantomimes • Attend the New Year’s Parade that starts at 12 noon in are song and dance dramatizations of well-known fairy tales Parliament Square and finishes at Green Park at 3 p.m. with which encourage audience participation. They run at the more than 10,000 performers from around the world. Windsor Theatre Royal, the New Victoria Theatre in Woking, PIRC would like to wish everyone in the TASIS England and also in Richmond and London. community a happy holiday season! • It is expensive to post Christmas and holiday cards first class Please note that this information does not represent any to the States, but you must allow six weeks for second class. affiliation or endorsement from TASIS or PIRC. We are sharing Take a sample card to your local post office to get it weighed our insights, research, and experiences with you in the hopes so you know how much you will have to pay for each card of easing your adjustment to life in England. We recognize before you mail them. If you are sending greeting cards by that there are many important secular and religious holidays first class mail, ask the post office for the blue “Air Mail” beyond those covered here. stickers to place on the front of the envelopes. Many people send cards back to the States with friends who are visiting or When the holidays are over…. spouses who are traveling on business, who then mail them PIRC will be hosting a Winter Warmer Coffee and Travel Tip from the States. Exchange on Monday, January 19, in the Barn, from 10:00 • There are many sources for holiday trees. Marks & Spencers a.m. to 12:00 noon. Please join us to catch up with friends delivers good quality trees. Another home delivery source is and learn about favorite travel destinations from other TASIS www.trees-online.co.uk. Local nurseries, like Longacres, and England families. This coffee will give you a chance to get DIY stores, like Homebase, have trees at competitive prices; out of the house, reconnect with parents you have met at and there is a cut-your-own tree farm in both Addlestone and previous PIRC seminars, and collect ideas for your next . travel adventure! You may also have new questions for our committee members after having lived here for a while…. • Watch stores for changes in hours and times and closing and we will be happy to try and answer them. See you in days during the holiday season. Food stores and shops may January! be closed for several days after Christmas; check the schedule and stock up on essentials. Be prepared that stores will be very crowded the week before Christmas.

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