MESSAGE FROM MIDDLE/HIGH SCHOOL  

 Dear Parents of the Middle School & High School,

We are in our 4th week of school and our students have settled into a scholastic routine and I am pleased with the way they carry themselves around our campus. My initial thoughts of the students of AISK are that they are thoughtful, adaptable and they care about their schoolwork. We have achieved a lot in the first few weeks and there is more to do.

We have conducted three Parent & Student Information sessions, for Grades 6, 11 and 12. All were attended well and we were successful in our goals to aide students with their transition into Middle School from Elementary School, transition into the International Baccalaureate Program and transition into their final year of High School, with the caveat of education beyond AISK Graduation. Please look out for documents from our recent Grade 12 Information Session - these will be sent out to Grade 12 families via email.

Grade 12 IB Diploma students need to focus on putting the finishing touches on their Extended Essay and meeting with their supervisor to make this research paper the best it can be. They also need to meet with Ms. De Ross to ensure they are on the right path with respect to CAS, and that they are updating their files on Managebac and focusing on the outcomes and the learning acquired through this experience.

The AISK After-School Activities program has started and this has resulted in a welcome vibe of energy and action after classes. You can view our program on the AISK website under the Activities tab at the top of the page, or by following link: http://aisk.com/life/student-activities-program.html. Currently we have twelve of our faculty leading an activity in this fall season.

Please also note that AISK teachers are available after school for students from 2:35PM - 3:35PM every day except Wednesday or when they are conducting an activity. I recommend that you encourage your child to take advantage of this time and their expertise, particularly if they are struggling in class. You can check the above link to determine the availability of faculty.

Technology is always a focus for us, particularly with respect to arranging the set up of laptops at the beginning of the school year. The majority of our textbooks are e-texts and our students access these texts on their computers. This makes it very difficult for students to progress in lessons when laptops are not available. Students may not have a laptop for a number of reasons, and it is imperative that we, both parents and AISK faculty, reduce the number of days that our students are without access to laptops. The reasons for students being without devices range from the laptop has not been purchased yet, to mechanical issues with the laptop, to students not taking care of their laptops. We expect all students to submit their computers to the IT Help Desk for 'imaging'. A laptop that is 'imaged' has an AISK white tag with a number on the cover of the device. If your child does not have this tag, you need to let your child's Homeroom teacher know so that we can arrange for the imaging to take place. Without 'imaging' the computer will not be able to access the AISK network at school. This puts students at a disadvantage.

This academic year we are offering afterschool Math Support sessions three times per week. The sessions will take place between the hours of 2:35PM - 3:35PM Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout the school year. Our Math teacher, Mr. Ken Adler will conduct the sessions. Students can drop into Mr. Adler's classroom during these times to seek assistance and support in Math, they do not need to sign up for this. It will operate on the basis that Mr. Adler will assist any student who comes and needs help. Obviously he cannot spend all of his time with one individual student, but he will spread himself around to each student who walks through the door. This is the first time we have done this, so we will be monitoring the sessions carefully. Given that Math is an important aspect of human thought and logic it makes sense for AISK to support our students' skills. Skills students acquire in Math, namely mental discipline and logical reasoning aid their understanding and achievement in other subjects. Math is transversal and is a necessary characteristic of constructive, concerned and reflective people. We hope you will encourage your child to take advantage of this opportunity.

I welcome your feedback, as do our teachers. We like to keep the communication channels open, so please let us know how we are doing. I encourage you to speak to your child's teachers. If you are concerned about a class, please go straight to the source of your concern - the teacher. I am also available for you and your child, please pass this onto your children and let them know they may drop into my office at any time.

Just as a reminder, please see some information below with regards to signatures.  I would strongly recommend that you review this information with your child. 

Sincerely,

Susan Canobie

Tardy: late to a class or school function without an excuse 

Uniform: non-compliant with AISK uniform policy

Homework: student comes to class with no/incomplete homework 

A student will earn one signature for each occurrence and this will be recorded by the school.  When a student earns three signatures in the same category, the student will serve an after school detention. Parents will be notified when their child needs to serve an after school detention. After school detention is open every day except Wednesday from 2:45PM to 3:45PM. Students need to be in the designated room promptly at 2:45PM. If a student is late or absent to a detention, two more detentions will be assigned.  Signatures that do not result in detentions will expire 90 days after they are earned.  Please note that after school activities (including SAT prep and tutoring do NOT take precedent over detentions).

If a student continues to not follow the Code of Conduct and needs to serve a third detention in a school year, a parent conference will be arranged. The conference will include the parents, the student, the MS/HS Principal and the Head of School if needed, and the possibility of suspension from school will be determined. Detentions will be recorded in a student's file.

If you have any questions about this policy, please contact me or Tricia Rudd at scanobie@aisk.com / trudd@aisk.com.

MESSAGE FROM ELEMENTARY SCHOOL  

Dear Parents of Elementary School ,

The elementary school days so far have been particularly rewarding for students. Our staff, families and community members are working together well to serve each and every student in their unique needs and talents. We want our children to feel the excitement that comes with learning, where the bar is set high and academics standards are consistently met and exceeded. Our teachers and staff are highly qualified and committed to serving all aspects of each student, academically, emotionally and physically.

The students have enjoyed 1 full week of After-School Activities. The reports each morning at line-up has been resoundingly positive. Please let us have your feedback on activities and suggestions for upcoming activities when the offerings are up for change. Our Athletics Director, Mr. Brad Ramson is looking forward to feedback and ideas. You can view our program on the AISK website under the Activities tab at the top of the page, or by following link: http://aisk.com/life/student-activities-program.html.

Our AISK Elementary teachers are available before and after school for students from 7:30 AM - 7:50AM and 2:30PM - 3:30PM, by appointment, every day except Wednesday or when they are conducting an activity. This is a great time for a teacher to review a concept with a student or group of students or meet with parents.

The use of iPads in the elementary grades is up and running and expanding. The Grade 5 students have the machines in hand and are using their e-books in math and accessing other apps and the web to enhance their learning experience. The Kindergarten and Grade 1 students will begin iPads in their classes this upcoming week. They are looking forward to this. The iPad is transforming the way we teach and learn and is making the way for endless learning opportunities. Every lesson is more hands-on and it makes customizing lessons easier.

This academic year we will also reintroduce our grades 2-5 Homework Club offering after school homework support. These sessions will take place between the hours of 2:45PM - 3:45PM (approximately) Mondays and Thursdays throughout the school year. Ms. Marrian McKay will be supervising on Mondays and Ms. Angela Burnett on Thursdays. These sessions will be held in the Grade 4 classrooms. Please email me at awallace@aisk.com re your interest.

Many great things happen at our school through family and community collaboration.  If you would like to be involved at AISK, please consider volunteering or attending one or more of our Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) meetings. Many individuals also volunteer to help in the classroom and other ways here at school. Your involvement makes a tremendous positive difference for students and our school. Indeed, it is one of the cornerstones.

It has been a busy first few weeks in which we have accomplished lots and there is more to do. The teachers and I want to hear from you. Please be sure to contact class teachers or me about any issues and concerns.

Anna Thwaites Wallace 

Elementary Principal