NEWS#18

PRIMARY SCHOOL

Primary Newsletter | Issue 18| June 24 2011

The International School of The Hague

Wijndaelerduin 12554 BX The Hague www.ishthehague.nl

Primary SchoolTelephone +31 (0)70 338 4567Fax +31 (0)70 328 2049Email ish.primary@ishthehague.nl

Secondary SchoolTelephone +31 (0)70 328 1450Fax +31 (0)70 328 2049Email ish.secondary@ishthehague.nl

In this issue

3 - 4 Dear ISH News Readers,

5 More News from Mr. Scott

6 Primary News

7 Dates for your Diary

8 -13 Primary News and Events

2

Dear Parents,

As this is the final newsletter of the year, I need to share with you the news of staff leaving and staff arriving. It is always sad to say goodbye to staff when they leave, but it is particularly difficult this year. We say goodbye to Mr. Beren, who is leaving us after six years of great service. Beren has taught children in Reception as well as working in the P.E. and Music departments. He is much loved by the children and we wish him well for the future, whilst thanking him for the significant contribution he has made to our school. We also say goodbye to Margaret Clough, or ‘Miss Margaret’ as she is known to our Reception children. Miss Margaret is currently our Reception Year group Coordinator and a very talented teacher. She is moving on to Geneva, to College de Leman. We wish her all the best in her new position. Mr. Dominic Abbot is also moving on, appropriately enough to St. Dominic’s School in Portugal. We will remember Mr. Abbot in his role as ‘Wally’ from the ‘Where’s Wally’ books, but also as a terrific teacher and Year Group Coordinator of Year 2. We wish him and his family well. Finally, Miss Christine Pardo is leaving ISH after three years as a Year 5 and year 4 teacher. Christine has put her heart and soul into the ISH over the past three years and has done a great

job. She will be missed by all of us. Christine has secured a position at the International School of Trieste in Italy. Mrs. Suzi Heddon (now Suzi Wah after her recent marriage) is leaving to join the International School of Bangkok. Suzi has been with us for the past two years, working in our EAL department. Again, we thank Suzi for her efforts and wish her and her husband Justin the very best of luck in Thailand. We are very grateful to Ms. Rebecca Sutton, who covered the maternity leave of Ms. Comeau. Rarely does someone slot in so quickly and give the impression that she has been here for years. Rebecca is a superb teacher and has done a fantastic job in the time she has been here. She is moving on to South Korea, where we wish her lots of luck and success.

We also say goodbye to a number of other people who have helped our school a great deal, particularly to three wonderful supply teachers. Mitalee Baruah is leaving with her family for the Middle East, Cindy Perala-Ralph is relocating back to her home country of Canada and Winnie de Jong, despite the name, returns to her native Scotland. These three ladies have been so helpful and respected by our school community. We wish them and their familes well.

Dear ISH News Readers,

This Issue is made byVerona Schroder v.schroder@ishthehague.nlGraeme Scott

3

Primary Newsletter | Issue 18| June 24 2011

Dear ISH News Readers,Now, looking ahead, we welcome a number of new staff to our school. First of all, Sarah Goodhand will join us as Reception, Year group Coordinator. Sarah is currently Head of Curriculum for the Foundation Stage (Pre-Reception and Reception) in Patana School, Bangkok and has been there for seven years. She also worked at Tanglin School, Singapore for three years, the International Grammar School in Sydney, Australia for five years, and prior to that, in the UK. She has excellent experience and will be a significant asset to our school. She arrives with her husband Steve, and her two children, Jacob aged 14 and Holly aged 10.

Also joining us will be Rebecca Pearson. Rebecca will be our new Year Group Coordinator in Year 2. She is currently Head of Year 2 and Science Coordinator in her school in the UK. She was also Head of Year 3 for two years. Her current school is rated ‘outstanding’ by the UK schools inspectorate – it is also an IPC school. We warmly welcome Rebecca to our team.

Joining us as Year 5 Year Group Coordinator is Matt Greenwood. Matt is currently Head of Year 5 at Clearwater Bay School in Hong Kong, having previously been Head of Year 4 there. Prior to his seven years at Clearwater Bay School, Matt worked at Jerudong International School in Brunei for three years, and before that, for seven years in the UK. Matt’s wife, Jackie has been appointed as School Counsellor by our secondary school. Their two children, Finley (8) and Jude (6) will be joining us in primary school too.

Finally, joining our Year 6 team will be Amy Cowings. Amy is currently teaching a class of Year 5 children at the British Council School of Madrid. She has worked there for thirteen years. During that time, she has taught Years 2, 4 and 5, with a period as Head of Year 2. She is joined by her Spanish husband José and her two children, Maya aged 7 and Elsa aged 4. Although Amy is from the UK, Newcastle to be precise, she is also a fluent Spanish speaker.

As you can see, we are fortunate to have attracted a highly experienced and dynamic group of teachers to our school. I am convinced they will all be very successful here at ISH and I know you will give them a warm welcome when they arrive.

Last week, I spent a very enjoyable week at our Year 6 camp. The weather was not the best, but that was of little importance. Our children were amazing. Fresh (or not so fresh) from their three epic performances the week before, they tackled a range of physical challenges with real enthusiasm. Throughout the entire week,

YEARBOOKS ARE NOW ON SALE FOR 10,- EACH, YOU CAN OBTAIN YOUR COPY THROUGH THE OFFICE

GROUP PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE SHOW CAN NOW BE PURCHASED THROUGH CHRISTEL VAN MEEUWEN VIA THE PRIMARY OFFICE

4

Mr. Scott ContinuedI did not hear one argument which, given the fact that they are living closely together for such a time, is quite something. They are a wonderful group of children and we wish them the very best of luck in secondary school. This week it has been the turn of our Year 5 children, camping on the island of Texel. As I write this, they are still away, but I’m sure they are having a great time.

A great time was certainly had at our Lower School Sports Day, organized so well by Mr. Beren. Our children competed against each other in a most sportsmanlike way, supporting and encouraging each other. They were helped by Year 6 children and our staff. Thanks to all involved.

As the year draws to a close, I would like to thank all parents for their support this year. Education is truly a partnership and your help and your interest in your child’s learning help us make this process all the more effective. I would also like to say a special ‘thank you’ to Kees-Jan Kruijsse, who is leaving our MR (Participation Council) after several successful years as Chair. He has contributed so many hours to the role and has seen the school grow significantly in size and in quality. I thank him for his energy, his inspiration and his dedication in this role. Thanks also to Sarah Siegloff, our PTA Chair and in fact, to all of our PTA for their hard work in providing our children with the ‘extras’ that really do make such a difference. I wish you all a very pleasant summer break and if you are moving on, a most successful future. If you are rejoining us in August, I look forward to seeing you then.

Kind regards,

Graeme Scott

Primary Principal

5

Primary Newsletter | Issue 18| June 24 2011

Primary News ALL LOST AN FOUND ITEMS WILL BE ON DISPLAY OUTSIDE UNDER THE COVERED AREA FROM WEDNESDAY, 29 JUNE ONWARDS. ALL ITEMS THAT ARE LEFT OVER WILL BE DONATED TO A CHARITY

GREEN NEWSWell done to our Reception children. They have been awarded a prize by the whole school Green Committee. The award of Best Initiative with Recycled Materials went to our Reception children for their beautiful recycled animal models. They have been displayed on the Plaza for the last two weeks. Mr. van Vliet, from the committee was very impressed with the models and the work the children had put into recycling.

Melting Pot Badminton Clubinvites you to 2 try-out open mornings……Tuesday September 6th and 13th from 9.30 – 10.30am at Ockenburgh Sport halls (next to the bowling alley behind ISH)Ever wanted to have a go, but never had the chance?Played badminton at school but haven’t played since then?Never thought about it, but would like a go?

We will provide spare rackets. Men and women of all ages and abilities are welcome – the club already has a complete mix! Come along and bring a friend!For questions and any further information, please contact:Lucy Capon, 065 202 5384 Jolanda Bowring 061 590 7940

Bookstore NewsThe Bookstore makes a small profit each year which is then donated back to the school. This year, the Bookstore donated 1000Euros to the Primary School Playground Fund.

6

Dates for your Diary

Last day of school for all Primary Students

School ends at 12:00

Introduction day for New Students

Joining ISH and Their Parents

First Day of School for All Students

Lessons begn at 8:30

Ms. McCracken

Mr. Willis (PM)

July CT DAYS

Please check our website for a complete calendar

August

01 17

18

28 June-01 July

30 June

7

Primary Newsletter | Issue 18| June 24 2011

Primary News

8

Primary News

9

Primary Newsletter | Issue 18| June 24 2011

Primary News

10

Primary News

11