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Testing Times
Stephen Reid, Lower Secondary Learning Leader

Year 7 and Year 9 have recently sat a series of on-line tests, known as the “MIDyis” tests ( The Middle Years Information System ). These tests are administered by the Centre for Evaluation and Monitoring at Durham University in the U.K. The CEM has emerged over the last decade as one of the leading independent assessment organizations for national and international schools. The tests cover 4 areas: Vocabulary, Maths, Non-Verbal ( e.g. spotting errors in spelling & grammar)and Skills ( e.g. spatial aptitude, pattern recognition etc.). MIDyis is not designed to test students on what they have learned at school but rather they measure a student’s academic potential. The results of the tests can be used to measure this potential in a range of subjects and to provide predictions for future exam performance. If you would like to know more about MIDyis please feel free to contact me in school. 
 

Le Café Francais!

This week Madame Amselli’s Year 8 French class put their learning into practice as they took it in turns to order and serve a French breakfast in class! Home-made croissants together with “Bonne Maman” jam / jelly proved to be very popular with the students ( and many of the staff too!). The students had already done some written work on the topic of “Food & Drink” but this classroom activity gave them the opportunity to use their skills and knowledge in a realistic French environment.

In the near future, Mme Amselli is hoping to arrange a visit to a local “Wholefoods” store where the students can gain further practice in the language by asking for some food from an employee who speaks French! Bravo, la classe!
 

International Day is almost here!  Are you ready for it?     

On Friday of this week, Year 12 and 13 students, under the leadership of Miss Sophie Hadjipieris, are organising an  ‘International Day’ at BSW with the aim of raising money for a much needed dormatory at the KCC School in Kiteto, Tanzania. All pupils and students from Years 3-13 will be allowed to wear non-school international uniform on that day that reflects their national heritage.

At break-time, an International Tuck Shop will be run by the IB students where pupils can purchase fun snack foods from various countries. At lunch,  an African buffet  will be served by Armand's food service for students in Years 3-13 who have purchased a hot lunch.  And finally in the afternoon, students in Years 3-13 will do a variety of presentations about the different customs and traditions of various countries and continents shared amongst our school community. Nursery-Year 2  pupils will be involved with learning specifically about Africa and the rich customs of this country during their lessons, as well as penning letters and creating pictures to send to the KCC community. 

We look forward to the 'International Day' being a great success in raising global awareness of the richness of various nationalities and cultures within BSW while also raising money for a needy school in Tanzania. See International Day Letter that was sent home to all parents.

A Note from our Medical Administrator, Sarah-Jane Dennis

This last month, my first as Medical Administrator at the school, I have effectively split my job into two. My most enjoyable role looking after the children’s welfare and treat everyday bumps and bruises continues apace, I have had over 230 visits so far. Not so much fun but very necessary is the creation and update of the pupil medical files. Each child now has an individual medical file that should contain his /her DC Health Form, DC Dental Form, Analgesia Consent Form and any information on illnesses or allergies that may be pertinent. I also keep a copy of any communication to or from parents in there.

Just at the moment I am working on getting all forms (i.e. allergy, DC Health and DC Dental) all up-to-date as each child is required to turn in a Health and Dental Form as they enter grades Pre-K, K 1,3,5,7,9 and 11.So just a quick plea if you have forms lurking in a drawer somewhere could you please pass them on to me.

And a gentle reminder if you have now returned the Analgesia Consent Form and are happy for me the administer pain killers to your child could you please have him/her drop one in, it allows me to deal with minor aches and pains without having to contact you, which can be a lot more expedient. As ever if you have any queries, concerns or suggestions please do not hesitate to contact me.

The Department of Health has announced the expected dates for H1N1 vaccine availability in the District of Columbia. Read more 

Do you know about the BSW Diogenes Club? Well, here is a chance to find out more.......

This academic club meets after school and invites speakers from the local or parent community to share their interests and expertise with Secondary School students (mostly Year 9 and up.)

It was originally started as an enrichment activity in Years 12 and 13, but is now open to all interested Secondary students. Parents are always very welcome to come along as well and it meets usually for an hour immediately after school. The day is variable as it depends on the commitments of the speakers.

A series of distinguished speakers have already started up the new school year with informative and insightful lectures.

Wed 7th Oct- Dr. Sara Bennett, Associate Professor at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and Honorary Lecturer at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine on the topic of Grand Challenges in Global Health- A Social Scientist’s Perspective

Mon 28th Sept- Commander Danny McGrane (from the NATO Outreach Office) Commander McGrane on the topic of NATO, its history and its role in the world today

Mon 21st Sept- Retired Ambassador Mr. Anthony Quainton on the topic of his start in diplomacy.

Click here to read brief summaries of the lectures.

If you think you would like to speak (or know someone who would be interested), please contact Simon A Bird at sbird@britishschool.org

Breast Cancer Walk in DC -

A Great Success!

Thank you parents and children for supporting the BSW Bake Sale which was held on Tuesday 6th October. The money raised from the Bake Sale added up to a whopping $350.00 which has been donated to the Fight Against Breast Cancer Foundation. Several students, teachers and family members participated in representing the British School by further supporting this cause at the walk 5 days later.

The Walk-For-Hope Cure for Breast Cancer event took place on the rather chilly October 11th. Signing in and registration at Cabin John’s Regional Park in Potomac, MD began at 8:30 am. Thousands of people, including children and dogs showed up to show their support. After registering, the participants were issued with Walk For Hope T-shirts and  had a chance to mingle with each other.  Down a path, several stations were set up with activities, raffles and mini games. There was nail-painting, face painting, a bouncy-house for children, free Star Bucks to keep us all awake and warm.

When entering Cabin John’s, there was one particular station that caught people’s eye, a giant quilt for everyone to write messages to the people that inspired them to walk. Only moments before the walk began were people called to gather around the ‘announcement tent’ where the coordinators spoke. After that, the work-out began. An annual combination of jumping jacks, leg stretches and push-ups was taught to the newcomers. Once everyone finished the work out, the walk began. The atmosphere throughout the whole 2.5 miles (4k) was great! Everyone was so pleasant and so determined. It was just an over-all amazing event and inspirational time in everyone’s lives.

Special Thanks to Miss J Shaw, Mrs. K Hatchard, The Daw Family, Lauren C., Ben P. and Greg W. Also thank You to those who wanted to walk but could not due to previous engagements. Donations are still being accepted. If anyone would like to donate any amount to help the fight against breast cancer, the website is : www.walk4hope.com    Article by - Blake H 

Go on a Shopping Spree at Bloomies- October 29

Donate to the Family Support Center by purchasing a $10.00 shopping pass and enjoy a shopping spree on 29 October in Bloomingdales at White Flint, Tysons or Friendship Heights.

There will be discounts on everything in the store and the Family Support Center, a non-profit organisation that provides many valuable community services plus provides our school's counseling services, will get a share of the proceeds regardless of whether you buy anything beyond the $10 shopping pass or not.

To purchase a shopping pass, contact Mr. Kelvin Williams, Deputy Head of BSW and also a Board member of the FSC, by e-mailing kwilliams@britishschool.org