From the Elementary Principal

Elementary News

 

Next week the school will welcome four visitors in a Virtual Accreditation Visit. The intent of the process, developed by the Council of International Schools, is for ISA to obtain reaccreditation. The CIS accreditation process will assess ISA against criteria that are organised into eight ‘domains’. Each domain covers an area of school operations such as: the curriculum, teaching and assessing for learning and the student’s learning and well-being. Preparing for the visit has required a long and dedicated effort by all staff. (Fortunately, our report was sent off before our March lockdown.)  Once we, (hopefully), receive reaccreditation, we begin the process for the next visit in five years time. The on-going, cyclical process is designed to ensure that ISA is forever on a journey of self-improvement.

 

With all of the reporting, over eight domains, I expect that our visitors will see what enables our school to successfully embrace its motto, “Every Child. Every Opportunity.”

 

The opportunity for maximum learning begins from the moment children enter our school ‘street’. Each morning, I’m in the fortunate position of being able to meet children (and teachers) sauntering by with their friends, eager to greet each other, share a story, or show off their enthusiasm for being in school, often in a rush to get to their classroom.

 

While sadly, at present, parents are not able to enter the school, it was lovely to see so many of you joining our Open House Meets this week. One common line I heard from teachers was, “We are really enjoying your children.”

 

The evening will have provided parents with a sense of what success looks like in each class, and how we strive for both academic and social achievement in an ambitious manner. We trust that you also gained a perception of grade level expectations and how, as parents, you can assist in making this a year of strong personal growth for any child you have at ISA. Hopefully, you also sensed the joy and great fun we have every day in our classrooms.

 

We all feel very fortunate to work at ISA and, of course, with each family.  As the year proceeds, the teachers will continue to keep you well informed of student progress. (We are, hopeful, at some point to talk in-person!)

 

While we are delighted with our students, we don’t intend to go easy on them.

A successful partnership in education requires mutual agreement and active support for high expectations, especially in regards to the quality of student work and the encouragement of student responsibility. As parents, we encourage you also to communicate with appropriate teachers to share questions, concerns and good news in a timely manner. Our intention is ‘NO SURPRISES’ as it’s important that we always keep each other informed of student issues and progress. At all times our goal is to know ‘next steps’ in a child’s learning path. By careful observation of student work and behaviour and through a constant dialogue (feedback) with each other, the children and parents we will ambitiously pursue a year’s growth.

 

Our virtual visitors next week will be treated to observations of our working classrooms, they will talk to teachers, parents and students. The atmosphere and mutual respect ISA has for personal growth, social responsibility and the desire to find challenge, satisfaction and joy in the educational process will be on full display.

BREAKING NEWS: Jean and Graham Brace announced the birth of their son Alistair, (8 pounds 7 ounces), born on Thursday, September 3. Congratulations to the proud parents!