INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

BRITISH INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL WROCAW

NEWSLETTER

THE HEAD OF SCHOOL MESSAGE

page 1
SCHOOL CALENDAR AND REMINDERS
page 2

WEEKLY SCHOOL INFORMATION, EVENTS AND NEWS

EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES 2016/2017

page 3
NEWS FROM OUR PRIMARY SCHOOL
NEWS FROM OUR SECONDARY SCHOOL
NEWS FROM OUR POLISH SCHOOL
page 4
SPOTLIGHT ON YEAR 1 RABBITS
page 5
BISC HOUSES 2016/2017
page 6
HOUSE SCORES 2016/2017
page 7
CHUSEOK
page 8
PARENT TEACHER ASSOCIATION 2016/2017
page 9

come into full effect from September 2017. I also

wish to consult pupils and I hope that next week I
can present a detailed proposal in the
newsletter.

LUNCH MENU SEPTEMBER 2016

page 10
AROUND BISC WROCAW
page 11
th

ISSUE 2 Friday 16 September

Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss
events; small minds discuss people.
Eleanor Roosevelt
The school came together a few times this week. First
of all we had our first House assembly and we
allocated all the new pupils to their houses. As Head
of School, I remain homeless/houseless as I need to
be a neutral arbiter and judge at times. I wish all the
houses much fun and success this year.
We also came together for the annual school
photographs with whole primary and secondary
taken respectively as well as all the individual and
class groups. All the pupils looked very smart and
presentable and I thank you for supporting this
important chronicle of school life. It is evident
however that the variety of uniform choices remains
unsettled but we are making progress on this. First of
all I met with the Senior Leadership Team and we
have sketched out the principles behind how to
approach this issue. I have also met with the PTA
leadership and we clarified this further. There has
also been some discussions with staff. In addition we
are now doing further research on suppliers, costs
and logistics to ensure we have a concrete proposal
for parents by the end of September. The new
uniform policy is close to being established and it will

The PTA includes details of their upcoming coffee

morning on Monday 19th September so please
come along to support this important school
association.
The 20th anniversary of my first visit to Poland
occurred recently and it caused me to reflect on
how much this beautiful country has changed
and, how of course, many things also remain
constant. Soon after my arrival the flooding of
Wrocaw occurred and I remember the
newspaper and television reports of the
devastation and its impact on thousands of
people. It was the first time that I was really
aware of Wrocaw and from visits in following
years I was able to observe how the city was
transformed, restored and developed. The
enterprise, determination and independent spirit
of its people was also evident to me at the time.
There is much negative press about Poland at the
moment. I am not going to comment on its
validity or accuracy but my reflection is that
Poland is now a much better place to reside and
has greater potential for all its residents to
realise their dreams than when I first arrived 20
years ago. Back then I grappled with a paradox.
First of all I experienced an overwhelming
hospitality from new found Polish friends, where
people showed a generosity and welcome that I
had rarely observed before. At the same time, for
a new arrival, Poland seemed an unwelcoming
place, gruff shop assistants, unhelpful
bureaucrats, limited social options and an

impenetrable language. As I delved in further I

began to appreciate the country more and
admire its people, its struggles and its wit and
humour. 20 years ago Poland was a much poorer
place, in terms of infrastructure, opportunities
and personal finances. It was a struggle for most
Polish people to make ends meet. It was also a
place of greater insecurity. The chaos caused by
the first years of capitalism and free markets had
led to protection rackets, intimidation and I was
aware of people who wished to open businesses
and small enterprises but they were afraid of the
possible problems they would face. There was
also a sense that the police hadnt yet adjusted
to the new reality.
Thus when I read of increasing aggression and
racism in Poland it doesnt seem to relate to my
experience. I find that Poland has become more
welcoming, open, and interested in the world.
They are travellers, explorers and they are more
confident in their identity. Throughout Europe
there is a rising concern with increased levels of
nationalism and in Poland there is some blurring
in the distinction between patriotism and
nationalism. A patriot in my mind is someone
who pays their taxes, who loves their country
warts and all, and who strives to make their
family, their locality and their country a better
place. My ardent wish is that patriotism in
Poland and beyond will follow the direction that I
have identified above.

Best regards,
Tom McGrath
Head of School

CONTACT DETAILS:
British International School Wrocaw
al. Akacjowa 10-12, 53-134 Wrocaw, Poland
School office tel: +48 71 796 68 61 fax: +48 71 796 68 62
email: wroclaw@bisc.krakow.pl , head@bisc.wroclaw.pl

Page 1

BRITISH INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL WROCAW - CALENDAR OF EVENTS

September 2016 / October 2016
Monday

Tuesday

19
Morning briefing
All Staff Members
8.20am 8.30am
ICT room
PTA Coffee Morning
8.45am
dining room, big villa

Wednesday

20
Apple Orchard Trip
Foundation
ECA Football Club
registration with
Mr Marcin Kwasiuk
dining room, big
villa at 3.45pm

21
Morning briefing
All Staff Members
8.20am 8.30am
ICT room

Thursday

Friday
22

Saturday
23

Sunday

24

25

Primary School
Assembly
8.35 am
Secondary School
Assembly
10.30am

Savoury Snack Day

Year 12 and Year 13
Trip to the Board
Games Centre
Year 4 Shoebills

Whole Staff Meeting

3.40pm

Advisory Board
Meeting
4.00pm
26

27

Morning briefing
All Staff Members
8.20am 8.30am
ICT room

28
Morning briefing
All Staff Members
8.20am 8.30am
ICT room

29
Special Book Day

30
Primary School
Assembly
8.35 am
Secondary School
Assembly
10.30am

Special Book Day

Primary
Staff Meeting
3.40pm
Year 4 Shoebills room
small villa
Secondary Staff
Meeting
3.40pm
F2 room, big villa
3

Morning briefing
All Staff Members
8.20am 8.30am
ICT room

Morning briefing
All Staff Members
8.20am 8.30am
ICT room

Primary
Staff Meeting
3.40pm
Year 4 Shoebills room
small villa

Savoury Snack Day

Foundation

6
International
Schools assessment
test

7
Primary School
Assembly
8.35 am
Secondary School
Assembly
10.30am

International
Schools assessment
test

Pastoral Meeting
3.40pm
F2 room, big villa

REMINDERS FOR PARENTS

Please take care when

parking around the school.
Avoid blocking entrances to
neighbours houses and
driveways.
DO NOT PARK ON THE
ZEBRA CROSSINGS!

1. Mr Hae Sung Lee, our Korean Coordinator is available in

the Korean room on:
Mondays:
8:00-10:30 / 12:05-15:30
Tuesdays:
8:00-9:25 / 11:20-13:50
Wednesdays:
8:00-9:25 / 12:55-13:50
Thursdays:
10:10-10:30 / 12:05-13:05
Fridays:
8:00-9:25
Contact details:
Hae Sung Lee - haesung.lee@bisc.wroclaw.pl
2. Due to the Medical Conference, our School doctor will
nd
be absent on Thursday September 22 .
3. Dear Parents,
The ISA (international Schools Assessment) test this year is
th
th
scheduled for the October 5 and 6 .
This concerns Years 4-9. More details can be found on our
Schoology website (#Wroclaw All Users Materials)

th

4. BISC Wrocaw 10 Anniversary Book still available

To order your copy, go to www.lulu.com and search for
BISC Wroclaw, or use the direct link:
http://www.lulu.com/shop/bisc-wroclaw/bisc-wroclaw10th-anniversary-book/paperback/product-22752624.html
5.Kendo Club
Due to Mr Uesugis undergoing physical rehabilitation we
th
will proceed with the Kendo Club from October 4 .
Get well soon Mr Tahakaru! : )
6. Football Club
Dear Parents,
Please be informed that in order to enrol your child for the
football club, you need to see Mr Marcin (P.E. teacher) on
th
Tuesday September 20 (3.45pm , dining room, big villa) or
contact him via Schoology.

Page 2

BRITISH INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL WROCAW

Extra Curricular Activities 2016/2017

ECA

TEACHER

AGE GROUP

WHERE

WHEN

Kendo Club
*starting October 4th

Takaharu Uesugi

Y1 upwards

Dbowa Gym
Dbowa 9b

Tuesdays
3.45pm - 4.35pm

Swimming Club
st
Beginners 1 group

Marcin Kwasiuk &

Jacek Lelewski

Year 1-2 and

beginners

SSP72
ul. Trwaa 17-19

Mondays
3.50pm - 4.35pm

Swimming Club
Beginners 2nd group

Marcin Kwasiuk &

Jacek Lelewski

Year 1-2 and

beginners

SSP72
ul. Trwaa 17-19

Fridays
5.20pm - 6.05pm

Football Club
*NEW

Micha Krl

Year 1-5

School premises

Tuesdays
3.45pm - 5.00pm

Basketball Club

Marcin Kwasiuk

Year 1-5

School premises
from October: SSP72
ul. Trwaa 17-19

Fridays
4.00pm - 5.15pm

Polish Club

Anna oboziak

Year 1-6

Year 2 Dragonflies classroom

small villa

Tuesdays
3:40pm - 4:20pm

Stories and Tales Club

Ewelina Pachla

Year 2-3

Maths Support

Anna Witaska

Year 2-6

Discussion Club

Jennifer Jones

Year 3-4

Primary Orchestra

Maciej Posuszny

Year 3-6

Year 2 Dragonflies classroom

small villa
Year 4 Shoebills classroom
small villa
Year 3 Foxes classroom
small villa
G11 room
big villa

Wednesdays
3:40pm - 4:20pm
Tuesdays
3:40pm - 4:20pm
Tuesdays
3:40pm - 4:20pm
Wednesdays
3:40pm - 4:20pm

Swimming Club
intermediate and advanced

Jacek Lelewski

Year 3-11

SSP72
ul. Trwaa 17-19

Wednesdays
4.35pm 5.20pm

Football Club
*NEW

Micha Krl
Danny Young

Year 6 upwards

School premises

Fridays
3.45pm - 5.00pm

Basketball Club

Marcin Kwasiuk

Year 6 upwards

Scrabble Club

Ewa Gobek

Secondary

Secondary Orchestra

Jakub Stefaniszyn

Secondary

Singstar Club

Jakub Stefaniszyn

Secondary

School band

Jakub Stefaniszyn

Secondary

Anna Sawiel

Parents : )

Ania Sawiel

Parents : )

Iwona Sokoowska

Parents : )

Polish for Parents

Beginners
Polish for Parents
Intermediate
English for Parents

School premises
From October: SSP72
ul. Trwaa 17-19
S2 room
big villa
G11 room
big villa
G6 room
big villa
G11 room
big villa
EAL Room
small villa, first floor
S7 room
big villa
G10 room
big villa

Tuesdays
4.00 pm - 5.15 pm
Wednesdays
1.20pm 1.45pm
Thursdays
1.10pm 1.50pm
Fridays
1.10pm. 1.50pm
Fridays
3.35pm 5.00pm
Tuesdays
1.50pm 3.30pm
Thursdays
1.50pm 3.30pm
Tuesdays
2.00pm 3.25pm

Page 3

News from Head of Primary

Here we are, already in the second
week of the school year. I can tell
that Schoology is up and running,
with more and more pupils using it
to help their learning and
communication with the teachers. I
must say that primary teachers are
doing a really good job, posting
photos of activities, assignments and
answering questions.
Our gardens have been cleaned and they shall await the
next gardening season. The school is planning to put a
new fence around the allotments and the soil will be dug
before the winter.
This week we had our school photographs taken many
thanks to all the parents and pupils for coming in full
uniforms and looking smart. A huge thank you to Ms.
Kasia Frankiewicz and Ms. Kasia Kluka for organising this
year's photo schedule.
I am pleased to inform that on 28th and 29th September
we are going to celebrate Special Book Days with many
exciting activities and competitions. We will reveal more
details in the next newsletter, so please remember to
read it :-)
Another date to put in your diaries will be 5th and 6th
October. This is when our Year 4,5 and 6 children (in the
primary school) will take their annual ISA test.

News from Head of Secondary

It was a hot and stuffy week in the
classrooms, but students kept their
concentration to their studies and
performed well this week.
Schoology is starting to really take
off and it is a terrific
communication tool between
home and school.
I highly encourage parents to
check Schoology each day to help remind students of the
homework assigned and upcoming tests that are posted
on the calendar. For students, I would also like to remind
you to follow the Schoology Code of Conduct policy which
you have read after your initial login. Please follow these
guidelines when you decide to post comments to
teachers and other students.
Enrollment into ECAs for secondary began this week. If
students would like to participate in any of the activities,
they will need to contact the teacher supervising the
activity to find out if there is space available.
Enjoy your weekend,
Joe Peck
Head of Secondary

News from Polish School

Moi Drodzy,
jako e pogoda mi na to pozwala :)
witam gorco Was wszystkich, lecz
szczeglnie serdecznie chciaabym
uciska dwie Bardzo Wane Osoby.
Niby dobrze nam znane, ale jake
odmienione, pojawiy si wrd nas
GIMNAZJALISTKI!

This Friday we gathered for our weekly assembly, in

which Ms. Iwona informed the students about new ideas
on developing our house system.
There were new Stars of the Week, too:
Foundation Bees and Bears Do Hyun
Year 1 Rabbits Rustem
Year 2 Dragonflies Eric
Year 3 Foxes Jihyo
Year 4 Owls Arin
Year 4 Shoebills Akshaya
Year 5 Coyotes Seohyeon
Year 6 Wolverines Yeyn
Year 6 Clouded Leopards Fernando
Congratulations, Stars!
Wishing you a nice weekend,
Anna Witaska
Head of Primary

Od poniedziaku Julia Zarzecka i

Jenny wiercz dumnie dwigaj na swoich drobnych
barkach olbrzymi ciar odpowiedzialnoci za ca szko:
Polsko-Brytyjskie Gimnazjum Dwujzyczne.
Na pewno nie jest im atwo, bo i szkoa nie jest
zwyczajna... Kto wie, by moe ma nawet szans zapisa
si w ksidze rekordw Guinessa jako najmniejsze
gimnazjum na wiecie ;)
Dziewczyny! Mali i Wiksi, wszyscy trzymamy za Was
kciuki! :)))
Dyrektor Szkoy
Magda Mrozowska

Page 4

Spotlight on Year 1 Rabbits

We have been very busy in year 1, learning
and playing nicely together. The Rabbits
would like to tell you their favourite parts of
school so far!
Aryanshi - I like reading books because there
are so many pictures and they give you so
much knowledge.
Matilda - I liked doing Play-doh, the
computer, the kitchen and reading because
reading is so much fun!
Saatvik - I like playing outside and inside
because I like to play!
Junwoo - My favourite is playing outside
because I want to go sliding.
Ji-Yoon - My favourite is reading with Miss
Aysha because I like the books.
Rustem - I like playing with the doctors stuff
with Luke, because hes my favourite friend.
Im watching who is sick then I check their
body and legs.
Luke - I like putting merits in the box then we
can see and count all the merits and take
them to the library. I am in phoenix.
Deniz - My favourite is drawing because I
have a lot of pencils. I like drawing the park.
Mr Danny - I enjoy listening to all the different
stories every day. I love finding out what Biff,
Chip and Kipper have got up to, those crazy
kids!
Miss Aysha - My favourite moment was our
lesson about the Earth, Moon and Sun. The
Rabbits were telling me all about gravity,
space and astronauts. I was very impressed, it
was out of this world!
Have a lovely weekend
Year 1 Rabbits

Page 5

BISC HOUSES
Our School is divided into four houses: Cygnus (blue), Lupus (yellow), Phoenix (red) and Pegasus
(green).
Each student (and teacher) belongs to one house and stays with that house as he or she moves
through the year groups. Students are awarded merits for their exemplary behaviour during their
school activities (lessons, trips, playtime or lunch time), as well as for educational reasons (working
hard at school, completing extra homework etc). A friendly competition is involved houses
compete with one another at sports and in other ways, thus providing a focus for group loyalty and
unity.
Once a week, students merit points for behaviour and academic achievements are totalled up for
comparison between the houses and the results are announced at our Friday Primary and Secondary
Assemblies. The score is displayed on the House Board in the big villa, so you can see which house
has been the Weekly Winner and check the position of the houses. The points contribute to the
award of the House Cup at the end of the school year. Below you can see the logo, song and motto of
each house.
I wish everyone a wonderful year at BISC,
Iwona Sokoowska
House Coordinator
Cygnus
Volate ad victoriam!
(We fly to victory!)

Phoenix
Citius! Altius! Fortius!
Go Phoenix!
(Faster! Higher!
Stronger!)

Lupus
Lupus labores pariunt
honores.
(Lupuss work brings
success (honours.))

Pegasus
In hoc signo vinces.
(In this sign you shall
conquer.)

CYGNUS
Turn on the radio. (x2)
What do you hear? (x2)
Cygnus, Cygnus (x2)
give us a cheer. (x2)
Were gonna beat em!
Bust em!
Thats our custom.
Gooooo Cygnus!!!

PHOENIX
Read it, read it, read it all
about.
Phoenix is the best and
theres no doubt!
The rest of you listen
here
Phoenix, Phoenix
Victory is near!

LUPUS
Everywhere we go (x2)
People want to know (x2)
Who we are (x2)
We are Lupus (x2)
The mighty mighty
Lupus!
Who ha, Who ha
Who ha ha!

PEGASUS
Who are, who are, who
are we?
We are, we are
somebody!
Together we stand
Tall and proud!
Pegasus is the best and
we are loud!

Page 6

HOUSE SCORES 2016/2017

st

Place

671 MERITS (4 points)

WEEKLY WINNER

nd

Place

593 MERITS (3 points)

rd

Place

503 MERITS (2 points)

th

Place

320 MERITS (1 point)

Page 7

CHUSEOK Korean Thanksgiving Day

On September 15th we were celebrating Korean Thanksgiving Day
which is called Chuseok. Originally called Hangawi, the celebration
dates back to ancient times and takes place on the 15th day of the
eighth lunar month when the moon is full and bright. During that
time, people in Korea visit their families, share food and spend time
together.

On the day of Chuseok families prepare Charye in memory of their

ancestors. The Charye is one of the most important memorial rites to
be performed. Thanks to my grandmother-in-laws support I was able
to prepare various dishes especially for Charye and celebrated it with
my family. The process of making food for Charye is quite tiring but it
was a great time thanks to my daughters by my side asking about
their grandparents and discussing our origins.

Performed in the morning, the Charye ceremony requires for the

various tribute dishes to be placed on the table in a special order. In
general, rice is placed on the northern end of the table, fruits and
vegetables on the southern end, meat on the western end and rice
cakes and drinks on the eastern end. The Charye rite honors the past
four generations and calls upon their spirits' protection for the future.

Koreans celebrate Chuseok by eating special food, particularly a certain kind of rice cake called Songpyeon. It is made with finely
ground new rice and the dough is kneaded into small round shapes and filled with sesame seeds, chestnuts, red beans or other similar
ingredients. The rice cakes are arranged upon layers of pine needles as they are steamed, filling the home with the delicate and fresh
fragrance of autumn. A few years ago, our Korean community made Songpyeon for BISC students and staff. We enjoyed eating Korean
rice cakes : )

Do you remember the Ganggangsullae film we have watched during one of the assemblies? Thats right. It is the traditional Korean
dance which is performed by children or by women wearing traditional silk clothing called Hanbok. It is also performed during the
Chuseok.

We are living in the present looking hopefully into the future. We still have to remember our ancestor and Chuseok is a perfect
occasion to do so.

I am thankful for the opportunity to introduce this small part of the Korean culture to the BISC community in our newsletter.
My best wishes to my colleagues and friends at BISC Wroclaw on this occasion. : )

HyeSeung Lee

Page 8

PARENT TEACHER ASSOCIATION 2016/2017

PTA BISC Wroclaw on Facebook:
goo.gl/WNw25e
pta@bisc.wroclaw.pl

1.

1st PTA Coffee Morning in academic year 2016/17 and elections:

The first PTA Coffee Morning this academic year is going to take place on Monday, September
19 in lunch room after morning drop-off, around 8:45 a.m.
The agenda for this meeting is going to be:
Elections of new PTA
Report for the academic year 2015/16
Brief introduction into the planned PTA activities
PTA would like to invite all parents to find time to take part in this meeting.

2.

Bake-a-Cake and Savoury Days:

The first Bake-a-Cake and Savoury Day this year belongs to Years 12&13 and is scheduled for
Wednesday, September 21. Next Bake-a-Cake and Savoury Day will belong to Foundation
children and is scheduled for Wednesday, October 5.
All other Bake-a-Cake and Savoury Days will be announced in the next Newsletter.
Information for newcomers:
Bake-a-Cake and Savoury Day is a fund-raising activity for each particular class. On this day
children bring baked sweet and savoury goodies (cakes, muffins, etc) and sell them usually
during the snack time to other students. All other students bring on that day some money to
be able to buy something nice. All the income from a Bake-a-Cake and Savoury Day stays to
the class which is hosting it.
Best regards,
Aneta Kiml
Dorean Kidd

Page 9

Lunch Menu for September 2016

Dear Parents,
Please find below a few details about our lunch ordering system:
1. Lunches for the upcoming week can be ordered in the secretary's office (small villa) from Monday
till Thursday.
2. In case of childs absence, please inform Ms Kasia Frankiewicz (our secretary) on the same day by
phone (71 79 66 861) or via e-mail (wroclaw@bisc.krakow.pl) before 9am Depending on your
request, order will be cancelled or moved for the next week.
3. The orders are accepted together with the payment only.
4. Menu for the following month will be posted on the information boards in both villas and also in
our weekly newsletter.
5. The cost per lunch is 10PLN.

19.09.
Sesame crusted
chicken cutlet,
salad and baked
potatoes/ rice/
French fries
Spaghetti with
tomato sauce,
salad
26.09.
Devolay with
mashed potatoes
and salad
Pancakes with
spinach, feta
cheese and sun
dried tomatoes

20.09.
Grilled chicken
cutlet, salad and
potatoes/rice/
French fries

21.09.
Fried Cod, salad
and potatoes/
rice/ French fries

22.09.
Breaded chicken
cutlet, salad and
potatoes/rice/
French fries

23.09.
Meatballs with
potatoes and
salad

Pancakes with
cheese and
chocolate
27.09.
Borscht soup,
croquet with
cheese and
mushrooms
Penne with
vegetables and
chicken in cream
sauce

Hash browns with

steamed veggies

Pancakes with
apple sauce

28.09.
Toastie with
spinach, tomato
and mozzarella

29.09.
Meat stew with
dumplings and
salad

Toastie with
spinach, tomato
and mozzarella
30.09.
Spaghetti with
tomato sauce,
salad

Breaded chicken
cutlet, salad and
potatoes/ rice/
French fries

Pancakes with
cheese/chocolate

Fried Cod, salad

and potatoes/
rice/ French fries

Page 10

AROUND BISC WROCAW

A brief introduction to parents at BISC Wrocaw

Page 11