BIFS Newsletter, 2016-02-12 (English)

BIFS NEWSLETTER
United in our Diversity, Thriving in our Individuality
Contents
ISSUE 43, February 12, 2016
(Click to jump straight to the article home icon brings you back to Contents)
This Coming Week at BIFS
1. Wed-Thu, Feb 17-18: ACER - ISA Testing (Gr 3-10)

2. Wed, Feb 17: ELC Parent Coffee
Whole School
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
Keeping Things in Perspective

BIFS New Articles of Association
Re-Enrollment for the 2016-17 Academic Year
School Bus Service at 16:40 from Feb 10-19
Bus Companys Call Center Information
BIFS Family Member ID Card Registration
PTA News
IT Services - Apple Computer Discounts
ISA ACER Testing
BIFS Spring Open House
PE Uniform Shop
Cafeteria Menu: Feb 15-19
Special Lunch: Thai Buffet on Feb 25
Elementary School
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Lunar New Year

ELC Parent Coffee Feb 17
Elementary House Assembly Feb 19
One Hundred Days of Learning
Field Trip
Upcoming Elementary Events
Middle School and High School

1.
2.
3.
4.
Coffee Anyone?
Making our BIFS Students good Digital Citizens
Middle School Health Screening
Personal Project Showcase Feb 29
For Your Diary

BIFS Annual Calendar 2015-16 & 2016-17
School & Community Links
www.bifskorea.org | enquiries@bifskorea.org | T. 82 51 742 3332
Busan International Foreign School
BIFS NEWSLETTER
Whole School
Keeping Things in Perspective

It seems everywhere you look, schools, districts, cities, and countries are comparing the various test scores of
their students and schools in the form of league tables or sophisticated statistical reports. Many are drawn into
the illusion that it is possible to reduce the sum total of a students education experience to a single high stakes
test score. While it is tempting to try to quantify a students learning with a simple score, it unfortunately fails to
paint the vibrant and complex masterpiece of each students growth and development. At BIFS, by using IB
assessment processes, we strive to make each students learning visible and vibrant.
At BIFS we conduct a variety of internal and external assessments that serve a formative and a summative
purpose in each students learning process. Formative assessments provide feedback on how well a student is
attaining new concepts or developing new skills during a unit of inquiry. For example, think of formative
assessment like a cook tasting a delicious soup he or she is preparing. Summative assessments are those
experiences that occur at the end of the unit in a cumulating authentic display that demonstrates what learning a
student has achieved. In staying with our cooking analogy, the summative assessment for the cook is when he or
she serves their soup to the customer. Our parents participation and encouragement in these processes is vital.
Additionally, at BIFS we use a variety of external assessments to help us chart students academic progress and
to further personalize their learning experiences. For example, already this year, students at BIFS have taken the
MAP test, many have taken SAT or ACT tests for universities, this week a number of our students will take the
ACER test and at the end of the year our grade 12 students will sit their IB exams. Keeping a healthy and
balanced perspective about assessment and test results is important to each students development.
Recently, I was forwarded this post on the good news network that highlighted a letter that a school sent to its
students that accompanied a test result. I believe it resonates with what our mission and vision is at BIFS. What
caught the attention of many on the Internet was the inspiring message the school sent regarding what is really
important when considering their test results. The letter draws attention to the difference between being
disappointed in a result versus being disappointed in a person. The school further underscores the importance
of reflection and resilience while accepting the belief that each student is more important than any mark on any
test. Finally, the school encourages their students to grow up to be kind, caring, generous loving adults that
make a positive difference in this world by how they live their lives. While test scores can be valuable for students
and teachers in the education process, and high test score results are affirming and exciting, it is my hope that
we do not lose perspective on what is really important in the end inspired, confident young men and women
who are equipped with the knowledge, skills and confidence to explore their passions and change the world!
This is the goal of a BIFS education sounds important, doesnt it?
Kevin Baker
Head of School
BIFS NEWSLETTER
BIFS New Articles of Association

As a reminder, if you have not voted for or against the proposed new Articles of Association, please cast your
vote. https://goo.gl/OT1T9T The Articles of Association have been posted in the Parents Area on the
school website. We need to hear from all of our parents! Thank you.
Re-Enrollment for the 2016-17 Academic Year

BIFS is conducting an annual re-enrollment process to obtain commitment from families regarding their plans
for the upcoming school year. The form was sent out by email on Monday, February 1. Families who wish to reenroll or leave for the school year beginning August 2016 must complete the re-enrollment form via email by
Friday, February 12. To continue enrollment at BIFS for the 2016-17 academic year, a non-refundable reenrollment payment of 2,000,000 won must be made by Monday, February 29. The invoice will be sent to
parents via email by Wednesday, February 17. Further questions, please contact the Admissions office.
(admissions@bifskorea.org | 051-742-3332, extension # 100 or 101)
School Bus Service at 16:40 from Feb 10-19

Busan: three buses available
- One 45-seater (a different bus will run everyday): Marine City area (Zenith, Camelia and Pale de CZ)
- Two 25-seaters: #1 (Centum area), #2 (Dalmaji and Jungdong area)
Ulsan: #20, #23
Geoje: #30
Bus routes at 16:40 are not fixed, and could change depending on bus riders. If you are not sure of the bus
numbers , please check with the Bus Coordinator and driver before getting on the bus.
Bus Companys Call Center Information

Please note that our school bus company, Dong Yeong, will utilize the call center system in case of bad weather
or any other emergency situations that might cause changes to the bus schedule.
On Monday, February 15, the call center will send you a text message to test this system in advance. If you do
not receive it next Monday, please send an email to schoolbuses@bifskorea.org.
Thank you very much for your cooperation.
BIFS NEWSLETTER
BIFS Family Member ID Card Registration

We would like to ask for your cooperation in registering BIFS Family Member ID Cards. Please register your
cards with the security office at the front gate when visiting BIFS, and dont forget to register your attendance by
placing your card at the card reader when you enter and exit. This is for security and to help us account for all
visitors in case of fire or other evacuation. Thank you in advance for your support and understanding.
PTA News
Happy Lunar New Year! Hope your family had a wonderful holiday.
Please sign up to be a Country Team Leader. Representing your country will make International Day a success!
Don't leave your country behind. The deadline is Monday, 22 February.
http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0c4baaaa23abfd0-international
PTA is looking for a Chairperson to facilitate Teacher Appreciation Week. This week celebrates all our staff from
the 9th 13th May. We would require this person to create a volunteer roster for baking goods, decorating staff
rooms etc. It is not a difficult job. It brings lots of smiles to our teachers! Please email PTA officers on
pta@bifskorea.org if you would like to get involved.
Joy Priedeman
PTA President
IT Services - Apple Computer Discounts

IT Services has negotiated a range of discounted prices and trade-in deals on Apple
products for staff and students at BIFS, from our Apple equipment vendor, ComIT.
Savings are typically around 12% for MacBook laptops and iMacs, 11% on Mac Minis, 8% on iPad Airs, and 6%
on iPad Minis.
To view a list of available products and order, please visit the following web addresses:
http://bit.ly/itservices-apple-list
http://bit.ly/itservices-order-form
http://bit.ly/itservices-order-kr (Korean)
http://bit.ly/itservices-apple-tradein (Trade-in prices)
If you have any questions, please email mmoriarty@bifskorea.org.
BIFS NEWSLETTER
ISA ACER Testing

One of the questions parents always ask is, How is my child doing?. A related question is Compared to
what?. This is a particularly critical question for families away from home, where it is hard to know how systems
and standards compare. At BIFS, one way we make such comparisons with other like schools is through the
International Schools Assessment (ISA).
What is ISA?
International Schools Assessment (ISA) is an annual assessment programme that has been developed to
measure skills in mathematical literacy, reading and writing of students in international schools. ISA is based on
the internationally endorsed reading and mathematical literacy frameworks of the Programme for International
Student Assessment (PISA) developed by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. A
growing number of international schools now use ISA, here in the Asia Pacific and around the world.
Later in the year, you will receive ISA reports that provide descriptive information about what students know and
can do. The results are equated from year to year so they can be used to track changes over time at individual
and school level.
What is ISA NOT?
ISA is not a competitive test. It is not a test that students pass. It will not be used for purposes other than
providing data to us, you, and your child, about his/her learning. While we give opportunities for practice,
students do not prepare for the tests, since they are consistent with what students learn on a regular basis.
How do the assessments work?
Students complete a reading literacy test, a mathematical literacy test and two writing tests, each of which takes
between 45 minutes and one hour to administer. The tests include both multiple-choice and open-ended tasks.
When is the ISA testing at BIFS?
The tests will be taken by students in Grades 3-10 on February 17th and 18th. They will be taken in normal
school conditions e.g. in homeroom groups, in conditions that are familiar to our students.
If you have questions, please contact:
Jenny Montague, MYP Coordinator (jmontague@bifskorea.org)
Leda Cedo, PYP Coordinator (ledacedo@bifskorea.org)
To learn more about ISA, please go to https://www.acer.edu.au/isa.
BIFS NEWSLETTER
BIFS Spring Open House
BIFS is holding our Spring Open House on Thursday, February 25, from 9:30 AM. We have sent advertising
cards home via students, and we would appreciate it if you could share them with other non-BIFS families or
post them in public places. If you would like more hard copies or a soft copy for posting online, please contact
Miyoung Kim (miyoungkim@bifskorea.org). Please help us to spread the word about our school!
Thank you for your support and partnership!
BIFS NEWSLETTER
PE Uniform Shop
LOOKING FOR A VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY AT SCHOOL? The PE Uniform Shop is a great place to start!
Open our PE Uniform Shop Volunteer Sign Up Genius for more information on days we have open! No
volunteer is turned away, however, and no experiences is needed! Training is provided!! For more information
about volunteering in the PE Uniform Shop, contact Dee Baker at dbaker@bifskorea.org.
THE PE UNIFORM SHOP is now open Monday thru Thursday! Please check the calendar on the BIFS website for
actual shop hours each week. Note: Shop hours are determined by the availability of our volunteers!
It is a great time to purchase your BIFS blanket!! A double
layer of polar fleece is guaranteed to keep you warm on
these cold days!! BIFS blankets are 40,000 KRW
NOW 35,000 KRW and can be purchased in the PE Uniform
Shop.
BIFS Beanies *10,000 KRW Colors: Black, Gray and Cobalt

Blue *BIFS Beanies can be purchased in the PE Uniform
Shop.
Gray and white Hoodies (no zip) *30,000 KRW

*Hoodies can be purchased in the PE Uniform Shop.
BIFS Beanies and BIFS Bears Hoodies are made available to you by the BIFS Bears Club.
All general information regarding PE Uniforms can be found under the life at BIFS tab on the BIFS website!
BIFS NEWSLETTER
Cafeteria Menu: February 15-19
Lunch Menu
Sandwich Bar
We serve brunch buffet or international buffet every 3rd Thursday of a month.

BIFS NEWSLETTER
Special Lunch: Thai Buffet on Feb 25
Salad
Beef, Tomato and Cucumber Salad with Cilantro
Minced Chicken with Chili Mint Leaves and Cilantro
Fresh Vegetable Spring Rolls with Chili Sauce
Pineapple Rice Salad
Rice Noodle Salad with Fish Sauce and Peanuts
Main Dish
Sauted Chicken with Cabbage and Lemongrass
Red Beef Curry
Fried Crispy Vermicelli with Peanuts, Vegetables and Chili Sauce
Fried Prawn Rice with Eggs and Lettuce
Fish Vegetable Curry
Steamed Rice with Chili Lemongrass
Deep-Fried Prawn Crackers
Dessert
Kanom Piak Poon
Boiled Rice Sweets
Tapioca Pudding
Seasonal Fruits
BIFS NEWSLETTER
10
Elementary School
Lunar New Year
A selection of our elementary students performed skits and songs teaching about Lunar New Year in Korea, led
by our wonderful Korean teachers, Ms. Shin, Ms. Meng, and Ms. Park. We will be uploading photos to the ES
blog once they are available.
ELC Parent Coffee Wednesday, Feb 17

Please join our ELC Parent Coffee on reading aloud to our children at home. The coffee will be held in the ELC
Hall on February 17th, Wednesday, from 2:15-3:15.
Elementary House Assembly Friday, Feb 19

On Friday, February 19, the Elementary students will take part in a House Assembly. The goal of the assembly is
for students to get to know their house captains, their house teammates, and have fun!
It would be great if Elementary students could wear their house t-shirt to school on this day.
BIFS NEWSLETTER
11
One Hundred Days of Learning

The Kindergarten and First Grade classes celebrated the 100th day of school on February 3rd. The day was full of
activities related to the number one hundred. Students made hats using one hundred stamps or stickers,
necklaces using 100 fruit loops, counted 100 objects of various sizes, wrote about what they would do with $100,
and several other activities. The number 100 is lots of fun!
12
BIFS NEWSLETTER
Field Trip
Last Friday, the Kindergarten class went on to explore various transportation available in Busan. The students
hopped on a bus, subway and taxi from school and back.
Upcoming Elementary Events

Date/Time
Event
Details
Feb 15-20
No Electives
All ES students to take 3:30 buses unless individually

arranged by parents.
Feb 17 and 18
ISA ACER Testing
Grades 3-5 will take the external assessments provided by

ISA-ACER. More details in a separate article.
Feb 19, 2:35-3:15
Elementary Assembly
House assembly: students will work in their houses in a

variety of activities. Students, wear your house t-shirts!
Feb 22
Term 3 Electives Begin
Feb 26, 2:35-3:15
Elementary Assembly
Students who took part in the First Lego League elective

and competition in Seoul will give feedback about their
experience and share what it was all about.
Feb 26, 2:35-3:15
Elementary Assembly
Grade 1 will present their learning related to their Unit of

Inquiry and their work on opinion writing.
Mar 1
No School for Students
Professional development day for faculty
Anne Sweet
Elementary School Principal
Leda Cedo
PYP Coordinator
13
BIFS NEWSLETTER
Middle School and High School

Coffee Anyone?
This year we have had some amazing parent coffee meetings. We have covered many topics and had some
great discussions at our monthly gathering. Together, we have explored ManageBac, communications,
academics, MYP, DP, assessment, drugs & alcohol, and a few other topics. We keep hearing from parents about
how interesting and informative the sessions are. The feedback helps us develop our sessions and we are open
to new ideas.
At our last coffee, we discussed alcohol and drug use among our youth and this was a topic that was suggested
by parents. We would love to hear from you what you want to talk about and we will continue to bring in
speakers or topics of interest. You can send any ideas to your principal and we will work to get a program put
together.
We are also looking to hear from you if this is the best time to meet with parents. BIFS has always had parent
coffees, but we want to know if there is a better time or location to meet with you. We like coffee, but maybe an
afternoon tea might be better. Drop us a quick email if you have ideas that might enhance our parent meetings.
We are always open to feedback.
Nate Swenson
Middle School Principal
Jamie Robb
High School Principal
BIFS NEWSLETTER
14
Making our BIFS Students good Digital Citizens
Last week the Grade 8 students went down to the Elementary School to teach them about being a good Digital
Citizen, and staying safe online.
This Grade 8 students have been doing a unit about Digital Citizenship in Digital Design. This unit required them
to put together a 30 minute lesson for a class in the Elementary School, and design an information leaflet to
inform parents about Digital Citizenship.
The Grade 8 students really rose to the task and did really well with their lessons. They managed to fill their
lessons with loads of useful information for the students as well as developing a whole range of varied
interactive activities that they used to engage the Elementary students in such an important topic.
Well Done, Grade 8!
15
BIFS NEWSLETTER
Middle School Health Screening

At the beginning of March, the Nurses Office will be conducting student health screenings for all students in
grades 6 through 8.
The screenings will include the following: 1. Height, 2. Weight, 3. Vision Screening
Your childs height and weight measurements can be used to compare to the standards of other children their
same age, height, and weight, providing insight into their physical growth and development. The vision
screening is a tool to identify possible visual problems and make appropriate referrals for a professional exam.
Early detection and intervention is important if a child has any potential health problems that could interfere with
their education.
These screenings will be conducted annually at school and the information will be shared with you as well as
remain in the student's health file year-to-year to help track their growth. Students bodies are changing rapidly
during these Middle School years and this provides a great opportunity to promote health and wellness as well
as the importance of healthy lifestyle habits.
I encourage all students to participate in the health screenings! Please complete the emailed permission form or
follow this link to give permission for your child/children to participate.
If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact the nurse at nurse@bifskorea.org.
Personal Project Showcase Monday, Feb 29

Save This Date! On Monday, February 29, you are invited to the Grade 10 Personal Project Showcase. Students
will be exhibiting their Personal Projects in the gym from 9:00 am - 3:30 pm and then again from 6:00 pm - 8:30
pm.
The Personal Project is an extended inquiry into a topic of the students own choosing. It gives the students an
opportunity to put into practice and strengthen their ATL skills (Approaches to Learning) skills and consolidate
some of their subject specific knowledge in addition to developing knowledge of a topic or skill that is personally
relevant to them. The students have made inquiries into very diverse and interesting topics: creative writing,
photography, website design, sports, motorcycles, travel blogs, painting, racism in sports, fashion, learning a
language, astronomy, education, etc.
You can help the students by visiting their displays and asking them about how the Personal Project has
expanded their horizons and helped them develop their Learner Profile traits, improve the learning skills and
given them a different perspective.
Come by inspired!
Jenny Montague
MYP Coordinator
16
BIFS NEWSLETTER
For Your Diary

February 2016
March 2016
12th-13th
KIMEA High School Music Festival
1st
Faculty PD No School
12th
ES Assembly
2nd-8th
G12 Mock Exams
17th
ELC Parent Coffee - Reading Aloud
2nd
ES Parent Coffee
17th-18th
ACER - ISA Testing
4th
ES Assembly
19th-20th
KIMEA National Honors Festival
5th
KISAC MS Boys Vball @ BISC
KISAC MS RED VBall @ BIFS
KISAC MS Girls Blue VBall @ CI
HS Assembly
7th
MS Basketball Practice Begins
ES Assembly
9th
BIFS Parent Workshop
22nd
Start S03 CCA/Elective
PTA Meeting
24th
BIFS Parent Workshop
11th
HS Assembly
PTA Meeting
15th
KIMEA Middle School Honor Orchestra Festival
Spring Open House
17th
WoW Fashion Show
SKAC MS Vball @ BIFS
SKAC HS Futsal @ GIFS (Blue)
26th-29th
MS Ski Trip 2016
18th
Noon Dismissal
26th
ES Assembly
21st-Apr 1st
Spring Break Holiday
KISAC HS RED BBall @ CCS
EARCOS Weekend Workshop
19th
25th
27th-28th
BIFS NEWSLETTER
BIFS NEWSLETTER
19
School & Community Links
Please contact Miyoung Kim if you wish to inquire about

promoting your company in the BIFS Newsletter.
miyoungkim@bifskorea.org | 051-742-3332 (#114)

BIFS Newsletter, 2016-02-12 (English)

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BIFS NEWSLETTER

United in our Diversity, Thriving in our Individuality

ISSUE 43, February 12, 2016

This Coming Week at BIFS

1. Wed-Thu, Feb 17-18: ACER - ISA Testing (Gr 3-10)

Keeping Things in Perspective

Lunar New Year

Middle School and High School

For Your Diary

www.bifskorea.org | enquiries@bifskorea.org | T. 82 51 742 3332

Busan International Foreign School

United in our Diversity, Thriving in our Individuality

ISSUE 43, February 12, 2016

Keeping Things in Perspective

Busan International Foreign School

ISSUE 43, February 12, 2016

BIFS New Articles of Association

Re-Enrollment for the 2016-17 Academic Year

School Bus Service at 16:40 from Feb 10-19

Bus Companys Call Center Information

Busan International Foreign School

United in our Diversity, Thriving in our Individuality

ISSUE 43, February 12, 2016

BIFS Family Member ID Card Registration

IT Services - Apple Computer Discounts

Busan International Foreign School

United in our Diversity, Thriving in our Individuality

ISSUE 43, February 12, 2016

ISA ACER Testing

www.bifskorea.org | enquiries@bifskorea.org | T. 82 51 742 3332

Busan International Foreign School

United in our Diversity, Thriving in our Individuality

ISSUE 43, February 12, 2016

BIFS Spring Open House

www.bifskorea.org | enquiries@bifskorea.org | T. 82 51 742 3332

Busan International Foreign School

ISSUE 43, February 12, 2016

BIFS Beanies *10,000 KRW Colors: Black, Gray and Cobalt

Gray and white Hoodies (no zip) *30,000 KRW

www.bifskorea.org | enquiries@bifskorea.org | T. 82 51 742 3332

Busan International Foreign School

ISSUE 43, February 12, 2016

Cafeteria Menu: February 15-19

We serve brunch buffet or international buffet every 3rd Thursday of a month.

Busan International Foreign School

United in our Diversity, Thriving in our Individuality

ISSUE 43, February 12, 2016

Special Lunch: Thai Buffet on Feb 25

www.bifskorea.org | enquiries@bifskorea.org | T. 82 51 742 3332

Busan International Foreign School

United in our Diversity, Thriving in our Individuality

ISSUE 43, February 12, 2016

Lunar New Year

ELC Parent Coffee Wednesday, Feb 17

Elementary House Assembly Friday, Feb 19

Busan International Foreign School

United in our Diversity, Thriving in our Individuality

ISSUE 43, February 12, 2016

One Hundred Days of Learning

www.bifskorea.org | enquiries@bifskorea.org | T. 82 51 742 3332

Busan International Foreign School

ISSUE 43, February 12, 2016

Upcoming Elementary Events

All ES students to take 3:30 buses unless individually