December+7,+2009+(vol+1;+issue+16)

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=**Pearl of the Week**= I may have said the same thing before... But my explanation, I am sure, will always be different. -Oscar Wilde **=**

=Humour Me= == = =

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Mark Your Calendars

 * December 7:** Committee Meetings (MYP Steering, Facilities and Grounds, Scheduling Committee)
 * December 8:** Proofread reports with buddy
 * December 9:** Independence Day/No school
 * December 10:** Principal's Coffee 7:30 AM
 * December 10**: IB Theatre Arts Performance 10:30 AM (Grades 9-12 only)
 * December 11:** Friday Briefing 11:45 (Mathematics)
 * December 11-14:** Moshi Tournament
 * December 14-17**: Gr. 6-10 In-House Sports
 * December 14:** Report proofing in the library 2:00
 * December 16:** Collaborative Planning Time 2:00-3:00
 * December 17:** Reports issued 1:35
 * December 17:** Board Meeting 5:00
 * December 18** **: End of Term/Assembly- 10:00 AM release (schedule is forthcoming) **

=Have a Look...= Below please find a draft of a proposal for an early release day in order to embed more collaborative planning time into our schedule. The overall aim is to provide more collaborative planning time without decreasing time allocated for instruction and significantly compromising the time allocated to the after school activities programme. LODAT began reviewing this proposal last Monday. HoD's will be asking colleagues for feedback over the next two weeks. HoD's will report feedback from colleagues during our January LODAT meeting.

You may click below to review the proposed schedule.



=Twiga Talk=


 * As you write student-specific comments for Term 2, please keep in mind the following questions: What are the student's strengths in your subject? What difficulties or challenges does the student experience in your subject? What can the student do to address these difficulties/challenges?
 * Term 2 Reports with narratives are due on Friday, December 11th. Please take some time to provide each other with feedback within your department on student-specific comments on Tuesday, December 8th. (We do not have school and therefore lose our meeting day on Wednesday.) Liz, Andy, and Tom are available to proofread. Thank you for your attention to this very important process.
 * On Monday, December 14, we will all gather in the library to proofread reports from 2:00-3:00.
 * As pointed out in Friday's briefing, we have been having a lot of problems with our Microsoft Exchange Server that hosts our email. This server has proven to be very difficult to maintain particularly in this part of the world. Consequently, we will begin the process of migrating our email accounts and data to Google Apps. On Thursday, January 14, the Tech guys will facilitate an in-service to help us use google apps (email and calendars). The migrating process will take place during the course of the semeste**r.**
 * Don't forget the "Holiday Hamper Drive" for the IST support staff over the next two weeks. Natalie will assign the important item that each grade level will bring in at the beginning of the week. Please encourage students in homeroom to bring in an assigned item. Let's aim for full-participation this year.

=Kudos To...=
 * Olga and Josh for directing a series of terrific vocal, dance, and instrumental music performances on Friday evening and to Rebeka and Jorge of their support.
 * Jodie, Claudia, Siobhan, Mercedes, Glen, and Dylan for their fabulous performances in //Warning May Contain Nuts//.
 * Community and Service Leaders, Coaches, and Club Leaders for your time and commitment to provide our students with quality experiences through leading nearly 60 different after school activities.
 * Steve T. for his leadership to coordinate this important programme.
 * Natalie for leading the "Holiday Hamper Drive".