BIFS NEWSLETTER

United in our Diversity, Thriving in our Individuality

Contents

ISSUE 55, May 20, 2016

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This Coming Week at BIFS

1. Mon, May 23 Life After BIFS Event Grade 12

2. Wed, May 25 MHS Parent Coffee
3. Thu, May 26 G9 Film Gala
4. Fri, May 27 G12 Graduation Ceremony

Whole School

1. How to Leave Well: Build a RAFT

2. Summer Camp 2016
3. Track and Field Carnival
4. International Schools Assessment (ISA)
5. PTA News
6. School Nurse - Pink Eye Alert
7. PE Uniform Shop CLOSEOUT Sale
8. Cafeteria Menu: May 23-27
9. Global Gathering: May 21

Elementary School

1. Library Returns Requested

2. Class Placements
3. Upcoming Elementary Events

Middle School and High School

1. Grade 9 Film Gala
2. Action Week
3. Celebrating our Graduates

For Your Diary

BIFS Annual Calendar 2015-16 & 2016-17
School & Community Links

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BIFS NEWSLETTER
United in our Diversity, Thriving in our Individuality

Whole School

ISSUE 55, May 20, 2016

How to Leave Well: Build a RAFT

I would like to share a blog post from MaDonna Maurer from the Raising TCKs blog (it is a great blog about
parenting children who are multicultural and families that live abroad). MaDonna provides us all with excellent
advice for how students and families can leave well as they prepare for their next chapter in their international
journey.
This time of year is bittersweet for expats and their children. The excitement of summer coming means slower
mornings the breakfast rush of passing out pieces of bread to eat on the way to school is almost over. We
know that well get a few months break to recharge before starting back up in the fall. The crazy thing is that
after a few days we miss rushing the kids off so they have something to do besides telling us they are bored. For
me, though, this summer will be about the beach, a nice large cup of cold tea (Im so addicted to Taiwan teas),
and its looking like packing boxes.
Yep, we are moving just not sure when. Yeah, that is hard, but will save that for another post as Im still
processing the unknowns. Being married to a TCK, Ive learned a few tricks from my husband in assisting my kids
in this process called moving. My husband and I both really believe in building RAFTs, and this time we are
being more intentional in helping our now older kids build their own.
I really dont like saying, Good-byes. Id just rather avoid or ignore all the emotions and feelings I have during
this move, but I know I cant Ive just got to go through it because if I dont I could regret it. Ive found that
building my RAFT has been the key for me to do it in a healthy and may I say, somewhat, graceful way.
So what is this Building your RAFT all about?
Are we building a boat? No, not literally. RAFT is an acronym that the late David C Pollock developed to help
people transition. This process of moving can take up to six months or more. Below is the simple form of this
model. If you have the opportunity to go to a seminar or workshop GO! Seriously, it will change the way you
do the move and Im not talking about a dance step.
R = Reconciliation
Reconciliation is just that: reconciling with people, making the relationship right. Just because you leave a place
doesnt mean the problem goes away. It doesnt instead it goes with you. Research has been done on health
related issues due to unforgiveness. Just google it and see for yourself.
A = Affirmation
Is there anyone you are super thankful for? Anyone who has helped you greatly while living in that city? Tell
them. Let them know how much you appreciate them and what they did for you, for your kids, for your family.
Awkward? Write a letter to tell them but just tell them. You have the opportunity to make someone feel
appreciated and youll feel great that you did it.
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BIFS NEWSLETTER
United in our Diversity, Thriving in our Individuality

ISSUE 55, May 20, 2016

F = Farewell
This is the not so fun part; saying good-bye. You immediately think of all the people you want to
tell good-bye. An article I just read on this topic stated to rank your friends, which sounds harsh,
but I do think is a good idea. Dont forget to say Good-bye to places and things as well. This
may sound strange, but it really helps to bring closure. This one is important for kids as well. Plan
these events on a calendar so you get them in. Ill write more on this later this weekso much
you can do to help your kids here.
T = Think Destination
Its just that think about the next place. How will it be different from where you are now? How
will it be the same? Go through this dialogue with your kids as well. It will help them in the
process as well. Look up on the internet and read about the new place. Check it out on Google
Maps.
Reminder: Its okay to feel excited about the new destination as you say good-bye to all the old
things. Its normal.
Best wishes to all those members of the BIFS community that will be departing us at the end of
this school year. Please take the time to build your RAFTs so that you can leave the BIFS family
well!
Warmest Regards,
Kevin Baker
Head of School

SUMMER CAMP 2016

We are pleased to have our first summer camp at BIFS! We will be offering Full Day and Half Day courses
from Playgroup Grade 10, including:
Soccer Camp (Gr 1-10)
ELC Discovery Camp (Playgroup to Sr Preschool)
Elementary Exploration Camp (Gr Kg-5)
Music Courses (Gr Kg-10)
Literacy and Math Enhancement Camp (Gr Kg-10)
For more detailed information, please go to this link: https://goo.gl/2LWsmP
To apply, please fill out this form: https://goo.gl/9R9Jok.
For more questions, please contact the Program Coordinator, Leda Cedo, at ledacedo@bifskorea.org.
www.bifskorea.org | enquiries@bifskorea.org | T. 82 51 742 3332

Busan International Foreign School

BIFS NEWSLETTER
United in our Diversity, Thriving in our Individuality

ISSUE 55, May 20, 2016

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Busan International Foreign School

BIFS NEWSLETTER
United in our Diversity, Thriving in our Individuality

ISSUE 55, May 20, 2016

Track and Field Carnival

Congratulations to all students for an outstanding day of Athletics on May 17!! The weather was beautiful, the
competition was fierce and there were smiles all day!
Each house was able to receive points based on their placements for each event. Congratulations to Jirisan
with 11,432 points. Second was Seoraksan with 10,567 points and third was Hallasan with 9530 points!
Congratulations again to all students!
A HUGE thank you is in order to all the teachers and BIFS staff who helped out with organizing and running
their events. As well as the parents who came out to enjoy the day and cheer on their sons and/or daughters.
The day would not have been successful without all of your hard work and flexibility.
The Inter-school Track and Field Meet takes place on Tuesday, May 31 at Sajik Auxiliary Stadium where the
top two finishers in each event from the BIFS Carnival will compete against 6 other schools! Final results and
those athletes moving on will be posted soon.
It truly takes a community to help with this event and the students look forward to it every year, and so do
we. We thank you all again for an incredible day!
The PE Department
Helen Young, Jenny Choi, Marty Wagner, Steve Toms, Martina Plicka

International Schools Assessment (ISA)

In February 2016 BIFS students in Grades 3-10 participated in the International Schools Assessment (ISA), a
program developed by the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) and designed specifically for
international schools.
The ISA assesses students in the three learning areas of Mathematical Literacy, Reading and Writing, using
pencil and paper tests.
Last Wednesday, the BIFS Parent Coffee focused on helping parents to understand basic information about ISA.
One of the key points is to consider the results of this assessment in the context of other information about your
childs achievement provided by teachers and the school.
Some helpful links below:
Link to the presentation slides
ISA ACER website
ISA matching IB curricular framework
IB report: PYP/MYP/ISA 2010

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Busan International Foreign School

BIFS NEWSLETTER
United in our Diversity, Thriving in our Individuality

ISSUE 55, May 20, 2016

PTA News
Thank you for all who came to our May 11 PTA meeting. Jeanette provided us with a tutorial
how to take better pictures with our smart phones. See the PTA Facebook page for her
presentation.
Our last PTA meeting will be held on Wednesday, 1 June at 10 am in the Elementary Hall. This
will be our Annual General Meeting where we elect next year's PTA Board. There are many
opportunities to serve in BIFS PTA: president, vice-president, secretary, treasurer, social director
and communications director.
Participating on the PTA Board is a marvelous way to support your child and develop
community within BIFS. It also provides opportunities to make friends, use your skills and
expertise and have a lot of fun.
Many of our current Board members will be leaving us this year and so there will be plenty of
vacancies. Without an active PTA we wouldn't be able to host such great events as International
Day and Fall Festival.
Please think seriously about stepping forward and nominating for the PTA Board. If you are
interested in one of these positions, please email pta@bifskorea.org.
Summary of PTA Officers Duties:
President: Coordinate the work of all members in accordance with the PTA Mission Statement.
Vice President: Assist the President in the performance of his or her duties.
Secretary: Communicate within the PTA by documenting and keeping record of the minutes of
all Meetings.
Treasurer: Be responsible for financial activities related to the PTA.
Social Director: Oversee PTA Fundraising Events,
Communications Director: Develop marketing and promotional material for PTA.
PTA President
Joy Priedeman

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BIFS NEWSLETTER
United in our Diversity, Thriving in our Individuality

ISSUE 55, May 20, 2016

Pink Eye Alert

Epidemic Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye): Your child may have been exposed to Pink Eye.
There has been a case of epidemic conjunctivitis at school. Conjunctivitis, commonly known as pinkeye, is an
infection of the covering of the eyeball and the inside of the eyelid. It is caused by bacteria or a virus and can
spread easily from person to person.
Signs and symptoms: Teary, red, itchy, painful eye(s). Swollen eyelid(s). Thick, yellowish discharge.
Incubation period : Usually 1-3 days from contact with an infected person
Contagious period: When the child has symptoms.
Prevention/Control:
Wash hands often with soap and warm water.
Encourage children not to rub or touch eyes.
Do not share any articles, such as towels, and washcloths, contact lens solution, or eye drops.
Dispose of used tissues.
Required absence from school:
Bacteria Until 24hours after antibiotics started.
Virus or other irritant doctor permits return.
For more information, refer to web site: http://www.cdc.gov/conjunctivitis/about/
Please notify the nurse office (nurse@bifskorea.org) or school office if your child is diagnosed with pink eye.
Hee Jung Hwang
School Nurse

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BIFS NEWSLETTER
United in our Diversity, Thriving in our Individuality

ISSUE 55, May 20, 2016

PE Uniform Shop
Be sure to stop by the PE Uniform Shop to take advantage of the great CLOSEOUT prices on many items!!

Polar Fleece Vests, Fleece Tops, Fleece Pants,

Tracksuit Jackets and Tracksuit Pants
NOW 10,000 won each
BIFS Bears Gray and White Hoodies
(sizes limited)
NOW 20,000 won each
BIFS Beanies

NOW 6,000 won each

BIFS blankets

NOW 35,000 won each

All sales are final. No refunds will be given.
THE PE UNIFORM SHOP is open Monday through 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!
All general information regarding PE Uniforms can be found under the life at BIFS tab
on the BIFS website!
LOOKING FOR A VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY AT SCHOOL? Sign up NOW for next school year and spend a
day or two getting your feet wet (training) any time now through June!! Our volunteers are generally scheduled
8:30-12 or 12-3:30 twice each month (but we are flexible)!! We wont turn anyone away! Volunteers in the PE
Uniform Shop have a regular schedule so it is easy to plan around. For more information about volunteering in
the PE Uniform Shop, contact Dee Baker at dbaker@bifskorea.org.

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

Busan International Foreign School

BIFS NEWSLETTER
United in our Diversity, Thriving in our Individuality

ISSUE 55, May 20, 2016

Cafeteria Menu: May 23-27

Lunch Menu

Sandwich Bar

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

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United in our Diversity, Thriving in our Individuality

ISSUE 55, May 20, 2016

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BIFS NEWSLETTER
United in our Diversity, Thriving in our Individuality

ISSUE 55, May 20, 2016

Global Gathering 2016 May 21

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BIFS NEWSLETTER
United in our Diversity, Thriving in our Individuality

Elementary School

ISSUE 55, May 20, 2016

Library Returns Requested

It's that time of the year again and the BIFS libraries needs to do an inventory of all our materials before the
summer holidays. All library books need to be returned by the end of May.
Next week is the last week of borrowing for elementary students before the summer.
To continue reading practice during the summer you might want to access the many digital resources that
are available to our BIFS students. If you go to the library catalogue there is a section on the lower right with
links to many online reading options.
We also recommend that you become members of your home libraries when you are visiting family and
friends during the summer. Visiting libraries with relatives can be very enjoyable and, if you become a
member, there are many digital resources available for download anywhere in the world.
Also, if you have any books you no longer need at home, we are happy to receive donations at the building
B library office.
We had a wonderful week in the elementary library last week. Information about our visiting storytellers and
author visit is available on our library blog.

Class Placements
We will soon begin doing some initial class placements for returning students for the 2015-16 school year.
When placing students into classes we look at a variety of factors in order to achieve balanced groupings,
such as nationality, gender, academic ability, SEN support, EAL support, student relationships, etc. We will
continue to enroll new students, and some families may leave unexpectedly over the summer. Additionally, in
some grade levels we will start the 2016-17 school year with a single class depending on enrollments.
We will be announcing class placements and teacher assignments after the summer. You can expect this
information to be emailed to you the week prior to the start of the 2016-17 school year.
If you would like to share any pertinent aspects related to your childs placement, please feel free to email
Anne Sweet (asweet@bifskorea.org) or send a note in writing to the Elementary office. We will not be taking
requests for specific teachers, however we will consider your input in regard to relationships / friendships and
such. Please note that to maintain balanced classes, requests will be considered, however, we cannot
guarantee all requests will be granted. Please provide this information in writing by May 29, 2015.
Additionally, in class, all students will generate a list of peers they would like be with next year, and teachers
will take this into consideration.

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BIFS NEWSLETTER
United in our Diversity, Thriving in our Individuality

ISSUE 55, May 20, 2016

Upcoming Elementary Events

Date/Time

Event

Details

May 24, 9:30-11:45

Field Trip

KG-Grade 2 Field Trip to Seong Jeong Beach for a

beach clean-up

May 25, 8:30-12:00

Grade 5 Transition Morning

Grade 5 kids get a taste of what life in Grade 6 will be

like

May 27, 1:30-3:30

Grade 12 Graduation

ES attends

June 1, 9:00-3:00

Field Trip

Grade 1 Field trip to Samjung Park

June 3, 9:00-9:30

ELC Performance

Please join us for the ELC Performance

June 3, 11:15-12:15

KG introduction to Grade 1

KG kids will spend some time in the Grade 1 class to find

out what next year will be like. Then we will pair them
up with a buddy from first grade who will help them get
their tray for the first time at lunch that day!

June 3, 12:50-1:30
(note earlier time)

ES Assembly

Grade 4

June 3, 1:30-3:15

ES Dodgeball Tournament

Grade levels will compete in an elementary school wide

dodgeball tournament. Winners will play teachers!
Hosted by the ES Student Council.

June 3

Electives End

Last day for ES Electives (all students depart at 3:30

during the last week of school)

June 6-10

No electives

All kids take the 3:30 buses (no 4:30 bus this week)

June 6
(date change)

ES Water Sports Day

Grades KG-5 participate in watersports in the morning

June 7, 9:00-12:00

ES Art Day

Elementary (Playgroup to Grade 5) will be having a

morning of creative and fun art activities.

June 9, 1:30-2:30

Grade 5 Graduation

The community is invited to attend the Grade 5

Graduation celebration in the gym

June 10

Last Day of School ends at

12:00

11:00-11:40 school-wide assembly; noon dismissal for all

students; no lunch provided

Summer holidays! We will miss you!!

Anne Sweet
Elementary School Principal

Leda Cedo
PYP Coordinator

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BIFS NEWSLETTER
United in our Diversity, Thriving in our Individuality

ISSUE 55, May 20, 2016

Middle School and High School

Film Gala

Dear Grade 9 Parents,

The Design, Music, Art, and English Departments are proud to announce the 2016 Grade 9 Film Gala, a
culminating event for the Short Film Project. The Gala will take place on Thursday the 26th of May, from 6-9pm.
Six short films, written and produced by the grade 9 students, will be premiered. This event will take place at the
Busan Community Media Centre in Centum City.
Please keep an eye on your email as we will be sending out a form to allow parents of Grade 9s to sign up for
the event.
For further information on this project please look at this video that we made for last years Film Project:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-lygWBvJRw&index=7&list=PL7ClO4R7JDflS77vsENB8HzzbJYzVA--d
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United in our Diversity, Thriving in our Individuality

ISSUE 55, May 20, 2016

Action Week
Action Week has long been a part of the MHS curriculum. Action Week takes place during the last week of
school, with teachers offering students a wide range of experiential learning opportunities. Action Week
Supports IB Philosophy, including both the MYP and DP (CAS) programs, and supports the school mission
statement:
We are a diverse, supportive and dynamic international school that inspires and challenges students to explore,
discover and thrive in the global community to which we belong
In providing the very best inquiry based, relevant, and experiential education for each student
Students are to give back through community service
Every year we try to build off the previous year to make the experience a more educational and rewarding one
for all those involved. Some trips will allow for students to travel to and from school on a daily basis while others
involve students spending 3 or 4 days away from school and home. We also have some that are extended to the
weekend prior to the week.
This years Action Week will have a service theme, and will have some service learning component to it. Along
with containing a service learning opportunity, all activities will also include a cultural experience and learning
objective.
This year the following trips are taking place:
Water Sports- Gwangali
Habitat for Humanity- Koonsan
Disc Golf- Daegu
Temple Stay
Art Studio
Seoul Theater Appreciation
Board Sports
Busan Cultural Walking Tours
Kumdo
We look forward to another rewarding learning opportunity for all community members!

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BIFS NEWSLETTER
United in our Diversity, Thriving in our Individuality

ISSUE 55, May 20, 2016

Celebrating our Graduates!

By noon on Thursday, Mary 14th, all of our Grade 12s completed their IB Diploma Programme Exams. We
started a new tradition at BIFS where the IBDP Coordinator photographs each group of Grade 12s right
after they complete their final exams. See these happy faces. Congratulations Class of 2016!

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BIFS NEWSLETTER
United in our Diversity, Thriving in our Individuality

ISSUE 55, May 20, 2016

For Your Diary

June 2016

May 2016
20th-22nd

KISAC MS Red Bball @ KIS Jeju

21st

Global Gathering

23rd

Life After BIFS Event - Grade 12

25th

26th

1st

Athletics BBQ
PTA AGM- ES Hall

3rd

End S03 CCA/Elective

ES Assembly- ES Hall

MHS Parent Coffee

6th-9th

Action Week

G9 Film Gala

7th

ES Water Sports Day

27th

G12 Graduation Ceremony

8th-9th

G4 Project - Grade 11 Students

31st

International Track & Field Meet

9th

Extended Essay Camp

Grade 5 Graduation
MHS Student Led Conference

10th

End of Term 3
Dismissal at Noon
Schoolwide Assembly
Schoolwide Reports Distributed

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United in our Diversity, Thriving in our Individuality

ISSUE 55, May 20, 2016

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School & Community Links

ISSUE 55, May 20, 2016

Please contact to the school if you wish to inquire about

promoting your company in the BIFS Newsletter.
enquiries@bifskorea.org | 051-742-3332

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Busan International Foreign School