Head Of Middle School Welcome Message
Dear Parents and Students,
Welcome to our new school year, 2011 – 2012 and our Middle School community.
Having returned to work in earnest on Monday 25th July, it has been positive to witness the changes to our campus. Much has been achieved since we left in mid June. As Head of Section, working in conjunction with our Head of Junior/Elementary School and Head of High School, we have warmly welcomed Mr Alun Cooper, as our Head of School and I am personally looking forward to working with him and members of the Cognita family.
Whilst you have all been enjoying the remaining days of the long break, we have been completing the final tasks in readiness to welcome you all to our section, the Middle School. The purpose of our Orientation Programme is beneficial as it ensures our new teachers settle into our community and also develop positive relationships with returning colleagues, as working together within teams is essential in successfully delivering our curriculum, within a caring, social environment. In particular, we welcome to our Homeroom section:
Ms. Fenella Boothby – Head of Visual Arts – Grades 7 and 8
Ms Rebecca Kim – Music and Drama Teacher – Grades 6, 7 and 8
Mr. Antoine Kubler – French and Drama Teacher – Grades 6, 7 and 8
Our nine Homeroom classes and contact details area as follows:
Your child’s Homeroom teachers are your first point of contact. The most convenient way to communicate effectively is by email and then make appropriate arrangements to either talk by telephone or make an appointment. Should you need to speak with them urgently, please call the school on 38989 100 extension 402. Ms Linh, our secretary, will take your message.
Homeroom
• Each Homeroom class list will be placed in the foyer area on Monday 8th August; I am sure if students are here they will be eager to check their Homeroom teachers and fellow class mates.
• Homeroom period begins promptly each day at 7:45 a.m. so your support in ensuring your child is at school at least ten minutes before this time is appreciated ; this allows sufficient time for students to organize their locker and books, ready for the school day. Homeroom is an important aspect of our programmes. Please note that student lateness for Homeroom is noted on individual Semester Reports.
Stationery
• Stationery forms were included in students’ end of semester reports and for those new to our community, our Admissions
Department will have provided this information. Please purchase stationery as follows:
Where: in the Pavilion area
When: from 9am to 3 pm from Thursday 4th August to Friday 12th August 2011
If you have misplaced the stationery form, please collect one from the Stationery Shop when you come to purchase these items, or alternatively contact Ms Linh as all students should commence school with the relevant stationery.
Lockers
• It is important that all students bring a lock on the first day of school (as on the stationery list) to ensure the security of their belongings.
Orientation Programme for New Parents and Students – Tuesday 9th August
This is an important aspect of ISHCMC’s transition to our school environment. On behalf of our team, we are looking forward to meeting you all as detailed on the Orientation Schedule sent to you previously by our Admissions Department. However, should you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact me directly.
First day of School – Wednesday 10th August
• Students should arrive at the campus, ready to be in Homeroom by 7:45am.
• Staff will help students ensure they know which room is their Homeroom.
• They will not go to lockers before Homeroom commences at 7:45am.
• During Periods 1 to 4 all students will be with their Homeroom teachers so that all is ready for subject lessons to begin in Period 4.
• The canteen will be open. Fruit is provided during recess break.
• Our school day finishes at 2:40pm.
Parent Information Evening
• We look forward to seeing you on Thursday 18th August at our Parent Information Evening, commencing at 7:00 p.m. in the MPR when you will have an opportunity to meet Mr Alun Cooper, your child’s Homeroom and subject teachers, plus learn more about the extracurricular programmes which are an important aspect of our International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme.
Dates to Remember
First term is filled with many events, besides the regular school day, including the following:
• On Friday 19th August, our Middle School SRC will hold a “Get Together” from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. A letter outlining details of this event will be sent home during the first week of school. We encourage all students to attend as it provides them with an opportunity to mix with their peers and extend their circle of friends.
• All Middle School students will depart on field trips to discover more about Vietnam and study aspects of the curriculum beyond the confines of a school environment, commencing the week beginning Monday 19th September. All information regarding these field trips will be distributed during Week Two, once details have been finalised. In advance, I thank you for your attention in completing all the documentation required by the requested dates.
Communication
• In the meantime, please do not hesitate to climb the stairs to the fourth floor! We will make you welcome. Our goal is to ensure your child/children’s life at school is filled with new, exciting experiences that provide positive learning outcomes that support all aspects of each individual’s growth. We also ask that you, as parents, find time to talk with your children. Communication is a valuable key to helping them adjust positively to the changes that will take place in the year ahead.
Personally, I am looking forward to witnessing the classrooms and corridors come to life as our teachers and students begin this academic year. I am also excited to be a part of each student’s life, as they study in Grade 6, 7 or 8. In my role as Head of Section, please do not hesitate to contact me, via Ms Linh, to arrange an appointment, or email me directly.
Life in the Middle School offers appropriate challenges through a diverse, engaging curriculum and extracurricular activities, which enhance your child’s development throughout these adolescent years.
I look forward to meeting you all in the coming days, whether you are new to our ISHCMC community, making the transition from Grade 5 to 6, or a returning family.
Yours sincerely,
Ms Robyn Blenkiron
Head of Middle School
Room 4.02