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BIFS NEWSLETTER

United in our Diversity, Thriving in our Individuality

Contents

ISSUE 48, March 18, 2016

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This Coming Week at BIFS

1. Mar 19 Apr 3: Spring Break


2. Sat, Apr 2: ABRSM Music Theory Exams

Whole School

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

The Importance of Taking a Break!


PTA News
Whole School Music Concert
BIFS Open House April 14
PTA International Day 2016 May 7
IT Services - Apple Computer Discounts
British Embassy Warden Training
BIFS Family Member ID Card Registration
PE Uniform Shop
Cafeteria Menu: April 4-8

Elementary School

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Grade 3 Field Trip


Grade 5 PYP Primary Research
Professional Development
Upcoming Elementary Events
Successful Elementary Basketball Camp
Author and Storyteller Visits in May

Middle School and High School


1. Quarter 3 - Final Push
2. Middle School Health Screening Results
3. IBDP Art Exhibition

For Your Diary


BIFS Annual Calendar 2015-16 & 2016-17
School & Community Links
www.bifskorea.org | enquiries@bifskorea.org | T. 82 51 742 3332

Busan International Foreign School

BIFS NEWSLETTER
United in our Diversity, Thriving in our Individuality

Whole School

ISSUE 48, March 18, 2016

The Importance of Taking a Break!


Welcome to spring break! Spring break is that time of year when students look forward to having a break from
studying, doing homework, and taking tests. Teachers look forward to taking a break from preparing lesson
plans and marking assessments. Parents look forward to having some uninterrupted family time and perhaps
even the opportunity to travel someplace warm for vacation. After having such a cold and sometimes gray
winter, everyone is ready for a break.
Did you ever stop to think about where spring break came from and why it is important to step away from the
important things we are doing in our lives and take a break? First, the origin of spring break. Spring break was
originally a western holiday time that revolved around religious or cultural ceremonies and events. Everyone was
granted time off from work (a break) so that they could travel to attend and participate in these ceremonies.
While this is still the case today for many people in many countries, spring break has become a broader concept
that has included breaks from school for travel and time for families to celebrate the coming of springtime. The
timing of spring break is perfect as it provides a valuable window of time for students to refresh themselves and
reduce their stress levels before for the last part of the school year. The last term of the school year is often
perceived as being the most important as students seek to improve their grades and prepare to take significant
exams like the IB. Secondly, spring break provides a time for everyone to step away from their work to refresh
and recharge. Taking a break provides the opportunity for each of us to reduce our stress and reflect. Reflection
is a critical part of the learning process as it allows us to consolidate all that we have learned. Furthermore,
springtime in Korea is the perfect time to enjoy the fragrant blossoms and to heed the call of the outdoors. Our
hope is that everyone will return to school relaxed, refreshed and equipped with new knowledge from their
spring break experiences and memories!
Have a wonderful spring break!
Kevin Baker
Head of School

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Busan International Foreign School

BIFS NEWSLETTER
United in our Diversity, Thriving in our Individuality

ISSUE 48, March 18, 2016

PTA News
What a great start to 2016 we've had! Our PTA meetings have been well attended and our Hot
Topics have proved to be really popular. Before you head off on Spring Break don't forget to put
our next PTA meeting date in your diary. It will be on Wednesday 13 April.
Our next major event is International Day where we will be having the World
Wheel of Fortune. At the wheel you can win a gift basket. We ask members of
our school community to donate these gift baskets with the theme of their
home country or an international theme. Think of what kind of goodies you
could put in the basket you donate. Here's an example from last year. You can
sign up here:
www.SignUpGenius.com/go/20F0945A8AC2BA5FE3-world
PTA President
Joy Priedeman

Whole School Music Concert


We would like to extend our special thanks to all our parents who attended our Whole School Music Concert last
Thursday. We would also like to thank our admin team, the P.E. Department, Ms. Eunsun Choi, Tnamu Sound,
Mr. Brendan Lea, all our performing students, their teachers and parents.
We would like to congratulate Jason Kim 12R for receiving the 2016 BIFS Orchestra Award. We would also like to
congratulate our soloists, Jenna Park 8B, Ella Priedeman 8R, Michelle Weon 7B and Emily Mun 7B.
Well done to all our students on a great performance.

Music Department Team


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Busan International Foreign School

BIFS NEWSLETTER
United in our Diversity, Thriving in our Individuality

ISSUE 48, March 18, 2016

BIFS Open House April 14

www.bifskorea.org | enquiries@bifskorea.org | T. 82 51 742 3332

Busan International Foreign School

BIFS NEWSLETTER
United in our Diversity, Thriving in our Individuality

ISSUE 48, March 18, 2016

PTA International Day 2016 May 7

www.bifskorea.org | enquiries@bifskorea.org | T. 82 51 742 3332

Busan International Foreign School

BIFS NEWSLETTER
United in our Diversity, Thriving in our Individuality

ISSUE 48, March 18, 2016

IT Services - Apple Computer Discounts


IT Services has negotiated a range of discounted prices and trade-in deals on Apple
products for staff and students at BIFS, from our Apple equipment vendor, ComIT.
Savings are typically around 12% for MacBook laptops and iMacs, 11% on Mac Minis, 8% on iPad Airs, and 6%
on iPad Minis.
To view a list of available products and order, please visit the following web addresses:
http://bit.ly/itservices-apple-list
http://bit.ly/itservices-order-form
http://bit.ly/itservices-order-kr (Korean)
http://bit.ly/itservices-apple-tradein (Trade-in prices)
If you have any questions, please email mmoriarty@bifskorea.org.

British Embassy Warden Training


Wardens are volunteers working to assist British Nationals. Recently, Kevin Smith (warden for Busan) attended a
meeting/training session with the wardens in Korea led by Graham Nelson, HM Consul from Tokyo and Michael
Kim, Honorary Consul in Busan.
The meeting focused on the Crisis Hub, which is the FCO's consular crisis IT system designed to make it easier to
support British Nationals affected by a crisis overseas.
All British nationals are encouraged to subscribe to Travel Advice which will automatically inform nationals about
any crisis that may occur. This can be accessed at https://www.gov.uk/government/world/south-korea. Brits are
also encouraged to join the embassy on Facebook (www.facebook.com/ukinrok) and Twitter (@UKinKorea) for
regular updates. Please pass on these details to any relevant British contacts and networks.

BIFS Family Member ID Card Registration


We would like to ask for your cooperation in registering BIFS Family Member ID Cards. Please register your
cards with the security office at the front gate when visiting BIFS, and dont forget to register your attendance by
placing your card at the card reader when you enter and exit. This is for security and to help us account for all
visitors in case of fire or other evacuation. Thank you in advance for your support and understanding.
www.bifskorea.org | enquiries@bifskorea.org | T. 82 51 742 3332

Busan International Foreign School

BIFS NEWSLETTER
United in our Diversity, Thriving in our Individuality

ISSUE 48, March 18, 2016

PE Uniform Shop
LOOKING FOR A VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY AT SCHOOL? The PE Uniform Shop is a great place to start! No
experience is needed! Training is provided!! For more information about volunteering in the PE Uniform Shop,
contact Dee Baker at dbaker@bifskorea.org.
THE PE UNIFORM SHOP is now open Monday thru Thursday! Please check the calendar on the BIFS website for
actual shop hours each week. Note: Shop hours are determined by the availability of our volunteers!
It is a great time to purchase your BIFS blanket!! A double
layer of polar fleece is guaranteed to keep you warm on
these cold days!! BIFS blankets are 40,000 KRW
NOW 35,000 KRW and can be purchased in the PE Uniform
Shop.

BIFS Beanies *10,000 KRW Colors: Black, Gray and Cobalt


Blue *BIFS Beanies can be purchased in the PE Uniform
Shop.

Gray and white Hoodies (no zip) *30,000 KRW


*Hoodies can be purchased in the PE Uniform Shop.

BIFS Beanies and BIFS Bears Hoodies are made available to you by the BIFS Bears Club.
All general information regarding PE Uniforms can be found under the life at BIFS tab on the BIFS website!

www.bifskorea.org | enquiries@bifskorea.org | T. 82 51 742 3332

Busan International Foreign School

BIFS NEWSLETTER
United in our Diversity, Thriving in our Individuality

ISSUE 48, March 18, 2016

Cafeteria Menu: April 4-8

Lunch Menu

Sandwich Bar

We serve brunch buffet or international buffet every 3rd Thursday of a month.


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Busan International Foreign School

BIFS NEWSLETTER
United in our Diversity, Thriving in our Individuality

Elementary School

ISSUE 48, March 18, 2016

Grade 3 Field Trip

As part of their Unit of Inquiry on How We Express Ourselves, the Grade 3 students went on a day trip to
Gamcheon Art Village to find out how a community uses visual images for expressing their local culture.

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BIFS NEWSLETTER
United in our Diversity, Thriving in our Individuality

ISSUE 48, March 18, 2016

Grade 5 PYP Primary Research


This week as part of their exhibition the grade 5 students interviewed various experts and visited places around
our school community to collect some primary research for their real-life issue inquiry. Each group worked hard
to create specific interview questions and were well prepared with clipboards, questions and pencils.
Gijang District Office
One group of students met with some office workers
who are involved with the organization of the food
waste in Gijang county. The students were well received
and they learned all about how much food waste is
produced each day, what is done with it, what effect it
has on people or the environment and what can be
improved in the system. The students asked really good
questions and made lots of notes.
Another group visited the water treatment facility at
Gijang District Office. They met some office staff and
workers in the facility who shared how the water is
transported, how it is cleaned and what happens to it at
the end. At the end of the visit the students were
allowed into the control room to see all the computer
systems that monitor the water treatment process. We
cant wait to see what actions our students will create
for the real-life issue of food waste and water treatment
in our community.

Busan Aquarium
A group of four students visited Haeundae Beach and the
Aquarium where we had a chance to learn about the
various sea life conservation projects that the aquarium
works on. We listened to the informative talk of our expert
guides, while marveling at the tremendous diversity of sea
life found around the Korean peninsula and beyond. The
Q&A session gave the students a chance to explain their
research topic and note down interesting facts related to
littering the sea and its effects on sea life.
Continued on the next page
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BIFS NEWSLETTER
United in our Diversity, Thriving in our Individuality

ISSUE 48, March 18, 2016

Grade 5 PYP Primary Research - Continued


Particularly poignant was our encounter with a sea turtle which had lost its front flipper as a result of getting
caught in a discarded fishing net. A short walk on the beach revealed samples of litter that ends up in the sea
causing potential damage to sea creatures.

Jangsan Incinerator
A group of 10 students visited the Jangsan Incinerator near the tunnel in Jangsan, Haeundae. We had the
chance to learn how much waste is produced and processes at this plant a day, how it gets there and what
happens to it. The students asked many thoughtful questions and were very excited to learn how electricity
generated from the heat that is the result of the burning process. After an introduction in the entrance the
students proceeded to watch a short video about the governments efforts in Busan to provide a clean
environment for all its residents. The most impressive was the room where the students got to see a large claw
picking up rubbish to dump into a chute that feeds into the incinerator. After a look at the incinerator that burns
at 1000 degrees Celsius 24 hours a day, the students had a chance to ask questions about their topic. Before
returning to BIFS we had a chance to eat our snack in the adjacent public park and get some fresh air.

Continued on the next page


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Busan International Foreign School

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BIFS NEWSLETTER
United in our Diversity, Thriving in our Individuality

ISSUE 48, March 18, 2016

Grade 5 PYP Primary Research - Continued


Gijang Animal Pound
A group of students visited our areas local animal pound. They
were able to interview the workers and gain insight into the
management of the pound, and more importantly, they learned
about the values of responsible pet ownership. They inquired into
the various aspects of what causes dogs to end up at the pound,
learned about the number of dogs that come in, and they also
were told of the value of adopting rescue animals, as part of the
process of responsible life care. The pound staff were impressed
at their questions, and the students showed compassion and
empathy, which projected a positive image of our BIFS
community.

Haeundae Soup Kitchen


On Tuesday March 15, a group called Community Change went to the Haeundae Soup Kitchen. They all helped
serve 400 people a hot lunch. They were able to collect lots of information from the soup kitchen crew and
observed the ways of the poor and how they acted at this soup kitchen. They learned about what the poor may
need and ways they can take action. BIFS community has helped at this soup kitchen before, the tables they
have were bought by our school as well as the chairs and some food products. They are hoping to help there
again.

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Busan International Foreign School

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BIFS NEWSLETTER
United in our Diversity, Thriving in our Individuality

ISSUE 48, March 18, 2016

Grade 5 PYP Primary Research - Continued

Bumin Hospital, BIFS IT Services & BIFS Counseling Department


Two groups also went to Bumin hospital to learn about healthy eating and smoking. They viewed a slideshow of
information, met and interviewed some doctors and tried out some hospital equipment.

Also, two groups of students stayed at BIFS to do surveys and interviews. They are looking into social skills at
BIFS and use of technology at BIFS. They met with Ms. Kit and Mr. Moriarty to find out more about their topic.
These field trips provided the students with important opportunities to see how real world issues are solved by
organizations in our community and to ask them questions to help them with their research. Thank you to the
team of teachers who made this possible, Ms. ONeill, Mr. Swenson, Mr. Lea, Mrs. Stroughair, Mrs. Toms, Ms.
Jung, Ms. Shin, Ms. Eksteen, Ms. Melville and Mrs. Donahue. A special thank you goes to the parents who
volunteered on our trips to be chaperones. Your help is much appreciated.

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BIFS NEWSLETTER
United in our Diversity, Thriving in our Individuality

ISSUE 48, March 18, 2016

Professional Development
Supporting professional growth is a priority at BIFS. The following staff went on to participate in workshops with
education experts from around the world.
KORCOS - Last weekend in Seoul, Ms. Monique Donahue and Ms. Marie Eksteen attended an assessment
workshop. The following teachers went on to learn more about the Reggio Emilia approach: Ms. Carol Lesser,
Ms. Kathy Son, Ms. Sunmi Yu, Ms. Meng Lee, Ms. Cindy Park and Ms. Karen Robb.
IB Conference Ms. Anne Sweet is in Hyderabad, India to attend the annual IB Asia Pacific Conference.

Upcoming Elementary Events


Date/Time

Event

Details

Apr 8, 2:35-3:15

Elementary Assembly

Short presentations and performances to celebrate


children's learning in select electives

Apr 12, 12:00

Half day

Noon dismissal for ES Professional Development. (MHS


has conferences on this day - ES had their conferences in
January.)

Apr 15, 2:35-3:15

Elementary Assembly

Grade 5 will share the actions they created as part of their


Exhibition unit

Apr 20, 9:00-10:00

ES/ELC Parent Coffee

Play-based learning - How does play strengthen


childrens learning?

Anne Sweet
Elementary School Principal

Leda Cedo
PYP Coordinator

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BIFS NEWSLETTER
United in our Diversity, Thriving in our Individuality

ISSUE 48, March 18, 2016

Student Organized Elementary Basketball Camp a Great Success


A small group of students in the High School Bears Club hosted the second Annual Elementary Basketball
Camp held here at BIFS on Saturday. 28 Elementary kids from grades 3 to 5 took part in the camp.
The students were taught how to pass, dribble, shoot and play defense. Throughout the day the athletes got to
use their skills in different games, and at the end of the day they played a couple of short games together.
Not only did the ES kids have a great time and learn skills of the game, but it was a superb service learning
experience for the High School students. They learned how to create an action plan, organize a schedule and
work collaboratively with others. The level of planning was quite extensive, as the camp required lunches to be
ordered, t-shirts to be designed, and supervisors to be coordinated.
10th graders Amanda Poulsen, Kellie Stutsel, and Maria Witso were responsible for the coordination of the day.
11th graders Joe Byrne and Chris Sim, and 10th graders Even Uthaug, Alex Lang, Kevin Sim, Yungi Cho, Ka Eul
Park, and Eric Kim all served as coaches.
Well done to all that were a part of the day!

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Busan International Foreign School

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BIFS NEWSLETTER
United in our Diversity, Thriving in our Individuality

ISSUE 48, March 18, 2016

Author and Storyteller Visits in May


BIFS elementary library is very pleased to have both an author and storyteller
visiting us in May.
Yangsook Choi, author and illustrator of several multicultural childrens books,
will visit us for the elementary assembly on Friday, May 6.
Yangsook grew up in Korea but now divides her time between New York and
Seoul. Ms. Choi has won numerous awards for her books.
Her most popular book, The Name Jar, is available for
purchase from The Book Depository and local
bookshops such as Kyobo. If you would like to purchase
one of her books before May 6, there may be an
opportunity for her to sign it for you when she visits us.
You can find out more about Yangsook Choi from her
website: http://www.yangsookchoi.com/

Monday and Tuesday, May 9 & 10 we will be hosting an


international storyteller during our elementary library times.
Australian-based storyteller, author and musician, Morgan
Schatz Blackrose will inspire us with multicultural stories, songs,
music and rhymes.
For more information, please
http://www.schatzblackrose.com/

visit

her

website

at

Sue Toms
Head of Libraries

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BIFS NEWSLETTER
United in our Diversity, Thriving in our Individuality

ISSUE 48, March 18, 2016

Middle School and High School


Quarter 3 - Final Push

We have reached the end of the third quarter and teachers are working on completing their reports to parents.
The reports will be similar to the ones you have received in the first and second quarters. Each teacher will
create written comments and all classes should have a level of achievement. The comments will reflect both
strengths and areas for growth. Please take some time to review your reports with your children and set goals
for the final quarter.
Report cards are scheduled to be issued on Friday, April 8, 2016. They will be available on ManageBac for
students and parents to access. Grade 12 students will receive their report cards on April 22, 2016. If you have
any questions about what is on the report, please dont hesitate to reach out to teachers and have a discussion
with them. Parent teacher conferences will be on April 12, 2016 from 1 pm to 8 pm. Please bring this report to
conferences so you can have discussions about the information included.
Nate Swenson
Middle School Principal

Jamie Robb
High School Principal

Middle School Health Screening Results


The Nurses Office has sent home the Middle School Health Screening results with your student this
week. Thank you very much to the parents, students, and teachers for your participation!!

IBDP Art Exhibition


On Thursday the 10th of March the Grade 12 Visual Art students had an exhibition opening of their artwork at
the Sun and Fun Gallery in the HaeundaeGu Cultural Centre Complex in Centum. This was part of their final
assessment and an opportunity to showcase and celebrate two years of work with the BIFS community. The
IBDP Visual Art Program is a two year program, and the subjects and themes of the artwork are student driven.
Hanna Kistes work involves taking architectural elements, including materials, processes and forms, combined
with minimalism and artist influences, to create contemporary architecture inspired work. Jina Choi explores
different aspects of food such as culture, health and beauty using various mixed media, to reflect her own
experiences and life changes that revolve around her interest and inspiration from everyday food.
Continued on the next page
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BIFS NEWSLETTER
United in our Diversity, Thriving in our Individuality

ISSUE 48, March 18, 2016

IBDP Art Exhibition - Continued


Samuel Taes work focuses on capturing his environment, framing unseen moments or objects, while celebrating
the traditional art form of film Photography. Leo Vics work focuses on fashion, combining aspects of pattern
and negative space to create fashion inspired paintings.
All students have worked very hard in recent months, pulling their body of work together and preparing for this
final exhibition. Many staff, students, parents and members of the community were in attendance at the
opening. The exhibition remained open from the 11th until the 13th and many were able to view the work. Thank
you to everyone who attended and helped to celebrate this event.
Michelle Lee
Head of Visual Arts

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Busan International Foreign School

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BIFS NEWSLETTER
United in our Diversity, Thriving in our Individuality

ISSUE 48, March 18, 2016

IBDP Art Exhibition - Continued

www.bifskorea.org | enquiries@bifskorea.org | T. 82 51 742 3332

Busan International Foreign School

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BIFS NEWSLETTER
United in our Diversity, Thriving in our Individuality

ISSUE 48, March 18, 2016

For Your Diary


March 2016

April 2016

21st-Apr 1st

Spring Break Holiday

2nd

ABRSM Music Theory Exams

31st-Apr 2nd

EARCOS Teachers Conference

4th

Start of Term 3

8th

MHS Mid Semester Reports Distributed

ES Assembly

HS Assembly

Extended Essay Camp

SKAC ES BBall @ DIS (Gr 4/5)

Grade 8 Parents Subject Choice


Information Session

Noon Dismissal

MHS Student Led conference/ES-PD

Grade2 Field trip to Haeundae Market &


Beach

13th-15th

TAIMUN

13th

BIFS Parent Workshop

PTA Meeting

14th

2nd Spring Open House

15th

ES Assembly

16th

SKAC HS Futsal @ BIFS

18th-May 20th

Map Testing

20th

ES Parent Coffee

22nd

ES - Exhibition Assembly (for students)

22nd-23rd

KISAC HS Soccer (RED)

23rd

KISAC Blue Grade 6 & 7 BBall @ DCSL

SKAC MS BBall (Divisional) @ ISK

26th

Grade 5 Exhibition (for parents)

27th

MHS Parent Coffee

28th

Interhouse Track and Field @ Sajick


Stadium

9th
12th

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Busan International Foreign School

BIFS NEWSLETTER
United in our Diversity, Thriving in our Individuality

ISSUE 48, March 18, 2016

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23

United in our Diversity, Thriving in our Individuality

School & Community Links

ISSUE 48, March 18, 2016

Please contact Miyoung Kim if you wish to inquire about


promoting your company in the BIFS Newsletter.
miyoungkim@bifskorea.org | 051-742-3332 (#114)

www.bifskorea.org | enquiries@bifskorea.org | T. 82 51 742 3332

Busan International Foreign School

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