PARENTS HANDBOOK 2016-2017

ST. GEORGE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL&PRESCHOOL

CONTENT

INTRODUCTION......................................................................................................................................2

FOUNDER’S MESSAGE............................................................................................................................2

INTRODUCTION......................................................................................................................................2

FOUNDER’S MESSAGE............................................................................................................................3

HISTORY..................................................................................................................................................3

PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE............................................................................................................................4

MISSION, VISION, VALUES......................................................................................................................5

TEACHERS AT St. George International School & Preschool....................................................................6

CHILDREN WHO STUDY AT St. George International School and Preschool............................................6

LICENCES. ACCREDITATIONS. MEMBERSHIPS.........................................................................................6

ACADEMIC PROGRAMME.......................................................................................................................7

CERTIFICATES AND DIPLOMAS................................................................................................................9

EXAMS AND EXTERNAL EXAMINATIONS.................................................................................................9

PASTORAL CARE AND PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT.................................................................................10

BEHAVIOUR AND DISCIPLINE................................................................................................................10

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES.......................................................................................................................11

EXCURSIONS AND EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES...............................................................................11

SCHOOL RULES.....................................................................................................................................12

UNIFORMS............................................................................................................................................12

MEDICAL CARE.....................................................................................................................................12

SPEECH-LANGUAGE THERAPY..............................................................................................................13

NUTRITION...........................................................................................................................................13

HYGIENE...............................................................................................................................................13

SECURITY..............................................................................................................................................13

FEEDBACK.............................................................................................................................................13

TRADITIONAL SCHOOL EVENTS............................................................................................................14

SCHOOL FACILITIES...............................................................................................................................14

ADMISSION AND ENROLLMENT...........................................................................................................15

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INTRODUCTION

St. George International School & Preschool is a private organization that offers accredited education based on educational standards set by the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Bulgaria and International British educational standards.

The school establishes a stimulating environment for a constantly evolving society of children, teachers and parents that educates future generations in Bulgaria and help them become confident and engaged European students with broaden horizons and opportunities for successful personal and career development.

FOUNDER’S MESSAGE

"School is not only about learning to write, read and count, there are far more important things that are taught there, such as friendship, helping each other, preserving the environment, telling the truth!

I believe that, with their devotion and innate curiosity, our students make us give our best.

I believe in and support the establishment of democratic culture in education, supporting the uniqueness of every individual and fostering collaboration among people. School should enable and encourage students to choose their activities and pursuits independently, based on their individual characteristics, talents and goals, thus becoming the managers of their own development.

I believe that, with the right attitude, every life experience could become a learning experience, taking us to the next step up the ladder of our personal growth.

With their care, love and shared knowledge, the teachers of St. George International School are an example and inspiring stimulus for all of us.”

Daniella Severinova

HISTORY

The organization’s traditions in education dates back to 1995, when Wonder World Kindergarten was founded by Daniella Severinova.

By learning а foreign language in an environment similar to that of a family, children can speak fluent English and Bulgarian at an early age. Pupils of the Kindergarten are accepted into the most prestigious schools in Sofia.

The next natural step in following the Kindergarten’s tradition was the establishment of St. George School in 2004, registered with an Order of the Minister of Education as a private secondary school with bilingual education. The first principal of St. George School was Daniella Severinova.

Classes commenced in 2004/2005 with an enrolment of 32 pupils in Preparatory grade. Throughout the years the number of students attending the school increased, and by 2015/2016 it reached 162. Due to lack of appropriate facilities at that time, part of our VII th grade continued their education in some of the best high schools is Sofia and abroad.

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In order to meet the students’ needs, St. George International School & Preschool pursued the ambitious goal of providing them access to international educational programmes, seeking to enhance their competitiveness in terms of admission to prestigious national and international universities.

In 2013 St. George International School & Preschool became accredited as an Edexcel International Centre, which provides teachers with an access to Pearson Edexcel Educational resources. Our students prepared themselves to sit Maths exams, English language exams and Science exams, based on the following standards: Edexcel International Primary Curriculum based on UK National Curriculum Key Stages 1 and 2; Edexcel International Lower Secondary Curriculum based on UK National Curriculum Key Stage 3; Edexcel International GCSEs and Edexcel International Advance Level as well as State maturity exam in accordance with the local Law on Preschool and School Education.

Major events marked St. George International School & Preschool history in the ensuing years. In 2014 St. George International School & Preschool was registered as an International school with the UK Department of Education (ISN:1440085) and became a member of COBIS (Council of British International Schools).

The following year Wonder World Kindergarten changed its name to “St. George”.

In the beginning of 2016, a new school building was erected to accommodate more than 600 students. The complex meets all requirements for educational facilities and provides effective learning, art and sports to children between of ages 2 and 19 years old. The complex was built with the support of a private investor and JESSICA Initiative loan, granted by the Fund for Sustainable Urban Development of Sofia and Operational Programme “Regional Development”.

Later this year St. George International School & Preschool welcomed Mr. Justin Kilcullen-Nichols as the new Principal of the school.

Another great achievement was realised in September 2016 – St. George International School & Preschool was accredited as Cambridge International School and Cambridge Primary School. This ensures access for all students and teachers to educational resources and qualifications provided by CIE.

PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE

“I feel deeply honoured to be part of St. George International School & Preschool’s family at such an exciting and dynamic stage of its development.

In the course of my first visit to the school in the spring I had the opportunity to join a number of student activities, as well as to personally meet and interact with some of the children. The first thing that impressed me was their spontaneity, openness and communication skills. The school ambience and the immense enthusiasm invested in the preparation of the end-year celebrations left me with a sense of unity, profound affection and cohesion between teachers and students.

This is invariably a wonderful foundation for achieving high academic performance and development.I believe that learning should not be limited to the memorization of information, but instead to charge our students with a sense of curiosity and passion for the discovery of new knowledge.

St. George International School & Preschool provides high quality lessons for our students which encourages them not only to learn the required course material, but also to discover a love for learning, for learnings sake. This philosophy forms one of the core values of our teaching staff who will be provided with continuing on-job training and development, both in-house, and through Cambridge International Education’s CPD courses, participation in training events, workshops and conferences.

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My focus for the upcoming years is to concentrate on planning, implementing and teaching a solid foundation of knowledge and skills in core subjects, such as English, Bulgarian, Math, Science and Technologies, which will enable our students to have a wide range of options open to them.

Strict standards for lesson planning and monitoring are being introduced which will ensure that lessons are tailored to suit students of different abilities, and consist of a variety of activities that aim to both motivate and inspire. This will form part of the school’s comprehensive performance management system.

As of September 2016, St. George International School will also be working with the Centre for Evaluation and Monitoring at Durham University throughout the year to provide comprehensive baseline testing for all our students. This system is accredited by the UK Department for Education and currently sees use in 48 different countries around the world. This will provide an overall assessment of the level of all students and a comprehensive learners profile for our students which will inform Teaching and Learning, enabling our teachers to direct learning on a holistic basis and to identify the strengths of each student and the appropriate support (if needed), as well as providing you, the parent, with a means of monitoring your child’s progress during their time at our school.

Alongside a world class academic programme, St. George International School recognises the need for strong pastoral support which enables our students to feel safe, happy and secure, alongside high expectations for behaviour.

I believe that education should not simply be about learning facts and figures and passing exams, students should be given the opportunity to assume leadership roles, to work collaboratively and to take controlled risks. The role of our prefects and student council will be expanded to allow students the opportunity to assume positions of responsibility and develop their leadership and planning skills.

In future years we plan to offer International A-Level courses alongside Bulgarian courses. A comprehensive careers advice and university placement service will be in place which seeks to guide students towards their chosen career paths. It is my sincere wish to see our students graduate from St. George International School, and enter the universities of their choosing and firmly establish SGIS as an academic institution which allows students to achieve their dreams.I look forward to seeing our students taking their further professional development steps, when they choose where to continue their education. Achieving their dreams, by becoming part of prestigious university will strengthen St. George International School & Preschool.”

                                                                                                  Justin Kilcullen-Nichols

MISSION, VISION, VALUES

St. George International School & Preschool is an educational organization which ensures a creative and supportive environment for children from 2 to 19 years of age. The school develops personalities with strong general knowledge, who display awareness of and demonstrate core universal values, who are well-oriented and engaged in a dynamic modern world, who also demonstrate responsible and active citizenship behaviours.

St. George International School & Preschool combines the best modules of both the Bulgarian and British educational systems, aiming to provide a highly competitive international education. Learning is not presented only by using formal educational methods, students are being stimulated to explore their sense of curiosity and excitement when discovering new information, as well as for this information to stay in their minds long after completing their studies.

Along with a strong academic programme, St George International School and Preschool provides its students with the opportunity to gain confidence and experience when taking responsibility, to expand

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their view of the world and social skills, to put everything learned into practice, to have an understanding of the immutable human values, to keep their national identity and to be able to adapt and progress in Bulgaria, and rest of the global world as well.

Our main focus is the child (the student). Every idea is being considered in the light of this. The interests of other participants in the educational process - teachers, principal, administration and others - are subordinate to the main goal - to ensure equal access and quality education to our children. Tuition is oriented toward the motivation of the student for the social changes in their lives that will occur, as well as the ability to apply everything learned into real life.

The values of the School are shared by three sides of the academic process - pastoral staff, non-pastoral staff, students and their parents.

1. Honesty- to speak the truth in front of ourselves and others;2. Responsibility - to keep all promises and performing our duties; to protect other people physically and mentally; to understand the consequences when one is engaged with commitment.3. Respect – to follow the established roles and regulations; to respect the privacy and property of others, their feelings and desires; It means listening to each other, accepting other people’s differences.4. Initiative - to participate actively in school life, to make proposals; to share ideas, to take actions, considering their effect on others.5. Mutual support – to help each other, to land a hand when someone

is in need; to make good friends and feel useful.6. Transparency - sharing with others - what we think, how we feel, what we want - in order to be easily understood.7. Tolerance - to be willing to accept feelings, habits, or beliefs that are different from your own.

TEACHERS AT ST. GEORGE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL & PRESCHOOL

Teachers of St. George International School & Preschool are professionals who are passionate about their work. They love children and constantly develop and improve their teaching skills in order to provide their students with care and a high quality education. The School team is composed of people from Bulgaria, the UK, Canada, the USA, South Africa, Australia, Latvia, Spain and others.

CHILDREN WHO STUDY AT ST. GEORGE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL AND PRESCHOOL

The content and organization of teaching at St. George International School & Preschool gives the students the opportunity to continue their studies at Bulgarian and International Schools at every stage of their education. The children who study at St. George International School & Preschool are:

Children of Bulgarian parents who appreciate the benefits of a combined teaching model based on Bulgarian and International education standards;

Bilingual children; Children of foreign parents, who have settled temporary or permanently in Bulgaria and would

like their child to start learning a Bulgarian language.

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LICENCES. ACCREDITATIONS. MEMBERSHIPS

St. George Preschool (formerly “Wonder World”) is a licensed private, full-day kindergarten approved by Order No РД14-21/01.03.1996 of the Minister of Education and Science;

St. George International School is a licensed private, bilingual education school (from Preparatory grade to 12th grade) approved by Order No РД14-99/18.06.2004 of the Minister of Education and Science;

St. George International School is recognized as an EDEXCEL centre of learning (No 97020) and provides training and exams as per British Schools Overseas standards to obtain International GCSEs and GCE Advanced level qualifications.

St. George International School is registered as an International School at the Department for Education – UK under ISN: 1440085

St. George International School is accredited as Cambridge International School and Cambridge Primary School under ISN:BG032 and provides training and exams as per British Schools Overseas standards to obtain International GCSEs and GCE Advanced level qualifications.

ACADEMIC PROGRAMME

St. George International School & Preschool offers an integrated high-quality education within the school day, in compliance with two educational standards:

Education as per State Education Standards of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Bulgaria.

Education as per British Schools Overseas standards for Primary, Secondary, IGCSE and GCE A level.

We teach and educate children in a wealth of Bulgarian and English language, literature, culture and history. A high level of literacy and the ability to express yourself properly are part of our School Community Values.

At St. George International School & Preschool English is not considered a foreign language, but a native language. We communicate in English not only during the classes, but also during breaks, lunch and extracurricular activities...

We apply the latest teaching methods - project work, cross curricular links, workshops, interactive educational resources, etc.

The School has PC and science labs, ensuring the highest standard of theoretical and practical knowledge.

The specialized rooms for fine arts and music give an opportunity to develop the talents of each student.

We cultivate a love of reading in our students at the earliest age and encourage them to enrich their vocabulary.

The structure of the academic programme allows us to integrate students coming from foreign schools, and students from St. George School & Preschool to be easily integrated into other schools in Bulgaria and abroad at every stage of their education.

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1. Kindergarten – teaching and learning are implemented through communication in a foreign language learning environment.

Children learn through learning situations in the following educational fields: English language, Bulgarian language, Math, Environment, Arts, Physical activities, Music, Constructions, Technologies, etc...

We work closely with “I am in the Kindergarten”, Jolly Phonics and Oxford English for Cambridge Primary education programmes.

We work hard on building reading habits.

We work to achieve a high-level command of English language, Maths, Bulgarian language and Fine motor skills, which helps students pass into higher stages at St. George International School & Preschool or other school in Bulgaria or abroad.

Optionally, within the school day for an additional fee, children can enroll for yoga, karate, swimming, gymnastics, dances, foreign languages and many other co-curricular clubs and activities.

2. Preparatory grade - IVth grade – part of the subjects is taught in English

The programme includes subjects according to students’ age in compliance with the State Educational Standards of the Ministry of education and science of the Republic of Bulgaria and Cambridge Primary School for primary education.

Our main focus is for all students to communicate freely and confidently using English and to have developed skills in Mathematics, Science and Bulgarian language.

We work hard on building a solid Maths foundation, so all students can achieve long-term assimilation of everything learned and to fulfill their own potential in the field.

In this stage, we focus on establishing time management skills, preparation for exams and competitions, searching and analyzing of information and reasserting reading habits.

From the beginning of the 2017/2018 academic year, students in grades III rd and IVth, who have achieved a sufficient level of English, will have the opportunity to opt for a foreign language - French or Russian, within the compulsory programme.

Teaching in the IVth grade is based on achieving high academic results on National Exit Exams, Cambridge Primary Checkpoint, as well as preparation for passing onto the Secondary stage.

At the end of the compulsory programme, for an additional fee, children can opt for fine arts, sports, technologies, self-preparation class, and other co-curricular clubs and activities.

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3. Vth -VIIth grade - the main part of cultural-educational subjects is taught in English

The programme includes subjects according to students’ age in compliance with the State Educational Standards of the Ministry of education and science of the Republic of Bulgaria and Cambridge International School for secondary education.

We focus on teaching and developing competencies in the fields of Maths, Science and grammar - both English and Bulgarian; building a solid foundation of knowledge and competencies in these fields is crucial for students’ further education as per both academic systems. At this stage Science is divided into three separate subjects - Chemistry, Physics and Biology; regular lab sessions stimulate a creative approach, scientific thinking and understanding between peers.

Students are required to master specific terminology in any subject using both languages.

From the beginning of the academic 2017/2018 year, for students in grades V th, VIth, and VIIth, it is compulsory to opt for a foreign language - French or Russian, within the compulsory programme.

The programme for students from the Vth and VIth grades includes specialized tools for developing presentation skills, debating, and based on their academic performance to construct successfully well-structured discussions in public speaking classes.

Teaching in the VIIth grade is based on achieving high academic results on National Exit Exams and Cambridge Secondary Checkpoint, as well as preparation for passing onto the high school.

At the end of the compulsory programme for an additional fee, children can opt for fine arts, sports, technologies, self-preparation class, and other co-curricular clubs and activities.

4. VIIIth – XIIth the main part of the subjects is taught in English

The programme includes the established content for higher education as per:

State Educational Standards of the Ministry of education and Science of the Republic of Bulgaria - non-profiled training in the following subjects - Bulgarian language and literature, Natural science and Ecology, Foreign language, Arts, Math ICT, Lifestyle and Technology, Social Studies, Civic Education, Physical Culture and Sport.

Cambridge International Schools:

Cambridge IGCSE (VIIIth – IXth grade) - the preparation of students to sit exams for the Cambridge IGCSE qualification is focused on the following subjects: English language, English literature, Math, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.

Cambridge A-level (Xth -XIIth grade) - students select four main subjects out of the six subjects studied during Cambridge IGCSEs. It is important to make the choice based on student’s personal preferences and talents for further career development.

The essential focus in the XIIth grade is on achieving excellent results in both State Maturity Exams and Cambridge International Advanced Levels. At the same time we emphasize emotional cultivation and practical preparation for admission at university.

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CERTIFICATES AND DIPLOMAS

1. In accordance with State Education Standards of Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Bulgaria;

Certificate for mandatory preschool education; Certificate for completed grade (from Ist to IIIrd grade); Certificate for completed initial stage of Primary education after IVth age (10/11 years of age); Certificate for completed Primary education - after VIIth grade (13/14 years of age); Certificate for completed First High School stage of Secondary education - after XII th grade (16/17

years of age); Certificate for completed High School stage of Secondary education - before examination - State

Maturity Exams - after XIIth grade (18/19) years of age; High School Diploma - after examination - State Maturity Exams - after XIIth grade (18/19) years of

age;

2. In accordance with Cambridge International and Cambridge Primary School

Cambridge Primary Statement of Achievement – 10/11 years of age; Cambridge Secondary Statement of Achievement – 13/14 years of age; International General Certificate of Secondary Education - 16 years of age - after successfully

passing exams for IGCSE qualifications; International Advanced Level Certificate – 18/19 years of age.

EXAMS AND EXTERNAL EXAMINATIONS

According to the State Educational Standards of the Republic of Bulgaria

1. Initial stage of Primary education – IVth grade (10/11 years of age) - National External Examination in the following subjects: Bulgarian Language and Literature, Maths, Man and Nature, Man and Society;

2. Junior High School stage of Primary education – VIIth grade (13/14 years of age) - National External Examination in the following subjects: Bulgarian Language and Literature and Maths. Optionally, students may sit a third exam in foreign language.

3. First High School Stage of Secondary education – Xth grade (16/17 years of age) - National External Examination (test format) in the following subjects: Bulgarian Language & Literature, Maths, Nature Studies - Physics & Astronomy, Chemistry & Environmental Protection, Biology & Health Education, Social Studies - History and Civilization, Geography & Economics, and Philosophy. Optionally, students may choose a third subject in a foreign language.

4. Second High School stage – XIth -XIIth grade (18/19 years of age) - State maturity exams in Bulgarian language and literature and an additional subject of their choice. The second subject must be chosen between: a foreign language, Maths, Physics and Astronomy, Chemistry and Environmental Protection, Biology and Health Education, History and Civilization, Geography and Economics, or Philosophy, studied in classes included in the compulsory general education.

According to Cambridge International School and Cambridge Primary School:

1. Cambridge Primary Checkpoint in the following subjects – English language, Maths and Science – after 10/11 years of age;

2. Cambridge Secondary Checkpoint in the following subjects – English language, Maths and Science – after 13/14 years of age;

3. Cambridge IGCSE exams in at least 5 of the studied subjects – after 16 years of age;4. Cambridge International Advanced level exams in at least 4 of the studied subjects – after 18/19

years of age.

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PASTORAL CARE AND PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

We at St. George International School & Preschool believe that emotional and pedagogical development are as important for children’s success as academic development. These are essential conditions for students to become health, confident and successful in order to develop their full potential.

BEHAVIOUR AND DISCIPLINE

At St. George International School & Preschool we gain discipline with understanding, patience and love. Embracing methods, based on mutual respect, instead of fear, we remind our student what behaviour is acceptable and appropriate. We help them when facing difficulties, talk with them to understand their point of view and search the right way to interact with them. We teach children how to share their feelings, how to be sympathetic. We have built a system for behaviour monitoring and control, which provides us with the opportunity to take adequate actions quickly.

Our students St. George International School & Preschool are required to take Personal Development classes - ethics and moral, philosophy, ecology and health education, debating, time management, learning skills, social behaviour, etc... The activities are aimed to help them grow in harmony with themselves and the rest of the world.

The teaching target we set is to develop active and strong personalities, who:

understand and stick to very most and basic universal human values, human rights, participate in social life in responsible, constructive and effective way;

treat every human being equally, with dignity and accept their personality; realize and respect their cultural identity; interact with family and society members, express their citizen position in a reasonable and critical way; make independent decisions about their development, take initiative and show the ability to aim

high; have a sense of responsibility of their behaviour and appreciate the influence of their actions on

their lives and those of others; make informed choices to maintain a healthy lifestyle; know and respect ecological culture and behaviour norms; understand the structures of public institutions as well as processes in civil society and

economical and political reality in the world nowadays.

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES

SPORTAfter classes, between 15:30h and 17:30h, students may participate in extracurricular activities for an additional fee. They can choose between:

swimming tennis yoga rhythmic gymnastics ballet karate football fencing folklore dances, ballroom and Latino dances, modern dances

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CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT CLUBSAfter classes, between 15:30h and 17:30h, students may attend creative development clubs for an additional fee. They can choose between:

Fine arts Applied arts Drama club Architectural workshop Robotics Folklore singing Vocal technique Music theory and solfeggio

Musical instruments - piano, guitar, drums

Once enrolled, clubs and sports can be changed at the beginning of the next term.

EXCURSIONS AND EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Excursions and extracurricular activities are part of the academic programme, aimed to enrich students’ experience. Before every activity organized outside the School, parents receive an email with detailed information about the date, hour, place and any instructions they have to carry out with their child. If due to a valid excuse a student cannot attend the activity, parents take full responsibility for them.

Green and White schools most of the time take place at health resorts, where students explore nature and it’s beauty. Students have the chance to visit cultural and historical landmarks as well as participate in sports and activities. The programme includes trekking, skiing and many more activities, depending on the season.

Every school year St. George International School & Preschool starts with the Green School. This is an opportunity for all students to adjust gradually to a dynamic educational process. During the Green School children learn important life lessons: the importance of being independent, to help each other, to share, and to achieve emotional balance. Through purposeful activities they understand the idea of teamwork and master important social skills while being guided by their tutor.

During winter St. George International School & Preschool organizes a White School. This is an opportunity for students to learn how to ski and to improve their skills in this sport. They build knowledge and skills for specific winter conditions. Children have classes in English language, Math, Bulgarian language and Science.

SCHOOL RULES Absences

At St. George International School & Preschool classes are compulsory to attend. If any of the students is absent, due to illness or other valid reason, students have the right to seek additional work from teachers to help them catch up lessons.

According to the Bulgarian applicable law, a student, who due to illness, misses more than one third of the academic study plan, shall be required to sit an examination on all subjects, administrated by a School Committee.

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Punctuality Punctuality is an important value we teach our students. Students enrolled at St. George International School & Preschool are provided with the opportunity to have breakfast at School from 08:00 to 08:30h in the Primary School and 08:00-08:20 in the Secondary School. Arriving to class after the beginning of the lessons is considered ‘late’.Parents who would like to pick their child up before the end of the school day are required to notify at least a day in advance their intentions. If the Principal of the school does not approve an earlier departure time, parents must wait until the end of the school day.

Toys, mobile phones and smart watchesStudents are not allowed to bring mobile phones, smart watches, video games, cameras and any kind of electronic games to school. St George International School & Preschool will appreciate cooperation with parents regarding this recommendation.The School accepts no responsibility for expensive objects students may bring to school by their own choice.In case students come to school with a mobile phone or smart watch, they are required to leave them in the designated area with security. At the end of the school day the student is allowed to take them back.

UNIFORMS St. George International School & Preschool requires all students to dress appropriate and display a tidy appearance.The uniform at St. George International School & Preschool is a mandatory element for every student. The School uniform displays who we are and it is a sign for commitment and prestige.The uniform consists of official, every-day and sport uniforms.

MEDICAL CARESt. George School has qualified nurses on duty throughout the whole school day. All personnel and teachers are trained to provide first aid.If during the medical examination of students, a child does not feel well and cannot be actively involved in the learning process, parents are contacted immediately. If a student is absent due to sickness, parents need to notify the school and provide a doctor’s note that states the child’s health condition. In case of contagious disease, parents should inform the school immediately, so the latter notifies other parents.

SPEECH-LANGUAGE THERAPYAll students from 4 years of age to 4th grade are entitled to have two speech therapy check-ups per academic year. Each parent may contact the speech therapist in private to enquire about speech difficulties and their treatment, which could bring discomfort, and confusion, and lower students’ achievements and self-esteem.

NUTRITION

Embraced with multifaceted care, students of St. George International School & Preschool are presented with a knowledge and love of healthy food and taught etiquette and table manners.

All meals are prepared on-site in the school kitchen. The food is made from environmentally friendly products from certified manufacturers, which have all the necessary documentation in proof of the origin and expiry period of the products. The food is being prepared in accordance with the Bulgarian Institute for Standardization (BDS).

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The method of preparation implements proven techniques of steaming, braising, frying without oil or with a low quantity of oil, as well as the use of traditional Bulgarian spices and herbs. The staff is empathetic with St. George International School & Preschool’s policy: "We do not offer our students food that we would not give to our own children”, which means that each dish should be: without added colourants, stabilizers and preservatives and should be freshly prepared, with quality products.

Students eat in the school canteen on the following schedule:

Morning breakfast until 8:30 am; Morning snack at 10:00 am (fresh fruits); Lunch between 12.00 and 13.30 - offering salad, soup, main dish and dessert. Students choose

between three dishes; Afternoon snack at 15.30 - 16:00 pm;

There is drinking water provided by two different sources - mineral water and filtered water.

HYGIENE

Professional daily cleaning of the building and the adjacent areas, using modern equipment and hypoallergenic products. Children and employees use indoor shoes and visitors are required to wear disposable shoe covers.

SECURITY

Children’s access, attendance and safety are monitored through a modern system for access control and surveillance. Students have individual bracelets with a chip (similar to a wrist watch with adjustable band) which give them access to classrooms and labs, personal lockers, canteen and school shop;

Picking up a student from school by person(s) other than parents/guardians is allowed only after providing written agreement with full details of the authorized person.

FEEDBACK

St. George International School & Preschool believes that parent-teacher partnership is crucial for a child’s successful development and growth. The school communicates with parents on a daily basis through different communication channel. Regular meetings are being organized throughout the academic year:

Parent meetings - take place at the beginning of the school year. Parents meet the Pastoral care team and are presented with important information regarding the following year.

Individual parent-teacher meetings - take place after every academic term. Open Doors Days - take place twice during the academic year - in November and April, parents

are given the opportunity to attend classes and to experience school lifestyle. This way they will have knowledge of how classes are organized and an image of the students behavior and attitude.

Meetings between members of School management and the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) – St. George International School & Preschool leans on an active cooperation with PTA members in terms of providing effective feedback as well as organizing school activities and initiatives.

TRADITIONAL SCHOOL EVENTS

The Christmas charity bazaar and concert are among the most favourite and long-awaited events for students, parents, teachers and friends of St. George International School & Preschool. The annual Christmas bazaar offers a variety of items, made by our students, parents and staff. With money raised

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we make donations to “From Children to Children” in support of people with disabilities and their families. The Christmas spirit is spread by the adorable performances of students and children of St. George International School & Preschool.

St. George’s Day is St. George International School & Preschool Patron’s Day, where we celebrate with students and teachers with amusing and inspirational learning activities to strengthen their feelings of pride and commitment to the school community.

The Sports Day takes place in May and contributes to group cohesion and teamwork through various sports, and thus promotes a healthy lifestyle and physical activity to students, teachers and parents. All participants have the opportunity to challenge each other in running and other track-and-field events.

Talent evening in May is another exciting opportunity for all students to express themselves in a creative way. This is a wonderful opportunity to congratulate each other for the hard work and the progress we have achieved throughout the year.

The Chamber Concert is another cultural-entertainment event during the month of May. This the event where our talented musicians present their work.

The annual Halloween party is a real fiesta of imagination and joy. Along with enthusiasm and creativity, students lead the planning and organization of the daily programme full of celebrations and Halloween contest for best costume and scariest carved pumpkin and so on, as well as the fun trick-or-treat game.

No-Uniforms Day - once a year students have the opportunity to come to school in clothes of their own choice, and hence, to express their individual style and attitude. Although it may seem an insignificant idea, coming to school without uniforms develops students’ imagination, passion and creativity.

SCHOOL FACILITIES

Since the 2015/2016 academic year St. George International School & Preschool moved into a new and modern educational and sports complex located in a residential district Lozenets.

ADMISSION AND ENROLLMENT

All children can enrol at St. George International School & Preschool regardless their race, religion, nationality, ethnicity and gender.

For the 2016/2017 academic year St. George International School & Preschool children may apply for admission in:

Preparatory grade; First grade; Eight grade.

Admission is possible in other grades, in case of available vacancies.

St. George International School & Preschool aims to attract student with high academic results who will contribute to the academic programme applied at school. The admissions process is based on: date of birth, academic potential, students maturity level, academic results and references and participation in projects and competitions. The entry evaluation serves as a baseline assessment of students’ current knowledge and skills. St. George International School & Preschool reserves the right to make a conditional or unconditional offer of a place, or reject to make an offer.

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The final decision is formed on the following core criteria:

student’s readiness for current grade; student’s maturity level; Compatibility between criteria and parents’ expectations to St. George International School &

Preschool.

Admission and enrollment procedure:

1. Submit an application admission form - to apply to St. George International School & Preschool parents have to submit: an application admission form - presenting full information where required; a copy of birth certificate; a copy of certificate of completed grade/stage of education; an academic script/academic reference when applying during the school year; a school reference when applying after 1st grade. Once all documents are submitted they are considered. The approved applicants continue to the next stage of the admission procedure.2. Schedule a timetable for entry examination - The Admissions and Communications manager informs parents about the schedule of entry evaluation examinations within 5 working days from the date of receiving the application pack.

The entry examinations are conducted upon scheduled timetable and take place on Wednesdays - from 08:00 to 14:30 h.

3. Admission fee – the fee includes entry examination (conducted at school and psychological interview) and administrative charge to cover expenses related to student’s admission. It is a one-off payment and it is non-refundable.

The admission fee is €500. It is paid before the entry examination is conducted and within 3 days of confirmation of the application.

The admission fee is paid after an invoice is issued. The payment has to be made via:

POS terminal or in the cash desk of the School Bank transfer

4. Entry examination

4.1 Entry evaluation examination for preparatory and first graders – it is important to determine child’s school readiness, their learning potential, level of socialization and adaptation, level of English. This summarized assessment will help us combine balanced classes and imply effective teaching strategies. Children sit two exams: the school readiness exam in Bulgarian; a combined test in English.

4.2 Entry examination for 2nd – 12th graders – students sit the following exams: Bulgarian language and literature, Math and a combined test in English.

There are two stages of the entry examination:

·         Stage 1: Examination in school building – organized in groups of 5, children are in the school building from 8:00 to 14:30h. During their stay they take part in different teaching-learning situations. Meanwhile, every students sits examinations in English and school readiness (preparatory and first graders). After the examination the child join the group, where a teacher looks after their comfort and mood. Children have breakfast, morning snack at 10:00h and lunch. Applicants from II nd to XIIth grade follow an individual examination programme. It is necessary for all children/students to wear indoor shoes.

·        Stage 2: Psychological interview – it is conducted with the children/student’s parents after an individually scheduled appointment with the school psychologist. The interview aims to gather detailed information on each’s child’s/student’s knowledge and talents.

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5. Sending entry evaluation results to parents - The Admissions and Communications manager sends their child’s results and recommendation to parents within 7 working days via e-mail. Parents have the opportunity to get acquainted with exam materials. If they wish so, an appointment should be make with the Admissions and Communication manager. Before the beginning of the school year, parents get acquainted with their child’s exam materials and meet future teachers. This will assist the individual approach toward child’s further educational development.

6. Meeting with Chief Executive Officer of St. George International School & Preschool -Within 14 days after receiving the results, the Admissions and Communications manager arranges a meeting between the parents and the Chief Executive officer of St. George International School & Preschool. In 3 days after the meeting, the Admission and Communication manager informs parents on the decision made about the child’s admission.

7. Signing a contract; payment of deposit - Within 5 days after both sides reach an agreement, parents have to sign a contract and pay a deposit. After the deposit is paid, the child/student is considered to be officially enrolled at St. George International School & Preschool. Child/Student will be registered in the Book of students for compulsory education for students aged 16 and under and shall be issued a certificate of enrollment.

Documents for admission:

Application for admission form; Birth certificate Personal preventive health card Certificate for transfer issued by student’s previous school

Last update: November 2016

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THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION