NewsletterIssue 14 12 December,2014

Dear All,

Congratulations to the PTA for organising another wonderful Christmas Fair last Saturday. A high turnout of parents and

children was a reflection of how such events are truly and permanently embedded in our TBS tradition. Santa’s Grotto was constantly busy and our school choirs drew large crowds of spectators wishing to enjoy excellent music.

Last night’s Christmas concert was another great success of our music programme at the school, led by Mr and Mrs

Porter and Ms Mytko. Thank you again for the time and commitment that make such evenings truly enchanting.

I would also like to use this opportunity to congratulate our Year 13 students who have already received their university offers and who will now be even more motivated to work really hard in order to achieve expected grade averages. Good luck to the students who are currently attending university entrance interviews or are expected to have them very soon.

On behalf of all of us at The British School, Warsaw, I would like to wish you happy and joyous Holidays and all the best in the New Year.

Travel safely if you are planning your holidays outside of Warsaw and we look forward to seeing you again in January 2015.

Sincerely

Dr Jacek LatkowskiActing Principal

Dąbrowskiego NewsDear All,

Christmas is always a magical time of the year and this past Wednesday it was even more so at our early years centre.

Students from Pre-Nursery to Year 1 celebrated the magic of Christmas by putting on three fabulous concerts. As head of the centre I am in awe of how much confidence our students have as well as their ability to learn so many words for the songs.

It was truly a festive celebration of each of our students and an opportunity to showcase just how far each one of these precious individuals have come.

May I take this opportunity to thank you for your incredible support over this past term, your positive and constructive feedback helps us to continually improve our setting.

I wish you a very pleasant holiday and safe travels wherever you may go, may the joy of this season surround you, Merry Christmas.

Michelle StevensHead of Early Years Centre

Dąbrowskiego NewsELS

Christmas is fast approaching and all the students and teachers are busy preparing for this special time of the year. Classrooms are exciting places for children to be, but at the same time they are frequently quite noisy. We must not forget to calm down, look around us and listen.

Listening, for second language learners, is a key to language development. It is an active process involving comprehension; thinking about the meaning. It’s much more than sim-ply recognizing sounds and words and it just doesn’t happen in the process of teaching of speaking. Children need to be prepared to listen in a perceptive way as many of them haven’t yet learnt how to be active listeners in our busy and noisy world.

During our ELS lessons the Year 1 students have been learning the language related to changes across the four seasons, senses and clothes. We have discussed how we decide what to wear and how what we put on ourselves is affected by the weather and occasions. We have designed some clothes which we could wear during different weather circum-stances and for varied activities. Children had lots of fun with making the clothes and “dressing” their figure. Our project will finish with the display of student’s work on the board opposite ELS classroom.

This term we have also worked really hard on building in our students the confidence to show what they already “know” and “can do” in a bigger group in their classrooms.

Well done for that to all ELS children!

Warm regards,

Magda ŚwiątekELS Teacher

Primary NewsDear All,

As we approach the Christmas holidays I wanted to take the opportunity to reflect briefly on the Festive Season. These last weeks have seen a very busy schedule of plays, concerts, carol singing and charitable events both at The British School and in the wider community in Warsaw. Students and staff with the dedicated support of the PTA and parents have all worked very hard to make sure that the School and the community reflects the spirit of Christmas at this time. I would like to thank you all for your efforts in this.

One of the central features of Christmas is the custom of giving and receiving gifts, and the traditions surrounding St Nicholas and Santa Claus allow us to contribute to a festive and merry celebration. I am particularly grateful to parents and staff for their generosity in supporting the Christmas Giving Tree initiative again this year and making sure that children in very difficult circumstances also have the opportunity to enjoy this time. I would also like to thank you for the support provided by the School for the Warsaw Volunteer Mission and our Harvest Festival Food Drive.

School is of course not just about formal lessons; although these are important and an essential part of School life. School is also about the lessons learnt on the playground, in competitions, in performances or celebrations. It is clear to me that our community of students from Foundation to Year13 have a great sense of spirit and support for one another. They enjoy working with each other and are happy to help each other unasked. This sense of cooperation shines through in everything that they do.

In that spirit, please enjoy a festive and happy holiday with your family and friends; if you are travelling away from Warsaw, please travel safely; and we look forward to welcoming you all back to The British School for Term 2 which begins on Wednesday 7th January 2015.

Zoe RichardsonHead of Primary School

Primary NewsA Message from Robert Crook, Y5 Learning Leader

and KS2 Science Coordinator

For most of us, teachers and parents, the Internet has become our first and frequently sole stop for information, entertainment and communication. This is also the case for children. They surprise many by demonstrating their adaptable nature to keep up with technology and changes, often faster than the adults! The Internet and the technology used to access it are developing at a rapid speed.

In 1858 the transatlantic telegraph cable reduced the communication time between Europe and North America from ten days to a matter of minutes. Then, in 1876 Alexander Graham Bell was the first to patent telephone technology, helping to allow instantaneous long distance communication. During the 1990s the World Wide Web was fashioned within the Internet and in a single generation or two, a multitude of computer generations have been born.

In this age it is easy to see how the world is getting smaller. Accessing and utilizing this resource is becoming more common in every classroom across the school. Skype is being used in several classrooms every week to share poetry, collaborate on pieces of work and share traditional and festive songs and dances!

At The British School we recognise the importance of education in this field. The students of Key Stages One and Two, along with the Early Years and Secondary School, have access to a wealth of technology and online resources.

During Key Stage Two the students are at an age when using the Internet can often be a daily occupation. As well as learning the skills to master the pencil and paper, practises that should always be taught to children, our students regularly visit websites as part of their research, challenge and investigation-based learning; MyiMaths, Education City, Nord Anglia’s Global Classroom, to name a few. Today, students regularly use the Internet to enter ‘the global classroom’ – a metaphorical world comprised of online learning-based websites and opportunities. Nord Anglia’s namesake version, ”The Global Classroom” is one such example where our students are learning ‘netiquette’; to responsibly and safely communicate and share ideas in educational blogs, challenges and forums.Like most of us, with increasing frequency children are entering this open environment. Open in the sense that the Internet is so easily accessible but also, sometimes, difficult to police. Our teachers strive to ensure and teach Internet safety. Our students are very knowledgeable and mature on issues of online safety and cyber-bullying.

Think U Know (https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/) is a fantastic and informative website that you want to visit and your family may want to visit for further advice, games and videos. Robert Crook Y5 Learning Leader and KS2 Science Coordinator

Primary News

Secondary News

Dear All,

As soon as we return on January 7th 2015, the Mock examinations begin for Y11 and Y13. These exams are an opportunity for candidates to practice exam skills prior to the real exam sessions in May 2015. They give both students and teachers the opportunity to identify areas for improvement in the last 3 months of the IGCSE and IB courses, as well as forming a major component of the predicted grades required by exam boards.

Exam sessions begin at 08.30 and at 14.00 every afternoon. Students must be ready outside the exam hall at 8.20 and 13.50 before exams begin. They will not be given any extra time if they arrive late. Every student has been informed of exam procedure and rules.

Most Y11 students will be allowed freedom of movement in order to study for exams at home if they come to school with a letter signed by parents stating that they give permission for their child to leave school at times when they do not have an examination. There is a pro forma letter attached for this purpose. Please ask your child to hand the letter in to Ms Ellis outside the examination hall on Wednesday 7th January. Students with parental permission may arrive at school in time for the later starting examination session if there is no morning exam for them. Some students will not be allowed freedom of movement during the examinations as they will benefit from supervised revision in school.

All year groups from Y7 to Y13 have had the opportunity to be involved in charity fundraising events, clubs, music, and sporting events this term. A big thank you to all those who have participated in school events. As we come to the end of a busy term I wish to thank all the students who come to school on time, wearing the correct uniform, and always ready to work to the very best of their ability. Your teachers appreciate your effort!

I would also like to thank parents, whose support, in so many ways, is invaluable in helping us all to educate the students at TBS.

All of your teachers wish everyone a happy and restful holiday and a successful 2015,

Mrs SloczynskaHead of Secondary School

Reminder: Autumn term ends on the 18th December 2014 at 12.00.

Secondary News

Outdoor PE Lessons NoticeThe PE Department would like to stress the importance of sending your child prepared for the cold conditions for outside PE lessons. Lessons may still take place if the weather is -5C. As you may be aware all the Polish schools can take PE lessons outside up to -10C (please see the link below)/

http://blogiceo.nq.pl/gagsterzy/2013/11/02/debata-cwiczymy-na-dworze-przez-

caly-rok/

It’s extremely important that your child participates in all PE lessons to improve skills as well many health benefits.

The school PE sweat shirts are available.

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Attachment for Y11 ParentsI give permission for my son/daughter__________________________

in form 11__ to have freedom of movement during the Mock examinations

in January 2015.

I accept full responsibility for my child when they are not on school premises.

Parent name (please print) ______________________________

Secondary News

WONDERWALLSome excellent examples of the written work produced by our students are being displayed on the Wonderwall board outside the English classrooms.

To give these creations the wider audience they deserve, they will also be re-printed in this Newsletter.

This week’s story is by student from Mr Deahan’s English classes.

The Superhero by Anzelika Pusnakova

The dark days seemed to get longer and longer. The streets emptied, windows got shut and the cold winter winds cured past tall buildings. It was lifeless. Everything felt isolated.

The kettle was making a squeaky old sound. “ Tea is ready my dear.” Daniel ran down the stairs grabbing a book as he went. “Mom, I am ten years old and I still haven’t gone to school.” he said in a worried tone.“You are homeschooled honey, and I think we discussed it already. I mean, have you heard the news? They tell us to stay home, you know it. It is too dangerous.” Daniel stayed quite but gave off a deep sigh. If only there was somebody who could put this to an end. If only superheroes were real. He thought as he flipped trough his comics book and waited for his tea to become cooler.

The only channel that worked on the TV was the news. There were updates of the situation and guidelines to what people must do, yet nobody had any clue of what really should be done.At least thats what Daniel thought. Not many things made sense to him. By this time all of the books on the shelves were read and there was nothing else to do appart from starring outside the window and listening to the whistles of the rough winds. There was a lot that ran through his mind as he gazed out into the grey sky. It all got jumbled up. All of the emotions, too much information. It was like putting the wrong piece into the puzzle. Although it was wrong, you mad it fit. You forced it, so that it could be right. So that it made sense.

He was a special boy. A boy in his own world, thats what they called him. Many found him a little strange, never the less the boy himself felt quite ordinary. He knew everyone had their worries. His was to get out of the disaster. He felt it! He knew if affected him. The ladies voice from the Tv reoccurred in his head, saying: “Dreadful…enemy…hide…escape…criminal.’’ It kept on circling in his mind.

‘“What is going on this time?” Daniel turned to his mother who was starring blankly into the tv screen.“There was a fire near by.’’ She said quietly, not putting any significance to what she had just said. “A fire.” He repeated to himself. There is so much going on in this world. It is crazy. He thought of it. “What are we going to do? Is this the end? Are we going to burn and the evil is going to take us down?”

“What are you saying? You silly! Of course not. If you are scared of anything you have me and we have each other. That is all that matters!” She came closer to him and wanted to hive him a warm hug, but he rejected. He didn’t like hugs. They made him look weak. “It’s not just a fire. There have been many around here. We are not safe!” He seemed to get upset and angry, and frustrated. You couldn’t tell which. Just as his mother opened her mouth to reassure him, he ran out of the living room upstairs to his.

And then it happened. Suddenly the door bell rung. It rung once, then twice and then the third time. No guests were expected. It kept on ringing. Then silence. Daniel went under his bed sheets. His mom opened the door. Heavy footsteps went on the old wooden floor with a squeak. Then a voice. A deep mumble. Daniel couldn’t make out the exact words he was saying. His mother spoke too. Maybe he was here to take us and kill us, Daniel thought. Or maybe its the superhero. Yes it is! It is the superhero, he is here to save everything. Daniel got that excitement in his chest and rushed out of his room to see something different. It was no man in a cape and hair with a perfect placement. It was his dad.

BOOK CLUB

Secondary News

It took Daniel a second to remember him although it was 8 years since he last saw him. A tall wide shouldered man with a smell that just screamed home. The boy run up to him and held him close. It was the one time he actually let someone wrap their hands around him. They stayed there like that for an infinity, locked together. The puzzle pieces fit now! Everything was right. He was the hero. He was the one who made things right. But he was also the one who messed them up.

When Daniel was three months old he was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and it was when it became difficult. The two parents argued day and night long and soon after the dad took the final decision and left. It was cold hearted, cruel and unfair. It was what destroyed everything, Daniel felt incomplete. With everything sharp in his head there was nobody to make it better. Working long to maintain a satisfactory life and care about Daniel was a hard task and the disaster in the little boys life of not having a father made him believe the world is against him. He needed the fatherly love he never got.

But here he was wrapped around superheroes arms, safe, clear and loved.

Secondary NewsBooks Donated to the Secondary Library

Jolanta WojtasSecondary Librarian

Books donated to Secondary Library

Merriam-Webster Children's Dictionary

This is a fully updated edition of the extremely popular Children's Dictionary. Now with more than 35,000 entries, this edition has updated definitions, images, and details; plus 2,000 additional words and 900 additional images.

Salon to biennial by Bruce Altshuler.

This title provides a look into the production and reception of exhibitions that made art history through documents and images. Volume one documents 24 of the most groundbreaking international exhibitions from 1863-1959.

Oxford illustrated science encyclopedia consultant editor, Richard Dawkins

The leading science encyclopedia explaining the achievements and progress of science, now fully revised and updated. Major updates include: - The advent of SARS - Extended coverage of cloning - Extended coverage of GM food - Extended coverage of digital cameras Other updates include: Jupiter's moons reach 50; crash of space shuttle Columbia; disappearance of element 118 - Wide-ranging coverage encompassing the physical, chemical and biological sciences - Science at the cutting edge - Human Genome Project, BSE, evolving robots, global warming, laser-guided

missiles, nanotechnology... - Over 1300 illustrations: carefully selected full-colour photos and specially commisioned drawings and diagrams

Jolanta Wojtas

Secondary Librarian

Thank you to everyone who supported last night’s Christmas Concert.

It is not too late to send donations to help buy a drum kit for students at the Belska school.

Alison and Simon Porter

School Notices

School NoticesDates for your DiaryThursday 18 December Last day of Term(school finishes at 12:00)

19 December - 6 January 2015 Christmas Holidays

Presents for Children in Need this Christmas

Christmas Giving Tree 2014

Again the parents and children of the British School, Warsaw have been incredibly generous and 114 children at Lekowo School have just received their Christmas presents.

In addition Broken Ties Foundation in Warsaw nominated 11 families for Christmas hampers. Each of these families will receive a box containing groceries, seasonal treats and children's gifts.

We will keep you informed of how remaining funds are utilised.

The Christmas Giving Tree coordinators would like to thank the school community for its support.

Christmas Giving Tree Coordinators

(Basia Syptkowska-Williams, Anna Butruk Sidor &

Anne Martin)

Advertisement Opportunity with The British School, Warsaw

Every year the British School, Warsaw produces a Yearbook – a type of book published annually to record, highlight, and commemorate the past year of a school. We give the opportunity for companies to advertise in our yearbook.

There are two options: full page advert for 5000PLN and half a page advert for 2500PLN.

There are around 1,000 students attending our school, therefore your adver-tisement will reach out to thousands of parents and their colleagues from the international business community through to the diplomatic core.

If you are interested in advertising in our yearbook, please do not hesitate to contact Sara Debevec at sdebevec@thebritishschool.pl

School Notices

Outdoor PE Lessons NoticeThe PE Department would like to stress the importance of sending your child prepared for the cold conditions for outside PE lessons. Lessons may still take place if the weather is -5C. As you may be aware all the Polish schools can take PE lessons outside up to -10C (please see the link below)/

http://blogiceo.nq.pl/gagsterzy/2013/11/02/debata-cwiczymy-na-dworze-przez-

caly-rok/

It’s extremely important that your child participates in all PE lessons to improve skills as well many health benefits.

The school PE sweat shirts are available.

Click for PTA NEWS

Click for PTANoticeboard

We won again Last weekend KS2 boys took part in 3 tournaments. We split our U9 team for two groups one took part in tournament on Saturday and they finish second in Indoor Football Tournament Sunday. boys won Puchar Wyzyn Indoor Football Tournament.Our U8/7team took part in football tournament and finish 3rd in a group games. Congratulations for Salva - Top scorer, Simon Best goalkeeper and all of you for your hard work last 4 months on the trainings and matches. Ryszard Michalak