Dear Students and Parents,
Please join me in congratulating Mario Grippay for representing the grade 12 IB Diploma cohort by sharing his TOK presentation with the School Board at their last meeting. Not only did Mario do a fabulous job but he spoke very eloquently about the importance of TOK in his educational experience and that of his peers!
Well done CHEMUN! Amazing to fathom the number of moving parts involved with running such a successful conference for so many people… and with the majority of it being student led (under the watchful eye of Ms. Paula, Mr. Clayton and Ms. Pepper). Congratulations to all involved! Here are some pictures from the event and a note from the Secretariat:
The American International School Chennai hosted its 11th annual Chennai Model United Nations (CHEMUN) from November 10 - 12. Model United Nations (MUN) is an academic simulation of the United Nations that aims to educate participants about current events, topics in international relations and diplomacy. “Isolationism and Internationalism” was this year’s theme and will include twenty-seven topics of discussion conducted by nine committees, imitating a forum type debate that might be experienced in the United Nations. Over 470 student delegates of seven countries, Qatar, Singapore, China, Sudan, Zambia, South Korea, and India, representing thirty-two schools convened over three days to research, confer, debate, support and pass resolutions to resolve issues of global significance. The conference was generally reviewed favorably by all of the attendees and was ranked among one of the best by a number of students. The delegates also had a chance to hear from two very esteemed individuals, Mr. Sandman, a former Peace Keeping Officer for the United Nations, and Ms. Murugesan, a former Ambassador of India, who both shared their perspectives.
Progress Update Today
Today is our next progress update will be on Friday, November 17th. Assessment marks will be updated in PowerSchool by 4:00 pm. Should you have any questions about your child’s progress please first ask for clarification with your son/daughter and, then, reach out to the relevant teacher for more information.
Upcoming Parent Coffee
The rescheduled coffee from October will take place on Tuesday, November 28th from 8:45 - 9:45 am in the BBT. As was requested during our last coffee. Sherriden Masters will give a presentation about how best to help your children manage their online lives. This will include tips for cyber safety as well as practical ways you can help your teen monitor their screentime and online life!
Virtual Conferences Successful
Thank you for your feedback on our recent virtual SPT conferences. 66% of the respondents felt that the virtual conferences were as effective as face to face and, in fact, 16% felt they were more effective. 75% of the respondents were in favor of or neutral about offering virtual conferences as an option in the future. 85% of teachers also felt that offering this option in the future made sense. As such, in the middle of next semester we will host in person conferences by appointment with the option of scheduling the conference virtually for those families who prefer to do so.
Save the Date - High School Band & Choir Concert
The High School is excited to host a Band and Choir Concert on Friday, December 1st at 4:30 pm in the Theater. Please join us to celebrate the fine work of our musicians!
Save the Date - Optional Parent Presentation
Next Early Release Wednesday - Repeat Announcement
On Tuesday, December 12th, in the BBT from 8:45 - 10:00 am the High School administration will present an informational session about our move to Standards Based Reporting in 2018/19. This session will share an overview of the changes to be expected and the rationale for the shift. Additional sessions will be offered in the next semester to share, in more detail, about each aspect associated with the shift.
Next Early Release Wednesday - Repeat Announcement
A quick reminder that Wednesday, November 29th, will be our next Early Release Wednesday. Students are expected to depart campus in a timely and organized fashion upon dismissal at 2:00 pm. We appreciate your patience with traffic on these days as all three sections are picking up students at the same time. In preparation, please plan on allowing longer time for entry and exit to the school at release time. For our Middle and High School students, hot lunch will be served.
At the request of the student advisory forum, the iHub will remain open until 2:30 pm as an air conditioned place for high school students to wait for drivers. Please note that food service will continue to close at 2:10 pm.
The Giving Tree - A Note from the PCA - Repeat Announcement
The PCA Giving Tree is a chance for the AISC community to participate in giving gifts to local organizations in need.
The High School Giving Tree is focused on supporting the Seva Samajam Children's Home with sports equipment. The sporting equipment gives the children the opportunity to play volleyball, basketball, soccer, cricket, or badminton after school. The HS Giving Tree will be located in the HS Commons. Please stop by and take a tag.
We are excited to be supporting three different organizations this year through the ES, MS, and HS Giving Trees. Keep your eyes out for the trees on November 10th. You are welcome to take a tag from any tree. Drop boxes for gifts will be located near the ATMs at both the Main Entrance and the Elementary Entrance. We will be collecting items until Friday, December 8, 2017.
Joelle Basnight
High School Principal
