Dear Parents and Students,
Calendar 2014 - 2015 - see attached. The calendar has been finished early to support your summer planning and return dates. The first week of school is a full week of 5 days, so please ensure that you are back in Kingston and have your student/s ready for the opening. There are 180 school days, exactly the same as this school year. There is one change that has been made to accomplish building out curriculum for the Atlas online program for parents. On the last Wednesday of each month, school will begin 2 hours later - at 9:50AM. For teachers, this is dedicated time to work and for students, and especially those in Middle and High School, a chance for a bit more sleep and study time. If the late start is extremely troublesome for your family, there will be Teaching Assistants present in the Media Center to conduct study hall and age appropriate activities. Academic Year 2014 - 2015
Thank you to all the parents and students who have voiced their thoughts, concerns and vision for AISK. It has been helpful to see AISK through your eyes and to understand your concerns. Please find below some questions and answers that you have presented. If a topic is not covered, please come by or send an email. The door and conversation is open.
1. Will tuition at AISK go up next year? This is to be determined in the next few weeks. In previous years it has been increased by 3%, and the Board is working with the numbers to maintain a low increase. 2. Are teachers leaving AISK in June? Yes, in the last two years, there has been a turnover that was projected and expected. Teachers in all international schools leave due to personal choice at the end of contract, school choice for factors of program and performance and lastly student enrollment. AISK's enrollment in June 2013 was strong with the largest graduating class of 31. When that class left, the same number of teachers returned and that has created overstaffing in some areas. It is my responsibility to determine teacher staffing no later than December 1 of each academic year. This makes it possible for teachers to recruit as needed and make personal choices. On the other side of this is the teachers also must tell the school if they are returning, so that AISK may recruit in the peak season obtaining high caliber replacements. 3. Are students and parents worried because teachers will leave? Yes and no, as it really depends on the subject and the relationship with the teacher. Students operate from their own studies and mindset. They worry, as you do, that without a known face they will fail. This is not a factual truth, but rather an emotional reaction. The facts are that the required numbers of new teachers that are needed for August 2014 are nearly in place. They are experienced, have Masters and/or PhDs and will arrive on August 11. The individuals were hired in November and December. All hiring will be completed by mid-February. Students and parents will know all the teachers' faces and bios in March. Students will Skype with the new teachers in May and June to be given a chance to meet them online. When students arrive for opening day in August, there will be a familiar face. 4. Are teachers talking about departing AISK in their classrooms? Yes and this is acceptable if the message is positive and constructive for the students. The students should receive a message that AISK is 20 years strong this academic year and events unfold for a reason. A teacher should not and does not have the luxury of putting upon a child their personal thoughts or concerns as they plan forward. If this occurs and your child/children are being confused, then please let a member of the administration know. 5. Is Anna Wallace returning to AISK? Yes, in the role of Admissions Director. 6. Who is the new Elementary Principal? Jason Ferris who will be joined by his wife and daughter. 7. Is Susan Canobie returning to AISK? Yes, in the same role as this year as Middle and High School Principal. 8. Is the Head of School returning next year? Yes, I will be here for at least two more years. 9. Is there a new Guidance Counselor coming in August 2014? Yes, with expertise in college and university admissions.
10. Are AISK Grade 12 students being placed at this early stage in outstanding universities? Yes, and with scholarships. In the Week Ahead, watch for the updates. The students are doing very well!
11. What is the date for the graduation of Grade 12? May 29 is the date and the students are requesting a Prom. More information in above announcements.
12. Is the new Canteen provider living up to expectations? Yes, very positive response has been observed, more students are enjoying their meals and there are nutritious meal choices provided every day. We are minded that it is still a work in progress and are ironing out all the kinks in an efficient manner. AISK CELEBRATES: ART BUILDING OPENING SOLAR FARM & PANELS COLLEGE ADMISSIONS JCDC ART AWARDS UWI 2014 MATH OLYMPIAD QUALIFICATIONS 14 NEW STUDENTS THIS SEMESTER SKEET SHOOTING TEAM PERFORMANCE GIRLS/BOYS SOCCER TEAMS PERFORMANCE HARVARD MODEL UNITED NATIONS TRIP TO BOSTON GIRLS/BOYS SOCCER TEAMS TO FOOTBALL FEST - BAHAMAS CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE See you at Winter Wonderland this Friday night, Shirley A. Davis Head of School | 
