• Classes for Next Year
In an International School, population changes are common each year. It’s always difficult to predict precisely the exact enrolment of students from June to the start of the new school term in August. At the moment, we have more new students arriving for August than leaving in June. Student numbers for each grade currently are estimated from 30 to 35 for next year. We will have two teachers at each level from kindergarten through fifth grade. At each grade level, a team approach is adopted so that students feel part of one class with at least two distinct physical classrooms. Within those classrooms students are assigned to one section. This grouping is decided by the teachers of the current grade in an attempt to establish two balanced groups of students in terms of academic and social ability, gender, personality, friendships, and English proficiency. Because there are so many issues to consider, this is a complex and time-consuming process and not an exact science. In fact, next year we may not be pre-determining class lists in some classes until after the school year starts. This will give our teachers maximum flexibility to adjust to sudden changes in enrolment and to take into consideration the new students who have just joined ISA.
The teachers here do a thorough job of making student transitions as smooth as possible through class visits for the students and formal and informal exchanges of information amongst the teachers. Next year, we will have several new teachers, so student information will continue to be exchanged in August before the first day of classes. If you have any questions about the transition process, please ask the current classroom teacher and, of course, you are welcome to contact me.
• Special Events
On Monday the elementary school students enjoyed a Spring Concert (recorded) featuring all of the children from PS through grade 5. Hopefully, many of our parents also viewed the lovely Music and Drama performances. Congratulations to Mrs Nicol, Mr Chiaraluce and Mr Walter for maintaining a performance element to the Arts, especially with the extreme restrictions they have worked under due to Covid. Also this week first grade enjoyed a wonderful day out to Drum Castle and the PS and K-2 children participated in their respective sports days, which came with lovely Scottish sunshine. Many thanks to the teachers, (Ms Hodder, Mrs Bolton, Mrs Taylor and the whole pre-school Team), for organising these special events so they could occur safely and with high levels of engagement for their students.
Don Newbury
Elementary Principal
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