During this pandemic, we have seen the previous 'normal' replaced by a 'new' normal and current global events mean that this "new normal" will be characterised by the constant change and the need to the next generation to be adaptable and flexible. As our year draws to a close our students need to be reminded how much they have achieved during this year. It has been a unique situation and they have all had to overcome significant challenges, of which, most were not of their choosing. Adaptation is something that for some is hard, however, with practice, we can become more competent at moving with the times and embracing the uncertainty.
Our gradation last week really captured an appreciation of embracing uncertainty. The Class of 2020 has overcome the complexities of lockdowns and constant change to successfully graduate from SIS and begin the next phase in their learning journey. We wish them well and sincerely thank them for the contribution they have made to the SIS community over many years - we will miss you all.
Movers & Makers
Our young entrepreneurial minds have been working hard this semester to create products and figure out how to get them to market, even with the pandemic. This week saw the final presentations for this innovative course and all the students demonstrated significant resilience to participate in a collaborative group. Below is just one of the products they created and are now marketing to students and parents - please consider!
BFG Learn Group
"As a parent, you would be interested in our first product: a 10-minute interview with the world-renowned educational consultant Dr. Jane Nelsen, co-founder of the Positive Discipline Association that promotes a method of educating children based on positive behavior and encouragement."
Canadian Mathematics Competition
Today a good number of middle school students put their minds to thinking mathematically and tackled the challenging Canadian Mathematics competition. This included a number of our Grade 6 students stretching themselves to problem solve the questions from the Grade 7 competition! Great thinkers come from truly understanding mathematical concepts. Go Geckos!
Grade 8 "Moving Up" Ceremony
Tradition in middle school has always been, to honor the accomplishments of our 8th Graders, as they transition into high school. While 8th grade is a graduation of sorts, it is a significant step toward the final stage of their preparation for college and adulthood. Obviously, this year will be slightly different, but the work, effort, and growth our 8th graders have achieved is worthy of celebration and acknowledgment. These students have persevered through one of the most disruptive periods in modern human experience and have managed to make it through a significant milestone.
Next Friday, June 12th, Bayside will celebrate their achievements with a scaled-down celebration. We will host a traditional 8th grade, graduation lunch, where advisors will honor their individual personalities and accomplishments. This will be followed by a graduation ceremony for the 8th graders, with speeches from students, teachers, and admin. Unfortunately, due to governmental restrictions, parents will not be able to attend. We will be making an effort to have a live stream and/or recording of the event, for those unable to attend.
Grade 5 to 6 Transition
This week we had a very excited group of Grade 5 students visit the Bayside campus on Wednesday to get a feel for our Secondary culture. It was important for them to make this trip to have an appreciation of where they will be coming back to school in August. It is an important time in their lives and it was fantastic to have their energy and in particular enthusiasm for learning. On the same evening Ms. Devon Stafford, Mr. Barry Jenkin, and Mr. Phil Rogers hosted a parent information session via zoom for all the Grade 5 parents, there were some good questions that helped to provide clarity around the similarities and differences between SIS Primary and Secondary.
Grade 9 & 10 Arts & Design Choices
Next year we are expanding our Grade 9 & 10 course choices for students in The Arts and Design. Ms Brunning, our HS Counselor, had the opportunity to present to current Grade 8 and 9 students on the Bayside campus over the last couple of days about what choices were available. Once students have completed their choices we will be able to finalise our timetable for these grades over the summer break. Here is the link to the choices.
High School Exams
High school students will sit their final assessments of the semester and year next week. The schedule has been sent to students in ManageBac and email. Each exam time will also be posted in their class's Team calendar. Attendance follows the same procedures from synchronous classes:
Students in Shekou are expected to sit exams on campus at Bayside
Students within plus or minus three hours of Shekou time will take exams at the same time, and be invigilated via Teams. Parents are invited and encouraged to help students set up a good work space and ensure academic integrity and assessment validity.
Students in farther timezones will arrange a separate time with their teacher. Students and teachers have likely found times that work for connecting these past few weeks.
Please know that the exams are not high stakes, and are only one item of evidence considered as part of every student's full learning journey.
Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) individual results
Today parents of students in Grades 6 to 9 who took the Spring MAP test a couple of weeks ago will receive individual results in hardcopy, digital copies will be sent as soon as possible to families who are outside Shenzhen. Due to the pandemic please know that no cumulative data comparisons are possible or relevant as many schools did not take the assessment this year due to their school closure. We were one of the fortunate schools that could take the assessment, in mostly, normal conditions. When reading the MAP data it is important to consider the growth of a student from September to May. It was evident looking at data from SIS that our students as a whole grew more than expected in their Reading and Language, this can in part be attributed to the necessity for students to continually 'read for understanding' during the online and blended learning period. Overall the results were encouraging and we would like to congratulate our students for continuing to show growth during this very difficult time.
Returning Musical Instruments
All students who have school-owned musical instruments are required to return them to Ms. Mei Liu at the music office before the end of the semester. This is to allow for the instruments to be cleaned and serviced over the summer.
Our music team before the Covid-19 pandemic!
Library books
If there are any Library books at home that have not been checked out for summer please return them as soon as possible.
Upcoming Events
Monday 8th June - HS Exams commence
Friday 12th June - HS exams conclude (makeup day)
Friday 12th June - Grade 8 Moving Up Ceremony (1 pm)
Monday 15th June - HS & MS Afternoon Activities (12 - 3:15 pm)
Tuesday 16th June - HS & MS Afternoon Activities (12 - 3:15 pm)
Wednesday 17th June - Grade-level Recognition & Leavers Ceremonies (8:15 - 11:30 am)
Wednesday 17th June - School finishes (11:30 am)
Wednesday 17th June - Semester 2 Reports Issued (5 pm)
