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MIDDLE SCHOOL

Middle School
From the Middle School Office
Dear Parents:

Weekly Publication for Middle School Parents

ISSUE # 20
WEEK OF JANUARY 18 TO 22, 2010

Over the Christmas holiday period, the school undertook a major overhaul of its IT infrastructure, during which time it was necessary to transfer all of the school's data to new computer servers. Upon return to school after the holiday, it became apparent that the migration of PowerSchool / PowerTeacher / PowerParent did not go as smoothly as we had originally anticipated. Teachers have been busy writing semester one report comments but have experienced technical difficulties which has meant it is impossible to adhere to our original report writing deadlines. For this reason, we have found the need to extend the deadlines for report writing and the opening of PowerSchool to parents by 2 working days. The new date for PowerParent to open, allowing you access to your child's semester 1 report, will now be Wednesday, January 20th at 8.00AM. The printed report cards will be sent home via courier on Thursday, January 21st. We apologize for this delay and thank you for your continued support. Please be advised that we have been notified of a small number of children in Grade 5 who have recently suffered from head lice. Lice prefer to live in clean, well kept hair and we are all susceptible to getting them, especially in a setting such as this where there are many children in close contact. We recommend that you check your child’s head thoroughly and, if you find any live head lice, buy one of the many preparations available from any mainstream pharmacy to eradicate them. (Ask your pharmacist for advice.) Follow the instructions on the container and ensure that all family members are treated. You need to thoroughly wash any soft furnishings, e.g. bedding, cushion covers, hats or even helmets. Soft toys should also be put into plastic bags for a week and then washed thoroughly. Please continue to inspect your child’s hair on a daily basis until no live lice can be detected and then reduce the inspections to every 3 days. If no more lice are detected, you can continue with one inspection every week. This is recommended for all school children, particularly of elementary school age. You will need to use a very fine toothed comb and part the hair into sections, examining each section thoroughly before moving on. Regular, thorough combing through the hair using plenty of conditioner may help to prevent lice eggs holding on to the hair and prevent an infestation but an existing infestation will require pharmaceutical treatment. Your child can continue to come to school after the initial treatment as head lice are an inconvenience more than a health risk. With correct treatment, your child should be free of the problem soon. If you have any questions or would like further advice, please do not hesitate to contact the clinic. On Thursday, January 21 we are hosting a New Parent Coffee starting at 7:45 A.M. in the Little Theater. All parents are welcome to attend. We look forward to welcoming new members to the ISM community. Sincerely, Danielle Fredericks Middle School Principal Clarissa Sayson Middle School Assistant Principal

Upcoming Events
January 20 21 25 to 29 28 to 30 03 06 06 New Student Luncheon (11:00 A.M.) MS New Parent Coffee (7:45 A.M., LT) MS Readers’ Week AMIS Honor Band CWW Parent Evening (5:00 P.M., FAT) International Family Fun Day Service Learning Trip: Gawad Kalinga

PowerSchool Grade Update
Jan. 20 - PowerSchool opens at 8:00 A.M. Jan. 21 - First Semester Reports Distribution (via courier)

February

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From the PTA Office
Join us for International Family Fun Day (IFFD), on February 06, 2010 at the MS Field! IFFD is the PTA's biggest event of the school year and is very well attended with over 2300 tickets sold last year. Thus far, the countries represented at IFFD will be USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Europe, India, Japan, Korea, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Indonesia and Kazakhstan. YOU MAY BE INTERESTED: ISM PTA is looking for both food vendors and retail products for the mini-bazaar for February 06, 2010. Non-Food Products – contact Kristine Puno at [email protected] or 0917-885-0750 for details and vendor fee(s). Products are subject to screening and there are only 10 spots! SO HURRY! Food Vendors – contact Penny Tan at [email protected] or 0917-8997193 for details and vendor fee(s). Restrictions include: Ice-cream, cotton candy and pop-corn. FINALLY, we are interested in volunteers to assist us that day. Several fathers will be grilling outdoors, and others will be staffing the food booth in the cafeteria. We need help both indoors and outdoors, and we need someone to decorate our booth with appropriate Canadian and American schemes. If you would like to help, please contact Kathleen Lewis-Workman at (mobile) 0917-801-5651, (home) 752-0536 or (email) [email protected]. If you have questions or suggestions you may also contact me. Many thanks, Tim Piper (mobile) 0915-890-5675 (home) 886-7461 (email) [email protected]

***
American & Canadian ISM families: This week, you received an email from the PTA office about the International Family Fun Day (IFFD) taking place at the school on Saturday, February 6th. It is a significant event in the school calendar and a charitable fundraiser. One of the key aspects of the day is the international food fair during which each country (in this case, Canada and the US combined) are asked to prepare food for 250 people. We are asking that each American and Canadian family contribute Php 500 to pay for the food that we will be serving from our booth. We have opened an account in the Cashier’s Office and are asking that you deposit your contribution at the Cashier by Thursday, January 28th so that we have adequate time to purchase the food. Please tell the cashier that you are making a deposit for the “American & Canadian Food Booth.”

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Middle School Media Center Reading Week & Bearcat Awards
• MSMC Reading Week will run from January 25-29, 2010 and all students will have time to read in class daily. • The theme is “Book Banquet” and books related to the theme will be displayed. A delicious menu of books will be designed to tempt the reading taste buds of all students, parents, staff and faculty members. • There will be individual and group competitions running, and entry forms and conditions can be collected from the MSMC on January 25. 1. A Creative Writing Competition with a Gift Certificate worth 1000 PHP for the winner of each category. There are five categories: one for each Grade Level – 5, 6, 7, and 8, and one for adults (parents, staff or faculty). 2. A team challenge to identify various food tastes and smells will be held during lunch. This promises to be an entertaining experience for both participants and spectators. • The MSMC Bearcat Award Shortlist for 2009-2010 will be released. For the first time there are two lists containing 15 of the most frequently borrowed books, one for Grades 5 and 6, and another for Grades 7 and 8. All Middle School students have time to read before casting an electronic vote (in March) for the book they think is the best. Books from previous years have become popular choices for borrowing.



From the Clinic
TIME TO SIGN UP FOR TYPHOID VACCINATIONS Date February 10, 2010 Typherix – typhoid vaccine Price (Php) 795

This vaccination should be renewed every 3 years and is recommended for people who travel to endemic areas (including many areas of the Philippines) and also for the following target individuals:

• •

food handlers such as dietary personnel, cooks, waiters, servers and microbiology lab technicians persons with close exposure to an S. Typhi. carrier or patient

If you would like more information or you wish to sign up to receive the above vaccine, please contact the clinic on the number/email below or call in to pick up a registration form (next to the elementary canteen). Only people with a valid ISM ID may participate in this program. PAYMENT FOR THESE VACCINATIONS MUST BE MADE TO THE CASHIER DEPARTMENT BY NO LATER THAN FRIDAY, 29TH JANUARY. VACCINES WILL THEN BE ORDERED AND NO FURTHER REGISTRATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED. Clinic direct number: Email: Many thanks Debbie Duckworth ISM Clinic Administrator 840 8581 [email protected] 840 8580 [email protected]

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From the Operations and Security Office
Access and parking within the campus are important security and safety issues. For the well-being of all members of the ISM community, those entering the school campus are requested to follow the procedures outlined below. Vehicular Access During drop-off and pick-up times, vehicles may enter through Gates 2 and 3. Those entering through Gate 2 should proceed to the drop off area and, once the student has alighted or boarded, they should exit via Gate 1. Those vehicles entering through Gate 3 must turn into the covered parking area and use the designated drop-off areas. All vehicles must exit through Gate 1. Alternatively, vehicles entering through Gate 3 may park in the covered car park. The spaces reserved for parent-driven cars should only be used by those vehicles which are driven by parents themselves. Vehicles in which parents are traveling, but which are driven by a driver, should not use these spaces. Rather, they should park elsewhere in the covered park or make use of the outside spaces next to the power center. Please note that Gate 2 may only be used by vehicles displaying a valid ISM vehicle sticker. Family/company drivers should not remain within school once they have delivered a student. They should exit the school and return no sooner than 1:45 A.M. in the afternoon for pick up. Visitors to ISM may only enter through Gate 3. There is an area for short stay visitor’s parking near Gate 1. The Pedestrian Gate Location The pedestrian gate is located in the perimeter fence mid-way between Gate 1 and Gate 2. There is a paved area between the road and the perimeter fence, allowing easy access to the gate. The pedestrian gate is solely for the entry of members of the ISM Community at the beginning of the school day. It will only be open between 7:00 and 7:45 A.M. (8:00 to 8:45 A.M. on Wednesdays). Due to parking restrictions and in the interests of security it will not be open in the afternoon for pick ups. During the time it is open, it will be under the supervision of members of the ISM Guard Force. Drop-off Procedure Drivers should stop adjacent to the paved area and students should alight from the right side of their vehicle. The driver should then move off, clearing the space for other vehicles dropping off students. Under no circumstances should a student be dropped off from the outside lane. This is dangerous as the student would need to walk across the front of another vehicle. Drivers are reminded that traffic regulations forbid parking on the roads around ISM. Therefore, vehicles should only be stopping for the brief time it takes for a student to alight. Drivers must not wait for anybody to return to the vehicle. Car Stickers The car stickers for the school year 2009/2010 are available from the security office. Each ISM family will be issued one vehicle sticker free of charge. Any additional stickers will be issued following payment of Php100.00 to the cashier’s office. In order to facilitate the easy recognition of authorized cars at the gates, the stickers should be affixed to the top right corner of the windshield. Further to this, old ISM stickers issued in previous years should be removed. ID Cards ID cards should be worn at all times while on campus. If you have not been issued an ID card, or you have lost it, you should obtain one by visiting the security office and completing the appropriate application form.

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Vehicle checks The practice of inspecting vehicles will continue. During off-peak hours all vehicles will be checked before they are allowed to enter the campus. During peak hours (drop off and pick-up times), all vehicles without valid stickers and randomly selected vehicles with stickers will be asked to undergo an examination. Whether an examination is conducted or not, it is important that the security staff at the gates are able to identify the occupants of vehicles entering the campus; therefore IDs must be clearly displayed. Vehicles with tinted windows must roll down windows to allow a clear view of the interior of the vehicle. Drivers, Helpers and Bodyguards Drivers, helpers and bodyguards should not be waiting on campus for students throughout the school day. After dropping off students they should exit the school grounds and not return more than 30 minutes before dismissal time. Those who repeatedly fail to comply with the regulation will have their access privilege suspended. Only those vehicles carrying parents or other people with business within the school will be allowed to return to the campus before 1:45 P.M. There are designated areas for unaccompanied drivers, yayas, helpers and security escorts to wait for parents and students. Unless specifically authorized, they may not enter any other area. In the interest of security, and to prevent congestion at the pedestrian entrances to the covered parking area, parents are requested to emphasize to their employees the importance of cooperating with the security staff and remaining in the appropriate areas. Termination of Employment In the event of the termination of service of a family employee, parents are asked to secure the former employee’s ISM ID card and return it to the Security Office. If this is not possible, it is important that the Security Office is still informed of the change of circumstances. Finally, I would like to thank all members of the ISM community for their cooperation in helping us maintain ISM as a safe and secure environment for our children. Firearms All members of the ISM community are reminded that it is strictly forbidden for firearms to be brought onto the campus. This includes concealed weapons carried by bodyguards for close protection. Any person arriving at the school with a firearm should inform the gate guard and arrangements will be made for the weapon to be safely and securely stored during the visitor’s stay. Security staff directions Our security team is endeavoring to make the school as safe and secure an environment as possible for all members of our community. We ask that everybody cooperate with us in this important task. In particular, all those entering our campus are requested to comply with any direction given to them by members of our guard force. In the event that anyone is unclear as to the purpose of such instructions they can seek clarifications from the security office. Please note that it is the parents’ responsibility to advise their staff accordingly. Thank you for your cooperation. We are looking forward to another successful semester at International School Manila. Regards, MICHAEL FLYNN Director Operations & Security

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Fine & Performing Arts Upcoming Events

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From the Athletics & Activities Office
Dear Nomads Members and Rugby Supporters, The Nomads Rugby Section in conjunction with the PRFU will begin the "Nomads Juniors Rugby and Touch Football Club" this coming Wednesday, January 13th. All junior players between ages 8-16 are invited to join the club and the aim is to enter touch football and tackle rugby teams in the monthly ACTIVE FUN JUNIORS RUGBY COMPETITION, which will resume on Saturday, February 13th . The Club will train every Wednesday afternoon at Nomads from 4:00 to 6:00 P.M. Everyone is welcome. We will also organize Saturday training sessions throughout the season . Please see the flyer below for all club and contact details. Matthew Cullen PRFU 63-917-5004047

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Materials for Recycling
WANTED Recycled materials for assemblage sculptures
You may need a clean up at your place. If so, feel free to recycle those unwanted goods. ♦ Old toys (can be broken or not working) ♦ Containers ♦ Jewelry or beads ♦ Utensils ♦ Ceramic plates or tiles ♦ Christmas paper ♦ Boxes ♦ Old appliances Please deliver to room 1169 (near the clinic).

IASAS Art & Music Festival Housing Need
Dear ISM Parents, IASAS Art/Music Festival is fast approaching! March 3-7th! Please see sign up letter and information included in this bulletin. I would like to ask for your assistance with housing for a visiting IASAS Art/Music student. We require 160 housing placements for this event. If you have not housed before it is great chance to meet fantastic students from our IASAS schools. Requirements are listed to give you an idea of what is needed if you say yes. IASAS Art and Music Festival: Housing requirements/details: Housing needed from Wednesday night, 3rd March until Sunday morning, 7th March (4 nights). • A bed/futon/fold-out couch or comfortable place for guest to sleep • Provide transportation to and from ISM each day • Provide a breakfast each morning • Provide one or two evening meals (Wed and Thursday most likely. Evening meals not required on Friday or Saturday. • Be at home in evenings (coaches will make curfew calls each night at 10pm to check students are at home) • Treat and welcome your guest as you would like your own child treated if they were attending an event at another IASAS school and being housed If you can assist with housing visiting students please print out the letter attached, fill it in and return the slip to ATAC or Fine Arts office. Please call/email Joan in ATAC office or Rochelle in the Fine Arts office if you have any further questions. In addition there will be a fantastic event for ISM community and lovers of the Fine Arts to attend on Friday, March 5th. The Art Exhibition opening in the FAT Gallery and then the Festival Concert in our FAT on Friday afternoon/evening will be a great showcase of all the hard work done by the IASAS participants. All art pieces from IASAS delegates will be on display for viewing prior to the festival concert featuring all IASAS Strings, Band, Piano and Vocal delegates under the direction of our visiting conductors. The high quality of artwork on display and the incredible musical talents of the IASAS participants will make for a great evening of arts and music at this year’s ISM Art & Music Cultural Convention. Tickets for this art exhibition/concert will go fast and will be available soon. More details to come in upcoming bulletins. I look forward to your support to make this a great ISM community event. Mark Pekin Athletics & Activities Director

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IASAS ART & MUSIC HOUSING FORM

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From the Environmental Council
Please donate your glossy magazines to PCF! WHY? Glossy Magazines cannot be pulped and recycled like regular clean paper here in Manila so if you don’t ensure that they’re made into something else… they just end up in a land fill. WHAT does PCF do with them? Parents of the school children are employed to make beads out of them which, in turn, get made into jewellery and bags. HOW does this help families? The money from the products generates income for them so that they can afford to buy food and clothes for their children. WHERE? Collection boxes can be found in ES, MS and HS offices Thank you for your support! "Dream the world you want and deserve to live in. Write it down. Communicate your vision passionately, as if your life depended upon it!" (Randy Hayes, Founder of Rainforest Action Network) www.ism-online.org/gogreen/

From Admissions Office
Update your contact information!
Please get in touch with the Admissions Office or Middle School Office if there has been any change in your home address and other contact information. We want to keep you updated with what is happening in school.

We’re on the web! www.ismanila.org

IF YOU HAVEN’T LOGGED ON TO POWERSCHOOL…
please call the Guidance Office at 840-8555 or email [email protected] to obtain your username and password.

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