AL NOOR-ABA NEWS

1st June 2017

Message from the Board Elections Committee Dear ABA Community, Voting has commenced and is continued during the following dates in the Administration: Thursday, 1st June 1.30pm-2.30pm Sunday, 4th June 7am-8am & 1.30pm-2.30pm Monday, 5th June 7am-8am & 1.30pm-2.30pm Tuesday, 6th June 7am-8am & 1.30pm-2.15pm Below for your information are the candidate profiles. Proxy forms can be found on the parent portal and identification is required for voting. YOUR CANDIDATES FOR THE 2017 BOARD ELECTIONS: (in alphabetical order)

Name: Ali Mohamed Number of years at ABA: 1 Grades of children at ABA: KG 2, Grade 1 Nationality: Omani

REASONS FOR STANDING: As a member of the school Board I will:

• have an opportunity to share my business and life experience to benefit the school.

• assist different groups in the community and ensure that others have a voice in making educational and administrative decisions.

• be a conduit for the concerns and interests of teachers and parents and will create stronger ties between the schoolboard and other stakeholders.

• take a personal interest in preserving and improving the quality of our school system.

• ensure a quality public education for current and future students.

• bring in much needed financial and governance skills that are often lacking on not for- profit boards, which will enhance the governing capacity of the board and by extension, the performance of the organization as a whole.

• demonstrate and reinforce the institution’s core value and ethos.

• ensure to oversee all aspects of the school including its control and accountability, systems and improve the expenditure and capital budgets.

Upcoming Dates Jun 1, 4 &5 ABA Board Election

Polling Days Cast your vote Administration Area

7-8am 1.30-2.45pm

Jun 6 Last day to Vote 7-8am 1.30-2.15pm Jun 6 Elementary Reports

Online Jun 8 Superintendent’s

Forum Grade 6 Common

Room 7.40-8.40am Jun 11 Board Meeting Elementary Library

6pm Jun 12 Parent Volunteer

Appreciation Iftar MPH 6.30pm Jun 13 Last Day School Year

2016 / 17 Dismissal 11am

PREVIOUS POSTS WITHIN THE SCHOOL OR ASSOCIATION (e.g. PTA, Board), OTHER SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS OF BENEFIT TO THE BOARD: --- EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND: Masters in Finance, University of Wales Masters in Science, University of Westminster CURRENT JOB: Head of Strategy, Bank Sohar. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Name: Arshad Nadamal Number of years at ABA: 1 Grades of children at ABA: Grade6, Grade 1 Nationality: Indian

REASONS FOR STANDING: I have spent close to three decades in people management and organizational development. I have an abiding interest in learning, development and performance. I would like to use and apply my experience from the corporate world to the academic domain. A desire to contribute and work for the community, our children and our future. I would like to look at it as a mutually beneficial relationship. I intend to gain insights into educational management and board governance. PREVIOUS POSTS WITHIN THE SCHOOL OR ASSOCIATION (e.g. PTA, Board), OTHER SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS OF BENEFIT TO THE BOARD: Within School- None Member of College Academic Advisory Committee (CAAC)in College of Banking & Financial Studies (CBFS).

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND: Masters in Financial Management. CURRENT JOB: Head- Learning & Development, National Bank of Oman.

Name: Hritik Khimji Number of years at ABA: 3 Grades of children at ABA: Grade 1 Nationality: Omani

REASONS FOR STANDING: I strongly believe in giving back to the community. For over 140 years my family has been in Oman and involved in giving back to the community. Those beliefs and values are a strong reason for my standing. Additionally, my experience in the local business environment over the last 10 years both in large and small businesses gives me the necessary skills to add value to the ABA strategy.

PREVIOUS POSTS WITHIN THE SCHOOL OR ASSOCIATION (e.g. PTA, Board), OTHER SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS OF BENEFIT TO THE BOARD: Owner and operator of businesses across several sectors in Oman and outside Oman. EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND: Bachelor of Science in Business Administration CURRENT JOB: Director, Khimji Ramdas. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Name: Ivor Braganza Number of years at ABA: 14 Grades of children at ABA: Grades 11 & 9 Nationality: Indian

REASONS FOR STANDING:

• Believe that the students at ABA are given the opportunity to become global citizens and responsible adults, thereby becoming positive agents of change that the world so desperately needs.

• The world is undergoing a rapid change in terms of data, technology, robotics and social medial Would like to ensure our children are prepared to meet these new world challenges.

• ABA has provided an outstanding education for the past 30 years in Oman and given many children a sound education. Oman has also been a welcoming host country to the expatriate community. Hence would like to support ABA which is not for profit school that serves both communities.

• ABA, keeping in mind the long-term vision of being a leader in IB education in the region has chosen to build a state of the art High School in terms of learning, sport and extra- curricular facilities. Would like to ensure that this project is managed and delivered in a financially responsible way keeping in mind the needs of various stakeholders.

PREVIOUS POSTS WITHIN THE SCHOOL OR ASSOCIATION (e.g. PTA, Board), OTHER SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS OF BENEFIT TO THE BOARD:

• Board Chair at ABA for past 6 years and member for the past 12 years

• Also, serves as an invitee/board member in other companies in Oman

• Has over 15 years Governance experience across many industries

• Has spent 30 years in management role with experience in multinational companies in fast moving consumer goods like Nestle, Unilever, Real Estate, Construction & Consultancy

• Has spent over 21 years in Oman, hence understand the needs of the Country, its culture and the values EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND:

• MBA – Marketing

• Post Graduate in Law

• Bachelor of Commerce

CURRENT JOB:

• Head-Strategic Planning -W.J. Towell Group

• Chief Executive Officer – Towell Property ____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Name: Kevin Bennett Number of years at ABA: 2 Grades of children at ABA: Grade 7 and Grade 5 Nationality: British

REASONS FOR STANDING:

Previously I served on the Board of the United World College of South East Asia (UWCSEA) in Singapore. UWCESEA is recognized as one of the leading international schools in the world. It has a population of over 5,500 students representing 82 different nationalities. ABA’s philosophy, mission, vision and values are very similar to those of UWCSEA. During my three-year tenure on the UWCSEA Board the school faced many of the same challenges that ABA currently does. UWCSEA built a new campus and had to learn to operate over two, it introduced a one on one IT device programme, undertook different international assessments, and had the ongoing task of recruiting the best teachers to provide the best education to its students during a time of challenging economic conditions (at the time it was the financial crisis of 2008) I believe the experiences gained whilst serving on the UWCSEA Board give me the ability to immediately help the ABA Board, its Chairman and the Superintendent deliver the best environment and education for ABA’s students. On the UWCSEA Board I served on both the Facilities and Finance Committees and would thus be able to serve and contribute significantly to either of these committees of the ABA Board. In addition to the above having worked for different multi-national companies in three different regions I have the relevant management and work experience required for such an important role as serving on the ABA Board of Directors. Finally, having earned a BA in Biology at Oxford University and an MBA at INSEAD business school in Frances I have been lucky enough to have had first-hand experience of great education in action and would always strive to achieve the best for the school’s students and its community. PREVIOUS POSTS WITHIN THE SCHOOL OR ASSOCIATION (e.g. PTA, Board), OTHER SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS OF BENEFIT TO THE BOARD: Previously served on school board at UWSEA, Singapore. Work EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND: MBA, INSEAD, France 2000

CURRENT JOB: Account Director, Bahwan DHL

Name: Lamya Sinan Al Kiyumi Number of years at ABA: 1 Grades of children at ABA: KG 2, Grade 1, Grade 6 Nationality: Omani

REASONS FOR STANDING: I have always been passionately involved in my children’s schools. I have contributed in various roles, from informal volunteering and participation to being the President of the PTA. In ABA I am the HRP for two grades, I believe that I can positively increase my contribution to the school by being a member of the board.

In my previous job, I worked with the United Nation Population Fund where I was the National Program Officer for the GCC region. My focus areas of expertise were adolescence, women empowerment and Gender Equality and sustainable programing. A big part of my job was fundraising for our local programs as well as mobilizing all potential stakeholders. I believe I can bring a lot of this experience to ABA’s board. Further, I have a Master’s Degree in Environmental Studies with a focus on sustainable development, which I believe can help in the strategic planning of our school goals. By being a member of the board, I hope to work with everyone involved to ensure that our ABA students are not just prepared for the future, but are given an edge over the rest. PREVIOUS POSTS WITHIN THE SCHOOL OR ASSOCIATION (e.g. PTA, Board), OTHER SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS OF BENEFIT TO THE BOARD: In ABA, I am a Home Room Parent. In my children’s previous school, The Sultan’s School, I was President of the PTA. Founder & former board member of ESO, Founder and former board member of Al Hayat Association of Substance Abuse. Former board member of the Oman Association for the Disabled. EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND: Master of Environmental Studies (University of Strathclyde) CURRENT/LAST JOB: National Program Officer, UN Population Fund ____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Name: Maria Eid Number of years at ABA: 7 Grades of children at ABA: KG3, Grade 2, Grade 4 Nationality: Lebanese

REASONS FOR STANDING: I’ve been in Oman for nine years, prior to living in Oman, I was living in 5 countries: Lebanon, Russia, Saudi Arabia, U.S. of A. and Yemen. I value quality and continuity in education, therefore, I have chosen ABA as and IB program school for the education of my children. My children, two boys and a girl are now in Grade 4, Grade 2 and K3 respectively. I see being a board member as a great opportunity to help and strengthen the school from within, taking into consideration the challenges faced in the coming years. I have a Law Degree and have trained in the Banking sector. If I get elected to the board, I would like to work on a three point plan to improve and raise the level of our ABA family.

1. I would like to work on a team to enable and increase educational standards. 2. Having my children at ABA, I would like also to see our community continue to study in a safe and secure

school environment. 3. Also I would like to work within a team to increase fundraising events in order to support additional school

activities and initiatives. I hope that by being elected, I can serve the ABA community and play my part to improve our student’s wellbeing and educational standards. I thank you for giving me an opportunity to run for these elections to the board and I look forward to serving you. PREVIOUS POSTS WITHIN THE SCHOOL OR ASSOCIATION (e.g. PTA, Board), OTHER SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS OF BENEFIT TO THE BOARD: ---

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND: Law degree CURRENT JOB: Housewife/Lawyer ____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Name: Riad Mufleh Number of years at ABA: 2 Grades of children at ABA: K3 Nationality: Jordan

REASONS FOR STANDING: Originally from Jordan, I graduated from the American Community School in Amman, Jordan and studied Economics at Tufts University in Boston where I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts. For the last seventeen years, I have been working for the same multi-national packaging group with posts in various countries ranging from Austria, Jordan and Oman. Since 2005, Oman has been my home where I met my wife who is French and she has been working as a French language middle school and high school teacher in different school systems in various countries. Our son attends K3 at ABA and our daughter will soon be joining the ABA community too. ABA is a critical focal point of our family life in Oman, and I am a strong believer that education is the key to success for our children. This is the reason why I would like to volunteer my knowledge, experience and time, combined with my trust in education, to the ABA community with my candidacy to the board. PREVIOUS POSTS WITHIN THE SCHOOL OR ASSOCIATION (e.g. PTA, Board), OTHER SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS OF BENEFIT TO THE BOARD: --- EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND: Bachelors of Arts (Economics), Tufts University

CURRENT JOB: Managing Director, Mondi Oman LLC ____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Name: Salim Mohamed AlBarwani Number of years at ABA: 1 Grades of children at ABA: Grade 8 & 7 Nationality: Omani

REASONS FOR STANDING:

I graduated from Boston University in systems engineering in 1996. As an engineer, I have first handed experience on multiple occasions how the technological revolution of the 21st century has helped society to address a number of key challenges facing global industries. Some of the challenges of the 21st century education systems face can seem very daunting, especially in the area of transportation infrastructure, energy management and generation and climate changes

to name but a few. In this fast-moving world, students used to be trained to manage and cope with the growing challenges, complexities and uncertainties of the modern global world. I believe embodying ABA values in the mind of our young learners is a pillar of modern education. As an industry insider and a global citizen, I would personally like to contribute to the growth and development of ABA in order to deliver future quality leaders. PREVIOUS POSTS WITHIN THE SCHOOL OR ASSOCIATION (e.g. PTA, Board), OTHER SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS OF BENEFIT TO THE BOARD: As a university student, I served as part of student council and represented the international students at the University Board. EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND: Associate Degree, Midlands Tech, SC, USA BP BSc Degree, Boston University, MA, USA CURRENT JOB: Team Leader Engineering, BP

Name: Sara Susana Gomes Marques Number of years at ABA: 3 Grades of children at ABA: Grades 4, 3 and 1 Nationality: Portuguese

REASONS FOR STANDING: I am a proud mom of 3 boys and a person that loves to work hand, do sports and enjoy good moments with the ones I love most. One of the things I most enjoy in life is to make things happen. I am not a kind of person to stay still and wait; to me, if there is something that needs to be done, I am happy to do it. I am a litigation lawyer so I’m used to solving people’s problems and challenging situations. Being able to help others in hard moments of their lives and tell I have made a real positive impact in someone’s life is what makes me happy in my professional life and that’s why I’m passionate about my work. During studying a masters in Political Science, I had the opportunity to study Public Policies in Education and this is one area of major interest for me. My passion is to understand how rules and regulations change behaviours as well as how small actions can have big impacts. For the last 3 years I’ve interacted with ABA, I’ve observed that the impact of the school in the ABA community is impressive. Here everyone feels welcome, engaged and proud to be part of it. This is only possible when all stakeholders are committed and thrill to participate, and especially due to the silent hard work the Board has been doing. I would feel very honoured to be given the opportunity to contribute to the ABA community and, especially, to ABA school as a member of the Board. PREVIOUS POSTS WITHIN THE SCHOOL OR ASSOCIATION (e.g. PTA, Board), OTHER SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS OF BENEFIT TO THE BOARD: Homeroom parent or assistant home room parent. I am a lawyer at one of the most prestigious schools in Portugal – Expernato Papeao. I was legal advisor of the Portuguese Commission of Kids in Danger. EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND: CURRENT JOB: Lawyer, G.Advogados Law Degree ____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Name: Shanaz Bangy Patel Number of years at ABA: 4 years, 2 years Grades of children at ABA: Grade 4, K3 Nationality: Portuguese

REASONS FOR STANDING: I understand that becoming a school Board Member is a serious commitment and takes quite a bit of time and dedication. However, I find that it can also be rewarding as it would allow me to contribute to the growth and development of a quality international school by sharing my business and life experience to the benefit of the school and its stakeholders. At the same time it’s an opportunity to learn more about education and broaden my perspective with the experience, skills and views of the other Board Members and the school management team as well as enhance my knowledge of corporate governance and board matters. PREVIOUS POSTS WITHIN THE SCHOOL OR ASSOCIATION (e.g. PTA, Board), OTHER SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS OF BENEFIT TO THE BOARD: I have been serving in the Board and Committees of industrial companies in Oman for the past few years which enabled me to acquire some knowledge in this field. In addition, I have attended a certified course by MUDARA – Institute of Directors (Dubai) on Corporate Governance and Director Development. I have an extensive experience in financial matters which could allow me to give a solid contribution to ABA Finance Committee.

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND: MSc Equivalent (Licenciatura) in Economics CURRENT JOB: Senior Investment Manager, Takamul Investment Company (Oman Oil Group)

Name: Vijay Gill Number of years at ABA: 1 Grades of children at ABA: Grade 6, KG1 Nationality: German/Indian

REASONS FOR STANDING: I am passionate about life-long learning, of which school education is one of the foundations. As I see things, ABA has 2 broad challenges:

• As a non-selective community school, ABA still needs to continuously improve its IB standards and scores and reach and compete with other top international IB schools.

• As a non-profit school, ABA still needs to attract the best teachers, have excellent facilities and offer both breadth and depth in the programme.

In order to help ABA work through these challenges, what I can offer are:

• An intimate knowledge of 2 very successful international IB school groups on a personal basis including some of their best practices.

• A varied international business background spanning 4 continents, allowing me to bring different ideas and best practices to ABA.

• Over 2 decades of Board participation and skills that are based on proper governance practices, on driving strategic vision and on addressing the concerns and ideas of all stakeholders.

• My leadership style has a foundation of transparency and trust, and I would always be an open and accessible conduit between parents and the Board/Executive Management.

• Having come from a multicultural background myself (Indian + German parents), I have keen understanding of the challenges and opportunities ABA students face in the world after school.

• My schooling at the most renowned school in India was a totally holistic education; the academics were supported by comprehensive sports, artistic, nature hobby, and community service activities. I am a strong believer in a rounded school education to prepare one well for later life.

• I have been in Oman eleven years and have close links to the community.

My 2 children have just embarked on a 6 - 8 year journey at ABA, and my wife and I would like them and all other students to graduate from a centre of learning that strives to be the best, in the broadest sense. I would like to contribute towards this goal.

PREVIOUS POSTS WITHIN THE SCHOOL OR ASSOCIATION (e.g. PTA, Board), OTHER SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS OF BENEFIT TO THE BOARD:

• Board director (including many chairmanships) of numerous companies in various industries (food and beverages, agricultural, telecoms, IT, media, manufacturing, etc) in the U.K., Germany, Hungary, Belgium, Austria and India.

• Have led as Chairman all my 5 MBA class reunion fundraisings, breaking INSEAD records (€1.1 million) including setting up an endowed scholarship fund for students from developing nations.

• Chairman of the Board and CEO of a global food company with business in 60 countries. EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND:

• 1973-80: The Doon School, Dehra Dun, India – ISCE

• 1980-84: Columbia College, Columbia University, New York, USA – B A Economics

• 1990-91: INSEAD, Fontainbleau, France - MBA CURRENT JOB: Director/Entrepreneur

Board Election Committee 2017

Superintendent’s Message Dear Parents

In an international school community, we know that for some families and for staff members Oman is one part of their life journey while for others it is home for much longer.

Those members of the ABA staff who will be leaving at the end of the school year along with the names of those who will be joining us are shown below.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those leaving for giving a part of their lives to teaching at ABA and for guiding the learning of our students. I wish them all the very best in their next challenge. I would like to mention by name, two of my leadership team and one other person who have been loyal members of our community for many years.

After ten years’ service to the school, as teacher, PYP Coordinator and Elementary School Principal, Michael Berry will be leaving to take up a position in Singapore. Michael has not only contributed strongly to Elementary School in each capacity but also helped shape the school in recent times as a whole through his work on the leadership team. Michael has a calm passion for learning and has been a fine example of a life-long learner. His doctoral studies are testament to this. I am extremely grateful to Michael for his commitment to the school.

Diana Malik has been associated with ABA since 1988. To have given much of one’s life to a school is a rare occurrence in this global age. Whether as teacher or administrator, Diana has always put ABA and its students first. Her commitment is as strong as ever; she is often the first at school and the last to leave. After many years in the profession, she understands education. Diana’s knowledge and wisdom coupled with her gentle disposition and good nature have meant that many have sought her counsel, including me. The room next door will seem very empty next year. Diana has been a loyal and much appreciated member of the ABA community and I wish her all the very best in retirement, both here and in England.

Too often, the work of our support staff, those who are not teachers, are not fully appreciated. I am proud of them and thankful for all they do behind the scenes. One of this team, Iranganie Perera, has worked for every Superintendent of the school, an amazing fact and quite an achievement. After 26 1/2 years with the school, Iranganie will be retiring to Sri Lanka. We will miss her infectious smile and her unlimited willingness to support ABA.

Member of staff leaving ABA

Position Member of staff joining ABA

ADMIN

Michael Berry Principal Sam Cook UK

Diana Malik Assist. To the Superintendent Retiring

HIGH SCHOOL ONLY

Sam Werlinich TOK, Economics , I&S (Humanities) Raymond ‘RJ’ Bailer US

Angus Shillitoe MYP/DP Mathematics Daniel Wilms US

- DP Psychology Rachel - Askew-Summit UK

Aine Knapton HS Counselor Ali Hostetter US

Ian Classey MYP/DP Mathematics Celina Aggarwal UK

MIDDLE & HIGH SCHOOL CROSSOVER

Lucia Berry MYP/DP Spanish 6-12 Kristin Westby US

Justine King MYP/DP French Clelia Selvati FR

Rebecca Boardman SLN/Library To be appointed

MIDDLE SCHOOL ONLY

Maia Skolko MYP PE 6-10 Glenda Semple BR

Ana Castro MYP English 6 / I&S Grade 6 (English major) Josephine Hagard UK

Rico Chow MYP English Martin Grist UK

Narelle Brown MYP Science (Science major) Valerie Ritchie IRL

Jeff Adair MYP I&S (Humanities) Edwin Nast CA

MAINLY ELEMENTARY

Monica Adair PYP/G3 Adrian O’Byrne IRL

Hillary Ironside PYP/KG3 Marina Vasenkova (Barker) KZ

Semantha Springett PYP/G2 Tom Chambers UK

Tom Chambers (moving to Grade 2)

PYP/G2 Vanessa Brett UK

Michelle Majocha PYP/G4 Charlie Bramley UK

Non teaching staff

Poonam Rishi Exams Officer To be finalised

Samra Al Sharji K1 Teaching Assistant To be appointed

Hanan Al Jabri K3 Teaching Assistant To be appointed

Iranganie Perera Support Staff -

Superintendent’s Forum The Superintendent’s Forum for the end of the year will be held on 8th June at 7.40am in the Grade 6 common Room. Simon Taylor

General Notes A number of parents have written to the school concerned about the behaviour of some of our drivers. To help ensure a safe and stress free last few days of school please note the following:

• If you are dropping off students on campus, please drive to the end of the drop off zone as there are often many cars behind you.

• Please avoid using your car horn. It is rarely necessary. • Outside of campus, please avoid blocking parking bays. If you are waiting please use the parking bays.

Arabic Language program In an effort to gain a better understanding of your insights into the Arabic Language program at school, we have developed a short survey for you to complete. Please follow this link and provide us with your thoughts of the program by Monday, June 5.

Message from the Elementary School Principal I recently read a few articles regarding how picture books can aid in fostering the love of reading in young children. One of them, a blog really, I found particularly interesting and wanted to share its contents with the parent community. Children’s book author Terry Pierce, listed and expanded on five reasons she believes picture books benefit young children. The first reason she spoke of was language development. Pierce notes that most picture books contain only about 500 words; many books have fewer. Because there are so few words, the author has to choose the language wisely which is why a hallmark of picture books is that they are crafted with such care. Editor Anne Hoppe writes that with picture books “The writer distills, the illustrator expands”. Picture books also facilitate brain development in young children. Between the ages of 2 and 7 the brain is making extra neurological connections, trying to establish “patterns, cause-and-effect and sequences”. For those of us that have read picture books, we know that many of them contain familiar patterns (Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?, by Bill Martin) and rhyming words (The Gruffalo and Stick Man, by Julia Donaldson) which children love. These books help to create new connections in the brain. Pierce also believes that the physical participation of a child turning a page in a book is important in the child developing a love of reading. Turning the page in the book “sets up an interactive experience between the child and the story”. Many authors build suspense when writing by beginning a sentence on one page and ending it on the next after a page turn. This allows for more cause-and-effect pathways to develop in the brain. Children want to be part of the reading experience. When children participate in the reading of a book, their attention span can be enhanced. Being engrossed in a book, especially one that has a catchy refrain (Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day, by Judith Viorst), allows for students to wait for their opportunity to join in the storytelling experience by “reading” the refrain along with the teacher.

Finally, picture books are multi-sensory. Brains at this age are developing rapidly. The experiences that we as educators provide (this includes parents as they are a child’s first teacher) allow for development to happen more rapidly by stimulating their children’s senses. When reading a picture book, children are hearing words, seeing shapes (letters/words) on a page, touching or feeling the book (tactile /touch-and-feel books), and smelling the pages as well (scratch-and-sniff books). There is a disturbing trend in the United States that began just under a decade ago; the sales of picture books are down. The New York Times noted that many parents are skipping picture books and going straight to chapter books.

The reason? Some parents believe that by going straight to chapter books they will help to “advance their (children’s) reading skills”. Bluntly, Pierce writes that, “It isn’t true. Or smart”. She provides the analogy of a parent not allowing his/her child to crawl and go straight to walking as eventually this would make the child a better runner. I am sure we would all agree that this would not be in our children’s best interest.

Michael Berry

Message from the Counseling Department

Summer vacation brings about change in routines and the possibility of new and exciting experiences through travel and family reunions. As we look forward to the new school year, classes and teachers will alter and new friendships will be formed. For some families, summer also means the inevitable ‘Goodbyes’ that are part and parcel of expatriate life. Over the coming weeks, all students who are leaving ABA will meet with their counselor to help prepare them for their move. For most children/adolescents this is not their first transition however, it is important to remember that no matter how many times one has moved each move is a new one. For our seniors, the move may also incorporate, moving to a different country, leaving home and starting university in a new destination.

The most important factor in any move is your family unit. The family is the constant in the transition process and below are some ideas to help guide you through. (Adapted from http://www.iched.org)

1) Talk about the upcoming move as a family. Allow each person the freedom to ask questions and to express their feelings. Younger children often reflect the attitudes of their parents so it is important to remember that you set the tone for your family. Adolescents may enter a ‘silent’ stage where they will not discuss the move. Good communication is always important and may need to be even more intentionally encouraged during times of transition.

2) Whether you are going to another country or returning home, investigate where you are going and consider how your life will change once you get there. Talk to those who have lived/are living there, research the country or culture. Make plans regarding how to integrate into the new community, make friends or learn the language. Remember that returning to your passport country may feel like going to a foreign country to your children.

3) Look for the best ways to keep in contact with the significant people you leave behind. Today’s technology has made communication easier, faster, and more reliable than ever. Establish what methods of communication work best before you go so that there is time to create new accounts, exchange mail addresses or numbers.

4) Try to maintain the basic elements of your family’s regular routine (e.g., mealtime, playtime, celebrations, bedtime rituals, chores, discipline, etc.). This helps provide some stability in times of change.

5) Plan to take some familiar things with you and allow your kids to do the same. Pictures and knick knacks can help make your new house a home. A stuffed animal or favorite toy can help your kids adjust to their new surroundings.

6) Give each person the opportunity and time to say appropriate good-byes to the people, places, and things that are significant to them. Be prepared for feelings of loss and grief associated with these farewells. Also include reconciliation of hurts or restoration of broken relationships if necessary, it is important not to leave any such “unfinished business” behind.

7) Plan for the educational future of your children. Investigate the school options available and the entry requirements at the school you are planning to use. 8) Students moving on to university. The majority of our seniors will be moving on to university in a different country in September. It is an exciting phase and as parents we want to make sure they have all the skills and qualities they need to make that transition to life away from home. Spend time helping prepare them for independent living, research their university location, discuss finances and any fears or concerns they may have about moving on. Discuss with your family the impact of this change in family dynamics. Please get in contact if you have any questions. codriscoll@abaoman.org (Elementary Counselor); canthony@abaoman.org (Grades 6-9 Counselor); aknapton@abaoman.org (Grades 10-12 Counselor)

For further information please check out the following resources.

Transitions http://www.slurpingsoup.com/ http://www.transitionsabroad.com/publications/magazine/0009/third_culture_kids_research.shtml

Third Culture Kids (TCK’s) http://www.tckworld.com/http://tckid.com/what-is-a-tck.html

Collette Driscoll

Message from the University Counselor Grade 10 Careers Day

Work Experience Feedback

This week our Grade 10 students have been taking part in Work Experience / Job-Show placements (photos to follow next week). We are so grateful to all our parents and community partners who took our students into their organisations and gave them a taste of the jobs and working environments of various career areas. This coming Sunday 4th June, all students will present on their experiences – we are looking forward to hearing those! In the afternoon all students will either take a Careers Survey (www.step1.co.uk), or they will take an SAT test (www.collegeboard.org) . There is still time to sign-up for the Careers Survey – the cost of which is 48 OR. Please e-mail rakeys@abaoman.org if you would like your child to take this. There is no cost to taking the SAT Practice Test, which is an excellent preparation for all students thinking of going to the US, and as a means of obtaining an external, objective test of Maths and English ability. The Grade 10s are just at the beginning of their journey to university and it is important they have as much information as possible as they make those important choices ahead. Please find below an overview of the day.

Sunday 4th June

Time Activity Location

7.30 Registration Advisory Rooms

7.30 – 9.00

Each student delivers a presentation on their Work Experience placement

KD – Lecture Hall (RK) SAG – Student Lounge (GE) GM – PTA Room (KA) WH – Grade 6 Room (CA)

9.00 – 9.20 Short Break

9.20 – 9.40 Importance of Work Experience and CAS for University and College Applications:

Building your Resume

PAC

(RK)

9.45 – 10.25 Culminating presentations to Grade 9 students PAC

10.25 – 11.05 Break Time

11.05 – 12.25 Part 1 Careers Survey – Cambridge Aptitude Test

Or SAT Test

Lecture Hall Will need lap-tops

RK, GE

12.25 – 12.55 Break Time

12.55 – 2.15 Part 2 Careers Survey – Interests Questionnaire

Or SAT Test

Lecture Hall Will need lap-tops

RK, AK

Rachel Keys - University and College Counselor

Message from the Parent Teacher Association

PTA Annual General Meeting

Our AGM took place last Monday morning, so we have officially wrapped up our year as your PTA executive. We, the executive, have thoroughly enjoyed working together as a team to accomplish the goals set out in the articles of the association: The PTA shall support the aspirations of ABA and provide the following: Liaise with the parents, teachers, administration staff and students and the Board of Directors; Organize and run events to provide a social aspect for the school; Organize and run events to undertake fund-raising to provide equipment and services that will enhance the school facilities and Opportunities for the members of the ABA Association to undertake charitable fund-raising; and finally our goal – have fun! Along the way we have worked alongside and learned from some incredibly wonderful parents who have a vested interest in fostering the community spirit that is ABA!

We are excited to hand over to our new executive committee for the 2017/18 school year and look forward to a school year filled with FUN!

Facebook Photo Competition CONGRATULATIONS to the winners of our photo competition:

Angela Langlands

34 likes

Tatsiana Kaldayeve 8 likes

Niall McLaughlin 2 likes

Messages for the Community WHAT A YEAR!!! We can hardly believe just how fast this year has flown and what a year it has been!! Since August 2016 the Booster Club, with the unwavering support of our incredible ABA Community, have successfully… introduced NEW VIPERS Merchandise to the community, coordinated & run 4 x Spirit Events – student breaks, 2 x MESAC Weekends – BBQ, concession & merchandise, 2 x Spirt Days – for all students, 2 x PTA Events – BBQ & ICF, 1 x ISTA Festival – concession & merchandise, 12 x POP Up Shops – direct to the community, 23 x sale days – for travel polo & socks direct to VIPERS. WOW!!

We would like to take this opportunity to thank the ABA community for your continual encouragement, enthusiastic support, and abundant and extremely generous contribution to the all the Booster Club events this past year. This community embodies the VIPERS spirit and we look forward to continuing to showcase our VIPERS pride and community spirit in 2017/18. THANKS ABA!

A special thank you to Mrs Gundi Thum for her unbridled enthusiasm and commitment to the success of the Booster Club this past year. Thanks to the students of the Activities Council for their continued collaboration and involvement with all activities. A big thanks to the teachers, staff, and faculty at ABA for their continuous assistance with all things Booster Club related, and a HUGE thanks to Mr Paul Brace, Mrs Abi Wilson, and the PE Team for their time, encouragement, and boundless energy.

Ramadan Kareem from Booster Club to all celebrating this special time of year, and to all our VIPERS families returning next year we wish you a very happy, relaxed, and safe summer break. To our VIPERS families leaving us over the summer, we

wish you all the very best on your next adventure. GO VIPERS!!!

SEE YOU NEXT YEAR!! Remember… if you would like to be part of the exciting, energetic Booster Club team please drop us a line at boosterclub@abaoman.com. We would love to hear from you. Great way to ‘support our kids’ while making new friends and sharing the fun.

Yours in community spirit – VIPERS Booster Club