This Coming Week at BIFS Whole School: United in Our Diversity, Thriving in Our Individuality

BIFS NEWSLETTER
United in our Diversity, Thriving in our Individuality
Contents
ISSUE 40, January 22, 2016
(Click to jump straight to the article home icon brings you back to Contents)
This Coming Week at BIFS
1. Wed, Jan 27: ES Parent Coffee PYP Exhibition in Grade 5

2. Fri, Jan 29: Elementary Winter Production of Flakes
Whole School
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
The Importance of Positivity

Re-Enrollment for the 2016-17 Academic Year
PTA News
Changes to School Lunch System
BIFS PIPA Request
PE Uniform Shop
The Flu
IT Services - Apple Computer Discounts
Cafeteria Menu: January 25-29
Elementary School
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Three-Way Conferences
ELC Parent Coffee Feb 17
ES Parent Coffee Jan 27
PYP Second Authorization Visit
Upcoming Elementary Events
'Flakes' by the Elementary Drama Club Jan 29
Middle School and High School
1. MHS ManageBac Expectations

2. Visit to KMOU and Their 3D Printing Lab
3. Middle School Ski Trip 2016 Feb 26-29
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
The Importance of Positivity
Welcome to the end of the first week of our second semester! As we journey into 2016 and the second half of
the school year together, I would like to encourage us all to harness the power of positivity. The research in the
area of behavioral psychology is very persuasive as to the power and influence that a positive outlook has on
student development and learning.
According to the Mayo Clinic, positive thinking doesn't mean that you keep your head in the sand and ignore
life's less pleasant situations. Positive thinking just means that you approach unpleasantness and challenges in a
more positive and productive way. You think the best is going to happen, not the worst. Is this not the behavior
and attitude that we want to cultivate in our students so they can be resilient learners? Positive thinking often
starts with self-talk. Self-talk is the endless stream of unspoken thoughts that run through your head. These
automatic thoughts can be positive or negative. Some of your self-talk comes from logic and reason. Other selftalk may arise from misconceptions that you create because of lack of information. If the thoughts that run
through your head are mostly negative, your outlook on life is more likely pessimistic. If your thoughts are
mostly positive, you're likely an optimist someone who practices positive thinking.
Researchers exploring the effects of positive thinking and optimism on achievement and health have found that
when people are experiencing positive emotions like joy, contentment, and love, they see more possibilities in
their life and are more open to new experiences, learning and skill development. Positive emotions broaden
your sense of possibility and open your mind up to more options. The range of benefits positive thinking and
emotions may provide include: Increased cognitive achievement, greater resiliency, stronger problem solving
ability, increased work ethic, increased life span, lower rates of depression and distress, better well-being, and
better coping skills during hardships and times of stress. What tremendous outcomes!
So, what are some practical steps we all can take to be more positive in 2016? Some suggestions include
identifying a small area to focus on where you desire to be more positive, monitor yourself during the day, be
open to humor and give yourself permission to laugh at life, surround yourself with positive people, and most
importantly practice positive self-talk. These are some of the approaches to positivity that we seek to cultivate in
our students at BIFS.
So, as you embark into 2016 and the second half of the school year, we hope that you will choose to embrace
positive thinking and the world of possibilities that awaits each of us and our students at BIFS as we continue to
explore, discover, belong and thrive! I am positively excited about our future! How about you?
Kevin Baker
Head of School
BIFS NEWSLETTER
Re-Enrollment for the 2016-17 Academic Year

BIFS will conduct an annual re-enrolment process to obtain commitment from families regarding their plans for
the upcoming school year. The form will be 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-enrolment form via email by
Friday, February 12. To continue enrolment at BIFS for the 2016-17 academic year, a non-refundable reenrolment 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)
PTA News
Thank you for all who came to our PTA meeting last Wednesday especially our parents new to
BIFS. We discussed International day and what interesting things you can do in Geoje. Stacey
Shields, our vice president is moving on. We are so grateful for Staceys influence and work in
regards to PTA. Because of her departure, the Vice
President position is open. If you would like to get involved
with BIFS and PTA, please contact Joy Priedeman
(dohajep@yahoo.com). We would love your help.
International Day is a few months away. We need Country
Team Leaders to organize their countrys booth. Each
country needs to have an activity for the children, a food
item to share and create an opportunity to showcase your
country. As a Country Team Leader, you would work with
other parents in creating your booth. Please get involved
with this wonderful event. To sign up, click on the Sign-up
Genius link below. https://goo.gl/06z33g
Thank you for those 56 parents who signed up for the PTA Facebook page. It helps us communicate with you.
For those who have not yet signed up, please take the time to do so by clicking on this link.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/bifsssg/
High School families are needed!! Please read about the Math Mania and Leadership Conference which BIFS is
sponsoring January 28-31. Thank you for the ten families that have volunteered. Ten more host families are
needed to house the visiting students. Please show your hospitality and BIFS pride! Email Marty Wagner that
you can house two students. (mwagner@bifskorea.org) You have room. Borrow an air mattress. We can do it!
Joy Priedeman
PTA President
BIFS NEWSLETTER
Changes to School Lunch System

School lunch is provided either through Meal Pass (semester or annual payment plan) or the new daily pay
Meal Coupon system.
For the daily pay option, students can purchase coupons at the automated coupon vending machine located
in the cafeteria. Students then should turn in their coupon in the coupon box before meal.
Please email school.lunches@bifskorea.org for questions regarding school lunch.
Meal Pass
The school will provide a sticker to students who are on the Meal Pass--homeroom teacher will hand out the
stickers to students. Please place this sticker at the back, bottom section of the student ID card. Students with
Meal Pass can simply show the sticker to eat school lunch and no coupon is required.
The Meal Pass sticker is nontransferable. You may not use someone elses Meal Pass to eat lunch.
If the Meal Pass sticker is lost, it can be reissued upon verification.
There will be no refund for skipped or missed lunch due to students personal reasons (i.e. absence).
If a student transfers to a different school, the remaining lunch fee will be refunded. (Student must return the
Meal Pass back to school)
Meal Coupon
Customers can purchase Meal Coupon through the automated coupon machine located in the school
cafeteria. You can purchase the coupon with cash or Korean debit/credit card.
Those with daily pay program or school visitors can use this option.
If you want, you can purchase coupons in bulk (10 or 20) in advance through the coupon machine. This will
avoid lines at the machine during lunch time.
The school is not responsible for lost coupons and there will be no refund.
* Packed Lunch Request for Field Trips
If a student doesnt have a Meal Pass, and wishes to purchase packed lunch for field trip, student must submit
the Meal Coupon to homeroom teacher or the teacher in charge of the field trip.
Students from the ELC to Grade 2 can purchase and turn in the Grade 3 through 5 Meal Coupon for field
trips.
BIFS PIPA Request

Recently, we have sent an email regarding BIFS PIPA to parents. Please check your inbox and reply to us via
email at pipaagreement@bifskorea.org.
BIFS NEWSLETTER
PE Uniform Shop
LOOKING FOR A VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY AT SCHOOL? We'd love to have volunteers cover 8:30-12 or 123:30 on two Thursdays each month (but we are flexible)!! We wont turn anyone away! 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 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.
BIFS Bears Zip Hoodies *30,000 KRW *Open BIFS Bears

Hoodie to place your order. Deadline: January 25.
Gray and white Hoodies (no zip) *30,000 KRW *Hoodies

can be purchased in the PE Uniform Shop.
BIFS Bears Zip Hoodie ORDER DEADLINE Monday, January 25th, 4:00 pm: BIFS Bears Zip Hoodies *30,000 KRW
*Open BIFS Bears Hoodie to place your order!!!
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
The Flu
Flu season typically peaks from December through February and South Korea is experiencing this peak,
particularly among school-aged children, as reported by the Korean Center for Disease Control.
The flu is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus and infects the nose, throat, and
lungs. Here is some additional information to help combat flu season:
How does the flu spread?
Flu viruses spread mainly by droplets made when people with the flu cough, sneeze or talk. Surfaces and hands
contaminated with nose, mouth, or throat secretions can also spread influenza viruses.
What are the symptoms of the flu?
Symptoms of the flu can include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills,
fatigue and sometimes vomiting and diarrhea.
How long can a sick person spread the flu to others?
People with the flu may be able to infect others from 1 day before getting sick to 5~7 days after.
How is influenza treated?
You will need nothing more than bed rest and plenty of fluids.
Antiviral medications are available by prescription that may reduce the length of illness and help prevent serious
complications. Over-the-counter medications, when used as directed, may lessen fever, headache, and muscle
aches.
How can I protect my child against the flu?
Annual flu vaccines are recommended for all persons 6 months and older, unless you have a contraindication
to the vaccine. A new flu vaccine is made each year to protect against the flu viruses that research indicates
are most likely to cause illness during the upcoming flu season.
Encourage your child to practice good health habits such as a washing their hands, not sharing drinks or
food, and covering their faces when sneezing and coughing.
When can child go back to school after having the flu?
Keep your child home from school for at least 24 hours after their fever is gone. (Fever should be gone without
the use of a fever-reducing medicine.) A fever is defined as 100F (37.8C) or higher.
BIFS NEWSLETTER
IT Services - Apple Computer Discounts

IT Services has negotiated a range of discounted prices 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. For example:
a 13.3" MacBook Air with a 1.6GHz Core i5 CPU, 4GB RAM and 256GB SSD is currently 1,205,4000 KRW
versus a 1,370,000 KRW retail price
a 13.3" MacBook Pro Retina with a 2.7GHz Core i5 CPU, 8GB RAM and 256GB SSD is currently 1,619,200 KRW
versus 1,840,000 KRW retail price
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)
If you have any questions, please email mmoriarty@bifskorea.org.
BIFS NEWSLETTER
Cafeteria Menu: January 25-29
Lunch Menu
Sandwich Bar
We serve brunch buffet or international buffet every 3rd Thursday of a month.

BIFS NEWSLETTER
Elementary School
Three-Way Conferences
Thank you very much for attending the conferences this week. Please make sure to fill out the feedback form
about the event. This information will be useful in improving our conferences as we review the feedback over
the course of the year.
http://goo.gl/forms/GmcyFkgaw7
ELC Parent Coffee Reading Aloud to Your Child

Back by popular demand, we will host an ELC parent coffee on reading aloud to your child. Sure, we all read to
our kids and understand how important this is to developing pre-literacy skills. However, there are certain
questioning and reflection techniques you can use when reading with your child that will help to build a deeper
understanding of stories and language. You can also practice pre-literacy reading with your child by teaching
some critical reading skills, such as book orientation, finger pointing, and initial letter-sound recognition. These
skills and concepts can lead to stronger reading skills in your child as he/she becomes an independent reader.
Please join our ELC Parent Coffee at the ELC Hall on February 17th, Wednesday, from 2:15-3:15.
ES Parent Coffee PYP Exhibition in Grade 5

This months Parent Coffee will be on January 27, from 9:00-10:00 at the ES Hall. The topic will be about the PYP
Exhibition in Grade 5.
We welcome all ES parents to attend, and strongly encourage all Grade 5 parents to come and learn more
about how they can support their childs inquiry at home.
What is the PYP Exhibition?
The Exhibition is a requirement for students completing their last year in the PYP, typically in Grade (Grade 6 in
some schools). All authorized IB PYP schools are required to participate in the exhibition.
During the Exhibition, students engage in a collaborative inquiry process that involves them in identifying,
investigating and offering solutions to real life issues or problems.
Continued on the next page
10
BIFS NEWSLETTER
ES Parent Coffee - Continued

How can parents help?
Support at home by asking questions about their inquiry and listening to their Exhibition stories.
Brainstorm ways with your children how you can provide assistance, e.g. finding resources, chaperoning
during trips, etc.
Encourage your children when they are stuck.
Dont do the work for them!
Attend the celebration! (April 22nd for the ES assembly and April 26th for parents)
PYP Second Authorization Visit

Our PYP program is authorized by the IBO, and we are preparing for our second authorization visit in the spring
of 2017. While the visit is more than a year away, there is much leg-work to be done to document all of the
wonderful work we are doing here in our PYP program. We see authorization and accreditation visits as an
opportunity to celebrate what we are doing well, and to set goals for the school in areas we want to develop.
Sounds a bit like the Three-Way Conferences for our students, doesnt it? We are excited about the
authorization process and the opportunity for external validation of our program.
Upcoming Elementary Events

Date/Time
Event
Details
Jan 27, 9:00-10:00 am
Elementary Parent Coffee
Grade 5 Exhibition: This Parent Coffee targeted to

Grade 5 parents, but everyone is welcome to join and
learn about the student-led inquiry in the PYP.
Jan 29, 2:35-3:15 pm
Elementary Assembly
The Elementary Drama Club will present 'Flakes'. Watch

as all the flakes in the blizzard help the littlest
snowflake see that no two flakes are alike and
everyone is unique!
Feb 5
School-wide Assembly
Lunar New Year Assembly
Feb 12, 2:35-3:15 pm
Elementary Assembly
Grade 5 will share what they have learned in their unit

about media literacy and share some of the media
messages they have created.
Continued on the next page

11
BIFS NEWSLETTER
Upcoming Elementary Events - Continued

Date/Time
Feb 16 and 17
Event
ISA ACER Testing
Details
Grades 3-5 will take the external assessments provided
by ISA-ACER. More details in a separate article.
Anne Sweet
Elementary School Principal
Leda Cedo
PYP Coordinator
'Flakes' by the Elementary Drama Club

Please come along and show your support for the elementary winter
production of Flakes, the musical starring students from grades K-5! The
performance will be held on Friday, January 29th in the elementary hall at 2:40
pm. Hope to see you there!
Elementary Drama Club
12
BIFS NEWSLETTER
Middle School and High School

MHS ManageBac Expectations
Providing clear direction and being transparent is critical to student success. As part of our work in the MHS we
have identified ManageBac expectations that will assist students with both time management and organizational
skills. We continue to reflect on our practices and aim to establish structures that support student learning.
MHS ManageBac Expectations

All tasks are labeled as formative (yellow) or summative (red), and whether each task is in-class, at-home
or at-home and in-class.
All out-of-school assignments (homework - green) are posted on Managebac before 4:00 pm on the day
assigned.
All in-class formative assessments are posted at least two days in advance.
All summative assessments are posted at least one week in advance.
Task-specific rubrics for mid-term and long-term assignments are posted at the same time as the summative
assessment.
Students are expected to check ManageBac on a daily basis to assist with developing self-management,
organizational and study skills. ManageBac is an excellent tool to assist students in both short-term and longterm planning. Students are encouraged to look at daily, weekly and longer range assignments or tasks.
If students have difficulty understanding the posted assignment it is the expectation that they communicate with
their teacher to clarify those misunderstandings.
Thank you for your on-going feedback and support as we continue to create structures to assist students and
improve our communication practices.
Nate Swenson
Middle School Principal
Jamie Robb
High School Principal
BIFS NEWSLETTER
13
Visit to KMOU and Their 3D Printing Lab

Design Teachers Kent Saunders and Simon Furmston had the good fortune to visit the 3D printing lab at KMOU
(Korean Maritime & Oceanographic University).
This place is a bit of a secret and shouldnt be!!! Run by Mark Lee, an economics lecturer at the university, the
lab operates on minimal funding provided mostly by outside business connections, and the Economics
department of KMOU.
Mark states that currently they are actively working with 5-7 Korean companies, most of which are startups, and
the few that are expanding their present business model to include 3D printing and are also new to the
technology. They (Mark and his team) provide a global understanding of the technology and the market (such
as it is currently) and making predictions as to where it is going. They also provide insight into the Korean and
foreign (mostly the North American) markets and customer profiles of those markets. They also provide specific
3D printing solutions to clients that are interested in adapting the technological benefits to their operations,
from procuring 3rd party services to purchasing the most appropriate hardware or software for their operations.
Mark has just completed an extensive report & recommendation on 3D printing for BIFS and supplied the school
with connections to local manufacturers of the machines. These companies are all enthusiastic about being
involved in BIFS move towards this developing technology.
Many thanks go out to Mark and for an enjoyable educational visit and all the work he has put into informing
BIFS about this technology.
Kent Saunders
Head of Dept. Design
BIFS NEWSLETTER
14
Middle School Ski Trip 2016
The 2016 Middle School Ski trip will take place from 26 to 29 of February. Skiers and snowboarders will be going
to Phoenox Park near Seoul, which offers some of the best slopes Korea can offer. Detailed information of the
trip can be found here. We can take a maximum of 38 students, so if you are interested please fill out the
Google Form as soon as you can. Participants will be accepted on a first come first ski basis.
15
BIFS NEWSLETTER
For Your Diary

January 2016
February 2016
26th-31st
ISCMS Music Festival Trip
1st-15th
ES Electives Registration
27th
ES Parent Coffee (Exhibition)
2nd
KIMEA Middle School Honor Band Festival
28th-31st
AISA Math Mania and Leadership Conference

at BIFS
3rd
MHS Parent Coffee
5th
End S02 CCA/Elective
Registration deadline for ABRSM Music Theory

and Practical Exams
28th
KIMEA Middle School Choir Festival
29th
ES Assembly
Lunar New Year Assembly
8th-9th
Lunar New Year Holiday
12th-13th
KIMEA High School Music Festival
12th
HS Assembly
ES Assembly
17th
ELC Parent Coffee - Reading Aloud
19th-20th
KIMEA National Honors Festival
19th
ES Assembly
22nd
Start S03 CCA/Elective
24th
BIFS Parent Workshop
PTA Meeting
25th
Spring Open House
26th-29th
MS Ski Trip 2016
26th
ES Assembly
BIFS NEWSLETTER
BIFS NEWSLETTER
18
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)

This Coming Week at BIFS Whole School: United in Our Diversity, Thriving in Our Individuality

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BIFS NEWSLETTER

United in our Diversity, Thriving in our Individuality

ISSUE 40, January 22, 2016