Parents Handbook 2015-2016 - Anglican International School

Anglican
International School
Jerusalem
SECONDARY PARENTS’ HANDBOOK
2015-16
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1
WHAT IS OUR MISSION STATEMENT? .......................................................................... 2
2
ORGANISATION AND ADMINISTRATION OF THE SCHOOL ............................................ 2
3
HOW IS THE SCHOOL SET UP? ...................................................................................... 3
4
HOW DO I MAKE CONTACT WITH THE SCHOOL? .......................................................... 4
5
WHO WILL BE TEACHING MY CHILD/REN? ................................................................... 5
6
WHAT DOES MY CHILD’S DAY LOOK LIKE? ................................................................... 6
7
WHAT SORT OF DRESS IS ACCEPTABLE? ....................................................................... 7
8
WHAT ABOUT TECHNOLOGY? ...................................................................................... 7
9
WHAT ABOUT ATTENDANCE? ...................................................................................... 8
10 WHAT ABOUT PUNCTUALITY? ..................................................................................... 9
11 WHAT ABOUT LEAVING THE SITE? ............................................................................... 9
12 WHAT ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER? ........................................ 9
13 WHAT ABOUT THE SCHOOL’S DISCIPLINE POLICY? ..................................................... 10
14 WHAT ARE THE GENERAL EXPECTATIONS AROUND SCHOOL? .................................... 11
15 WHAT ABOUT BULLYING? .......................................................................................... 12
16 WHAT ABOUT ACADEMIC HONESTY?......................................................................... 12
17 WHAT IS MY CHILD ACTUALLY GOING TO DO IN SCHOOL? ......................................... 13
18 HOW IS MY CHILD’S WORK ASSESSED? ...................................................................... 13
19 KEEPING YOUR CHILD SAFE ........................................................................................ 15
20 ANYTHING ELSE I NEED TO KNOW?............................................................................ 16
1
1
WHAT IS OUR MISSION STATEMENT?
At AISJ, we strive to give your child the best possible environment for their educational and personal development.
Our aims are to:
- Lead the way, every day to deliver the best world class education.
- Teach within the best methodology available and within the highest standards of Christian ethics and values.
- Value, care for and encourage every child to learn to the best of their ability and to prepare them to take
their place as a world citizen.
- Value and professionally enhance every staff member.
- Assist every school family to partner in the learning experience of the child within this unique and special
location.
2
ORGANISATION AND ADMINISTRATION OF THE SCHOOL
The Anglican International School, Jerusalem, is an internationally accredited, Nursery to Grade 12 School for
students aged 2 -19. It is dedicated to preparing students to succeed throughout the world, in schools, universities,
future responsibilities and careers, and it is founded upon Christian beliefs and values.
AISJ’s mission is to create a student-focused academic and educational environment, which aspires to achieve
excellence. It promotes Christian beliefs and values whilst respecting the rich and diverse communities within the
school and in its unique location. Its goal is to empower all students to become responsible world citizens.
Within AISJ we believe that:
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Each member of the community should be valued as a uniquely created individual.
Students should be encouraged and enabled to realize their own full potential.
Our school environment must enable whole being – spiritual, moral, emotional, intellectual, social and
physical – to be nurtured and developed.
Mutual respect and appreciation flow from a fostering of attitudes of honesty, integrity, care and social
responsibility.
The international nature of our community enhances the learning experiences and social interactions of our
students, staff and families.
Parental support and involvement are vital to the realization of a shared community vision.
Effective learning is achieved through stimulating students’ curiosity, creativity and enthusiasm.
A spirit of co-operation, coupled with the development of individual study skills, self-discipline, and
analytical thinking will equip our students for present and future learning.
The Judaeo-Christian scriptures are the source for the school’s framework of Christian beliefs and values.
2
3
HOW IS THE SCHOOL SET UP?
The Anglican International School, Jerusalem (AISJ) is an educational service provided by the Israel Trust of the
Anglican Church (ITAC) for the diverse communities of the city. ITAC offers other services in Israel as detailed on its
website. The ITAC Committee governs the affairs of ITAC and is accountable to the Council of CMJ (The Church’s
Ministry among Jewish people), International.
Three main groups are involved in operating the school:
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ITAC, which has the approval of The Vincent Society of the UK to use the HaNeviim site and buildings;
The AISJ Board, which has delegated powers from CMJ, Israel;
The Director, who has powers delegated from the Board for the day to day management of the school.
The school is governed by the Board, which consists of seven members, including the Director of CMJ-Israel (ITAC –
Israel Trust of the Anglican Church), the Director of AISJ, at least one staff member (appointed by the Director of
CMJ-Israel) and at least one parent (appointed by the Director of CMJ-Israel).
The Director of AISJ is accountable to the Board and subject to appraisal by the Board. The Director is responsible for
the employment, training, supervision, management and evaluation of all other staff. Recruitment, retention and
welfare matters of all other staff are therefore a matter for the school management.
The Anglican international School Jerusalem is an MSA accredited School and offers a MSA Programme and
Graduation to all its High School Students.
Administration Management Group (SMG):
Director: Dr Lawrence Hilditch
Head of Secondary: Ms Anna Brunskill
Head of Elementary: Mr Steffen Ferwerda
Head of Pre-School: Ms Beverley Sandy
3
4
HOW DO I MAKE CONTACT WITH THE SCHOOL?
The first point of contact between parents and school in the Secondary School is your child’s Homeroom teacher.
The Homeroom teacher is responsible for the pastoral welfare of your son/daughter and will make contact with you
as necessary via e-mail or telephone. If you have a concern or question or feel you need to speak to a specific
member of faculty staff, contact the Homeroom teacher who will initially answer your concerns and put you in
contact with other members of staff.
OUR HOMEROOM TEAM
Middle School
Ms Helen Paisley
Grade 6
[email protected]
Mr Jacob Solomon
Grade 7
[email protected]
Ms Hannah Lang
Grade 8
[email protected]
High School
Ms Sophie Kobylec
Grade 9
[email protected]
Mr Abraham Storer
Grade 10
[email protected]
Ms Helen Lucas
Grade 11
[email protected]
Mr Martin Fry
Grade 12
[email protected]
SENIOR MEMBERS OF THE PASTORAL TEAM
Dr Lawrence Hilditch
AISJ Director
[email protected]
Ms Anna Brunskill
Head of Secondary
[email protected]
Mr Devin Mitchell
Dean of Students
[email protected]
4
5
WHO WILL BE TEACHING MY CHILD/REN?
OUR SECONDARY STAFF TEAM
Last Name
Album
Browning
Brunskill
Dinin
Fry
Guez
Halimi-Frank
Hilditch
Husseini
Klincovstein
Kobylec
Lang
Levi-Beiruti
Litoff
Lucas
Marks
Mitchell
Paisley
Press
Qara’in (Nassereddin)
Schiff
Schneck
Solomon
Storer
Sullum
Yan
Zinn
Zonana
First Name
Liz
Brittany
Anna
Shimon
Martin
Joelle
Frederique
Lawrence
Rania
Jeny
Sophia
Hannah
Malika
Judith
Helen
Roxana
Devin
Helen
Robin
Joumana
Shaina
Judith
Jacob
Abe
Deborah
Meira
Barbara
Carlos
Role and subjects
LLS & SEN Coordinator
Guidance Counsellor (until January 2016)
Head of Secondary, History, RE
Athletics Director
English, G12 Homeroom
French, Design
French, Drama
Director of School
Arabic
Secondary School LLS, G12 Science, Drama
Physics, Science, G9 Homeroom
Math, G8 Homeroom
Secondary School Modifications & LLS Exams Coordinator
Music Coordinator
History, Individuals & Societies, G11 Homeroom
Head of World Languages, Hebrew
Dean of Students, Design, RE, Business Studies
SG6 Homeroom, Art
IB Diploma Coordinator, Art, Theory of Knowledge
Science Co-Coordinator , Chemistry, Biology, Science
Secondary LLS, EAL
Math Co-Coordinator
Geography, Economics, Individuals & Societies, G7 Homeroom
English, Art, G10 Homeroom
Art Co-Coordinator , Art, Ceramics
Secondary LLS, PE
MYP Coordinator, Chemistry, Math
Music, Design
Parent-Teacher Conferences take place three times annually in the autumn, winter and spring (final dates to be
confirmed). If you have any concerns about your child’s academic progress in the interim, please contact their
homeroom teacher in the first instance and they will be able to direct your enquiries.
5
6
WHAT DOES MY CHILD’S DAY LOOK LIKE?
Daily Schedule
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday:
Time
Event
7:45 – 8.00
Assembly/Homeroom
8:00 – 8:50
Period 1
8:50 – 9:40
Period 2
9:40 – 10:10
Pastoral/Clubs
10:10 – 10:30
BREAK
10:30 – 11:20
Period 3
11:20 – 12:10
Period 4
12:10 – 1:00
Period 5
1:00 - 1:40
LUNCH
1:40 – 2:30
Period 6
2:30 – 3:20
Period 7 (Grades 11/12 only)
Friday:
Time
Event
7:45 – 7:50
Homeroom
7:50 – 8:50
Period 1
8:50 – 9:50
Period 2
9:50 – 10:20
BREAK
10:20 – 11:20
Period 3
11:20 – 12:20
Period 4
12:20 – 12:50
Assembly
6
7
WHAT SORT OF DRESS IS ACCEPTABLE?
We do not have a school uniform but we do ask our students to dress in a respectful way. We live in a religious city.
Please try to ensure that your child’s dress does not cause offence to others. Specifically:
Girls
Girls should not wear tops that are cut too low or that are too short and reveal the stomach. ‘Spaghetti’ or thin
shoulder straps are not permitted. Skirts and shorts should be modest and not too short.
Boys
Boys should not wear trousers so low that underwear is revealed and very short shorts are also not permitted. Boys
are also not permitted to wear sleeveless t-shirts or singlets.
Boys and Girls
Clothing with political/religious/nationalistic messages or slogans printed onto them should not be worn, or clothes
with images which might cause offence either to staff or other students. Accessories must not be provocative or
suggestive in any way.
Military uniforms
Uniforms or nationalistic regalia (scarves/flags etc.) should not be worn on the school campus. No local security forces
uniforms or other nationalistic regalia are allowed to be worn.
A brief note about Science lessons:
Students undertake many experiments in their Science lessons at AISJ. We expect students to wear closed shoes when
taking part in such experiments, to protect their feet in case of accident. Flip-flops/sandals are not acceptable footwear
during experiments and the Science teacher may ask the student to change shoes if possible, or not participate in the
experiment if not.
8
WHAT ABOUT TECHNOLOGY?
If your child chooses to bring personal technology onto the school site (e.g. iPods, mobile phones, laptops, iPads or
any other technical equipment) they do so at their own risk and AISJ cannot be held responsible for any loss or
damage.
Mobile phones and other forms of technology must not be used for any reason in class. On the first offence, staff
have the right to confiscate ‘technology’ and return it to students at the end of the school day. On the second
offence, the phone will be held by the Dean of Students until collected by the parent.
In line with our ‘Bring Your Own Device’ Policy, Grades 11 and 12 are expected to bring a device to school. This
should be used in class as directed by teachers. For more information, please see the aforementioned Policy.
At AISJ, we want to instil a sense of respect and personal responsibility into each of our students with regard to
usage of mobile phones. Students are expressly forbidden from taking photographs or recording
videos/voices/lessons. If a student is found to have broken this rule, the most serious sanctions will apply (see the
behaviour policy).
We appreciate that parents may need to contact their children from time to time. However we would ask that this
be kept to a minimum, especially with respect to lesson times (see the daily schedule), in order to minimise
disruption to teaching. Teachers expect that student phones will be switched off during lesson time and so please do
not cause stress to your child or their teacher by calling during lessons, especially just before the end of the school
day at 2:30 p.m.
If you urgently need to contact your child, in the first instance we would ask you to please phone the school office
(02 567 7200), the Dean of Students (02 567 7219) or the Head of Secondary (02 567 7216). A message can be
delivered straight away and this prevents anxiety for your child and for our teaching staff.
7
9
WHAT ABOUT ATTENDANCE?
We encourage all of our students to be at present unless it is essential that they miss school. Studies show that a
minimum attendance of 90% is required; attendance that is any less than 90% can be detrimental to a child’s
learning. We do appreciate that the international nature of our student body can affect attendance at school but we
do hope that time away can kept to a minimum.
Excused absences are limited to the following examples or categories:
 student illness (only when supported by parent's note, or doctor's note for absence longer than two days);
 travel abroad with family where this is required by the parent's employer and where satisfactory alternative
arrangements cannot be made for the care of the student. This category of absence cannot be excused in
the student's year of graduation;
 appropriate major religious and national holidays not already observed by the school (such as Eastern-rite
Christmas, the Feast of Ramadan);
 weddings and funerals of immediate family members;
 emergency medical and dental appointments;
 curfews and closures;
 visa and passport applications (where the office concerned is not open out of school hours and the student is
required to attend);
 other exceptional circumstances after agreement with the Director or Head of School.
Absences for any other reasons will only be considered excused at the discretion of the Head of Secondary or Director.
The school reserves the right to cite absences for reasons not listed above as unexcused on a child’s attendance record.
The number of unexcused absences each semester will be recorded on the reports. Students who have 18 or more
unexcused day absences for an academic year may be required to repeat that year. Semester reports will not be issued
in such cases.
Informing the school of an absence on the day of school:
Parents are required to phone the Office Administrator (02 567 7200) before 10:00 am if a student is absent from
school. In addition, a note or email must be given to the appropriate homeroom teacher with a copy sent to the
Dean within a week of the absence for it to be considered as excused. Absences will only be considered excused if it
falls within the explanation listed above. Absences without notes will be treated as unexcused.
Informing the school of an absence ahead of time:
 Parents must ask permission at least three weeks in advance in order for an absence to be given proper
consideration. They should apply in writing using the ‘Application for Leave of Absence’ form which can be
accessed via the website. The form should be sent to the homeroom teacher either in hard copy or via e-mail.
 AISJ will respond to parents in writing within a week of receiving the application form.
 There is no entitlement to any term time holiday or special leave.
 Each application will be considered individually and decided at the Head of School’s discretion – AISJ does not
have a blanket policy. In general holidays and special leave should only be agreed as an exception, not a norm.
Setting work for students during periods of absence from school
Certain categories of absence are excused by the school and other categories are unexcused. The school policy on
attendance (above) describes the difference between the two categories. It is the school policy not to set work for
unexcused absence. However, in the case of excused absence teachers will set work if it is requested or deemed
essential. The teacher will post their assignments for them on the school’s curriculum management program,
ManageBac. It is the responsibility of the student to keep up with their classwork during any absence.
8
10 WHAT ABOUT PUNCTUALITY?
All students are expected to be present promptly at 7:45 am sharp for morning registration. Students who are not
present at this time, but attend registration are marked ‘L’ in the register for lateness. Once students have arrived on the
school site they are not permitted to leave the campus, especially if they have arrived by parent-appointed transport
(e.g. a school bus). We encourage all our students to be on time both in the morning and throughout the day in their
lessons. Poor punctuality is dealt with as follows:
Whole School Registration
 If the student has had more than 4 late arrivals to school over one calendar month, you will receive a letter
so that you can be aware of this area in which to support your child.
 If a student has had more than 8 lates to school per semester, the parents will be invited to a meeting with
the Dean to facilitate an improvement in punctuality.
 If a student has more than 18 lates to school per semester, the school will need to review the student’s
admission to the next grade level.
Secondary Lesson Attendance
 Lates to lessons will be calculated on a fortnightly basis for discipline purposes.
 If a student accrues 3 lates to lessons over a fortnight, they will begin the disciplinary ladder as stipulated in
the Secondary Student Discipline Policy (see below).
11 WHAT ABOUT LEAVING THE SITE?
Students from Grade 6 to Grade 10 are not allowed to leave the campus without written permission from the Dean of
Students or Head of Secondary. If they do need to leave the site, a parent must give permission in written or verbal form,
and the student must sign out in the student log in Reception.
Students in Grades 11 and 12 are allowed to leave campus at lunchtime only (1:00 to 1:40 p.m.), with written parental
permission given at the start of the academic year. This privilege can be removed if the Head of Secondary or Dean
deems it necessary. When students leave and return they should also sign the book in Reception. Students in Grades 11
and 12 are also permitted to leave school once their classes have finished for the day. They must have a written
permission slip from their parents (to be given to the Dean) and must sign out in Reception when they leave.
12 WHAT ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER?
Semester 1: Monday August 24th 2015 to Friday January 22nd 2016
Holidays:
September 14th – 15th
September 22nd early close, September 23rd – 25th
September 28th – October 5th
November 11th – 13th
Semester Examinations:
Grade 11 & 12 January 15th – 22nd
Grade 6 – 10 January 18th – 22nd
Semester 2 – Monday 25th January 2016 until Thursday 23rd June 2016
Holidays:
February 11th – 12th
March 18th – 29th
April 25th – 29th
May 12th
Semester Examinations:
June 13th – 17th
Graduation:
Thursday June 23rd
All school events are published on the school website and notices sent by e-mail. Please make sure that the school
has your current e-mail address.
9
13 WHAT ABOUT THE SCHOOL’S DISCIPLINE POLICY?
Guiding principles of AISJ’s approach to discipline and student beahviour
 Each member of the school community is a unique and valued individual. We should treat each other with
respect and be willing to listen to each other and try to understand each other’s needs. Relationships should
be characterized by a desire to get the best from each other.
 The school aims to promote self-discipline and a sense of responsibility amongst students.
 Friendliness, good sense, mutual respect, tolerance and co-operation should characterize all relationships.
 Students learn best when they receive encouragement and praise.
 Any action taken to correct behaviour must be justifiable and fair, must make clear to the student the nature
of the offence and should enable the student to learn and change.
 Our aim in dealing with students’ conduct is that they should learn from the situation.
Disciplinary matters are handled in the first instance by the Homeroom teacher under the guidance of the Dean of
Students. Second instances or serious behavioural offences are dealt with directly by the Dean in consultation with
the Head of Secondary. Sanctions are delivered on a sliding scale:
 First instance: teacher or Homeroom teacher detention, 20 minutes at either break or lunch.
 Second instance: lunch detention. These are held during lunch periods in the allocated rooms for the full 40
minutes of the lunch break. Students will be allowed to eat their lunch during the detention.
 Third instance: Dean’s detention. These are held after school on Wednesdays, from 2.30 to 3.30 p.m.
Written notification of a Dean’s detention will be sent to the parents at least 24 hours in advance. The
detention will be recorded on the student’s behaviour log for one year.
 Fourth instance: Head of Secondary detention. These are held on a Friday afternoon, 1.00 – 2.00 p.m., and
parents will need to make appropriate travel arrangements. The detention will be recorded on the student’s
behaviour log for one year.
 Very serious offences or repeated infractions may incur internal suspension. This may be issued for one to
three days and will be recorded on the student’s behaviour log for one year.
 External suspension is the most serious sanction and referral is made to the School Board for issue. In very
extreme cases, the School Board may decide that expulsion is a necessary consequence. External
suspensions are not removed from a student’s file and must be reported to any forwarding school or
university.
 The Director reserves the right to impose immediate suspension.
Certain things are absolutely forbidden and will be regarded as serious infractions in our discipline policy:
 theft;
 damage to property; if this occurs a charge is automatically made in reparation for such damage which is at
the expense of the student who did the damage;
 threatening behaviour, including bullying;
 insulting behaviour [to do with gender, race, religion or nationality];
 physical Violence;
 possession or use of Drugs *;
 possession or use of Alcohol and Tobacco;
 carrying weapons, knives or similar items.
*Should medication be prescribed for a student, then the school requires a note from parents explaining its use. It will be
Inappropriate Behaviour
There are other types of behaviour which, although not as serious as the above list, are not appropriate in a school
setting and are therefore unacceptable. They include:
 Exclusive behaviour [this includes public displays of affection e.g. hugging, kissing, petting].
 Dress/fashion in breach of the AISJ Dress Code (see above).
 Bad language.
10
14 WHAT ARE THE GENERAL EXPECTATIONS AROUND SCHOOL?
Food and Drinks
Students are not allowed to bring food or drinks [except
water] into classrooms. In the case of computer rooms, water
is not allowed. Students should not visit the canteen during
lesson times. Students in Grades 6-10 are ONLY permitted to
visit the canteen during the morning break period and during
lunch time. They are not allowed to visit the canteen in
between classes. Students in Grades 11 & 12 are permitted to
visit the canteen only during periods in which they do not
have any scheduled lessons.
Dress Code
There is no school uniform but students are expected to dress suitably (see the guidelines in Section 5) and to
maintain a good standard of personal appearance and hygiene.
PE kit
All Middle Years Program students are expected to wear the AISJ PE
kit to their PE lessons. This consists of shorts, or tracksuit bottoms,
and t-shirts with the school logo, as well as sweatshirts available for
winter PE lessons. These are available for purchase from the PE
teacher or the Resources Centre. Students must wear appropriate
shoes, i.e. cross-trainer sports shoes. Students are not permitted to
wear shoes for PE that have otherwise been worn throughout the
school day.
The PE kit (AISJ T-shirt and shorts) is available for 60 NIS (30 NIS for
the T-shirt and 30 NIS for the shorts). In addition the AISJ sweatshirt
and tracksuit bottoms cost 50NIS each (100 NIS for both).
Stationery and equipment for school
All students are required to have implements to allow note taking with them in every class. We expect all students to
bring their own pens, pencils, erasers, sharpeners and a ruler for school. Students should also bring appropriate
calculators for Mathematics lessons. Students who do not bring stationery can purchase spares from our Resources
Centre, near the Canteen. At the start of the school year, students are provided with one folder containing A4 paper
and a student information booklet; certain subjects will also provide an exercise book for students at the teacher’s
discretion. Once these have been filled or paper used up, spare materials can also be purchased from our Resources
Centre.
Personal property
Students have the option to hire a locker for the year, which is locked by key. The use of a locker requires the
payment of a 20 NIS hire charge to the Dean of Students, who will then keep the spare key (just in case!). The lockers
are covered by CCTV.
Students are responsible for the security of their own property. The school accepts no responsibility for the loss or
damage of such items. Students are advised not to bring valuable items – digital cameras, expensive phones, MP3
players etc. to school.
English as the main language medium
In line with our MSA objectives, which emphasise the development of English language, it is the policy at AISJ that
English only should be spoken in class (with the exception of Languages lessons). Repeated disregard of this policy by
any student will result in disciplinary action being taken.
11
15 WHAT ABOUT BULLYING?
At AISJ we aim to provide a safe and secure environment within which bullying has no place and to ensure that any
incidents that do take place are dealt with promptly and effectively.
Bullying is the wilful, conscious desire to hurt, threaten or frighten someone. It can be physical verbal or emotional,
involving physical injury, threats and intimidation, teasing and name calling. It can be a continuous or an isolated
incident.
In responding to alleged incidents, the school will:
• Take the matter seriously.
• Protect the child until the matter can be sorted out.
• Talk to the victim, the bully and any witnesses.
• Keep parents informed and involved in any progress.
• Take action to prevent further bullying.
16 WHAT ABOUT ACADEMIC HONESTY?
Academic honesty means that the work presented by a student is genuinely their own work.
The inclusion of the work of others is entirely acceptable if it is properly acknowledged and
referenced in the text or through footnotes and bibliography. At AISJ, we use the Harvard
Referencing Guide for citations. Academic dishonesty is when a student presents someone
else’s work as their own. Academic dishonesty involves elements of stealing and deceit. The
primary source for plagiarism is the internet. However, old-fashioned ‘copying’ from another
is also plagiarism.
The academic honesty policy at AISJ is as follows:
If a student is caught plagiarizing in the MYP, the penalties are as follows:
 For the first infringement, parents will be informed in writing, through the homeroom teacher, and the
student will be given a warning and the opportunity to rewrite the assignment.
 A second infringement, parents will be informed in writing, through the homeroom teacher, and the student
will be given a zero for the assignment.
 A third infringement will result in suspension of the student. Further, a parent conference will take place
with the Director or Deputy Director / Head of Secondary.
If a student is caught plagiarizing in Grades 11&12, the penalties are as follows:
 For the first infringement, parents will be informed in writing, through the homeroom teacher, and the
student will be given a zero for the assignment.
 A second infringement will result in suspension of the student. Further, a parent conference will take place
with the Director or Deputy Director / Head of Secondary.
 A third infringement will result in removal from the IB program.
Students sitting external examinations or tests should be aware that cheating in any way in an examination will not
only result in disqualification from that particular sitting, but may also result in disqualification from all their
examinations. The school will not advocate for students who have any record of cheating at AISJ.
12
17 WHAT IS MY CHILD ACTUALLY GOING TO DO IN SCHOOL?
AISJ has been authorised since 1999 as an IB World School. In Grades 11 and
12 the High School Diploma is offered; in addition, students have optional
access to the IB Certificates and MSA Diploma Program. Students in Grades
11 and 12 can also take an independent study programme which is
particularly beneficial to those students who have opted to take MSA
Diplomas and/or some IB certificates.
For Grades 6-10, AISJ is an authorised IB MYP School. Details are available on
the IBO Website (www.ibo.org).
The Head of Secondary oversees curriculum within the Secondary School.
However, the administrative aspects of the Middle Years Program have been
delegated to the MYP Coordinator (Dr Barbara Zinn) and the administrative
aspects of the Diploma Program to the DP Coordinator (Ms Robin Press).
18 HOW IS MY CHILD’S WORK ASSESSED?
IB Middle Years Programme
Students in Grades 6-10 are assessed using the subject specific assessment criteria available in the MYP subject
guides. A copy of the assessment criteria is given to students at the beginning of the school year and students are
taught to self-assess as well as receive feedback on summative and formative assessment from their teachers.
High School Diploma / IB Certificates and Diploma Programme
The guiding principle of school based assessment for Grade 11 and 12 HL and SL courses, is that the semester grade
awarded reflects as accurately as possible the student’s current working IB grade; this is dependent on the student’s
stage and progress within the two-year program. For HL and SL school-based courses the pass grade is a 2 grade.
Each IB DP subject has its own specific criteria which teachers use when assessing IB DP work; these criteria are used
at all times and a copy is given to students at the beginning of the school year. For students taking non-IB courses,
teachers have their own set of assessment criteria according to the curriculum devised. AISJ has a weighted GPA
which is in place in order to ensure that students proceeding to US educational institutions are not disadvantaged.
In both the Semester Reports and mid-term Progress Report, all students in the Secondary School are given an IB
grade 1-7 for their work. The following table lists the IB grades and their weighting for the GPA.
Grade
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
Description
Excellent
Very Good
Good
Satisfactory
Pass
Fail
Fail
Standard
4.0
3.5
3.0
2.0
1.5
1.0
0.0
MYP (G9-10); DP
4.0
3.75
3.5
3.0
2.0
1.0
0.0
DP HL
4.5
4
3.75
3.5
2.5
1.5
0.0
It should be noted that we consider a 2 or below to be a failing grade. In addition, all Grade 11 & 12 students are
required to successfully complete the CAS programme. All students must maintain an annual semester grade
average of at least 3 in Religious Education, in order to transition to the next year.
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The following table contains a general description of IB Grades that is independent of subject. More detailed and
subject-specific assessment criteria tables are available for each subject area.
Grade
Descriptors
Grade 1
(Failing)
Minimal achievement in terms of the objectives.
Grade 2
(Poor)
Very limited achievement against all the objectives. The student has difficulty in
understanding the required knowledge and skills, and is unable to apply them
fully in normal situations, even with support.
Grade 3
(Mediocre)
Limited achievement against most of the objectives, or clear difficulties in some
areas. The student demonstrates a limited understanding of the required
knowledge and skills and is only able to apply them fully in normal situations
with support.
Grade 4
(Satisfactory)
A good general understanding of the required knowledge and skills, and the
ability to apply them effectively in normal situations. There is occasional
evidence of the skills of analysis, synthesis and evaluation.
Grade 5
(Good)
A consistent and thorough understanding of the required knowledge and skills,
and the ability to apply them in a variety of situations. The student generally
shows evidence of analysis, synthesis and evaluation where appropriate and
occasionally demonstrates originality and insight.
Grade 6
(Very good)
A consistent and thorough understanding of the required knowledge and skills,
and the ability to apply them in a wide variety of situations. There is consistent
evidence of analysis, synthesis and evaluation where appropriate. The student
generally demonstrates originality and insight.
Grade 7
(Excellent)
A consistent and thorough understanding of the required knowledge and skills,
and the ability to apply them almost faultlessly in a wide variety of situations.
There is consistent evidence of analysis, synthesis and evaluation where
appropriate. The student consistently demonstrates originality and insight and
always produces work of high quality.
The Mid Semester Progress report will show:
a. A subject progress grade (number Grade 1 – 7) based on work produced in class and homework.
b. An effort letter which indicates how well a student has adjusted their new working environment.
Letter Grade
A
B
C
D
E
Descriptor
Hard working and enthusiastic in lessons – student puts maximum effort into class.
Progressing well.
Works well in class – evidence of good effort and progress.
Student is working well under supervision. Making a fair attempt at independent
learning. Satisfactory progress made.
Minimal effort, needing constant reassurance and supervision. Could make greater
effort and more progress.
No effort evident in class. Participation is sporadic and infrequent. Needs to improve.
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19 KEEPING YOUR CHILD SAFE
Emergency Procedures
AISJ has four emergency procedures. Students run through the emergency drills policy on a regular basis with their
homeroom teachers. In brief they are as follows:
1. Fire
In the event of a fire, an alarm is sounded and each class moves in a controlled manner to the grass circle at the front
of the building, lining up in class order from EY1 to P5 for registration.
2. Earthquake
In the event of an earthquake, the staff will move the students outside of the buildings to the grass circle at the front
of the building, where registration will be taken.
3. National Security threat
In the event of a national security threat, the municipality of Jerusalem will sound a city wide alarm. Staff will take
students to designated bunkers (Music Room, Art Room and Staff Room) where registration is taken and students
and staff remain until the all-clear is sounded.
4. Code Red
In the case of an intruder or a threat considered to have entered school property, a ‘code red’ is issued through the
school loud speaker system. Staff ensure that students ‘hide’ in pre-designated areas within the classrooms (under
tables, in walk-in cupboards etc.) and the classrooms are secured. Students and staff remain in these positions until
the all-clear is sounded.
If you happen to be on site during a real emergency situation, please note:
1. If the national air-raid siren is sounding, please immobilise your car and make your way without speaking to
Bunker 1 (Music, near Early Years) or Bunker 3 (Administration Block). These are clearly sign-posted. When
you arrive, staff will be accounting for all the students who are on-site at the time. Do not try to find your
child; they will have been safely guided to a Bunker by staff members.
2. If a Code Red is sounded, please either lock yourself inside your car or make your way as quickly as possible
into one of the corridors. Do not try to access a classroom or find your child. Crouch down below windowlevel until the all-clear is sounded. Your child will be kept safe and staff have been clearly instructed to let
no-one gain entry.
3. In the event of an earthquake or fire emergency, staff will direct you as to what to do.
A brief note about weapons on campus:
No firearms or weapons of any kind are allowed on campus during school hours. The school guard is the only exception.
Snow day policy
In the very unlikely event that there is snow in Jerusalem before or during the school day, the following procedures
are adhered to:
If the snow falls overnight or before school starts:
 School will not open if public transport is not running or if the public schools are closed.
 Parents can check with the 7:00 am English news on Kol Israel for this information (AM waveband on 1458
metres in Jerusalem area). Parents who live in outer districts or outside the city should not bring students in
to school, if local driving conditions are difficult.
 The School telephone switchboard will be open from 7:00 am on "snow days" and parents can phone for
information.
 The school will notify the school community via a mass SMS message.
If snow falls during the day and conditions are likely to get worse:
The school will make arrangement for students to return home as quickly and safely as possible:
 Students from Grade 6 upwards will be allowed to take the bus or to walk home if this is how they usually
travel and it is safe to do so.
 These older students will be allowed to take younger brothers and sisters of Grade 3 age or above, if this is
what normally happens.
 All other students will remain in their homerooms until collected by parents or their usual driver.
 School office staff will contact parents and keep them up to date with the situation.
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20 ANYTHING ELSE I NEED TO KNOW?
Canteen
The school Canteen is open daily at break and at lunch.
Students in the Secondary School can purchase lunch for NIS
20 and a variety of snacks and drinks at break times.
Purchases can be made either with cash or using the canteen
lunch tickets, which can be purchased from Reception.
Trips and Events
AISJ students take part in a wide variety of curricular and extra-curricular trips. For those requiring payment, all trip
monies must be paid in full and in NIS to the Business Office well in advance of any trip. Permission slips must be
signed by a parent and returned to the school 24 hours before a trip; students who do not have permission slips on
the morning of a trip will not be permitted to attend the trip.
Whole School Secondary Residential trip
All students in the Secondary School go away on an overnight residential trip once per academic year. The cost of
this trip is covered by the school fees. The trip contains a mixture of educational and recreational activities; the goal
of the trip is to build connections between students and faculty, and have a really great time!
Religious Education at AISJ
All students are required to take one class of Religious Education per week. As a Christian school, it should be
understood that this class will be taught from the perspective of a Christian worldview, but that it should not be
considered evangelical in nature. Once a year, the whole school goes on a local Religious Education trip, which is a
compulsory part of the curriculum and therefore is mandatory for all students.
Regular publications
The Parents News is distributed on a monthly basis. Other publications include:
 Bi-weekly bulletin from the Head of Secondary, published on Fridays;
 Student Newspaper;
 Year Book, published in June.
School Web Site
You can find information on the website relating to the school curriculum, extra-curricular activities and other
relevant information. www.aisj.co.il
Secondary Parent Teacher Forum (PTF)
Communication between parents and staff is really important in ensuring that your child has a happy and positive
experience at AISJ. The Secondary school holds a monthly Parent Teacher Forum, which all parents and faculty are
encouraged to attend. The PTF meeting is always held on the first Wednesday of the month and is currently chaired
by Carrie Smith, who can be e-mailed at [email protected].
Fees and financial issues
Any questions about payment of school fees or other financial issues should be directed to the Finance Manager,
Deena Baruch. You can e-mail her at [email protected] or drop by her office, which is open Monday-Thursday 7.30
a.m. to 4.00 p.m. and is located near Reception.
AISJ’s Pastoral curriculum
Students from Grades 6 to 10 take part in one pastoral session with their Homeroom teacher per week. The focus of
these sessions is varied, but includes health, social and emotional education. Any issues or topics that might be
deemed sensitive in nature will be preceded by a letter home to parents outlining what will be covered.
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