MIDDLE SCHOOL

Middle School
Weekly Publication for Middle School Parents ISSUE # 19
WEEK OF JANUARY 17 TO 21, 2011

From the Middle School Office

Inside this issue:

All Choirs Concert 2

Dear Parents: Guidance Workshop for Parents 3
PTA Family Fun Day
Bearcat Coffee Morning Invitation 4
School is back in full swing for second semester! We hope
Filipino Courses for Parents 5
everyone had a relaxing holiday and is feeling rejuvenated. News from the Clinic 6

From the Operations & Security Office 7

Please note that PowerSchool is closed as teachers are currently in ATAC Announcements 9

the midst of report writing. PowerSchool will reopen on Friday, Tryouts & IASAS Basketball Schedule 10

January 21 after 4:00 P.M., allowing you access to your child's UPCOMING EVENTS
semester 1 report. If you do not have or have forgotten your JANUARY

password, please contact the MS Guidance Office. 19-23 AMIS Band

25 PTA Bearcat Welcome

(7:30 A.M., LT)

26 New Student Luncheon

On Thursday, January 20 the Guidance Department is offering a (11:00 A.M., Rm. 1057)

31-Feb. 04 Bearcat Book Week

talk on Understanding Third Culture Kids. The session is planned
FEBRUARY
from 9:30 to 11:00 A.M. in the Little Theater. Please join us and 02 Gr.4 Student Transition Assembly
(1:00 P.M., LT)
increase your awareness of what it means to be a third culture kid
02 Gr. 4 Parent Transition Meeting
(5:00 P.M., LT)
(TCK) and what can be done to support them.
04 Friday Afternoon Mini-Concert:
MS Strings (3:00 P.M., Courtyard)

04 MS Party (Gr. 5 & 6)

Also on Thursday the Music Department is hosting an All Choirs 05 PTA Family Fun Day (ES Field)

concert starting at 5:30 P.M. in the Little Theater. Please plan to 07-11 ERB Testing

09-13 AMIS Honor Girls Choir Festival

attend this event as the students showcase their growing musical
10 PTA Liaison Meeting
(8:00 A.M., MS Conference Room)
talent and abilities.
14-18 Classroom Without Walls

23 Grade 8 Parent Session on Transi-

tioning to High School
Danielle Fredericks Clarissa Sayson (5:30 P.M., FAT)
24 MS Parent Coffee (7:45 A.M., LT)
Middle School Principal Middle School Assistant Principal
28 School Holiday
(EDSA Revolution Day)

POWERSCHOOL GRADE UPDATE

Jan. 21 PowerSchool Opens for Sem. 1 Reports

Jan. 24 Report Card Distribution (via courier)

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,
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From the Guidance Office

You are invited to a
Guidance Workshop for Parents
Thursday, 20 January 2011
9:30 – 11:00am
Little Theater

Understanding Third Culture Kids

“A Third Culture Kid, or TCK, is a person who has spent a significant part of his or her development years outside the parents’
or ‘home’ culture often due to the international nature of parents’ work.”

This session, most appropriate for parents of TCKs, will present information and offer opportunities for discussion on the fol-
lowing questions:

What are the benefits and challenges of growing up a TCK?

How can parents support their Third Culture Kids?

We hope to see you there!

Presented by ISM Guidance Department

PTA Family Fun Day

Dear Parents,

PTA’s biggest event of the school year is fast approaching, The International Family Fun Day (IFFD), which will be on Feb-
ruary 5, 2011. This is an event that continues to be an exciting part of the ISM community experience. Everyone has
their reasons for going if it be the children enjoying the games and fun with their friends or the parents enjoying a new
taste at the International Food Fair. Countries from all over the world are represented, and as can be seen on the list, it
will be great. We are still looking for some more contributions from our ISM Community of Parents. It is a great way to
get to know some more parents within your community. Let’s try to make this year’s Food Fair bigger than ever and
maybe even add some countries to the list. It only takes a few people, and it’s a great experience for all to enjoy and
share our diverse cuisine. Any help at all would be greatly appreciated by all. We would also like to take this opportu-
nity to thank you all the parents for being part of this day and for making it such a great success.

Thus far I have representatives for the following countries:

Philippines, Australia/New Zealand, China, Europe, Latin American, India, Japan, Korea, Pakistan, Taiwan, Thailand, and
Indonesia.

Here are the countries that have not been represented yet which are a large group of the ISM community:

United States/Canada
Singapore
Other Countries as well

If you are interested or know anyone who is, my contact information is:

Carina Seneviratne
(IFFD Food Rep)

E-Mail: carinasen@yahoo.com
Mobile: 0920-910-0401
Landline: 819-2863
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Updating Parent Contact Information

In order to best serve the ISM Parent Community it is essential that information be quickly disseminated when necessary.
For this reason, the accuracy of your contact details in our data base is of the utmost importance. Please note that Par-
ent Contact Information must be updated online by the parent. However submitted information will be screened for
correct format and the parent may be called for clarification. To make any changes or verification in contact informa-
tion, please access one of your children’s data file via the ISM website (www.ismanila.org) and then under Login, click
on Powerschool Public Access and enter your Username and Password.

On the page that opens, click on the Demographic Update icon for changing or updating demographic information. Note
that if there are siblings also enrolled in ISM, changes will automatically be made in the data files of all other enrolled
siblings in the same family at the same time.
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From the Learning Coordinator’s Office

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From the Clinic

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

TIME TO SIGN UP FOR TYPHOID VACCINATIONS

Date Price (Php)

February 9th, 2011 Typherix – typhoid vaccine 850

This vaccination should be renewed every 3 years and is recommended for people who travel to endemic
areas (including many areas of the Philippines) and also for the following target individuals:

♦ food handlers such as dietary personnel, cooks, waiters, servers and microbiology lab technicians
♦ persons with close exposure to an S. Typhi. carrier or patient.

If you would like more information about the vaccine, please contact the clinic on the number/email below
or call in to pick up a registration form (next to the elementary canteen). Only people with a valid ISM ID
may participate in this program.

PAYMENT FOR THESE VACCINATIONS MUST BE MADE TO THE CASHIER DEPARTMENT BY NO LATER THAN FRI-
DAY, 28TH JANUARY. VACCINES WILL THEN BE ORDERED AND NO FURTHER REGISTRATIONS WILL BE AC-
CEPTED.

Clinic direct number: 840 8580

Email: clinic@ismanila.org

Many thanks

Debbie Duckworth
ISM Clinic Administrator
840 8581
duckworthd@ismanila.org

***
We would like to remind everyone that there is a significant risk of coming into contact with animals carrying
rabies in the Philippines. Whilst the government is campaigning nationally to ensure that all domestic dogs
and cats are vaccinated, there is still a long way to go before this goal is achieved and doctors now recom-
mend that anyone bitten by a vaccinated animal should also consider having the rabies vaccination.

There is a vaccine available through the larger medical centers and some pediatricians that may be given as
a preventative measure to offer some protection if you are bitten. This will reduce the number of injections
required, give you a longer period of time in which to access medical treatment and vastly reduce the over-
all cost of treatment if you are bitten.

If you are interested in finding out more about the pre exposure vaccine, please visit the nurses and doctors
in the clinic or enquire at your pediatrician’s office. We do not offer this vaccine through the school but we
should be able to answer any questions you may have.
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From the Operations and Security Office

Operations and Security

Access and parking within the campus are important security and safety issues. For the well-being of all members of the
ISM community, those entering the school campus are requested to follow the procedures outlined below.

Vehicular Access

During drop-off and pick-up times, vehicles may enter through Gates 2 and 3. Those entering through Gate 2 should pro-
ceed to the drop off area and, once the student has alighted or boarded, they should exit via Gate 1. Those vehicles
entering through Gate 3 must turn into the covered parking area and use the designated drop-off areas. All vehicles
must exit through Gate 1.

Alternatively, vehicles entering through Gate 3 may park in the covered car park. The spaces reserved for parent-driven
cars should only be used by those vehicles which are driven by parents themselves. Vehicles in which parents are travel-
ing, but which are driven by a driver, should not use these spaces. Rather, they should park elsewhere in the covered
park or make use of the outside spaces next to the power center.

Please note that Gate 2 may only be used by vehicles displaying a valid ISM vehicle sticker.

Family/company drivers should not remain within school once they have delivered a student. They should exit the school
and return no sooner than 1:45 in the afternoon for pick up.

Visitors to ISM may only enter through Gate 3. There is an area for short stay visitor’s parking near Gate 1.

The Pedestrian Gate

Location

The pedestrian gate is located in the perimeter fence mid-way between Gate 1 and Gate 2. There is a paved area be-
tween the road and the perimeter fence, allowing easy access to the gate.

The pedestrian gate is solely for the entry of members of the ISM Community at the beginning of the school day. It will
only be open between 7:00 and 7:45 (8:00 to 8:45 on Wednesdays). Due to parking restrictions and in the interests of
security it will not be open in the afternoon for pick ups. During the time it is open, it will be under the supervision of
members of the ISM Guard Force.

Drop-off Procedure

Drivers should stop adjacent to the paved area and students should alight from the right side of their vehicle. The driver
should then move off, clearing the space for other vehicles dropping off students. Under no circumstances should a stu-
dent be dropped off from the outside lane. This is dangerous as the student would need to walk across the front of an-
other vehicle.

Drivers are reminded that traffic regulations forbid parking on the roads around ISM. Therefore, vehicles should only be
stopping for the brief tine it takes for a student to alight. Drivers must not wait for anybody to return to the vehicle.

Car Stickers

The car stickers for the school year 2010/11 are available from the security office.

Each ISM family will be issued one vehicle sticker free of charge. Any additional stickers will be issued following pay-
ment of Php100.00 to the cashier’s office.

In order to facilitate the easy recognition of authorized cars at the gates, the stickers should be affixed to the top right
corner of the windshield. Further to this, old ISM stickers issued in previous years should be removed.

ID Cards

ID cards should be worn at all times while on campus. If you have not been issued an ID card, or you have lost it, you
should obtain one by visiting the security office and completing the appropriate application form.
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(continued from page 3)

Vehicle checks

The practice of inspecting vehicles will continue. During off-peak hours all vehicles will be checked before they are al-
lowed to enter the campus. During peak hours (drop off and pick-up times), all vehicles without valid stickers and ran-
domly selected vehicles with stickers will be asked to undergo an examination.

Whether an examination is conducted or not, it is important that the security staff at the gates are able to identify the
occupants of vehicles entering the campus; therefore IDs must be clearly displayed. Vehicles with tinted windows must
roll down windows to allow a clear view of the interior of the vehicle.

Drivers, Helpers and Bodyguards

Drivers, helpers and bodyguards should not be waiting on campus for students throughout the school day. After dropping
off students they should exit the school grounds and not return more than 30 minutes before dismissal time. Those who
repeatedly fail to comply with the regulation will have their access privilege suspended.

Only those vehicles carrying parents or other people with business within the school will be allowed to return to the cam-
pus before 1:45 p.m.

There are designated areas for unaccompanied drivers, yayas, helpers and security escorts to wait for parents and stu-
dents. Unless specifically authorized, they may not enter any other area. In the interest of security, and to prevent con-
gestion at the pedestrian entrances to the covered parking area, parents are requested to emphasize to their employees
the importance of cooperating with the security staff and remaining in the appropriate areas.

Termination of Employment

In the event of the termination of service of a family employee, parents are asked to secure the former employee’s ISM
ID card and return it to the Security office. If this is not possible, it is important that the Security Office is still informed
of the change of circumstances.

Finally, I would like to thank all members of the ISM community for their cooperation in helping us maintain ISM as a safe
and secure environment for our children.

Firearms

All members of the ISM community are reminded that it is strictly forbidden for firearms to be brought onto the campus.
This includes concealed weapons carried by bodyguards for close protection. Any person arriving at the school with a
firearm should inform the gate guard and arrangements will be made for the weapon to be safely and securely stored
during the visitor’s stay.

Security staff directions

Our security team is endeavoring to make the school as safe and secure an environment as possible for all members of
our community. We ask that everybody cooperate with us in this important task. In particular, all those entering our
campus are requested to comply with any direction given to them by members of our guard force. In the event that any-
one is unclear as to the purpose of such instructions they can seek clarifications from the security office. Please note
that it is the parents’ responsibility to advise their staff accordingly.

Thank you for your cooperation. We are looking forward to another successful semester at International School Manila.

Regards,

MICHAEL FLYNN
Director
Operations & Security
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Athletics and Activities Office Announcements
IASAS BASKETBALL HOUSING
IASAS Basketball will be taking place at ISM on January 27-
29, 2011 and housing placements are now being accepted.
As of this week, we have 55 students housed but we re-
quire 100 housing slots in total.
All 1st season athletes who were housed, this is your time
to fulfill your responsibility and offer housing for Basket-
ball. All varsity and JV basketball teams should also have
returned housing forms by now as well. We welcome of-
fers of housing from anyone in our ISM community. Please
support the ATAC Department by getting these forms in
ASAP. We still require 45 slots for visiting IASAS athletes.
Go Bearcats! Show your pride and support of the program
and get behind our teams by hosting a pair of visiting
players from our IASAS sister schools. Housing forms are
available from ATAC office or on the ATAC Blog at
http://atac.ism-online.org/iasas-basketball-jan-26-31-
2011/
IASAS BASKETBALL
Please see the IASAS Basketball Championships schedule
in this bulletin. I hope many of the ISM community will
come and support our teams during this event. We hope
to have full gyms and a great atmosphere for all our visit-
ing teams. Come out and cheer for the Bearcats.
Whilst our Basketball teams are battling here at home our
other season 2 teams will be doing the same in Taipei
(Rugby/Touch), Singapore (Tennis), Kuala Lumpur
(Swimming). To all our travelling teams and coaches, we
wish you the best of luck at IASAS. All the action/results
from all IASAS events can be followed by visiting the IASAS
website where you can find links to results and live
streaming for some of the events. Visit www.iasas.asia for
all the 2nd seasons IASAS Championships action!
ATAC ANNOUNCEMENTS
GAME SCHEDULE INFORMATION
Information about all mid week/weekend fixtures for ISM
teams can be found by going to the GAME SCHEDULE tab
on the ATAC page of the ISM website. You can also access
this information via the ES/MS/HS divisional web pages.
Please note the game schedule does change often due to
involvement with many local schools so please check the
page regularly to find out the latest information of where
and when the Bearcats teams are playing. Access to the
game schedule page is also available via the ATAC blog.
Click on the Bearcat logo to be directed to the game
schedule page. http://atac.ism-online.org
PAGE 9
ATAC HIGHLIGHTS/UPDATES – JANUARY/FEBRUARY
(for ALL match/schedule details check game schedule
page)
♦ Jan. 14 - HS Basketball at Brent
- MS/HS rugby vs. BSM and Faith at ISM, HS field
from 3:30 P.M.
- Swim team to Bangkok for pre-IASAS meet
♦ Jan. 15 - JV/varsity Rugby at Brent
- JV/varsity touch at Faith
- MS boys and girls Basketball at ISM
- Varsity girls Basketball at ISM
- PRADA Chess at ISM
- ISTA MS boys A tennis vs. Ateneo A at CSA,
from 1pm
- ISSA Tennis at CSA
- PRADA boys Tennis at ISM
♦ Jan. 21 - Basketball at Faith
♦ Jan. 22 - ISM Touch Invitational Tournament
- MS Boys B tennis vs. Ateneo 8:00 A.M. and vs.
Brent B 1:00 P.M.
♦ Jan. 26 - IASAS Basketball Teams arrive,
ISM Teams Depart for IASAS
♦ Jan. 27-29 - IASAS Basketball at ISM
♦ Jan. 27-29 - IASAS Rugby/Touch in Taipei, Swimming in
KL, Tennis in Singapore
♦ Jan. 29 - MS PRFU Juniors Touch/Tackle Rugby
tournament at ISM
- JV Touch at UP for UP Invitational Touch
Tournament
♦ Jan. 31 - 3rd season sports tryouts begin for HS teams
(Track/Softball/Badminton)
♦ Feb. 3 - 3rd season sports tryouts begin for MS teams
(Track/Softball/Badminton/Mixed Touch)
♦ MS 2nd Season Sports Awards on February 9, 4:00 P.M. in
ES Gym (Touch/Tennis/Rugby/Basketball)
♦ HS 2nd Season Sports Awards on February 11th, 5:30 P.M.
HS Gym (Touch/Rugby/Tennis/Basketball/Swimming/
Cheerleading)
BEARCAT DEN
Regular Opening Hours for the Bearcat Den:
♦ Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 11:30 A.M. – 1:00
P.M. and 2:30 P.M. – 4:00 P.M.
♦ Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 2:30-4:00 P.M.
Thanks to all our great volunteers.
Mark Pekin
Director of Athletics/Activities
International School Manila
E-mail: pekinm@ismanila.org
ISM Website:http://www.ismanila.org/
Blog: http://atac.ism-online.org/
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