informer january 2015

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The Informer

Delicacies from the International Festival

2 • THE INFORMER • 28 January 2015 www.isstavanger.no

From the Director:As we start noticing the “slightly» longer days, there is a bit more of a spring in the step, watching the magic of the light coyly coming back to remind us that Mother Nature rules! Whether it is light or dark in the mornings, I was reminded recently by a parent of the importance of safe driving on our campus—and particularly in the drop-off zone in the area near the primary school. I went out to watch the progression myself so my reminders about safety would be accurate. What I saw were many parents carefully and mindfully dropping off their children. But it can always be useful for a general reminder of our drop-off area rules so I thank you in advance for your careful reading of the following points and your constant thoughts about slow and safe driving in the morning when using these areas. We have between 60 and 80 cars dropping students off in about a ten-minute span before school so it is imperative that cars drive as far down to the end of the drop-off zone as possible before stopping for the kids to get out—on the passenger side only please for safety.

The side door by the primary wing is open in the morning and creates a quick entry into the building for students of all grades—not just primary students. If you have high school students, please do not give in to the urge to drop them off by the theatre so they can enter by the main front door—continue driving over to the end of the drop-off zone by the primary school door—that will be the safest place for you to stop and your student can easily access the high school classes by going in the primary school door. I will repeat some of our safety rules for the drop-off zones. . . our own version of ”Kiss and Ride.” Just like at many airports, ISS has its own, ”Kiss and Ride” drop-off points to get children safely into the building in the morning. There are two points you can drop your children: In the big parking lot down by the main gym area, and in the area alongside the theatre/primary school wing door. Please do not drop your children off by driving into the bus lane in the morning--we do not want to juggle any more buses, cars and children in that area for safety reasons. In particular, the following points should be kept in mind when using the ”Kiss and Ride” area by the primary school wing door: 1. Because of the number of cars using this drop-off

point, vehicles should drive right down to the stop sign before letting their children out.

2. Children should leave their vehicle via the passenger side of the car and not circle the car, thus avoiding other cars in the area.

3. Drivers should not get out of the car--again this

is for your safety to avoid being hit by other cars passing by.

4. Before leaving home, please see that your children

have their backpacks and other items with them on the car seat so they can just safely hop out of the car, eliminating the need for the parent to get out and grab items in the boot of the car--again, we are only thinking of your safety and the smooth movement of the drop-off zone.

5. Thanks for giving your child that all-important

hug and kiss BEFORE leaving your house and driving to school. We want the process at school to move quickly, smoothly and safely with drivers not getting out for those final farewells in the morning. A kiss and hug delivered at home are just as effective and much safer for parents to deliver then waiting until being in the midst of a busy drop-off zone!

6. If you wish to park your car in the lot and escort

your children into the school, please use one of the marked parking spaces. Sorry—no “creative parking” allowed. If there is not a marked space for you to park in, almost certainly you will find one in the big parking lot that adjoins the gym area. Maybe it is a longer walk, but exercise is not a bad thing for anyone.

I am also following up here in our facilities planning schedule on the excellent suggestions to create both “speed bumps” and a painted crosswalk in this busy primary wing drop off zone. Thanks to everyone for their efforts in keeping our students as safe as possible and keep the good suggestions coming! Our children deserve our diligent efforts! And one more reminder concerning our remaining winter months. We have been reminded that ice can be a treacherous danger—one moment you are upright, the next moment sitting on the ground. If you have not acquainted yourselves with one of the varieties of spikes/coils/brodder that fasten onto the bottom of your feet, you might look into them. (A popular brand is called YakTrax and they can be found at most sporting goods stores.)

When using brodder/YakTrax though, remember to remove them once you come into any building. Not only will they mar the floors and make more work for the cleaning staff, but more importantly, they will increase your chances of slipping and falling once you are on regular flooring. (I find that once I enter the building, I can just grab onto the door handle for

THE INFORMER • 28 January 2015 • 3www.isstavanger.no

support and easily slip them on or off--keeps me safe inside as well as outside!) And, if you are not interested in investing in commercial brodder, a traditional Norwegian method is to pull an old woolen sock over your shoes or boots—it will give a great deal of added traction on icy days. Congratulations to our High School Student Council as they work closely with the Youth City Council of Stavanger Kommune. Recently they submitted an application for our long-standing Cameroon Service Project to receive support from “Ungdommens Bystyre.” There were fourteen applications and the ISS request was one of three organizations chosen to receive support. The result was a contribution of NOK 10,000 for this wonderful ISS project in Cameroon. Congratulations to the High School StuCo, lead by their president Mahnoor Raja. We are so proud of the StuCo’s work to help others. Later in this edition of the Informer you will see some wonderful pictures taken at our Parent Association International Festival in November, 2014—what a great event that was! Enjoy the memories. Finally, I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the many parents, students and colleagues who have congratulated me on the recent news that I was named as the “International School Superintendent of the Year.” It came as a great and wonderful surprise to me as I work in a profession surrounded by many other outstanding international school heads. As someone who typically tries to deflect the credit from myself over onto our wonderful students and employees, it is a very different situation for me to find myself caught in the spotlight during my 40th and final year serving our school community.

However, nothing can top the sincere surprise and delight that Len and I experienced when it was shared that our Board of Trustees had taken the decision to name two scholarships in our honor. And an honor it certainly is! The profession of teaching and the opportunity to devote so many years to one institution, we recognize, is a rare and wonderful thing.

So thank you one and all for your role in helping to create what we believe is a truly remarkable institution and learning community. Have a wonderful and safe week.

Dr. Linda M. DuevelDirector

[email protected]


From the Deputy Director

In my past three Informer articles I wrote about how we had structured our strategic and operational planning under our core values and objectives of Learning, Well-being, Community and supporting objectives of Infrastructure and Resources and Governance and Leadership, as we seek to ensure that our Vision and Mission is used to drive our school forward.

I also noted that I would like to share aspects of what we are doing in these areas in subsequent issues of the Informer.

In the October and December editions I wrote about learning and well-being respectively and for this edition I turn to community.

As we updated our guiding statements in 2014, we took a closer look at the value of community and developed the following value statement:

Community (Value)

At ISS, we celebrate the spirit of belonging and a sense of community at the school, local and global levels. Respecting diversity and valuing international and intercultural understanding, the school fosters actions intended to make positive contributions to a more equitable and sustainable world.

Community (Strategic Objective)

Foster meaningful multi-cultural relationships, pro-vide support for internationally mobile families, com-municate effectively and encourage positive contribu-tions in the school, local and global communities.

Within our definitions of international education at ISS, value of community is also represented in the “hands” component, which focuses on involvement and asks what a student should do and with whom. This includes developing experiential and service learning and responsible citizenship at the personal, local, national and global level.

By articulating what we believe about community, we are commutating a number of key messages to our students, parents, ourselves and the broad community about what community is and means at ISS in the 21st century.

Initially, when we look at the school community we see a great deal of unity within diversity. Students at ISS are currently drawn from 49 different nationalities, many of whom have two or more nationalities, and with no single nationality representing a majority at ISS. But we are also cognizant that in an international school context the notion of identity is far more

complex than which passport one holds and links to larger cultural and language issues.

These aspects need to be supported, nurtured and celebrated and in order to achieve that, ISS deliberately constructs activities to seek to meet this objective. I have outlined a number of these below.

On a day to day basis, both inside and outside of the classroom, we strive to provide an environment of courtesy with respect for human dignity and nature, on intellectual freedom, charity, forgiveness, equality and solidarity following laws in Norway (§1.1, Education Act).

In reality this means providing the opportunity for students, and all stakeholders for that matter, to express differing viewpoints in an atmosphere of mutual trust, respect, and dignity.

Where possible we facilitate the celebration of the many cultures represented by both families and employees, ensuring there is a diverse range of literature, texts and resources included within our curriculum.

We offer English as an Additional Language (EAL) to enable all students, regardless of their language background, to be able to transition into ISS as quickly and as easily as possible. Additionally, we also support the learning of Norwegian both as a first and as a foreign language, as well as providing first language/mother tongue offerings in a number of languages. This is based on demand and we currently have classes running in Dutch, German and Italian, as well as a group using our facility for Spanish. In the past there has been a demand for and we have offered French and Mandarin. We also recognize that as well as coming from many different countries, when students leave ISS, they transfer to schools and universities in all corners of the world. In order to facilitate and support this, the school community has dedicated an experienced counsellor in each section of the school supporting the process in order to make the transition as easy and effective as possible.

Our school profile for last year is a very typical one, providing a long list of admissions to competitive universities across the globe, including leading institutions in Australia, Canada, France, Italy, Ireland, Spain, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, the United Kingdom and United States. Supporting our community as they transition in and out of ISS is very important to us and a key area that we continually seek to nurture.

At a practical level there are a number of physical characteristics that reflect the international diversity of our community including our school-based definition


Gareth L Jones (B.Ed Hons, BA) E-mail: [email protected]

of international education which is displayed in our foyer along with flags representing every nationality of student attending ISS and our cafeteria menu, which has both local and international dimensions.

Providing service opportunities within the different sections of the school is a way for students to make positive contributions at the school, local and global level that we hope will lead to a more equitable and sustainable world. We also know from research that giving of oneself also contributes to well-being. In the different sections of the school, students are involved in Creativity, Action and Services (CAS), AXIS in the middle school and a service learning club (previously SWEC) in the Primary School.

We are currently involved with or have made donations to the following local and national charities: SOS Barnebyer, Livsglede for Eldre, Min Dag i Dag, Dyrebeskyttelse, UNICEF, Redd Barna, Red Cross, Livets Tre, Sykehuset i våre hender, Diabetisk Forening, FRETEX, Leger uten grenser. There is also the ’School for Life’ project in Thailand, where students visit and participate in service projects in Chiang Mai, and the Cameroon Service Project (in memory of Stephane Ngueguim, a former ISS high school student) supporting a water and educational project near Yaoundé. In addition to these activities there are also local beach clean-ups and visits to local old people’s homes.

At ISS we seek to participate both nationally and internationally, and we also structure a wide range of cultural, artistic, athletic, and academic trips and exchanges that take place both locally and abroad.

Students participate in two Model United Nations events and compete locally in sporting leagues and competitions, as well as internationally as part of the Northern European Council of International Schools (NECIS) organization.

There is a high school Educational Field Trip week with students having the opportunity to take part in activities in Thailand, Greece, Belgium, France and the UK. Language trips to Spain and France are offered and there is also a Spanish exchange program as part of the curriculum in middle school.

To ensure that ISS is not an island within the Norwegian community but seeks to be part of it, students from 4th to 8th grade participate in a Leirskole (Outdoor Education) week. The main focus of Leirskole is teamwork, cooperation and getting to know the local culture and traditions. Grades 4 and 5 go to Gullingen where Grade 4 students focus on local cultural traditions, whereas Grade 5 students practice their cross country skiing skills. Grade

6 attend a maritime Leirskole in Fevik, Grade 7 students go to Kinsarvik in Hardanger, where they study and participate in lots of Norwegian outdoors activities and Grade 8 travels to Trysil in Hedmark (eastern Norway) for two days of cross-country and two days of downhill skiing. Every year, the entire 6th grade visit Oslo for two days where they have the opportunity to study Norwegian history and culture. In recent years we have also had our high school students visit Svalbard.

Visiting local museums like the Stavanger Oil Museum makes students aware of the importance of the city as the economical reason why many of the students are here in Stavanger.

As most of you are no doubt aware, the whole school participates in the Constitution Day parade on the 17th of May, where we feel proud in being able to join in and humbled to have been invited.

Our Parent Association is an integral part of our community whose members give extensive time and energy, selflessly, in order to foster meaningful multi-cultural relationships and provide support for the school and its community. The PA has a long tradition of improving the school experience for ISS children and providing meaningful social opportunities for the ISS community.

The PA extends a welcome to the ISS community via events and activities, morning coffees and international parent ambassadors. The association also contributes to field trips and new playground equipment, and runs book drives. As well as all of the above, the PA also organizes our annual International Festival which is ISS’ annual marquee event.

Further community events such as our monthly Morning Connections programme, are organized so that parents and friends of ISS can meet on a monthly basis to listen and contribute to a wide range of areas of interest.

In the area of Admissions and Communications, we strive to ensure effective communication with parents via surveys and evaluations, conferences, roundtable meetings, newsletters, handbooks and The Informer. Over this current academic year we have upgraded our webpage as we work on a new version, produced our first Annual Report and set up our ’school sponsored’ Facebook, Instagram and Twitter account.

For this current academic year our school community committee has three major areas of focus and development over the coming years, and these are outlined as follows:


From the Deputy Director

• Ensure that quality Service Learning takes place at all appropriate levels through the school that has a both a local & global perspective. Audit all appropriate grade levels/sections of the school to get a greater understanding of what local and international service learning opportunities are taking place in the relevant sections of the school . Ensure that that there are developmentally sustainable local and international service learning projects in place at each section of the school ensuring a more consistent and deliberate approach to service learning.

• Communicate effectively with all branches of the ISS Community. Maintain an appropriate public focus so that ISS is known for its community, academic programme, achievements and intercultural contributions. Find ways to assist the PA in developing ways to further support new and returning families. Seek to formalize and develop an Alumni Association in order to maintain and enhance communication with former families.

• Update the school’s website and develop the use of social media. Examine options for alternative virtual learning environments.

• Develop actions that build a collaborative community by reducing isolation, increasing belonging and fostering empathy (responsibility for self, other and the environment). Further develop the notion of professional learning culture using true collaboration to identify and solve issues by providing an opportunity to discuss and engage in the concept and processes at general staff and other faculty meetings. Develop a community handbook for ISS

In providing an overview in regard to our core value of community, it would be remiss of me not to outline a few big events that are taking place within our school community in the not too distant future.

This academic year represents a graduation year for both Dr. Linda and Dr. Len Duevel. After 40 and 42 years’ service respectively to the ISS community, they have decided to retire. I am not aware of any school nationally or internationally in which a teaching couple have provided so many years of exemplary service to one institution. Much of what ISS is today

is here because of the stewardship of the Duevels. As we all know, both Linda and Len are humble people and they keep reminding me how they do not want anything special to mark their time at ISS. However, it is important for us as a community to recognize their contributions (whilst of course respecting their wishes) through a number of events and activities. We will send out further details shortly in a separate communication but at present there are a few things that I would like to draw to your attention at this time:

• On Saturday 13th June, we are planning an out-of-school party (a reception and dinner dance at the Atlantic Hotel) where we will invite friends, colleagues, alumni, local community members and friends from overseas to join us for an evening of celebration

• You will also be invited to contribute to a ’book of reflections and best wishes’. Liv Hoie, Linda’s PA, will be collecting these.

Linked to this I would also like to share with you the wonderful news about the ISS scholarship programme. At the January board meeting, the Board voted in favor of re-instating the ISS scholarship programme.

As a bit of background information, ISS previously had a scholarship programme which ran from the early 1990’s until about five years ago. Over the years that the programme was in operation, ISS scholarship students have made wonderful contributions to the ISS community and beyond.

How does this link to Linda and Len s retirement, I hear you ask? Well, the answer is that the two (one boy and one girl) full academic merit scholarships available for students seeking admission into our grade 10 at ISS (Norwegian Vg1 equivalent) will be named as the Linda and Len Duevel Scholarships.

In addition to the Linda and Len Duevel Scholarships, ISS enters its 50th academic year in 2015-2016. In order to recognize this, the ISS Board of Trustees also voted to approve 50th year/Golden Anniversary Partial Scholarships (50% Academic Merit based scholarships) for students moving into our IB Diploma Programme in the 2015-2016 academic year.

More specifically, the scholarships are in the following categories: I. Two 50% academic merit-based scholarships

available to existing ISS grade 10 students who will be moving into the IB Diploma Programme in Grade 11 in the 2015-2016 academic year

II A limited number of 50% academic merit-based

scholarships available to students who are not


Gareth L Jones (B.Ed Hons, BA) E-mail: [email protected]

currently studying at ISS, who are seeking to move into the IB diploma programme in grade 11 in the 2015-2016 academic year

The high school office is currently putting together a timeline for the process and this should be sent out to relevant constituencies next week. An information evening is also scheduled at school on Wednesday 11th February at 18:00. This evening is aimed at families in the area, not current ISS families.

As we move into our 50th year, there are a number of events that are in the pipeline that you should consider penciling into your calendar, including a golf tournament, a boat-trip and a hike, as well as a birthday party for the school. A number of these events will be scheduled to take place around the 17th May weekend, 2016 (as we have a number of non-school days scheduled leading up to this date), as we hope that as well as involving members of our present community, a number of former students/alumni, parents, employees and friends of ISS will be able to attend.

Lastly, in terms of community and communications, for those of you who might have missed the announcement that I sent in an email, we are thrilled to announce that Dr. Linda Duevel has been named the Ernest Mannino International Superintendent of the Year by the Association for the Advancement of International Education (AAIE).

Congratulations, Linda!

This great honor, named after the founder of AAIE, judges candidates on four leadership qualities: Leadership for learning, Communication, Professionalism and Community Involvement. With many nominees and one recipient each year, the award is a truly outstanding achievement in international education.

Linda will be presented with the award next month during AAIE’s 49th annual conference in San Francisco, where international school leaders will meet to promote international education through advancements in international school leadership, educational research and professional development. She will give a distinguished lecture at the event.

When asked how she communicated with audiences, Linda wrote: ”I spend a good deal of my time listening: listening to colleagues, listening to students, listening to their parents and listening to my professional colleagues. Some of this is done in formal meetings, surveys and conferences, but much of it is done while on the sidelines of ball games, with a whistle around my neck doing outside recess duty every week, during the intermission of a school play or outside watching the students arrive and depart.”

Former, current and future ISS students are the beneficiaries of the many years in which Linda has listened and responded, leading ISS to become the reputable and child-centered school it is today. Please join us in congratulating Linda on this well-deserved recognition!

I hope this has been able to provide you with an insight into Community at ISS and the importance that we place on it. In my next Informer article, I hope to turn to look at our supporting core values.

With kind regards,

Gareth

Gareth L Jones (B.Ed Hons, MBA)Deputy Director

International School of Stavangeremail: [email protected]


News from the Health, security, safety and environment (Hsse) Coordinator

Since my last HSSE Informer update we have conducted safety audits in both the cafeteria and the playground with no serious findings, but with items that have been identified have been added to our regular maintenance schedules so that they can be addressed in short order.

We also completed an ’Alert’ safety announcement.

Next month we will continue our safety audit schedule with the school van, the Primary School, Physical Education facilities and basement and the Well-being Committee is currently reviewing and updating our food-borne and air-borne illness protocols.

A continuous challenge for us is to ensure that students are wearing seatbelts on the school busses. We continue to conduct random inspections on the busses but would ask that you reinforce the importance of wearing a seatbelt on the bus with your child/children.

On a further bus-related matter, the bus drivers have asked that students please make sure to signal appropriately at the bus stops in the mornings. Whilst most of the time, most of the drivers travel regular routes, there is sometimes a change of driver and it is very helpful if students could ensure they signal effectively to the drivers.


News from the Health, security, safety and environment (Hsse) Coordinator

Last school year, one of our priority areas was to review our Lockdown Procedures. Over the course of the 2013-2014 academic year we evaluated our procedures with the assistance of the local police, Stavanger kommune and the HSSE Department at ConocoPhillips who also conducted a table to Lockdown exercise with our Crisis Response Team.

As a result of feedback from each of these organisations, we conducted our first pre-announced lockdown practice with students present in the building. In the spring we will be seeking to repeat the practice, approaching the lockdown practice following a low stress educational perspective. We will again talk with the students about the process in a formative way.

If you have any questions about the process please do not hesitate to contact your section principal or me at school.

With kind regards

Gareth JonesDeputy Director

Acting HSSE [email protected]


The Counselors’ [email protected] [email protected]

Grade 12 News28 students have submitted applications to the UK of whom 16 have already received 36 conditional offers of places. 5 students have applied to the USA and two of them have already been offered a place. 2 students have applied to the Netherlands and 6 are in the process of applying to Canada.

Deadlines are fast approaching for Norway and we urge all Grade 12 students to check their requirements carefully and complete all application procedures as soon as possible. Our congratulations to those who have already received offers!

To our Grade 12 students! A Happy New Year to you all and congratulations to those students who have completed all their applications, some of whom are already receiving conditional offers of admission. Most of you have survived the college application rush, Extended Essay and mock exams. We can imagine the relief you must be experiencing by now. However, now is the time when, as the days lengthen and become brighter and the workload appears to lighten up, the dangerous senior slump may begin to take over. Many of you now have university offers to work towards and it is less than three months until your final IB examinations begin. To avoid having a college acceptance rescinded, stay on course, plan your revision time and forge ahead towards a strong senior finish!

UK ApplicationsNotifications of university decisions are normally received from both UCAS and the university itself. Once all the decisions are made students are allowed to keep two of the maximum of five offers – one ‘Firm’ and one ‘Insurance’. One should be their first choice and the other should be their safety choice with a points offer that the student and his/her teachers are sure can be achieved in the final IB examinations. We strongly advise that students do not make this decision without consulting their counselor. Students can track their decisions in UCAS. If you are unhappy with all your offers, or if you have no offers it is possible to have another try with UCAS “Extra” (See the UCAS website for more information or talk to your counselor) If you didn’t apply AT ALL and still want to it may be possible, but you have to check with universities if they will still accept an application.

Some students who applied through UCAS as EU citizens may be asked to complete extra paperwork to verify their fee status. This should be done as quickly as possible to avoid delays in decisions.

Norwegian UniversitiesIf you are planning to attend a Norwegian university degree program in the autumn of 2015 you must apply DIRECTLY via the samordna opptak website by March 1st, 2015. Applications open February 1st. http://www.samordnaopptak.no/info/

Applicants for the one-year Norwegian Language and Culture program at the University of Stavanger should apply directly on the UiS website as soon as possible. The deadline is March 1st 2015. http://www.uis.no/studies/norwegian-language-and-culture-programme/

Canadian UniversitiesApplications to Canadian universities take place between December and March. IF YOU ARE PLANNING TO APPLY TO CANADA AND HAVE NOT YET DONE SO SEE YOUR COUNSELOR IMMEDIATELY. Canadian Universities usually make their decisions based on class grades in Grade 11 and the first half of Grade 12 plus IB predicted grades. For all students who have officially notified us that they are applying to Canadian universities we will send the Midyear grades and IB predicted grades to their chosen universities as soon as they become available. Decisions are made usually in March and April and are usually conditional on achieving a good result in the IB Diploma examinations.

USA applicationsWhile the first stage of the US application process is complete in that students have submitted their applications and initial materials (transcript, teacher recommendations and school report) have been sent to the colleges, there is still work to be done and it is important for you to know the following:

1. The very selective US universities receive thousands of applications for each place. The average application is 20 pages, including transcript recommendations, SAT scores, TOEFL scores, school report, school profile, essays etc. It takes a long time for the college to collate and check all this information. It is common for them to misplace something and tell a student it is missing. This can be very worrying for students and parents. If something is missing the college will normally notify the student; often they will notify the counselor as well. Please do not worry immediately if a college tells you something is missing. Merely check with this office. We can very easily send duplicates of school forms electronically. All students should check



their status regularly to make sure that they have notification from the college that their file is complete. If by February 10th they have not received this confirmation they should email the admissions department to check.

2. Admissions decisions begin to come through in late February and March and students are required to choose one university and make a tuition deposit by May 1st. Please be aware that all decisions in the US are conditional on a student finishing school in good standing and the student is required to send a final transcript to the university of his/her choice. It is becoming more common for highly selective universities to penalize students who fail to do well in final examinations, or whose final term grades are very low.

All other university destinationsStudents should talk to their counselor as soon as possible about school paperwork and references for applications to any other destinations.

Gap Year ideas For students planning a gap year, have you considered a volunteer or service project? Review http://www.unitedplanet.org or http://www.volunteerabroad.com for further ideas. Also be sure to check with the Counseling Office to see that your current teacher references have been submitted so you may use them in the first semester of 2015 when you plan to apply to university.

Notice to all 1 1th grade students Junior SOAR has begun! This is a change to the way in which College planning and important IB tasks will be organized and will take place every Friday Week 1 and 3 during Block 1. Generally the time will be divided between university planning and IB, but we hope that once important goals are reached, you will have extra time for study.

The time to actively research and plan for your future is NOW so that in senior year you can concentrate on applications and studies. During SOAR time you will work on the HIGH-5 items, that we have already discussed, as well as explore university and career options through group and individual meetings. Even if you are considering a gap year after your graduate, we will require that you go through the university planning process with your peers and we strongly advise that you apply to university and ask for a year’s deferral, while you are still an ISS student, surrounded by a plethora of support.

High Five Goals1. Standardized college admissions tests2. Extended Essay draft3. Resume/CV4. Personal Statement/Essay5. University Short list

Testing remindersTo register online for the SAT that will be offered here at ISS on May 2, 2015 go to www.collegeboard.com. The registration deadline is April 6th, 2015.

To register online for the ACT that will be given here at ISS on April 18, 2015 go to www.actstudent.org. The registration deadline is March 13th, 2015.

PLEASE NOTE: Spaces for these exams fill up quickly. It is recommended that you sign up as soon as possible to ensure that you will be able to take the exams.

University visits at ISSUniversities and colleges are eager to visit ISS! Since our return from Christmas break we have had visits from:

January 9th, 2015 University of ManchesterJanuary 15th 2015 Education USAJanuary 23rd 2015 Hult University

Please check the Daily Report for other university visits and updates.

Summer Study ProgramsWe have received a wide variety of brochures and information from summer study programs in China, the U.K, France, Spain, Switzerland, and the U.S.A. Please check the college bulletin board or ask in the Counseling Office for more information.

International Baccalaureate – Spring/Summer Revision Courses 2015 and Summer University ToursPre-IB and Mid-IB summer programs are available, as well as pre-exam revision courses in the spring. University tours for both the UK and US are also available this summer. For more information go to www.osc-ib.com and www.college-visits.com

Notice to all 10th grade students and their parentsAll students and parents are encouraged to attend the IB Information Night on Thursday 12th February at 6.00pm. At this event, we will be discussing IB program requirements in depth and setting up



individual appointments to review course choices for next year.

Notice to all 9th grade students and their parentsCongratulations! You have completed 1/8 of your high school career! As you reflect on last semester, how would you assess your experience and performance? Are your grades something you can be proud of? Were you actively involved in sports, clubs, or the school play?

If you feel that you could have had a stronger start to 9th grade, it is not too late to have a strong finish. Remember that 9th grade counts! Your grades, courses, and credits will be recorded on your overall high school transcript. What is a transcript? See Ms. J or Ms. Brown to find out!

Last but not least, to our ISS PARENTS:Time flies by and we are already halfway through the academic year and the Norwegian winter. It has been a long period of dark days, rain hail and thunderstorms and at last we are beginning to see the days lengthen and the weather improve. It is a time to take care of each other and ourselves. It is very easy to become sick and to feel depressed and sad when we can’t get out and about very much, so please do try to make sure your teenager is eating well and that family plans include walks, excursions and physical activity. All of these are really important to their well-being and good health. With you we are their support system, looking out for their well being, watching their eating and sleeping habits, and helping them achieve some semblance of balance.

Academically, although there is still much work to be done, we have already accomplished a great deal due to the persistent effort and unwavering commitment of your remarkable high school children. It is important to acknowledge the good work that we have seen thus far but it is equally important to continue to support them through until the end. As such, we must be cognizant of the fact that they are still teenagers going through 9th grade transition for the first time, making critical IB choices as a 10th grader, beginning a 4000 word Extended Essay assignment in 11th grade, or preparing for final IB examinations and the transition to university as a 12th grader.

These experiences are tremendous benchmarks that can be educationally enriching, but they can also be extremely stressful and trying. In high school your support in setting limits, establishing good study habits and personal values, is crucial.

It is this culture of learning, well-being and community that makes it a pleasure to work with you as your child’s counselors.

Warmest regards,

Mrs. Brown Ms. Jetabut

Cheryl Brown June JetabutHigh School Counselor High School [email protected] [email protected]


Morning ConneCtions events provide monthly opportunities for friendship and support within the ISS community as well as information and resources about education, parenting, expat life and living in Norway.

Coffee/croissants will be available outside the ISS cafeteria at 8.30 am and the presentation begins at 9.00 am.

Thursday, February 26: Parenting for Safety, Part 2 - (Led by ISS’ Counselling Team)

Thursday, March 12: Job Skills/Coaching - (Led by the International Network of Norway, INN)

Thursday, April 23: Stavanger Overview/Tourism - (Led by the International Network of Norway, INN)

ISS Morning Connections

All parents are welcome to join!


News from the IBDP/IGCSE Coordinator

At this stage of the school year, 10th grade students are registering for IGCSE examinations and I thought that it was a good time to give some general information about this programme at ISS.

Most 9th and 10th grade courses prepare students for these final examinations, and in most cases it is a two-year preparation. Some subjects may be taken after one year of study, and individual subject teachers can advise students on this.

Deciding whether or not to take IGCSE examinations, and which subjects to select, is an important choice and should be taken very seriously. Parents of students in 8th and 9th grade should also be looking to the future, and making sure that they understand what IGCSE is all about.

Information will be provided at the forthcoming transition meetings (9th – 10th transition meeting on 11th February at 15:30, and 8th – 9th transition meeting on 26th February at 18:00).

Key points about Cambridge IGCSE

• Excellent preparation for advanced study• Assessment options for learners of different

abilities• Internationally recognised qualifications• Cambridge IGCSE is accepted as equivalent to

GCSE in the UK• The world’s most popular international

qualification for 14 to16 year olds• Taught in over 3700 schools in more than 140

countries• Offered by over 1300 UK schools• Over 70 subjects available – can be taken in any

combination• Builds skills in creative thinking, enquiry and

problem solving

(Above extract from ‘Cambridge programmes and qualifications: an introduction for parents’ Powerpoint available on www.cie.org.uk)

IGCSE at ISS

Students at ISS can choose to take the IGCSE in a number of subjects, usually at the end of the 10th grade. IGCSE courses are normally two years in length, so students choose subjects for their 9th and 10th grade together which can prepare them for the examinations they wish to take. IGCSE examination results are also used when applying for universities (especially in Britain) to indicate a student’s ability in the different subjects. A grade C in IGCSE First Language English can satisfy the English proficiency requirements of universities in the UK and some other English-speaking countries.

IGCSE caters for students of almost any ability, with an 8-point scale of grades: A* - G. A* - C are normally considered as ‘pass’ grades by UK universities, and IGCSE grades are considered to be equivalent to the UK GCSE.

In some subjects there is a choice between Core and Extended curriculum papers, allowing the students to be entered for the most appropriate level in each subject (although the vast majority of ISS students take the Extended paper where available). A range of assessment techniques are used, including teacher assessment in some subjects, although the bulk of the assessment is based on formal examinations in May/June.

Please note: written IGCSE examinations will take place this year between Tuesday 28th April 2015 and Wednesday 10th June 2015. Practical and oral examinations take place on various dates in the period from March to May as arranged by the school.

Examination fees for IGCSE are billed separately following examination registration in January. The fee for the 2015 examination session is approximately NOK 565 per subject.

international general CertifiCate of seCondary eduCation (igCse)

A briefing for parents and students

Cambridge Secondary 2


News from the IBDP/IGCSE Coordinator

ISS may offer the following IGCSE examinations to students following appropriate programmes (syllabus numbers in brackets – for more details check out the Cambridge website at www.cie.org.uk):

Group I: LanguagesFirst Language English (0500)Foreign Language French (0520) or Foreign Language Spanish (0530)English as a Second Language (0511)

Group II: Humanities and Social SciencesGeography (0460) or History (0470)Literature (English) – taught as part of English class (0486)

Group III: SciencesCo-ordinated Sciences (Double Award) – a combination of Biology and Physical Sciences (0654)

Group IV: MathematicsCambridge International Mathematics (0607) Extended or Core level

Group V: Business, Creative, Technical and VocationalArt and Design (0400) and/or Information Technology (0417) and/or Drama (0411) and/or Design and Technology (0445)

Who should take IGCSE?We normally recommend that students take a full range of IGCSE examinations, or choose not to take the examinations. In 2014, nearly 70% of our 10th graders chose to take IGCSE subject examinations.

There are some important points to consider here.

1. If students take the IGCSE examinations, they should take them seriously. All applicants to UK universities must report their scores. Students should not take examinations simply to get study leave.

2. Students planning to attend British universities should consider taking a broad range of examination subjects. “Cherry picking” particular subjects may be questioned by university admissions staff and is quite likely to disadvantage the student doing it. University admissions staff look at International Baccalaureate (IB) predicted grades, IGCSE grades and what subjects were taken.

3. European students planning to attend university in countries that recognise the IGCSE programme should consider taking the IGCSE examinations and take them seriously. The exception, of course, is the student without sufficient English to do well in the examinations, or who has not attended the necessary courses at ISS. In some cases it might be better to take no IGCSE examinations rather than some.

4. There are some cases when taking one or two examinations makes sense. For instance, a student whose native tongue is not English might take an English Language examination to prove competency and perhaps the Mathematics examination as well.

5. Some students might take IGCSE examinations to give them experience in the demands of studying for and taking external examinations before embarking on the International Baccalaureate Diploma programme in 11th and 12th grade. This is a valid reason for choosing to take IGCSE examinations, but again students need to take them seriously.

If you have any questions, please contact me.

Lynn ParkIBDP/IGCSE Coordinator

[email protected]

Where will a Cambridge qualification take you? a

Where will a Cambridge qualification take you?Guide to the recognition and acceptance of Cambridge qualifications


H i g h S c h o o l N E W S

International mindedness

International educators recognise the importance of international mindedness and realise that it is interconnected with international education. However, it has been particularly hard for educators to pin down exactly what international mindedness is and what its development actually entails.

In international schools, international mindedness can be seen simply as a celebration; whether it’s food, flags and fashion or the celebration of a “big event”. These celebrations undoubtedly lead to meaningful connections and conversations. However, Barclay Lelievre claims that such an approach can suffer from the “searchlight” effect – sweeping in from the sky and illuminating the issue for a moment, only to leave it in darkness until the next time the light comes around.

In a recent article in ’International School’, Robert Harrison posed the problem that perhaps the term international mindedness is too small and does not fully encompass the concept it aims to embrace. Perhaps there are better ways to talk about this

intangible idea, even in the distinctive world of international schools. Many international schools have long expected students to understand and take advantage of their experience. Our curriculum expose sstudents to the geographies and citizens of countries and cultures beyond their own.

However, should we now be increasingly concerned with more demanding intercultural, global, human mindsets? How can students be international if they have never lived in another country or seldom interact with those of other nationalities? On the other hand, could we now be living in such a globalised world that the word international is redundant when used to modify education?

Harrison suggests that mindedness may not be enough. If we want to keep talking of international mindedness as an educational goal, we will have to go beyond its literal connotation.

At ISS we consider international mindedness to

The ISS booth at the Forum Expo Education Fair


H i g h S c h o o l N E W S H i g h S c h o o l N E W S

include multiculturalism, intercultural understanding and global engagement. These three dimensions are embedded in the IB learner profile. Does this go beyond mindedness, to an attitude, especially of openness and curiosity. It is an attitude towards the world and different cultures.

Last Thursday during lunch, I noticed two Pakistani students showing Norwegian and American students how to play cricket. I’m not sure if sport is a metaphor for life, but as the game was explained and played, and despite the complexity of rules and diversity of backgrounds and experiences, there seemed to be a deep understanding of human actions and interactions.

This reminded me that our lofty ideals, sophisticated academic models, and complex international politics all begin with individual people – each one struggling to construct, inhabit and succeed in a world where we can be true to ourselves, relate empathetically to others, and strive continually to become more authentically human.

The fundamental quest to understand and act with integrity with respect to our unique identities and shared values is what really lies at the heart of international mindedness.

The prologue from the IB learner profile states this insight very well, identifying internationally minded people as those who, “recognize their common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet, help to create a better and more peaceful world.

Perhaps a good starting point is students from different cultures should be encouraged to each come to their own realization of international mindedness rather educators pointing one set way of becoming internationally minded.

Just as our cricketers created their own sense of international mindedness in sharing and experiencing a game.

Dr. Liam BrowneHigh School Principal

[email protected]

We have the info for you!


H i g h S c h o o l N E W S

The Cameroon Service Project would like to take this opportunity to invite you to our fundraising ‘Candlelight Charity Dinner’ on Friday March 13th 2015, at 6.30 pm,

The Cameroon Service Project is student lead IB CAS project started in honour of our wonderful student Stephane Ngueguim who passed away at ISS in 2011.

The aim of the project was to create a permanent water supply in Stephane’s family village, Bafou, in the Cameroon and also improve the village primary school, focusing on improving the buildings and

bathroom facilities for the students.

As you can see below, the work the project has done over the last 3 years has made an improvement in the school building, creating a safe environment for learning. However, there is still more that needs to be done!

This year, we aim to improve the bathroom facilities, making them fit for purpose and also provide first aid kits. If we have any resources left we plan to start to work on creating a school library.

Before After

Today’s bathroom facilities

CSP Candlelight Dinner


H i g h S c h o o l N E W S H i g h S c h o o l N E W SThe theme for the candlelight dinner is

“A Night in Rome”

You can expect a wonderful Italian 3-course meal, lively entertainment and a raffle during the evening.

The entire evening is planned and organized by Grade 11 and 12 students who are responsible for the creating the event, including the cooking under the supervision of the wonderful ISS Cafeteria staff.

Last year the event raised over kr 20 000 and we are really hoping for another successful evening this year, so we are able to make a difference in Bafou.

Tickets will be on sale from School reception from Mrs. Winters, at a cost of kr 350.

Please let Ms Winters know if you would like the vegetarian option when you buy your tickets. We look forward to welcoming you on March 13th and very much appreciate your support of our project.

The CSP Project TeamFor enquiries please email [email protected]

Buon appetito!

CANDLE LIGHT DINNER

--- Starter ---

Bruschetta

Two slices of toasted Italian baguettes, one with cherry

--- Main ---

--- Dessert --- Panna Cotta

A beautiful panna cotta, all made from scratch

with a mixed forest berries sauce.

Welcome to the Cameroon Service Project’s annual Candle Light

Dinner. The theme for this year is ”A Nights in Rome”. Below you

will find the menu. Tickets are on sale in Mrs. Winters’ office.

Home made Lasagna

A delicious home made lasagna with a simple green salad on

the side, dressed with simple vinaigrette.


Middle School News and Events

Here is the latest update from the always busy Middle School!

6th grade Mesopotamian Market

Congratulations to the 6th grade on their very successful Mesopotamian Market which took place last Friday, 23rd. It was wonderful to see so many parents attending. The students were very keen to share their amazing knowledge and to bring that time period alive.

It is also a fantastic example of how practical activities greatly help the learning process. I had a great visit!

This is a fantastic collaborative and cross-curricular event. Well done to all students and to Mr. Taylor and Mr. Moore.

ISA Results

The International Schools’ Assessment (ISA) tests will take place on the 10th and 11th February.

We will send home the individual student results (by mail/post) when the results arrive later in the school year.

Middle School Recognition Ceremony – Q2

Thank you to all parents who attended the ceremony on Monday, 19th. This ceremony gives us the opportunity to reflect on the quarter that has now finished and celebrate the events and activities that has taken place inside and outside of the classroom. We also watched a slide show of pictures from Q2 to remind us of all the wonderful events that happen in the Middle School both inside and outside of the classroom.

Special thanks and congratulations to the following students:

• Matteo Carazza on his highly entertaining vocal performance

• Balder Award Winners 6th grade: Hasan Hammoud, 7th grade: Andrew Stevensen and 8th grade: Magnus Mikkelsen

• Troll Attendance Award Taylor Homeroom: 6th grade Q2 House Winners Egg House: Uddenberg, Tremblay and Kitching Homerooms

The remarkable Mesopotamian market staged by the 6th graders - the booth about gods and religion


Middle School News and Events Middle School News and Events

Q2 Exploratory: Making Your Own Music Video

Thank you to Mads Hermansen (6th), Etienne De Cazenove, Andrew Stevenson and Isaiah Aarre (7th grade) on sharing their very entertaining and well-made music videos.

MS Homeroom

Our Homeroom theme for January is ‘Conflict Resolution’ Students will be discussing these important topics during their advisory time in homeroom.

The theme for February is ‘Decision-Making Skills’.

8th to 9th Transition and Transition Meeting

We will soon be starting the transition process for our 8th grade students as they prepare for the transition from Middle School to High School. We will be working with the 8th grade students in extended homeroom sessions. In addition, you are cordially invited to attend the 8th to 9th grade Transition Meeting for students and parents on Thursday, 26th February starting at 18:00 in the theatre. This meeting

will be led by Dr. Liam Browne our HS Principal and you will be receiving more information from him soon.

Bus Safety

Could you please talk to your children about the importance of wearing the seat belt provided on the school bus?

Students should wear the seat belt for the ENTIRE journey (not just when they leave school). Students should not be freely wandering around the bus, but sitting securely in their seats. Thank you for your help.

Lunch Cards

• All students who purchase lunch in the cafeteria should always have their lunch card with them. Please make sure that there is enough money in the account. This can be done online or with direct payment to Anne Brit at the main office.

• Please encourage your children to eat lunch every day. It is very important that students eat something at lunchtime so that their focus, concentration and energy is at its best in the afternoon lessons.

The colour of purple - reserved for royalty


Middle School News and Events Some reminders/recommendations for our Middle School students:

• Students must drink WATER during the day (not soda, coffee, tea, and energy drinks or juices). That is the reason why MS students are not permitted to purchase soda at the kiosk.

• PLEASE send your son/daughter to school with a water bottle.

• Students should bring this to school every day and to every class.

• Adolescents MUST get at least 9 hours of sleep per night for optimum learning.

• NO TECH SCREENS IN THE BEDROOM – the light from the devices (laptops, iPads, phones, TV) wakes up the brain and prevents good quality sleep (as well as the temptation of actually using the device during the night!!). I have mentioned this fact in several of my newsletters this year.

General Organisation – Locks and Lockers

• PLEASE help us out and make sure that your son/daughter has a padlock for their locker. Many students do have one and are then not locking their locker during the school day OR at night OR over the weekend.

• iPads are to remain locked in their lockers during the school day at recess and lunch.

• iPads are always to be inside the case provided.

MS Basketball – Aberdeen - 5th-7th February

Good luck to the MS girls travelling to Aberdeen soon to participate in a tournament hosted by the International School of Aberdeen:

Emma TurnerAadhya GovilOlivia WaldenRylee BurtonNadja Smedegaard HackeMarisa Monica PantelarasZoé BertinEmma StevensonCorinne FrancoisMaiya WilliamsonMegan Genetti

Thank you also to coaches Sherry Mykkanen and Ceri Britton.

Q3 Extra-Curricular Activities

Work Space • Continues on Monday and Wednesday after

school from 3:30 until 5:00 and is an opportunity for students to get their homework completed and ask for help from teachers before going home.

Basketball• Practice continues for both boys and girls takes

place on Tuesday and Thursday from 15:30 until 17:00

Swimming• Practicesl take place on Tuesday and Thursday

from 15:30 until 17:30.

MS Musical Rehearsals• The after-school rehearsals continue on Monday

and Wednesday from 15:30 until 17:30 and on Sundays from 13:00-17:00.

That is all for this time! Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns – my door is always open!

Carol WallaceMiddle School [email protected]

Info booth about trade and merchants in Mesopotamia


Middle School News and Events Middle School News and Events

Mesopotamian jewelry

Food and farming Hamurabi - the great king and lawgiver

Mesopotamian ‘fashion’


We have found ourselves in the new year, and the darkest days are already a month behind us.

Days at school have been filled with a wide range of activities and focus on learning. As the children move through their progression of challenges and explorations, I am continually reminded of how focused they are on learning. In contrast, I hear of children who move from ISS and are made fun of by peers for raising a hand in class to ask questions and take an active part in learning.

One of the most vital elements of a school is its culture for learning. That sounds an obvious one since a school should be about learning. However, the way in which we instill a culture for learning has a strong effect on the attitude children take toward the real work of the school.

A culture of learning breeds a culture for learning. Asking questions offers evidence. When a child raises a question that makes everyone wonder or want to explore, that means children are interested in learning. There are always distractions, but evidence of a culture for learning is when children put aside the distraction and focus on the exploration, the wonder or the task at hand to build an understanding, develop a skill or ground a foundation of knowledge.

Evidence of a culture for learning can be seen when a child or teacher imparts something they know and the basis for knowing, and children question or ponder

the basis for that fact or principle. If you see a child diligently building a skill and other children let them focus or congratulate them on the effort or progress, that is a culture of learning.

I take pride in watching classes build this culture of learning each year. It is one that is hard to describe to a child who first enters ISS, but it is one that is too often missed when moving. Thank you to all the students and teachers for your focus on learning.

Thank you to students, parents and teachers for the production of Shakespeare Rocks. The costumes were stunning, the acting brought out so many smiles, grimaces and chuckles, the dancing moved with the rhythm of the music and made the audience rock along. I was equally impressed with the solos as with the group songs that brought the story forward like a ballad. The musical was a product of hard work by so many children and adults. The combined effect was produced by efforts of many folded into a team production, including the cast party immediately after the final production. Congratulations to one and all!

The next production will take place 21-23 May. Rehearsals will start soon, and we look forward yet another team effort.

Children’s theatre is not new to ISS. Even before the school moved to our present campus with our wonderful theatre, there were productions. Often

Primary School News


these took place in a gymnasium or large classroom. I remember directing a group in what is now Kvalaberg skole gym. Two one-act plays were presented, the first by our group of children and the next by high school students.

Throughout the years, students at ISS have embraced the theatre productions. Teamwork is certainly a product of being in a play, just like that of taking part on a sports team. Another vital aspect is building self-confidence. Through the years, shy children find a spark that helps them build the confidence to say a line with a strong voice, and this transfers to sharing ideas in class and later in meetings and tackling challenges rather than shying away from them. I am continually impressed by children who come to ISS in August with hardly a word of English and then stand before over 200 in the audience to deliver lines and sing songs in a clear and confident voice.

Shakespeare Rocks brought children before the spotlights in a time when darkness greets us more than light and our days feel more like nights. This challenge can be a great opportunity. Winter presents some wonderful long evenings that may keep us inside a bit more. I came upon some suggestions about writing to share, courtesy of Regie Routman.

1. Read interesting stories (fiction and nonfiction) and poetry aloud to your child, regardless of your child’s age. Reading aloud exposes children to vocabulary and language they may not yet be able to read

independently. Children need to “hear” literary language before they can use it in their own writing.

2. Have lots of paper, cards, stationery, markers, pens, and pencils around and perhaps a blank book that could be used as a journal. Encourage writing for real reasons; thank you notes, invitations, lists, letters, requests, room signs.

3. Write notes to your child often. Tuck a complimentary note inside the lunch box, at the bedside. Write notes on birthdays and special occasions.

4. Create a photo-memory book together. Label photos with captions you write together.

5. Encourage your child to read widely. Join the public library. Give books as gifts for special occasions. Help your child establish a personal home library. Be a reading model yourself. The best writers are almost always the best readers.

6. Limit television, video, and DVD watching to perhaps an hour a day to allow your child to participate in other activities.

7. Help your child’s imagination blossom. Tell stories to and with each other. For many children, it is easier to write once they have spoken the words aloud to someone.

8. Use reading and writing for pleasure, never punishment.

Have a wonderful winter, filled with learning, in the Stavanger area!

Primary School News

Len Duevel, PhDPrimary School Principal

[email protected]


Early Childhood

Welcome all new Early Childhood students!

We have had several new students join us in EC. All of these young learners seem to be settling well and meeting new friends. Thank you parents for helping to get your children back into routine after the holidays. I hope that you all had a joyful time with family and friends. It is wonderful to have everyone back to school, as the children are what make the school come alive!

Thank you, parents, for attending the Preschool 4 assembly on Friday, January 23: I know you would agree with me that the children were fabulous on stage! The story “What Snowmen do at night” written by Caralyn Bueher was a delight for all to hear.

We are all counting down the days to our 100th day in school- January 28. Be on the lookout for details of special activities to celebrate this day.

Preschool 3 have been exploring the wonders of snow. This includes exploring properties of ice. They have been holding ice cubes in their hands and watching the changes. The words they used to describe the ice with are hard, shiny, slippery, very slippery, sharp, melting, taste like water, getting smaller…

In addition to learning about winter, Preschool 3 have been working with numbers. This includes looking for numbers in nature as well as preparing for their very successful “Counting Café”. Thank you to all those parents for helping with this event.

In Preschool 4 the children have also been exploring all things that are winter. They have been looking for signs of winter, noticing light and dark, finding animal tracks and observing the changes taking place in trees.

Kindergarten students continued their theme of the gingerbread man. Activities included acting out the story as readers’ theater, measuring mass and making numbers using “baby gingerbread men”.

In Grade one the children have begun a new science theme - Engineering. This links with the writing and reading workshop where they are learning about on non-fiction text.

Other activities for the children included conducting hands-on experiments, implementing the scientific method (e.g. testing ideas, drawing conclusions), and improving their original designs for bridges, boats and gliders.

Early Childhood

What’s the right ’sound’ for our story ..?


Early ChildhoodEarly ChildhoodPLAY IN EARLY CHILDHOOD

We know that “play” is an important part of early childhood. You may be more familiar with “direct instruction” teaching methods based on teaching discrete skills isolated from children’s interests and activities.

However, current research shows that the exploratory and creative activity that young children initiate themselves (play) is the primary way they develop concepts and understanding about the world.

A play-based early childhood curriculum is not a laissez-faire approach. It’s not the same as giving children ”free play” separate from ”teaching.” Rather, teachers use the power of children’s developing ideas, interests, and competencies to promote learning—through play, circle-time, and small-group activities.

This power is most evident in children’s play, as play is the central force in the development of young children.

When children play, they:

• have many opportunities to apply mental representations of the world to new objects, people, and situations—the key ability for future academic learning

• integrate all types of learning—physical, social, emotional, intellectual, and language development

• are engaged in things they’re interested in—so they have a natural motivation to learn

• develop concepts and skills together as they are integrated in the context of meaningful and playful experiences

• are more likely to retain skills and concepts they have learned in meaningful contexts

• develop concepts through activities that occur naturally during play, such as counting, sorting, sequencing, predicting, hypothesizing, and evaluating

• develop oral language skills through dramatic play with objects, people, and imagined situations, and the capacity for narrative, or “thinking in stories

• engage in activities they have chosen, learning is enjoyable because it is based on their own curiosity and connected to a sense of mastery

• they develop skills in logic through play with blocks, clay, sand, water, and other materials

• learn scientific concepts such as cause and effect and mathematical concepts such as quantity, classification, and ordering

• practice inventing strategies for solving problems• interact with each other, negotiating the sharing

of materials or planning imaginative play• learn concepts and skills in cooperating, advocating

one’s own ideas and listening to others, handling frustration, and empathizing with others.

Jill RavenEarly Childhood Principal

[email protected]


ART & DESIGN ISS 2014-15

Time line of Art history - Group Work

Printmaking - Grade 1 Mural - Grade 5

Mural - Grade 5

Paper Collage

Sketch book

Clay modeling

Clay modeling

What made Henri Matisse’s art special?


ART & DESIGN ISS 2014-15Birds & Birches - by Grade 1B



In October the first half of Grade 6 were lucky enough to be able to visit the NuArt exhibition as part of their Cave Art and Social Studies Unit on Early Man.

On January 14th, the second half of Grade 6, accompanied by Ms Mols and Ms Price, braved the cold, wet weather to go and find even more street art in Storhaug.

We begun our journey in Klubbgata, travelled along Pedersgata and then to the large pieces at Ryfylkegata and Haugesundsgata. We returned via Nytorget where students were able to spy on artists in their studio creating screen prints.

Jenny Price and Mirjam Mols

Art Teachers

Gra

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– N

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ay

14t

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Grade 7 are now starting a unit on Natural Forms.

They are exploring how Science can inspire Artists and Designers.

They began by studying human, animal and plant cells under microscopes. One microscope had a WiFi attachment so that iPads could capture the images of the cells for future use. Detailed drawings were made which will become continuous print designs.

Ultimately, students will create an organic clay sculpture inspired by the cells and Barbara Hepworth s art.

Students have already found out about artist Jonathan McCabe who uses Alan Turing s codes to produce computer generated cell-designs, which he transforms into colourful abstract paintings.

Jenny Price and Mirjam Mols

Art Teachers

Gra

de 7

– D

raw

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cells

usi

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scop

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The International Festival • • 201412th Annual ISS Parent Association

International Festival 2015 First Meeting

March 10th @ 10:00 Pre-planning of next years festival starts in March.

Come & learn about all the different volunteer & coordinator opportunities. Ask questions and gain knowledge about our annual fundraiser.

Share your thoughts, ideas and suggestions; help make this festival even better than the last!

Everyone is welcome!

Event Coordinator

Food Court Coordinator(s)

Country Activity Booth Coordinator(s)

Basket Coordinator(s)

Decoration Coordinator(s)

Volunteer Coordinator

MS Liaison Coordinator

HS Liaison Coordinator

First Aid Coordinator(s)

Passport & Tickets Coordinator

PA Game Coordinator

50/50 & Donation Coordinator

Corporate Donation Coordinator

Publicity Coordinator

Treasurer

Photographer

Open Positions:

Floating Volunteer(s)

Any questions please feel free to contact the PA at [email protected].


2014 • • The International Festivalthe international festival

A fun-filled event, with food, games and activities that showcased our school’s spirit of Multiculturalism! This wonderful festival raised important funds for year-round school events and activities!


The International Festival • • 2014


2014 • • The International Festival


The International Festival • • 2014


The International Festival • • 2014The Event of the Year!

First Aid stAtioN


Parent Association News

Early Childhood Room ParentsPS3A Christy Stewart & McKenzie Genetti

PS3B Pamela Cameron & Dawn Abt

PS4A Amy Moss & Andrea Hamlin

PS4B Jacquelyn Sheffield & Vera SiderakiPS4C Jaime Bonderover

KGB Renu Arjun & Alex Adshead

KGC Catherine Frasier & Tara Carlsrud

& Nicole Burton

1A Karolina Federowicz & Maiko Yamada

1B Christiane Buessenschuett & Ivana Trifunovic1C Tina Johnson & Sarah Glenn

2014-15

Room Parents Primary School Room Parents

2A Jodie Monro

2B Kerri Biddle

2C Carina Viola

3A Sally Gunn

3B Agustina Grandi

3C Kelly Isenberger

4A Agustina Grandi & Stephanie Walden

4B Annalisa Maci & Irene Schenstrom

4C Dina Robinson (moved) & Francesca Pace (Dec-June)

5A Libby Beaty & Geesche Hallmann

5B Odette Baumanis

5C Maria Antonia Ventura Manrique

& Carmen Martin


Parent Association News

ISS Parent Association

2015 Upcoming activities Wednesday, January 28th Parent’s Walk – Tasta

9:30 am -‐ Meet in Lobby (note later start) Tuesday, February 3rd PA Board Meeting

8:45 am -‐ ISS Basement Tuesday, February 24th Freedom Coffees

8:30 am meet in lobby or 9am at Waynes coffee Wednesday, February 25th Parent’s Walk – Hundvag

8:30 am -‐ Meet in Lobby Tuesday, March 3rd PA Board Meeting

8:45 am -‐ ISS Basement Tuesday, March 10th Welcome Coffee

8:45 am -‐ ISS Cafeteria (followed by Festival Meeting) Tuesday, March 10th International Festival Planning Meeting

10:00 am – ISS Basement – Join the Festival team. We need you!

Wednesday, March 25th Parent’s Walk – Jatta/Gausel 8:30am – Meet in Lobby

Wednesday, April 8th Freedom Coffees 8:30 am meet in lobby or 9am at Waynes coffee

Tuesday, April 14th PA Board Meeting – All invited! 8:45 am – ISS Cafeteria

Tuesday, May 12th Last Coffee of the Year 8:45 am – ISS Cafeteria

Tuesday, May 12th PA Spring General Meeting – All invited! 10:00 am – ISS Basement

We are starting to look at filling vacancies for our PA team for next school year. Please consider signing up and volunteering for one of our PA positions


LivE A Praying Life

Feb 27 - Mar 1Holmavatn Retreat Center

with Jennifer kennedy dean

Questions? Contact us at [email protected]

You won’t want to miss this unique opportunity!

Join the women of North Sea Baptist Church for a weekend away to recharge and reconnect. This year’s speaker is respected author Jennifer Kennedy Dean.

Based on her popular book, Live a Praying Life, Jennifer will encourage us to open up our lives and receive the

downpour of God’s power and provision.

Registration options include one-night, two-nights, or day-only for flexibility to fit your schedule. Meals and

accomodations are covered based on which registration option you choose. All the details can be found on our

website: http://www.nsbc.no/ministries/womens-ministry/retreat/

REGISTRATION IS OPEN NOW! http://www.nsbc.no/ministries/womens-ministry/retreat/


HouSE ExCHAnGE available in a beautiful old market town in Lincolnshire, England.

Four bedrooms, enclosed garden and car available.

Prefer Stavanger but Sandnes ok. Exchange can take place any time or during school holidays.

Contact: 00 44 78 89 84 25 60


Editor: Liv Nærland Høie Phone: +47 51 55 43 22 E-mail: [email protected]

The Informer is issued on the ISS web-page: www.isstavanger.no

Go to “News” and then to “Informer” and current issue.

To have CLASSIFIED ADS published in The Informer, please e-mail: [email protected] editor reserves the right to edit ads to fit the space requested by you.

Prices: Companies1 Private persons2

ISS Teachers/Students and their parents3*

Full page (260 x 180mm) NOK 2400 NOK 1200 NOK 600

1/2 page (130 x 180 mm): NOK 1200,- NOK 600,- NOK 300,-



1/16 of a page (28,5 x 88 mm): NOK 200,- NOK 100,- NOK 50,-

1. If you run a business/company/activity that makes your living, you are a “company” price-wise. 2. If you have a small activity, a non-profit foundation, organise a charity, advertise your belongings for

sale, insert small personal ads, etc., you are charged a “private person” price.3. *These prices are valid from January 2010

If you do not wish to receive the Informer any more -

or if you have changes to your e-mail address,

please notify Liv N. Høie at 51 55 43 22 or e-mail: [email protected]

Lunch MenuIn addition to the daily HOT MEAL and the soup of the day, the cafeteria also offers a vegetarian option for lunch

Issues of the Informer in the school year 2014-2015 are due: 03.09, 29.10. and 10.12. 2014. In 2015: 28.01, 11.03. and 27.05. Deadline is one week before.

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January 2015 W 28.01 Sweet & sour pork Th 29.01 Meatballs F 30.01 Bacalao

february M 2 Fried riceTu 3 Pasta bologneseW 4 Chicken couscousTh 5 LapskausF 6 Breaded cod with potatoes and vegetables

M 9 PizzaTu 10 Pasta with ham and mushroomsW 11 Thai chicken Th 12 Komla (Norwegian potato dumplings w/lamb meat)F 13 Salmon Teryaki

16 - 20 Winter Week

M 23 Hot dogs and mashed potatoes Tu 24 Pasta all’arrabbiataW 25 Gratin w/hamTh 26 Shepherd’s PieFr 27 Fishburger with potatoes and coleslaw

MarCh

M 2 Chicken noodles Tu 3 Pasta alla carbonaraW 4 Beef burritosTh 5 Veggie stewF 6 Salmon Norwegian style

M 9 Risotto Tu 10 Pasta with chorizo and tomato sauceW 11 Chicken Tandoori Th 12 MeatballsFriday 13 Tagliatelle w/smoked salmon

M 16 TacoTu 17 Pasta with red pestoW 18 Greek chicken Th 19 Pytt i panna F 20 Breaded cod

M 23 Hot dog stew Tu 24 Pasta with chicken and spinageW 25 Red bean and lentil stewTh 26 Kjøtt og suppeF 27 Fiskegrateng

30/3 - 6/4 Easter Vacation

april

Tu 7 Macaroni and cheese W 8 Chili con carne Th 9 Chicken korma F 10 Mexican fish gratin

M 3 PizzaTu 4 Pasta with meatballsW 5 Thai Chicken stew green curry Th 16 Pork chops F 17 Salmon Teryaki

M 20 Potato gratenTu 21 Pasta with creamy pepper sauceW 22 Mexican lasagneTh 23 Chicken stew F 24 Paella

M 27 Chicken wokTu 28 Pasta veggieW 29 Lapskaus Th 30 Beef stroganoff F 1/5 No school


January 201525-30 THIMUN Conference - The Hague28 100th Day of School

February5-7 Middle School basketball - Aberdeen6 Girl Effect Teacher Talent Show10 & 11 ISA Testing, Grades 3 - 911 Grade 9 to 10 Transition Information Afternoon, 15:3011 Scholarship Information Evening, 18:0012 IB Information Evening, 18:0016-20 Winter Week - no school24 Careers Day 26 8th to 9th Grade Transition Information Evening, 18:0027 StuCo Lock In

March5-6 Middle School Student/Parent/Teacher Conferences5-7 Middle School Musical12-14 NECIS Swimming, Luxembourg12-14 NECIS Swimming, Luxembourg12-15 NECIS Basketbal lTournament - Antwerp13 Cameroon Service Project Candlelight Dinner, 18:00 15-20 8th Grade Outdoor Education Week16-20 Grade 5 Outdoor Education Week, Gullingen19-22 High School ISTA20 Stephane’s Trophy, 15:3025 High School Parent/Student/Teacher Conferences27 EC and PS Student/Parent/Teacher Meetings

30/3-6/4 Easter Holiday - no school

april8-12 Middle School Girls Honour Choir9 EC and PS Track and field practice10 Stephane’s Trophy, 15:3010 Drop Everything and Read14 Grade 5 Assembly, 10:3016 Middle School Recognition Ceremony, 08:4516 Shakespeare Festival17 Stephane’s Trophy, 15:3018 ACT Testing23 5th Grade/Middle School/High School Spring Concert24 Stephane’s Trophy, 15:3029-30 6th Grade Trip to Oslo30 StuCo Executive Elections

May 1 Holiday - no school2 SAT Testing4 Employee in-service - no school for students4-25 IBDP Exams21-23 NECIS Girls’ Soccer and Boys’ Rugby, Bonn21-23 Primary School musical26-29 End of Year Exams (grades 9-11)28-30 NECIS Track and Field Tournament - Copenhagen

The Informer is published by international School oF Stavanger

Treskeveien 3NO-4043 STAVANGER

Norway

Tel: +47 51 55 43 00 Fax: +47 51 55 43 01

E-mail: [email protected]

High School Office: +47 51 55 43 43Middle School Office: +47 51 55 43 11

Primary School Office: +47 51 55 43 23

Director: Dr. Linda DuevelDeputy Director: Mr. Gareth JonesHigh School Principal: Dr. Liam BrowneMiddle School Pricipal: Ms. Carol WallacePrimary School Principal: Dr. Len DuevelEarly Childhood Principal: Ms. Jill RavenBusiness Manager: Ms. Linn Åsheim

IB Coordinator: Ms. Lynn ParkHigh School Counselors: Ms. Monchaya (June) Jetabut and Ms. Cheryl BrownMiddle School Counselor: Mr. Matt ArmstrongPrimary School Counselor: Dr. Jack RavenSchool Nurse: Ms. Heather Melhus

The ISS Vision StatementInspire a community of responsible, globally- engaged, empowered learners.

The ISS Mission StatementISS provides an internationally-accredited, engag-ing and challenging English-language education in a supportive, multi-cultural environment where students have the opportunity to fulfill their potential.

Our ValuesLearning, Well-being, Community.

The International School of Stavanger (ISS), founded in 1966, is an independent, non-profit Norwegian foundation accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges and the Council of Interna-tional Schools. The school enrolls students from ages 3 through 18. ISS offers an international university preparatory curriculum that combines the best features of many national educational systems. Both the Inter-national Baccalaureate Diploma programme and the International General Certificate of Secondary Educa-tion external examinations are available to students.

In 2013, the school has an enrollment of nearly 800 students who represent over 50 nationalities, including students from six of the earth’s seven continents.

High School event Middle School event Primary School event All School event

Calendar of Events School year 2014-2015

informer january 2015

Documents

dropoff area rules

primary school doorthat

ride area

primary students

high school students

ride dropoff points

primary wing

i s h e d b y i s s