ISY Elementary Blog

December Is Here

Sandy Sheppard , Elementary School Principal

2nd December, 2022

Dear all,

Thank you for your support of International Day; I am sure we can all agree that this was a fantastic event. Thank you all for participating in the planning meetings and getting your documents up to date. There is such wonderful teaching and learning happening in all our classes.

After the break we will have the annual Olympiad. Planning has started for this. Look out for more information.

The students did a great job with the unannounced fire drill.

Two weeks to go; hang in there! Have a great weekend.

 THANK YOU

Sandy

INCLUSIVE PRACTICES

Inclusive practices help all students learn. This does not mean making learning ‘easy.’ Make it simple, for example, by focusing on giving clear step-by-step instructions. This sounds almost too simple, but it will help students have a better chance of learning skills. Inclusive practices don’t need to be complicated to work. This article Making Learning Simpler, not Easier makes the point it is better if they are as simple as possible and if we find a practice that works, keep using it!

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS

The SDGs are universal goals for all people and are inherently global in nature. Learning about these initiatives helps students develop insights into critical issues around the world, such as lack of access to clean water and gender equality. These issues are inseparable from culture, and to truly understand the SDGs, students need to learn about the world around them.

In our increasingly interconnected world, we need to prepare the next generation to be global learners who are able to lead and thrive in the global marketplace. The SDGs engage students in practical goals and problem-solving by putting issues into relatable contexts.

We must encourage students to be active participants in their local and global communities to solve the biggest challenges the world faces today. When students become global leaders and have an appreciation for cultural differences, they see themselves as citizens of the world and take responsibility to enact change on a global scale.

 

poverty, hunger, and education, they begin to understand the unique challenges facing communities all over the world that they may not have known about before. This understanding fosters a sense of global connection and empathy for the earth as a whole.

Students need empathy to develop healthy relationships throughout their lives. By taking empathy and transforming it into action-based compassion, students can start community initiatives they are passionate about or get involved in local organizations that create change and unite our world.

Teachers do not need to be experts in topics such as responsible consumption or clean energy to teach the SDGs. They can learn and explore these issues alongside their students and plan ways to take action together. Once students have an understanding of the SDGs and why they are necessary, they will be inspired to make positive changes, in big and small ways.

From

Weeks, C (2021), Participate Learning Blog

FREE ONLINE COURSE:

Following on from Thursday’s SDG Workshop, here is a link to a very good free online course from EdX:

Transforming Our World: Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals

  • What are the Sustainable Development Goals?

  • How modern advancements and connectivity can help us achieve the goals

  • The importance of sustainable development

  • Why should you care about Sustainable Development Goals? Here are 4 Reasons to Teach the Sustainable Development Goals.

Quarter 1 & 2 Curriculum Planning

IMPORTANT

Planning Checklist for Quarter 1 and 2

To be completed before the break on December 16

  • Q1 & 2 Curriculum Maps 

  • Q1 & 2 Scope & Sequence (incl. linking Shared Drive Planning)

Use this Planning Checklist for Quarter 1 and 2 for instructions.

Professional Growth Plans

Everything can be found on our ISY Faculty Pages.

Thank you all for completing your Professional Growth Plans. 

Quarter 2 Colleague Observations / Assisted Reflections 

For Quarter 2, please arrange for a colleague to observe you and help you reflect on your practice. It can be very effective to ask your colleague to provide feedback on your Professional Growth Plan focus.

Just make another copy of the Assisted Reflection Form in your Professional Growth Folder. 

Observers, please remember to also complete the ISY Inclusive Practices Checklist (UDL: Engagement) at the top of the Assisted Reflection Form. This is an anonymous form that gives good school-wide data about the inclusive practices we are using.

DATES TO REMEMBER

2nd December – Movie Night

9th December – Broadway Music Event – 5PM – These are secondary students performing along with our ES Choir; all are welcome.

14th December – Holiday Bazaar, Grade 5 service learning project – more information to come

16th December – last day of school – this is a full day of school. There will be an assembly at the end of the day; this is where we will celebrate the holiday. Santa will visit the assembly.

Winter Holiday – December 19th – January 6th

20th January – Annual Olympiad event 

TEACHER NOTICES

  • Please join the Google chat group for daily quick messages as needed.

  • We should be using recyclable cups, plates, and cutlery for any birthday parties, etc. Please collect a set to keep in your room. The items can be found in #107

DUTIES BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL

Monday – Ian, Saw John, Tuesday – Bekka, Mabel, Wednesday – Jono, Me Me, Thursday – Charlie, Swe Zin, Friday – Isabel, Ei Ei

NOTE – when there are no ASA’s afternoon duty can finish earlier.

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