Inspiration
Welcome Back Edition August 2017 | Newsletter | International School of Prague
ISP Newsletter August 2017
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From the Director As with every new school year, it is my utmost pleasure to welcome all our families, new and returning, to school year 2017-18 at the International School of Prague. While every year is special, this year is a momentous one in the history of our school, given we are approaching ISP’s 70th anniversary in 2018!
ISP2020 Unleash our collective potential so that our school is greater than the sum of its parts. To achieve our objective we are committed to these ISP2020 Strategies: -We create change that’s bigger than we are -Personal relevance, individual progress and real-world experiences are at the heart of our learning -Curiosity drives what and how we learn -How we learn is coherent and connected throughout the school -Everyone in our community takes active steps to learn with and from each other
Fittingly, we welcome another record enrollment of around 900 students to our campus, which has been enhanced over the summer. Our sports fields have been returfed with state of the art synthetic grass and a bubble over the tennis courts will go up this fall, giving year-round access to these physical education facilities. Our Elementary School has undergone reconstruction, with upgrades being made to Kindergarten and Pre-Kindergarten areas, bringing them even more into line with our Reggio-inspired approach to learning. While these improvements, constituting phase 1 of our facilities master plan will be enjoyed by our students and community for years to come, we are also in the process of completing the designs for phases 2 and 3. We are well aware that our families, particularly our new families, receive an overwhelming amount of information, especially at this time of year. Please rest assured that all of us at ISP, teachers, support staff, administrators and the Director, are there to support you. If you have any questions regarding your child’s experience at ISP or any other issues, please “go to the source” and come and see us. A key publication, however, is the Parent Handbook. The Handbook gives information about how ISP functions and is designed to assist families in getting the most out of ISP and the city of Prague. Other important communication channels are; ParentContact, (a bi-weekly via email), our recently redesigned website (www.isp.cz), MyISP (ISP’s information management system), and our intranet - Schoolnet (http://web.isp.cz username: isp, password: falcons). Parents can also follow developments daily at ISP via Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Over this year we will continue to make our communications even more meaningful and efficient to everyone in our community. Community involvement is integral to life at ISP. Indeed, one of our ISP2020 strategies (see box on left) states “everyone in our community takes active steps to learn with and from each other.” I urge you to get involved and play a key role in life at ISP. This can range from social gatherings, participating in the School Community Association (SCA) to our thought provoking ‘Edge in Education’ seminars, which allow parents to learn from international experts in education. Everything we do is at ISP is about fulfilling our Mission; to Inspire, Engage and Empower. To bring the mission to life it is essential that each of us consider how every action we undertake contributes to our Strategy, ISP2020 (again, look left!). All faculty, staff and administrators are focused on fulfilling our mission and take immense pride in our community approaching this special year in ISP’s history. We have an amazing story to tell, of a small school being born out of a handful of kids being educated in Prague’s diplomatic circles, evolving into the ISP of today. I look forward meeting you all in what promises to be an exciting year, befitting our 70th anniversary and our status as the longest established international school in the region. Warmly, Dr. Arnie Bieber
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New Parent Orientation All new ISP parents are requested to attend an orientation meeting on August 21 at 09:00, in the Theater. The purpose of this important meeting is to: — Meet the School Administrators — Understand the areas of responsibility within the school — Receive an overview of the year’s important projects, events and activitities — Learn how you can take an active role in the life of the school — Hear about the SCA (School Community Association) and its plans for the year.
Communication is key
Effective communication is vital in our international community. We regularly send information through: — ParentContact (a bi-weekly email) — Friday Folders (Elementary School) — Facebook — ISP Website (www.isp.cz) — Teacher Websites — School Net (http://web.isp.cz) — SMS Emergency Contact System
The “ParentContact” email is an important source information. If you find that you are not receiving this email after school starts, please send a message to tmclaughlin@isp.cz as soon as possible.
Time away from school
The school provides ample holidays and time away from school. We trust that the school calendar will be respected and that extra holiday time (early departure, late return, extra trips during school) will not be planned.
Child Care
Child care is available in the Theater Foyer during the orientation meeting.
Identity Badges
All staff and parents are required to wear their ISP photo identity badges while on campus. You will need your badge to enter locked doors. To obtain your identity badge, see the receptionist. Until you receive your badge and pin number, you are requested to wear a visitor’s badge, which can be obtained from the Reception desk. ISP security guards and staff will ask you to show your badge.
Special Note Regarding Student Drop Off
For those parents who use the rear entrance of the school to drop off their children, please be considerate of our neighbors in the vicinity Please only park in designated parking spaces; under no circumstances should anyone drive onto the sidewalk or block driveways (even if only “dashing in for a minute”). Thank you for helping to maintain our good relations with the community.
Transportation Services
Please be aware that ISP does not provide daily transportation. Agreements reached with transportation companies are between parents and the company.
ISP Leadership Team: (l-r) Clive Watkins, Barry Freckmann, Dr. Arnie Bieber, Sheldon Bradshaw, Dr. Mark Frankel, Dr. Cindy Gause-Vega, Teresa Belisle, Petr Draxler, Jimena Zalba, Danielle Fredericks, Joe Monks, Matt Smith
ISP ADMINISTRATION 2017/2018 Dr. Arnie Bieber
Simona Jiraskova
Sheldon Bradshaw
Nena Vukotic
Dr. Mark Frankel
Clive Watkins
Dr. Cindy Gause-Vega
Veronika Vodickova
Alexandra McGehee
Lenka Gery
Petra Simkova
Tony McLaughlin
Jimena Zalba
Teresa Belisle
Andrea Koudelkova
Eliska Sevcikova
Joe Monks
Andrea Bartosova
Danielle Fredericks
Sandra Malinova
Petr Draxler
Tereza Capova
Barry Freckmann
Director
Executive Secretary Elementary School Principal ES Secretary
ES Associate Principal ECC Secretary
Middle School Principal
Matt Smith
MS Associate Principal
MS Secretary
Upper School Principal US Secretary
US Counseling Secretary
Director of IT
Director of Advacement Advancement Associate
Communications Manager
Director of Learning Research Admissions Manager Activities/Athletics Director Activities/Athletics Associate Activities/Athletics Assistant
Admissions Associate HR Director
Finance&Operations Director
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Elementary School News
Important Dates: FRIDAY, August 25 13.00-14.30 KG Back to School Afternoon TUESDAY August 29 13.00-14.30 PK and KG Parent Afternoon WEDNESDAY, August 30 12.00 Hopes and Dreams Conferences THURSDAY, August 31 13.00-14.30 PK Back to School Afternoon WEDNESDAY, September 6 at 08.15 Parent Coffee Morning, ES Theatre THURSDAY, September 7 at 18.00 Grade 3 – 5 Parent Evening THURSDAY, September 14 at 18:00 Grade 1 and Grade 2 Parent Evening
Dear Elementary Parents, As the beginning of the school year approaches we would like to extend a warm welcome to all new and returning families to ISP. We hope that you are all enjoying time with family and friends, having fun and relaxing. All teachers and staff are busy preparing a rich and challenging environment for our students, one in which your children will
feel safe, happy and able to learn. We know parents are integral to this process. We will keep you informed throughout the year and frequently ask for your input and perspectives. Please come to us with any questions or concerns that may arise!
Hopes and Dreams Conferences We will be inviting you early and often to actively participate in your child’s education. Our first invitation to you is to meet with your children’s teachers in “Hopes and Dreams Conferences” on Wednesday August 30. All Elementary classes PK3 – Grade 5 will be dismissed at 12 noon on this day, immediately following a packed lunch . These special conferences are intended for parents to share with the classroom teacher their hopes and dreams for their child this year. Each conference will be scheduled for 10 minutes. In the first Friday Folder on August 25 you will receive your
scheduled time and a short form to jot down notes of what you would like to share with the teacher. Our goal in holding these conferences very early in the school year is to learn from you about your children. As the year progresses we will continue to communicate with you via newsletters, notes, email, class websites, meetings, and conferences. We trust the Hopes and Dreams Conferences are only the first step in our ongoing collaboration .
SCA Elementary School Parent Coffees Another way of participating in your child’s education at ISP is to attend the SCA Elementary School Parent Coffees. This year we have scheduled five morning coffees at 08:15. Once again we are in the process of identifying topics of interest that can focus our conversations and contribute to our shared understanding of the children in our care. Our first Parent Coffee Morning will be on Wednesday,
ISP Newsletter August 2017
September 6 at 08:15 in the ES Theater. Please make note of the following as you prepare for the start of school:
officially starts at 08:00. (Please wait in the Elementary reception area or the cafeteria if you are early.)
Class Lists
On the first few school days, staff members will be in the hallways to direct children and their parents to the appropriate classrooms. Children from PK3 through grade 2 should be escorted to their classroom by parents. Students in grades 3 to 5 may come into the building by themselves. At dismissal time, an adult should pick up children in PK3 through grade 2 outside their classroom door that opens to the outside of the building.
Class lists will be sent electronically via Monday, August 21 at 15:00. The teachers and administration have put careful thought into the best possible configuration of classes so children’s social, emotional and learning needs can be met. Be sure to make note of your child’s placement for 2017-2018. Please call or stop by the school with any questions or concerns.
NEW ES TEACHERS AND STAFF We are very pleased to welcome the following new teachers and staff to ISP Elementary this year:
Katy Hawkins - Early Childhood Teacher Susan Erni - EC EAL Teacher Hannah Walker - Literacy Teacher Patrick Frape - Technology Coach
First Day of School
On the morning of Tuesday, August 22, students will be allowed to enter their classrooms no earlier than 07:50. Therefore, students should arrive between 07:50 and 07:55. School
Students in grades 3 through 5 should be met in a prearranged location. You will be receiving a form in the first Friday Folder to let the school know what arrangements have been made concerning future meeting points. (Please see section on after-school supervision.) PK3 and PK4 students will be on a special schedule until Monday September 4. Starting Monday September 4th PK3 and PK4 children will begin the full day PK schedule (08.00-14.30). Children in Kindergarten will be dismissed at 12:00 until August 25. Starting Monday August 28, the full Kindergarten schedule will apply.
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ISP will be offering an after school care program for PK3, PK4, and Kindergarten. You will receive details of dates and times for the special schedules and after care program if your child is in one of the PK classes or kindergarten. Children in grades 1 – 5 will be dismissed at 14:45.
After School Supervision
Please remember that an adult should supervise Elementary School students at all times and in all places on campus after the 14:45 dismissal. Students may stay at school if they are participating in an after school activity or if working in the library. Once an activity ends, usually at 15:45, the students must go home. No Elementary student is allowed to stay at school unsupervised, whether in school or on the playground. Grade 3 through 5 students may work in the library until 17:00, but they must be in the library, not elsewhere in the building. We looking forward to collaborating with you in the coming school year! If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to get in touch
Dr. Cindy Gause-Vega ES Principal Ms. Jimena Zalba ES Associate Principal
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Middle School News
Important Dates:
Dear Middle School Families,
solve problems and meet challenges.
MONDAY, August 21 Orientation Program for New Students and Parents TUESDAY, August 22 First Day of School TUESDAY, August 29 MS Sports/Activities begin THURSDAY, August 31 18:00 - 19:30 MS Parent Evening MONDAY, Sep 4- FRIDAY, Sep 8 Grade 6 Adventure Week Grade 7 & 8 Class Trips WEDNESDAY, September 13 at 08.15 MS Parent Coffee Meeting FRIDAY, September 22 at 18:00 MS Dance
Welcome back to a new school year!
One of the highlights of the beginning of the year is the Grade 6 Adventure Week and Grade 7 & 8 class trips. These experiences provide students with team building opportunities so they can build relationships with their peers and teachers; to bond as a grade level . Your child will learn about these trips in more detail in the first weeks of school.
I hope you had a relaxing rejuvenating holiday and are ready for what promises to be an inspiring engaging and empowering year for all our learners in Middle School! For those of you who are new to ISP, I‘d like to extend a warm welcome to our community. . I remain very proud of our Middle School program. We have a highly qualified and dedicated team of teachers who are committed to creating the best learning experiences possible for your child. As an extension of our academic program, we offer learning opportunities through special Stretch Days, where students are given opportunities for in depth/ interdisciplinary learning; to find and
In addition to the important dates listed, if you are a new family you should already know that on Monday, August 21 there will be an orientation morning for new students and parents, to help you learn about ISP and make you feel at home in your new school. On Thursday August 31 at 18.00 we invite all parents to attend the MS
ISP Newsletter  August 2017 
Parent Evening so you can get to know our teachers and the program for the 2017-18 school year. The Middle School Student and Parent Handbook for 20172018 will be shared with you at the beginning of school in August. Our Middle School Team looks forward to working in partnership with you. We look forward to seeing you soon!
With Best Regards,
Danielle Fredericks Middle School Principal Matt Smith Middle School Associate Principal
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NEW MS TEACHERS AND STAFF We are very pleased to welcome the following new teachers and staff to ISP Middle School (MS) this year: Jennifer Snively - G6 LASS Teacher DJ Saint James - G6 Math Teacher Jordan Davis - G7 Math Teacher Carilyn Garrett - Learning Support Gabriela Jimenez - Spanish Teacher
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Upper School News Important Dates: MONDAY, August 21 Orientation Program for New Students and Parents (see below) TUESDAY, August 22 First Day of Classes THURSDAY, August 24 at 08:15, Elementary Theatre Actvities Information Parent Meeting (Please attend the meeting) FRIDAY, August 25 at 08:00 Laptop Orientation for Grade 9 (students only) MONDAY, August 28 at 18:30, Theatre IB & University Meeting for Grade 11 Parents WEDNESDAY, August 30 at 18:30, Theatre Grade 12 IB and UK/European University Evening for Parents & Students, (Note: IB information will be the same at Sept 12 Grade 12 meeting) MONDAY - FRIDAY, Sept 4-8 Week Without Walls Program (Some trips begin on the 3rd and/or end on the 10th, so please check the dates) TUESDAY, September 12 at 18:30, Theatre Grade 12 IB and US/Other University Evening for Parents & Students THURSDAY, September 14 at 18:00, Theatre Upper School Parent Evening
Welcome from the Upper School Principal Welcome to the 2017-2018 school year at ISP! I am delighted to have the chance to work with all of you and with your sons and daughters. School opens on Tuesday, August 22, and all Upper School students should report to the Theatre at 08:00. From there, we will disperse to morning advisory and class meetings. All necessary textbooks will be provided in the actual classes.
Orientation
To help ease the transition to ISP for our new students and parents, we have scheduled an Orientation Program on Monday, August 21. All new students and their parents should arrive at 09:00 for registration. At 09:30 there will be a short Laptop Program and Week Without Walls Orientation. At 10:30, all new parents are asked to join Dr. Bieber and other school personnel in the Theater. Also at 10:00, all new Upper School students will meet with the school Counselors and our Student Ambassadors. Entering students will have the opportunity to learn about day-to-day life at ISP, take a tour of the
NEW US TEACHERS We are very pleased to welcome the following new teachers to the Upper School!
Tammy Gordon - Counselor, M-Z Shannon Hambleton - Phys. Ed. Karel Žďárek - EAL
school and ask any questions they may have. Then, students and counselors will board a bus for a recreational bowling party and lunch. Students will return to school between 14:30 and 15:00 to be picked up by parents. Please note that students do not need any money with them for this trip as ISP covers all costs..
Upper School Petr Mares 1-to-1 Laptop Program. As an Upper School family, you are required
ISP Newsletter  August 2017 
to purchase an ISP-approved Apple Macbook laptop computer as a necessary tool for our academic program. This will allow your child to have access to the laptop during holidays and in the summer, as well as during the school year. Parents may purchase this laptop from any supplier, but can receive a special rate from our ISPdesignated retailer, 24u.cz. ISP provides all necessary software for the core curriculum of Upper School students at no extra cost for use while an ISP student. GRADE 9 STUDENTS SHOULD NOT BRING THEIR LAPTOPS TO SCHOOL UNTIL FRIDAY, AUGUST 25, WHEN THEY SHOULD BRING THEM TO SCHOOL FULLY CHARGED. On this day, Grade 9 students will attend a day-long special orientation program, which guides them through the set-up of these machines and the installation of the licensed software. If you have any questions, please contact Eizabeth Perry, Upper School Digital Learning Facilitator at eperry@isp.cz.
Week Without Walls (WWW)
WWW is just around the corner! During the week of September 4 - 8, students will be traveling to a variety of exciting destinations, participating in challenging activities and extending the classroom walls to the rest of the world. Some trips leave a day earlier and some return a day later, so please check the dates at http://weekwithoutwalls2016.weebly.com/ On August 25, students will meet in WWW groups during the day, when any additional forms will be distributed. On September 1, students will again meet in WWW groups to go over final details. Please note that all forms are due by Thursday, August 31. We hope that students are as excited about these trips as we are. If there are any questions about the WWW program, please see Sandra Malinova in the Activities Office, or email her at smalinova@isp.cz.
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Attendance
Please contact either of the US Secretaries by 09:00 if your child is ill, and is not coming to school: Ms. Veronika Vodickova (220 384 222) or Ms. Petra Simkova (220 384 227). Regular school attendance is essential to the progress and achievement of the student. In the case of planned absences, parents should notify the principal at least TWO weeks prior to the absence. Notification allows for better planning on the part of student and teacher. Make sure to read all the sections of the Parent Handbook, as well as the Student Handbook that will be brought home on the first day of school. Again, you an find all relevant information in both the Parent and Student handbooks.
Mark Frankel Upper School Principal
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IT Update and Information The Petr Mares 1-to-1 Laptop Programs
tary Digital Learning Facilitator, Patrick Frape.
We are entering into our tenth year of the 1-to-1 laptop environment in the Upper and Middle schools, and these tools continue to be integrated in meaningful ways to enhance student learning. While the Upper School laptops are all student-owned, the Middle School laptops are owned by ISP and loaned to students. The programmes are managed by our Digital Learning Facilitators, Liz Perry (US) and Lyle Bobyk (MS).
Connecting at ISP
Mobile Technology in the Elementary School In the Elementary School, our 1-to1 programme begins in Grade 2, with iPads used up to Grade 4 and laptops in Grade 5. Kindergarten and Grade 1 each have a cart of iPads for shared use. This will allow students and teachers to use technology authentically and as required by the learning in the classroom. Additionally, we have been expanding our technology integration into other areas, with students being exposed at different grades to 3D printing, robotics, electronics, science data logging, digital microscopes, „green screen“ video work and a variety of other rich technology uses. The programme is managed by our new Elemen-
Last year, we began the rollout of myISP, our centralised online community. This is where you can find the community directory, update your contact information, and find academic information about your child and their courses. Over the summer, we have moved the Upper School into myISP and shut down Powerschool, moving us closer to a one-stop system for all of ISP. Watch your Parent Contact throughout the year as we continue to add new services, and enhance our connectivity and coherence across the school.
Idea Lab In the Idea Lab, our innovation space connected to the Library, students and teachers can learn with and from each other as they make, tinker, prototype, test, reflect, and share their creations and discoveries. This is where you’ll find our Technology Coaches, in addition to our 3D printers, laser cutter, robots, drones, recording equipment and green screen! In the Idea Lab, ISP2020 comes to life - curiosity meets real-world relevance, change is embraced, connections build coherence, and a community can learn with and from each
other. Please stop in to take a look!
Library As always, ISP’s library is a central point of the school. Parents, students and staff all have access to a wide range of resources, including books (print, audio and e-books), research databases, family games and DVD’s, and creative resources for all ages. Our extremely popular Library Creative Maker Space is entering its third year and is always looking for volunteers to help support our students. Everyone in the ISP community is encouraged to stop by and see what your library has to offer!
Digital Citizenship The IT and Library departments will continue to work closely with faculty, counselors and school Principals to educate students on Digital Citizenship and living healthy, balanced lives in a connected world. This programme is integrated in the laptop orientation programs, homeroom classes, advisory and other special assemblies throughout the year. The IT & Library Department looks forward to supporting you and your child this year. We wish you and your family a successful year at the International School of Prague.
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ISP Learning Research and Development Welcome to Learning@ISP, where we are all lifelong learners striving to collectively meet our Mission through strategic research and development of student, faculty, staff, and parent learning.
Student Learning ISP has an articulated, mission-driven PK-12 curriculum, rooted in inquiry where learners are involved in posing and investigating questions. Our learning program offers students the key understandings and skills reflective of how the disciplines are used in the real world. The development of these competencies enable our students to be successful at ISP, and in their future educational and professional pursuits.
and off site. On site learning includes workshops with external experts, inquiry groups, professional learning days, retreats for targeted groups, faculty meetings and internal sharing of expertise. This year our main focus will be professional inquiry related to ISP2020 and the 2017 NEASC & CIS accreditation and IB Diploma program evaluation. In addition to on-site professional learning, we encourage and support attendance at targeted workshops and conferences online, in Europe and around the world. This year ISP will be hosting the following events and experts:
and discussions about what, why, and how we learn here at ISP. Please look for dates, times and details in the ISP Parent Contact. We offer the following opportunities for parent learning: Parent Coffees: These presentations and discussions target sectional specific and age related issues in the Elementary, Middle, and Upper sections of our school. Informational sessions regarding specific learning areas: These cross sectional workshops focus various areas of learning (e.g. maths, modern languages) as we continue to refine our learning programmes.
Our curriculum research and development is based on the following premises: ● The curriculum development process is ongoing and forward looking. ● Student learning evidence drives curriculum evaluation. ● Transfer is the primary learning goal.
-September: David Schwartz visiting author -October: Early childhood experts from Reflections Nursery, UK -November: NEASC and CIS evaluation team visit -February:IB Diploma Program workshops -March: CEESA 2018 Pre-Conference and visiting experts in maths, critical thinking
Edge in Education: Organized in collaboration with the SCA, we engage in discussions around current and future trends in education. This year’s theme will be “Empowered Learners” with sessions will be facilitated by visiting experts and alumni.
Professional Learning
Parent Learning
Throughout the year, faculty and staff are involved in learning both here at ISP
Throughout the year, we invite you to participate in workshops, presentations
Teresa Belisle (tbelisle@isp.cz) Director of Learning Research and Development
Activities and Athletics Greetings from the Activities office and welcome to the 2017-18 school year at ISP. Our role in the Activities Office is to coordinate the school’s extensive offering of after school programs. There are ranging opportunities available to your child and we encourage them to be involved as much as possible.
We hold a meeting to provide you with more information about Activities at ISP: • Thursday August 24th at 8.15 in the ES Theatre This meeting is relevant for parents with children in any school section and we urge you to attend. If you have any questions please drop into school to see me; or email me at jmonks@isp.cz
More details can be found on the student life section of our school website:
Wishing you and your family a wonderful year at ISP.
https://www.isp.cz/activities/
Joe Monks Activities Director
Please feel free to make an appointment or drop in to discuss further our learning program here at ISP.
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... and don’t miss
PE Kit (t-shirt and shorts) Sale All students in Grades 3-8 are required to wear ISP Physical Education kit, which includes an ISP t-shirt and shorts. T-Shirts are 100 czk and shorts are 400 czk. These will be on sale: -August 21st 8.00 - 15.30 (New Family Orientation) - In Cafeteria -August 22nd - Sept 1st 7.45-15.45 - In Reception -Rest of school year 8.00-10.00 and 2.30-16.00 In Activities Office
Fun Run, Information Fair and Welcome Picnic Welcome to ISP! - Make sure to mark Saturday, September 2, on your calendar! The Annual ISP Information Fair and Welcome Picnic is a greatly important event at the outset of our ISP school year. The 201718 event takes place on Saturday September 2, and will be held from 10:00 to 14:00. This year’s event begins at 10am with a Fun Run/Walk in the Šárka Valley. This Information Fair will follow at 11am, which in turn is followed by the picnic and live music at noon. The food service at ISP will sell barbeque, salads, ice cream and drinks. The fair is an excellent opportunity for new and returning families to meet and make new friends and the first Fun Run will make this a even more fun occaision! Everyone will have an opportunity to meet the new staff members on an informal basis. You will also have the opportunity to meet with many businesses and services here in Prague, including: medical centers, banks, activities for children, movers, technology, sport centers, hairdressers, restaurants, and many other appealing services.