“There are no constraints on the human mind, no walls around the

human spirit, no barriers to our progress except

those we ourselves erect”.

Ronald Reagan

Dear All,

I have spent the first days of this week working with colleagues from our Nord Anglia Education family of schools. It has been really interesting to learn the different strategies that they employ to generate the right level of challenge for high performing learners. In our school, we were singled out as having the best academic standards across the full age range of students from Early Years to the IB Diploma Programme. These results are down to the hard work and commitment of three different groups of people. Firstly, our students who display very positive attitudes to learning, remain focused in their lessons, and complete homework to a high standard. They, in turn, are supported by an experienced and very capable group of teachers at The British School who track their progress and give them additional support when they are finding it difficult to find solutions to aspects of their learning. Last, but by no means least, are the parents whose interest, engagement and assistance in their children’s education is so important for success. At our school, we believe that there should be no limit to a child’s success and that where problems arise, solutions can be found. Consequently, we encourage students and parents to talk to the teachers to seek advice and guidance on how, together, we can maximise the learning opportunities and capabilities for every child. This does not need to wait until a scheduled parent consultation evening. A quick meeting, phone call or email can often bring about simple solutions before they become big problems.

Remember, the only limits to achieving excellence are those we create for ourselves. Before signing off, I just want to add my congratulations to the newly elected Head Boy and Head Girl of the Primary School and the new Chair of the Secondary Student Council. These are just a few of the many leadership roles that are available to students in our school. There are many opportunities for our students to develop their teamwork and leadership skills: as a member of one of our School Councils; involvement in peer mentoring and buddy systems; acting as Captain of one of our sports teams; and, so much more. I do hope that when such opportunities arise, you will encourage your child to take the lead with pride and honour.

Issue 5 10 October 2013

Yours truly, Dr Terry Creissen OBE Principal

Newsletter

Down at Dąbrowskiego, our Early Years Centre, we view parents as partners in a child’s learning journey. When parents and teachers work together in the setting, the results have a positive impact on children’s development and learning. This coming week we would like to invite our parents to become engaged in their children’s

learning and are offering our first ‘Drop in Mornings’ for the year. This will take place from

Wednesday 16 to Friday 18 October from 09.00 - 10.00am. It will afford parents the

opportunity to have a ‘hands on’ experience in the classroom with their child.

We know from past experiences that it will prove to be a very positive exercise for all; parents, teachers and

children alike. You have already received more information from your child’s teacher on how to book your visit

so please remember to send back the reply slips.

We look forward to seeing you next week. We will have more of these throughout the academic year.

Michelle Stevens Head of Dąbrowskiego

Focus on English Language Support (ELS)

The ELS programme started running very smoothly this year. All of our new students were assessed and received support with settling in and with survival language skills.

“Language is not a genetic gift, it is a social gift. Learning a new language is becoming a member of the club -the community of speakers of that language.” Following this statement by a contemporary psycholinguist, Frank Smith, we are trying very hard to make sure that our youngest students build their self-confidence in trying to use English language as often as possible, even if only using single words.

We have familiarised our students with the basic language concerning their school routines and progressed to the next vocabulary sets such as colours, numbers and shapes. The story “Elmer” by David McKee became our favourite story. In addition to this, we have covered some of the topic vocabulary. For Year 1 we covered vocabulary to do with ‘toys’ such as names; materials such as plastic, metal, rubber; and, descriptive adjectives such as old, new, broken, soft. For Reception students, the vocabulary was linked to the topic of family including names of family members and adjectives such as old, young, tall, big, small.

We are looking forward to progressing on our journey of discovery of a range of English vocabulary with all the exciting adventures waiting for us.

Below, you will find some useful links with songs and games which you could use with your children at home:

http://learnenglishkids.britishcouncil.org/en/word-games/paint-it/clowns-face http://learnenglishkids.britishcouncil.org/en/word-games/paint-it/shapes http://learnenglishkids.britishcouncil.org/en/word-games/paint-it/rainbow http://learnenglishkids.britishcouncil.org/en/songs/i-can-sing-rainbow

Patrycja Łapinska English Language Support

Dąbrowskiego News

Dear All,

The new Primary library opened its doors last week, much to the excitement of our students. Equipped with a new bank of computers and reading resources, the library has proved a huge hit.

“I love finding new books, like books on coal and plastic” (Nathan 3AP)

“I love our new library because it is really quiet and it has nice books” (Zac 3DC)

The excitement of the new library has made us realize that our students truly enjoy reading and discovering books. As parents, you play a critical role in helping children develop the ability to read and enjoyment of reading. Reading with your child is a great activity. It not only teaches your child that reading is important to you, but it also offers a chance to talk about the story. Often, other issues will come up. Books can really open the lines of communication between parent and child. If you have books, newspapers and magazines around your house and your child sees you reading, then your child will learn that you value reading. We cannot over-estimate the value of modeling. As your child approaches a major developmental milestone or a potentially stressful experience, sharing a relevant story is a great way to help ease the transition. For instance, if your little one is nervous about starting a new activity, reading a story dealing with this topic shows that anxiety is normal. This weekend, please take the time to read with your child and remember, encouraging your child to read a wide variety of books is probably one of the best educational experiences you can give.

Zoe Richardson Deputy Head of Primary

Focus on Year 4In Topic this half-term, Year 4 have been studying “Statues, Buildings and Monuments.” The children have greatly enjoyed learning about and researching famous statues and monuments both here in Poland and further afield. Examples that have captured the children’s attention include: The Happy Dog Memorial, Syrena, Copernicus, Chopin, The Statue of Liberty, The Leaning Tower of Pisa and The Eiffel Tower. The children have reflected upon the reasons behind the building of statues and monuments and have investigated the history behind them.

To link with our work in Topic, the children have been studying the Austrian painter, architect and ecologist, Friedensreich Hundertwasser. They have learnt that Hundertwasser believed that harmony with nature was of the utmost importance: that people are not happy when they have lost connection with nature and that everyone, even city dwellers, should be able to enjoy green surroundings. Their imaginations were sparked after viewing Hundertwasser’s building designs using bright colours and wavy lines (the artist noted that there are no straight lines in nature) and windows aplenty (he felt that everyone should have a window right where they could feel close to the outside world). The children of Year 4 have created their own designs of dream homes and cities, including a model, complete with a light bulb and a sea urchin shell for a

lampshade, by Misi Nemes. These drawings and model home certainly satisfy Hundertwasser’s desire that people should “live like kings in a fairytale house.” Primary Head Girl and Head Boy Congratulations to our new Primary Head Boy and Head Girl Marcelo and Henrietta. Each of the six candidates had to answer 21 questions, one from each of the Student Council members. Well done to Kasia and Pawel who will act as Deputy Head Boy and Deputy Head Girl.

Primary News

Dear All, Student Council Elections

Last Tuesday 8 October the entire Secondary student body gathered in the dining room

for the Student Council elections. This is an eagerly anticipated annual event, and is an

important component of Student Voice at our school.

The Student Council meets regularly and is composed of two representatives from each

class in the Secondary school from Year 7 to 13. Any student can choose to stand for

election as Chair. This important role involves holding regular meetings of the Student Council; listening to

student views; liaising with senior staff in the school; representing Secondary school students at functions

when required; organising social and charity events for students; and, implementing changes agreed by the

Head of Secondary and the Principal.

As you can see, this is quite a responsible position. It helps students to develop skills such as public speaking,

organisation, motivating others, teamwork, leadership and management. It takes a great deal of courage to

stand for election yet, every year, there are students willing to organise a campaign and present their ideas to

350 of their peers and all of their teachers.

Elections are conducted form by form, following a strict procedure to ensure a secret ballot, with one vote cast

per person. The votes are then counted by a team of staff immediately after the elections and the result is

announced the following morning.

This year, Egor Nevsky, Miriam Church, Roch Rooijens, David Tevnell, Partick Hutchinson, Julia Dąbrowska

and Dominika Jędrzejczyk all stood for election. Their presentations were interesting, entertaining and

thought provoking, as well as demonstrating formidable IT skills in many cases. It is good to see such

commitment and courage. Well done to all of the candidates.

A total of 394 votes were counted on Tuesday at 15.45.

There was a landslide victory for Patrick Hutchinson. Congratulations to the winning Chair for 2013-2014.

The Year 7 Parent Evening will take place on Wednesday 16 October from 16.30-19.00.

Parent Teacher meetings - the procedure:

Each student will be given a sign- up sheet for their parents.

The student finds out what time the parent can attend.

The student sees each teacher to make an appointment for a specific time.

The student then hands the appointment sheet to the parents.

Parents attend the Parent Evening with their appointment sheet.

Students are encouraged to attend with their parents.

Parent teacher meetings take place in the Dining Room.

Iza Słoczynska Head of Secondary

Secondary News

Every year, citizens of Warsaw are able to see thousands of

people running down the streets of their beautiful city, as they

take part in the annual Warsaw Marathon. This is perhaps one

of the most well-known Polish sports events. For the last 35

years, professional and amateur runners from all around the

world have traveled to the capital of Poland to participate in the

challenging 42.195 kilometre route.

Such a large-scale event, however, needs volunteers. Each year, the organizers of the Marathon search for people interested to help out. The recruitment process this year was particularly convenient for IB students at The British School, Warsaw. Mrs Fuhrmann, an active parent within the school community who happened to be one of the Marathon’s organizers, offered a number of places to students interested to volunteer on either day of the marathon. 16 students from The British School, Warsaw sacrificed their time (and sleep) to arrive at 7:45 am at the National Stadium on Saturday (September 28), Sunday (September 29), or both of the days of the marathon. On the first day of the event, two races were organized: the rollerblade and hand-bike marathons. The volunteers’ jobs for those events included standing on the racetracks and signalling with brightly-coloured flags in which direction the racers should head. Additionally, students from The British School, Warsaw were assigned to help the hand-bikers throughout the whole day, which included helping them to find their way around the stadium; guiding them between the race track and the locker room; putting together their racing equipment; and, generally fulfilling their needs and answering questions regarding the hand-bike race. Despite the two events not being the “real thing”, they were definitely unique and unforgettable experiences for all volunteers - probably because they were so untypical. It was the first time either of those events were hosted as a part of the Warsaw Marathon. Sunday, was the actual day of the 35th Annual Warsaw Marathon. All volunteers had the unique opportunity of helping the elite, professional runners, who arrived from as far as Ethiopia or Kenya to take part in the run. Students from The British School, Warsaw were in charge of showing them the stadium; answering their questions about the marathon; guiding them from the locker rooms to the race track; and, acting as good hosts so that they felt welcome prior to the event. Once the participants started crossing the finish line, the volunteers were in charge of supplying them with drinks, foil, and taking them from the race track through the “interview corner” to the locker room. One student was even asked to sit in the Doping Control Centre and supervise the top 3 male and female runners. The chance to meet professional runners and aid them during a major sports event will definitely stay in everybody’s minds for a long time - especially as they were given the chance to work with the winners. Thanks to Ms Furhmann’s involvement in the Warsaw Marathon, The British School students were given a chance to explore what it is like to work with professional athletes, disabled hand-bikers, and rollerblade racers - in other words, various groups of sportsmen and women. This developed their sense of cooperation with diverse people and fellow volunteers, as well as giving them insights into what it is like to take part in a large-scale, international sports event. Their participation - with each volunteer spending between 7 and 24 hours in the stadium over the weekend - was greatly appreciated by the organizers of the Warsaw Marathon. We hope that this opportunity can be continued next year. Students who helped at the Warsaw Marathon were: Lea, Eloise, Ronja, Karla, Maria, Dominika, Angelina, Monika, Antoni, Linda, Rachel, David, Ambroise, Clotilde By Antoni Czerwinski

Warsaw Marathon report

Dates for this month Wednesday, 16/10/2013 16:30-21:00 Year 7 Parent Evening Thursday, 17/10/2013 Year 10 Trip to Warsaw Uprising Museum Friday, 18/10/2013 08:30-09:30 Year 6 Parent Forum Wednesday, 23/10/2013 19:00-21:00 Workshop for Parents on Internet Safety Friday, 25/10/2013 Year 3 Roman Day Friday, 25/10/2013 Last Day of Term Monday, 28 – Friday 01/11/2013 Half Term Break

Parents' Choir Mr Porter has plans to form a Parents' Choir, singing a variety of light music (with the odd serious piece thrown in). The choir will meet in the evenings on a day and time most convenient. If you are interested in singing in the Parents' Choir, please e-mail Mr Porter at sporter@thebritishschool.pl letting him know which times and days would be best for you. We are delighted that 14 people have already signed up. Just a few more names and we will be ready to arrange the first rehearsal. An accompanist would also be needed so please let Mr Porter know if you would be interested in accompanying the choir. No auditions - everyone welcome (bad singers too!)

Music Department News A letter was emailed home to Primary Choir members with details of the performance on Saturday 9 November, at the Nord Anglia Education Regional Conference. Just in case the email did not reach everyone, a hard copy was also sent home after the rehearsal yesterday. It is very

important that reply slips are returned to Mrs Porter as soon as possible so that she can plan the performance. Please email her directly if you have any questions on aporter2@thebritishschool.pl School of Rock Club is under way and off to a rocking start. There are still spaces for any budding guitarists, bass players or drummers. Please see Mrs Porter for details or email Arkadiusz Aries Niezgoda: arekniezgoda@gmail.com Secondary Choir members will be singing on Sunday 10 November at Skaryszewski Park for the Remembrance Service held by the British Embassy. The service will begin at 10:30 and is followed by lunch for choir members and their families at the British Embassy. A letter will be sent home with all the details and a reply slip. The Jazz Band will be playing at the Fireworks Night on Tuesday 5 November. More details will be given to band members next week.

The English Language Support Department would like to invite all parents to the first in this year’s series of The British School Little Linguists workshops for parents. Title: Understanding basics of bilingualism and how to help your child with English in the first months at The British School, Warsaw Time: 15:15-16:15, on Friday 18 October 2013 Place: Room 129, 1st Floor Limanowskiego

To book a place please contact Mrs Sikorska: gsikorska@thebritishschool.pl

School Notices

This week, the PTA have been focused on plans for tonight's Year 5 and 6 Disco Party. Jane Edwards and her team have organised a few treats, whilst resident DJ Maor was doing the sound check. Next Monday is Teachers' Day. Fireworks Night is on 5 November. As we move towards Christmas we have the Giving Tree project and the Christmas Fair. It would be nice to see a few more volunteers to help on these projects.

Happy Teachers’ Day, Monday 14 October

In many countries, Teachers' Days are intended to be special days for the

appreciation of teachers and to honour them for their special contribution.

In Poland, this is the anniversary of the creation of the Commission of

National Education, created in 1773 through the initiative of King Stanisław

August Poniatowski. At The British School, Warsaw, our Class Friends and

parents throughout the school are joining in this Polish tradition by

planning their own surprises to show our gratitude.

Thank you in advance to the parents who have confirmed their commitment to help make Monday a special

day for our teachers.

Fireworks night, 5 November 5:00-7:00pm Remember, remember the fifth of November Gunpowder, treason and plot. I see no reason why gunpowder, treason Should ever be forgot...

The PTA would like to invite you to join our community event, Fireworks Night on Tuesday 5 November. There will be live music from the Jazz Band, delicious refreshments, fun and games. Tickets cost 20PLN but are limited in number. Look out for the PTA team selling tickets from next week: Limanowskiego 14:45-15:45 Dąb 08:30-9:00 from (Tuesday 15 October) onwards) Tickets will be on sale until 24 October, unless sold out. Buy you ticket early to avoid disappointment.

Thank you to the PTA from the Yearbook Team

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank the PTA for their generous contributions to the Yearbook with three new cameras to be used at each level at the school. In the Secondary school, we have already taken some pictures and filmed the Student Council hustings. The cameras are light and easy to use so the students should be able to produce some great photos and video to ensure that the Yearbook will continue to be a beautiful book of memories for all." Evelina Mroczkowska Yearbook Co-ordinator

If you would like more information about any of the PTA events or roles, or have any general questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at our new email address: pta@thebritishschool.pl

From the PTA Team PTA@thebritishschool.pl

PTA News

laVTP - Instrumental and Vocal Teaching Programme

Ritchie Palczewski

“Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind,

flight to the imagination and life to everything.”

The ability to play the acoustic, electric and classical guitar, composing, arranging, gaining self-confidence, dealing with stage fright, developing teamwork in the studio and on the stage. These are all the valuable things you can learn with me. My knowledge comes from 20 years’ experience in the studio and on stage. I have been working as a peripatetic music teacher at The British School, Warsaw since 2005. I specialize in teaching guitar to children and teenagers between the ages of 6 and 18. In 2004, I received a Master’s degree in Philosophy at the Jagellonian University and I completed additional pedagogical studies, which provided me with the skills to work with children and teenagers. Besides teaching the guitar, I also teach philosophy in middle school and high school.

Clubs

We are delighted that both our new Primary and Secondary libraries are in full working order in the new Learning Centre at our Limanowskiego campus. It has been wonderful to watch the students explore this new area and indulge in their pleasure for books.

New Books in Junior Library

Winnie’s Dinosaur Day (Winnie the Witch)

by Valerie Thomas

Winnie loves the nearby museum. It is full of fascinating things, especially in the dinosaur room. When an exciting competition is announced to draw or make a model of a dinosaur, Winnie cannot wait to take part. But what did dinosaurs look like? Winnie waves her magic wand to transport herself and Wilbur back into the time of the dinosaurs.

Hugo Pepper by Paul Stewart and Chris Riddell Ottoline’s author writes again. Hugo Pepper and his voyage from the Land of the Snow Giants. Gaze down at the twinkling lights of Firefly Square, wonder at the amazing stories of its inhabitants and unravel the mystery of the one-eared cat.

Nordstar

NordStar is all about helping others. Our youngest NordStar trainees have been learning about being kind. Last week, they helped sweep up leaves and give very tasty chocolates to others

before having one themselves.

Library

Boys’ Football The Key Stage 3 Boys’ team played the American School of Warsaw on Saturday morning. It was their first match of the season and first match on a full size pitch. Although the boys battled hard, they were no match for the much older and more physical American School team. At the end of the first half, we were 4 goals down. We made massive improvements in the second half once we had found our feet and managed to put a few attacks together, giving us a few chances at goal. We ended the match with a clean sheet from the second half, which gives us something to build for the future. The 1st XI Boys’ team played on Wednesday. A good organised performance was capped with a well-worked team goal from Mads Sellerup, making him The British School top scorer for the season so far.

Football Fixtures On Wednesday 16 October, we are taking both our 1st XI Boys’ and Girls’ teams to the American School of Warsaw. Kick-off for both teams is 16:30 and, as always, your support is welcome.

10k Run On Sunday 6 October, 8 students and 3 teachers took part in the NIKE 10K Run around Warsaw. The beautiful weather provided perfect conditions for the team who all completed the race in under 57 minutes. A special mention should go to Ambroise Gleron who completed the course in an astonishing 40 minutes. Well done.

Nord Anglia Education Sports Tournament Training Volleyball and Basketball Training for the Girls’ team representing The British School, Warsaw at the Nord Anglia Education tournament in Prague has started this week with a good turnout. An additional Thursday morning session is being introduced from next week. Students should be in school for 7:00am for a 7:15 start.

Fencing As we reported a few weeks ago, Marek Gniewkowski has been into our Year 8 and Year 9 PE lessons to deliver lessons in fencing. Students are still thoroughly enjoying this new element and Marek is delighted with their progress. Next Friday, 18 October, Marek has invited all his fencing students to go and watch a major fencing competition.

Sports