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Issue 24 - SY 2012-13

15 February 2013

“OSC develops the whole person as a responsible learner striving for personal excellence within a culturally diverse school”

A Holistic Education for Global Success

Secondary School Principal

WwW exhibition: On Friday, 22nd February, we will be showcasing the learning that occurred during this year‟s Week without Walls. This „open-house‟ style display will be open for parent visitors from 2:45-3:30 on Friday. Please come along and see the wide variety of experiences and learning from this year. Oscars: This Saturday the Student Government Association hosts the annual OSCARS. This is an exciting event for students and a chance to dress up for a „dinner-dance‟. The event will run from 6-9pm. Students may only enter through the back entrance to the auditorium. During the event, they will not be allowed elsewhere on campus. Teacher chaperones will be on duty throughout the event. Students are expected to stay for the entire duration of the evening and be dismissed promptly at 9pm. In order to ensure a safe transition home, please ensure that you have arranged to meet (or send a driver) for your child(ren) promptly at 9pm. We will not be able to supervise children after 9pm or after they leave campus. Book Sale: Text books in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and Computer Science. Literature books suitable for 12+ years! The secondary school is clearing out our old inventory and making some space for new classrooms. We have hundreds of books that need new homes. These books are well used, but still have life in them. All fiction at Rs.50 each and all texts at Rs.100 each!!! Larger purchases at steep discounts!

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These books are suited for English medium schools / teachers or individuals interested in expanding their personal libraries. Please pass this message on to anyone you think might be interested.

Details: Saturday 23rd February, 8:00am – 12:00pm. Location: 3rd floor of S-Block.

Mini UK University Fair

21st February, 2013 2:00 pm in the SMPR University College London, University of Southampton, Loughborough University

Parents are welcome to attend, listen and ask questions.

Diploma Theatre presentations showcasing the Grade 11-12 scenes, will be held on Tuesday, 26th February in the auditorium. The event begins at 7pm. The previously scheduled Grade 12 Scene night has been shifted to the 27th due to facilities limitations. This event will be by invitation only. Head lice - We have had some cases of head lice in secondary school. This is not cause for alarm, but some precautions can help further spread. Here is some general information on treatment of lice should your child show symptoms.

All children, males and females are equally at risk for infestation. Lice affect all age groups.

Itching of head is the most common symptom of infestation. Children often have trouble sleeping

because of intense itching at night when lice are feeding.

Eggs depend on body warmth to incubate, so nits are attached to the hair shafts just

above the level of the scalp. They indicate chronic infestation.

Treatment includes shampoo for head lice or Permethrin which is available in pharmacies. This could be bought without a prescription. Follow the instructions on the bottle and repeat this after 7-10 days, for a couple of weeks as nits are not destroyed by this medication. Malathion lotion can also be used similarly. These medications may cause redness, itching & swelling of scalp in hypersensitive individuals. Potential fomites (e.g. towels, pillowcases, sheets, hats, children's stuffed animals) may benefit from laundering in hot water and machine drying (using the hottest cycle). Temperature exceeding 131°F (55°C) for more than 5 minutes kills eggs, nymphs, and mature lice. Combs and brushes can be treated by soaking for longer than 5 minutes in very hot water. Adult lice cannot survive for long if separated from a host, and eggs hatch in 6-10 days. Carefully sealing potential fomites in plastic bags for 12-14 days can therefore be effective. This technique works well for objects, such as stuffed animals, that do not tolerate laundering or dry cleaning. Please contact Dr. Senaratna if you have any questions.

Have a good week! Eileen Niedermann Secondary School Principal eniedermann@osc.lk

Primary School Principal

New Learner Profile…Communicator Students who are COMMUNICATORS are able to think and communicate in more than one language. They can express their ideas by speaking, drawing and writing. They can also communicate using mathematical language and symbols. How can parents help to develop students who are Communicators at home?

Encourage your child to stay in touch with

relatives and friends who live in other countries by writing letters, using the phone, sending email or Skyping.

When working on math homework, encourage

your child to explain his/her answer to you orally or by drawing a picture.

Ask your child thought provoking questions and

encourage them to discuss them with you. For example:

What would you do if you were scared of someone at school?

Is there anything you cannot buy with money?

Should you get an allowance? Why or why not?

Work with your child to improve his/her listening

skills. Being a good listener is an important part of communicating with others.

New Parent Calling… Next week on Tuesday, February 19th there will be an Introduction to the PYP workshop for those parents new to the Primary Years Programme, or for those who simply want to gain a deeper understanding of the programme philosophy. Please join us for an hour of exciting activities and a chance to meet some new faces within our school community. The workshop will be held in the PMPR and start at 7:45am. Hope to see you there!

Important Notices: February 19th - PYP Parent Workshop “Intro

to the PYP”

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February 20th - Primary Talent Show February 21st - Int‟l Mother Language Day February 25th - Poya Day (No School) Enjoy the weekend. Regards, Jason Grandbois Primary School Principal jgrandbois@osc.lk

New Students to OSC Asifa Aijaz Nationality: Indian

Pre-school/P

Scarlet Mann Nationality: US

Grade 1/M

Loie Mann Nationality: US

Pre-school/P

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Primary School International Mother Language Day Reading

21 February, 8.30 a.m. - 9.15 a.m.

What a unique moment in time…..

~ 27 languages spoken in one location ~

Afrikaans Arabic Bengali Czech Danish Divehi Dutch English French German Greek

Hindi Italian Japanese Korean Malay Mandarin Marathi Norwegian Persian Romanian

Russian Sinhala Spanish Tamil Thai Urdu.

Thank you to all who have volunteered to read to our Primary School children!

Check this out!!!!

http://en.childrenslibrary.org/

“The International Children's Digital Library is a multicultural library that features carefully

selected, age-rated and age-appropriate books. Childrenslibrary.org includes children's books

from more than 40 countries and in 55 languages. The site is easily accessible and allows users

to search for books by age, country, language, length, or genre.” - (Comonsensemedia.org)

~ The Library Team ~

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The COMUN team held its second Practice Debate on Saturday - 9th February at OSC successfully. 180 delegates from participating schools in Colombo and Kandy interacted and debated on issues related to Conflict and Crises in the World today. Faculty Advisors from the Colombo International School - Kandy, Lyceum International School - Wattala, Asian International School, Lyceum International School - Nugegoda, Lyceum International School - Panadura and OSC were present to support their delegates. Faculty Advisors plan to meet again during the third and final Practice Debate scheduled for the 23rd of February to chart out a plan of action to ensure the smooth functioning of the actual conference to be held on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd of March. For more information on COMUN, do log on to the COMUN Facebook Page or the website www.comun2013.com Minza Snyder & Jasmine Bhattacharjie msnyder@osc.lk jasmineb@osc.lk OSC/ COMUN Facilitators

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CO-MUN

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MENUS

MONDAY 18 February

TUESDAY 19 February

WEDNESDAY 20 February

THURSDAY 21 February

FRIDAY 22 February

For Primary Children - Portion Packs

Cheese Pasta (S) with Chicken & Salad ----------------------220/=

Fried Rice with Chicken & with or without Salad ----------200/=

Inclusive of Dessert or Drink-----------------------------------260/=

For Secondary Children - Portion Packs

Creamy Cheese Pasta with Chicken & Salad ---------------250/=

Fried Rice with Chicken & Salad/Vegetables --------------250/=

Inclusive of Dessert or Drink ----------------------------------300/= Dishes Available

Roast Chicken --------------------------------------------------------90/=

Beef Stew--------------------------------------------------------------80/=

Baked pumpkin platter portion -------------------------------------60/=

Water Spinach with Red kidney beans-----------------------------50/=

Salad (German Coleslaw / Fresh Garden Salad ) ----------------50/=

Fruit Salad / Chocolate biscuit Pudding---------------------------60/=

For Primary Children - Portion Packs

Pasta Napolitano (S) with Chicken & Salad ----------------200/=

Sausages and Egg Fried Rice with Chicken & Salad--------200/=

Inclusive of Dessert or Drink -----------------------------------250/=

For Secondary Children - Portion Packs

Napolitano (S) with Chicken & Salad -------------------------220/=

Fried Rice with Chicken (1 portion) & Salad ----------------220/=

Inclusive of Dessert or Drink -----------------------------------280/=

Dishes Available

Roast Chicken with Hawaiian Dressing------------------------90/=

Beef Stew portion--------------------------------------------------80/=

Vegetable Moussaka portion ------------------------------------60/=

Cabbage Casserole-------------------------------------------------50/=

Salad (German Coleslaw / Fresh Garden Salad) --------------50/=

Cut Fruits in a cup / Cream Caramel----------------------------70/=

For Primary Children - Portion Packs

Pasta Napolitano & Salad ---------------------------------------220/=

American Fried Rice with Chicken & Salad------------------200/=

Inclusive of Dessert or Drink -----------------------------------250/=

For Secondary Children - Portion Packs

Pasta with cheese & Salad --------------------------------------250/=

American Fried Rice with Chicken & Salad------------------250/=

Inclusive of Dessert or Drink -----------------------------------300/=

Dishes Available

Baked Chicken with Sweet & Sour Sauce---------------------90/= Baked Fish portion----------------------------------------------------80/=

For Primary Children - Portion Packs

Chicken / Beef Burger-----------------------------------------120/=

Egg Burger------------------------------------------------------70/=

Chicken / Beef Burger with French Fries-------------------200/=

Egg Burger with French Fries -------------------------------180/=

For Secondary Children - Portion Packs

Chicken / Beef Burger-----------------------------------------130/=

Egg Burger-------------------------------------------------------80/=

Chicken / Beef Burger with French Fries-------------------220/=

Egg Burger with French Fries --------------------------------200/=

Dishes Available

Potato wedges------------------------------------80/=(per portion)

Mini Hash browns (3 items)-------------------80/=(per portion)

SMILIES (3 items) -----------------------------80/=(per portion)

Salad Bar-----------------------------------------80/=(per portion)

Fried Rice with Chicken -------------------------------------200/=

Pasta Oriental style--------------------------------------------150/=

Cut Fruits in a cup / Chocolate Biscuit pudding -----------70/=

For Primary Children - Portion Packs

Chinese Noodles with chicken & Salad --------------------200/=

Sweet Corn Rice with Chicken & Salad--------------------200/=

Inclusive of Dessert or Drink --------------------------------250/=

For Secondary Children - Portion Packs

Chinese Noodles with chicken & Salad --------------------220/=

Sweet Corn Rice with Chicken & Salad--------------------220/=

Inclusive of Dessert or Drink --------------------------------280/=

Dishes Available

Fried Chicken legs ----------------------------------------------90/=

Sweet & Spicy Beef---------------------------------------------80/=

Vegetable Chop Mix -------------------------------------------60/=

Broccoli & Mushroom Pakora --------------------------------50/=

Salad --------------------------------------------------------------50/=

Fried Fish Portion------------------------------------------------60/=

Cut Fruits in a cup / Cream Caramel--------------------------70/=

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Boiled Vegetable ---------------------------------------------------60/=

Cabbage Casserole -------------------------------------------------50/=

Salad (Potato Salad / Green Salad /Beetroot Salad)------------50/=

Boiled Egg Portion--------------------------------------------------30/=

Fruit Salad / Jelly----------------------------------------------------60/=

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Parents Teachers Association

PTA NEWS

PTA Mission Statement:

“Together we build a cohesive school community to enrich our children’s education”

On Saturday the 16th of February the secondary students are invited to the annual „OSCARS‟. A fun filled, formal evening organised by the SGA for students in Grade 8 and above. So make sure your children have bought tickets!

SAISA Track and Field – Friday 8th

– Sunday 10th

March This is a three-day event and The Blue Gecko Café will cover the first two days. We will be serving our usual refreshments, to our students, visiting teams and coaches. As usual this will be done on a grand scale as the PTA will be running the The Blue Gecko Café from 7.15am - 5pm, for two full days on Friday the 8th of March and Saturday the 9th of March. Organising this is by no means an easy task. We require parents to kindly contribute food so we can provide refreshments to all our competing athletes, parents and coaches. We will be grateful for some assistance running the stall too. More details in next week‟s newsletter but in the meantime if you require more information or can help in any way please contact your Blue Gecko Coordinators, Vibeke Munk and Cune Bednar. Mark Shipley, Athletics Director is also looking for families to host 180 visiting athletes so please contact him if you can help.

Primary Swim Gala - Friday 8th

February Thank you again to all primary parents who contributed so generously the delicious treats in support of the Blue Gecko Café. If you are looking for a dish or tray, please contact Rukshana.

Food & fun fair – Saturday 30th

March This is the PTA‟s largest annual fund raising event that involves children and adults and we are only able to organise events like this with the help of our parent community. It‟s a great day out for every family so please join us and invite your friends. It is open to the wider Colombo community. We would love to see you all come out in support for our school and look forward to seeing you there. The PTA National Reps Renu and Hawwa have been busy getting in touch with the Country Reps. You will be hearing from them soon. You can also contact any one of us on the PTA Executive Committee if you need further information. The canteen is converted into an international food bazaar with all the colours of the

PTA CONTACT DETAILS: Chair Rukshana Nelson 0777374197 mobile Email: ptachair@osc.lk

Vice Chair Cune Bednar 0777443269 mobile Email: ptavicechair@osc.lk

Secretary Nive Raitz von Frentz 0770710343 mobile Email: ptasecretary@osc.lk

Treasurer Vibeke Munk 0777385145 mobile Email: ptatreasurer@osc.lk

Primary Support Parents Coordinator - Arabella Poston 0771827875 mobile Email: ptaprimarysupport@osc.lk

Secondary Support Parents Coordinator - Kathleen Pawley 0775195662 mobile Email: ptasecondarysupport@osc.lk

National Reps Coordinators Renu Haaze 0772457341 mobile Email: ptanationalrep@osc.lk

Hawwa Zahira 0771261441 mobile Email: ptanationalrep@osc.lk

Events Coordinators Madeleine Wightman 0772802885 mobile Email: ptaeventscoordinator@osc.lk

Mia Hyun 0772648028 mobile Email: ptaeventscoordinator@osc.lk

Vanessa Lenzlinger-Roubin 0771001891 Mobile Email: ptaeventscoordinator@osc.lk

Gecko Coordinators Cune Bednar 0777443269 mobile Email: ptabluegecko@osc.lk

Vibeke Munk 0777385145 mobile Email: ptabluegecko@osc.lk

world on display. Thank you in advance to the OSC parent community for pulling out all the stops and making sure everyone has a splendid time. This is the one time in the year that outside vendors can book a stall to sell their goods at OSC. No food stalls, as our parent community covers this. In the past we have had people selling jewellery, bags, pillows, paintings, etc. Send an email to rukshananelson@gmail.com should you be interested in booking a table or if you know anyone who is.

PTA Fire & Ice Masquerade Ball – Saturday 27th

April The Ball Committee for this year is Latika, Stephanie, Vanessa, Madeleine, Vibeke, Hawwa, Mia and myself. We are working hard to make this a bigger success than it was last year. Sponsorship letters to companies will be going out next week and we are also looking for prizes for our raffle. Please save the date and get your thinking caps on for costume options! If you can help or require further information please do not hesitate to contact us.

PTA Executive Committee We would like to welcome Vanessa Lenzlinger-Roubin to the PTA Executive Committee. She will take on a position of Events Coordinator. Thank you Vanessa for volunteering your time. We are always looking for people to join us, but especially now, as eight members of the current Executive Committee will be leaving this year in June, including myself. Most are leaving the country and others feel it is time to step down. If we don‟t have volunteers there will not be an executive committee for next year, which will be such a loss to the children and the school. So please step up and volunteer your time.

Dates for your Diary Thursday 21st February - International Mother Language Day Tuesday 12th March - PTA Coffee with Content Thursday 14th and Friday 15th March - Secondary Drama Production.

“If you have never been hated by your child, you have never been a parent.”

- Bette Davis

Rukshana Nelson PTA Chair For the PTA Team

UPCOMING EVENTS/MEETINGS..

16 February - SGA: OSCars 19 February - Parent Workshop - Introduction to PYP for new parents 7.45 a.m. PMPR 20 February - Primary School Talent Show 21 February - International Mother Language Day/Primary School Mother Language Reading *23 February - COMUN Practice Debate (2) Gecko Boys‟ Under 19 Basketball Tournament 25 February - Poya Day *26 February - Diploma Theatre Presentations - Auditorium 27 February - Introduction to the IB Diploma Programme for Grade 10 students and parents - 7.00 p.m. *27 February - Drama Scene Night for Grades 10, 11 & 12 28 February - PTA Executive Meeting - 7.45 am

*Changes/additions to calendar

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The Overseas School of Colombo Pelawatte, P.O. Box 9 Battaramulla, Sri Lanka Tel: (94-11) 2784920-2 Fax: (94-11) 2784999 Email: admin@osc.lk Web: www.osc.lk

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