November Newsletter Final PDF Compressed

The International School Yangon
Newsletter November 2016

20, Shwe Taungyar Street
Bahan Township
Yangon, Myanmar
The ISY Newsletter is created by the Communications Oce; all articles, advertisements and photos are
submitted by individuals of the ISY Community.
Current Edition: November 2016
Cover Photo by Josh Van Lare
Cover & Ad Designs by May Su Yadana Bo
Editing and Formatting by Elena Van Lare
For information or interest in submitting for the next edition, please contact Elena Van Lare,
Communications Coordinator at communications@isyedu.org.
A Letter from the Director

Dear Community,
As educators, we have an awesome responsibility. We are charged with preparing our students for the
future. No matter what they may end up doing in the future whether they are business people, authors,
political leaders, or engaged in a trade, we have the responsibility to make sure they have the skills they
need to successfully engage in the world around them and to be meaningful global citizens. This is a
responsibility I often find myself thinking about as I strive to make sure we are doing everything we can to
best meet our students individual needs.
I recently found myself reflecting on this topic again. I was at a conference, and the presenter raised the
question, What are the must haves our students need to make sure they are prepared for the 21st
century? This is a dicult question. I often think about the data telling us that most of our children will
end up in jobs that are unheard of today. If that is true, how do we make sure we are preparing students for
these unknowns?
One of my favorite educational leaders is a professor at the University of Toronto named Michael Fullan. I
think highly of him because I find his work to be very practical and realistic for promoting eective
education. In one of his recent works, he stated, All of the work we are doing in schools is just tinkering
unless we clarify the role of collaboration and inquiry. I found this quote to be interesting in that it caused
me to begin thinking about the role of certain skills that may be needed in the future and the importance of
teaching these skills as much as we teach certain content.
If that is the case, then what are some of those skills we need to make sure we are teaching and
promoting? In my mind, there is a need to focus on thinking. That might seem to be apparent, but there
really is skill that goes into thinking, to pushing ourselves to see beyond the obvious, to question, and to
draw conclusions. This is important stu! Similarly, reasoning and problem solving should be high on our
list. Whatever jobs our students have in the future, there is no doubt innovators who are able to solve
problems will be leading the way. However, I believe we need to push further and promote the ideal of
moral reasoning, encouraging our students to see themselves as fitting into the larger world, taking
responsibility for what goes on there, and seeking solutions. Collaboration seems to be key. The world of
working in isolation seems to be coming to a close. Students who are prepared for the future will be those
who know how to collaborate and build on each others ideas. Finally, I think it is very evident technology is
key. It seems to be an absolute that our students must be proficient in the use technology as a tool for
communication and innovation.
Some of the skills that ISY encourages and embeds in learning include: Thinking, reasoning and problem
solving, collaboration, and proficiency in technology. As I think about the future, and how we can best
prepare our students for success, I hope our work will be more than just the tinkering described by Fullan.
Warm Regards,
Gregory A. Hedger, Ed.D.
Director
Photo by Josh Van Lare
From the ISY Board of Trustees

Dear ISY Community:
As 2016 comes to a close, we hope that your

children are immersed in a positive and
productive school year. The ISY Board of
Trustees is pleased to provide you with this
summary of key decisions taken at our most
recent meeting held on November 7, 2016.
2017-2018 Budgets, Tuition and Fees

As indicated in the ISY Directors email dated
November 9, 2016, the Board has approved
the 2017-2018 Operational and Capital
Budgets. In order to meet the Schools needs,
we have also given the green light for a 5%
tuition increase, a 5% increase in the field
study fee, and a $500 increase to the
enrollment fee for new students. As per ISY Bylaws, this proposal has now entered a threeweek consultation period during which
Association members may contact the Director
to ask questions or make alternate proposals.
The Board of Trustees would like to take this
opportunity to commend the Director on a
thorough and well-organized budget review
process.
Closure of the ECIC

After careful consideration, the Board has also
approved the Directors recommendation,
based on financial, logistical and pedagogical
factors, to close the Early Childhood Interim
Campus (ECIC) at the end of the current school
year. We look forward to welcoming our
youngest students back to the main campus in
August 2017!
ISY Strategic Governance Policy

Framework
Following on the successful amendments to
ISYs Articles of Association and By-Laws in
May 2016, we are pleased to announce the
adoption of the ISY Strategic Governance
Policy Framework. This document, which can
be found here, defines the roles and
responsibilities of the Board of Trustees and
Director and indicates the principles and
parameters that the Board determines essential
to ensure the longterm sustainability of the
School. The policies contained in this
framework are eective immediately and
supersede any and all other ISY Board-level
policy document(s).
In the coming months, we will begin work on a

Board Procedures Manual, which will further
define the specific
Board processes that the Board employs in order

to adhere to the policies contained within this
framework. Likewise and in parallel to this, the
Director will ensure that all business,
administrative and educational procedures and
guidelines of the school are in line with the
Strategic Governance Policy Framework.
Board Member Profile

Following the recent amendment to the ISY Bylaws, which converted two of eight elected Board
positions into appointed positions, the Board has
spent some time deliberating on the personal
attributes and other characteristics that we believe
define the ideal Board member. For more
information, please see the Board Member Profile
here.
Appointment of New Board Member

Thank you to those parents who expressed
interest in joining the Board. Although there were a
number of excellent candidates, the Board has
decided to appoint only one new member at this
point in the year. After careful consideration, we
are pleased to appoint to the ISY Board of
Trustees, eective immediately, Mr. Matthew Pietz.
Matt is a new ISY parent with children in
Kindergarten and Grade 2. Given his background
in public administration, commitment to ISY and
understanding of key governance concepts, we
believe he will make a valuable Board member.
Please join us in welcoming Matt Pietz to the ISY
Board of Trustees!
Phase II of the Campus Development

Project
Finally, the Board also made an important decision
on the next phase of the Campus Development
Project. Instead of two additional buildings as
originally envisaged, the Board has approved the
Directors recommendation to pursue only one
additional building, which would include a theatre,
music rooms, a library, a cafeteria, and additional
classrooms all under one roof. The development
of a detailed Master Plan is now underway and will
include consultation with Association members
among other key stakeholders.
The next Board meeting will take place on

Monday, February 27, 2017. Thank you for your
continued support.
Best wishes,
ISY Board of Trustees
From the Director of Teaching and Learning by Laurie Ransom
November 14, 2016 Professional Work Day

On November 14, teachers engaged in a professional work day, but one might ask, what exactly
did teachers do on this day? What were the goals and outcomes? This day was carefully planned
to align with our schoolwide goals for continuous school improvement, thus teachers
collaborated on analyzing common formative assessments and planning responsive instruction;
they worked on developing and revising units of study; and secondary teachers attended a
workshop on teaching research skills.
What are ISYs current goals relating to teaching and learning? Building on the three-year
schoolwide focus on assessment, an emphasis on instruction over the next three years will help
bridge eective assessment and learning practices to strengthen overall impact on student
learning. A three-year plan with a focus on instruction has been mapped out with identified yearly
emphases. For school year 2016-2017, all professional development and collaboration eorts
are focused on the following goals:
1. Individually and collaboratively determine best instructional approaches to respond

to formative assessment data.
2. Plan for intentional instruction by developing and/or refining quality units of study.
To support Goal #1, and harnessing ISY facultys strong culture of collaboration, since
September, teachers, in grade groups and divisional teams, have been collaborating to design
and develop common formative assessments (assessments designed to inform instruction and
learning) and to analyze student performance to determine best responses to instruction to assist
students who are struggling on the assessed learning goal or to extend learners who are already
proficient. This dialogue is facilitated by a collaboration protocol and documented for sharing and
further collaboration. Monitoring and reviewing prior instructional responses to formative data are
also a part of the protocol. Preceding these collaborative eorts, teams studied the elements of
high impact instruction to help inform their collaboration on responsive instruction.
During the professional development day, teachers also utilized principles of unit design to
continue their ongoing eorts of developing, revising, and refining their units of study. These units
incorporate the identification and development of unit goals, inquiry questions, enduring
understandings, and learning targets; documenting the formative and summative assessments
used to gather evidence of student learning; and finally, outlining the learning activities that will
engage and enable students to successfully achieve and transfer their learning.
Teachers reported that collaboration tasks were productive and meaningful and the days time
was well spent. It was evident the day directly supported schoolwide goals and aimed to improve
student learning.
It is exciting to share ISYs continuous schoolwide improvement eorts in the areas of curriculum,
instruction, and assessment. If you are intrigued, you may read more about this topic on our web
site, http://www.isyedu.org/about-isy/schoolwide-continuous-improvement, or I invite you to
contact me to continue the conversation (LRansom@isyedu.org or 521-793 ext. 320).
From the Secondary School Principal Christina Powers

December Exam Week for IB Students
The second week in December is set aside for mid-year exams for students in grades 11 and 12. The
purpose of the exams is to prepare our grade 11 and 12 students for the IB examinations that will take
place in May of their grade 12 school year. This exam is spread out over 5 days so that students can
adequately prepare of each exam. Students can anticipate a two hour exam for each subject area
which will be comprised of past IB papers when possible. If a student is sick on the day of an exam,
they must have a doctors note.
Day 1,
Wednesday,
December 7
Grade 12
8:0011:00 AM
English SL/HL
Wednesday,
December 7
Grade 12
12:303:30 AM
Physics HL/SL
Day 2,
Thursday,
December 8
Day 1,
Friday,
December 9
Math SL/HL
Psychology
HL/SL
Lunch (11:00 12:30)
Thursday,
Friday,
December 8
December 9
French HL/SL
Mandarin HL/SL
Burmese HL/SL
Chemistry
HL/SL
Day 2,
Monday,
December 12
Economics HL/SL
Monday,
December 12
History HL/SL
Day 1,
Tuesday,
December 13,
Biology HL/SL
Tuesday,
December 13
Conflict Day
Grade 11
8:00-11:00
AM
Day 1,
Wednesday,
December 7
Math SL
Math HL
Math ST
Wednesday,
December 7
Grade 11
12:30-3:30
AM

Chemistry
HL/SL
Day 2,
Thursday,
December 8
Biology SL/HL
Day 1,
Friday,
December 9
English HL/SL
Lunch (11:00 12:30)

Thursday,
Friday,
December 8
December 9
History HL/SL
Psychology
HL/SL
Day 2,
Monday,
December 12
Physics HL/SL
Monday,
December 12
French
Burmese
Mandarin
Day 1,
Tuesday,
December 13
Econ HL/SL
Tuesday,
December 13
Conflict Day
Middle School Week Without Walls
Philosophy
Week Without-Walls (WWW) focuses around an outside-of-the-classroom learning experiences which
provides students with a unique cultural, personal, interpersonal and environmental experience not
available within the regular academic classroom.
Within the WWW program, students learn, reflect, and grow socially and emotionally. While some of the
grade level trips focus on cultural aspects of the host country, others focus on community service, or
adventure challenges where students push their limits. All trips embrace teamwork, cooperation,
leadership, and independence.
Participation in WWW in not optional, as it is an extension of our core programs, and it reinforces the skills
and content in our existing curriculum. This o-campus experience can take students out of their comfort
zones and put them into new situations that help them grow and develop.
Week Without Walls Continued: Grades6-8 January9-13, 2017

Immediately following the winter holiday, middle school students will depart for Week-WithoutWalls (WWW). As families finalize their winter holiday plans, please remember:
Students in Grade 8 will be leaving ISY for Chang Mai on Monday, January 9, 2017,
at9:00 AM.
Students in Grades 6 and 7 will remain on campus and participate in community

building activities in preparation for their trip onTuesday, January 10, 2017. Students
will depart ISY at7:30 AMby bus for their WWW experience.
An invitation to attend a parent information session for each trip will be arranged soon.
2016-17 Trips
Grade 6- Pyay, Myanmar
With a focus on Myanmar history, culture, geography, and economy, the Grade 6 Bago region trip has
students visiting the ancient city of Thayakhittayar, observing local village life, hiking to Buddhist pagodas,
viewing rice production at a local rice mill, learning about how weather is monitored and measured locally
at a weather station, and engaging in community service.
Grade 7- Hpa An, Myanmar

The Grade 7 trip to Hpa An focuses on community and team building through outdoor education.
Activities include cycling, cave exploration and learning about the local culture. Hpa-An is the capital of
Karen State, Myanmar. Hpa-An is the largest and most populated city in Karen State. The setting itself,
the surrounding caves and mountains to explore, and the relaxed atmosphere are the highlights of the
area.
Grade 8- Chiang Mai, Thailand

Outdoor adventure challenge is the theme of the Grade 8 Week Without Wall trip where activities and
emphases include hiking, kayaking, rock climbing, understanding physical capacity, and fostering
leadership skills. Chiang Mai is a city in mountainous northern Thailand that dates back to the 1200s. Its
Old City area still retains vestiges of walls and moats from its history as a cultural and religious center. Its
also home to hundreds of elaborate temples, including 14th-century Wat Phra Singh and 15th-century
Wat Chedi Luang, adorned with carved serpents.
First Season of Sports at

ISY Ends with Heartbreak
and Hurrah!
by Tom Just, Athletic Director
CHINTHE UPDATE
The world of ISY sports has been exciting since
the beginning of the school year. For the high
school students, the year started with the boys
and girls soccer and volleyball teams holding
tryouts. As the teams were chosen, the teams fell
into their routines with practices and games
before the SEASAC tournaments, which were held
the weekend of November 4-6.
The soccer teams traveled to Kuala Lumpur for

their Division II SEASAC tournaments. The results
of the tournaments left the ISY girls finishing in
fifth place and the boys capping o the
tournament with a third place finish.
The boys and girls volleyball teams traveled to

Bangkok for the Division I SEASAC tournaments.
The girls eagerly played in Division I rounds this
year after moving up from a championship win in
Division II last year. The girls found Division I
challenging as they finished in sixth place. The
opportunity and experience that the girls
embraced, however, will not be forgotten as they
continue to Division II next year. The ISY boys
continued their dominance in Division I by winning
all of their first six matches. Their only loss came
harshly as they moved into the finals playing the
Canadian International School of Hong Kong
(CDNIS); hats o to the ISY boys as they took
second place.
With the culmination of the first SEASAC season,

the ISY boys and girls tennis and basketball
teams, as well as the girls touch rugby began the
second season. Each of the season two teams
w i l l t r a v e l t o t h e i r re s p e c t i v e S E A S A C
tournaments in early February. The tennis team
will host the Division II SEASAC tournament here
in Yangon at the Myanmar Tennis Federation. The
basketball teams will travel to Bangkok, hosted by
Ruamrudee International School (RIS), for the
Division II tournaments, while the ISY Girls Touch
Rugby team will travel north as the Canadian
International School of Hong Kong (CDNIS) will
host.
In addition, the ISY Cross Country and golf teams

have been practicing for their SEASAC
tournaments that will take place from November
24-26, 2016. The ISY cross country team will
travel to Singapore as United World College
(UWC-East) hosts the two-day meet; the
individual races will take place on the first day and
the team relay on the second day.
Traveling at the same time, the ISY boys and girls

golf teams will arrive in Bangkok and visit the
NIST International School who will host the team
at one of Bangkoks finest golf courses. We wish
both of those teams the best of luck.
The middle school enjoyed their basketball

season, which provided many exciting games for
both boys and girls. The teams completed their
seasons at the Yangon Athletic Conference (YAC)
tournament; the girls finished third and the boys
harnessed fourth place. Both teams gained
valuable experience in regular season games as
well.
Middle school has now moved on to the second

season of the year, which includes volleyball.
Both, boys and girls teams, have had a few
matches already, and each team will play four
more matches before the December 10 YAC
tournament. Both of the coaches for the boys and
girls volleyball teams are confident that if the
players continue to practice hard, they will easily
win the MS YAC volleyball tournament on
December 10.
All of the ISY sport activities that take place are

listed on the ISY website school calendar. Please
come and watch any of the games or matches at
any time. Consider this your personal invitation to
come and cheer the students on, as they
represent ISY in the various sports that take place
all year long.
ISY is very happy to host three SEASAC events

this year. Along with the tennis mentioned earlier
in this article, ISY will also host the Division II
SEASAC girls softball at the American Club in the
middle of March, as well as its first ever SEASAC
MUN at the ISY main campus on the first
weekend in March.
Thank you to all who have been supporting the

sports teams and to all of the parents and
relatives who will attend games in the future.
Continued on Next Page
Chinthe Pride
The ISY sporting program is extremely

excited for the opening of the new
sports center which includes a new 25
meter swimming pool, side by side
regulation-play indoor basketball
courts, and a new weight room. The
new facility will help ISY to continue to
be successful in our future sporting
challenges.
Photos by Josh Van Lare
Secondary School Counseling Information and Updates
Admissions Decisions at Highly Competitive US Universities

Ever wonder how admissions decisions are made at highly selective US universities? Or how your child
can prepare to apply to a highly selective university? Come find out on Thursday, December 1, 2016 in
the cafeteria on the main campus beginning at 5:30 PM. The high school counselor will answer these
questions and will invite you to participate in an activity that might give you added insight. Parents with
children in any grade level within the ISY community are welcome to attend.
Update from the High School Counselor

We have had over 90 visits up to this point from universities from around the world. ISY students have
been introduced to universities from the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong,
Japan, the United Kingdom, France, Austria, Germany, Switzerland and Italy. This years seniors are
reflecting this diversity by correspondingly applying to a variety of universities in multiple countries.
University deadlines continue to sneak up on them, but they are working feverishly to write essays, obtain
recommendations and meet deadlines. As a parent of a senior, if you are concerned at this stage, please
feel free to contact the high school counselor at your convenience.
As of the week of November 14-18, university visits have abated. They will again resume in February and
continue until the end of March. Please visit our website, along with the secondary principals weekly
message for updates.
Our juniors are not far away from starting the admissions process, themselves. Juniors who need to
(those applying to US and Canadian schools) should take the SAT test twice during their junior year. The
dates remaining this school year are as follows: January 21, May 6 and June 3. Please find registration
information HERE for deadlines and test dates. Individual meetings with the counselor to have in-depths
discussions and provide guidance will begin in January and last until May. Any students or parents
interested in having a meeting during this time are encouraged to make an appointment with with the
counselor.
The Grade 10 students will soon be choosing their IB classes for the 2017-2018 school year. During the
final week of November and the first week in December, students and parents will learn about the
parameters of our IB program, what they need to keep in mind as they choose classes, and how those
decisions connect with dierent university systems. See dates and times on our website and via email
announcements.
The Grade 9 students are adapting to their increased independence, academic expectations and social
freedoms within our high school. They also have access to Naviance, where they can take career surveys
and begin the process of researching information related to college admissions and career development.
Within weeks, they will obtain their first set of grades that will be part of their university transcripts.
IB Course Selection for Current

Grade 10 Students
To help parents and students plan for the
International Baccalaureate (IB) commitment,
the following information sessions will be
provided.
Monday, November 28, 2016

Grade 10 students will be given introductory
information about IB courses. Student will hear
from the IB coordinator, high school counselor,
subject specific teachers and current IB students.
Specifically we will address the following
Introduction to the IB
Why course selection matters and why now?
Things to think of when choosing IB courses- How it may impact University

acceptances. Do your selections fit with your interests and aptitudes?
Through out the day students will be asked to select the courses they think they are most
interested in taking and return it at the end of the day. This is simply a first draft or best
guess.
Tuesday December 6th, 2016 at 5:30 PM

Information evening for Parents and Students in the cafeteria we will be hosting an IB
information evening for parents and grade 10 students. All grade 10 students and a
guardian are required to attend, as IB course decision will impact students for the next two
school years.
The following points will be discussed
General information about the IB
Course decisions and impacts on Universities
Specific details about each course and area.
Answer specific questions you may have.
IB course selection forms are due to the oce no later than December 8, 2016.
Stang for next year will be largely determined by the requests that we receive on December 8;
it is important that by this date the selections are as accurate as possible.
If you would like additional information on the IB Diploma Program, please go to the IBO Parent
Page. Once there, focus on the section for the IB Diploma Program. Specific information on
Course Selection is also located on a linked page.
Be a part of the Legacy:

Building the Foundation for
Our Future
Our Current Donors

Naming Rights

Dear ISY Community:
Our current ISY Capital Building Campaign is

the largest fundraising eort in the schools
history. Building the Foundation for Our
Future brings to life the recommendations of
a comprehensive Master Plan, initiated over a
decade ago, which outlines a multi-phase
campus growth project. ISYs long-term goal
aims to fund an area of critical importance for
our future - to transform the campus
environment for 21st Century learning.
We understand that reaching our fundraising

goal requires unprecedented generosity and
support from our entire ISY community. We
know by achieving our goals to raise 9 million
dollars and to complete phases one and two,
we will advance ISY to even higher levels of
excellence.
As we ask our students to go above and

beyond every day, we must ask the same of
ourselves. At such a pivotal time in our
schools remarkable history, we ask for your
commitment and generosity.
Your support, in essence, shows your

commitment to take part in the eort that will
shape and define The International School
Yangon for the future, further establishing our
place as the leading international school in
Myanmar.
Please download and fill out our Capital

Building Campaign Donation form, and join
our growing list of donors today!
With gratitude,
Sarah Pritchard
Director of Advancement
Classroom Naming - Dawn

Construction Co., Ltd.
Giving Levels
Gold $ 100,000+
Soe Mar Lar
Dawn Construction Co., Ltd.
Wai Thit Lwin
Silver $ 25,000+
Dr. Aung Soe Win, Khin Swe
Swe and Family
U Soe Moe Thu and Daw Win

Win Tint (City Mart)
Krislite
Bronze $ 10,000+
Zaw Lin Soe and Family
AC Concept Furniture &

Design
Win Naing and Hmwe Hmwe
Chinthe $ 5,000+
Chan Mya, Prestige
Automobiles
Gregory, Kirstin and Anna

Hedger
Taing Nandi Aung and Taing

Eaindray Aung
The U Tun Lwin and Daw

Saing Nyunt Family
Sammy Tin
Community Circle - $100+
Sarah Pritchard
The Powers Family
Marvin/Ransom Family
For more information, please visit our

support section of the www.isyedu.org
website or contact Sarah Pritchard at
spritchard@isyedu.org or 09 252 475
700. Thank you.
Poster Design by May Su Yadana Bo; Photos by Josh and Elena Van Lare
A Treasured Visit
by Sarah Pritchard ; Photos by Nirmala Jayaram
A few of us were lucky to greet Dont Kiss, ISY Class of

1970, and his wife, Dr. Marta Judit, when they arrived
from Hungary to visit Donts alma mater. This is his first
trip back to Myanmar after attending ISY 46 years ago.
Dont shared his fondness for his time spent at the
school, as well as the warmth and kindness of the ISY
faculty and sta. He was particularly nostalgic when
recalling his ten years as a child attending schools in four
dierent countries; as the son of a diplomat, Dont found
The International School Yangon to be his favorite
overseas experience.
The visit was heightened as we heard stories describing

ISYs past - when the location was at 99 Mandalay Road.
The stories of this converted home/school, with a
graduating class of ten students, was embraced by all in
the room, as we realized the pride of ISY that is held in
many hearts. We were honored to receive the couples
thoughtful gifts, including a hand-painted and gilded
classic porcelain bell from the famous Herend
manufacturer, a picture book of Hungary, and a copy of
Donts ISY yearbook from 1970!
News from the Admissions Oce

by Nirmala Jayaram, Admissions Coordinator
ISY has been using an online application
March 24, 2017. As spaces are limited, ISY wants to

ensure that new families receive enrollment
notifications in a timely manner to facilitate their
system called InfoSnap since 2014 to manage
relocation to Myanmar.
applications. In a change from previous years, the
online application for the 2017-2018 academic year will
policy, the school has a cap on all nationalities that
launch later on February 15, 2017. The deadline for in-
ranges from 20% to 30%. This nationality cap has been
country applications and transfers (within Myanmar) will
reached in most grade levels for some nationalities.
be March 15, 2017.
The school will make the first admissions
families with children in the waitpool regarding the
oers on April 3, 2017. Currently enrolled ISY families
application process for 2017-2018. Please contact the
will be asked to confirm their return for the 2017-2018
Admissions Coordinator with any queries regarding the
school year by making a financial commitment. The re-
2017-2018 application. Information can also be found
enrollment survey and deposit deadline will be
on the school website.
As you may be aware, according to Board
The Admissions Oce will reach out to all
John Coy writers

workshop for Authors
Circle
Reported by Hyejun Ahn, Grade 8

The award-winning author John Coy,
who wrote multiple children's and young adult
novels, visited ISY's community on October 5 to
hold many discussions and eagerly answer all
kinds of curious questions and understand the
long process of writing.

In addition to these discussions, the
participants of the Author's Circle club had a
special opportunity with John Coy after school
for a writers workshop. He shared that he writes
and creates characters to help him understand
himself better. Then, he discussed how to start
o a novel.His creative way of making us close
our eyes and visualize stories inspired many of
the participants who struggled to start a story.
His thoughtful advice such as emphasizing the
five senses and the setting helped the young
writers describe their story smoothly. In spite of
the short period of time, it was a special
opportunity for young writers and students and
an inspiration to many.
Excerpt from Hyejun Ahn, Grade 8:

I was just about to turn to the corner of
the street right when a tall, slim figure pushed
passed me. My shoulder hit against the nearby
shop door that, which unfortunately, was
opened at the exact same moment by a plump
lady dressed in a colorful coat. The pain
throbbed on my shoulder as I dropped down the
floor. The agony was taking over, but I didnt say
anything. A reaction led to another reaction.
That was the last thing that I wanted right now.
Are you okay? the plump lady

questioned as she checked on me, I am so
sorry.
But that was on the last thing that

was on my mind. My purse was gone.
My head swished toward the street as I

squinted my eyes. He was there. The guy. The
guy who stole my purse. He was dashing as fast
as he can. Despite my tendency to not have any
reactions in any situations, I screamed on the
top of my lungs.
Catch him! He got my purse! The

crowd that ignored my life for the whole entire
time of their lives were suddenly intrigued by the

situation. One head by another, they turned
toward the guy who was dressed in black head
to toe.
Get him! a man yelled as a couple

of people dashed towards the man.
Excerpt from Gustave Monnier,

Grade 8:

It was in the afternoon. Frank was doing
his routine walk from his school to his house.
This day was boring, he had algebra for two
hours and it was so complicated he tried to do
the less he could. When he entered his house
his dad was cooking an apple pie. It smells like
the perfume of an angel cooking. He went to
see his dad and said, Good morning. Then he
kissed him and went to his room and began to
do his homework. He wasnt very concentrated
this day and stopped a moment. He went to
have a rest on his bed and start to think of
himself as a spy trying to get nuclear codes to
avoid world war three. Then he had to imagine
his partners. There was no need because he
had his imaginary friend with him. He thought of
his imaginary friend to be real, at the same
moment a shooting star travel in the sky.
The next morning, Frank went to school

and went to his desk to prepare for class. The
teacher came in and asked to welcome a new
student. Frank couldnt believe his eyes it was
Paul! Frank fell on the ground unconscious.
When he woke up, Paul was with Frank in the
infirmary. What do you want? asked Frank.
Paul looked shocked. Is this how you treat your
best friend, then asked Frank. Frank took a pen
from the desk and told Paul not to move. Frank
then took his bag and ran outside of school to
the grocery store. But surprise, Paul was there
too. Frank couldnt believe his eyes. He then
tried to hide in a small street. What are you
doing? asked Paul.
Frank then passed out.
Continued on next page.
Writers Workshop continued

Excerpt from Anika Luchtenburg,
Grade 6:
My brain then remembers that I did
nothing and then and then my brain
remembers that I did all my homework that was
due tomorrow with Kate yesterday. To be
honest she basically did everything. All I did
was mutter, Yes, and I agree or I think so,
too.
I am pretty sure that my teacher will be

confused once he sees me get like everything
right. I mean I dont fail in EVERYTHING if thats
what you think. I just kinda dont pass
everything but I have never really fail. I still do
my homework, but I never get a perfect score
like everyone else in my class.
Even Daisy gets perfect scores and I

thought I was smarter than her. Ugg. I think I
might repeat the 5thgrade. Or maybe get on
academic probation at least 7 times. Is that even
possible? I hope not.
he cooked, in the microwave, so there was no

need to take o his earphones. He could hear
his mom's keys rattling in the door lock just
fine. But he didn't register why she slams open
his really thin and narrow room door right after
the keys jingle. She could've knocked o the
only hanging poster of some Hong Kong guy
singer superglued from the past owners for all
he knew.

She just keeps screaming unrelated
complaints of why the apartment got too warm
(the rain was taking a painstakingly long break
from KL again), why his schoolbag wasn't on
the couch (she nagged him to keep the couch
bare last week), and why the framed photo on
the cupboard outside fell (she probably made it
topple stomping on the floor).

But it sure got to him when she yelled
why the hell were those two guys hugging on
his Tumblr dashboard glowing on the hand-medown laptop he got from his mom.

He had no clue whatsoever on how to
stop his mom screaming, but she had already
slammed the door shut, with her on the other
side this time.

He sighs in relief and goes back to the
fan art, resting his arms on the worn wooden
table with Disney stickers permanently stuck on
them.
Excerpt from Khant Lin Aung, Grade 7:

Cara loved the garden on Sundays.
There was no work so it was silent besides of
the singing of the many lovely birds that stayed
in the garden. She always walked barefooted to
the oak tree at the center of the garden. Her
mother always complained that it wasnt proper
to walk without shoes and certainly didnt
approve of climbing trees as it wasnt ladylike.
Her dad, the local baron, agreed with her and
they often argued. Cara always came to the
garden as it was her thinking place. On
this particular day the sky was clear and
the sun warmed Caras skin. A cool
breeze made her jump and she
suddenly she heard the crunching of
dead leaves.
Excerpt from Victoria Liau, Grade 9:

Of course, Mom came home
late again. It was the fifth time in a row,
he thought. He was sure he left her
dinner, or rather what was left of what
Whats Your Mindset?

by Patty Amundson-Geisel, ES Counselor
Earlier this month, Ms. Luba and I

presented on the concept of Mindset.
Mindset was first introduced in Carol S.
Dwecks 2016 book entitled: Mindset the
New Psychology of Success.
In her
book, Dr. Dweck argues that the way
people approach their thinking directly
aects their success. The terms growth
and fixed mindset were coined to explain
how individuals think or approach a task.
Individuals with a fixed mindset believe
that one is born with a predetermined amount of ability; ones skills and abilities are stable and cannot be
improved with eort or practice. In contrast, individuals with growth mindsets believe that ability can be
altered with eort and practice.
The dierences between the growth and fixed mindsets are highlighted in a variety of situations. For
example, students with a fixed mindset tend to experience challenges as stressful and overwhelming.
They have diculty persisting in the face of adversity and often view constructive criticism as personal
attacks. A person with a fixed mindset may say things like, Im just not good at this or The teacher just
doesnt think Im smart enough. In contrast, students with growth mindsets tend to see challenges as
areas for improvement, they cherish feedback as opportunities to expand their understanding and
celebrate the success of others for others success inspires them. Students with growth mindsets might
be heard saying things like, My mistakes tell me where I need to improve, or Wow! I can learn from that
example.
In our presentation, Ms. Luba and I highlighted the dierences in these two mindsets and shared ideas
with parents regarding how they might speak to their children when they hear fixed mindset thinking.
Here are a few suggestions for supporting a growth mindset:
Encourage your child to take risks. Risks build resiliency and children can learn when they move
beyond the safety of the known.
Celebrate the process. Children who are praised for doing something quickly or easily may find
themselves believing that eort implies inability.
Praise mistakes. Mistakes are not failures, they are signals that we are learning, and highlight
areas for improvement. Failure is only when one completely gives up on a task or challenge.
Encourage and model positive self-talk. Add the word yet to phrases like Im not good at this
or Im just not a math person. Trading negative for positive self-talk can inspire your child to
follow your lead.
If you are interested in learning more about the dierences between a growth and fixed mindset, feel free
to contact the elementary counseling oces. Ms. Luba and I are happy to talk with you or send you the
information shared at the parent education session.
Red Scarf Girl Reported by Eleanor Wynne McAden
On Thursday, October 27, 2016, the sixth grade video-called Ms. Ji-Li Jiang, the author of a
text they recently finished reading. The book,

Red Scarf Girl, is a memoir of the authors experience as a child during the Chinese
Cultural Revolution, a revolution that took place in China from 1966-1976. The ostensible goal of
the Revolution was to change China from a Capitalist country to a Communist country and was
led by Chairman Mao. With millions of casualties, it was not a peaceful revolution. During the
call, students asked questions they had relating to the book, and Ms. Ji-Li answered them. The
sixth grade was very excited about the call.

Before the call, the room was bright with the smiling faces of forty excited kids, sitting in rows
facing the screen and the camera that allowed Ms. Ji-Li to see them. After all, they were [about to]
Skype with the author of the book they just read who was calling from all the way in California, so they
had the right to be excited.
This call was for them to learn important life lessons. Some lessons to take away from Ms. JiLis experience are that you shouldnt follow leaders blindly and that you should use your own mind to
make decisions. These are both great points to remember throughout life.
The overall review of this call was very positive. Several students said that they had a great
time and learned a lot. One student, Morgan Versosky, said, I got to see the author in real time. It was
very cool to listen to her responses and to the questions. Another student, Mai Phuong Dong, said, I
learned several life lessons from this call. I learned to trust my own judgment, and not always the
judgment of leaders. This was a very fun experience. These and other positive comments can
conclude that this was a beneficial and informative experience for the sixth grade.
HATS ON, PLAY ON: A CALL FOR SUN SAFTEY

By Brett D. McLeod, Elementary Assistant Principal
Perhaps it is because I grew up in a country known to have one of the highest rates of
skin cancer in the world, I pause to repeatedly promote sun safety. Even during the
cloudy monsoon season, the risks posed by the sun remain high. Overcast days oer
Photo by ECIC faculty stock
no guarantee of protection. If there are breaks in cloud cover one can still get sun
burned. Clouds do attenuate ultraviolet (UV) radiation, the essential cause of sunburn and skin cancer, but their
scattering of UV can also result in localized increases in radiation (Estupinan, et al, p. 16,817). All it takes is one instance
of blistering sunburn to double a child's lifetime risk of developing skin cancer (Sun Saftey Alliance). That is why a
change of school policy requiring the wearing of hats and sunscreen is necessary.
UV radiation is directly linked with melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, but UV radiation can also damage
eyes and prematurely age skin (Mayo Clinic). UV rays in and of themselves are not entirely harmful, however. In fact,
they are necessary for our body to produce vitamin D, a substance that helps strengthen bones and safeguards against
diseases (NSF). So, it is obviously important for the health and fitness of ISY students to continue to engage in outdoor
activity.
The challenge is that childrens proclivity for outdoor fun means greater exposure to UV radiation; however, the negative
eects of UV can be considerably diminished with a commonsensical approach. For instance, the wearing of a broadbrimmed hat is a simple and incredibly eective way to protect one's face, head, and neck from ultraviolet radiation
(British Columbia Cancer Agency).
Sunscreen is another measure that helps protect against ultraviolet radiation and should be considered. Even young
children can be taught to apply sunscreen to parts of the body exposed to the sun. Those with a sun protection factor
(SPF) of 30 are generally advised by experts, as are sunscreens that provide protection against both ultraviolet A (UVA)
and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. UVA rays may not cause sunburn but are linked to skin cancer as well as darken and age
the skin (Oaklander, 2015). UVB rays are directly responsible for sunburn and play a key role in the development of skin
cancer (Skin Cancer Foundation, 2013).
Interestingly, all sunscreens provide protection from UVB but this is not true for UVA. Only sunscreens that have UVA/
UVB protection labeled on them provide protection from both types of rays. Naturally, these are recommended. The
best way to determine if a sunscreen oers UVA protection is to look for the words broad spectrum on the label or
bottle (Oaklander, 2015). If it does, then one is assured of protection from both types of ultraviolet radiation.
The right choice of clothing is also important in protecting children from the potentially harmful eects of the sun.
Bright- or dark-colored, lustrous clothes reflect more UV radiation than do pastels and bleached cottons; and tightly
woven, loose-fitting clothes provide more of a barrier between ones skin and the sun and thus provide more protection
(Skin Cancer Foundation, 2013).
Its also a good idea to remind children to play in shaded areas. The Main campus and the ECIC have umbrellas,
covered walkways, courts and large trees that provide respite from the sun. Additionally, the libraries of both campuses
are always open to students during recess if they would like to read a book in air conditioned comfort.
ISY students may not spend an inordinate amount of time in the sun, nonetheless it is important that they develop the
habit of protecting themselves against the harmful eects of excessive ultraviolet radiation. While the school has been
incredibly active in its encouragement of the protective measures aforementioned, many children continue to play
outdoors without a hat or sunscreen.
That is why beginning the 2017-2018 school year ISY will require all students to wear hats in campus areas exposed to
the sun. This will hold true for recesses and Physical Fitness and Health classes held outdoors. Until then, please help
us in urging your children to wear hats, protective clothing, and sunscreen at school. Hats on, play on! is the mantra
espoused at ISY and by working together in its promotion we can better safeguard our children from the potential risks
of too much sun.
Sources:
Be a Sun-Safe Facility. British Columbia Cancer Agency. www.bccancer.bc.ca/PPI/preventionsunsafe@preventionprograms.org
Estupinan, et al. Eects of Cloud and haze on UV-B radiation. Journal of Geophysical Research. Vol. 10, No. D11.Page July 20, 1996. www.climate.ncsu.edu/sraman/
publications/J120.pdf
Diseases and Conditions: Melonoma. Mayo Clinic. 2016. www.mayoclinic.org/diseasesconditions/melanoma/basics/definition/con-20026009
National Science Foundation Polar Programs UV Monitoring Network. National Science Foundation. September 29, 2016. www.uv.biospherical.com/student/
page4.html
Oaklander, Mandy. This Is the Only Sunscreen Article You Need to Read. Time. June 17, 2015. www.time.com/3924609/sunscreen-spf-uva-uvb/
Skin Cancer Foundation. Understanding UVA and UVB. May 24, 2013
The Bare Facts. The Sun Safety Alliance. www.sunsafetyalliance.org/bare_facts.html Understanding UVA and
UVB. Skin Cancer Foundation. May 24, 2013. www.skincancer.org/prevention/uva-and uvb/understanding-uva-and-uvb.
spritchard@isyedu.org
Photo submitted by Steven Lake
High School
Pre K
4 toothbrushes
and 4 tubes of
toothpastes
Grade 6
Each student will

bring:
1 Toothbrush and
1 tube of
toothpaste AND 3
packets of
noodles
Grade 9
Each student will

bring:
1 Toothbrush and
1 tube of
toothpaste AND 3
packets of
noodles
Grade7
Grade 10
Each student will

bring:
2 bars of soap
AND 1 liter bottle
of cooking oil
Each student will

bring:
1 bottle of
cooking oil AND 2
bars of soap.
Kindergarten
Noodle 4 packets
Grade 1
1 bottle of
shampoo
Grade 8
Grade 11
Each student will

bring:
1 bag of sugar
AND a 2kg bag of
rice
Each student will

bring:
1 bag of sugar
AND a 2kg bag of
rice
Grade 12
Grade 2
Bar soap (3)
Grade 3
Cooking oil - 1
liter
Grade 4
Sugar1 Bag
Grade 5
Each student will

bring:
1 bag of Rice 2 kg
AND
1 bottle of
shampoo
The Season of Giving: ISY December Gift Baskets

The International School Yangon has a tradition of giving gifts in the month of
December to our sta of custodians, gardeners, guards, and maintenance
team. To show how we care and are thankful for all that they have done for
us, the Student Councils organize, collect and distribute gift baskets to
include useful household items for each individual just before the semester
ends.
This year our collection process will be as follows:
Rice 2 kg Bag
December Gift Baskets 2016
Middle
School
Elementary
Time period for collection:December 1- 14
Elementary students may bring their individual
contributions to their classroom, and secondary students

may bring their individual donations to Room F201 by
December 14, 2016
To request a form for sponsorship, please contact May Su Yadana Bo, Communications Associate at mbo@isyedu.org
Photos by Josh Van Lare and ECIC Faculty and Sta
Halloween at ISY &

Halloween Read Aloud
ISY Celebrates in Late October
ECIC and ES Students
The students on both campuses enjoyed a fun-filled afternoon
as they paraded around campus with teachers to celebrate the
American Halloween holiday. Younger students were eager to
show off their creative costumes by passing by middle and high
school classrooms. Congratulations to all who participated in
the creativity of the day!
The same evening, students and parents an opportunity to
attend the Read Aloud, which promoted many wonderful
reading selections with a Halloween theme.
Photos by Josh Van Lare and ECIC Faculty and Sta
General Announcements
For all current news, policies, and updates, please visit the ISY website at www.isyedu.org
Girl Scouts of Yangon

Help the Girl Scouts of Yangon (Troop # 20017) learn financial management and sales skills while
raising money to go camping! Please donate gently used books of any genre (child or adult) by
placing them in the boxoutside the ES oce byDecember 7. Books will be sold as a fundraiser
onDecember 10thand any unused books will be donated to local schools or orphanages.
For any questions about the sale, or Girl Scouting in Yangon, contact Erica
atekhetran@hki.org.
Thanks for your support!
Tuition Fees Update from the Business Oce

The tuition fees invoice for Semester 2 of the 2016-2017 school year will be distributed
before Winter Break. Therefore, students who will no longer attend ISY after December
2016, must inform the Business oceof theirintentions.
Beginning on January 1, 2017, ISY will charge a handling fee of .5% for cash payments
of tuition and fees greater than US$100.
For more information, or to inform the Business Oce oce of your intentions for next
semester, please email: businessoce@isyedu.org.
Main Campus: 20, Shwe Taungyar, Bahan Township,

Yangon, Myanmar
Phone: +95 1 512793/512794/512795 | Fax +95 1 525020
Email: oce@isyedu.org
Early Childhood Interim Campus (ECIC): 9 Wingabar Lane, Bahan
Township Yangon, Myanmar
Phone: +95 1 554051 Email: oce@isyedu.org
Communications Oce: communications@isyedu.org
ISY Newsletter Publication
ISY Communications
October/November 2016

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The International School Yangon

Newsletter November 2016

The International School Yangon

Newsletter November 2016

The International School Yangon

The International School Yangon

Newsletter November 2016

A Letter from the Director

Gregory A. Hedger, Ed.D.

Photo by Josh Van Lare

The International School Yangon

Newsletter November 2016

The International School Yangon

Newsletter November 2016

From the ISY Board of Trustees

As 2016 comes to a close, we hope that your

2017-2018 Budgets, Tuition and Fees

Closure of the ECIC

ISY Strategic Governance Policy

In the coming months, we will begin work on a

Board processes that the Board employs in order

Board Member Profile

Appointment of New Board Member

Phase II of the Campus Development

The next Board meeting will take place on

ISY Board of Trustees

The International School Yangon

Newsletter November 2016

The International School Yangon

Newsletter November 2016

From the Director of Teaching and Learning by Laurie Ransom

Photo by Josh Van Lare

November 14, 2016 Professional Work Day

1. Individually and collaboratively determine best instructional approaches to respond

The International School Yangon

Newsletter November 2016

The International School Yangon

Newsletter November 2016

From the Secondary School Principal Christina Powers

Lunch (11:00 12:30)

Middle School Week Without Walls

Photo by Josh Van Lare

The International School Yangon

Newsletter November 2016

Week Without Walls Continued: Grades6-8 January9-13, 2017

Students in Grades 6 and 7 will remain on campus and participate in community

Grade 7- Hpa An, Myanmar

Grade 8- Chiang Mai, Thailand

The International School Yangon

First Season of Sports at

The soccer teams traveled to Kuala Lumpur for

The boys and girls volleyball teams traveled to

With the culmination of the first SEASAC season,

Newsletter November 2016

In addition, the ISY Cross Country and golf teams

Traveling at the same time, the ISY boys and girls

The middle school enjoyed their basketball

Middle school has now moved on to the second

All of the ISY sport activities that take place are

ISY is very happy to host three SEASAC events

Thank you to all who have been supporting the

Continued on Next Page

The International School Yangon