BIFS Newsletter, 2015-11-20 (English)

BIFS NEWSLETTER
United in our Diversity, Thriving in our Individuality
ISSUE 34, November 20, 2015
Contents
(Click to jump straight to the article home icon brings you back to Contents)
This Coming Week at BIFS
1. Tue, November 24: SKAC Spelling Bee

2. Thu-Sat, November 26-28: MUN in Seoul
3. Fri, November 27: M/HS Movember Assembly
Whole School
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
The Importance of Responding as a Global Citizen

PTA News
School Buses: New Attendance System
BIWA Christmas Bazaar
PE Uniform Shop
Image Rights Permission
Cafeteria Menu: November 23-27
Special Lunch: Italian Buffet on Nov 26
Turkeys Available from Chef Kim
Elementary School
1. Parent Coffee - November 18th

2. Cold Weather Gear - Yay, Outdoor Play!
3. Upcoming Events
Middle School and High School

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Movember (No shave November) is Here!

Parent Coffees - Why are They Important?
Why is it Important to Read the Newsletters?
2015 Korean National Robotics Championship
Athletic Update
Suggested Reading Lists
For Your Diary
BIFS Annual Calendar 2015-2016

School & Community Links
www.bifskorea.org | enquiries@bifskorea.org | T. 82 51 742 3332
Busan International Foreign School
BIFS NEWSLETTER
Whole School
The Importance of Responding as a Global Citizen

I believe an important distinctive of BIFS is our deep commitment to being united in our diversity. I love this
about our school! We celebrate and cherish each and every students nationality and culture that our school is
fortunate enough to serve. Thus the recent terrorist attacks in Paris, Beirut, and the Russian plane tragedy are
especially troubling as it feels as if our international community has come under attack. It is easy to be dismayed
or to even be paralyzed with disbelief when news of this nature is received. As I reflect on the loss of civilian life
across the world as an educator and as a leader, and correspond with my international school colleagues
around the world, two important questions have emerged on which I would like to share my thoughts:
What should be our response?

While is it tempting to get caught up in the emotions of such tragic events, and our natural reaction may be to
answer violence with violence, I believe our response, rather, needs to be thoughtful and guided by our core
beliefs. I would suggest that our response should be courageous, not timid; visionary, not blind. Now is the time
to be inclusive, and to not exclude.
What is our responsibility?
I believe our responsibility is to ensure that all children have the right to a childhood, the right to learn through
play, make friends with others and to have hope in their hearts. I believe that we have this responsibility not only
for our own children and the children at BIFS but also for those less fortunate. Additionally, as an international
school, we aim to use best practices to cultivate cultural awareness, and international mindedness, and to enable
the ideal of global citizenship and peace to flourish. We bring together different groups of people and seek to
instill in them the values of caring, empathy and respect. However, we should also look to reach outside our
community and offer to share our educational experiences to further these goals with others.
The road to a peaceful outcome in a violent changing world may be long but I firmly believe that where there is
a will, there is a way and we need to find it and travel along it. I also firmly believe that every individual can make
a positive difference, and now, more than ever, is the time to make this difference count. Thank you for helping
to make that difference!
Kevin Baker
Head of School
BIFS NEWSLETTER
PTA News
Good luck to the middle school football team traveling to Jeju for their tournament this
weekend. We are grateful to our athletic director and our coaches for creating athletic
experiences for our children! Represent our school well! GO BEARS!
The BIFS Board of Governors Student Progress Communications Policy Workshop will be apart of the PTA
meeting on Wednesday, December 9 at 10:00am. This will be an important meeting to attend. The Board of
Governors will be creating a policy concerning school communication about your child. Your ideas and
feedback on how the school communicates to you about your child is needed. Mark your calendars.
Remember, if you are going home for the winter holidays to bring back items for International Day such as
decorations or small items to give away. The World Wheel of Fortune will be in need of international baskets to
be donated. The small or large baskets can consist of items from your country like food and/or souvenirs.
Join our PTA Facebook page! https://www.facebook.com/groups/bifsssg/
Joy Priedeman
PTA President
School Buses: New Attendance System

From Monday, November 16th, we started to operate the RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) attendance
system on the buses. Students are asked to swipe their BIFS ID cards on the reader machine fitted in the bus, as
they get on and off. This system allows us to provide a better attendance data and improved bus service in the
future. In addition, we will also continue to check our students attendance manually as a backup.
Elementary students using the school buses have been issued an additional ID card for bus attendance.
Elementary students are encouraged to attach their bus card to their backpacks to avoid losing it. Middle and
High school students can use the ID card already in their possession. If a student loses their ID card, then a new
one can be issued by request.
We would appreciate your assistance and support as we implement this new system. Please remind your child
about this new process.
If you have any inquiries about this issue, please contact Ms. Noh, Bus Coordinator, by email
(schoolbuses@bifskorea.org).
BIFS NEWSLETTER
BIWA Christmas Bazaar

We hope you and your family can come to the Busan International Wemens Association (BIWA) Christmas
Bazaar on December 5th from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. It will be held at the Grand Hotel's 2nd floor Convention
Hall, Leisure Building.
Our school orchestra and choir will be performing, and our students will run fun activities at the kids corner. It is
a great place to do a little holiday shopping, and there will be international food and baked goods.
BIFS NEWSLETTER
PE Uniform Shop
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!
The weather is starting to cool off so it is a great time to consider your cool weather PE Uniform options!! Stop
by the PE Uniform Shop and let us help you!!
Also available: BIFS blankets, coffee mugs and Eco-bags!!
Our vendor has indicated that he is changing factories because of quality issues. If you are having difficulty with the quality of your
uniform, please be sure to let us know! In most cases, we will not be able to replace it but we can ask the vendor to repair it.
Image Rights Permission

Our assumption is that by joining the school parents give us their permission for any photos, videos, and audio
files featuring their child or themselves to be published on the school's website, blogs, and in other marketing
materials belonging to the school. Please notify Miyoung Kim at miyoungkim@bifskorea.org if you do not wish
photos, videos and audio files featuring your child or yourselves to be used.
BIFS NEWSLETTER
Cafeteria Menu: November 23 - 27
Lunch Menu
Sandwich Bar
We serve brunch buffet or international buffet every 3rd Thursday of a month.

BIFS NEWSLETTER
Special Lunch: Italian Buffet

November 26
Cold Dishes
goo.gl/WzSIEy
Fresh Salad with Italian Dressing

Spinach Salad with Ricotta Cheese & Avocados
Green Pea Salad with Bacon
Polenta Salad with Olives & Squash
Penne Pasta Salad with Olives & Herbs
Artichoke Salad with Olives & Tomatoes
Bread Sticks & Italian Bread
Olives, Herb Pesto, Ricotta Cheese
goo.gl/fccfzn
Hot Dishes
Chicken Risotto
Gnocchi with Herb Pesto
Steamed Mussels with Herbs & Tomatoes
Rigatoni Pasta with Salmon & Artichoke
Italian Meat Balls
Pork Chop Stew with Chickpeas & Tomato Concasse
goo.gl/SgO4UY
Desserts
Assorted Fresh Fruits (banana, apple and orange)
Blueberry Crepes
Chocolate Walnut Cake
goo.gl/HN2myI
BIFS NEWSLETTER
Turkeys Available from Chef Kim

Chef Kim has kindly offered again to make turkeys available to our BIFS
faculty and parents.
Availability: from Oct 28th to Dec 31st
Menu:
One uncooked whole turkey (5kg) with cranberry sauce: 65,000 won
One whole cooked turkey (5kg) with stuffing, giblet sauce and cranberry
sauce: 90,000 won
How to order: contact Chef Kim, either by
Mobile Phone: 010-2583-6545 (with a text message), or
Email: khkim6543@hanmail.net
Delivery: please pick up your order from the cafeteria on an arranged

date
Payment: at your convenience upon placing the order, or collecting your
order
BIFS NEWSLETTER
Elementary School
Parent Coffee - November 18th
Thank you to all the parents who attended our information session on the PYP in Korean. Our Korean teachers Meng Lee, Cindy Park and Jinyoung Shin - discussed IB, inquiry and concept-based learning. Thank you,
teachers!
If you would like to view the presentation slides, please go to this link: https://goo.gl/AIS9ac
BIFS NEWSLETTER
10
Cold Weather Gear - Yay, Outdoor Play!

The weather is changing! We are committed to having outdoor play whenever possible, so please be sure to
send your child in appropriate gear (coat, warm shoes, layers, hat, etc.) as Busan starts cooling down.
Why do we allocate playtime for elementary students? Why do we ensure our kids play outside whenever possible?
Numerous studies have been done on the benefits of play for children, as well as on the consequences resulting
from a lack of play. The following information comes from Give Students Time to Play, Education Week, by
Debbie Rhea, and All Work and No Play: Why Your Kids Are More Anxious, Depressed, The Atlantic, by Esther
Entin.
Both articles define play as unstructured, which means that play is directed by the child and that play takes place
with no other end goal (as opposed to sport, which is directed by others and has an end goal of winning
and/or developing skill).
What are the benefits of unstructured play?
Children learn to make friends and cooperate
There is an increased ability for children to handle their emotions
Children develop more positive, happier self-identities
It gives children experiences where they make their own choices, solve problems, and learn the rules of
social interaction
It builds self-confidence
It helps children learn to develop sustained focus, passions, and interests
It results in better focus in the classroom and higher academic performance
If children dont get playtime, as well as time outside, what are the consequences?
Increased anxiety and depression
Lower ability on academic tasks
Increased inattention and behavioral problems
Health problems, including weight gain and weakened vision
Disrupted sleep patterns
We would like to start a dialogue with parents on the value of unstructured playtime, particularly as we head
into winter months. It is our commitment to provide outdoor, unstructured playtime for our children even during
the winter chill.
How can you help?
Dress your child in layers, so she/he is comfortable in heated classrooms and also outside in the cold
Use positive language with your child when talking about outdoor play and its benefits
Allow your child to have regular, unstructured playtime at home
Model play by doing something you love, getting outdoors, and engaging in play alongside your child at
times.
11
BIFS NEWSLETTER
Upcoming Events
Date/Time
Event
Details
November 27, 2:35-3:20 Elementary Assembly

- Buddy reading by Sue
and Michelle
At this Assembly, younger students will have an

opportunity to read to older students. This aims to
promote a love of reading and gives students and
teachers the chance to mix with other grade levels.
December 4, 2:35-3:20
Elementary Assembly
Kindergarten and Grade 1 Korean Language Acquisition

students will share 'Expressing Ideas' and 'Communicating
with Signs and Symbols' in conjunction with UOI 'How We
Express Ourselves'.
December 11, 2:35-3:20
Elementary Assembly
Grade 4G will share what they have learned during their

'Who We Are' unit of inquiry, and teach the Elementary
about how to be healthy.
12
BIFS NEWSLETTER
Middle School and High School

Movember (No shave November) is Here!
Movember, No shave November, aims to bring awareness to men's

health issues, such as depression, prostate cancer and other male
cancers. As you can see, many MHS staff and students are
participating by sporting facial hair. On November, 27th the High
School Student Council will be hosting a Middle and High School
Movember Assembly to raise money and support the cause. If you
would like to learn more about Movember, please visit website!
https://uk.movember.com/about/foundation
Parent Coffees - Why are They Important?

Parent Coffees are a time to get into the school and be part of creating a positive school environment.
Although, we share information and put on workshops about topics such as MYP and DP assessment,
communication and the use of ManageBac, it is also a time for the school to collect information from parents on
how they perceive whats happening within the school. We learn a lot from speaking with parents and hearing
their thoughts and ideas. Please try to join us and be part of the process of making BIFS a great place to learn
and work.
BIFS NEWSLETTER
13
Why is it Important to Read the Newsletters?

Each week Middle/High school parents receive two communications from the school; the Busan International
Foreign School Newsletter and a Weekly Update Friday afternoon e-mail from the principals. The purpose of
the communication is to ensure that you are aware of any upcoming events and or the implementation of new
initiatives within the Middle or High Schools. We have had many parents respond to the newsletters and ask
follow-up questions, which is wonderful because it means that you are reading them. It also provides us with
important feedback. We want parents to know what it happening and be aware of any changes within the
school.
Please keep up to date by reading the weekly communications - stay connected and be part of the school. Here
are a few of the items that have been communicated through the weekly newsletters.
Progress Reports
Honors and Efforts Program
Student Dress Code
Parent Coffee Topics
Assessment Information
Report Cards/Conferences
IB Learner Profile Recognition Program
Weekly Celebrations of Student Successes
We are looking forward to continuing to build connections within the community and involving parents as we
strive to make the MHS a welcoming place.
Nate Swenson
Middle School Principal
Jamie Robb
High School Principal
14
BIFS NEWSLETTER
BIFS Prepare for the 2015 Korean National Robotics Championship

This year we will be sending two teams to the National
Korean Robotics Championships in Seoul on the 23rd of
January. Ms. Eksteen is coaching one team from the
Elementary School, and the second team is being formed
from the Middle High School and is coached by Mr.
Melville and Mr. Furmston.
This will be the second time that BIFS will be competing in

the National Robotics Championship, but this is the first
time that we are entering multiple teams.
After months of designing, building, and programming
our Robots for the National Robotics Championships we
were finally given the Mission Pack from the Korean
Robotics Championship Commission (KRC). This year the
competition is all based around the Environment, and the
Competition has 3 aspects, which are;
1. Teamwork
2. The Robot Games
3. The Project
The first thing that they will look at when we come to the
championship will be how well our teams work and learn
together. They also look at how team members listen to
each other and support each other. Most importantly they
want to see that our team has fun working together.
In terms of the Robot Games we have to design and
program our robots to try and complete 12 separate
missions within 2 minutes and 30 seconds. These missions
are all based around the environment and details of the
missions are shown on the First Lego League
Website:.
http://www.firstlegoleague.org/challenge/2015trashtrek
Continued on the next page
15
BIFS NEWSLETTER
BIFS Prepare for the 2015 Korean National Robotics Championship

Finally our teams will have to complete the project which will culminate in our teams having to present an
original idea which could help our global environment to a panel of Judges.
If you would like to help support our Robotics teams or learn more about the Robotics Program at BIFS then
please contact us as at either sfurmston@bifskorea.org or meksteen@bifskorea.org.
BIFS NEWSLETTER
16
Athletic Update
Upcoming Events:
MS Soccer in KISAC Red @Jeju (G. 6, 7 & 8), November 21
HS Basketball SKAC Boys Championships @BIFS, December 7
HS Basketball SKAC Girls Championships @BFS, December 7
Recent Activity:
Saturday, November 14, 2015
Volleyball Wrap up in Jeju
This past week both the Varsity and JV girls and boys volleyball teams travelled to Jeju Island to compete with
KIS Jeju and Branksome Hall Asia. The teams had a great tournament and had a good time travelling. The Girls
team finished in third place. The boys Varsity team finished in second place, and the JV team finished third. A
big thank you to the coaches of the 2015 HS volleyball season for their contributions and guidance of our
student athletes. Here is a list of our coaches:
Ceejay Jader (Varsity Girls Volleyball)
Martina Plicka and Jamie Robb (Varsity Boys Volleyball)
Gareth Owen (JV boys volleyball)
Aimee Wagner and Al Roland (JV girls Volleyball)
The HS Basketball team started training last week and have already competed in the SKAC divisional
tournament held at Gyeongnam International Foreign School (GIFS). On both the boys and the girls sides, we
competed against BFS and two teams from GIFS. On Monday, December 7 all the teams of the SKAC league will
come together to play for the SKAC Conference championships at BIFS and BFS!
Middle School Soccer Excels in Handong
This past week the MS Soccer program again traveled to Handong International school and competed for the
SKAC Futsal championships. Having enjoyed great success in the preliminaries in Daegu in September where
the girls and boys both went undefeated and the boys second team only lost one game, the travelling team was
in a confident mood. The day started well with all teams getting early wins and playing some excellent flowing
football.
BIFS girls were early favorites having convincingly defeated all opposition scoring 11 and only conceding 1 in the
group stages against a talented ISK team, thanks to superb saves from Marnie Stutsel and resolute defending
from Captain Eve Seeberg as well as some potent goal scoring from Grace Monteiro, Zoe Shields, Cayetana
Pendergast and Kira Seggerty. The boys suffered a tough loss to HIS in the group stages going down 2-1, but
there was plenty to be excited about with a spread of goals and some creative combination play resulting in
goals from Danial Crichton, Marin Ikac and Theo Spjeld.
BIFS NEWSLETTER
17
Athletic Update - Continued

Our boys dominated games with their intelligent passing football but could not quite find the cutting edge in
front of goal to finish games off. Captained by the superb Jaylen Cuthbertson in goal, making 2 world class
saves which were applauded by the on looking crowd, goals from Kyle Park, Louis Van Der Wel and Sean Toms
were well deserved and the boys move forward knowing they played good football and built upon the
foundations which will ultimately bring them success.
The 8th grade boys advanced to the semi final having won 2 - 0 in the quarter final. In the semi they met a big
and strong BLICS team however the BLICS team was no match for the BIFS slick football and individual skill in
the final third. The BIFS boys bombarded the BLICS goal with attack after attack, if it were not for a outstanding
performance from the BLICS goalkeeper the BIFS boys would have advanced. Unfortunately a lucky goal saw the
boys go down 1 - 0, in the words of Joint Captian Marin Ikac Sometimes I am disappointed when I leave the
field after a loss, today I know we did everything we possibly could have done to win. The BIFS boys will travel
to Jeju in confident mood.

18
BIFS NEWSLETTER
Athletic Update - Continued

The girls played a spirited GIFS teams in the semi final, a team they had beaten earlier in the day, however it was
not to be as simple this time around the GIFS girls gave their travelling support a lot to cheer coming from 2
goals down to level the game 2-2 at half time. There was clearly some nerves in the BIFS camp but with second
half goals from Monteiro and Shields BIFS came out on top 4-2. The final was rightly billed as game of the day.
The talented ISK team came out even more resolute than in the group game and pushed BIFS high up the field.
BIFS scored with a goal from Seggerty which released a little tension on the BIFS bench, however the ISK girls
came back even stronger. If it were not for great saves from Stutsel and the post, Frida Slatmen of ISK would
have had a hat-trick. In the second half the game had a more end to end outlook with few chances at either
end due to incredibly strong defending. The first half goal from Seggerty proved the difference, with both teams
cancelling each other out in the second half, the final score 1-0 in favor of BIFS. There were tears of joy at the
final whistle as the BIFS MS Girls claimed their second trophy of the year and keep alive the dream of the treble
as they travel to Jeju this weekend, not to forget defending their futsal title from 2014. The triumphant girls team
were Marnie Stutsel, Eve Seeberg, Se Na Julsdorf, Erika Manrique, Zoe Shields, Grace Monteiro, Cayetana
Pendergast, Kira Seggerty and Ali Zakirova.
Great job to both teams and all the players. A big thank you to the Rising Stars soccer Coaches who have
tirelessly coached and travelled with the kids this season.
MS soccer has one last contest this coming weekend in Jeju Island for the KISAC Red Tournament and will have
a great time travelling and competing with the KISAC schools from Seoul and Jeju Island. Good luck to all!
Thank you again for being a booster of the BIFS Bears I look forward seeing you at the events!
Marty Wagner
Athletic Director
BIFS NEWSLETTER
19
Suggested Reading Lists

As requested by a number of parents, the MHS Language and Literature department have started compiling
suggested reading lists. Here are our favorites thus far:
Middle School
Suggested Reading for Middle School Students (Grades 68)

"The following titles are recommended as summer reading both to maintain fluency and reading level and to
encourage independent reading. www.phschool.com/curriculum_support/reading_list/middle_school.html
The Sakura Reading List (Middle School)
The international school librarians in Japan meet every year to develop a reading list. This year's list can be
found here: www.sakuramedal.com/ems.html
Graphic Novels
www.sakuramedal.com/gn.html
High School
A Summer Reading List for Those Who Crave the Eclectic
"Summer books, like summer movies, are generally widely promoted and easily found. Here are the books not
so easily found that provide the pleasures of summer reading and leaven them with more than a frisson of the
unusual." ww2.kqed.org/arts/2015/07/08/a-summer-reading-list-for-those-who-crave-the-eclectic/
The Sakura Reading List (High School)
The international school librarians in Japan meet every year to develop a reading list. This year's list can be
found here: www.sakuramedal.com/ehs.html
20
BIFS NEWSLETTER
For Your Diary

November 2015
December 2015
20th
ES Assembly
1st
Grade 10 DP Course Selection Evening
HS Assembly
2nd
MHS Parent Coffee
21st
KISAC MS Soccer at KIS Jeju
2nd - 9th
Grade 11/12 End of Semester Examinations
26th - 28th
SEOMUN
4th
ES Assembly
HS Assembly
5th
BIWA Bazaar
MHS Movember Assembly
9th
BIFS Parent Workshop
ES Assembly
PTA Meeting
11th
HS Assembly
18th
Winter Holiday Assembly
End of Term 1 Noon Dismissal
27th
BIFS NEWSLETTER
22
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)

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BIFS NEWSLETTER

United in our Diversity, Thriving in our Individuality

ISSUE 34, November 20, 2015

This Coming Week at BIFS

1. Tue, November 24: SKAC Spelling Bee

The Importance of Responding as a Global Citizen

1. Parent Coffee - November 18th

Middle School and High School

Movember (No shave November) is Here!

For Your Diary

BIFS Annual Calendar 2015-2016

Busan International Foreign School

United in our Diversity, Thriving in our Individuality

ISSUE 34, November 20, 2015

The Importance of Responding as a Global Citizen

What should be our response?

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

Busan International Foreign School

ISSUE 34, November 20, 2015

School Buses: New Attendance System

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

Busan International Foreign School

United in our Diversity, Thriving in our Individuality

ISSUE 34, November 20, 2015

BIWA Christmas Bazaar

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

Busan International Foreign School

United in our Diversity, Thriving in our Individuality

ISSUE 34, November 20, 2015

Image Rights Permission

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

Busan International Foreign School

ISSUE 34, November 20, 2015

Cafeteria Menu: November 23 - 27

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

Busan International Foreign School

ISSUE 34, November 20, 2015

Special Lunch: Italian Buffet

Fresh Salad with Italian Dressing

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

Busan International Foreign School

United in our Diversity, Thriving in our Individuality

ISSUE 34, November 20, 2015

Turkeys Available from Chef Kim

Delivery: please pick up your order from the cafeteria on an arranged

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

Busan International Foreign School

ISSUE 34, November 20, 2015

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

Busan International Foreign School

United in our Diversity, Thriving in our Individuality

ISSUE 34, November 20, 2015

Cold Weather Gear - Yay, Outdoor Play!

Busan International Foreign School

ISSUE 34, November 20, 2015

November 27, 2:35-3:20 Elementary Assembly

At this Assembly, younger students will have an

Kindergarten and Grade 1 Korean Language Acquisition

December 11, 2:35-3:20

Grade 4G will share what they have learned during their

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

Busan International Foreign School

ISSUE 34, November 20, 2015

Middle School and High School