November+2,+2009+(vol+1;+issue+10)

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=Pearl of the Week= A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops. -Henry B. Adams = = =Humour Me=

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Mark Your Calendars

 * November 2-6:** US/Canadian University Fair
 * November 2:** Gr. 6 Snorkeling Practice, Bongoyo
 * November 2:** LODAT (2:00)
 * November 3:** Gr. 12 Final Written Kiswahili Written Exams
 * November 5:** Secondary School Parent Network 7:30 AM
 * November 4-8**: ISSEA in Nairobi
 * November 4:** Collaborative Planning and Gr. 6 Team Meeting 2:00
 * November 5:** Secondary School Parent Network 7:30 AM
 * November 6**: Friday Briefing (Sciences)
 * November 7:** SAT Exam
 * November 7:** DSG International Fair
 * November 9-10:** Parent Conferences 7:00-3:00
 * November 11:** Team Meeting
 * November 12:** Principal's Coffee 7:30 AM
 * November 13**: Friday Briefing (Student Services)

Parent-Teacher Conferences are scheduled on November 9-10. While Parent-Teacher Conferences promote effective communication which is critical in the home-school partnership, such an event produces a certain level of anxiety among students, teachers, and parents, particularly when a student is struggling to be successful in your class.

Please take some time and read a very thoughtful article about Parent-Teacher Conferences entitled "The Fear Equation". Well known educator and psychologist, Michael Thompson, is the author of the article and, through anecdotes and research, he eloquently describes the various sources of fear and anxiety experienced among parents and teachers. Click here to have a read.

I will post some preparation guidelines by mid-week.

=Twiga Talk=
 * If you have not already done so, please schedule a 15-20 minute meeting with your assigned administrator to discuss either your SMART Goal (Track C) or your Summative Evaluation Plan (Track A or B). Please complete the necessary form in preparation for the meeting. Liz, Andy, and I look forward to learning more about your work with students and colleagues and how we can support you.
 * It is order time. Please continue having conversations with your HoD about ordering resources for next year and begin to consult vendor websites and fill out the templates posted on the school network under Orders 2010-2011. Please consult your HoD and/or review the instructions by clicking here.
 * Copies (in pink) of Student-to-Teacher Feedback instruments are located in the Staff Room. Please take as many as you need to administer to students in two classes. Please click here to review administration guidelines and expectations.
 * HoD's- if you have not already done so, please touch base with me for about 5 minutes to discuss allocations for next year.
 * If you have had some interesting travels and would like to post them on IST's very own Travel Wiki, please click here . If you have questions about how to post, pleae see Ilana in the library. Thank you for your contributions.
 * The Diplomatic Spouses Group Annual Charity Bazaar will be on Saturday, 7 November, from noon-5pm on the secondary school campus. The day is a great fun and gives us another opportunity to celebrate our international diversity, plus the bazaar raises funds for Tanzanian charities. DSG sends their thanks for your patience and support. The day includes entertainment (IST students, Tanzanian House of Talent, Dr. Belia's band and others), country stalls with goods for sale from all around the world, children's activities, a raffle with fantastic prices, a white elephant stall and great foods. Entrace 3,000TSh. IST faculty and staff will not have access to campus without a ticket for this event. Entrance and raffle can be purchased on the day or in advance (call 0789 300 860) . The staff parking lot will be reserved for performers, so please enter the campus via the main gate on Haile Selaisse. DSG is still looking for volunteers (adults in addition to CAS students whom Steve Turner will coordinate): **email** [|**dsgbazaar2009@gmail.com**] **to reserve your two-hour time slot (11:30-1:30, 1:30-3:30, or 3:30-5:30). Free entrance and custom tshirt for volunteers.**

=Kudos To...=
 * Claudia for giving a thoughtful and substantive presentation to the Board on the MYP which included details about the programme, student results, and the challenges that IST faces in delivering this programme effectively.