Principal's Message
Dear Parents,
This is the first newsletter for 2010, we are now 10 years in to the 21st Century. One of the things that we are doing to look at how children learn differently in the 21st century is our engagement in a pilot project with Apple for a 1:1 laptop program. We feel very fortunate that we have had the opportunity to put this pilot program in to Grade 3 until April. We are looking at the logistics of managing the computers and the opportunities and challenges that might be associated with a 1:1 program. Apple have been very supportive of YIS. As part of the project Ms Wild and Ms Usyak have to provide quite a lot of feedback to Apple to support them in the development of 1:1 programs. Ms Wild’s 3S class feels very lucky and privileged to participate in the 1:1 program. I think it is going to be very hard to hand the computers back to Apple.
You might like to check out Ms Usyak’s blog of the 1:1 laptop pilot program:
http://cu08.info/2010/01/27/yis-x-apple-11-pilot-project/
Mathletics
On a similar topic of employing technology to assist children’s learning, we have been trialing a web-based Mathematics program, called mathletics, in one class from Grades 3, 4 and 5. This program has been extremely popular with the children, teachers and many parents. Our free trial period was due to finish on February 5th. However Mr Taylor and Mr MacDonald have agreed to fund the program so that we can continue and expand to all classes in Grades 3-5 until the end of this academic year. We will be considering if this is something we would like the children to have available for the 2010/11 academic year. The remaining classes should get their passwords and login information this week. Please ask your son or daughter about Mathletics, and pass on your opinions to the homeroom teachers. (Mathletics is web-based and accessible from your home.)
Introduction to the Exhibition
 On Wednesday 27th January, a supportive group of about 100 parents and interested YIS community members attended Grade 5's Introduction to the Exhibition presentation. The students demonstrated a clear understanding of the Exhibition process as they told their audience about the key features and the different roles that people play. Students also shared their individual blog sites and prepared a special assignment for parents, which is now part of their Exhibition Journal.
Mr Neary reminded the audience during the meeting that with the Grade 5 Exhibition the process of planning, collaboration, research and discussion are as important as the product.
It was interesting to note that Mr Lockwood was live streaming this presentation and received some positive comments from viewers from the IB office in Cardiff, Wales.
Family News
 We are looking forward to visit from Ms Chan in the coming weeks, many children have been asking her to bring her baby to school. We are all looking forward to seeing Ella Mai (and Ms Chan)at YIS. Ella was born 4.19pm, January 19.
I have some more good news about babies. Many of you will be aware that Ms Saito will be commencing her maternity leave on 15 February. As we are wishing Ms Saito “all the best”, we welcome Ms Yoshida back to YIS. Ms Yoshida formerly taught Grade 3 at YIS.
Health Protocols
During the past two weeks we have had a number of children becoming sick with some “bugs” that seem to be circulating around the school. Some of the children went home during classes. I would like to remind you of the procedure for your child if he/she is not feeling well:
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Inform the teacher
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The student will go to see the nurse
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The nurse will then call parents if child needs to go home
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Student is picked up by parents from nurse's office
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The nurse will inform the teacher and the office staff
Curriculum
In support of the second grade unit: Leading a Balanced Lifestyle Helps us Stay Healthy, Ms. Catasti offered her skills as a yoga teacher to the 2R class. It was amazing to experience something that we could record in both the Relaxation and the Fitness sections of our Health Diaries!
 Grade 3 Unit of Inquiry
The Grade 3 students have been very active recently in their “performance” unit. All of the students have been experiencing some of the challenges of being a performer. We have seen and heard some excellent performances around the school during the past week. The children performed to their class and grade level friends, family, and audiences coming from outside the YIS community. It has been an exciting time for everyone.
First Aid
Over the course of 2 weeks, the ELC staff received a 7-hour First Aid Training course from the American Red Cross Association under the guidance of YIS Health Educator Ms Annina Niemi. The ELC Staff are now certified in First Aid, CPR and AED.
Shi-shi Mai
 This event was organized by the Japanese mothers from the ELC as part of the Japanese New Year celebrations for all students from ELC to Grade 5. Shi-shi means 'lion' and 'mai' means to dance, and the dance is held to ward off bad luck for the New Year and to wish everyone a healthy and happy New Year.
Paul Neary
Elementary School Principal
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