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PYP NEWSLETTER

December 2011

DATES OF INTEREST
Lucia Celebration at Annedals church Tues 13th Dec Last Day of school Wed Dec 21st First Day of Spring Term Tues 10th Jan PYP Evaluation Visit: Jan 30th, 31st, Feb 1st 2012

The scheduled Easter break has been changed from week 14 to week 15. Easter break is now Friday 6th April until 13th MiniLucia MESSAGE FROM THE DEPUTY PRINCIPAL
Dear Parents, Students and Friends, A big thank you to all those parents, students and staff who helped to create the Winter Bazaar! A special thanks to Rachel Callander and Dorte Holm-Egeskov who organised it all! This was a really fun packed day, with activities in the morning at ISGR Guldheden and a show in the afternoon. Another up and coming event to brighten our winter days is the Lucia celebration at Annedals church on 13th December! Parents are welcome! In the December edition of PYP Newsletter, we have news from our classes, some pictures about the Bazaar, news of the library website and a special end of year letter from the principal on page 6. Seasons Greetings! Have a good rest during the up and coming holidays! Marilyn James Deputy Principal Lucia Celebrations for K and 1 on Friday 9th December with a procession through D wing for parents and relatives. This was followed by song and tradiitional Lucia snacks in the classrooms! Above we see a Tomta boy, a Lucia, a Star Boy and a Gingerbread Boy. The group picture shows all three K classes gathered to sing and to recount a story.

Guldheden Library 2011

A new website for the Library:

http://www.isgr-lmcguld.se/
Our librarian Rouhia Lotfkah has created this website as a resource for our students.
Library opening hours
Monday 8.30 -3.30 pm Tuesday 8.30 -3.30pm Wednesday 8.30 -3.30pm Thursday 8.30 3.30pm Friday 8.30 2.30pm

Our School Winter Bazaar! Sun December 4th-

organized by

the PTA There were games, competitions, a caf, a lottery, food from different countries, a choir and a concert! Below, we see two of the activities plus William and Kate on the English Christmas food stall. The bazaar raised 36,000 SEK!

Students from PYP3 explore Gothenburg, as part of their Maps unit.

Lucia 2011
You are warmly invited to join us for this years Lucia Celebration.

On: Tuesday 13th December Time: 9.00 am 10.00 am At: Annedalskyrkan, Albin Holms backe, 413 46 Gteborg

International Cookbook The ISGR PTA is planning on creating an ISGR International Cookbook as a fund-raising activity this year. We hope to have the cookbook available for purchase by May 2012. At this time, we are trying to locate companies in Gothenburg that offer printing services that we could employ to professionally print the International Cookbook. Please contact Julie Romanski (julie.romanski@yahoo.com or mobile 0738566700) if you have any printing company recommendations. Thank you.

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Scandanavian International Theatre School On tour in 2012!
Scandinavian International Theatre School will proudly present 'The Magic of the Movies' at the Nordic Network conference on April 21st 2012 in the Stora Salen at Nalen, one of the most beautiful venues in Stockholm. http://www.nalen.com/Page_1.aspx?HId=3&page=Gallery&GId=10 We are delighted to have been asked to put on this show which will involve, for the first time, all the students from the 3 SITS schools in Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmo coming together over the weekend in April. This is a once in a lifetime experience for us all and if you would like your child to sign up to SITS this term then please go to the SITS website (www.sits-kids.com) and download an application form or simply call the Principal, Kimberley Akester on 073 368 8494 for more details. The new school term will start in Gothenburg on Saturday 14th January from 10.00am to 1.00pm at the Middle School Campus on Molinsgatan 6. SITs is open to children between the age of 6 years to 16 years.

Lost Property!

From Monday 12th to Friday 16th of December all items of lost clothing will be placed on tables in the A wing corridor. So if you are looking for that missing sweater or shoe you may just be able to find it! Unclaimed items will be given to charity after the break.

End of Year letter from the Principal Dear Parents This month I would like to reflect on the importance of parental support and participation in the learning of our school. I have had a unique opportunity to experience the partnership with parents; as a teacher, a deputy principal and now a principal. I have worked closely with parents from PYP and MYP. Now as a father, new to the game of parenting, I better understand the emotional side of parenthood. As an Australian, I understand what it is like to leave country, friends and family on the other side of the world. As a new Swedish citizen I further understand the confusing concept of home, and relate to the difficulty in establishing yourself in a new country but rejoice in the rich experiences this brings. My story so to speak is not extraordinary, many of our families have experienced the highs and lows of changing countries, changing educational systems and feeling the emotional responsibility to make such a transition successful for their child. As I reflect on our school year journey so far, I appreciate the open-mindedness our Kindergarten parents showed in the opening up of a new class. I appreciate the understanding of the year 6E parent group. I appreciate the work our PTA has done in organizing a variety of activities that build a school community. I appreciate the parents that despite their childs anguish in not getting their favored class, supported the schools class placement, and found their child is more than capable of adjusting to a new environment and build on their friendship base. Last but not least, I appreciate the discussions I have had with the parent advisory, in the sharing of parental concerns and the willingness to move into a more solution orientated model. In respect of opportunities to further build a learning community, parents have supported the recent Bazaar, attended our Open Houses, assisted with our PYP IB evaluation, supported excursions and attended our International picnic/ barbecue. I would also like to add reading and reflecting on the principals blog and our newsletters. There are however instances where possibly more parent participation and support could be fostered. This is not unusual as improvement can be expected from all members of our community. There is an inclination as a child gets into secondary school that our parents give their children more space fearing an adolescent backlash. I would encourage the opposite. While classroom help may not be totally suitable, interest in the program and the social and emotional development of the child is. This is not to say there is no interest, but active participation is the goal. I will give two examples; Graham has given two MYP workshops on the MYP program and assessment. One parent attended both. We held a drug information night for all parents, no more than 5 parents attended. At the recent PTA information morning session by Birgitta and Iona,that shared how Swedish law interacts with the functioning of the international section, while thoroughly appreciated, saw only a dozen parents able to attend. While we will look further to see if timing is a factor of these low numbers, there is no doubt reflection is needed. The purpose of my reflection is simply to highlight that we cannot provide the best learning experience for your child without you. Amongst the plethora of parental and school expectations, it is essential we continue to work together in a positive and respectful way. We appreciate your open-mindedness in times of confusion, interest in your childs educationsocially, emotionally and academically and your support and participation in our school learning community. Lets ensure this continues. Wish you all a great break and safe travels ! Yours sincerely, Jayson Williams;

PYP Evaluation Visit January 30th, 31st , February 1st 2012

We are now in the process of evaluating our PYP programme. We would like to let you know more detailed information about the process and how you can be involved. Background information: May 2003 ISGR got the PYP Authorisation Dec 2006 ISGR had a 3 year Evaluation Visit Jan 2012 ISGR will have a 5 year Evaluation Visit What is the Evaluation Visit? Programme evaluation is both a requirement and a service provided by the IB Organisaton to IB World Schools. The aim is for the IB to ensure on a regular basis that the standards and practices of the programmes are being maintained.

The Programmes standards and practices are the foundational documents used by schools and the IB to ensure quality and fidelity in the implementation of its programmes in IB World schools. To assess the implementation of the programmes To assist the school in developing and maintaining dynamic programmes that reflect the philosophy and the programme standards and practices of the IBO. Who does it include? It includes all members of the school community: Teachers Programme coordinators Admnistrators Students Parents Board Members There are 3 main parts 1. The Self Study 2. The School Visit 3. The Evaluation Report

The Self Study

The IBO provides a programme guide and self-study questionnaire for the Primary Years Programme. The PYP coordinator and the school Principal decide on a plan of action which uses the guide.

The evaluation is based on the following standards: A Philosophy

Standard A1: The schools educational beliefs and values reflect IB philosophy.

B. Organisation, Leadership and Structure: Resources and Support C. Curriculum

Standard B1: The schools leadership and administrative structures ensure the implementation of the Primary Years Programme. Standard B2: The schools resources and support structures ensure the implementation of the Primary Years Programme. Collaborative Planning: Standard C1: Collaborative planning and reflection supports the implementation of the Primary Years Programme. Written Curriculum: Standard C2: The schools written curriculum reflects IB philosophy. Teaching and Learning: Standard C3: Teaching and Learning reflects IB philosophy. Assessment: Standard C4: Assessment at the school reflects IB assessment philosophy.

The PYP staff have been working on the questionnaire since last January. This has involved a process of discussion, reflection and collecting evidence. These groups also decide how we will get information and feedback from the different groups in our school community. The conclusions made by each group are collected together and put into a report which is sent to the IBO organization central office at the Hague in December. The School Visit Two representatives from the IB Organisation visit the school for 3 days. During this time they: Visit the different PYP classes Look at samples of student work Meet with PYP teachers, students and representatives from the parents, board and administration. Evaluation Report After a month the IBO sends a written Evaluation Report. This consists of: COMMENDATIONS and RECOMMENDATIONS !