Happy Holidays From all at A.I.S.R.
Who is Rem Koolhaas anyway?
Inside: • Director’s and Principal’s letters • IB @ AISR • Grade 1 Update • Finding Nemo • Sporting News
The American International School of Rotterdam
February 2011
SHARK
Graham Gamble
From the Director
From the Director
Graham Gamble
A Letter from America...
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Dear Parents, For many years, BBC Radio used to broadcast a weekly letter from the veteran journalist, Alistair Cooke. It contained some sage commentary on what had been going on in the United States and it was called “A Letter from America”. So it is fun for me, in my own humble way, to do the same. I have quite an affinity for Alistair Cooke. Like him, I am a Brit who, quite a while ago (1979, to be exact) fell hopelessly and irredeemably in love with the USA. Being here in Chicago, this magnificent “second city”, I am reminded that the passion remains. As with any great affair – Burton and Taylor, Antony and Cleopatra, Ron Weasley and Hermione Grainger – it has its ups and downs. But, in the end, love never dies… You may recall that I am here at a Recruitment Fair, in search of yet more excellent teachers to fill the inevitable gaps in our line-up for next year. It is too soon to comment on the results of this recruitment season but I should like to share that, to judge from the throng around my table at this event, the attraction of working at AISR remains strong for many aspirant international teachers. Since there are positions to fill for next year, I must give you the sad news that some of our colleagues will be moving on in July. We shall be saying goodbye to our Counselor, Kate Driver, to our Grade 5 teacher and theatre stage manager, Bianca Rimbach, to our IB Biology and Middle School Science Teacher, Becca Vanderlaan, to our Elementary PE Coordinator and erstwhile performer, Justin Wah, and to our Learning Support Coordinator, Ken Lychak. I know that you will be as sorry as I am that these excellent teachers and professionals are moving on to new challenges. I do not yet know what their next positions will be but I know that all three have been energetically pursued by great schools, ho are eager to take advantage of their talents. Last and most certainly not least, we say farewell at the end of this year to a colleague with whom I have worked particularly closely, our Business Manager, Maria Josey-Russell. Maria came to us several years ago from the world of commerce and has adapted herself to the eccentric world of schools with consummate ease. She is a true professional and a wise advisor and I wish her and David all success as she takes a sabbatical away from work for a while. I should like to pay public tribute to the great things all of my colleagues have done at AISR and to thank them profusely for their work. It has been a great pleasure to work with all of you during these last two years. I shall give you further news on staffing arrangements for next year as soon as I am in a position to do so. Finally, I should like to thank Mrs. Blitz, Ms. Lipp and the team who have looked after the school in my absence and to wish you all an excellent February holiday. Yours, Graham Gamble Director
Anne - Marie Blitz
It is really hard to believe that we are off on vacation once again – the time has gone by so quickly. Thank you to all those parents who came in for conferences this week – it is so reassuring to know that we have your full support regarding the program we offer here at AISR. At the end of March, the Library and PTSA will be promoting a “Reading Month”. More information about this will be sent out after the vacation. We are all working very hard to promote the Community of Respect Golden Rules. We are more than half way through the school year so maybe this a good time to refresh our memory and to reinforce the values of this important program. Please take a moment to review the policy. It is as follows: BEHAVIOR POLICY AND AISR GOLDEN RULES The American International of Rotterdam is committed to providing a caring, secure, positive and respectful environment in which students can learn and develop as individuals and where adults can help them to do so. AISR's Community of Respect actively supports all behaviors which enhance learning and support the development of healthy interpersonal relationships.
AISR GOLDEN RULES Show RESPECT for others Be CARING towards others Show RESPONSIBILITY with all of your actions COOPERATE with others at all times Show TOLERANCE in your actions towards others Be HONEST, tell the truth at all times Show APPRECIATION for AISR BELIEVE in yourself
And finally, on behalf of all the Elementary staff, I would like to wish you all a very pleasant vacation and I will see you on Monday February 28.
Sincerely, Anne-Marie Blitz Principal
C.A.S. Round Up From the Elementary Principal Anne - Marie Blitz
From the Elementary Principal
IB @ AISR
The International Baccalaureate Event Marga Akerboom @ AISR Information on International Baccalaureate (I.B.) for parents of Grade 10 students in Mr. Gamble’s office. Thursday 17 March at 17.00 Introducing the I.B. Diploma I am delighted to introduce the I.B. Diploma Programme to parents and students of the American International School of Rotterdam. Our school has been offering the IB Programme for a number of years as an alternative to the United States High School Diploma. The International Baccalaureate’s (IB) Diploma Programme is a challenging two-year pre-university course, which leads to a qualification that is widely recognised by the world’s leading universities. With its emphasis on providing a broad-based curriculum of 21st century relevance, students learn more than a collection of facts. The Diploma Programme encourages students to: • • • •
ask challenging questions learn how to learn develop a strong sense of their own identity and culture develop the ability to communicate with and understand people from other countries and cultures.
With this holistic approach to developing a young adult’s academic and emotional character is easy to see why this is the international qualification of choice for many Universities, in Europe and the World.
What is the Diploma Programme? The IB Diploma Programme is designed as an academically challenging and balanced programme of education with final examinations that prepares students, normally aged 16 to 19, for success at university and life beyond. The programme is normally taught over two years and has gained recognition and respect from the world's leading universities. The curriculum IB Diploma Programme students study six courses at higher level or standard level. Students must choose one subject from each of groups 1 to 5, thus ensuring breadth of experience in languages, social studies, the experimental sciences and mathematics. The sixth subject may be an arts subject chosen from group 6, or the student may choose another subject from groups 1 to 5. In addition the programme has three core requirements that are included to broaden the educational experience and challenge students to apply their knowledge and understanding: The extended essay is a requirement for students to engage in independent research through an in-depth study of a question relating to one of the subjects they are studying. Theory of knowledge (TOK) is a course designed to encourage each student to reflect on the nature of knowledge by critically examining different ways of knowing (perception, emotion, language and reason) and different kinds of knowledge (scientific, artistic, mathematical and historical). Creativity, action, service (CAS) requires that students actively learn from the experience of doing real tasks beyond the classroom. Students can combine all three components or do activities related to each one of them separately. Assessment Students take written examinations at the end of the programme, which are marked by external IB examiners. Students also complete assessment tasks in the school, which are either initially marked by teachers and then moderated by external moderators or sent directly to external examiners. The diploma is awarded to students who gain at least 24 points, subject to certain minimum levels of performance across the whole programme and to satisfactory participation in the creativity, action, service requirement. The highest total that a Diploma Programme student can be awarded is 45 points.
What are some strengths of an IB diploma? • academic rigor; • courses that develop critical thinking skills; • held in high esteem by universities; • designed to increase intercultural sensitivities and produce global citizens; • • • • • •
focused on increasing involvement in community services; effectively prepares students for tertiary courses; challenges students to work independently; a course that isn’t norm-referenced; theoretically, all students can earn 45 Diploma points; a program that esteems all subjects; therefore, subjects are not scaled; a program which provides students with valuable opportunities to engage in research and construct a mini-dissertation through their involvement in the Extended Essay and develop important skills for university studies.
Please come along on Thursday 17th March. You can also contact me with any enquiries via my e-mail below. Marga Akerboom
From the Library...
Melissa van Ringelesteijn and Maria Teresa Sorondo Please be on the lookout for events celebrating World Book Day in April...
The library and the PTSA are working together to bring special events during March 21-April 21. Be on the lookout for a Book Swap, Book Fair and an Elementary Wide Reading Incentive Program. http://www.worldbookday.com/index.asp
Dr Seuss’s birthday is March 2nd! Go to http://www.seussville.com for fun games and information about this amazing character!
THEATERGROEP MAX http://www.tgmax.nl/english.php
“Performance in Which Hopefully Nothing Happens ages +8” This incredible Theater Group in Rotterdam, will be giving a special ENGLISH PERFORMANCE on April 6th, 2011 at 1 p.m. in preparation for their tour in the USA. Since it is a Wednesday half day, please consider buying tickets for your family!
Melissa van Ringelesteijn and Maria Teresa Sorondo de Lara
From the Library
IB Coordinator m.akerboom@aisr.nl
Grade 1 - Update
Grade 1 - Designers of Tomorrow... By Susan Graham
The little architects in first grade have finished up their Building and Structure unit with a bridge building contest. They have been learning about different kinds of bridges and what makes them stable and strong. Some of the children chose to work with a partner and others chose to build their bridges independently. Each student tested the strength of their bridge by adding weights until the bridge collapsed. This activity ended with an interesting discussion about what made some bridges stronger than others and if it was easier to work independently or with a partner. The students also had the opportunity to construct buildings using index cards and tape. We had offices, houses, skyscrapers and libraries inside our little classroom. To add to their knowledge of buildings and bridges, the students went out to explore the famous Rotterdam architecture. Ms. Mooring organized a Hop On Hop Off bus trip for these curious little architects. The students marked the places of interest on a city map before departing for the trip. Our guide toured us through the city and pointed out some of the interesting facts about the various buildings and structures. Did you know that the Erasmus Bridge is nicknamed ‘The Swan’ and the Rotterdam White House used to be the tallest building in Europe? To end this fabulous trip, we stopped for a little thirst quencher at Hotel New York.
Stop by the first grade hallway to see some of the beautiful paintings and amazing drawings of the architecture and take a look at the city brochure created with Mr. Krumrei in computer class. If you want to learn more interesting facts about some of the architecture in Rotterdam, ask one of the first graders.
Adding to the fun, we had an architect, Mr. Jauslin, visit our classroom to teach the kids about his work and famous buildings around the world. He also showed them a miniature model of a house that he is renovating and the actual plans. What an exciting IPC Unit! The next unit, Our Senses, will give us the chance to learn about our bodies and how our senses work.
In language arts, our little writers are beginning to learn how to use rubrics and proofread their pieces. The children are also learning how to ‘brainstorm’ by creating webs, draft and revise. They are now ready to publish their personal narrative about a special person in their family. These beautiful writing pieces will be posted outside of the first grade classroom. Come and see who is special to us. Our daily read alouds and small group readings take us on fantasy trips and teach us about the world. During these read alouds and small group readings, the students make various kinds of connections and have learned how to ask ‘fat’ and ‘skinny’ questions. Some of these questions answer ‘What?’ And others answer ‘What if?’ These valuable reading lessons help the children to better understand and analyze stories. Our reading time is also supported by our daily ‘DEAR (Drop Everything And Read) TIME’ and our special 4th grade Reading Buddies. To help practice our fluency, the students performed puppet shows for our little PK1 friends. They watched with great joy and pleasure. Shapes are everywhere! The children have just begun one of their favorite units, Geometry. Finding common attributes of 2 and 3D shapes have been our focus during the past week. The students were given a set of shapes with specific attributes and are challenged to find the shapes that fit the group. Creating our own Attribute Puzzles was a great challenge but the students were given lots of practice and proved their success. You can try and solve some of the Attribute Puzzles hanging in our classroom. Can you find the Loopies, the Bixies or the Planx? Stop by and see for yourself. First Grade is a fun and exciting place to be! By Susan Graham
ART @ AISR
ART@ AISR
Nikki van Leijden and David Blackburn The Middle School... The Middle School have been looking at the technical and emotional content displayed in the artwork ‘Guernica’ by Picasso. This historic painting captured Picasso’s response to the horrific bombing of the Spanish town by General Franco’s and Nazi Fascist forces in 1937. Picasso’s brutally expressive late Cubism lent itself to recording the terrible event with grim perfection.
The High School...
The High School have been developing their observational drawing skills, noting tonal values within a simple still-life display. Easier said - than done, the students swapped from ‘Black on White’ drawing to ‘White on Black’. This old art teacher’s trick causes the student to have to identify the tonal values quickly and accurately.
Nikki van Leijden
Artist of the Month... February 2011 Max - Grade 4 Max and his classmates looked at the German Surrealist - Max Ernst. Ernst developed and used a series of ’Frottage’ techniques. Frottage, from the french - to rub - produced surface textures that gave an unpredictable qualities to Ernst’s landscapes and Surreal creations. Our own artist Max, from Grade 4, used crayon rubbings to create a mysterious alien landscape, in which he placed an observational drawing of a former students sculpture. David Blackburn
By Bianca Rimbach
Grade 5 and Grade 6 went on an amazingly fascinating field trip to the biggest science museum in The Netherlands - Nemo!
Both grade levels were able to explore the wonderful world of science and technology in a playful and entertaining way. NEMO in Amsterdam is well worth the journey and many students expressed the wish to visit the museum again. The trip fulfilled the teacher’s hope to awake the student’s interest and curiosity about science. Bianca Rimbach
Fing Nemo - Bianca Rimbach
FINDING NEMO....
Rob Zeilstra
Sports -
Sporting News
Rob Zeilstra and Coaching Team Basketball Season 2011...
! s k r a Go Sh
The SHARKS Basketball Teams have had a lot of success in the last few weeks and are busy preparing for 8 school NECIS Tournament in The Hague, March 18-20. Read about them online and in the coach’s reports... Recent wins were: • U12 win in Antwerp • U14 Girls win home vs. Antwerp • U14 Boys win over British School Amsterdam Below are some photos showing the ‘true grit’ in our great squads... Rob Zeilstra
Please check the Athletics page on the AISR website ical for future scheduled games:
http://www.aisr.nl/athletics/
U14 GIRLS BB This past Monday was very exciting as the U14 girls won a close game at home! The sharks played once again against the Griffins of the Antwerp International School. From the start of the game the girls played aggressive on offense and defense and really had fun playing in their home gym. The Griffins played their normal 2-3 zone defense and this time the Sharks were ready. The girls did a good job of looking for each other and finding the gaps on offense, which often resulted in close shots around the basket. Defensively, the sharks had their best game of the year so far. They are starting to understand how to work together and help each other out on defense. This was evident in the game and the Sharks had to rely on their defense, especially late in the game, to hold onto the win. A couple great scores from Marianne pushed the Sharks lead to 6 but two quick scores by the Griffins midway through the 4th quarter cut the lead to two. The girls stepped it up on defense and used patience on offense to secure the win! The girls should be extremely proud of their effort and keep working to move forward! Great job girls! U12 BB The Sharks U12 co-ed basketball team has recently come off two close home games that could have gone either way. First off, the Sharks played the British School of Amsterdam (BSA) on Thursday, February 3rd. This game came down to the very last seconds where the Sharks could not capitalize on two baskets after getting the rebound, due to the stiff defense of BSA. The final score was 26-28 in BSA’s favor. The Sharks had all of their supporters on their feet, cheering at the top of their lungs up to the very last minute. The Sharks are very grateful for their fan base. Honorable mention goes out to: London (grade 5) who had an outstanding offensive game and Nico (grade 6) and Ji-Eun (grade 5) provided some tough defense and rebounding skills on the other side of the ball. Fast Forward to game against Antwerp game #3 on Monday, February 7th. A very defensive game all around, up until the last quarter where the Sharks appeared to be making a come back, but eventually time expired and the Griffons came away with a 10-18 victory. The Sharks have displayed a continued growth in their all around game on each outing. Honorable mention goes out to: Nils (grade 5) for great play on both sides of the ball and Max (grade 4) for his ball handling skills as point guard. The Sharks have been practicing hard in preparation for their next game on Wednesday, February 16 against the Dutch club team, Cadys at the Schenkel Sporthal at 6 PM. Come out and support your U12 Sharks basketball team. GO SHARKS!!!! U14 BB Feb. 3 the boys met the British School of Amsterdam and BOOKED THEIR FIRST WIN OF THE SEASON 24-22. The boys did not play a perfect game but we certainly enjoyed the win. Jaret brings the ball down well and our big guys, Erik and Joseph are steadily improving in their low and high post play. We working to improve our scoring and shooting ability. Feb 7. We met AIS again and the boys had difficulties passing and scoring off an more talented Griffin team. The defeat was a tough one considering we have shown much improvement, but we are just not a good match again an excellent team yet. We expect to be much more competitive at the NECIS Tournament.
Athletes of the Week... February 7th to 12th, 2011 - Matt Matt has shown leadership, dedication and commitment by example this season. A positive motivator that never misses practice. He continuously displays great patience with his younger teammates. Matt is one to never complain and aims to improve and help improve those around him. Matt’s basketball skills are improving everyday and he showed it during the last game vs. Antwerp. Matt has proven to be a great addition to the U12 Sharks basketball team and the AISR family. January 31st to February 4th, 2011 - Marianne Marianne is a member of the U14 Girls Basketball Team. She is a player who enjoys being in the gym and is always ready to work. She understands how to stay focused and practice hard and she pushes herself to get better. Her encouragement and leadership are great assets to the team. These characteristics are evident in practices and games, whether she is helping a teammate or organizing the team on the court. She has been very important in the Sharks' games this year, often leading the charge. Well done Marianne!
EXPLANATION OF THE RECOGNITION: Each week AISR coaches select a student/athlete that has shown outstanding achievement in one or more of the following: Leadership, Sportsmanship, Skill Improvement, Outstanding Play at Games, Excellence in Practice, Concern for fellow Teammates, Encouraging Others, and other efforts deserving recognition. This person can be chosen from any of the SHARK Teams.
Sporting News
Coaches Reports... Feb 12th
If you have an article you would like to publish in the Shark, please send it to :
Community Announcements And Classifieds
To Advertise here contact:
g.gamble@aisr.nl or Tel + 31 (0)10 422 5351
theshark@aisr.nl Deadline for submissions: Monday Languages
Would you like to improve your English ? Now is a great time to start studying in small friendly groups of adults with English teacher, Susannah Tomlinson. “Why not give it a go?” More details are available at reception, or contact Susannah via email: susannah.tomlinson@yahoo.com or telephone: 040-8428486
Private Tuition Dutch or French with a Qualified teacher Times to suit you - course to suit you... Contact: Marga Akerboom Telephone: 0620677310 E-mail: m.akerboom@aisr.nl
DUTCH BEGINNERS CLASS OFFERED AT AISR I have decided to offer the class on Tuesdays at 1pm, starting on Tuesday the 22nd of March. My name is Arjan Blokland and I offer a Dutch beginners class at AISR. The course focuses on practical language skills. The course has been designed for people with no or almost no knowledge of Dutch. The course consists of 12 lessons. The first lesson will be held on the 20th of September.
Therapy and Personal Development “Hands to help and hearts to care” Do you need to talk to someone to express your difficulties and challenges with raising your child? Katherine Fortier, an educational and child psychologist, will lead the parents group. “...an opportunity to discuss their concerns and develop strategies to help their children and manage their own stress.” For further information or to register, Please email hearts.2care@yahoo.com or call Rubina Anis on mobile 06-52072084.
LIFE COACHING – MIND AND BODY INC. With my skills, I can help you: • UNDERSTAND YOURSELF BETTER! • USE YOUR INHERENT SKILLS MORE EFFECTIVELY • CONTROL YOUR WEIGHT AND STAY FIT IN A NATURAL WAY • UNDERSTAND YOUR CHILDREN BETTER • ULTIMATELY LEARN THAT JOY IS WITHIN YOU SPECIAL NEEDS TUTORING for Children • Gifted and Talented (including underachieving gifted), ADD and ADHD, Learning Disabilities, Behavior Management, Asperger's, Autism, Down's Syndrome, Fine Motor Skills. •
HELP AND SUPPORT FOR PARENTS of children with Special Needs
PLEASE CONTACT ME, SANDRA, @ EMAIL: joyandpower@gmail.com MOBILE: 06-16593856.
The minimum number of participants will be four and the maximum will be nine. The prices of the classes are between € 15,- and € 24,- per class, depending on the number of students. To enroll, please send me an e-mail: info@lindenlanguages.nl, or give me a call: 06-41585013.
Arts and Culture BALLET CLASSES: For ages 3 and up in the AISR building. The classes will be taught by Sue Manville who trained at The Royal Academy of Dance in London. Sue has 20 years experience of ballet teaching and choreography, in the United States, UK, Australia, Greece, Spain and Brazil. If interested, please email Sue Manville at sue.manville@gmail.com stating your child’s age.
21st March.
Sandra B.A. Psychology, M.A. English Literature, M.S. Special Education (USA).
Help Wanted LOOKING FOR AN ENGLISH SPEAKING AU PAIR: We are looking for a “live out” Au Pair to work full time (7:45 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.) from Tuesday to Friday to look after 3 children ages 5, 3 and 9 months. We are looking for someone who has experience with young children. If you are interested please contact me via email: donatella.sanna@fastwebnet.it
LOOKING FOR AN ENGLISH SPEAKER: Parents of a Pre-K student starting at AISR in September would like a native English speaker in to read him stories, play, sing and draw with Marco twice a week, (Tuesday and Thursday mornings). Please contact me at hm@medina.net. Thanks, Héctor Medina
GUITAR LESSONS:
Services
Private Guitar Lessons, after school at AISR or at home. Please contact bob@bobhamilton.net or visit www.bobhamilton.net more info. All ages and styles, flexible scheduling for both students and parents! Email: bob@bobhamilton.net
PIANO LESSONS: Do you love music, can you already read notes, and would you like to take piano lessons? Dr. Elizabeth Karelse is fluent in both Dutch and English and welcomes students of all ages for weekly hour-long, or half-hour long lessons.
Treasured memories? Old or damaged photos restored: I can repair most images to a high level of presentation and provide a digital image and photo-print of the restored image. If interested please email me, David Blackburn. Email: mrblackburnart@gmail.com
Please send Elizabeth an email at: ekarelse@gmail.com, or call at 06-26932322.
ART LESSONS: Ursula Lachniet offers lessons in painting and drawing in her Art Gallery. Age from 5 years old. 150 Euro for 12 lessons, incl. Materilas. Le Fevre de Montignylaan 15/ Hillegersberg. Thursday afternoons 16:30 p.m. - 17:30 p.m. 17:45 p.m. - 18:45 p.m. Contact us: email: www.aquari-urs.nl mobile 06 - 50 29 55 00
The AISR accepts no responsibility for the community announcements, services and items advertised.