November often brings a certain lull in the teaching year. Some call it a valley, a lull, or simply the November low. The fresh excitement of the new school year has usually settled by now, and the holiday season hovers just around the corner, with everyone working tirelessly. November has usually felt like this for me to. For the last 3 years, November has taken on a different feeling.
Our recruiting season begins in November and this year I’ve had the unique opportunity to conduct more than a dozen interviews with candidates eager to join our community. Each conversation is like opening a window to new perspectives and ideas, showcasing the diverse opportunities SSIS offers to teachers, students, and parents. Hearing applicants share their reasons for applying has been both enlightening and rewarding. Each candidate consistently speaks highly of our school, echoing the positive impressions they’ve gained from friends, colleagues, and the information available about SSIS online.
What excites me most about these interactions is the chance to truly showcase our school. As I talk about our Super Units, innovative programs, dedicated staff, and vibrant student community, I feel a surge of pride. It’s not just about sharing our academic achievements or top-tier facilities, it’s about telling the stories that make SSIS unique and sharing the essence of what it means to be part of our community.
These interviews have reminded me of the dynamic environment we create daily for our students and the passionate educators who make it happen.
So, instead of a November lull, I find myself riding a wave of enthusiasm built on connections, shared stories, and the pride of being part of a school that’s more than just an educational institution. SSIS is a community, a family, a place where people feel at home.
As we move into December, let’s carry this energy forward. Thank you for the hard work and dedication that make SSIS a world-class international school.
The week Ahead
Monday, November 18th
8:00 – 8:30 – Divisional
Tuesday, November 19th
3:10 – 4:30 – ELT
Wednesday, November 20th
3:15 – 4:30 – EC-12 IDL, PDL, LS SST
Thursday, November 21th
3:15 – 4:30 – TA meetings
Friday, November 22nd
PURPLE MOMENTS – Please fill out the form if you want to give any shout outs to anyone.
PURPLE MOMENTS
Dragon News – SPECIAL EDITION (We Belong Wednesday)
Special Edition
HS Musical Information
The HS ASA Musical this year is “Seussical the Musical”.
Seussical is a family friendly and community building show full of catchy songs, recognizable characters, and deeper themes masquerading as children’s entertainment. At a tight one hour, it’s the perfect show for the entire family.
I’m sending you info in advance just to see if there is something you might want to connect in your class or division.
First off, I do hope you will join us…and bring your kids….and encourage your classes to attend…we’d love to see you in the audience.
Secondly, if you have a chance to read a Seuss story in your classes they may be able to see the characters come to life on stage!
Third, if you can think of any interesting collaborations, I’d love to hear them! As the costumes get built and the songs get rehearsed and the choreography gets polished…maybe a few Seussical the Musical pop-ups can happen around the ES or MS. Who knows?
The show will run February 13, 14, 15
As we get closer to show time, I will definitely make sure the word gets out.
Books that make an appearance in the musical!
Brag Board
The Brag Board is here to celebrate awesome ideas and helpful resources. Share a link from a colleague, something cool you’ve found, or anything you think could benefit others.
Last week Katie Cuny had a parent come in and read a Korean fairytale to her students in Korean, while the parents son read the same fairy tale in English. It was a great use of parent volunteers, accessing language and vocabulary across languages, translanguaging and literacy all at the same time. BE sure to ask Katie how it went and feel free to brainstorm ideas with her.