February 2009 Community News Vol. VIII No. 6
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
Her vision and loving spirit lifted the hearts and minds of generations. Inside This Issue May she rest in peace. Headmaster's View 2
Mary Crist Fleming Upper School 3 Founder and Director Emerita The TASIS Schools Student Activities 4 September 10, 1910 – January 27, 2009 College Counseling 5 Her daughters Gai F. Case and Lynn F. Aeschliman, her son W. Thomas Fleming, her son-in-law Michael D. Aeschliman, Admissions 6 her grandchildren Anna and Adrien Aeschliman, Daniella C. Hatfield, and Alec Fleming, and her extended TASIS Residential Life 6 family mourn her passing but rejoice in her life. Middle School 7 Funeral Service to be held at S. Abbondio Church Montagnola - Lugano, Switzerland Lower School 9 3:00 pm on February 1, 2009 ~ Fitness Center Visitation of the Deceased Mrs. Mary Crist Fleming at Casa Fleming 10 January 27, 16:00 - 19:00 Theatre 11 January 28, 10:00 - 12:00 and 16:00 - 19:00 ~ Summer Programs 12 Memorial Service to be held at Our Lady of the Assumption 91 Harvest Road, Englefield Green, Egham, Surrey TW20 0QR, England Romanian Children's 13 3:00 pm on February 19, 2009 Relief ~ Scouting 14 Switzerland: Reception following the Funeral at the TASIS M. Crist Fleming Library England: Reception following the Memorial Service at TASIS Sports and Activities 15 ~ In lieu of flowers, we invite you to contribute to the TASIS Foundation for the M. Crist Fleming Faculty Endowment for International Understanding and Leadership. Parents’ Council 16 For more information about giving to the Endowment, please contact Carmen Armistead at [email protected] or +44 1932 582332. PIRC 18 ~ For more information and if you plan to attend the Funeral in Lugano please contact Yvonne Procyk at [email protected] or tel. +41 91 9605300. For the Memorial Service in England, please contact Kathy Weldin at [email protected] or tel: +44 1932 582313
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
The Headmaster’s View
We have been back in session for about a month. Christmas 12-18 months does not involve ranking schools, but rather and New Year’s already seem so far away. I hope that 2009 establishes a level of quality for all accredited schools. defies the gloomy predictions and that our government In conclusion, I must comment on the recent events in leaders make the right decisions about the economy and Washington, D.C. Last week America inaugurated its 44th international relations—decisions that will help us all sleep President. Some of our teachers used this historic occasion more securely and confidently. as a “teachable moment,” and we were able to stream If you have been by the campus you know that construction the event over our new LCD screens in the dining rooms, on the new Upper School Building and Oak Court has reception area, and gymnasium. Political leaning aside, finally started. The first few days were a little noisy as the Barack Obama personifies the dream in which we all believe contractors were putting in the sheet pilings. However, that for our children. He is living proof that with hard work, part of the project didn’t last long and the process fascinated talent, courage, and a little luck, anything is achievable, no the students, especially the fourth graders who had a great matter your heritage. view. We have been assured that installing the pilings will be With the inauguration of President Obama, we have moved the noisiest part of the construction. As I write this article, a significant step forward to a better world, in which a we are awaiting the archeological findings and artifacts. disadvantaged child has triumphed over every difficulty When they are returned to us, we will display the historical placed before him to become the most influential man in objects found and the information about them. the world. We hope to have Vicarage Mews, the apartments near the Hopefully, we will now be inspired to consider each other Icehouse, next to the south parking lot, finished by June. with greater understanding, regardless of our differences. At Oak Court, the four classrooms between Coach House and TASIS England, we understand that our multi-cultural, multi- the Arcade, is scheduled to be finished in August, and the colored, highly international student body is one of our Upper School Offices should be completed by October greatest strengths. Our students provide the best example break. that the world can live in peace and people can work together TASIS administrators are mindful of the current global events, to solve serious issues. Just as our new students, who come and our greatest challenge at the moment is to predict from varied backgrounds, quickly become TASIS students, student enrollment in these challenging economic times. my belief is that Barack Obama will quickly become not just As we prepare the 2009-10 budget and begin recruiting the first black President, but quite simply, the President. teacher replacements, our strategy amidst the downturn is to remain the best choice for expatriate families in this area. Our goal is to continue to attract the highest quality boarding and day students from all over the world with our supportive community, exemplary academic program, and whole-child philosophy. Dr. James A. Doran As I reported to you two months ago, we had a successful He a d m a s t e r Ofsted inspection in November. However, we are not resting on our laurels, for, in the fall, the CIS/NEASC accreditation process begins. The Council of International Schools (CIS) works closely with the American-based New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). The NEASC is dedicated to fostering educational excellence and institutional improvement in New England independent schools through a voluntary accreditation process that is structured around high standards, self-evaluation, peer review, and a weeklong visitation. The self-study process of
Page 2 The Headmaster’s View, Continued
In January, the Cub Scouts Pack 301 Webelos worked on their Citizenship Badges, and met with TASIS' very own distinguished community leaders, Mrs. Lisa Smith, Chairman of the Board, and TASIS England Headmaster, Dr. Doran. Pictured here are Webelos I Den 1 and Webelos II, who met with Dr. Jim Doran. The boys learned about Dr. Doran's role and asked plenty of questions.
Upper School
COMMENCEMENT 2009
Commencement and its appropriate rituals are quickly racing • Length of dress – top of knee to ankle-length (no shorter toward us. The Commencement Ceremony is scheduled for than top of knee) Saturday, 6 June 2009 at 11:00 a.m. • Cream, white, or neutral stockings The Senior Banquet is scheduled for Friday, 5 June beginning • Dress pumps or sling back shoes in white or light cream at 6:00 p.m. Seniors are required to attend this special • Light colored or white cardigan sweater (if weather is evening event. Parents are invited to attend with their son inclement) or daughter. GIRLS must NOT wear: Students are reminded that they must adhere to the following • Sundresses or mini-skirts guidelines for dress for the Commencement Ceremony. • Backless/strapless dresses • Spaghetti strap dress BOYS must wear: • Slip dresses • Dark navy blue, grey or black suit • Provocative necklines • White shirt (no colors!) • Pantsuits or trousers • Neck tie (bow tie optional!) • Casual sandals, platform shoes, flip-flops, thongs, or any • Dark leather dress shoes other colored shoes • Dark socks • Facial piercing, provocative hairstyles or hair colorings BOYS must NOT wear: • Provocative costume or displays including jewelry • Piercing or earrings of any sort • Provocative hairstyles or hair colorings Claudia Werner GIRLS must wear: He a d o f Up p e r Sc h o o l • Solid white dress • Modified scoop neck or higher
Page 3 Upper School, Continued
Up p e r Sc h oo l Ca l en d a r Da tes :
Wednesday, 4 & Thursday, 5 February upper School Acting showcase 7:30 p.m. Monday 2 - Friday 6, February Teacher Appreciation week College Friday, 6 February Counseling, Ragscontinued ‘n’ Tags Hollywood Theme Rising 12th IB Yr 2 Course Registrations Due 7 February – 15 February February Break – No classes Monday, 16 February Classes Resume saturday, 21 February uniform Sales 9:00 a.m. – Noon Lower School Dining Room Friday, 27 February Rags ‘n’ Tags Rising 9th Grade Course Registrations Due saturday, 28 February Talent Show 7:30 p.m. Friday, 6 March Rising 10th Grade Course Registrations Due Friday, 13 March Rising 12th Grade Course Registrations Due Friday, 27 March Rising 11th Grade Course Registrations Due
Student Activities
Comm u n i t y Se r v i ce Tr a v e l
Friday, 27 February is the deadline for all seniors to A total of 32 students and 6 faculty members will spend submit their CSP timesheets and reflection essays. This February Break volunteering in Romania, helping to brighten deadline is important, as the completion of one’s CSP the lives of children in need. Mrs. Reinikainen, Ms. McLean, is a requirement for graduation. Timesheets may be and Ms. Donimari will travel with students to Sighet to submitted to the collection box in the Fun Hut. Reflection work with Hope and Homes for Children, and Mr. Stern, essays should be e-mailed to both Mrs. Norris-Atkins at Ms. Gediman, and Ms. Devoir will accompany students to [email protected] and Mrs. Reinikainen at uta@ Bistrita to work with Romanian Children’s Relief. Your support tasisengland.org. Guidelines for writing the essay can be of our students and their philanthropic endeavors is much found on StudyWiz. appreciated.
Freshmen, sophomores, and juniors should be continuing Uta Reinikainen, CAS a n d St u d e n t Activities Di r e c t o r with their service projects and looking towards their Carolyn Norris, 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 timesheet and essay deadline of 1 May. Please note 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 that once a student has completed all of his/her hours, timesheets and essays can be submitted straight away, prior to the deadline.
Page 4 College Counseling
Ch a n g e i n Test i n g f o r 9t h a n d 10t h Gr a d e St u d ents
In the past, TASIS England has required make sure you contact me on time, as we will not be able all 9th and 10th grade students to take accommodate last minute registrations. grade-level ERB tests. Over the past few years, the Upper School Administration, along with the Academic Committee, Sincerely, has been evaluating the effectiveness of the ERB exams. 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 We decided to search for an exam that would give more practical and useful information to each child and family. As a result of this search, we have decided to move to the Im p o r t a nt Da tes EXPLORE and PLAN tests, offered by the same organization that runs the college entrance ACT exams. Much like the ERBs, the EXPLORE test for 9th graders and the PLAN test for February 3rd: 10th graders will continue to evaluate each student's strengths PIRC Junior Kickoff Meeting: Navigating the College and weakness in English, math, reading, and science and will Process compare them to other students from around the world.
February 18th: However, these tests also ask students to do a career and interest inventory as part of the exam. When students Registration deadline for EXPLORE and PLAN tests get their results, they will receive a report that links their academic skills to their interests. By using the online tools February 21st: that accompany the results, students can begin to explore potential career options and it will help them create an Step One Career Testing for 10th Grade Students academic plan for the future. The EXPLORE and PLAN tests are commonly used in other high schools and therefore could still be used for admission to another secondary school, if needed. We hope that both parents and students will find the information provided by these tests to be interesting and helpful.
The registration for the EXPLORE and PLAN tests will be completely optional. We will be offering both tests on the morning of Saturday March 21st here at TASIS England for free to 9th and 10th grade students. If you have questions about these exams or would like to register your son or daughter, please contact Anna Wright at [email protected] or +44 (0)1932 582 423 before Wednesday, February 18th. Since we will be ordering these exams in advance, please
Page 5 Admissions
All families should have now received a copy of the latest Directory Amendments; if yours has not arrived, please contact Admissions and we’ll post one to you. Re-enrollment information for the 2009-2010 academic year will be mailed before the end of the month with a reply deadline of April 1st. If you are returning, please complete the Re-Enrollment Form and return with deposit to Admissions. If your family is moving on, simply tick the “not returning” box and complete the Withdrawal Form on the back. If you have questions after receiving your Re-Enrollment Pack, please contact Admissions. Have a lovely February break,
Th e Ad m i s s i o n s Te a m
Dean of Residential Life
I always remind myself at this time of year how lucky we all As usual TASIS will assist in transporting boarding students to are to be involved in the day-to-day life at TASIS. Winter is the airport for their flight home in February only if they leave slowly reeling back, and the most beautiful transformation after all classes have finished. Faculty are on dutyFriday, 6th of the TASIS campus will soon begin. Indeed, February may February from 3:15 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. and again Saturday, still hold a few surprises as far as the weather is concerned, 7th February from 9:00 a.m. to noon. Students needing a but increasingly we will get those signs that spring is not too ride to Heathrow Airport will be given the option to join far away. a school shuttle at stated times during the duty periods. Students needing transportation at any other time will have Important information for February regarding the Boarding to make their own arrangements. As a trial we will be using Community includes travel plans. We are asking Boarding school minivans to transport students back after the February Parents to submit information of your son’s or daughter’s Break. This will be done only if students liaise with Mr. Bett travel plans. The campus is closed from noon on Saturday, ahead of time. Alternatively, taxi information may also be 7th February until Saturday, 14th February, at which time found on the TASIS website. boarders may return. All boarders must return no later than 7 p.m. on Sunday, 15th February. We are asking for the We are looking forward to a rewarding and a relaxing travel information to be returned by Friday, 30th January. February Break for all. Please check the TASIS website for the form which you Sincerely, should return by e-mail ([email protected]) or fax (+44 1932 560 493) to Ms. Jo Feltham in the Upper School Office. Michael Bett
Full information as well as the actual travel form can De a n o f Re s i d e n t i a l Li f e be obtained from the TASIS website under Campus Life>Boarding Program, or use this link to download the February Travel Form:- http://england.tasis.com/page.cfm?p=427
Page 6 Middle School
NEW SEMESTER RESOLUTIONS
Just as we often have the habit of making New Year’s organizers of Teacher Appreciation Week. So, on February resolutions at the beginning of January, now, having recently 6th, developing the theme of Classic Hollywood “Stars”, the received the 1st Semester Grade Reports and ERB / WrAP Parents’ Council invites students, faculty, and administrators scores, is a good time to look back at academic goals set to dress as Hollywood Stars. All monies raised will be donated in November and evaluate what progress has been made. to the charity chosen by the middle school teachers (to be Perhaps it is time to set new goals as well. Goals that stretch determined at our next faculty meeting). your children, in a realistic way, are best. Do make the time spent on grade reports with your child positive, productive time. Look at what can be done rather than what “should In the Middle School, not all our Rags ’n’ Tags collections go have” been done. Just the very fact that you take this time to a specific charity at the point in time they are collected. passes on the message that you value your child and you At the end of the year the funds accumulated in the value his or her education. They may not respond in the way House Council treasury are divided equally amongst the you hope…but the message is still being given, despite any four House-sponsored charities. Representatives of those adolescent angst! Do let us know here at school if we can charities are invited to our End of Year Awards Assembly to help. Your child’s advisor is a good place to start, or perhaps receive sizeable checks of often £1,000.00 or more. a particular teacher if a certain subject seems problematic, and of course Mrs. Cross and Mrs. Cockerill are happy to talk with you as well. Dr. Vazquez, our school counselor, is SPIRIT DAY (DATE FOR YOUR DIARY) another excellent resource for parental support strategies or Just before the last winter term sports match and the end of advice. season Sports Festivals and Tournaments, the Middle School House Council organizes a Spirit Day when we recognize all the cheerleaders, rugby and basketball players at our Town INTERMEDIATE UK MATHS CHALLENGE Meeting. This year it is scheduled for Wednesday, March We have forty entries for the UKMT (United Kingdom 4th. Cheerleaders, rugby and basketball players will wear Mathematics Trust) competition for our highest performing their uniforms to school and all the other students will be 8th grade math students scheduled for Thursday, February able to dress for the day in their House Colors. Parents are 5th. The 40 students have been invited to sit a challenging welcome to view the Pep Rally from the theatre balcony maths logic test of 25 problems to be taken in a one-hour from 10:45 to 11:15 a.m. sitting during the school day. These papers will then be sent along to Leeds University, sponsors of the competition, for Debi Cross scoring. Hopefully, some of our students will score high enough to earn bronze, silver, or gold certificates. And, if He a d o f Mi d d l e Sc h o o l anyone scores very high, he/she will be invited to participate in the next round of the competition in due course. In March, we will invite 40 of our sixth and seventh grade students to take part in the Junior Maths Challenge, so stay tuned! Visit www.ukmt.org.uk for more information.
RAGS ’N’ TAGS
Our next Rags ’n’ Tags is set for Friday, February 6th. This has been added at the request of the Parents' Council
Page 7 Middle School, Continued
UPCOMING FEBRUARY EVENTS:
Thursday, February 5th: Intermediate Maths Challenge Girls Basketball and Boys Rugby v ACSC (A) Boys Basketball and Girls Cheerleading v ACSC (H) Friday, February 6th: LS/MS/US Rags ’n’ Tags Saturday, February 7th to Sunday, February 15th: February Break (and Middle School Ski Trip to Anzere, Switzerland!) Monday, February 16th: Classes Resume Thursday, February 19th: Girls Basketball and Cheerleading vv ACSH (H) Boys Rugby v ACSH (H) Boys Basketball v ACSH (A) Friday, February 20th: Birthday Advisories Monday, February 23rd: Faculty Meetings, 3:30 p.m. no after school activities or supervision Thursday, February 26th: Girls Basketball and Cheerleading v ASL (H) Boys Rugby v ASL (H) Boys Basketball v ASL (A) Friday, February 27th: All School Rags ‘n’ Tags Wednesday, March 4th: MS Winter Sports Spirit Day Saturday, March 7th: Middle School Rugby Festival at ACSH Middle School Boys and Girls ‘A’ Basketball Festival at ASL Middle School Girls ‘B’ Basketball Festival at Marymount Middle School Boys ‘B’ Basketball Festival at ACSE
Page 8 Lower School
With the start of 2009 in the Lower School we wish to ANTI-BULLYING INITIATIVE welcome many new families and students: Jennifer Kirk The TASIS Lower School has launched an anti-bullying (1R), Jack Silbert (2A), Jason Spaeth (2D), Alexa Nichols (2G), initiative, designating January as Bully Prevention Month. Jamie Kirk (4B), Keri Nichols (4E), and Alyssa Spaeth (5F). Three bully prevention interactive assemblies were designed The core virtues for February are self-control and self- and implemented for our Lower School students in their discipline. These two virtues vary slightly in definition, and respective subgroups: Kindergarten and first grade, second the teachers will be helping the children to understand and third grade, and fourth and fifth grade. These programs these concepts at the appropriate developmental level. Self- engaged students in exercises that explored the difference control is defined as “stopping to think about my actions between bullying and meanness, what students can do to before I enact them” and self-discipline is “applying ourselves combat bullying, and why being kind is so important. to tasks.” I expect we all, adults and children alike, can sometimes benefit from refocusing on these two virtues! URGENT – YEARBOOK PHOTOS NEEDED The second trimester in the Lower School comes to a close on February 20. The teachers will then be compiling their The Lower School Yearbook, Journeys, deadline is very reports. All lower school grade reports will be posted to you early, as it is being published in America. We still need on Friday, March 6. Please be sure that Jane Cady has your digital pictures of school-related extra curricular activities full correct mailing address if you have recently arrived or – basketball, field trips, assemblies, Scouts, parties, or moved house. anything unusual to make our yearbook interesting and different. Please e-mail your digital pictures to lsyearbook@ With Valentine’s Day fast approaching you might find these tasisengland.org as soon as possible. Thank you very much websites fun and useful: to those of you who have sent pictures already. Your help http://www.craftsforkids.about.com makes a significant difference. If you have hard copy photos for our collage pages, please send pictures to Paula Rollo http://www.kidsdomain.com/holiday/val/crafts.html in the Lower School, keeping in mind that the yearbook http://www.dltk-holidays.com/valentines/index.htm committee is unable to return these to you. Thank you for your support! We look forward to an action filled month and your continued support for the many programs in which your children are involved, both academic and extracurricular. The days are LOWER SCHOOL LIBRARY NEWS becoming slightly longer now and spring in southern England is right around the corner – a true joy to behold! Australian author Morris Gleitzman will be visiting the TASIS Lower School on Wednesday, March 4th. Born in England, he and his family moved to Australia when Morris FEBRUARY RAGS 'N' TAGS was 16. After holding a number of odd jobs, he went on to complete a degree in Professional Writing. As a writer of Friday, February 6 & Friday, February 27 feature films and screenplays, his first book, The Other Fact On these Fridays, all children in the Lower School may of Life, was published in 1985. More than two dozen books come to school out-of-uniform. Children may choose to have followed. You can learn more about Mr. Gleitzman wear casual clothes or even dressy clothes. (No offensive at his website, http://www.morrisgleitzman.com. Mr. slogans on t-shirts or very short skirts or very long jeans/skirts Gleitzman will be here at TASIS to help the Lower School which can be tripped over, please!) All students will need celebrate two reading events. The first event is Read Across to bring £1 (or more) for this privilege. Proceeds from the America Day, March 2nd, followed by World Book Day on February 6 Rags ‘n’ Tags Day will go to a school-selected March 5th. More information and a list of books that can be charity, and proceeds from the February 27 Rags ‘n’ Tags purchased and autographed will follow later in the month. Day will go to World Wildlife Fund (WWF), which works to ensure a healthy future for people, species, and their habitats, addressing global threats like climate change and environmental degradation.
Page 9 Lower School
The library welcomes the following staff and students to There are two ways to join the Birthday Book Club. You the library’s Birthday Book Club. As of mid-January, the can make a £10 donation to the library and have your child following new members include: select a book from the library’s new books. If your child has a special book he/she wishes to donate to the library, you can provide a new copy of the book to the library. Either Joely Donovan Aidan McCurry way the new book will have a bookplate with your child’s Carly Mitchell Alex Quinton name placed in the book. Additionally, the book title and donor’s name will be placed on the Library’s Birthday Book Jacob Donovan nicholas Toews Club bulletin board. Jane Cady Abigail Lynn Anav Saxena Anne Weston Susan Porter, He a d o f Lo w e r Sc h o o l
Jack Boselli savannah Holt Andrea Glowatz, As s i s t a n t He a d o f Lo w e r Sc h o o l Sarah Holmes
UPCOMING FIELD TRIPS AND SPECIAL EVENTS Friday, February 6 Rags ‘n’ Tags (charity to be decided) Friday, February 6 February Break begins after classes Monday, February 16 Classes resume Tuesday, February 17 First Grade trip to the British Museum as part of their study of Egypt Tuesday, February 24 Fourth Grade trip to Benjamin Franklin House as part of their study of electricity Fitness Friday, Center February 27 Rags ‘n’ Tags in aid of WWF
Fitness Center
Firstly, a big “thank you” to everyone who took part in selection of Swiss balls and tension bands for strengthening our successful ENDURO ’09 event, which provided a your core muscles. great opportunity for people to kick-start their New Year's In addition, you may find that my Group Circuit and Spins resolutions around health and fitness. classes are an excellent way of keeping you going with An indication of people’s willingness to improve their motivation coming from other people as well as myself. lifestyles at the beginning of the year is borne out in fitness So don't delay, book today by e-mailing us at fitnesscenter@ centre memberships, which greatly increase in January tasisengland.com. and February. If the fact that everyone else will be there is putting you off getting down to the gym, then why not book We look forward to welcoming you to the TASIS Fitness up a free 60 minute Induction/Assessment session with me, Center. and we can work out the best form of training for you.
The TASIS Fitness Center is fully equipped with the latest Colin Streets Pre-Cor machines. Our CV Space has 4 exercise bikes; 4 Fi t n e s s Ce n t e r Ma n a g e r cross-trainers; 4 treadmills & 2 Concept 2 rowing machines. We are now up to 13 spinning bikes in our Spin Space. In our Resistance Space we have 13 machines and a complete set of dumb bell free weights and in our Core Space we have a
Page 10 Theatre
Th e a t r e a n d Dr a m a De p a r tment News
Feb r u a r y 2009
Dr a m a De p a r tment Congratulations to Nicola Holdaway and the fourth grade The folk in Bula village were incredibly touched by our care actors for a fantastic Fourth Grade Theatre Night. Their and willingness to help; they send their love and thanks: presentation of The Phantom Tollbooth was creative and ”Hello to all those who are involved in the school project, delighted the audience with colorful characters and funny we send our greeting, much love, and thanks to you all. You dialogue. Well done everyone! cannot imagine how happy you are making people in Bula village. Everybody is thrilled with your help and excited to work to make this dream a reality. Th e a t r e Parents and children are joyful to be involved in this work. At the time of going to press we are putting the final touches It almost makes one cry, to see their joy and hope with this to the program for the TASIS Revue! and have all but sold out project.” of tickets - with almost two weeks to go! So many wonderfully talented people of all ages will come together to share their A huge “thank you” to every performer, quilt-maker, and talent to create a truly unique evening’s entertainment. supporter. The tremendous talent, combined with the In addition – Anne Gundry and Maureen Saage made a phenomenal support and enthusiasm within the caring wonderful quilt to be raffled on the night. TASIS family, has changed Bula village life completely. Last year, thanks to a sellout evening, we were able to send enough funds to build a well and a school in Bula village, Guinea Bissau, West Africa. As the children have only a few Da tes f o r t h e Di a r y chairs and desks and very little equipment in the school, our aim this year is to send them the funds for the equipment Wednesday, 4th & Thursday, 5th February, 7:30 p.m: IB they need. & Advanced Acting student directed work. Excerpts from Who’s Afraid of Virginia Wolf? by Edward Albee and Savage/Love by Sam Shepard and Joseph Chaiken. No tickets required. Thursday, 19th – Saturday, 21st March, 7:30 p.m: Upper School Musical, Guys & Dolls by Frank Loesser, Jo Swerling, and Abe Burrows, based on the books of Damon Runyon. Tickets are £8 for adults and £5 for students.
To book tickets for Guys & Dolls, or for more information on Fleming Theatre Membership, productions, and presentations call Ros Morgan at the Theatre office 01932 568137 or e-mail [email protected]. One of the two new school buildings in Bula village
Although resources are still limited, the children of Bula can now stay in their own village to attend school. Before, Ros Morgan they had to leave the village and their homes at nine years of age if they wanted to get an education. Th e a t r e Ma n a g e r
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 se He l p Us Ma ke A Ch i l d ’s Da y This year, RCR’s request is as follows: Br i g h te 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 Center Baby wipes are now fostered in a fairly new program thanks, in part, to Latex gloves/exam gloves RCR. TASIS students will work and play with the children in Antibacterial gel the Placement Center. Other students will go to Nassau to work in the newly opened group home, which houses more Bandages severely developed, slightly older kids. Yet others will work Shaving foam, aftershave in a gypsy latchkey program for 7 to 14 year-olds, which is Razor blades overseen by a former TASIS student, Clare Vierbuchen, who Acne solutions (especially for Dan, a hydrocephalic boy) went with me to Romania on the first of the nine trips. Clare Deodorant has established her own charity, Open Doors, with whom we also work. Clare is now in Virginia, getting her Ph.D. in Body lotion 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
Tr oo p 301 News - Feb r u a r y 2009
The Cub Scouts of Pack 301 have to see what we’re all about, it's not too late, so please feel been working very hard on their free to join us. achievements, so it was a well- deserved treat to participate in the recent Family Swim Day at the Windsor Leisure Center. On February 1, we will have our annual Blue and Gold Banquet in the Lower School Dining Room. This year we will celebrate 102 years of scouting. We are also looking forward to our annual bowling outing later this month on February 25. Our boys will meet at the Bracknell Bowling lanes for fun and exercise. Finally, we are always happy to welcome any new scouts to our dens. If would like to attend the Blue and Gold Banquet
Gi r l Sco u t News - Feb r u a r y 2009
Girl Scouts are busy getting ready activity, but mark your calendar (and Dad’s calendar!) for for “World Thinking Day.” Each Saturday, March 7. (Please note, this is a change from the year in February, Girl Scouts and date printed in the Parents’ Council calendar). If Dad won’t Girl Guides around the world be available, girls are of course welcome to bring along celebrate this event with activities, games, and projects with another adult instead. Watch this space for more details to global themes. World Thinking day offers Girl Scouts an come. opportunity to learn more about the world around them, increase cultural awareness, and emphasize the positive Cynthia Erikson similarities between U.S. Girl Scouts and their sisters throughout the world. It is also a reminder that Girl Scouts of the USA is part of a global community—one of 144 countries with Girl Guides and Girl Scouts organizations. All Lower School troops will meet jointly in the cafeteria on February 25 to experience World Thinking Day. The theme for World Thinking Day 2009 is “girls worldwide say we can stop the spread of AIDS, malaria and other diseases.” Costa Rica, Fiji, Ireland, Jordan, and Kenya have been chosen to represent the five regions of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts. Parents of Lower School Girl Scouts are invited to stop by the cafeteria for the World Thinking Day events on February 25. If you have any questions, contact your daughter’s leader or Cynthia Erickson, who is coordinating the event. In March, the Girl Scouts from TASIS and ACS Egham join TASIS 5th grade Girl Scouts are shown here during their “cabin together for our annual Father-Daughter event. Girl Scout campout” last month. The girls enjoyed a full moon night Mom, Katie Eldh, is busy working out the details of the hike, zip lining, crate challenge climbing, and lots more.
Page 14 Scouting Sports & Activities
UPPER SCHOOL Thank you to the families of the Varsity Girls and Boys The sign-ups for the London Youth Baseball League will begin Basketball and Varsity Cheerleading teams for kindly very soon. London Youth Baseball is affiliated with Little providing accommodation for our guests from The American League Baseball, and games are played at High Wycombe. School of The Hague at the end of January. Looking ahead Last year, the LYBL Juniors All Star team won the European to the I.S.S.T. Tournaments in March, the sports/activities Championships in Poland, and played in the Junior League office will be distributing more information to the families of World Series in Michigan! The LYBL Majors All Star team the participants for the forthcoming I.S.S.T. Basketball and came in second at the European Championships in Poland. Rugby Tournaments, and the Cheerleading Competition in If you are interested in joining London Youth Baseball please Nottingham. go to the following website for information or to sign up for the new season www.lybl.org. If you have any further questions please contact Nancy Davison at ndavison@ MIDDLE SCHOOL tasisengland.org. The girls and boys basketball and rugby teams have opened We extend a warm welcome to those of you who have their seasons with games against the ACS Cobham “Cougars” joined the TASIS community during January. if you have any and the ASL “Eagles”. The action comes thick and fast during questions about the various sports/activities programs being February when we will play the ACS Hillingdon “Hawks”, offered throughout the school, please don’t hesitate to and the ACS Egham “Jaguars”. The gymnasium and playing contact Eddie Cross, the Director of Sports/Activities Pre K-12 field are busy places on game days;. come along and support ecross@ tasisengland.org ext. 2327, or his assistant, Sharon the teams. Hudgens shudgens@ tasisengland.org ext. 2376. Better still, stop by the sports/activities office in the gymnasium, and Please remember that there are Middle School Basketball speak to us directly. and Rugby Festivals scheduled for Saturday, 7 March. More information regarding the upper school tournaments and middle school festivals will be available in due course UPCOMING SPORTS DATES FOR THE CALENDAR: through the Weekly Sports Update, and by e-mail to the families of the participants. The winter season team Saturday 7 March photographs have been taken, and details of how to obtain Middle School Rugby Festival at ACS Hillingdon copies have been distributed through the Weekly Sports Middle School Girls & Boys A Basketball Festival at ASL Update, which should be reaching you by e-mail every Friday. Middle School Girls B Festival at Marymount Middle School Boys B Festival at ACS Egham
SATURDAY SPORTS-INTRAMURAL BASKETBALL Junior Varsity Rugby Tournament at TASIS Saturday mornings at TASIS are fun-filled for the many Junior Varsity Girls & Boys Basketball Tournaments at ACS young basketball players, and the concessions area is a great Cobham place to enjoy a coffee and catch up with your friends. Wednesday 11 - Saturday 14 March Thanks to the Sports Services Chairperson, Margie Hanley, for coordinating the Intramural Sports Program, the players Varsity Girls Basketball-ISST Tournament-Vienna from the Guildford “Heat” professional basketball club, who Varsity Boys Basketball-ISST Tournament-Brussels do an outstanding job with the coaching, and the parent volunteers for their help in concessions. Thursday 12 - Saturday 14 March The TASIS Intramural Soccer/Tennis Program for grades Pre Varsity Rugby-ISST Tournament-Vienna K-8 will be offered during the spring season. The TASIS program is held on the Thorpe Place fields and the tennis Friday 20 - Sunday 22 March courts every Saturday morning. The participants practice Varsity Cheerleaders - British Open Cheer & Dance and play for seven Saturdays, commencing in mid-March. Championship - Nottingham Registration forms will be distributed towards the end of the basketball season.
Page 15 Parents’ Council
PARENTS’ COUNCIL If you have the time and are interested in becoming more Coordinator : Susan Johns involved, we are presently taking nominations for next [email protected] year’s Parents’ Council Board. You can nominate yourself or another person for any of the following positions: Coordinator, Secretary, Treasurer, Social, Arts, Hospitality, Important dates to remember for February: Volunteers, Communications, Sports Services, and Ways & Feb 2th – 6th Teacher Appreciation Week! Means. If you would like to find out more about any of these positions: please contact myself or any of the other Feb 18th TASIS Merchandise and Spiritwear current Board members who will be happy to talk with you store open 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. and answer any questions. There is also a job description piece which you can access on the ‘Parents’ section of the READ ALL ABOUT IT! TASIS website. The month of February may be short in days, especially Nominations can be submitted in writing or in e-mail form with the break as well, but certainly not short in fun and to Susan Johns by March 6th. The Nominating Committee appreciation as we celebrate the dedication and hard work will review all nominations and reach agreement on the of our Administration, Faculty, and Staff during Teacher/ new slate of officers later in the spring. Staff Appreciation Week. As parents, our focus is truly about our children and wanting only the best for them. At TASIS FLEMING THEATRE ‘ADOPT-A-SEAT’ CAMPAIGN IS we know we are receiving just that, so this is a very worthy BACK! tribute. A huge thank you to the planning committee and their volunteers for all their hard work in providing a great One of Parents’ Council’s main fund-raising goals for the celebration. last school year was to raise £30,000 to help provide new seating for the Fleming Theatre. The fantastic news is that Something to look forward on Saturday, March 28th will be we accomplished that goal through our various fund-raising our Barn Dance at the Lyne Village Hall with a wonderful events/activities throughout the year as well as the “Adopt- live band, as well as some fun fund-raising opportunities a-Seat” campaign whereby we have sold 68 seats out of the on the night ….so ‘save the date’. Linda Lanctot is kindly 343 available to date. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all chairing this event and also watch for further details coming those contributors thus far. your way soon. We have just received fantastic news that the new theatre seats will most likely be installed over the Spring break …so THANK YOU once again we would like to offer this unique opportunity A great deal of time and hard work, as you can appreciate, to individuals and families of the community to ‘adopt a goes into the planning, preparation, and running of not seat’ for £100. Your name/family name will be displayed on only our special events, but many of the services the a plaque in recognition of your contribution for now and Parents’ Council provides year round such as: Concessions, future years to come. Intramurals, the Buddy Family program, and the School store. As well as requesting a form, you will have opportunities to All of this would not be possible without the enthusiasm, participate at all the upcoming theatre and Parents’ Council support, and commitment from our many talented and events. Thank you for your continuous support to the TASIS hard-working volunteers and Board members which is community. greatly appreciated. Happy Valentine’s Day!
JOIN US Susan Johns Join us and donate your time and talents to our community Co o r d i n a t o r - TASIS needs YOU and appreciates YOU! Your participation will help you feel welcome, in touch, and an important part of this dynamic community.
Page 16 Parents’ Council, continued
ARTS SERVICES: CHRIS MAURER come help or have a coffee at the concession stand. If you [email protected] have any ideas or input on how to improve our program please do not hesitate to contact me. Suggestions are always Open Now: The TASIS All-School Art Exhibition features welcome. works by students in all three divisions. Be on the lookout throughout the campus and make a point to visit not only the Fleming Gallery, but the welly room, the red corridor, PARENT VOLUNTEERS COORDINATION: and the corridor en route to Admissions. SUSAN PHELPS Coming Soon: Watch weekly bulletins for information [email protected] about visiting artist, Jeremy Harrison, who will exhibit in the Gallery and conduct workshops with students. TASIS Volunteers This week in the Fleming Theatre: The Upper School Thanks so very much to all the wonderful volunteers who Acting Showcase at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday 4th and continue to help out at TASIS during this 2008/2009 school Thursday, 5th. Eleventh and twelfth grade drama students year. will direct and perform Act II from Who’s Afraid of Virginia Volunteers continue to be needed throughout the second Woolf? by Edward Albee, as well as Savage/Love, described half of the school year. Volunteering at TASIS is a great way by authors Sam Shepard and Joseph Chaikin as “common to contribute to TASIS, meet other parents, and have FUN poems of real and imagined moments in the spell of love.” at the same time. Please contact me if you would like more Congratulations and thanks to all the performers and information about any of the volunteer needs listed below. audience members who contributed to the success of the Upcoming Volunteer Needs (including on-going TASIS Revue!, raising funds to support the village school in needs):- Bula, Guinea Bissau, West Africa. • Parents’ Social and Fund-raiser (March) • Upper School Musical (March) HOSPITALITY: DAWN KEOGH & JACKIE KUCHINSKI • Mayfair - vendor sales (May) [email protected] • Senior class parent volunteers (class barbeque, monthly Save the Date for the March Divisional Coffees from 9a.m. treats, and end of year graduation party) - 10:30 a.m. in the Salon: • Teacher Appreciation Week (February) March 5th – MS and Grade 5 Divisional Coffee We also need additional on going volunteer support for TASIS March 12th – LS Divisional Coffee Merchandise Sales, Sports Concessions and Birthday Cakes March 16th – US Divisional Coffee for Boarders and MS recess coverage and MS activities. February 5th, 2009 (Thursday): Please save the date to help with food, set up, and/or clean up for the Teacher SPORTS SERVICES: MARGIE HANLEY Appreciation Luncheon. We still need lots of food and help [email protected] for 200 people on the day of the luncheon! If you are an Sports are back in full swing after a few cancelations with upper school parent, please contact Donna Maitz. If you are frozen ground but we are hopeful that is all behind us. a middle school parent, please contact Sophia Simpson. If Intramural basketball resumed on January 10th with 92 you are a lower school Parent, please contact your room students taking part. We are thankful to have the Guildford parent. Heat as well as some enthusiastic parents helping out on Saturday mornings. We have had our first visiting athletes of 2009 from The Hague in January, during which we enjoyed an entertaining evening of games and cheerleading. As always please continue to support our athletes on the fields and on the courts. Everybody is always welcome to
Page 17 Parents' Council, continued PIRC, continued
Teacher Appreciation Week: 2 -6 February 2009 Monday, 2 February: Doors and common areas decorated. (week before February break) Monday, 2 February: Muffins and light breakfast snacks in Information and Schedule of Events: faculty lounges and common areas. We urge you and your student to make an extra effort Tuesday, 3 February: Fruits and sweets in faculty lounges during this week to say “thank you” to their teachers, and common areas. administration and staff. Please note that, to be equitable, Wednesday, 4 February: Popcorn and sodas in faculty additional individual and class gifts for teachers and staff are lounges and common areas. unnecessary and discouraged during this week - other than charitable donations on the Rags ‘n’ Tags Day. Thursday, 5 February: Brunch/Luncheon and gifts (appreciation for 200 faculty, staff and administration) Co-Coordinators: Susan Lynn and Cindy Westerfield Friday, 6 February: TAW Rags ‘n’ Tags: All students and Theme: Classic Hollywood (“You are a Star” decorations) faculty invited to dress with a “Hollywood” theme with TAW charity contribution going to faculty charity choices.
The entire TASIS community truly appreciates your time and generosity in volunteering!
Susan Phelps
Vo l u n t e e r Co o r d i n a t o r
PIRC
Pa r ents ’ In f o r m a t i on a n d Reso u r ce Comm i ttee The Parents’ Information and Resource Committee (PIRC) is Navigating the ma z e of university application choices a group of volunteer parents that provides support to TASIS As your son or daughter starts the college application England parents, faculty, and administration as we cope process, PIRC would like to invite parents of juniors to with the emotional, social, and practical issues inherent in attend a valuable evening session, Navigating the College the transitions of expatriate life. Please feel free to call any Application Process. of the PIRC members anytime with questions, comments, or On Tuesday evening, 3 February, TASIS England Director of suggestions. College Guidance, Anna Wright, and her team of counselors will talk about the School’s college counseling program PIRC Calendar of Upcoming Events which begins in February for juniors. They also will guide you Tuesday, 3 February, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Salon: through the myriad types of application options available to Navigating the College Application Process, for parents of your children. Juniors You will then be able to address further questions to and Thursday, 12 March, 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. : Please save receive suggestions from our panel of parents whose children the date for an engaging, thought-provoking, and funny talk have been through the application process. Spouses are by guest speaker and author, Carl Honoré! encouraged to attend. Book sales, signing, and wine & cheese Fleming Theatre reception following his speech. All parents are welcome.
Page 18 Parents' Council, continued PIRC, continued
Save the date for PIRC Guest Speaker and Author , Entrepreneur and slow may seem like oxymorons. However, Carl Honor é taking the time to read In Praise of Slowness may be the best decision an entrepreneur, or anyone working full time, can “It is in those moments of quiet, unstructured time, of make. boredom even, that kids learn to look at themselves …how to think and be creative…how to socialize.” Carl Honoré * * * * * PIRC is pleased to be able to offer you a unique, interesting, In this terrific book, Honoré …doesn’t stop with gloom and enjoyable evening with Carl Honoré, who will talk and doom. Instead, he shows the way out, with inspiring about his latest book, In Praise of Slow: How a Worldwide examples from the growing worldwide Slow movement. Movement Is Challenging the Cult of Speed, and the Slow * * * * * Movement, answer your questions, and introduce his newest book, Hyper-parenting. Both books will be available Honoré…questions every aspect of the Slow movement and for purchase, as well as for signing, during a wine and cheese keeps coming up with the conclusion that it just makes sense: reception in the Fleming Gallery immediately following his life in the slow lane is more enjoyable, more pleasurable, discussion. more humane. His topics and speaking style are bound to appeal to you and your spouse or partner, regardless of whether you’ve PIRC looks forward to having you join us for this unique read his book. So please join us on Thursday evening, 12 event. March, at 7:30 p.m. in the Fleming Theatre. You can also get a preview of Carl on YouTube at http://uk.youtube.com/ watch?v=UhXiHJ8vfuk or learn more at his website www. Repatriating with Children : Choosing Schools and carlhonore.com. Re-entry Carl Honoré’s book, In Praise of Slow, examines the modern We will all get the call at some point – the news that it is compulsion to hurry and chronicles a global trend toward time to move back to our home country or to move on to a putting on the brakes. Honoré argues that our roadrunner new expatriate assignment. You may already know that your culture is taking a toll on everything from health, diet, and family is going to be making a move at the end of the school work to our communities, relationships, and even ßthe year. During the very hectic time of planning and preparing environment. The Slow philosophy is about seeking to do for the mechanics of a move, you also have the challenge everything at the right speed: savoring the hours and minutes of picking the right school for each of your children. The rather than just counting them; doing everything as well selection of a school is one of the most important ones you as possible, instead of as fast as possible; and focusing on have to make in an international move, whether you are quality over quantity in everything from work, to education, moving to another host country or returning to your home to exercise and parenting. country. Reviews of Honoré’s book, In Praise of Slow……… To minimize the challenges of re-entry for school-aged children, parents who expect to spend a limited amount Honoré offers compelling evidence that suggests controlling of time in a host country usually place their children in an your own tempo of life is not only a healthier and happier international school rather than a local one. International alternative, but leads to a more rewarding and productive schools cannot match their curriculums to the national lifestyle. curriculum in every country, but parents usually find that * * * * * the advantages of learning in a multicultural environment far This charmingly written exploration of the quiet life is so good, outweigh the disadvantages of curriculum mismatches. you have to resist the temptation to race through. A million If you are returning to the same city you left in your home times more inspiring than any of the mass of self-help books country, you may assume that placing your children in around on downshifting. A rare treat to be savored. their “old” school is a safe and logical decision. After all, * * * * * you know the quality of teachers, understand the academic
Page 19 PIRC, continued
standards, and appreciate the nurturing atmosphere your will enhance the opportunity for your children to meet new children experienced in the past. You have probably kept in friends. close contact with families from your former area, and your Compare the curriculum in the overseas school to the one children still have friends at the school. So, doesn’t it make which your children will be attending. Many parents find sense that your family would resume your former routine? that their children are ahead in some subjects and behind Maybe and maybe not. in others. Before enroling your children, discuss this with While you have been in England, time has passed; and administrators and teachers and see how receptive they are people and places change. Families who have repatriated to providing additional challenges or tutoring for each child. have found that it isn’t so easy to step back into the life Their attitude is actually more important than the actual you had before, particularly for children. When you are plan. considering where to send your children to school, you Consider the possibility of accelerating or decelerating should consider the following points: your repatriating children before you begin the school Understand your children. How have they grown? What search process. Look at each child’s maturity, physical size, kinds of experiences have they had living abroad and academic level, and birth date. This transition time is a good how has this changed them? Living in another culture has time to consider making sure your child is at the right level influenced your children in ways that will become more for his or her needs. apparent when you move to another country. If you are Do some research; are there schools you can consider moving back to your home country, your children may be other than the one your children originally attended? very happy; but they may encounter unexpected trouble Even if you do decide in favor of your original school, it relating to classmates. They may not know the slang or is important to do so as the result of an informed process idioms other kids are using. They may become frustrated rather than assuming that your children can pick up where at classmates’ lack of knowledge about geography or world they left off. When you’ve done your homework, you can affairs. They may become impatient with others who have feel comfortable with the trade-offs you have considered in never left the country and aren’t tolerant of different cultures making your decision. and lifestyles. Your children may feel like “oddballs” who don’t fit in their old school anymore. It also reassuring to know that parents who have lived abroad say, almost without exception, that their kids come out ahead Find out how many international students attend the school in the end. In their book, The Third Culture Kid Experience: to which your children are returning. If your new school is Growing Up Among Worlds, David C. Pollock and Ruth E. not accustomed to having children who have lived and been Van Reken write that children who have spent a significant educated abroad, the school may not have the resources to amount of time abroad look back on their re-entry period help integrate your child. If the environment is one where as one of the most stressful parts of their experience, but international children come back often, then there will be “they still wouldn’t have wanted to miss much of what they a nice pool of peers with whom your children can share learned from the process.” These children are better able to experiences. recognize the differences in cultures and decide what values According to Robin Pascoe, an expat expert and author of they want to keep or let go. Homeward Bound, A Spouse’s Guide to Repatriation, it is not unusual for repatriating children to seek out other kids who have been recently relocated or who are from the Lisa Donovan, PIRC cultures they have left behind. We all know how comforting it is to know someone else has been through the same experiences! Become familiar with what has happened in your former school when you were away. It is important also to know at which level schools have merged when you repatriate. For instance, if some primary schools have merged, that
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