BRITANNICA INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL Friday 24h, November 2017

NEWSLETTER

Upcoming Events

Number 12

November 2017 Monday, 27th November Secondary Careers Day Thursday, 30th November Year 1 Trip to the Tropicarium

December 2017 Friday, 1st December Cookie Friday Tuesday, 5th December Year 2 Mersey Drama Workshop at Story Museum Friday, 8th December -Year 5 Normafa Sunrise Trip -Y2 Medway Drama Workshop at Story Museum Saturday, 9th December Year 13 Ball

Dear Parents, The school term continues to fly by at Britannica. It seems only a short time since the sum-mer holidays and yet the Christmas season appears to be upon us, already, with the Christ-mas markets operational and the television adverts full of ideas for presents. All we need now is a sprinkling of snow! Assemblies This week’s assemblies have had a musical theme. On Monday, we were treated to some spectacular performances by our secondary students. The event was opened by an incredi-ble demonstration of the versatility and range of the Saxophone by our PMI teacher Zsofia before Britannica students showed off their skills on the violin, piano, ukulele and even beatboxing. To close, our piano teacher Kristoff played the audience out with a fine classical performance. Well done to all of the performers. It was amazing to see the range of skills and talents that the students have in this field. If you missed any of the performances or would like to see them again, please go to the videos section of the Britannica Facebook page. This was followed today by 4 Tees class assembly all about ‘grit’ and determination. Playing alongside our very own ‘rock’ star Mr Rosie, the students acted out a range of different scenes interspersed with the ‘grit’ song. I would like to thank the music department for their support and help in preparing the stu-dents for these two events. Car park There have been several accidents and incidents since the start of term where staff and par-ent cars have been damaged in the school car park. To try to prevent further accidents and to aid logistics at busy times, we have changed the raised area at the far end of the car park in to a staff parking area. This should mean there is more space for parents in the main sec-tion of the car park during drop off and pick up. In addition to this, I would request that all parents take great care when parking and driving near the school site. Please be patient and avoid excessive and unnecessary use of the car horn. Staffing After five years with the school Andrea Máté-Klátyik, our Maths teacher and Careers lead has decided to move on to a new challenge at the end of this term. We would all like to thank her for her hard work during her time at Britannica International School and wish her well for the future. Wishing you all a good weekend Kind regards Neil McGarry Principal

Secondary News

This week has also been filled with events in Secondary. We opened the week on Monday with a musical as-sembly led by Mrs Haigh-McGarry where our students showcased their talents, along with selected musi-cians from Premier Music Institute. It was a great event, enjoyed by all.

On Thursday, we also had a Year 8 Art trip led by Ms Dothée to the Victor Vasarely Muzeum in Budapest. The students took part in a programme, comprising a guided tour and a workshop, organised by the museum’s educational staff.

Next Monday, we are looking forward to our Careers Day organized by Ms Klatyik where our senior students will meet guest speakers and participate in workshops.

We also welcomed a new student in Year 7A to our community and had to say our goodbyes to Mr Campbell, our Business, Economics and EAL teacher.

All November, we are running Movember, a charity event raising awareness on male health issues. Houses compete every Thursdays in various events and we will also have a MoHunt next week. Male staff have start-ed to sport a ‘tache and female staff are invited to wear fake ‘taches next week. A fun event for a great cause!

On Wednesday, the parent representatives had a meeting with Mrs Jakab to discuss various Secondary-related issues. Parent reps are the best people to contact if you have specific questions or issues to raise. I would like to take this opportunity to thank them all for their dedicated work and all the parents for their continuous support.

Wishing you a great weekend!

Zsofia Alibaux-Jakab Head of Secondary

‘Word of the Week’

The ‘Word of the Week’ is displayed in classrooms and around the school and will be used

throughout lessons in order to ensure students are developing their vocabulary.

The ‘Word of the Week’ for the week commencing 27th

November is: Reciprocate

Reciprocate:

1. To respond to a gesture or action with a corresponding action.

The mutual respect between the two was reciprocated, they worked together successful-

ly.

2. To move backwards or forwards in a straight line.

The device in the machine reciprocates, making sure there’s full functionality.

Synonyms: Requite, Return, Respond.

Antonyms: Disagree, Vacillate, Deny. Mr Shaun O’Keeffe

Head of English

For additional donations please look for the box at the School Office.

Mr David Kennedy Science Teacher

Ms Megan Lawson Year 3 Tweed Class Teacher

PSA Newsletter Dear Britannica Family,

Thank you to all that attended the Class Reps meeting on Tuesday morning with Mrs. More-

ton and the Wednesday morning PSA Coffee Morning with Mr. McGarry and the school sen-

ior leadership team (SLT). Unfortunately I was out of town, but from the notes it appears

some great questions were asked and the SLT presented a sound way ahead.

As a result of feedback from parent, student and staff comments, the school has increased

investment and funding in the school dinner provision this year. I am sure that many of you

have noticed the difference. This is reinforced by the PSA receiving one parent comment to

date concerning the cafeteria. I believe this is a step forward for the school who recognize

that catering for 50 different nationalities and their tastes will always be a challenge. So

please, if you have any current cafeteria issues, please email them to the PSA website.

Brilliant Britannica (BB) will soon be upon us (15 Dec). We have located approximately 10

vendors that will present their items for sale in the gym during the afternoon of BB. Also,

both primary and secondary classes are busy preparing their items which will be for sale in

the hallways and the gym (year 5 & 6) during BB. Please mark your calendars and come

support our school as the children raise funds to support a local charity.

I would ask that class representatives pulse their class parents on an appropriate gift for their

teachers and teacher aid for Christmas. I know some class reps are giving restaurant

(étterem) certificates or a gift. Please come together as a class and decide what you would

like to provide for Christmas to your class staff. Also, you may consider presenting some

chocolate Mikulás to the students. The costs should be agreed upon by the class parents.

Lastly, we have a Cookie Friday next Friday (1 Dec). I'm sure your child(ren) will remind

you next week just in case you forget:-).

On behalf of the Executive Board, thanks for all that you do, and remember to "Bring Your

Passion".

Respectfully,

Ray Rabatin