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The Informer

Sara Cattaneo admires her artful wire sculpture

2 ·THE INFORMER 11 December 2013 www.isstavanger.no

From the Director:

Yesszzzz!!

An budding engineer ?

This month, I would like to share some recent examples of “Goodness” in our school community. They are not meant to be the only examples of what we see here on a daily basis from so many, but rather a random sampling of the remarkable folks we have a chance to interact with on a daily basis: A Random Act of Kindness On Wednesday, November 6, a very excited group of ISS athletes boarded a KLM jet bound for Amsterdam and the NECIS Volleyball/Football tournament. Being a high school student at ISS often includes air travel, something our students do as effortlessly as riding a bike or lacing up their shoes. This trip, though, had a remarkable extra—and very positive—twist to it. Seated next to ISS student Blanca Yanez Serrano, was a well-dressed Dutch woman, who as Blanca quickly realized was literally paralyzed by fear of flying. I was seated nearby enough to observe and listen, but not close enough to be of any help. The woman, who was about thirty years old, explained that she had done all the “fear of flying” courses available and could intellectually understand her problem, but was powerless to do anything about it. Compounding the problem, she said that she was pregnant and so unable to take any artificial means to relax. The pilot had informed the passengers that flying conditions that day meant that it was likely we would experience some turbulence and to keep our seat belts on. The word “turbulence” was as if a jail sentence had been bestowed on this poor woman. She was literally petrified and shaking uncontrollably. And the plane had yet to take off! She told Blanca that taking off was a terrible thought, landing was worse, and any kind of turbulence underway was enough to terrorize her. So what did this typical ISS 11th grade student do? She took hold of her seatmate’s hands, looked her in the eye and literally talked her through the entire flight. I had read about extreme cases of fear of flying, but had never seen one up close and could only feel tremendous empathy for the self-torture this woman was enduring. When we finally landed, (and the flight was helpfully turbulence-free), Blanca was rewarded with sincere hugs from the lady and the heartfelt gratitude of the KLM cabin staff. And, Blanca—she smiled and said it was nothing—that anyone would have done the same. It was a lucky day for this woman that Blanca was seated next to her. And it was a lucky day for me, too. . . as I had a ringside seat to watch a wonderful random act of kindness by a remarkable ISS student. Thank you, Blanca! Sharing of Talents The NATO JWC recently celebrated the tenth anniversary of the current configuration of how the organization operates here in Stavanger. To mark the occasion, they held a “Distinguished Visitors’

THE INFORMER 11 December 2013· 3www.isstavanger.no

My calculations not right..?

Good try at functionalism!

Day” and a number of speakers were included on the program. From military officers to the Rogaland County Governor, Mrs. Magnhild Måltveit Kleppa, there were many excellent speeches. I was honored to be asked to seek some musicians from the school who could perform during the program. For me, it was an obvious choice—Hugo, Daphne and Thijs Blackstone are all active and gifted musicians and their father is a NATO civilian employee. As very special guests who provided a tapestry of beautiful music to weave in between speeches, the Blackstone Family were a wonderful choice and they did a marvelous job. The three Blackstone children are Dutch citizens who are well known here at ISS for their musical prowess. The youngest, Hugo, is ten and has been studying the cello for three and a half years now. He has already joined a local string orchestra for young musicians at the Culture School. Watching ten year old Hugo play the cello to start the gathering was a fitting beginning, given that his age was the same as the organization being honored. Daphne, is 14 years old, and has been playing the cello for about nine years. She has already played in six different orchestras, including the Culture School talent program. She is currently playing in a talent program including university students and young professionals and has taken part in a summer program in Bergen the past three years playing symphonies. At ISS, for a change-up, she plays tuba in the school band and has recently started studying the piano. Thijs is 17 years old, and a senior at ISS. He started playing the violin when he was five. He is also playing in the talent program at the Culture School, playing chamber music and solo pieces every second Saturday together with other young musicians. He has also been involved in the summer program in Bergen. Daphne and Thijs are also members of the Rogaland Youth Symphony Orchestra where Daphne plays first cello and Thijs plays first violin. And in a special supporting role, Steven Blackstone accompanied his children on the piano. Congratulations, Hugo, Daphne and Thijs. . . and congratulations to the proud parents Steven and Gerda Blackstone! Generosity Through Talent Another high school student, Mahnoor Raja, has recently been receiving wonderful publicity for a service project she has created. The good work created has been featured in very positive articles in both Solabladet and Hafrsfjord Budstikke recently. A gifted artist, Mahnoor has been inspired by elephants, which led her to create t-shirts with elephant motifs printed on them. She credits her grandmother, who had lived in Kenya as a child and told her about her fascination with elephants, as the impetus for the art project. And so a business—Mara Ink--was born! You can go to www.maraink.no to learn more about


Mahnoor’s project. It started with an IB Visual Arts project and has morphed into something quite special. And the “Charity of the Month” that Mahnoor has chosen as the recipient of profits is the long-time ISS-connected “School for Life,” in Chiang Mai, Thailand. The School for Life is an institution that “is an internationally sponsored project in Thailand that provides home and care for children who live in difficult situations. In the beginning the main target-group were Aids-orphans, but meanwhile many children with diverse other backgrounds came to live in School for Life: among them are children who lost their relatives in the Tsunami; children whose parents were killed or are missing, and children who escaped from situations of brutality and abuse. School for Life provides for their basic needs, offers psychosocial and medical care, and a new home, aims to make the best possible education available to them, and respects their right to a happy childhood.” ISS has annually sent high school students to Thailand for many years to help—just this past October, thirty students and several faculty chaperones were there involved in service learning. Mahnoor hopes to go with next year’s delegation, and her combining her artistic talents with her generosity will make her a welcomed member of next year’s delegation. Congratulations, Mahnoor!

Wise People Passing through These Portals Dr. Kirsty Kemp, our June 2013 graduation speaker, is a good example of a very wise woman who has passed through these ISS portals. An ISS graduate who attended from Kindergarten through 12th grade, she is a world-renowned marine biologist now affiliated with the Zoological Society of London. Her speech was a thought-provoking exit for both our June graduates and also for all of us as we bid farewell to the calendar year of 2013. It reads as well as an essay as it did when she delivered it in person. You can find it directly after my message. Congratulations, Dr. Kemp! Enjoy the Northern Lights? Or enjoy dreaming about travelling to see them? Then you may enjoy this recent article from CNN online. As it turns out, December is supposed to be a particularly excellent time to view the Northern Lights. Whether you see them, (as we have), on cold dark nights down here in Rogaland, or travel farther north in Scandinavia, they are a memorable sight! http://edition.cnn.com/2013/11/20/travel/best-northern-lights/index.html?hpt=hp_c3 As everyone is aware, because of the extreme weather conditions on Thursday and Friday, December 5th and 6th, I made the decision to cancel several school events and school on Friday. That was a first for me—I had never stopped the bus fleet before in my over three decades as an administrator here at ISS. (A couple of times over the years we have sent the bus fleet and kids home early to avoid harrowing weather, but

never taken a full school day due to weather.) Both the Winter Concert and the Middle School Dance are being rescheduled, so students will not miss out on these anticipated activities. And as we have all learned, it is essential to keep the school informed on parents’ and guardians’ mobile numbers and e-mail addresses. Neither you nor I know precisely when we might need to use them and so it is important to be prepared. Since this is the last Informer before we begin our holidays, may I wish you a wonderful, restful, healthy and happy holiday and we will welcome you all back—along with our new students who are joining us in January—in 2014.

Thank you. Best regards,

Dr. Linda M. DuevelDirector

[email protected]


Many thanks to Dr Duevel and the board of ISS for the invitation to speak here tonight. It is a privilege to be here and a privilege to address the graduating class of 2013. 19 years ago I was graduating here – sitting there where you are, thinking that I was intently listening to the commencement speaker, but in reality daydreaming away about all sorts of possible futures after graduation… So I’ll just talk to your family and friends here for a while, while you guys carry on daydreaming behind me. Tune in if anything I say sounds interesting. No - just kidding. I have things to say to you. When Dr Duevel asked me to speak tonight I wondered what on earth those things might be. I’m not an ambassador, or CEO, or a pillar of my community – the types of people who tend to have nuggets of wisdom to impart in graduation speeches.

But what I am is an alumnus of this school and of this community, and as such perhaps a bit more familiar with your lives and the types of choices you will be making just now than most. I tried to identify some of the primary things I’ve learned over the past 19 years since I was in your place, which might be worth saying to you at this point.

I came up with 3 main things. 1. You have an insight, derived from your lives in a

multicultural environment, that is often absent, or less developed, in others. I’ll come back to this.

2. Contrary to popular belief, the direction you are

taking now is not necessarily the be- all and end- all, defining your whole life.

3. And thirdly, only you can make sure that you

stay true to yourself and who you are, and this is more important than you may ever think.

So I’m going to address those points one by one. 1. The first one – You have an insight, derived from your lives in a multicultural environment, that is often absent in others. This one you’ve probably been told a hundred times, but it is so important to recognise. I can guarantee you that this, unless you carry on in a distinctly multicultural environment, will drive you to distraction until you put your finger on why and how you see things just slightly differently from those around you, and learn to value it as the strength that it is.

In my own graduation speech here 19 years ago I talked

about how there are “two sides to every story” and how all those stories, and all situations, become much more interesting when you recognise that that is true. What I really should have said is that there are countless sides. And I now know that what you have from your time here is a sort of basic, inherent understanding of this, derived simply from sharing your lives with so many other cultures, that you may not even know you possess, and which is so important. I work as an ecologist, and spend much of my time concerned with assessing the impact that we as a species and as a society have on the natural world that sustains us. Global awareness, and insight into cultural and individual differences and similarities, used to be a skill required of high- level policy makers and leaders, pitching and negotiating individual nation’s needs against others. That model is out of date. The sheer scale of the environmental and ecological problems we face now, and their global nature, mean that the actions of individuals has a power and importance that it never had before.

The global population is now over 7 billion people. Between 1960 and 2010 the global population doubled – from 3 billion to more than 6 billion people. Think about that. Over a time span of 50 years the planet has suddenly been asked and expected to support the needs – in terms of food, space, and absorption and processing of the waste products we create - of 4 billion more people than it was doing before. In 50 years.

In 2006 the WWF Living Planet Report determined that the human race is consuming the Earth’s natural resources so fast that by 2050 we will need at least two planets to sustain us. “At least”. What we actually need, at our current rate of consumption and waste production, is two and a bit planets, to sustain us.That was 8 years ago, and we have not shifted from that rate of consumption.

This must change.

But we, as individuals and as a society, are shaped by our history and biology to frame our plans within the short term, within the scale of a single lifetime (see: Ian McEwan The Hot Breath of Our Civilisation).

I think that your awareness of others – other cultures, other cultural emphases - which should translate into an ability to see ‘the bigger picture’ (or when you just can’t see the bigger picture, to at least be aware that it exists) is not just an advantage and a privilege. It is now an obligation - something we all now have a duty to develop.

In fisheries biology, which is my field, and in many other fields of research (economics being a prime one) there is a concept referred to as the tragedy of the

ISS Graduation Speech June 2013, Dr. Kirsty Kemp


commons. A “tragedy” being a downfall brought upon the protagonist by his or her own actions, and “the commons” referring to shared resources.

The story goes: in English villages, shepherds sometimes grazed their sheep in common areas. Shepherds and farmers had a tendency to put more sheep than the area could realistically sustain into these common grounds even though overgrazing would clearly result. They did this because for each of their sheep that was not grazing on their own land an individual herder benefited…while at the same time the cost of overgrazing and reduced resources of the common was shared by the group. If all herders make this individually rational economic decision, the common would be depleted, completely overgrazed, and lost to everyone.

But there is no point in pretending that individuals will not make that economically self- supporting decision. This isn’t how humans operate. If one herder makes a selfless decision to support the existence of the common, and none of the others do, then he is disproportionately disadvantaged. This simple concept can explain many of the ecological pressures we face today. Countless fisheries have collapsed because the system through which we manage common resources simply does not account for how we actually, truly, behave.

A second, closer- to- home example of the ‘tragedy of the commons’ could be our habit of driving cars. Driving cars, in the grand scheme of things, is bad for everyone. Pollution in the form of massive carbon emissions, traffic accidents, noise, land lost to the road network all result. Every time Person A gets in a car, it becomes more likely - even certain - that Person B, and millions of others, will suffer in each of those areas. But I drove here tonight and I’m sure that the majority of you did, too. How do we change this?

Some of you will have seen a quote which has been doing the rounds recently, which I particularly like and which is highly relevant here. Enrique Penalosa, the former mayor of Bogota, Colombia, said: ”a developed country is not a place where the poor have cars. It’s where the rich use public transportation.”

This thought was picked up upon by many organizations and many individuals and spread quickly around social networks. It is a powerful thought because it puts us all squarely in our place in terms of what is needed from each of us, as individuals and as communities, for society to progress.

”A developed country is not a place where the poor have cars. It’s where the rich use public transportation.”

In my normal life I use public transportation every day. I would like to think that my decisions are based on deep concern for the fact that we have now passed the critical threshold of 400ppm of atmospheric

carbon and are experiencing an unprecedented rate of potentially irreversible climactic change. But in all honestly I use public transport because I live in London – a city where having a car is just nuts. It’s expensive, it’s stress- inducing, and more importantly – it’s totally unnecessary. The public transport system is excellent. (I’m talking about London specifically here, don’t get me started on British trains).

But this is my point: it is not enough to dictate what people should and should not do, based on our own experiences.

What is needed is to:a. understand why people want cars, why people

overfish, why people want or do anythingb. accept that this is the way we are, and these are the

ways we will behave, and that there will be subtle differences in different cultures, age groups and demographics

c. and so, critically - to put into place structures - social, economic and physical – that promote the shift that is needed

Societal shifts that are needed cannot be dictated from above, they can only be promoted and established based on a real understanding of and insight into the drivers of the system, of people, of society.

Right now you are big fish in a small pond. That’s a nice feeling and I remember it well. You are soon to become small fish in a very big (and growing) pond. But small fish can make a very big difference if they can understand the other fish, and the fact that we’re all sharing the pond.

You have a headstart in this understanding. Acknowledge it and embrace it, in whatever it is you are doing.

2. My second point was that the direction you are taking now is not defining your whole life.

This is something that I’m still trying to learn. Each of us, being the centre of our very own little universe, tends to think every time we make a decision that that decision is very, very important, or at least very, very important for us. If you are going on to further education after graduation then the decision of what to study can be agonizing – it seems massive – like you’re determining the whole course of your life.

Obviously we all dictate the direction our lives take, but I would argue that we don’t do so, we can’t actually do so, with any semblance of control. Life has a habit of doing its own thing.

When you look back at the things you’ve done, the people you’ve met – it is often the case that the best ones, or the greatest achievements, happened almost circumstantially. They were not necessarily things you had set out to do.


So although you can aim in a chosen direction, adaptability about where it might take you, and making sure you enjoy the ride, is much more important than single-mindedness about getting to where you’re headed. This is my opinion, but also my experience.

And I think it is extremely important to recognise this. You will be told many many times that there is nothing stopping you from doing whatever it is you want to do. But what people neglect to tell you is that you don’t always have to know what that is.

You are all intelligent, highly educated, motivated and committed people. I think I can say that with some certainty, despite not knowing you all individually, because that is the demographic that this school produces. But don’t think that this translates into you having some sort of special power that makes you know how things will progress and proceed. It doesn’t. You don’t. And that’s fine. I’ve found that the biggest hurdle to doing whatever it is you want to do is the constraint of thinking that you always have to have the goal clearly identified and packaged, in order to get there.

3. And this leads me on to my third and final point – which is sort of the flip side of that coin. One of my favourite sayings, attributed to “a Chinese proverb” (which I tend to think is just the default for quotes of unknown origin) is: “if you don’t change your direction you are likely to end up where you are headed”

I like this.

I’ve just been saying that you don’t need to always know where you are going or where you are headed. And that feeling like you do can be paralyzing in some way. But at the same time, if you know you’re on a track you don’t want to be on, DON’T SHY AWAY FROM CHANGING TRACKS.

Only you can make sure you stay true to yourself and who you are. There is no getting away from the fact that there is a constant pressure to “measure your success”. This is just the way we operate. Schools operate this way – through exams, grades, awards. Employment operates this way through promotions, bonuses, status. People will define you by what you do, what you own, and how you progress along a track that has been set by other people. That track might be a career progression, a progression through family life, progression towards financial stability. It’s inevitable – we are all judged and we all do the judging.

The trick, I think, is not to define yourself that way.You are so much more than that, and only you can really know what you are.

Not your friends, not your partner, not your

parents. Only you really know what defines you and feeds your soul and sense of self. And only you can look after that, and take care of it.

There isn’t really a measurable for how well you succeed in doing that. You won’t get “recognition” for it. And in a society where we are all looking for measurables, it becomes hard to value it. Sometimes you’ll have to sacrifice more easily measurable and obvious achievements in order to take care of this one.

I think the closest measurable for how well you succeed in being true to yourself, is how happy you are. Think of the happy people around you. They may not have the heaviest CV, the biggest bank balances or even the most secure jobs. But think of the energy they generate in you and everyone around them. These are the people who really change the world, regardless of what they happen to be “doing”, or trying to do.

I have another quote I want to share – my last one, from Elbert Hubard, an American writer and philosopher from the turn of the century. He noted that “a machine can do the work of fifty ordinary men. And no machine can do the work of one extraordinary man.

Each of you is extraordinary. Each of us is extraordinary, even if we don’t really know why yet (and I don’t think anybody ever really stops trying to figure themselves out). So don’t limit your extraordinariness by sticking to a path you think you are supposed to tread, if that path isn’t the right one for you.

I want to make one more observation. I was making a distinct effort not to use the word “facebook” in this speech, but I’ve seen something interesting on the ubiquitous facebook, that I want to say. I have a range of friends, from different periods of my life, who I am connected to on facebook. But those that I know from ISS have a disproportionately higher tendency to repeatedly return to formal education. People just keep going back to school. To change careers, to advance careers, just to learn. The respect for education that is established here, and the inherent understanding of its value, doesn’t seem to go away.

I think that is interesting, and I hope that what is happening here is that people are recognizing and pursuing what is important to them at any given time, and building on that. Because we as a species have a seemingly limitless power for destruction, but it is also well within our capacity to solve the problems we’ve created. Whichever role you take – whether it is as scientists, artists, parents, politicians, tradesmen – the best platform for being part of positive change is to listen to yourself, and be true to that.

I wish you all the very best of luck in this, and HUGE CONGRATULATIONS!


News from the Exams Coordinator

One of the challenges of teaching in an international school is that our graduates often disappear to studies and careers around the world and we never hear back from them. Sometimes, however, we see a familiar name in the local paper, or a familiar face in Stavanger town centre, and the memories come flooding back.

What are our International Baccalaureate graduates doing now? What careers are they following? Who is the ‘typical’ IB graduate from ISS? An architect? A successful artist? A doctor? An engineer? An entrepreneur? An oil company consultant? A television presenter?

All these are possible answers that I have heard of or read about over the years. Our graduates fill a whole range of roles in their adult lives, supported by the excellent education that ISS provided for them. (And if there are any ISS graduates reading this, we would love to hear from you! Please get in touch by email at [email protected])

The IB learner profile gives some typical qualities of the IB student, which help them to be successful at university and in their adult lives. IB students aim to be: inquirers, knowledgeable thinkers and communicators, principled, open-minded, caring, balanced and reflective individuals, who are also risk-takers (in the best sense of the term: “they approach unfamiliar situations and uncertainty with courage and forethought, and have the independence of spirit to explore new roles, ideas and strategies.” IBO, 2007)

Here at ISS we see the benefit of the IB Diploma programme for our 11th and 12th grade students, and enjoy their success, both in their examinations and in their adult life. For many of our students, IB Diploma studies are the gateway to the university of their choice, and with that firmly in mind I have some practical advice for 12th grade students and their parents.

The IB Mock examinations are coming up very shortly, scheduled from 10th to 21st January 2014. Students should take these examinations seriously. Not only do they count as their semester final examinations, but they are a golden opportunity to ‘practise’ for the May IB. Students who review thoroughly for the January examinations have a head-start when it comes to learning material for May, have discovered just where their strengths and weaknesses lie in each subject area, and can get a psychological boost from positive results.

Of course, 12th grade students need to relax and recuperate over the holiday period, and enjoy time with their families. However, I strongly recommend that they also put together a structured review timetable for the holiday period and use some of the time for study.

Happy holidays to all!

Lynn Park,IBDP/IGCSE Exam Coordinator

[email protected]

Who is the ‘typical’ IB graduate from ISS?


The Counselors’ Corner

Seniors on University Tour in Scotland

Certain buildings are slightly run down...St. Andrew’s Beach is tested out

What’s the point? Edinburgh Castle

Communication is vital


The Counselors’ CornerTHANK YOU to all of our 12th graders who have worked diligently to complete their university applications to the UK, US, and Canada by the ISS deadline of November 15, 2013. It has been an incredibly hectic time of year for seniors given the IB workload coupled with numerous college applications - We sincerely applaud your efforts. Please note that for any applications not yet finished we can no longer guarantee processing and mailing before the holidays.

TO ALL STUDENTS WHO TOOK THE PSAT THIS FALL:

The PSAT results have arrived! Please set up an appointment with Ms. Jetabut or Ms. Brown in order to collect your test score and exam booklet in the high school office. Since the PSAT provides a predictive measure of future performance on the SAT, you can use feedback on your test performance to create an individualized study plan for the SAT. Once you have your results, see the following link for more information http://professionals.collegeboard.com/profdownload/sample-psat-nmsqt-student-score-report.pdf

NOTICE TO ALL ELEVENTH GRADE STUDENTS AND THEIR PARENTS:

If you are planning to apply to a US or Canadian College/ University it is strongly recommended that you take your first ACT and/or SAT Reasoning Test during the spring semester. Please consult with Ms. Jetabut or Ms. Brown in order to determine the test of best fit. Senior year is stressful enough – you do not need to add on additional standardized exams to your workload! Please check the registration deadlines for international students and make sure you register online prior to the deadline to avoid any late fees.

Also be sure to check if the College/University you are planning to apply to requires the SAT II Subject Tests. If these are required then it is recommended that you take these during the fall semester of your senior year. The SAT Subject Tests may not be taken on the same date as the SAT Reasoning Test.

We will discuss these exams in more detail at the Junior Seminars which will begin after the winter break. For those of you who have begun studying or have already registered for the exams – well done!

You are well on your way.

To register online for the SAT that will be offered here at ISS on May 3, 2014 go to www.collegeboard.com. The registration deadline is April 4, 2014.

To register online for the ACT that will be given here at ISS on April 12, 2014 go to www.actstudent.org The registration deadline is March 7, 2014.

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

JUNIOR SEMINAR will be held during last block every ‘Friday 2’ second semester beginning January 10, 2014. We will be covering topics such as IB Programme completion, post-graduation plans, career and college exploration, personal statements, and THE EXTENDED ESSAY.

NOTICE TO ALL TENTH AND ELEVENTH GRADE STUDENTS:

You are invited to participate in the CIS International Student Registry Service to receive free admission information from CIS Member Colleges and Universities. This is a no cost opportunity to hear from member colleges and universities in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, Mexico, New Zealand, Japan, Middle East and Europe. To complete an online registration form go to: https://www.cois.org/page.cfm?p=1285&LockSSL=true

SUMMER STUDY PROGRAMS

We have received a wide variety of brochures and information from summer study programs. Please check the college bulletin board or ask in the Counseling Office for more information

INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE-SPRING REVISION AND SUMMER COURSES 2014


The Counselors’ CornerThe following websites offer resources on IB revision and review programs. Please take a look and plan ahead as appropriate:

Oxford Study Courses – www.OSC-IB.comLanterna IB Courses – www.lanternaeducation.com/ibStanford University – www.ibsummerschool.com

TO ALL OUR NINTH GRADE STUDENTS:Remember, 9th Grade counts! Now is the time to improve those study habits, balance your workload and extracurricular commitments, and learn best practices to manage your time. Every course you take, every grade you earn, and every choice you make will be a part of your overall High School profile.

Make it count!

May this winter break bring everyone much needed respite, reunion, and reflection as we look forward to a glorious New Year!

Ms. Jetabut Mrs. Brown

Monchaya June Jetabut Cheryl BrownHigh School Counselor High School [email protected] [email protected] 51 55 43 13 51 55 43 62

School Photos!!!All school photos taken this autumn are posted online - and you are welcome to look at them for free.

Just go to: www.skolefoto.as: choose online log in.

Enter the user name and password that your child brought home with him/her.

If you don’t have a user name and password, please send an email to: [email protected] with your child’s name and class, and we’ll email them back to you.

All orders will be made the same day and sent by post, so that you’ll get them before Christmas!!

Kindly

Gordon TønnessenSkolefoto AS94 01 01 01


H i g h S c h o o l N E W SDear Parents,

With the end of the first semester almost in sight, I would like to take this opportunity to update you on some High School events.

Firstly, this weekend was an eventful one in the High School, and not just because of the weather. On Saturday, our Boys Varsity Basketball team had a big win. Congratulations to all the boys and their coaches Mr Russell and Mr Moore.

Saturday evening culminated in our Winter Formal celebration. I would like to express our appreciation to the StuCo executive, chaperoning teachers, and a special thank you to our parent volunteers for organizing and supporting a wonderful event for our students.

This week we are the midst of High School exams. The examination schedules have been emailed to all students are available on Edline. It is imperative that students use the designated study times between exams productively.

Parents, could you please ensure that your child has enough money on their lunch account. This will help ensure a smoother operation during lunchtime.

Thank you to our Grade 10 families who attended the IGCSE information session on Thursday afternoon. More information on the IGCSE registration process will be distributed early in the second semester. Undoubtedly, Grade 10 students have important decision to make this academic year with IGCSE examinations, and more especially with IB subject options. This process has already started in the High School.

Please note that our IB information evening for Grade 10 students will now take place on Thursday 13 February at 18:00 in the Theatre.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank you for your support in helping ensure students use the iPads cases that were distributed at the beginning of this academic year.

As I reflect back on this semester, it is apparent that students at ISS are a product of a meaningful internationally-minded education that promotes a holistic education. In keeping with ISS’s definition of international-mindedness, this can be visualized as an education of the head (understandings), heart (attitudes), and hands (skills/service):

In keeping with the IB Learner Profile the “head” aspect promotes communication, creativity, inquiry, and problem solving.

The “heart” aspect of the ISS definition of international education focuses on attitudes and dispositions and asks why a student should care. This includes but is not limited to promoting cultural appreciation and sensitivity, and developing a strong sense of ethical responsibility.

The “hands” component of the ISS definition of international education focuses on involvement and asks what a student should do. This includes developing experiential and service learning, and responsible citizenship at the personal, local, national and global level.

Ultimately, through academic coursework, sporting activities, service learning opportunities, extracurricular activities, ISS students are encouraged to recognize our common shared humanity, and through service and action, help create a better and most peaceful world and a knowledge of self.

I would like to sincerely congratulate all the students on their efforts and endeavours this semester.

And to parents and guardians, I extend my appreciation for your continued support.

Finally, I would like to wish you all an enjoyable and relaxing holiday season and I look forward to seeing you all in 2014.

Dr. Liam BrowneHigh School Principal

[email protected]


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

Payment on lunch accounts The School auditors have indicated that we need to limit cash payments for lunch accounts.

In the cases where you have not been able to open a bank account yet, you can continue to pay cash.

However, as soon as you have a Norwegian bank account, please follow the instructions below.

MAKING PAYMENTS ON A LUNCH ACCOUNT:

Parents and students can deposit money and top off balances on their lunch account via online/internet banking, which can be done at any time. Please allow three days for the payment to process.

To make a bank transfer into your family’s ISS lunch account, the following information is required:

ISS Canteen/Cafeteria Bank Account: 3201 42 47857

KID # (translates to ‘customer identification number’):

Your identification number (KID) should have been given to you with the initial information about the lunch account.

If you cannot find your KID number, you can contact Linn Åsheim, the Finace Manager at 51 55 43 24.

Catching Fire

for

the Philippines

A great time was had by all who attended the recent high school cinema trip which raised 8430 NOK for the UNICEF Philippines charity.

The students and staff showed an amazing amount of generosity, by donating money even if they could not come to the cinema, and more than the amount for the tickets. The total raised was also helped by the school generously funding the cost of the buses into town.

108 high school staff and students attended the private cinema screening of ”Catching Fire”, the latest film in the Hunger Games trilogy, on Thursday 21st November at Stavanger Kino.

There was a great feeling of camaraderie in screen 11, which was completely filled by ISS.

The students all seemed to enjoy the film, and also enjoyed that it was raising money for the humanitarian crisis currently taking place in the Philippines.

Thanks to all staff and students involved in organising this trip.


Middle School News and Events

No rest for the wicked ...

Welcome to the last Informer of 2013!

Firstly, let me take this opportunity to wish you all a wonderful, relaxing and safe holiday.

I also wish you much happiness for 2014. We look forward to seeing all the Middle School students returning (bright and breezy!) on Wednesday, 8th January!

Choir and Band ConCerts

Congratulations to the Middle School choir and band students (and Musical Directors, Tony Mudra, Ryan Walker and Sanna Tranberg) for providing wonderful evenings of entertainment on November 27st and December 12th. The students and staff had clearly worked hard to provide two evenings of festive entertainment!

Middle sChool danCe

The first MS dance of the year will take place on Tuesday, 17th December with a ‘Winter Wonderland ’ theme. Thank you in advance to all the parent helpers, to Mr Keereman for being the DJ and to

Middle School Student Council (and their advisors Mrs Uddenberg and Mr De Bleser for their excellent overall organization).

In preparation for this dance, all Middle School students learnt some rock and roll (swing) dance during their physical education classes. All classes learnt some new skills which they will use to great effect at the dance! They also learnt the importance and purpose of correct dance/social etiquette which will be a life skill.

aCtivity day – last day of sChoolWednesday, December 18th

Next week is the last week of school, and as usual, the middle school will be continuing with a regular class schedule until the last day of school.

On Wednesday, December 18th, the schedule will be a little different. The entire Middle School will be going ice skating in the morning. The ice skating is courtesy of the Parent Association (thank you to them). Some information for you:

• The ice skating and skate hire is paid for so the only


Middle School News and Events Middle School News and Events

money that is necessary will be for snacks, drinks, etc. Please bring coins for the vending machine as the cafeteria is not open in the morning.

• We will return to school in time for lunch.• Due to our larger numbers this year, the ice rink

does not have enough skates for hire. PLEASE bring along your own skates if you have them.

• Students will be travelling by bus from the school to the ice rink and will return to school by bus.

• Students will have regular scheduled classes in the afternoon – Norwegian followed by Exploratory.

• This is a regular school day so we will take attendance as usual and the buses will run at the end of the day so picking up students will work just like any other school day.

end of Q2/seMester 1

Time is certainly flying by in the Middle School! The end of Quarter 2 and Semester 1 falls on Wednesday, 18th December. That, of course, means a new set of Report Cards should be arriving at your door in the New Year. These semester report cards will contain narrative comments in all subjects on strengths, challenges and goals for improvement, as well as a student self-reflection from all subjects.

Middle sChool reCognition CereMony – Q2

You are cordially invited to attend our next Recognition Ceremony to celebrate all the events and achievements during Quarter 2. This will take place on Monday, January 27th from 13:50 until 15:15.

Middle sChool MusiCal ‘Beauty and the Beast’ Rehearsals – students in the Cast.

After school rehearsals for the musical will begin after the holidays. The first after school rehearsal will be on Monday, 13th January (3:30-5:30), Wednesday, 15th January (3:30-5:30) and Sunday, January 19th (1pm-4pm).

Not all students will be needed on these days. You will be receiving the overall rehearsal schedule each week by email if your son/daughter is in the cast of this production.

Happy Holidays!

Carol WallaceMiddle School [email protected]

The Spanish Exchange is no holiday - everyone at work!


Middle School News and Events

ISS MIddle Schoolers visiting Agora Sant Cugat International School



Scenes from the ISS ’performance’ of acrosport in Barcelona


Middle School News and Events From October 23-26, three middle school students and one teacher from the music department at ISS traveled to Aberdeen, Scotland to participate in the European Middle School Honor Boys’ Choir Festival through the Association for Music in International Schools (AMIS).

This festival, hosted by International School of Aberdeen, featured approximately 75 students representing 13 international schools from across Europe and the Middle East.

Under the direction of Mr. Keith Montgomery from the American School in London, and accompanied by Ms. Margaret Dickson, music teacher at the International School of Aberdeen, the choir performed 14 pieces in the brand new Queen Elizabeth Theatre at The International School of Aberdeen. The concert highlighted a world premiere, “Seafarer’s Suite,” three Scottish folk songs that were arranged especially for this festival by American composer Jay Broeker.

The three students representing ISS in Scotland were:

Aiden Devins – 6th GradeZack Matthews – 6th GradeBenjamin Cullen – 7th Grade

Well done, boys!

Teacher representing ISS was:

Ms. Sanna Törmälä-Tranberg – 5th Grade, Middle School and High School Music Teacher

Next spring, ISS will have the honor of hosting The European Middle School Honor Girls’ Choir Festival on April 2-6. We are already looking forward to this wonderful event and the arrangements for the festival are underway. Over the next couple of months, you will learn more about this wonderful festival that brings students together from across Europe and beyond to make beautiful music here in Stavanger.

More information about this festival from AMIS:

Talented soprano and alto girl singers (Girls’ Honor Choir) and soprano, alto, and baritone boy singers (Boys’ Honor Choir) in grades six, seven, and eight are selected through audition by their teachers. Students then prepare their music at their individual schools before meeting fellow participants at the festival for three days of rehearsal and performances with guest conductors from the international community. Girls’ and boys’ honor choir festivals are offered in both Europe and Asia, in order to give the opportunity for more talented singers to take part in the event.

AMIS festivals are a symbol of our heartfelt belief that music is a universal language. These festivals are also a celebration of our humanity. Sharing a passion for music, working in harmony to create rather than destroy, our students learn to respect those who are different. Bringing together students and teachers from many places not only furthers their education in music, but promotes cultural diversity and global unity.

Zack, Ben and Aiden representing ISS in the European Middle School Honor Boys’ Choir Festival



ISS NECIS Swim Team Grade 6 to Grade 12

Practices will start at Thursday January 9th 2013.

Training sessions will take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays 3.45 – 5.00pm. At the moment we do not know which pool we are going to. I will let you know as soon as possible.

This year’s NECIS tournament will take place in Luxembourg, from 28-29 March.

It is an Olympic 50 meter pool.

If you would like to join the NECIS Swim Team please sign up with Mrs. Hettema [email protected].

Information will be in the daily report.

If you have any questions about the NECIS Swim Team please speak to Ms. Hettema.

R. HettemaHead of PE [email protected]

The winning team of last year!


Our Primary School Juletrefest is a tradition and highlight of the season at ISS.

If you like to sing or listen to children singing round the tree, join us for the Juletrefest

Wednesday, 18 December, in the cafeteria:

• Grades PS3 - 1st at 14:00 - 14:30

• Grades 2 - 5 at 14:30 - 15:00

Welcome to Norwegian Juletrefest!!!

Lucia means light, and Scandinavians treasure it especially during the darkest months of the year.

Legend has it Lucia was a young woman in Italy who was martyred for her faith and love for the poor during the 3rd Century. She is celebrated throughout Scandinavia with a light procession.

Coinciding with Santa Lucia is the old, Norse LUSSI NATT. Norwegians used to believe the darkest night of the year to be between the 12th and the 13th of December. Evil spirits were about and people stayed indoors.

Baking was to be done prior to this evening.

Today we find the Lucia tradition in homes and schools around Norway.

At ISS, children from 2nd grade dressed in white, will carry candles and sing the traditional Lucia song.

On Thursday, 12 December the procession will start at 11:00 and will visit primary classes grades PS – 5th to hand out pepperkaker.

Santa Lucia


We have enjoyed the celebrations that brighten the dark days. The bell and light of the winter concerts were wonderful. The children performed, sang and played in a way that warmed our hearts on cold evenings. Thank you for your understanding when we postponed the concert for Grades 3-5, all in the name of safety.

Thank you to parents and students who took part in the ISS International Festival. It showed such a strong sense of school community among our cultures and countries.

Thank you for attending parent-teacher meetings in November. We will have a similar day in the winter, 21 February. At the end of the first half of school, teachers will be writing about strengths and progress of your child as well as suggested next steps in learning. The reports should be coming to you in mid-January.

Thank you to the ISS Parents Association for organizing the reading incentive. Children showed great enthusiasm for books and the stories of their reading kept coming back to school. Thank you one and all.

Grade 4 outdoor education week was a wonderful success. Thank you to the ISS teachers for leading and accompanying on the trip. You can see what we were doing at the following website: http://gullingen.no/index.php/leirskule/galleri-2/veke-47-13

Grade 5 students will be going to Gullingen 24-28 March, and we have already started collecting skis and boots for them.

We were very proud of the dance performances of our students. Thank you, students, for your enthusiasm and creativity. Thank you to teachers for supervising and thank you to students in MS and HS for leading

From the Primary School Winter Concert

Primary School News


the dance classes.

The PS Musical, ”Time Lord” is just a few weeks away. There are 64 students involved in the musical. They started rehearsing and exploring parts in September and now are ready to show you the results of four months of practice. The musical will be presented 18:00, 23 January, 19:00 24 January and 14:00, 25 January in the Lovelace Theatre at ISS. Come enjoy fascinating historical characters in this travel through time!

We were so pleased with the assemblies presented by students in Grades 3 and 2 in the last weeks, and we look forward to the Grade 5 assembly on 4 February and the Grade 4 assembly on 14 March. We have our yearly juletrefest on 18 December at 14:00 for Early Childhood classes and 14:30 for Grades 2-5. Everyone is welcome!

A teacher on bus duty told me the other day how pleased he was about bus safety. He said he had been on every bus and all children in Early Childhood and Primary School had their seatbelts buckled. Congratulations on taking part in safety culture.

We have just a few days before the light starts its slow return. Enjoy the darkness and cozy times with family and friends.

Thank you, teachers, for the untiring hours of preparation to make each child’s day effective and optimal for learning.

Thank you, parents, for supporting our learning, well-being and community by getting children rested and ready for school each day.

Len Duevel, PhDPrimary School Principal

[email protected]

Primary School News


Artistic concentration

Hibernation Day at ISS

Gullingen kitchen maid

Finbar is creating an animation

Art and shine!

Learning and life ......

Who said humans don’t hibernate?!

Sinterklaas is being welcomed back next year!


4th Graders in the hot tub at Gullingen leirskole

Inspired brush strokes in art class

Writing the escapaades of the gingerbread man

Art is a many splendored thing

Reading in the dark of winter

Me and my bat

...... in Primary and Early Childhood


Early ChildhoodThank you, parents for taking the time to come and meet with your child’s teacher on 8 November. The parent-teacher conferences are meant to provide an opportunity for the teacher to share with you their insights of your child’s learning.

Thank you, parents for the wonderful turnout for our Kindergarten-Grade 2 Concert, “Carol of the Bell”. The children provided an outstanding performance singing and telling the story of the Bell. Mrs. Keij guided the children through all of the process of learning the songs and practicing to be performers on stage. It was a wonderful way to kick off the holiday season.

The children in Early Childhood have continued to be busy working on a variety of engaging learning activities. Preschool 3 have been learning about their senses (taste, smell, touch and sound). They have had a lot of fun making instruments, finger painting with chocolate, and using their senses to explore Sandvedparken.

In Preschool 4 the children have been learning about life on a farm—the farmers, their many jobs, their crops and the live animals that typically live on a farm. Continuing with “Nature school” the children have hiked (40minutes each way) to Fluberget, the landmark rock which has cravings on it dating back to the Bronze Age… A long walk like this really helps us get a good night sleep.

In Kindergarten, like our other early childhood students enjoy the opportunities to explore nature. All of the children had a wonderful time at Trollskogen (=Troll’s wood)—Hundvåg.

Recently, the children have begun a theme of activities based on the “gingerbread man” including reading several stories about gingerbread man; creating their own symmetrical gingerbread man; writing about the location of the gingerbread man the classroom (each evening, he is moved to a different location, and the next day, the children write about where he is using various position words—above, under, next to, behind, etc.); various counting, patterning, and sorting activities with gingerbread men; create graphs displaying which part of the cookie was eaten first, which gingerbread story the children liked the best, etc.; predict what will happen to a gingerbread cookie if it is submerged in water and of course- decorate and eat some gingerbread cookies!!

In Grade 1 the children have continued to learn about changes in the environment—winter including how animals prepare for hibernation. In math, the children have created very special 3D “Math Machines” using all recycled materials. The math machine is a number machine, where there is a number going in (input), an addition or subtraction taking place in the ´machine ,́ leading to a different number coming out (output). Along with math and science the children have been applying and practicing their reading and writing skills on a daily basis.

Students comparing and contrasting different types of software for making gingerbread houses


Christmas break is upon us. This is a wonderful time to connect as a family and a good time for parents to curl up with their children and read books. Reading aloud to young children, particularly in an engaging manner, promotes, improves his/her ability to learn to read, and - perhaps most important - foster a love of reading. Below are some effective tips on how you can read aloud with your child in a way that makes stories come alive!

Here are twelve ways to make this magical transformation happen:

1. Choose a story that really appeals to you. If you don’t like it, the children won’t like it – trust me on this one. Some things can’t be faked. There might be just one intriguing character, one comical situation, or illustrations that catch your eye – but there has to be something about the story that you’re genuinely eager to share with your child.

2. Start with a “trailer.” Most of us wouldn’t go to see a movie we hadn’t heard anything about. Often, we base our moviegoing decisions on the trailers we see on TV or the Internet. These trailers show us the stars of the movie, indicate whether it’s a comedy or a drama, and let us know if we can expect action, suspense, romance, or even gorgeous scenery. Young children also like to know something about a story before you read it. If it’s funny, tell them enthusiastically how much it made you laugh. If there’s a surprise ending, tell them to be on the lookout for it. Tell them what led you to be interested in reading the story. Was it the title? A funny picture on the cover? Sharing your initial curiosity with the children can make them curious about the story too.

3. It may seem obvious, but practice, practice, practice. When you read a story aloud, you’re performing. The Big Bad Wolf deserves a bit of preparation. He needs to be scary, but you don’t want anyone to cry or hide their eyes. He has to be comically scary. It is worth practicing slowing down. You may need to make a conscious effort, to slow down your speaking voice so your child can fully understand every word. Practicing the pacing really helps.

4. Read with animation and emotion. Vary your tone of voice, make the most of thoughtful or suspenseful pauses and dramatically express unexpected turns of events. Remember, you’re

the narrator, all the characters, and sometimes a commentator. Everything children get from the story, they get from you.

5. 5. Use different voices for different characters. One voice might be deep and rumbly, one might be high and squeaky. If the story is funny, exploit the comic possibilities of contrasting voices. And don’t stop there – try a Western accent for a cowboy, or an oily, sly voice for the tricky fox in “The Gingerbread Man.” Voices and accents can bring an extra layer of meaning to the words on the page.

6. Chanting or singing are a natural part of many stories. Picture books often have recurring refrains which may be chanted or sung by your child, such as “not by the hair of my chinny-chin-chin.” If you notice a repeat refrain, get your child involved by having them chant or sing along. This will significantly increase your child’s attention (since they are eagerly waiting for their part) and auditory memory (music and rhythm stick in the brain more than prose). Even when a refrain is not obvious, you can insert a refrain in many children’s stories (which are mostly repetitive), such as “And he still could not find his hat” or “so on they went”.

7. Add sound effects. Where would a movie or TV show be without sound effects? They heighten the drama, the suspense, the comedy – every emotion in every scene. Ask your child to help you come up with interesting sound effects using body sounds, instruments, or other sound-makers.

Early Childhood


CornerCounselor’s

Did you hear that the school gave out Kvikk Lunsj last week? Attendees of the Morning Connections on Thursday, November 28 received Kvikk Lunsj as part of the discussion on the importance of children playing outside.

We learned that research suggests three common things that discourage children from spending time outdoors: technology, anxiety, and weather.

We also discussed 3 reasons why it is important that kids spend time outside:

1. Academic—creativity, self-confidence, and responsibility

2. Stimulates the senses—mindfulness, meditation, stillness

3. Family bonding

How do we enjoy the outdoors as a family and how do we encourage kids to be outside? One way is to give them Kvikk Lunsj chocolate and being outside is a Norwegian classic. Kids love chocolate and the wrapper of a Kvikk Lunsj directs you to a hike in Norway that will expose you and your family to a memory-making experience.

Another way is to use one of the sites listed below to find a hike for your family on the weekend.

The Norwegian Trekking Association for Childrenhttp://www.turistforeningen.no/barn/

Hikes to do in and around Stavanger—Submitted by the Stavanger Aftenbladhttp://tur.aftenbladet.no

The Norwegian Trekking Associationhttp://english.turistforeningen.no

If hiking is not your ‘thing’ there are other means of encouraging kids to experience outdoor life. The sites below will offer great ideas for your kids to do alone and with you.

50 Things to do before you’re 11 3/4https://www.50things.org.uk

50 Dangerous Things (you should let your children do) http://www.fiftydangerousthings.com

Let the Children Playhttp://www.letthechildrenplay.net

Thank you,

Matthew ArmstrongMiddle School Counselor

[email protected]

Ut på tur, aldri sur!


Library News!It’s the perfect time of year to cuddle up, drink hot chocolate, and watch a movie in the evening. When you are looking for a movie, look no farther than ISS! We have over 1200 movies and television shows available for checkout! These movies can be checked out by the entire school community (including parents) and are available in the Middle and High School Library. This is located on the second floor of the high school wing.

Find a Movie from HomeTo see what movies are available go to http://library.isstavanger.no/Select Middle School/High SchoolClick Catalog TabIn the drop down boxes change material type to Video

To search the entire collection, put your cursor in the search box (find) until it blinks and press enter on your keyboard.

Movie RatingsThe age limit we give to each movie is based on the rating system by the Norwegian Media Authority http://www.medietilsynet.no/. A film’s ratings may be different than the rating for the same film in a other countries. If there is no rating given by the Norwegian Media Authority, than we rate the movie based on the country of origin. We recommend that all parents oversee what their children are reading and watching. We only let students check out movies for their age and younger. Please give your child a signed note if you would like them to check out a movie that is rated above their age.

We hope to see you soon!

Movi

es a

t ISS


International Friendship Group – SWEC – YEPAMs Christine Kemp [email protected]

Dear Parents, This year we are supporting SIGHTSAVERS with our annual Christmas Sock Campaign. “Trachoma is a bacterial infection that makes your eyelids turn inwards until your eyelashes scrape against the surface of your eyes. Slowly, agonizingly, you go blind.

In desperation, many people pull their eyelashes out but they always grow back, thicker than before – which only makes the pain worse.

This highly contagious disease is easily spread through touch, on clothing and by sharing water.

With your help, community health workers can give families the antibiotics they need to get better, as well as advice on the disease and how to stop it spreading.” “The antibiotic to treat trachoma is called Zithromax. It’s given to the whole community, at a cost of just Kr.10 per person, which prevents re-infection in future.” Christmas Socks, plus an explanatory flyer, have been given to all homerooms. The idea is that students make a donation if they wish.

The campaign started on Monday 2nd December and will end on Friday 13th December. This campaign is entirely voluntary. Thanks and best wishes for a happy festive season.

Christine Kemp and

Liz Naylor Nygaard

– for SWEC


Ms Christine Kemp [email protected] International Friendship Group – SWEC – YEPA

http://www.sightsavers.org

https://donate.sightsavers.org/gos/giftofsight_uk/gift.html?reset=all


News from the Health, Security, Safety and Environment (HSSE) CommitteeMs Sølve Ims Ottesen [email protected]

We have a challenge with use of seatbelts in the bus.

We do inspections in the afternoon, but we learn that as soon as the bus leaves the ISS-area, many of the students unfasten the belts. Some of them also leave their seats and move around the bus. We are concerned about the safety if anything should happen during the transport. Here we need the cooperation from the parents. Please discuss with your son or/and daughter the risk with not using seat belt.

There has been a safety audit of the school van. It is not new, but it is safe and passed all the inspections.

This will be my last ’News’ as I am retiring on the 31st December. Thank you for your contribution in keeping the ISS a school with high focus on HSSE

Solve Ims [email protected]

HSSE Coordinator


Service of Nine Lessons & Carols A Festive Ecumenical Service in English

Stavanger Domkirke

Monday 23rd December 18:00 (doors open at 17:30) Supported by The English speaking churches in the Stavanger area Organised by Revd. Peter Hogarth The Anglican Chaplaincy in Norway, Stavanger Congregation. Contact: [email protected] Mobile Tel: 48604061


Parent Association News

The 10th Anniversary International Festival Was Out of This World!

Thank You to the Following Volunteers for Putting Us Into Orbit!

Tina Stanley, Jennifer Horan, Dawn Elsborg, Qian Ye, Erin Moore-Mian, Nicole DuBois, Stephanie Walden, McKenzie Genetti, Sabrina Fernandez, Carolyn White, Suzie Wilson,

Kim Cutter, Kathleen Henderson, Annalisa Maci, Julie Unger, Dahlia Zahran, Andrea Horstmann, Mary Patrickson, Stephanie Astill, Sara Davies, Elisabeth Arnesen, Catherine Morgan, Shannon Karlsen, Sibel Akarsu, Lucy Rodriguez, Ann Ramsey, Mariann Smith,

Bente Knutsen, and Jodi Lovoy

BIG THANKS to ALL ISS parents, room parents, teachers, staff and students! The donations of your time, talents, food, and much more made the day truly memorable.

A special THANK YOU to the following ISS faculty and staff: Mr. Jones, Ms. Wallace, Dr. Browne, Dr. Linda Duevel, Ole Zakariassen, and Geir Dohlen.

The PA International Festival was a great time and a financial success. Proceeds will be reported in the next Informer. All festival proceeds support PA programs and activities that benefit each student (e.g., Reading Incentive, playground equipment, field trips and outings at all grade levels, author visits, and decorations for HS graduation).


Parent Association News

Recipes from all over the world from ISS families and and faculty!

GREAT GIFTS FOR Christmas Farewell

Welcome to ISS Thank You

Graduation

50 NOK/PDF or 150 NOK/Hard Copy

SHOPPING FOR FRIENDS AND

FAMILY?

Buy your 10th Anniversary Festival Cookbook at the kiosk!


EXCLUSIVE QUALITY HEREKE CARPETS

- PRE-CHRISTMAS SALE 20% off - Don’t miss this opportunity to own a genuine Hereke piece for prices less than

one can get in Turkey! We offer silk, wool on cotton, and wool on silk!

…If finest means best in the carpet trade, then Hereke makes the best rugs in the orient. The materials and colorings are excellent and the

designs imaginative and wide-ranging.” - From Oriental Carpet Design: A guide to traditional motifs, patterns and symbols, by P R J Ford, London:

Thames & Hudson, 2002.

Our Guarantees:

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Hereke rug prices in Turkey Please call for appointment - 9593 2842 – Fatos Arnes – www.sultancarpets.no --

YOGA AT MADLA !

New Yoga Classes starts on January 8.

I am a registred yoga teacher (RYT), trained at Sunshine Yoga Academy, Calgary, Canada. I teach in ENGLISH. hBp://www.yogaalliance.org/RegistraGon/Teachers/TeacherDirectory.aspx?hkey=1cdafaaa-‐69af-‐4d36-‐ad9d-‐7a08265e108c

I teach Raja / Ashtanga Yoga, 8 limbs of Yoga. That is, besides the physical poses, you will be learning breathing, concentraGon, relaxaGon techniques and eventually meditaGon. The goal of the class is to gain body awareness as well as mindfulness which in turn will bring you a healthy body and a tranquil mind. New class starts on 8 January, ends on 19 February. Wednesdays at 17:30 to 18:45. , Price: 800 NOK for 7 weeks. LocaGon: Madla Bydelshus, by Madla Church Please call to register or just show up. Tel: 9593 2842, Fatos


ABRSM Music ExamsThe Associated Board of the Royal School of Music (ABRSM) is a UK-based and internationally recognized organization that offers a series of graded exams for a variety of instruments and for vocalists.

These exams are well-respected benchmarks of achievement, and they can provide goals, motivation, a measure of progress, and a sense of achievement.

More information about ABRSM and their exams can be found on the ABRSM website: http://no.abrsm.org/en/home/

An examiner from ABRSM will be coming to Stavanger in April or May of 2014. The deadline for applications is January 31.

If your child takes private music lessons or lessons from the Kulturskole, and you think these exams may be appropriate for them, please discuss it with your child’s music teacher.

More information can also be obtained through contacting Beth Walker ([email protected]) or Rachel Whalen ([email protected]).

BATS Theatre

will perform

the British panto

Little Red Riding Hoodan original work

written by Stavanger’s own

Wendy Pagler

with additional material

by Terry Thorpe.

This isn’t the traditional story of Little Red Riding Hood!

Performances are Jan 30-Feb 1 at 18:00 and on Feb 1 and 2 at 14:00 at Sola Kulturhus.

Tickets can be bought through Billett Service.

150 kr for adults and 80 kr for children.


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

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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]

Chef: Jean-Pierre Duc

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

NB! The symbols Veg and GF means vegetarian and gluten free, respectively.

Every day we serve either a vegetarian option or a vegetarian soup. The soup variety is announced on the on-line menu daily

Issues of the Informer in the school year 2013-2014 are due: 05.09, 30.10. and 11.12. 2013. In 2014: 29.01, 12.03. and 28.05. Deadline is one week before.

December

M 02.12 Thai Noodles with chicken and prawnsT 03.12 Pasta w/mozzarella, spinach &mushrooms VW 04.12 Beef burger w/Greek salad and bulgurT 05.12 Chicken w/potatoes, parsnips & sproutsF 06.12 Salmon Teriyaki w/pak soy & broccoli shoots

M 09.12 Ham gratin, w/mashed potatoes & veggiesT 10.12 Pasta w/meatballs & spicy tomato sauceW 11.12 Chicken Tandoori w/ nan & riceT 12.12 Medisterkaker (=Norwegian pork meatballs) w/gravy, potatoes and vegetablesF 13.12 Juletorsk (= X-mas cod) prepared in a Norwegian traditional way

M 16.12 Pytt i panne (= Norwegian Hot dog stir-fry)T 17.12 Pasta bologneseW 18.12 Julegrøt (= Christmas rice porridge)

January 2014W 08.01 Asparages Risotto w/smoked ham GFT 09.01 Thtai noodles w/chicken F 10.01 Breaded cod w/lemon & potatoes

M 13.01 Roasted peppers & butternut squash, fried rice w/sage and chicken T 14.01 Pasata in cream sauce w/bacon & green peasW 15.01 Shepherd’s pie of lentils w/potatoes & green peas Veg, GFT 16.01 Lemon chicken & roasted potatoes GFF 17.01 Salmon Teriyaki w/broccoli & Rice Pilaf GF

M 20.01 Wild mushroom risotto w/ Parmesan Veg, GFT 21.01. Lasagna bolgonese w/saladW 22.01 Refried beans w/chicken & Nachos GFT 23.01 Cheesy sausage cake served w/mashed potatoesF 24.01 Cod Provençal in tomato sauce w/gaarlic potatoes GF

M 27.01 Paella w/prawns, chicken, green peas & saffron GFT 28-01 Pasta w/onions, roasted cherry tomatoes and chorizoW 29.01 Smoked pork chops w/chickpea stew in tomato sauce GFT 30.01 Kjøttkaker (= Norwegian meatballs) w/carrots stew & potatoesF 31.01 Cajun-style salmon and fried noodles

The menu of the Valhall Cafeteria is regularly updated on the ISS website: http://www.isstavanger.no - Cafeteria


December5 Grades 3-5 Winter Concert, Lovelace Theatre, 18:306 Peace Procession, 08:456 Middle School Dance, 19:00-22:0011 Pictures with Santa12 Middle School/High School Choir Concert, 19:0018 Middle School Activity Day, ice skating 10:00-12:0018 High School Activity Day18 Juletrefest - Early Childhood, 14:00-14:3018 Juletrefest - Primary School, 14:30-15:00 19.12.2013 - 07.01.2014 - Christmas holidays

January 20148 Back to school10-22 IB Mock Exams13 Grade 2 swimming starts, 12:4513 Middle School musical rehearsal23-25 Primary School Winter drama production26-31 MUN Conference, The Hague27 Middle School Recognition Ceremony for Q2, 13:5030.01-02.02 Junior Varsity basketball tournament31 Cameroon Service Project Candlelit Dinner31.01-01.02 Middle School basketball to Aberdeen

February3 10th Day of School4 Grade 5 Assembly, 10:307-9 Middle School ISTA12 Transition and IGCSE Information for Grade 913 IB Information Evening, 18:0014 Middle School Dance, 19:00-22:0020 8th to 9th Grade Transition Meeting, 18:00-20:0021 Primary School Parent-Teacher-Student Conferences22-28 Winter Week Holiday

march4 Grade 4 Asembly, 10:306 College Information Night, 19:007 High School Lock-In13-16 NECIS Boys’ & Girls’ basketball in Antwerp24-25 High School Parent-Teacher Conferences24-28 Outdoor Education Week for Grade 5, Gullingen25-27 International Award trip27 First day of practice for EC/PS Track & Field27-29 NECIS Swimming in Luxembourg29.03 - 04.04 CIS/NECIS visiting Team at ISS30 High School ISTA

april11 All-School DEAR Day14-21 Easter Break25 StuCo Spring Elections25 SWEC Spring Fling, (evening)30 IGCSE exams

may1 - 2 National and school holiday

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.

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Calendar of Events School year 2013-2014

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