Dear parents,
We hope you have all enjoyed a warm and relaxing winter break and we are all very happy to see you all back in this new “2020” year. This year marks some important changes in some of our students' lives. Some will be graduating from our school and will leave Manila, discovering new horizons and challenges, some will be aiming to obtain their IGCSE’s, while others will experience their very first „On the Job Training“ experience, or be getting ready to choose which subjects to pursue in grade 9. These exciting developments will involve important family decisions and school guidance. We are ready to assist you in your path and will share as much information as possible with you so that you can make the best possible decision.
In this newsletter, you will find a lot of important information about GESM‘s organization and deadlines. Please take your time to read through it carefully.
Semester reports release date:
Reports will be released on Thursday, 30 January 2020
Come to school Grades 10i and 12i:
Although Monday 3 February was originally scheduled as a day off for students, so teachers could have a staff development day, we have decided to ask students passing exams this year (grades 10i and 12) to come to school on this day. It will be a regular school day for them (7:30 to 3:20 ) and an opportunity for catching up. A special schedule will be given to the students soon.
Parent-Teachers‘ night:
On Wednesday, 12 February (from 3 to 6), we will have our yearly Parent-Teachers meeting in the IB building. Having received their reports 2 weeks prior, you are all invited to come and ask questions about your child’s progress and expectations. This is an opportunity to make arrangements and raise awareness as to what their academic goals and challenges are.
Grade 8i parents IGCSE meeting
Students in grade 8i will have an IGCSE meeting on Tuesday, 28 January (during their extended lunch period) together with Mr. Ferrandon and myself. We will explain to them how the IGCSE set-up has changed and what their new options and core subjects are. They will be informed as to how to choose their subjects, what they are, when to hand in their final decision (6 April) and how to make the best choice in concert with their grades and academic capacities. On Wednesday, 12 Feb., together with their parents, we will host another meeting (from 2 to 3 pm) during which the same information will be shared with the parents. Teachers will be present so you can feel free to ask them questions regarding the options and begin to plan out what your child's option could be.
Exam calendar for semester 2 (including dates and information)
Attached is your child‘s assessment plan for January to June 2020. Each student can plan their exams well in advance using this as a reference and all parents can now be „in the loop“ when and what they must be prepping time for each of the student’s performances. Planning is one of the best ways to ensure success and avoid miscommunication and frustration. Each student should have their assessment plan handy in their rooms while studying. Each classroom will have a copy of it made available in their homerooms as well.
We wish you all the very best for 2020 and look forward to watching your children succeed this new year. Parent-Student-Teacher collaboration is at the very base of their achievements and working together is the best way to assist them and watch them bloom.
Thank you for your support and understanding. If there is anything that we can help you with, please do not hesitate to let us know! As teachers, communicating is what we strive do best!
Valerie Cornelissen
International Secondary Coordinator
Photo insert by VisionPic .net from Pexels
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