March 2014 - the International School of Stavanger

Published by ISS as a Community Newsletter
12 March 2014 - Volume XXXVI - No 5 2013/14
The Informer
Can you not taste the spring?
From the Director:
One of the real pleasures of my job is to hear from
graduates on a regular basis. Our ISS alumni are out
doing a variety of wonderful things around the world.
Recently, I heard from one of our Norwegian citizen
graduates, Kamilla Mauseth, who wrote to me with
a request that I was happy to agree to help her with
by connecting her with our school community and
our high school students and parents. Rather than
paraphrasing, I will quote directly from what she has
written to me:
“Dear Dr. Duevel,
Traditional Norwegian decorative painting in Art class
After graduating from ISS in 2011, I am now in the
process of achieving a Bachelor’s degree in psychology
at Boston University. Due to the IB program, and the
resulting points allocated based on my scores, I had the
opportunity to graduate from my university a year prior
to schedule.
As I didn’t have the restraints of normal freshman to
complete prerequisites and college requirements, I am
now able to explore psychology on a deeper and more
initiated level. In the past year, I’ve come to interest myself
within cross-cultural and developmental psychology, and
the implication of moving for ’TCK’s. [Third Culture
Kids—the definition is one who has spent some part of
their childhood and/or adolescence living outside their
own passport culture.] Through an honor’s program at
my university I am able to research, (with the assistance
of a resident professor), an area of interest and prepare a
study and ultimately a paper fit for publication. My area
of interest lies in the differences of personality between
TCKs and their parents.
Research suggests that there are many positive aspects
to being an Third Culture Kid. TCKs have higher
rates of cultural empathy and open-mindedness on
personality scales. Interviews with TCKs indicate that
they truly appreciate and enjoy the cultural lifestyle and
circumstances they grew up in. There is also a trend for
very strong family relationships. Since they are uprooted
every few years, the only constant in life is family and
many develop a ‘ family bubble’ where relationships are
closer and more tightly knit. Results have shown that the
TCK community share more personality traits than with
their own peer group from their passport country. TCKs
tend to grow up very independent and mature quickly,
but they are culturally adept and sensitive which helps in
getting along with people of any culture.
Artful watercolour painting at a tender age 2 · THE INFORMER
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Our interest lies within the development of personality
within the TCK community and its relation to parental
influence. The four main reasons that parents go abroad
with their families are business, military, religious
and governmental and the motivation and founding
characters of these parents differ immensely. Though the
parents’ similar openness is present in the children, we
www.isstavanger.no
are interested in the factors that differ from their parents.
Due to recent study, 30-60% of behavior/personality can
be explained by genetic inheritance from one’s parents.
Since there are differences between TCKs and their
parents, there should be a pronounced difference between
TCKs and their parents compared to nonTCKs and
their parents. We believe that through the experience of
growing up abroad, the sheer impact of interacting with
different environments, languages, cultures, belief systems
and personalities (as well as students/children in similar
situations), will affect them more in their development
than their non-travelling counterparts.
In our investigation we seek to attain a compilation of
questionnaire and surveys distributed to a student/parent
population (international school and comparison local
school). The survey will be accessed online by the student/
parent who will be delivered a code to email to parent/
student, as to pair data anonymously. As to achieve a
statistically applicable response, it is necessary to pair
the parents with their children anonymously and we
are working with the tech department on a system that
doesn’t reveal or connect any personal information.
Rose painting ...?
The survey will be a compilation of parental and
personality questions, delving into well-being, stress
levels of forgiveness,(reconciliation scales) and emotional
intelligence. This survey would be accessed online and
hopefully distributed through email/newsletter to parents
and students, and take an estimated 15-20 minutes to
complete.
As mentioned earlier we are interested in pairing the
TCK data with nonTCK data, and to do this we need
the contribution of a local Norwegian school.
I hope ISS would be interested in contributing to my study
and your participation would be greatly appreciated.
It takes a steady hand...
If you are interested in supporting my research please
respond and ask any questions you may have.
Best,
Kamilla Mauseth”
Not surprisingly, my reaction to Kamilla’s research
idea was very positive. I am also helping her to be in
contact with a Norwegian high school much farther
north as the “nonTCK” sample. Here in Rogaland,
the local schools all have a comparatively large sample
of TCKs as well, so it was useful that I could make
connections with a school I know in a part of the
country that is less impacted by our very international
environment here in the Stavanger Region.
Later in this issue of the Informer you will find the
survey information. Personally and professionally,
www.isstavanger.no
A wide variety of tecniques to explore in Art
THE INFORMER 12 M arch 2014 · 3
I hope there will be a number of our students and
parents who choose to take part in this anonymous
research that Kamilla is involved in.
Nothing makes me happier than to watch our ISS
graduates in action transforming concepts into
educational research. Plus as the mother of two
TCK’s myself, I’ll look forward to reading the results
of her research when they are published. Good luck,
Kamilla!
Whenever I am asked my favorite day of the year,
it is always an easy question to answer—without
a doubt, it is May 17th, Norway’s Constitution
Day. This year, that day will be even more special
as Norway celebrates its 200 Year Anniversary of
the Norwegian Constitution. Attached is a listing
from the Chamber of Commerce on what should be
an outstanding concert by the Stavanger Symphony
Orchestra in honor of the 200 Year Anniversary of
the Norwegian Constitution, which will be held at the
Stavanger Concert House on Wednesday, April 30
beginning at 18.00.
“The evening’s performance schedule lists Norwegian
music from the national romantic Grieg, and a brand new
composition by Gisle Kverndokk. The orchestral works is
specially commissioned by the orchestra. It draws on folk
music collected from the varied countries and cultural
backgrounds found in Stavanger. Grieg often used rich
influences of Norwegian folk music as inspiration for his
own compositions. This unique musical reflection has
never previously been heard.”
There is a cost to the concert, (NOK 285), but that
includes the concert ticket, canapès and drinks. (As
a side note, I have been given the honor of speaking,
along with the County Governor and the composer—
that’s not reason for you to attend, but hopefully won’t
scare you off either from what should be a wonderful
evening!)
Mahnoor Raja! I have written previously in the
Informer this year about Mahnoor’s wonderful art
project of creating elephants that are printed on
t-shirts with the proceeds going toward a variety of
charities including the School for Life in Thailand
and the local support magazine, “Asfalt.” She has also
created an exclusive design for the Autism Association
of Rogaland and is in communications with the World
Wildlife Fund about a potential colloboration there as
well.
Next week the national magazine, Hjemmet, will
run a terrific two-page article about Mahnoor and
her project. Congratulations, Mahnoor—you are an
inspiration to all of us about what can happen when
talent, hard work and a will to do service for others
converge.
Although there is really no time on the ISS calendar
when there aren’t lots of things going on, this is a
particularly busy time of year. We salute all of our
winter series athletes who are coming close to the end
of their seasons and thank their coaches and their
parents for their support and involvement. Good
luck to our Boys and Girls Varsity Basketball teams
that will journey to the big NECIS tournament in
Antwerp.
And another big event taking place soon is “Beauty
and the Beast,” the 2014 Middle School Musical.
Our talented students year after year astound their
audiences with their skills and their pure joy at
entertaining their applauding public. It should be yet
another outstanding success. Congratulations to one
and all who are involved.
Regards,
Dr. Linda Duevel
Director
[email protected]
Details for booking tickets are below. (An alternative
is to bypass the speeches and the pre-concert reception
and book seats through the normal Stavanger
Konserthus website for the concert which will start at
19.30.) Either way, it should be a memorable evening
marking an important date in the history of Norway.
Congratulations once again to high school student,
4 · THE INFORMER
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www.isstavanger.no
Title: Third Culture Kids:
How does moving internationally develop children?
Hello,
I am an undergraduate student in the Department
of Psychology at Boston University and a 2011
graduate of ISS and I would like to invite you to
participate in my research study on the parental
and environmental influences of personality and
attitude development in the international student.
This study aims to understand the influence that the
overseas cultural experience has on our personality
development in contrast to parental influences.
You will be asked to complete a 45 minute
survey that consists of questions on personality,
parental behavior, emotional regulation,
societal perspectives and forgiveness.
To understand the differences and similarities
between parents and their children we aim to
survey both Third Culture Kids and their parents.
After completion of the survey a participation code
will be provided.
If you are interested in participating we would ask
for your consent to allow your adolescent child
(above the age of 16) to participate as well.
You can forward the link to the survey to your
child with the addition of the participation code
you receive at the end of the survey so we can pair
your responses together. The addition of this code
is vital to analyzing the interaction and relationship
between you and your children.
Your involvement would help me greatly in my
senior research paper and the development of
knowledge of TCKs.
If you have any questions, please contact me at
[email protected] or my advisor, Dr. Catherine
Caldwell-Harris, at [email protected].
Thank you for your consideration and contribution,
Kamilla Mauseth
Please use this link to begin the survey: https://bostonu.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_abGUwzzYRKYWnKR
www.isstavanger.no
THE INFORMER 12 M arch 2014 · 5
International Choral Festival Concert!
Free Admission
The International School of Stavanger is proud to host the 2014 AMIS European Middle School Honor Girls’ Choir Festival! Saturday, April 5
19.00 – ISS Theater
Every year, AMIS (the Association for Music in International Schools) sponsors a variety of music festivals designed to benefit students in international schools around the world. In April 2014, 96 middle school girls from 15 international schools will spend several days in Stavanger rehearsing as part of an honor choir and perform a concert at ISS on Sat., April 5 at 19.00. Mark your calendar and spread the word! 6 · THE INFORMER
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www.isstavanger.no
All School News
In April, 2014, we are welcoming 90 girls
selected from 14 international schools around the world,
to spend several days rehearsing as part of an honour choir.
This festival culminates in a choral concert on Saturday, 5th A pril.
We would like to thank the ISS families who are generously opening their homes
to host these students, from Wednesday, 2nd April until Sunday, 6th April.
M ark Your Calendars!
Come along and listen to the AMIS Girls` Honor Choir Concert!
When? Saturday, April 5
7:00pm - AMIS Honor Girls’ Choir Gala Concert
Where? In
www.isstavanger.no
The Lovelace Theatre at ISS
THE INFORMER 12 M arch 2014 · 7
From the Deputy Director
Dear all,
CIS Team Members
As we find ourselves in March the faculty and staff
at ISS are very much looking forward to the CIS
(Council of International Schools) and NEASC (New
England Association of Schools and Colleges) reaccreditation visit.
Perry Morten Barlien
HoD Social Studies Upper School,
International School of Prague,
Czech Republic
For those of you who are new to ISS or unfamiliar
with the CIS / NEASC accreditation the process is
one recognized in international school circles as a
highly effective means of initiating and maintaining
school improvement and demonstrating adherence to
a set of publicly stated standards.
Over the past 18 months ISS has conducted what
may best be described as a rigorous 360 degree selfexamination based upon our own Guiding Statements
and externally recognised standards and benchmarks
articulated under the following framework.
Etienne Chabilan,
Head of Mathematics,
Collège du Léman, Versoix,
Switzerland
Richard Tong
Head of English and Coordinator of Languages A,
Sotogrande International School, Cadiz,
Spain
Patrick Lee
Lower School Assistant Principal,
The American School in London,
United Kingdom
Angela Louise Harris
Primary Principal,
St Julian’s School, Lisbon,
Portugal
NEASC Team Members
Janusz Rzonca
Humanities Teacher,
Bavarian International School, Haimhausen,
Germany
The process of self-review is followed by an objective
external appraisal by a team of peers mostly from
other international schools as can been seen from the
listing below:
Carmel Platt (CIS Team Chair)
Primary School Principal,
Emirates International School,
Dubai
Danuta Thibodeau (NEASC Co-Chair)
Executive Director Education Connection,
Litchfield, USA
Jenna Bowie (CIS Team Secretary)
Council of International School,
Leiden, The Netherlands
8 · THE INFORMER
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Brenda Christopherson
Junior School Principal,
International School Basel,
Switzerland
Tobin Bechtel
Deputy Director/Secondary School Principal,
International School of Berne,
Switzerland
Aaron Deupree
ESL Department Head,
Leysin American School,
Switzerland
Graeme Michael Chisholm
Primary Principal,
Riverside School, Prague,
Czech Republic
At the beginning of the visit there will be a welcome
www.isstavanger.no
reception held at ISS for our visiting team on Sunday
30th March between 16:00 and 17:00 where the team
will introduce themselves to our school community.
As parents of our school community, you are most
welcome to join us in welcoming our visitors at this
rececption.
The visiting team will then have a busy week ahead of
them visiting classrooms and other work places and
campus facilities, examine documentation compiled
by the school, and speaking with students, parents,
members of the administration, faculty and support
staff, and the Board of Trustees.
As mentioned above over the course of the week they
examine all aspects of the school in the light of the
self-study findings and our own Guiding Statements.
In due course the team will provide the accrediting
agencies (CIS and NEASC) with a recommendation
relating to the status of re-accreditation for ISS. When
this decision is made by the accrediting bodies they will
confirm the outcome to us as well as providing a full
and comprehensive objective report which provides
an assessment of the conclusions of the self-study
and articulates specific recommendations for school
improvement and notes specific commendations.
Can I ask a question, please ..?
Again I would like to express my gratitude to all those
who have in some way participated in the process
and as a school we look forward to acting on the
findings as we continually seek to improve as learning
organization.
With kind regards,
Gareth Jones
Deputy Director
[email protected]
Visitors? Come on in!
www.isstavanger.no
THE INFORMER 12 M arch 2014 · 9
The Counselors’ Corner
[email protected]
[email protected]
“Life stands before me like an eternal spring with new
and brilliant clothes.”
-
Carl Friedrich Gauss
DEAR 12TH GRADE STUDENTS,
This time of year can often bring along a colorful array
of change and experiences – snow drops and crocuses
begin to make an appearance as well as lighter and
brighter days.
At the same time, you may be receiving university
acceptances and offers alongside a few rejections and
disappointments. This is the normal chain of events
and we see these highs and lows of the university
admissions process every year. Know that it is not
personal and oftentimes has more to do with numbers.
The challenge lies in how you handle change,
disappointment, and surprise.
Life is full of unpredictability and various elements
that we can and cannot control. Focus on that
which you can control and forge ahead! The finish
line is within reach - revise your work, review your
notes, and renew your spirits! Take care of yourself
by eating well and getting a full night’s rest. Take
advantage of the daylight hours and make productive
use of your time here at school by seeking teacher
support and working with your peers. Whenever you
begin to feel restless, anxious, or stretched, remember
to look around you. We are all in this together until
the bittersweet end and the 12th of June will be here
before you know it!
ALL 9th, 10th, AND 11th GRADE STUDENTS
At this point everyone should have submitted their
course selections for next school year. If you have
missed the deadline, you may risk not getting your
first choice classes. If you are having difficulty please
come to see us – we are happy to help. Next step will
be to meet with your teachers and then your counselor
to discuss your selections and future plans.
COLLEGE NIGHT
If you happened to miss College Night on 6th March,
be sure to stop by the Counseling Office to pick up a
copy of the new ISS University Planning Handbook,
which gives guidelines to help you through the
planning and application process. Those of you
who attended Career Day will know the importance
10 · THE INFORMER
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of university study in keeping your options for the
future open.
NOTICE TO ALL 11th GRADE STUDENTS
AND THEIR PARENTS
If you are planning to apply to a US, Canadian, or
American-style university in Europe, it is strongly
recommended that you take either, or both, the ACT
with writing or the SAT Reasoning Test once this
next semester and once during the first semester of
your twelfth grade year.
Check the registration deadlines for international
students and make sure you register on-line prior to
the deadline. Test centres fill up very quickly!
Also check to see if the College/University you are
planning to apply to requires the SAT Subject Tests.
If these are required then it is recommended that you
take these during the fall semester of your senior year.
Also if you are not a native English speaker consider
taking the TOEFL test, which can help you fulfill
English language requirements worldwide.
To register online for the SAT exam or SAT Subject
Tests that will be offered here at ISS on Saturday, May
3, 2014, go to www.collegeboard.com. Registration
deadline is April 4, 2014. Spaces are limited. Do not
procrastinate!
For students interested in applying to study Medicine,
Dentistry, or Veterinary medicine in the UK, it is
important to determine whether you need to take
the BMAT or UKCAT admissions test. Information
can be found at http://www.admissionstests.
cambridgeassessment.org.uk/adt/bmat and http://
www.ukcat.ac.uk/. Please make sure to check for
deadlines and exam locations. Reference materials on
preparing for these exams are available in the library.
NOTICE TO ALL University-bound high
school STUDENTS AND THEIR PARENTS
Check out the following opportunities!
Open Days - Open days are currently scheduled
for UK universities. Go to www.opendays.com for
specific university Open Day dates.
Many students take advantage of their Easter vacation
and summer holidays to visit Universities and/or
attend college fairs and open days. If you are on
www.isstavanger.no
The Counselors’ Corner
[email protected]
[email protected]
vacation and in the vicinity of a university or higher
education institution go and take a look. It will give
you a sense of what to think about when choosing a
university and also maybe give you ideas about what
you do not want.
University Taster Course Programme 2014
- The Taster Course Programme aims to provide
students, looking towards starting university in
September 2015 (currently in grade 11) with a taste of
what life at a university in London is like. Through
your chosen course you will experience the different
teaching methods used by university academics and
gain an insight into the additional facilities available,
whilst meeting students from across the UK. You can
choose a course from a variety of subjects at various
university institutions, including courses organized
by The Careers Group, University of London. Courses
range from voice and drama, to medicine and nursing,
to computing and business.
Check out: http://www.london.ac.uk/tasters
SUMMER STUDY PROGRAMS – all students
GAP Medics are offering an exciting project for
students that are looking to apply for university courses
in medicine, nursing, dentistry, or midwifery.
Placements operate in Tanzania, India, Thailand and
the Caribbean. Students can spend from 1 to 4 weeks
on placement. Placements are designed for students
aged 16 or older who are thinking of applying for a
health care-related degree program.
Check out: http://www.gapmedics.com/
We have also received a wide variety of brochures and
information from other summer study programs in
China, Europe, the U.K. and the U.S.A. Please
check in the Counseling Office for more information.
Welcome the daylight that spring brings. Have a
warm and wonderful Easter vacation!
Sincerely,
Cheryl Brown
Monchaya Jetabut
High School Counselor
High School Counselor
[email protected] [email protected]
www.isstavanger.no
THE INFORMER 12 M arch 2014 · 11
News from the Exams Coordinator
IB Diploma news: What is ATL and why is it important?
Lance King, in IB Global News, explains the
meaning of ATL in the International Baccalaureate
Diploma Programme: “Approaches to Learning
(ATL) is a curriculum of skills of effective learning.
These are the skills that students need in order to be
successful at school, at university and in the world
of work, business and enterprise. For success in the
21st century all students need to learn to be effective,
self-regulated learners … those who can learn in any
situation, at any time, in any place, from any person
using any media or technology – without the support
of teachers.”
In the High School at ISS, we have been exploring
how these skills can be more explicitly incorporated
into our teaching programmes. There are five generic
categories of skills that the IB has identified: research
skills, communication skills, thinking skills, social
skills, and self-management skills.
It is clear that these skills are addressed in many
and varied ways throughout the students’ schooling
at ISS, but it is also becoming clear to me that we
need to look at exactly when and how these skills are
developed in our students – they are skills which can
be ‘taught not caught’.
In addition, as the skills are a fundamental
part of the IB programmes, forming
part of the core of the IB visual
model of the curriculum, we
need to be able to document
clearly how we are addressing
the students’ development
in these areas. The IB
acknowledges
that
implementation of ATL
may require a shift of
emphasis in the High
School, with more
cross-departmental and
whole faculty planning
and collaboration, and
the IBDP Coordinator
being considered more of
a pedagogical leader in the
school.
12 · THE INFORMER
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A focus on ATL will also help support the school in
meeting a number of the required IB programme
‘standards and practices’ which are a part of the fiveyear IB programme evaluation.
So what is the next step here at ISS?
We are currently discussing some of these ideas with
teachers in the High School, and they are providing a
focus for faculty meetings. The IB expects that there
will be a gradual integration of ATL into all the IB
courses at the school and at ISS it will be an ongoing
process over the next years.
The IB plans to publish all ATL documents in January
2015 for official use from September 2015.
This is a major project with potentially wide-reaching
effects on both teaching and learning: the IB hopes
that it will result in ‘more engaged teachers and
students’.
We look forward to an exciting time as the IB
Diploma programme at ISS continues to develop and
grow!
Sources:
Approaches to teaching and
learning across the Diploma
Programme
Executive
summary, International
Baccalaureate, March
2012
Approaches
to
teaching
and
learning
in
the
DP:
Project Update,
International
Baccalaureate,
January 2013
Lance King in IB
Global News Vol. 2,
Issue 2, 2014
www.isstavanger.no
Middle School News and Events
In the process of mummification....
The advisory theme for March will be ‘Teamwork
and Cooperation’.
There are many examples of this taking place on a
daily basis in the Middle School and the next big
event coming up is a special example of that.
MS Musical (2014) – ‘Beauty and the Beast’
The next major event THIS WEEK in the MS
calendar will be the musical ’Beauty and the Beast’.
This production is both curricular (Wed exploratory)
and extra-curricular (Monday and Wednesday after
school and Sundays).
By the time of the performances, the vast majority of
our MS students will be involved in some way. The
majority of our Q3 exploratories are related to this
production:
• Backstage Exploratory
• CDT Exploratory (set building).
• Art Exploratory (set design, painting, poster
design, and t-shirt design).
• Publicity Exploratory (have produced an
excellent website and designed the program and
tickets.
www.isstavanger.no
• Drama Exploratory - comprises all cast members!
In addition, we have a group of volunteers for Lighting
and Sound, Hair and Make-up as well and a group
of students who will be our Front of House crew.
ALL of the students involved in the above groups
are invited to the Cast and Crew party after the
final performance on Saturday, 15th March.
Pick up time is 21:00.
Tickets are on sale from the Main Office (20kr).
Hurry, Hurry, Hurry!
8th Grade Leirskole – Trysil
Sunday, March 16th-Friday, March 21st
This exciting and memorable trip is coming up this
week for our 8th grade! Please re-read the information
and the packing list.
Please contact Mr. Keereman if you have any further
questions.
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Middle School News and Events
The result of this experiment is...
Parent/Teacher/Student Conferences
Thursday, March 13th and Friday, March 14th
(8am-3:45pm)
• I look forward to seeing you at these conferences
this week. Please stop by and say hello
.
• Please remember to bring your son or daughter
to these conferences – it is very important that
they are part of the conversation.
• These conferences are timed so that a conversation
can take place regarding progress during Q3 and
also how close students have come to achieving
their own goals that they set themselves at the end
of Q2.
• Students will receive a copy of the self-reflections
(written for their Q2 report) and they will be able
to use them to discuss progress and achievement
during Q3.
• Remember: there will be NO school for middle
school students on Thursday, March 13th and
Friday, March 14th.
Please sign in at the Main Office as normal and
then make your way to your first conference.
Looking Ahead to Q4
Extra-Curricular Activities – Q4 Sports
Here is an advance preview of the sports activities that
will be offered during Q4. Of course we still have
NECIS swimming tournament coming up at the end
of March and we wish all team members the best of
luck.
Middle School Girls Soccer/Football
Practice will begin on Tuesday 1st April at 15:30
and all who intend to play will meet their coaches,
Ms. Russell and Ms. May in the girls changing room
after school. Practice times will run on Tuesdays and
Thursdays from 15:30-17:00. Please be sure to have
proper athletic clothing and football boots/cleats. The
girls should come with athletic shorts and tops as well
as athletic pants, sweatshirts and a beanie/knit hat to
be prepared for cold weather.
Junior Varsity Rugby
Practice will begin on Tuesday, 18th March at 15:30
and all who intend to play will meet their coach,
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www.isstavanger.no
Middle School News and Events
Mr. Sygrove in the boys changing room after school.
Practice times will run on Tuesdays and Thursdays
from 15:30-17:00. Please be sure to have proper
athletic clothing and rugby boots/cleats. The boys
should come with athletic shorts and tops as well as
athletic pants, sweatshirts and a beanie/knit hat to be
prepared for cold weather. If you have rugby practice
gear (rugby shorts and tops) you are encouraged to
wear these to each practice.
Track and Field
Practice will begin on Monday, 17th March at 15:30
and all who intend to play will meet their head coach,
Mr. Bakke on the track after school. Practice times
will be on Mondays, Wednesdays and optional
Fridays from 15:30-17:30. Please bring proper
running shoes, and if you have track shoes, you are
encouraged to bring these to practice as well. Students
should make sure they have proper athletic clothing
(shorts and T-shirts) and are advised to bring athletic
pants, sweatshirt and a beanie/knit hat to be prepared
for cold weather.
That is all for this month!
Carol Wallace
Middle School Principal
[email protected]
www.isstavanger.no
THE INFORMER 12 M arch 2014 · 15
High School NEWS
Holly Barnes, High School Biology Teacher [email protected]
Crossing the Ages: High School and Elementary Science Join Forces
This has been an exciting year for science at the ISS.
The high school science team has joined forces with
primary school teachers to bring more technology and
hands-on experimentation into the classrooms. ISS
provides a unique opportunity for students from the
lower grades to visit the labs and students in the upper
grades.
First graders extracted chlorophyll from leaves and
then used chromatography paper to see the different
colors. They also tested the osmotic properties of
gummy bears (they swell up when you put them in
water!) and graphed their own temperatures while
“hibernating.”
High school students who traveled to Svalbard spoke
with the second grade about the Tundra during the
primary students’ biomes unit and fielded many
“burning” questions about the far north.
Third grade was able to test the pH of many different
substances to determine if they were acidic or basic
with the help of lab discs and pH probes.
16 · THE INFORMER
12 M arch 2014
In the spring, they are looking forward to further
collaboration with the biology department when they
study plants.
Fourth grade made clouds in bottles and investigated
the local weather using the weather station located on
the school roof.
Fifth grade was able to visit the 10th grade again this
year for heart dissections. Only one or two had to be
excused! It is such a great class as the 10th graders are
able to lead the dissection for the 5th grade as they
discover and learn together.
These efforts were originally special requests from
individual teachers, but have grown into involvement
at every grade level.
When the high school students are hosting the events,
it requires them to give “teacher” answers and know
the material thoroughly; most enjoy being role models
for the younger students, who can imagine themselves
having the same expertise in just a few years.
www.isstavanger.no
High School NEWS
Now, let’s have a look inside the heart ..
A lung dissection is done the following way...
The gummy bear before getting wet
How many atria are there ..?
www.isstavanger.no
All hands at work!
THE INFORMER 12 M arch 2014 · 17
Two young ladies from the Middle Ages visited the Primary School lately
Primary School News
If Winter was not busy enough, the activities this
Spring will keep us even more involved. There are lots
of activities at school that are sponsored by ISS and
by parents.
Grade Five students will be attending Outdoor
Education Week at Gullingen Leirskule 24-28
March. This is always a highlight for our students
as they learn and practice cross-country skiing and
getting out in Norway’s great outdoors. Check out
the snow and activity at the live webcam: http://www.
gullingen.no/index.php/gullingen-live-webcam
Track and Field for Early Childhood and Primary
School will run for five Thursdays starting April 3.
We tend to have about 100 children participate, so
parents are needed to help. Please contact Dr. Jack
Raven if you are interested.
An information sheet will be sent soon from Dr.
Raven.
Can I take a bite ..?
18 · THE INFORMER
12 M arch 2014
Practice for the PS Musical for students in Grades 3-5
We are so pleased with the great number of students
who are participating! Thank you to students, Mrs.
Kemp, other teachers and parents for your support
and participation. Mark your calendars now for the
performances on May 22, 23 and 24.
Thank you to parents for attending the recent studentteacher-parent conferences. Later in the spring,
students will have a chance to show what they have
been learning during the year as they share their
learning portfolios with you.
Thank you to parents who attended our roundtable
discussion. Two of the topics discussed were reports
and communication about curriculum. These
discussions and feedback are helpful as we continually
try to improve ISS to better support learning, wellbeing and community.
Not sure I’m in the right job..
‘O Fortuna velut luna .....’
www.isstavanger.no
I hereby declare the ISS Olympic Games to be opened!
Primary School News
Professional Development is an important part of
continual improvement. We have a special treat in
store this spring as Carl Anderson of Teachers College
Reading and Writing Project at Columbia University
will spend the weekend with our teachers and then he
will demonstrate strategies to effectively confer with
students about their writing and reading.
circulation in our library gets even faster then.
Len Duevel, PhD
Primary School Principal
[email protected]
Please welcome Mr. Erik Jordheim. He came back to
ISS after paternity leave in a new role, Librarian. We
are so pleased to have him help make the library a
central part of our school. We have extended goals
to have students learn more library skills, integrate
technology in research and make the library a direct
link to support conceptual understanding in topics
for all classes. This does not diminish from the role
the library plays in a fantastic resource for books and
reading for pleasure.
Coming up soon is a reading incentive, and the
Coordination is the clue ....
www.isstavanger.no
I am in the lead!
Here comes the Olympic flame!
THE INFORMER 12 M arch 2014 · 19
To infinity and beyond!
Second grade students had the fortunate
opportunity to go far beyond their study of the
solar system with a recent visit to the planetarium
at the Vitenfabrikken (Science Factory) in Sandnes.
Students enjoyed the opportunity to sit back and
enjoy a movie about our universe on the huge,
dome-shaped projection screen.
Starting with the Big Bang, in chronological order,
students watched the formation of stars, solar
systems and the first life on Earth. The movie also
covered the great extinctions, as well as the search
for (primitive) life beyond planet Earth.
The students enjoyed the inspirational journey
through time and the celebration of life on Earth.
Alban Peyrat, a student in Mr. Williams’ class, said,
“It was so cool how the movie showed the creation of
the universe, the galaxies and our Earth!”
After the film and lunch in the Science Factory’s
café, second grade students had a full hour to
explore the interactive exhibits at the museum.
They used controls to operate a construction site,
manipulated mirrors to refract lazers, experimented
with infrared light, explored hydroelectricity and
much more!
Katie Roberts, from Ms. Miller’s class, said, “It was
fun to experiment with the water to get the lights
to turn on!”
All in all second grade had a fabulous time at the
Vitenfabrikken and the trip was out of this world!
20 · THE INFORMER
12 M arch 2014
www.isstavanger.no
Our solar system
Did you know that it is possible to fit our entire solar system into the Primary School gym? Second graders
proved that it is indeed possible!
For their study of space, they worked in teams to make a living model of the eight planets and the sun that
comprise our solar system. Students worked in teams to draw each planet to scale.
Next, they traveled to the gym and used their newfound measuring skills
from the sun. With their scaled-down version, they discovered that:
find the distance each planet is
• the sun is 25 feet long,
• Earth is 56 centimeters away from the sun
• and Neptune is an incredible 17 meters from the sun.
That is almost the entire expanse of the gym! In the end, students cheered and were astonished to see that it
was feasible to fit our solar system into the gym.
www.isstavanger.no
THE INFORMER 12 M arch 2014 · 21
Early
Childhood
14 cats in their hats!
Thank you, parents for taking the time to come and
meet with your child’s teacher on 21 February. The
parent-teacher conferences are meant to provide an
opportunity for the teacher to share with you their
insights of your child’s learning.
Jill Raven, Early Childhood Principal, [email protected]
In Early Childhood, celebrating friendship has been
a focus during the month of February. Preschool 3
children discussed what it means to be friendly. The
following were suggested by the children; kissing,
hugging, not pushing, not hitting, sharing, saying I
am your friend, I will play with you ……..
In Preschool 3 the children explored numbers and
patterns, worked as the class photographer for the
day and focused on health with a visit to the nurse
office and special visitors such as Doctor Marion,
and Dentist Venessa. In Preschool 4 the children
hopped on the city bus. Destination: Mosvannet! The
children behaved beautifully on the bus and they all
enjoyed walking on the path, watching the ducks and
sitting on the rock wall drinking hot cocoa and eating
pretzel sticks. Kindergarten has wrapped up their
unit on winter and begun a new unit on folk tales
and fairy tales. They will be learning all about the
characteristics of a fairy tale. Grade One has enjoyed
a variety of hands-on experiments learning about
prediction, carrying out an experiment, and then
drawing a conclusion from the results.
Following the winter break the children jumped right
back into school with high energy and enthusiasm for
learning. Kindergarten and Grade One celebrated Dr.
Seuss’s birthday by focusing on books by Dr. Seuss,
participating in special Dr. Seuss activities including
dressing up in a variety of Dr. Seuss based themes.
Who is Dr. Seuss?
Theodor Seuss Geisel (March 2, 1904 – September 24,
1991) was an American writer and cartoonist, better
22 · THE INFORMER
12 M arch 2014
known by his pen name, Dr. Seuss (often pronounced
/su:s/, but he himself said /sois/). This year he would
have been 110 years old. Dr. Seuss published over 60
children’s books, which were often characterized by
his imaginative characters, rhyme. His most notable
books include the bestselling classics Green Eggs and
Ham, The Cat in the Hat, and One Fish Two Fish Red
Fish Blue Fish. His work has been adapted numerous
times, including eleven television specials, three
feature films, and a Broadway musical.
Dr. Seuss, wrote The Cat in the Hat in response to a
perceived literacy crisis in the United States. In the mid1950s, many Americans were asking themselves: Why
can’t Johnny read? In a Life magazine article, Pulitzer
Prize-winning author John Hersey maintained that
American children couldn’t read because the Dick and
Jane primers were boring and could not compete with
cartoons, comics, and other more fun and interesting
stimuli, so he challenged Dr. Seuss to write a story
“first graders wouldn’t be able to put down.” And
that’s just what Dr. Seuss did, using a vocabulary of
only 236 words. Seuss’ 236 words revolutionized the
way children learn to read.
Originally published by Random House in 1957,
The Cat in the Hat was embraced widely and
enthusiastically, becoming an instant bestseller and
turning Dr. Seuss into a household name virtually
overnight. Random House has since sold an estimated
10.5 million copies of the book, not including the
millions more sold by Random House via a direct
mail program administered by Scholastic-at-Home.
Look for a Dr. Seuss book to read with your son or
daughter. Watch out for the tongue twisters!
Remember—
“You’re never too old, too wacky, too wild to pick up a
book and read to a child”.—Dr. Seuss.
www.isstavanger.no
Early
Here’s my idol
Dundam dolles dolum
www.isstavanger.no
Childhood
Pe excernam, quam
Temposandi ut
Saperibe rumquae conserepudi
THE INFORMER 12 M arch 2014 · 23
News from the Health, Security, Safety and Environment (HSSE) Committee
March 2014
At the end of February/beginning of March we have conducted
safety audits in both the cafeteria and the playground with no
serious findings, but with items that have been identified and
added to our regular maintenance schedules, so that they can be
addressed in short order.
Next month we will continue our safety audit schedule with
the Early Childhood and Primary School, Physical Education
facilities and basement.
As outlined in December we have a continuous challenge to
ensure that students are wearing seatbelts on the school buses. We
continue to conduct random inspections on the buses, but would
ask that you reinforce the importance of wearing a seatbelt on the
bus with your child/children.
We informed earlier this school year, one of our priority areas was
to review our Lockdown Procedures. Over the course of the year
we have had our procedures evaluated by the Police, Stavanger
kommune and the HSSE Department at Conoco Phillips, who
also conducted a table top lockdown exercise with our Crisis
Response Team.
As a result of feedback from each of these organisations we have
made appropriate updates and are now making preparations
to conduct a pre-announced lockdown practice with students
present in the building during the week of the 24th March.
We will be approaching the lockdown in a form of low stress
educational perspective, talking the students through the process
in a formative way.
If you have any questions about the process please do not hesitate
to contact your section principal or me at school.
With kind regards
Gareth Jones
Deputy Director
24 · THE INFORMER
12 M arch 2014
www.isstavanger.no
Parent Association News
International Festival 2013
The Numbers Are In!
Net Profit for Festival: 126, 288 NOK
Net Profit for Festival Cookbook: 8,937 NOK
The PA would again like to recognize its sponsors.
Donations from our sponsors totalled 28,032.45 NOK!
www.isstavanger.no
THE INFORMER 12 M arch 2014 · 25
Parent Association News
PA MONEY TRAIL
The PA Donations Committee, after consulting with parents, teachers, and school
administration, has decided to make a 50,000 NOK donation to the school to be
divided among five purchases. This money is from the International Festival.
 10,000 NOK towards four sets of
modular wooden blocks for the Early
Childhood program. These sets
introduce children to concepts of math,
technology and design in 3D.
 10,000 NOK to purchase new display
cases for the Art Department.
 15,000 NOK towards new
microphones. Due to a change in
national regulations, the school needs
11 new microphones for its
outstanding plays, concerts,
assemblies, etc.
 10,000 NOK to purchase a new
display case for the MS-HS library.
 5,000 NOK for a storage container for outdoor play equipment (e.g., jump ropes,
hula hoops) for the primary school.
In addition to these planned donations, the PA has already given:
 10,000 NOK toward the annual author visit
 10,000 NOK toward fall field trips
 10,000 NOK toward spring field trips
GRAND TOTAL , PA
DONATIONS:
80,000NOK
Thank you, parents and
contributors!
26 · THE INFORMER
12 M arch 2014
www.isstavanger.no
Train outside with a small group or in a private session
We focus on making you faster, stronger and healthier! We offer daytime and evening sessions.
We offer classes for adults and for kids (ages 6-8 and 9-12).
We believe that we all benefit from being active, regardless of age or fitness level.
Contact us today for your free session and to find out more!
Telephone: 51 53 73 00
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.naturesgym.no
www.isstavanger.no
THE INFORMER 12 M arch 2014 · 27
SYBL
2014
Stavanger Youth
Baseball League
Everybody is welcome to PLAY
Baseball is offered for ALL youth ages 4-18
No experience or knowledge of baseball is
required! The league is designed to teach
the fundamentals of baseball to all youth
regardless of skill level.
Practices start early April (weather
depending) and are held Tuesday through
Friday between 17:00 and 20:30, one day a
week for all levels.
Games begin in April and are played
Saturday mornings at the baseball fields
located next to the International School of
Stavanger (Madla, Stavanger) until June.
For detailed information on the 2014 schedule, fees etc. please
visit our website:https://sites.google.com/site/syblnorway2/
And Facebook: Stavanger Youth Baseball League
Any questions regarding players ages 5 to 13 please contact:
Rafael Rosales: [email protected]
For players ages 14 to 18 please contact:
Bruce Nester: [email protected]
Important dates:
Registration period has started • Field clean up March 15th • Start of season 25th March 2014 (Tuesday first practice)
First Game 29th March • Season games on March 29th, April 5 & 26, May 3, 10, 24, 31 and June 7th is the playoff.
No games on April 12 nor 19th neither on May 17th • 12-April to 21st April = Easter Vacation (No Games) •
17th May = Holiday (No Game) • End of season 7th June 2014
28 · THE INFORMER
12 M arch 2014
www.isstavanger.no
ADMINISTRATION ONLY: Paid _____
Stavanger Youth Baseball League
BASEBALL REGISTRATION FORM
Season 2014
Please fill out IN PRINT. Complete one form per child. Scan and mail
Registration: E-mail completed form to: [email protected] by March 14th.
Payment: Payment ONLY via NETBANK, Account: 3201 58 80642 (in text box PLEASE put “Last Name,
First Name(s) SYBL Baseball”).
____________________________________________________________________________________
Player Information:
Players Name:
Birth Date:
---------------------------------------------------------Played Baseball before: Yes / NO
st
Age (on Mar 1 ):
Gender
M/F
---------------------Number of years
played: ______
-----------------Players mobile:
Mothers Name
Mothers e-mail:
Mothers mobile:
-------------------------------------------------------Fathers Name
------------------------Fathers e-mail:
----------------------Fathers mobile:
-------------------------------------------------------Address *):
Street Name and number:
------------------------
----------------------Postal Code:
City:
-----------------------
------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------* address must be filled in for valid registration.
League
Boys
Girls
(Check one)
Age* (Grade)
Age* (Grade)
T-Ball
4-6 (PK-K-1)
4-6 (PK-K-1)
400 NOK
Minors
7-9 (2-3-4)
7-10 (2-3-4)
450 NOK
Majors
10-13 (5-8)
11-13 (5-6-7-8)
450 NOK
Pony
14-18 (9-12)
14-18 (9-12)
450 NOK
------------------------
Registration Fee
-------Grade 2014
--------
Registration Fee Covers
Uniform/hats/trophies
Practices will be held Tuesdays through Fridays, and are generally 1 hour long between 5:00 and 8:00 pm.
INDICATE AVAILABILITY FOR PRACTICE ON ALL EVENINGS: A=Available N=Not available. NB! No
indication will be assumed available!
Tuesday
A N
Wednesday
A N
Thursday
A N
Friday
A N
PARENT INFORMATION: Please note – All teams NEED Coaches, Assistant Coaches, and others help
during the season. Your participation in the program is a must! Please check the appropriate boxes –
specify M for mother and F for father. Please check at least one box. Each parent will be asked to
participate in Field Clean-Up Day. Each parent will be asked to assist the Kiosk Coordinator by working in
the Kiosk at least one Saturday and helping with baking items or making chili.
 Head Coach  Asst. Coach  Umpire  Team Mom  Kiosk Coordinator  Kiosk Asst.
More information will be available at: https://sites.google.com/a/syblnorway.com/stavanger-youth-baseballleague/home. And Facebook: Stavanger Youth Baseball League
www.isstavanger.no
THE INFORMER 12 M arch 2014 · 29
Chef: Jean-Pierre Duc
Lunch Menu
In addition to the daily HOT MEAL and the soup of the day, the cafeteria also offers a vegetarian option for lunch
NB! The symbols Veg and GF means vegetarian and gluten free, respectively.
Every day we serve either a vegetarian option or a vegetarian soup.
The soup variety is announced on the on-line menu daily
M arch 2014
W 12.03 Beef Burritos w/ salsa and salad
T14.03Lammefrikassée (= Lamb stew w/ root vegetables
& potatoes)
F 15.03 Fiskegratin (= Norwegian cod soufflée w/maccaroni)
M 17.03 Hot dogs and mashed potatoes served with gravy
T 18.03 Pasta Bolognese
W19.03 Chicken Chop Suey (= Chinese stew w/soy sauce)
T20.03Karbonder w/ fried onion, gravy and potatoes
F 21.03 Breaded cod with butter sauce and potatoes and broccoli
M
T
W
T
F
24.03
25.03
26.03
27.03.
28.03
Cajun fried rice w/beans and chorizo sausage (
Mediterranean pasta w/tomatoes, feta and chicken
Stir-fry w/meat, potatoes and vegetables
Nachos and beef wsalad and salsa
Salmon Tandoori w/rice
M 31.03 Fried rice w/curry and chicken (GF)
A pril 2014
T 01.04 Pasta Carbonara w/bacon and paresan sauce
W 02.04 Chili con Carne w/rice (GF)
T03.04Lapskaus (Norwegian stew w/sausages &vegetables)
F 04.04 Salmon & feta gratin w/potatoes and t omatoes
M 07. 04 Chicken stew w/creamy sauce and root vegetables
T 08.04 Pasta w/salsiccia, pork meat sauce and tomatoes
W09.04 Beef fajitas served w/rice, salad and guacamole
T 10.04 Meat balls in gravy w/carots and tyttebær jam
F 11.04 Breaded cod and potato wedges w/broccoli
14 - 21 April - Easter Break
T
W
T
F
22.04
23.04
Pork 25.04
Thai Chicken stew w/lemon grass & green curry (GF)
Pasta Bolognese
Pork Tandoori w/Basmati rice (GF)
Pollock w/Hollandaise sauce and carrots
The menu of the Valhall Cafeteria is regularly updated on the
Issues of the Informer in the school year 2013-2014 are due: 05.09, 30.10. and 11.12. 2013.
In 2014: 29.01, 12.03. and 28.05. Deadline is one week before.
To have CLASSIFIED ADS published in The Informer, please e-mail: [email protected].
The editor reserves the right to edit ads to fit the space requested by you.
Companies
Full page (260 x 180mm)
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1.
2.
3.
Private persons
ISS Teachers/
Students and
their parents3*
Prices:
1
2
If you do not wish to receive the Informer any more or if you have changes to your e-mail address,
please notify Liv N. Høie at 51 55 43 22
or e-mail: [email protected]
The Informer is issued on the ISS web-page: www.isstavanger.no
Go to “News” and then to “Informer” and current issue.
Editor: Liv Nærland Høie
Phone: +47 51 55 43 22 E-mail: [email protected]
If you run a business/company/activity that makes your living, you are a “company” price-wise.
If you have a small activity, a non-profit foundation, organise a charity, advertise your belongings for
sale, insert small personal ads, etc., you are charged a “private person” price.
*These prices are valid from January 2010
30 · THE INFORMER
12 M arch 2014
www.isstavanger.no
Calendar of Events School year 2013-2014
High School event
The Informer is published by
International School of Stavanger
Treskeveien 3
NO-4043 STAVANGER
Norway
Tel: +47 51 55 43 00
Fax: +47 51 55 43 01
E-mail: [email protected]
www.isstavanger.no
High School Office: +47 51 55 43 43
Middle School Office: +47 51 55 43 11
Primary School Office: +47 51 55 43 23
Director: Dr. Linda Duevel
Deputy Director: Mr. Gareth Jones
High School Principal: Dr. Liam Browne
Middle School Pricipal: Ms. Carol Wallace
Primary School Principal: Dr. Len Duevel
Early Childhood Principal: Ms. Jill Raven
Business Manager: Ms. Linn Åsheim
IB Coordinator: Ms. Lynn Park
High School Counselors: Ms. Monchaya (June) Jetabut
and Ms. Cheryl Brown
Middle School Counselor: Mr. Matt Armstrong
Primary School Counselor: Dr. Jack Raven
School Nurse: Ms. Heather Melhus
The ISS Vision Statement
Inspire a community of responsible, globallyengaged, empowered learners.
The ISS Mission Statement
ISS provides an internationally-accredited, engaging and challenging English-language education
in a supportive, multi-cultural environment where
students have the opportunity to fulfill their
potential.
Our Values
Learning, Well-being, Community.
Middle School event
Primary School event
All School event
M arch
13-14
Middle School Student/Parent/Teacher Conferences
13-15
Middle School Musical: ’Beauty and the Beast’
13-16
NECIS Boys’ & Girls’ basketball in Antwerp
16-21
8th Grade Leirskole, Trysil
24-25
High School Parent-Teacher Conferences
24-28
Outdoor Education Week for Grade 5, Gullingen
25-27
International Award trip
27
First day of practice for EC/PS Track & Field
27-30 NECIS Swimming in Luxembourg
29
Middle School Ski Day
29.03 - 04.04 CIS/NECIS visiting Team at ISS
30
High School ISTA
A pril
2-6
10
11
14-21
25
25
29-30
30
Middle School AMIS Honour Choir Festival hosted by ISS
Middle School Recognition Ceremony for Q3, 08:45-10:15
All-School DEAR Day
Easter Break
StuCo Spring Elections
SWEC Spring Fling, (evening)
6th Grade trip to Oslo
IGCSE exams
M ay
1 - 2
6
8
9-18
10
17
21
22-24
23-25
29-30
National holidays - NO school
5th to 6th Grade Transition Evening
Grade 5/Middle School/High School Band Concert
Spanish Exchange - part 2
Middle School Dance, 18:30-21:00
Constitution Day (with ISS in the parade at 10:00)
7th Grade Science Fair
Primary School musical
NECIS Track and Field
National holidays - NO school
June
6
6
11
11
12
Early Childhood Field Day, 09:00-10:00
Primary School Field Day, 10:00-11:30
Early Childhood Final Assembly, 13:00
Primary School Final Assembly, 14:00
Last day of school -half day - classes end at 12:00,
buses leave at 12:15
The International School of Stavanger (ISS), founded
in 1966, is an independent, non-profit Norwegian
foundation accredited by the New England Association
of Schools and Colleges and the Council of International Schools. The school enrolls students from ages
3 through 18. ISS offers an international university
preparatory curriculum that combines the best features
of many national educational systems. Both the International Baccalaureate Diploma programme and the
International General Certificate of Secondary Education external examinations are available to students.
In 2013, the school has an enrollment of nearly 800
students who represent over 50 nationalities, including
students from six of the earth’s seven continents.
www.isstavanger.no
THE INFORMER 12 M arch 2014 · 31
Oh, look ... a puddle!!!!!!!