N E W S F R O M O U R C O M M U N I T Y, F O R O U R C O M M U N I T Y

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ast week-end, Paris Model UN (PAMUN) took place at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris. Nine months of preparations came to fruition, as

900 participants from 65 school, 25 countries and 4 continents, converged at ASP’s invitation. Almost a third of the Upper School students were involved one way or another with this event: 9 Executive Team Officers, who pilot the conference, 18 members of the MUN club are delegates to the conference, more than 50 students are part of the Admin Staff team ensuring its smooth preparation and running, 15 students in the A-Capella group were invited to sing at the opening ceremony, and the jazz band played for the closing. The topic chosen for this year’s conference was: A World in Crisis, and all committees had at least one burning issue on their agenda. Some of the highlights included: a special conference aiming to review the Kyoto Protocol, as a preview of the scheduled climate change conference opening in Copenhagen this week,

T h e A S P e c t i s k i n d l y s p o n s o r e d b y S c h l u m b e r g e r

MODELING THE UNITED NATIONS

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UN, or the discovery of petrol in the Antarctic region.

Quality stamp awardedThe keynote speaker at the Opening Ceremony was Albina du Boisrouvray, a former ASP parent who has led many lives: as a journalist, as a film producer, and as the manager of a real estate and hotel group. In 1989, after the untimely tragic death of her son, Albina du Boisrouvray, along with family and friends, founded the Association François-Xavier Bagnoud (FXB International), an international non-governmental organization to pursue, in the field of development, the rescue missions that he led, and to perpetuate the values of generosity and compassion that guided François-Xavier’s life.

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measures to achieve internationally agreed regulations of financial institutions, and a renegotiation of the Non-Proliferation Treaty – one of the proposals which contributed to President Obama being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. All Committees were also challenged with a spot-crisis, such as the declaration of independence of Palestine and its application to join the

PAMUN - "A stellar and outstanding conference by any standards."

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SCHOOL NEWS

December finds a crowded and hectic schedule of activities. The American School of Paris is not the exception.

Students perform in a series of winter concerts that began in the first week of the month.

The PFA held its annual fund-raising Holiday Boutique on December 5. There was a large turnout for this anticipated event. Hallways, the gymnasium and the cafeterias had booths and activities that drew considerable interest and a variety of food to nourish the soul.

The PFA finished off this celebrated day by hosting a wonderful performance of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, performed by the Cambridge University Theatre Group. The PAC was nearly filled to capacity with an appreciative audience of all ages for the actor’s unique interpretation of one of Shakespeare’s most famous plays.

December 4-6 also found over 125 Upper School students involved with the 9th Annual Paris Model United Nations (PAMUN) event held at the impressive Paris UNESCO facility. This event is hosted by the American School of Paris and involved 900 students from 65 countries and four continents. ASP Senior Zohreen Badruddin served as a most efficient Secretary General for PAMUN-2009. Her opening remarks, followed by those of keynote speaker Albina du Boisrouvray, quickly set the stage for the discussion and deliberations that took place for the next three days. Delegates also had opportunity to hear ASP’s acclaimed a cappella choir and the outstanding ASP performing jazz band.

Occasions like the Winter Concerts and PAMUN give reason to stand proud of ASP student accomplishments. When you witness gala activities organized by PFA parents and faculty, the point is made that ASP is one fabulous school community. We don’t want to forget what is also happening in weekend ASP sports, where the basketball teams are performing in Belgium the weekend of December 6-7.

Coming back down to earth, some mention needs to be made about the school’s H1N1 swine flu vigilance. Student December attendance at all grade levels has been high for the winter season. Most of what can be reported is found on the homepage of the school website. The school will not have access to the H1N1 vaccine. The same appears to true for family doctors. There is some sign of encouraging news for

parents who originally did not have access to the vaccination vouchers being issued by the French Government. Procedures are still muddled but it appears that with proper identification, vouchers can be obtained at the vaccination service centers.

On December 18 everyone will be ready for the two week holiday. This break almost marks the mid-point in the school year. Looming project deadlines and upcoming semester examinations cloud some of the vacation time for students. Paris streets are decorated for the Christmas season. Some parents and teachers will travel and many will stay in Paris to host family and friends.

It is the Holiday Season and Best Wishes are offered to all in the ASP community.

Daryle RussellHead of School

From the Head of School...

❝It is the holiday season

and best wishes are

offered to all in the ASP

community.

The mission of FXB is to fight poverty and AIDS, and support orphans and vulnerable children left in the wake of the AIDS pandemic. FXB offers comprehensive support to the families and communities that care for these children, and advocates for their fundamental rights. The practical application of the inextricable link between Health and Human Rights is at the core of its global strategy and at the heart of every FXB program.Today, FXB leads over 100 programs in Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, and has a staff of close to 400 and many volunteers. PAMUN is a THIMUN (The Hague International Model UN) affiliated conference. THIMUN is the leader of Model UN in Europe, and affiliation is a “quality stamp” much sought after but rarely given. This year, five years since the original affiliation was obtained, PAMUN came up for reassessment. A member of the THIMUN Board observed the conference and he submitted a very favorable report. “PAMUN is a stellar and outstanding conference by any standards”, he wrote in his conclusions.For a full program of the PAMUN conference and issues on the agenda, as well as for a whiff of the conference, you may browse freely the conference website: www.asparis.org/pamun

Ouriel ReshefUpper School Teacher

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SCHOOL NEWS

From the Board...Dear ASP Community

As always, the end of the calendar year brings time for reflections and resolutions. Looking back on the last year, the work of the Board has been heavily invested in the future of ASP. The Board has been expanded with experience and talent to ensure that that the best decisions can be made and work carried out. It is a pleasure and inspiration to serve with such a talented and dedicated group of trustees. Identifying options to resolve the land use continues to be a top priority. Securing funds for the future, not only as they may relate to the site and capital improvements, but to ensure excellence in the classroom and throughout the experience at ASP go hand in hand with that priority. Advancing this school in France, and French in our school is important. Special thanks to Laurence Feniou and the extension staff for helping us do

that. As well, to all of the directors, faculty and staff who are constantly looking at ways to introduce and foster the love of our wonderful host country via exchanges, visits, language opportunities and charitable outreach. What goes on outside the classroom cannot always be articulated, but it is an enormous part of the education we ALL receive.Paris Model UN earlier this month, is highlighted on the front page of this ASPect. Watching these students work together with passion and concern for the world around them was truly inspiring. Thank you to all of the students who were involved. Thank you Ouriel Reshef and Christine Samson for all your effort to allow these future leaders to emerge.On behalf of the entire Board, I would

like to wish you all a warm, happy and healthy holiday season. Safe travels for those of us on the road and plenty of time to relax and catch up with friends and family. For those of you who may not be returning in January, please stay in touch and remember that you are always a part of the ASP community. Thank you Daryle Russell, the administration, faculty,

staff and Trustees for all the time and effort that you dedicate to ASP. Above all, thank you sincerely for the excellent examples you set for all of our students.Again, we wish you all the best for the season and look very forward to seeing you in the New Year.

Lis SeeleyPresident of the Board of Trustees

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TINY TOWN!The second grade proudly presented their work to parents, teachers and the Head of School (opposite, above) this week with the finale of their Tiny Town project. In this unit of the social studies curriculum each student researches and presents a character from Tiny Town as part of their social studies focusing on communities.

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SCHOOL NEWS

EXTENDING THE ASP EXPERIENCEThe Extension Program has had a wonderful start to the year with hundreds of children from the local and wider Paris communities enrolled for their Wednesday, Saturday and Holiday Programs. The Extension Program is the fourth division of ASP offering courses to English and French speakers combining art, theater, sport, technology and other activities.

TOUSSAINT TOURING AND TROPHIES!

During the Toussaint Break scores of children enjoyed the Extension Program’s holiday camps.For Lower School the focus was on exploring the Natural Wonders of the USA.The young students learned about the extraordinary natural landmarks which thousands of tourists visit every year and enjoyed their own tour from Saint Cloud!From the thundering Niagara Falls and the icy Alaskan glaciers to the impressive Bryce Canyon and the oldest American national park, Yellowstone students took a breathtaking tour, discovering animal habitats and wildlife, understanding geological phenomena as well as studying the most surprising flora.For older students, ASP became film school for the week.Program Director Laurence Feniou said: “We are now entering our second year of filmmaking which is offered as one of the afternoon activities in the context of Extension’s school vacations program. The students are divided into small groups and write, storyboard, film and edit their very own short film. On the final day, after a viewing of the final versions on the big screen in the PAC, students are rewarded with certificates in Extension’s very own Oscar Ceremony and give their acceptance speeches from the stage.” ■

HARMONY AND HARVESTExtension Program students celebrated Thanksgiving this year with both the Saturday and Wednesday programs. Students not only brought in a special dish to share with their class, but each class brought a dish to share with La Clairière, an association that houses parents of children hospitalized at Hôpital Raymond Poincare located in Garches.Students from the Wednesday 6-year-old beginners group also visited La Clairière. They not only brought delicious treats but presented a song to the residents about Thanksgiving.As students sang, “We can set the table, we can set the table, we can set the table, on this Thanksgiving day,” their teacher Julie Cutelli

asked them who would help to set the table. “We can cut the pie, we can cut the pie, we can cut the pie on this Thanksgiving day,” again students volunteered to help with the cutting and serving.As the song finished, students raced to serve guests and cut up the desserts that they had brought. Residents were thrilled

to learn about Thanksgiving Traditions and were happy to be included in the celebration. The students were able to experience firsthand what it meant to share their gifts with others.Students closed their song with, “We can all say thank you, we can all say thank you, we can all say thank you, on this Thanksgiving Day.” Inspired by this last verse, residents came together to show their appreciation to the students with cheers and applause.(Listen to the song here: http://www.nancymusic.com/Tday.htm ) ■

EXTENDING THE ASP EXPERIENCE

SPORTS NEWS

n the last ASPect you were updated on Upper School sports, but we also had our Middle School soccer and volleyball tournaments at the end of November.Our teams competed against teams from the British School of Paris,

Marymount (Paris and London) and the International School of Paris. A full day of sports where all student athletes participated in good spirit and sportsmanship! Also a big thank you to coaches Andrea Neubauer, Rose Downie and Keith Holman.The Lower School program also had a final soccer tournament this weekend. With the great support of our Lower School parent coordinators Elizabeth Claus and Naomi Raju plus our coaches, Charlie Flint, Gunther Oyola and Barbara Hoegen, we finished a good first season and looking forward to our winter season where we will offer basketball. Registration forms can be found on the website.

As many of you know, we have re-vamped our Athletics Website. You can now click on the Athletics link at the bottom of the main website page (or click “Athletics” directly from the Upper School, Middle School and Lower School) and follow the links to all the results, upcoming games, team lists, announcements and news, and any other information you may need! You can also sign up for “alerts” so that any new information posted on the website will automatically be sent to your e-mail. The winter season got under way when our JV and Varsity basketball teams had their first sports weekend in Brussels with games against St.John’s. Although the results didn’t go our way I have to say how

Iimpressed I was with our teams who never let their heads down and kept fighting.Due to the Upper School exams our first basketball games in 2010 will not be until January 15-16 at home against the American School in London. We will also have our annual ASP Swim Invitational that same weekend on Saturday night with schools from England, Belgium and the Netherlands. In advance

I would like to thank all the volunteers who help every year and especially Katherine Ormson, our swim coordinator.I wish everyone a wonderful Christmas Holiday and both Cathy McLaury and I would like to wish you a Happy, Healthy and Sporty 2010!Yours in sport

Han HoegenAthletic Director

An ASP eleventh grader has won a silver medal for Brazil in a world trampolining competition this month. Rodrigo Pacheco (left) was representing his country in the 19th World Age Group Competition (WAGC) in trampoline, tumbling, and double mini-trampoline in St Petersburg, Russia. This year’s WAGC featured approximately 760 gymnasts from more than 30 countries. The WAGC is the equivalent to a World Championship but by age group. The event is held right after the World Championships and in the arena where the World Championships took place. Margareth Pacheco said: “We are really proud of him. Last weekend, he took part in another competition at St. Etienne, representing Levallois Sport Club team and his performance helped the club to be in the third place among all France teams.”The 20th WAGC will take place next year in Metz, France, right after the 27th World Championships. Watch this space for 2012 Olympics!

CONGRATULATIONS!

WINTER SEASON STARTS HERE!

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SPECIAL REPORT

PUBLISHED PROFS!ASP is proud of its talented and hard-working faculty who are respected across the world

and sought after for prestigious publications. From scholarly tomes to children’s books and opinion forming magazines, our faculty are not only

sharing their talents with your children but are committed to education globally. In the last quarter alone three ASP teachers have had their works published.

Debra Dalla Santa’s Article, Words for a Better World, became the cover story for the October 2009 issue of SchoolArts, a national art education magazine committed to promoting excellence, advocacy, and professional support for educators in the visual arts since 1901. “The article describes the conception and process of an interdisciplinary project linking writing with art through a labyrinth floor mural made with third graders at our school. It was a project that led to international partnerships!In the spring of 2008, a committee of professors and students from Central Connecticut State University visited our school and in the Lower School art room, observed a large scale, labyrinth floor mural canvas painted by third graders. After seeing this Words for a Better World cross-curricular art project, they were inspired to spearhead a joint art canvas with elementary students on their side of the Atlantic based on the theme of Changing Nature: Landscape and the Built Environment which would be exhibited as part of their unified arts night in April 2009. The idea and process was shared with New Britain school children at the Jefferson Elementary School. To emphasize this new community connection, and to visually join the American School of Paris and Jefferson Elementary School murals together, a gift of an unpainted canvas having the

same splattered paint background and a loan of plastic stencils was given to the New Britain students.Dr Karen Ritzenhoff, Associate Professor of the Department of Communication and initiator of the exchange, said: “The second canvas came out stunning. The children used your stencils and designed an American-Indian theme. Both canvases hung side by side in full length at the New Britain Museum of American Art. About 1000 people came altogether during those two days at the museum...at least 200 children from Jefferson saw their work. It was wonderful.”The canvases were also displayed in the Children’s Museum in New Britain and the Jefferson Elementary children carried “their” own canvas during a school parade through downtown New Britain.In appreciation for our exchange, a gift

of 50 house models from different cultural areas of the world designed by the Eli Whitney Museum, an experimental learning workshop for students, teachers, and families, were offered to the children of ASP. These will be constructed by the first graders in their Shelters of the World unit of study in the spring.”To read the article, a copy of the magazine is available in La Bibliotheque (The Lower School library). ■

WORDS FOR A BETTER WORLD

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SPECIAL REPORT

PUBLISHED PROFS!Stacey McMahon-Wilson, Lower School Art Teacher, has recently published one in a series of educational children’s books which is set to be adopted by the French Ministry for Education.“ I have just published my first children’s book called Hello I am Lily from New York City. The books, in easy English, allow students to visit London, Sydney and New York City.” Stacey’s experience in the Extension Program inspired her to write this book which is aimed at children learning English and she is currently writing the guide for French teachers to use

the series within the French system.In the books, the characters introduce readers to life in their country, their school and their family. The series is published by ABC Melody: www.abcmelody.com ■

HELLO!

CREATING A NEW FRANCEBrian Brazeau, Academic Dean and Upper School English Teacher, has recently published a scholarly book entitled Writing a New France, 1604-1632 - Empire and Early Modern French Identity.“This book is a scholarly study, between history and literary studies, of the early years of French colonization in Canada. It is a look at early-modern national identity through an attempt to transplant that identity. The focus of this study is the exciting period of French overseas exploration directly following the stagnation caused by the Wars of Religion. The book examines the early period of French involvement in Northeastern America - a time when they were creating a proclaimed “New France” - through readings of key texts, principally travel and missionary accounts. Through a careful examination of these texts, I have discerned a French “rewriting of the self” in relation to the American

other, represented by both land and people. America, I argue, allowed a consolidation of past markers of identity, and forced a radical rereading of others, due to the difficulties presented by the Canadian wilderness and its natives.Although the book is about a specific historical moment, it is an examination of identity formation on a general level, motivated by the fundamental belief that identity is a moveable, malleable entity

rather than a fixed “truth”.After finishing my PhD dissertation in this subject in 2003, I could not even think about it for a couple of years. However, it had always been an ambition of mine to publish a book, so in 2005 I went looking for a publisher. After several refusals, I finally found two interested in the project, and one that actually produced a contract. I then set about doing the additional

research and writing to take the project from a dissertation to a book. I had in no way measured how difficult a process this would be. The strain of writing the book, working full time, and trying to be a father and husband, is not something I’d like to experience again anytime soon. Heading to the library every day after work for two years tends to wear thin. Although this book will not get me on Oprah, I hope that it will be received as a new and interesting contribution to the field. I have already received a few invitations to speak at conferences as a result of the publication, which is a good sign. I’m extremely gratified to see the project come to life, and it makes all of the difficulty (almost) worth it.” ■

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SCHOOL NEWS

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!BOUTIQUE BOUNTY!

TIME FOR GIVINGThe ASP Middle School Student Council

organized their annual Canned Food Drive, collecting over 1200 cans for Restos

du Coeur – a French charity who help low income families and the homeless. Students also learned about the topic of world hunger and the work of Restos du

Coeur in assembly.

he Holiday Boutique was a great success this year with more vendors, more food, more craft activities, more visitors and of course… more money raised for ASP than ever!As promised, this wonderful ASP tradition, which also welcomes guests from the English speaking community, was a fun family day

which brought a big hit of seasonal cheer to a grey and gloomy winter.And students enjoyed the theater workshops run by the Cambridge University European Theater Group who performed Midsummer Night’s Dream in the afternoon to a packed PAC!A big thanks you to all those countless and tireless volunteers who made the Holiday Boutique possible by baking or decorating or cleaning or manning stalls, but especially thanks to the key coordinators Terry Bachmann, Jordan Lewis, Kate Crook, Nicci Brenninckmeijer, Darla Pape, Debbie Ludtke, Susanne Wahlers, Joanna Perkins, Claudia Maurer, Brooks Turner and Amanda Nagele.And an equally big thank you to all those who came and supported the event! ■

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SCHOOL NEWS

BOUTIQUE BOUNTY!

WINDOW LICKING!

THANKSGIVING!

The Kindergarteners started their festive season with a field trip to see the magical window displays at Galleries Lafayette and Printemps.The French call this tradition of visiting store window displays “Leche Vitrine” – literally window licking!And this is not any old window dressing! Haute Couture designers combine their talents with musicians and famous puppeteers to create these unique magical scenes every year at these landmark department stores. ■

Just before the Thanksgiving break the Upper School Student Council had the pleasure of organizing an event dubbed the ‘Coffeehouse’. Decorated with coffee tables, candles, couches, beanbags, and carpets to create a café-like ambiance, the Cube was completely packed for this much-anticipated event, which was hailed as a success by the students and faculty members who stayed after school to enjoy the festivities.In addition to free coffee, pizza, and treats offered by various clubs,

those who attended were treated to two hours of impressive student performances, ranging from a flute recital by Reid Moffatt to a stand-up comedy act by Tungesh Kapil to a guitar concert by 11th graders Rob Seeley and Henry Ott. The Student Council worked for several months to plan all of the details of this memorable event. In particular, we would like to thank the invaluable help and contribution of the IT support staff, Friends of the Arts, Aaron Hubbard, and Student

Council advisor Craig Vezina for helping to make this event a truly remarkable success. Furthermore, the event would not have been possible without the participation of a number of enthusiastic student performers. The event was so successful that many people asked when the next Coffeehouse would take place! Hopefully, the Student Council will be able to organize a second Coffeehouse in the near future and perhaps even make the event an annual tradition!

CUBE TURNED COFFEEHOUSE!By Sietse Goffard (Gr 11)

Thanksgiving is celebrated at ASP across all grades from the Kindergarten feast to the Upper School Coffeehouse Concert!It is a time when crafts and gifts and baking abounds at ASP ahead of the much deserved and appreciated Thanksgiving break.Enjoy this picture tour of just a small selection of the activities. ■

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ardi 1er décembre nous sommes allés à Garches. Nous avons vu les magasins de la ville : la boulangerie, la pharmacie, la boucherie, le

supermarché et nous avons vu les différents édifices de la ville : l’église, la bibliothèque, la poste. Le marchand de fruits et légumes nous a gentiment offert une pomme : « Crique, craque, croque la bonne pomme ! ». Ensuite, nous sommes allés à la boulangerie pour acheter : un croissant ou un pain au chocolat ou un pain aux amandes ou une demi-baguette. Après

FIELD TRIPS

MNOTRE VISITE À GARCHES

By Grade 2

ce bon goûter du matin, direction la poste pour poster notre lettre. Retour à l’école pour le déjeuner. C’était une visite intéressante et géniale ! ■

“The Spanish classes had the opportunity to visit Barcelona

during the Thanksgiving break. A small group of 12 students accompanied by our Spanish teacher Madame Delalande and Madame Calon took the train Wednesday night to wake up Thursday morning in Barcelona.After a tour of “las Ramblas” and Barcelona’s gothic city, we visited the Cathedral, Picasso’s museum

and Gaudi’s casa Mila. And that was only on the first day! We also visited the FC Barcelona stadium, Camp Nou, then the Dali’s museum in Figueras, the Sagrada Familia, the Miro Foundation and of course the innumerable shops on the “Ramblas”, along with the highly amusing mimes and street performers.

We arrived back Sunday morning from the beautiful and sunny Barcelona, tired but fulfilled.”

BEAUTIFUL BARCELONABy Tom Portsmouth (Gr 11), Tiphaine Monroe and Ashley Fils-Aimé (Gr 12)

Our eighth graders left behind the glamour of the Belle Epoque when they continued their trip back in time to the battlefields of the First World War.At the end of November, 70 students set off on a two day journey to explore the battlefields of Verdun.They were able to visit the Citadelle Souterrain, Fort de Douaumont, Le Memorial de Verdun (Museum), L’Ossuaire de Douaumont and the underground tunnels of Vauquois.Students also watched the World War One film “Joyeux Noel”. This was all part of a combined French, English and Social

SOMBRE TRIP BACK IN TIME

Studies project. Students are currently organizing artifacts from the journey into “WWI Perspectives Portfolios” where students

imagine the war from the point of view of a common soldier, lieutenant, general, cook, medic or priest. Posters will soon be on display in the Middle School Hallway. ■

ART NEWS

NOTRE VISITE À GARCHES TALKING COLOR & DESIGNBy Cora Meirowitz-Enard, US Teacher

s first demonstrated by Sir Isaac Newton in 1666, red, yellow, orange, green, blue, indigo and violet light combined

becomes white-light to the human eye. Students are taught this fabulous color theory as early as Grade 2 at ASP. They look through prisms & see the separation of white light. It is beautiful and amazing. But what they will also learn is that this theory is flawed when it comes to paint. As most of us have already experienced, when all the spectral colors are mixed together, the result is a dark gray, muddy black… and definitely not white. Which is why mixing paint is essential to understanding actual color and in our Upper School art courses, we examine color more philosophically and explore the question: “Is knowing actual

color so important?”Students discover color is a very essential part of our emotional, physiological and environmental makeup. Our cultural and social experiences define our associations of color and leave lifelong impressions on us. Thus color has a profound effect on our everyday life, in every aspect and every dimension. Color is a science and a study. Those who know about color and how it affects us are empowered. There are three Color & Design projects currently displayed in the Upper School Art Hallway.● The color-wheels were each individually created by the students. Exposing students to hands on experience in mixing hues, tints, shades, primary, secondary and tertiary colors. Students are also simultaneously challenged to apply the concept of tessellations, mathematical sequencing and division of space to include both positive & negative, in order to achieve

these designed wheels. ● The symbols & complimentary color compositions extend the study of color into working with color opposites or complimentary colors. Each hue, tint, shade and mauve has its proper complimentary. When these colors appear next to each other they create maximum contrast and maximum vibrancy. Adapting and redesigning symbols to create these complimentary compositions allows students to refer to man’s most ancient form of expression. ● The color resonance compositions continue to expand on the student’s study of color by permitting them to see the impact color has on its immediate surroundings. Using colors of the same value or tone amplifies how colors resonate and dominate. Using repetition in composition assists in understanding theses concepts.All of these projects are posted on Poodle. ■

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LIT MAG FACELIFT

Let us clarify. ASP’s long-standing literary magazine no longer exists.The good news is: We are starting anew. INK, the (soon-to-be) center of culture, literature and art is scheduled for it’s first ever winter and spring edition!No, this is not like Lit Mag. It is fresher, bolder, and just plain better!Though we are saddened by Ms Swann’s departure, INK has found great comfort in knowing that it is being guided by

the capable hands of Mrs Antoine, who incidentally coordinated The Wandering Quill, the literary magazine of The International Section in Sevres. We are elated to be working with her, and we have much planned for this year! And we would like to inform ASP parents that on February 5th, 2010, INK will be hosting it’s first ever Evening of Poetry and Song! The event will run from 7pm to 9.30pm,

and will consist of free performances by the talented students and teachers of ASP, free refreshments, and a special guest performer! Parents are also invited to come and read! Whether you are writer or simply want to share a poem you really like, we would be happy to sign you up. The staff is looking forward to seeing you there—and please encourage your child to come as well!

By Lubabah Chowdhury, Karena Viehbacher (Gr 12) and the INK staff

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SCHOOL NEWS

MEDIEVAL MIDDLE SCHOOLhis month 6th graders participated in a celebration of the Middle Ages with Medieval Day. During the month of November, each sixth grader researched an

aspect of medieval life. Research topics included peasant life, medieval music, the Crusades and the Black Death. On Medieval Day, students presented their research as a character from the Middle Ages. In preparation for the day’s festivities, students put a great deal of effort into research, costumes and medieval decorations. Most students developed their own fictional characters, but a few others came as actual historical figures such as Joan of Arc and Eleanor of Aquitaine. Some students presented in French; others in English. We started the day with an improvisational warm up in the theatre, led by theatre teacher Gillian Lynch, as well as the performance of a short medieval farce by her theatre students. After our presentations we paraded

in costume, complete with medieval musicians, through the lower school. Students also enjoyed a medieval snack prepared by 6th grade parents.“I found Medieval Day not only fun but very informative. You could really understand each social class and living environment through people’s speeches that described hardships, hopes and their lives. Most of Medieval Day was as if you were transported back in time.”

Anna Herwig (Grade 6)

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AUCTION EXTRAVAGANZA!If you haven’t already, it is time to check out ASP’s answer to Ebay and bid for some great gifts!The Senior Parents Group’s main fundraiser this year is their online auction and many of the items will be closed by January 18 so get online TODAY!www.asp-bay.comIt is bursting with wonderful donated items and is open to the entire ASP community with fabulous items for all budgets from a weekend stay in Athens or Sweden to fun jewellery making class or tennis with afternoon tea.Proceeds from the Auction will be used for a variety of Senior’s events and activities throughout the year, as well as a gift to the school from the Graduating Class.Organizers Claire Ozorio and Anita Jean said: “To be successful, we need your help. Specifically, we would like to ask for donations to the Auction - such as art classes, tennis lessons, cooking classes, tickets to concerts, use of vacation

homes and the like. The auction is open all year and we hope to continue to add new items as others close out. And of course, most important of all, we welcome your participation in the actual bidding process!”The auction is designed to be simple and is very easy to use, so have a look at the wonderful lots, post your bid and hope you are the lucky one!

GOING ONCE, GOING TWICE, SOLD!Closing in January are the following fantastic items:• One week internship at ESMOD• Front row seats for graduation• Tennis and Tea• Jewellery making class• Running with the Athletic Director

Or plan a vacation with the amazing holiday destination offers:• Two nights in Sweden• A week in Norway• A week in Paris• A week in Fountain Hills, Arizona• A two nights weekend stay for two in a Superior Room at the Grosvenor House A JW Marriott Hotel in London. ■