31St May 2019 Important Dates

31st May 2019 Important Dates

June 1 SAT 1 Graduation, 2:00pm in The QET 3 PTO Meeting, 9:30am in the Crathes Meeting Room 5-11 HS Semester 2 Exams 5 Pre-School Sports Day 5 MS “An Evening of the Arts”, 6:00 for 6:30pm in The QET 7 Spirit Wear Day 7 Grades 3-5 Sports Day, 1:00-2:55pm 11 MS House Challenge 11 Pre-School End of Year Celebration, 10:00am in The QET 11 Last Day for Pre-School – Dismissal at 11:00am 12 ES Closing Ceremony & Slide Show, 8:45am in The QET 12 MS/HS Assembly, 10:15am 12 EARLY DISMISSAL AT 11:00AM – End of 2018-2019 School Year

 From the Head of School

Dear Parents,

You may not have heard of Jadev Payeng. He is not a Head of Government, nor the director of a multinational company; nor is he a performer or celebrated academic. He is not rich, nor has powerful friends. Nevertheless, he has done something quite remarkable with his life.

He was inspired by a dead, dried out snake he happened across when he was a teenager. Javed took the simple action to plant a tree to provide shade for other reptiles. Then another, and another – and every day for 35 years. There is now a forest where there was wasteland.

The local government had been concerned about coastal erosion in the area and had attempted their own re-forestation campaign. Which failed. While Javed pretty much planted a forest by himself: now home to several endangered species including tigers, rhinos and elephants as well as many species of reptiles, birds, deer and monkeys. Without realising exactly what he had started, Javed’s simple act of planting, and his persistence in continuing to plant, now not only helps preserve a diverse range of life but also begins to address global issues such as biodiversity and greenhouse gases.

Yesterday, ISA hosted the 3rd Annual Sustainability Conference. 12 schools from around the area took part in workshops run by local charities and listened to a talk given by Professor Colin Moffat, chief government advisor for Marine Conservation. Students also had opportunities to Page 1 of 6 think about fair trade, climate action, sustainable food practices, upcycling, recycling and re- greening. Opportunities to happen across their own ‘dead snake’.

Awareness is important, but it is only a starting point; ISA’s mission is to develop students into active global citizens – for them to plant saplings as well. Javed’s story reminds us that we do not need to be rich, famous or powerful to take meaningful action; nor do we have to wait until we are a certain age. It is also a reminder that global issues aren’t out there somewhere; we don’t have to get on a plane to find them; that doing something big starts with something small, and is an accumulation of many small but significant actions. When we embark on a worthwhile project, we have no idea what other good things may follow.

Two Elementary teachers, both fairly new to ISA, put a lot of effort into making this Sustainability Conference the biggest and most diverse so far. I would like to give a big thank you to Lucy Thompson, Lulu Davies for all their hard work and commitment.

Also many thanks to Fabiana Pereira, Kent Walter, and Ian Williamson for their extra support in making sure that everything ran smoothly, and to ISA’s Parent Teacher Organisation for sponsoring all the food costs (£250) and CNOOC who provided £1000 for many of the other costs.

Kind regards,

Nicholas Little Head of School

 From the MS/HS Principal

Dear Middle/High School Parents,

Last week closed with a busy couple of days at ISA with a Mile Run, HS Awards and then Prom on Saturday. The sunshine and positive attitudes of students and faculty made for a series of fun events that brought together many different parts of our community. It was great to be able to recognise so many gifted students at our HS Awards ceremony and listen to their teachers describing the children’s achievements. The MS Awards are aligned to our ISA Values and these will be presented on the penultimate day of term. Between now and then, there is also the MS Fine Arts Night to look forward to, where artistic talents are showcased and celebrated.

The big event this weekend is Graduation, and I am looking forward to the occasion. It will be a time of mixed emotions for our graduates as they reflect fondly on their time at ISA, but also look forward with excitement to the next stage of their lives. I would like to take this opportunity to wish them well for the future. I also wish to thank the many people that have worked hard to create a memorable final few days for them, especially Anna Tolstyko.

After a successful HS Trip Week, plans are already taking place for 2019/20. Information on the trips available and approximate costs will be shared with parents when we return in August. For both MS and HS Activity Weeks there will be a locally based option, and we will be looking to establish student preferences early in the semester.

Exams start on Wednesday for Grades 9 to 11, and I have attached the schedule for reference. Students need only come onto campus when they have an exam but are welcome to use the Library any time for revision or meet with teachers. They should remember to sign in and out with reception, though.

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Angus Carmichael MS/HS Principal

 From the Elementary Principal

Dear Parents,

Classes for Next Year In an International School, population changes are common each year. It’s always difficult to predict precisely the exact enrolment of students from June to the start of the new school term in August. At the moment, we have as many new students arriving for August as are leaving in June. We will continue to have two teachers at each level from Kindergarten through fifth grade. At each grade level, a team approach is adopted so that students feel part of one class with at least two distinct physical classrooms. Within those classrooms students are assigned to one section. This grouping is decided by the teachers of the current grade in an attempt to establish two balanced groups of students in terms of academic and social ability, gender, personality, friendships, and English proficiency. Because there are so many issues to consider, this is a complex and time-consuming process and not an exact science. In fact, next year we may not be pre-determining class lists in some classes until after the school year starts. This will give our teachers maximum flexibility to adjust to sudden changes in enrolment and to take into consideration the new students who have just joined ISA.

The teachers here do a thorough job of making student transitions as smooth as possible through class visits for the students and formal and informal exchanges of information amongst the teachers. (The senior Pre-School children just had a great visit with the Kindergarten.) Next year, we will have several new teachers, so student information will continue to be exchanged in

Page 3 of 6 August just before the first day of classes. If you have any questions about the transition process, please ask the current classroom teacher and, of course, you are welcome to visit with me.

A Few More Events On Monday, we enjoyed a lovely concert with the fourth and fifth grade Band and Choir. I hope parents can join us for one or more end-of-year events.

• Monday, 3rd June - PS Sports Day in the big gym at 1:30pm • Friday, 7th June – 3-5 Sports Day, 12:30 – 2:50pm • Monday, 10th June – Fifth Grade Leavers Assembly • Tuesday, 11th June – PS End of Year Celebration, 10:00am • Wednesday, 12th June – 8:45 am Closing Assembly and Slide Show

In addition to our all-Elementary events, grade levels are continuing to take exciting trips in the last few weeks. Look out for more news in class newsletters.

Best regards,

Don Newbury, Elementary Principal

 Student Pick-up / Drop-off Procedure

Recently, we have been reviewing our procedures surrounding student pick-up / drop-off between the hours of 8:15am and 3:00pm.

We would kindly request that if your child is under 16 years of age and you are dropping off or collecting your child during the school day, that you come into the school to sign your child in / out at reception. Maintaining the safety and wellbeing of our students is our top priority.

 From the Fine Arts Department

An ENORMOUS ‘BRAVO!’ To the Elementary School Band & Choir for an outstanding Spring Concert!!! EXCELLENT WORK!!

The lunch periods were not the same this week with the beautiful jazz music in the background! WELL DONE to the HS Jazz Band for an incredible lunch recital! What a great way to say farewell to our graduating musicians!

Mark your calendars for a beautiful evening of art, music and drama…

“An Evening of The Arts” Middle School Fine & Performing Arts Wednesday, 5th June 2019 6:00pm for 6:30pm The Upper Corridor & The Queen Elizabeth Theatre

The Fine Arts Department

Page 4 of 6  From the Library

It’s been a busy year in the library – we’ve had over 19,000 items borrowed, with still a few weeks to go!

If your children are continuing at ISA in August, they are very welcome to borrow library books for the holiday. However, if your family is leaving ISA (or if there is a chance of this happening), please make sure that they have returned all of their library books by Wednesday, 5th June. If you would like to check what your child has checked out, please email [email protected].

If you are looking for ways to keep your children reading over the summer, a visit to your public library is highly recommended as Aberdeenshire Libraries (and possibly Aberdeen City) will be running the Summer Reading Challenge again. If you will be away from Aberdeen over the holiday, you can still download their great ebooks and audiobooks for free directly through an app (BorrowBox for Aberdeen City, Overdrive for Aberdeenshire) – all your family need to access this is a library card and a pincode.

Josie Crimp Librarian

 From the IT Department

TECH UPDATE

At ISA, we are keen to use technology to move towards a more paperless environment and to improve our communications with you, our families, over the coming years.

Middle and High School families will already be familiar with the PowerSchool Parent Portal and Elementary families will soon be provided with usernames and passwords. We already use this system to provide information to Middle & High School families, including grades, teacher comments and schedules, but we will be expanding this into a two-way communication from this summer. You will be asked to complete your ‘back to school pack’ forms through the new ‘Ecollect Forms’ button in the portal, which should cut down on the paperwork, and give you a chance to check that we are holding accurate information about your child.

There will be sessions available in the final week of the semester for parents to come into school and get help logging on - whether this is your first time or not! If you have any questions please get in touch with Gayle Veitch: [email protected].

 From the School Nurse

Hi everyone,

Just a short note from the Nurse’s Office this week.

I will be away from Tuesday through to and including Friday next week doing my own first aid training and also Mental Health First Aid training (might not get out after that one!!). Ruth will be here in my absence so there will still be someone manning the Nurse’s Office to hand out any medications, etc., that you may need to pick up if you are leaving before the end of term. Page 5 of 6

Good luck to all our graduates and students tomorrow at graduation. Enjoy the day - you truly deserve it. We will miss you all. Take care and look after each other.

Karen x School Nurse

 From the Transport Co-ordinator

The safe and reliable transport of our students is of paramount importance. Our busing arrangements are under constant review to ensure we are provided with the best service possible.

In that regard, and after careful consideration by senior management and the School Board of Trustees, it has been decided to contract Peace Coaches, who are based in Echt, to operate all routes presently covered by FirstBus. We believe this will introduce a better and more reliable service overall.

As of 15 August 2019, at the commencement of the new academic year, Peace Coaches will operate all routes except Route 3 (Aboyne, Banchory, Drumoak, and Peterculter).

The change of operator on these routes has in no way been motivated by the conduct of the current drivers. Regrettably, however, these new arrangements may involve an unavoidable change to a number of these drivers.

On another important matter: please may we remind parents to drive cautiously and adhere to the speed limit both on campus and the Marcliffe Hotel car park.

Ron Falconer Transport Co-ordinator

 From the Environmental Club

Making a Difference - A Year in Environmental Club

Throughout the year, the Environmental Club has been working to make our school a more eco- friendly place. In October, we were proudly awarded our second green flag from EcoSchools, an organisation that works to make schools around the world more eco-friendly. Then, we decided on three new EcoSchools topics that we would focus on to improve the school: Food and the Environment, Water, and Litter. The three areas were chosen based on our guiding UN sustainable development goal(SDG): Responsible Production and Consumption. In order to tackle each of the topics and make the school a better place, we ran many projects and initiatives such as reducing plastic in the cafeteria, funding the construction of a toilet block for a school in Malawi, ensuring the cafeteria incorporates a meatless day, and working to clean up the community area behind the school. Additionally, the school has been able to utilise the greenhouse and school grounds with the financial help of the wonderful PTO. We planted potatoes, lettuce, coriander, and other herbs, while working with the Middle School Eco Club to keep the greenhouse clean and organised. Hence, this year has been a great year for the Environmental Club with lots of support and hard work, and we hope that this continues in the following years so that we may continue to make our school a more eco-friendly learning environment.

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Online Safety Newsletter: June 2019

YOLO: Q&A App (17+) Use the S.H.A.R.E

The NSPCC have issued a warning about this app as it can clearly be When incorrect information is misused to send abusive or upsetting messages (Source: shared it can have serious https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-48214413). consequences, for example it can lead to health scares and hoax Due to the nature of this app we would highly recommend that stories. the age rating of this app is adhered to.

More information So before you like, comment or  Safer Schools have produced this helpful YouTube share online, use the checklist video which summarises what YOLO is: which is available here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQVRkMA9KZU https://sharechecklist.gov.uk/  More information about different anonymous messaging apps available and top tips can be found here: https://www.net-aware.org.uk/news/anonymous- messaging-apps-whos-asking/

Looking for a new game or app to try? Instagram – let’s keep

it private Fe is rated by PEGI as 7+ and is available on Switch, PS4, Xbox One and PC. It is an adventure game in which the player controls Fe, a fox- Whilst you should be over 13 years like creature. of age to have an Instagram account, if you choose to allow your The LEGO® Life app is suitable for 5+ and child to have an account, make sure offers a safe environment for younger their account is set to private. This children to build and share their Lego means that only followers that your creations. It introduces children to the child knows and accepts will see positive elements of social platforms, such as what they post. being able to share with family and friends and comment (all moderated) and like other people’s creations.

Location Services Jumbo app

The Jumbo App is currently only Lots of apps that we use can available on iPhones but it is a monitor our location, allow us great way to manage your to ‘check in’ at a location or privacy settings on Facebook, share where we are.

Google Search, Twitter and Alexa It is important to talk to your (Instagram to be added shortly). child about how they use the

location settings within apps For Twitter, it will make your e.g. checking in at home or at schools shows people where you live/go tweets exist online for a time to school and tells people when you are at home/not at home. period chosen by you (and then Reinforce that this is personal information. It is particularly important they’re saved on your iPhone). to stress that it is risky to share their location if this can be seen by For Facebook, it will help you strangers. modify your privacy settings easily. For Google, you can clean old searches and for Alexa Check your settings: You can control which apps can see and use your location. you can clean all your Alexa voice recordings. Jumbo cannot  Android: access any of your personal data, https://support.google.com/android/answer/6179507?hl=en-GB or track your personal  Apple: https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT207092 behaviour. Snap Map Download the app here: One example of an app that uses your location is Snapchat through the https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app Snap Map. The Map lets users see where their friends are if a friend /jumbo- has chosen to share their location at any given time. You can change privacy/id1454039975?mt=8 your location setting for Snapchat by following these instructions: https://support.snapchat.com/en-GB/a/snap-map-location-settings Further information available here: More information: https://www.jumboprivacy.com/ https://www.childnet.com/parents-and-carers/hot-topics/location- services

Talking Angela app (4+) Angela is a talking cat who copies what you say and you can give her presents, select different outfits, record her and then share the video of her with friends.

The app is rated as 4+ by the App store but you should be aware that if the app is not in child mode (this is set when you input the date of birth when first using the app) then the user can open up YouTube (when the video button is pressed in the app) in the browser to show Talking Angela’s videos which are age appropriate but obviously the child is then on YouTube so can potentially navigate to other videos that may not be appropriate (you should also be 13+ to use YouTube). If the app is in child mode then the videos that pop up are curated to a selected few and the child stays within the app but users are able to post comments on the videos (if they have an account) and see all comments regardless of having an account or not.

There was false news circulating about this app but it has since been shown to be a hoax. Originally users could ask Angela questions but this functionality has been removed.

Online Safety Newsletter: June 2019

YOLO: Q&A App (17+) Use the S.H.A.R.E

Currently at the top of the App Store chart, YOLO: Q&A is a social checklist networking app that is used with SnapChat (although not affiliated by Snapchat) . YOLO is rated as 17+ in the app store, The government has released a which means you should be at least 17 years old to download S.H.A.R.E checklist to help you this app. spot misleading news or information online to avoid it YOLO is an acronym for ‘you only live once.’ In YOLO, users being shared. request to "send me anonymous questions" which then posts the request in Snapchat (via their Snapchat story or to a group of When incorrect information is friends). All questions are then sent via YOLO anonymously. shared it can have serious The NSPCC have issued a warning about this app as it can clearly consequences, for example it can be misused to send abusive or upsetting messages (Source: lead to health scares and hoax https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-48214413). stories.

Due to the nature of this app we would highly recommend that So before you like, comment or the age rating of this app is adhered to. share online, use the checklist which is available here: More information https://sharechecklist.gov.uk/  Safer Schools have produced this helpful YouTube video which summarises what YOLO is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQVRkMA9KZU  More information about different anonymous messaging apps available and top tips: https://www.net- aware.org.uk/news/anonymous-messaging-apps-whos- Need to improve asking/ sleep?

Instagram – Comment controls A new study found that limiting screen use for one week may

improve teenagers' sleep. Read the Don’t forget that Instagram include controls to help you manage full article here: comments on your posts. Select ‘hide offensive comments’ to automatically hide comments that may be offensive from your https://www.theguardian.com/socie posts. You can also create your own list of words or emojis that ty/2019/may/20/limiting-screen- you don’t want to have appear in your comments. To access use-may-improve-teenagers-sleep- these filters, go to the settings menu, privacy and security and blue-light then select comment controls.

Location Services Jumbo app

Lots of apps that we use The Jumbo App is currently only nowadays can monitor our available on iPhone but it is a great location, allow us to ‘check in’ way to manage your privacy settings at a location or share where on Facebook, Google Search, Twitter we are. and Alexa (Instagram to be added shortly). It is important to talk to your child about how they use the For Twitter, it will make your tweets location settings within apps e.g. checking in at home or at exist online for a time period chosen schools shows people where you live/go to school and tells by you (and then they’re saved on your people when you are at home/not at home. Reinforce that this iPhone). For Facebook, it will help you is personal information. It is particularly important to stress that modify your privacy settings easily. it is risky to share their location if this can be seen by strangers. For Google, you can clean old searches and for Alexa you can clean all your Alexa voice recordings. Jumbo cannot Check your settings: access any of your personal data, or You can control which apps can see and use your location. track your personal behaviour.  Android: https://support.google.com/android/answer/6179507?hl=en-GB Download the app here:  Apple: https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT207092 https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/jumb o-privacy/id1454039975?mt=8 Snap Map One example of an app that uses your location is Snapchat Further information available here: through the Snap Map. The Map lets users see where their https://www.jumboprivacy.com/ friends are if a friend has chosen to share their location at any given time. You can change your location setting for Snapchat by following these instructions: https://support.snapchat.com/en- GB/a/snap-map-location-settings

More information: https://www.childnet.com/parents-and-carers/hot- topics/location-services

What is a Bitmoji? Do you have an iOS

device? A Bitmoji is your own personal emoji or avatar. The AirDrop is a feature on Macs and iOS Bitmoji app is owned by devices that allows users to share files SnapChat and once created, wirelessly. We recommend either you can use your Bitmoji in having your airdrop set to off or to Snapchat and wherever else contacts only to prevent a stranger being you chat. able to transfer a file/image to you.

ISA Parent Teacher Organisation [email protected]

News From Your PTO Friday 31st May 2019

ISA SUMMER CAMP The International School Aberdeen is running Summer Camp for 2019. The camp is open to all children aged 6-16. You may enrol your child for one, two, three or all four weeks. We will start every morning at 09:00 (children may enter the school at 08:45) and conclude at 17:00. A hot lunch and snacks will be provided daily. We anticipate that the camp will again fill up early.

The cost of £225.00 per week includes lunch and snacks each day. - Week 1 (15 - 19 July) SUMMER IS COMING! - Week 2 (22 - 26 July) This is the second-last PTO page of this academic - Week 3 (29 - 02 July/August) year. We are just a few days away from a well - Week 4 (05 - 09 August) deserved Summer break and hope all families will enjoy their time off. We look back on a successful year for PTO and are already planning for an even better year, starting in August. Hope to see you all back for the first welcome coffee of school year 2019-2020 on Friday August 16. Mark your calendars!

#PTO WELCOME COFFEE FRIDAY AUGUST 16

#3 REASONS TO GET YOUR SPIRIT WEAR OUT!

1 2 3 Sports day Field trips Spirit Wear day K-2: Friday 31 May Some of our students will be Friday June 7th will mark PS: Monday 3 June heading out to visit the beautiful another Spirit Wear day Grades 3-5: Friday 7 June Crathes Castle and Drum Castle.

PTO VACANCIES NEXT PTO MEETING If you would like to join to PTO, we are Next PTO meeting will take place on Monday currently looking for someone who wants to 3rd June, Crathes meeting room, from 9.30- take on the role of Fundraising Coordinator 11.00 AM. All parents are welcome to join.

If you are interested reach out to any PTO board member or contact us through Facebook or at [email protected] PTO have an exciting new initiative: Local businesses can opt into the Bronze, Silver or Gold tier Advertising Programme. We will be advertising the Gold tier businesses on our Facebook page! If you know of any companies who would like to opt into this programme, or if you would like more details, please contact Jen Sword our PTO advertising member via email [email protected]

Aberdeen Petroleum Club at Kippie Lodge Westhill Business Park, North Deeside Road Westhill, Aberdeenshire, AB32 6JL Milltimber Tel: 01224 515 254 Aberdeen Email: AB13 0AB [email protected]

Tel: 01224 734747 www.rocprivateclinic.com E: [email protected] www.kippielodge.co.uk

21 Golden Square, North Deeside Road, Pitfodels, Aberdeen, AB10 1RE Aberdeen, AB15 9YA, Tel: 01224 611633 Scotland, United Kingdom. E-Mail: [email protected] Tel: 01224 861000 Email: [email protected] www.theorthodonticclinic.co.uk/ www.marcliffe.com

Disclaimer: ISA PTO disclaims liability for loss or damage or any nature and extent resulting in directly or indirectly, from any use of the information and advertising presented on the PTO Facebook page and notices. ISA PTO advertisers operate their own web-pages and social media accounts and may not claim or imply affiliation or endorsement with ISA or ISA PTO. ISA PTO are not responsiblefor any content found on the websites that are hyper-linked to other public, or private organisations, nor do we guarantee the accuracy of any linked information. ISA advertisers do not represent the views of ISA or ISA PTO.