Week Ahead: Nov. 22-26

Happy Teacher’s Day!  In Vietnam, teachers are celebrated on November 20th each year.  I hope you had a chance to watch the video that Catriona shared.  You’ll see many MS faces (including a surprise piano performance by Ben; an original Red River HL shirt (yes, the original “bean”), pet cameos and more):

To celebrate you on this joyous occasion, our wonderful students would like to send you a message to show how much they care about you! We couldn’t fit them all into an email, so don’t miss this special Teachers’ Day Flipgrid (ssis2021) with all of their greetings!

Here is what’s up this week:

Monday, Nov. 22
VS A-D
1:30-3:00 Admin Mtg (Molly attends)

Tuesday, Nov. 23
VS E-H
9:30-10:15 SST
11-12:00 Admin Mtg (Molly attends)
2 – 3pm Rebecca J presents at 21CLHK (see below for login information):  Character Design & AR on iPad
3:15-4:30 MS LT (agenda)

Wednesday, Nov. 24
Wellness / Consolidation
10-11:00 Parent Education Series: Wellness, Positive Emotions
3:15-4:30 Divisional Mtg (Advisory Focus; LS Student Plan Review – in small groups)

Thursday, Nov. 25
VS A-D
9:30-11 Admin Mtg (Molly attends)

Friday, Nov. 26
VS E-H

Saturday, Nov. 27
Tentative vaccination day for students

Upcoming (on the radar)

• December 14 – comments completed and peer reviewed (in S1 bin) and grades completed by 3:00; verification reports printed at 3:45
• December 15 – verification reviewed, signed (can be digital) and returned to office by 3:00
• December 16 – 1/2 day schedule: Winter Celebration!; report cards emailed parents

Assigning Students to Study Zone: Teachers can assign students to study zone in addition to the students who are mandatory attenders (those with 5 or more missing assignments).  As a teacher you are welcome to:

• Invite students directly & add their names to Study Zone Attendance Tracker.
  • Add by grade level, last name alpha order
  • Can attend an either study zone session
  • Put “Your last name, teacher requested” ex. Scott, requested
• Optional: you can email parents if you chose; recommended to increase likelihood of attendance
• Students should be notified by 3:00pm the day before you are asking them to attend Study Zone
• Optional: Zoom into Study Zone and ask to work with your student in a breakout room. Zoom in here: STUDY ZONE

Ordering for 22-23 School Year:. Another thing that will be coming up soon is ordering for the 22-23 school year.  Given the time it takes to process ordering materials from overseas as well as getting their shipped to Vietnam, we start this process much earlier than you might expect.  This year presents new challenges as we might not ever quite be aware of what we have (and will have left because we haven’t been able to use it yet) and what we might need for next school year.  Each department will work together to identify needed materials as a department and each individual teacher will identify what they need (or the person following them next year).  More information will be coming from the business office soon along with the budget allocation for each department.

Student Recommendations to Other Schools:. We are starting into the season where students and families are applying to other schools for the coming year.  Some families consider boarding schools at this point, others are facing repatriation or work related moves.  In the past, the counselor has managed this process for us – guiding and tracking.  For this year, this responsibility will be managed by Thao and Molly (enabling Sue to maintain her focus on direct student support).  If you have questions about a recommendation for that has been sent to you, please contact Thao or Molly.  Here are general guidelines to support you:

• We want to do our best to provide all documentation needed by a student to apply to a school.  This means we DO fill out recommendations forms are requested by the school.  There is not an option to refuse to fill out the forms needed by the student for their application.
• We sent our recommendations directly to the school and NOT to the parent.  CC Thao when you submit so that she can assist with tracking our support of students.
• We maintain for formal tone in our recommendations, providing clear and useful information that represents what we know about the student to the best of our abilities.
• Ask any and all questions that come up for you if you are asked to complete a recommendation form.  We are here to support you.

Students (age 12-17) vaccines will like happen again next week. We will let you know dates and times as soon as possible.  The student vaccines WILL take place on SSIS campus. Parents and students were unanimous how thankful they were for faculty members helping them through the process.  They felt so supported and helped them remain calm.  The date MAY POSSIBLY be November 27.  Students who turn 12 during the month of November will be added to the list.  Sign-up here to volunteer: Volunteer for Vaccine Day

SSIS School Pass to 21CHKWe purchased a School Pass to 21CHK (Nov 22 – Dec 4).  Specific log-in information will be issued once their site rosters our faculty and staff.  I’ll communicate when you should expect this email and we will support as needed.

SSIS School Access to EduSparkWe partnered with EduSpark and Craig Kemp this year.  Everyone at SSIS has access to all courses offered on EduSpark at no cost.  This includes the regular and the “pro” options.  The options include numerous, and growing, courses by recognized professionals across the educational world as well as educators from international schools.  You received log-in information in September.  If you need assistance or reminders about accessing, please communicate with Trinh Lu or Craig Kemp (craig@mrkempnz.com) directly.