Children
The wonderful thing, and the terrifying thing about children is that they have such untold potential. A young lady from Grade 6 came to see me by appointment yesterday to set out her plans for an ambitious charitable event she will lead later in the year that has been inspired by her own experiences of considerable challenges in her relatively short life to date. Inspirational! I couldn’t help but think what a tremendous force for good young people can be.
And, of course, many of this new generation will go on to be great people and do great things in, and for, our world, not least perhaps because they have had the advantage of a foundation at a great values-based international school to lend them the tolerance and compassion to be able to relate to, collaborate with, and serve, all kinds of people, as well as the self-confidence to believe they really can make a difference. But some will not; hence “terrifying” …. because the weight of responsibility falls squarely on the shoulders of us- the parents, the teachers, the care-givers and the guardians.
No child, I fervently believe, is ever born bad; nor does any child set out on his or her own to become bad. Yet each new generation that matures into adulthood contains within it bad people, or people, at least, who do bad things. Why? Because we mess them up (to put it rather more politely than the great Philip Larkin did in his poem, “This be the Verse”!). “We may not mean to but we do.”
Children are pre-programmed to learn and they are incredibly good at it. I believe it is the case that a human being learns half of what he or she will ever know by the age of 5. Sounds like a good thing doesn’t it? But they literally soak up everything that goes on around them: everything they see and hear and sense…..and that’s quite scary.
We can see the effect that the fuel we put into our children, and the physical exercise that we arrange for them, has on their physical development. It’s obvious. What we can’t see is the effect of the bewildering array of their life experiences on the development of their character. It is true, of course, that we should be very concerned about, and vigilant regarding, what our children watch on the television, see on the internet or hear in their music but there is a bigger influence on the development of their values, morals, principles, views, opinions and personal qualities……us…their parents. We are their heroes and heroines; it’s us they aspire to become. So they listen to what we say….and how we say it. They watch what we do and how we behave. They even examine our motives. They hear our opinions and, certainly for the first dozen or so years of their precious young lives, believe them to be right and just. In short: they learn from us. What a responsibility! And the challenge is not one that we all successfully meet: the statistics surrounding inter-generational links for issues like alcohol and drug abuse and domestic violence are stark enough proof of that.
Part of how children learn is also by trying things, by pushing boundaries, testing tolerance levels and checking consequences. In other words, they will be naughty. Don’t get me wrong; I am not one of those who think children are made of crystal- they are not. In fact, in my experience they are incredibly resilient, resourceful and downright tough…in the moment, at least. Children can be (and sometimes need to be) treated firmly. Much as we love them unconditionally, they can sometimes be mean, deceitful, thoughtless, careless, selfish, rude, stroppy and disobedient. And consequences must follow. I’ve lost track by now of the number of teachers struggling with a poorly behaved child or class that I have counseled with the words, “Don’t shout: sanction!” Sanctions –appropriate, proportionate and explained sanctions- sanctions that promote reflection and are applied with fairness and consistency- are still one of the most effective behaviour management strategies we have. And after the sanction, what I believe passionately to be the divine right of every child must follow………forgiveness. For if we do not model forgiveness- if our children do not experience what a blessing it is to be forgiven (“…it is twice blessed’’ and …”an attribute to God Himself” according to Shakespeare in The Merchant of Venice)- what possible hope can there be for the future of our broken world?
From the Head of Primary
Sick Children- In recent weeks a lot of our students have been ill with head colds and the flu. Some children are sent to school who are still unwell. We respectfully ask that children who are ill are kept at home until they have fully recovered.
Three Way Conferences- It is great seeing so many parents support the 3 way conferences. Having your child explain what they are doing well and what they can improve on is a very powerful way to support your child’s learning and achievement. To support children on their journey of learning there MUST be a positive partnership between the school and the home. This provides the foundations of success. If you were unable to attend and wish to have a 3 way conversation, please make an appointment with your child’s teacher.
Mental Health Week- Your mental health is just as important as your physical health. Let’s take care of it together. Mental Health Week is an annual, national event that aims to improve community awareness and interest in mental health and wellbeing. All El Salvadorians are encouraged to consider their own mental health as they would their physical health. World Mental Health Day was on Thursday, 10 October.
Mental Health Week events and activities aims to increase community awareness and interest in mental health and wellbeing. Most of the activities held during Mental Health Week are free to attend and help communities connect to spread the word that mental health is relevant to everyone.
Mind Your Health. Mental Health Week focuses on wellbeing, support and community.
Make connections and be part of our community by checking in with your mates, sharing a cuppa to talk things over, find out what’s happening in your community or join mindshare and talk to others.
Everyone’s wellbeing is important. You can help look after your mind by getting enough sleep, eating well, exercising and reducing alcohol consumption, learning how to manage stress and keep yourself safe and maintaining healthy relationships.
Seek support when you need it by talking to people you trust.
BOOK OF THE WEEK
The Little Island by Smriti Prasadam-Halls and Robert Starling
Once upon a time all the animals on the farm lived in harmony with only the occasional disagreement. Then the geese take it into their heads that the island where they and the ducks live is getting too many visitors rendering it too crowded and unsafe. Despite the objections of the ducks, geese are just in the majority and they peck away the footbridge linking them to the mainland. As time goes on, life gets more difficult for the geese and they miss sharing work and play companionably with other animals. And what will happen when the foxes realise that the geese are alone on their island?
Clearly a fable for our times, this is an important picture book which can be shared with children from a wide range who will access its message at their own level of understanding.
Dates for your diary
Lower Primary
October
Wednesday 16th - Prepa McNeil & Prepa Isley Curriculum morning - 7:30-8:30am
Thursday 17th - Prepa Chadwick & Prepa Gordon Curriculum morning - 7:30-8:30am
Friday 18th - Prepa McNeil assembly - 7:30am - PAC
Monday 21st - Send t-shirt for Colour Run activity
Monday 21st - Kinder trip to Tin Marin Museum - 8:00am-12:15m
Monday 21st - 1st grade trip to Playa San Blas to release turtles - 8:00am-2:00pm
Thursday 24th: Pre-Kinder trip to Tin Marin Museum -8:00am-12:00m
Friday 25th - Prepa Isley assembly - 7:30am - PAC
Friday 25th - Students can wear their own Colour Run T-shirt for a donation
Monday 28th to Friday 1st November - Half term holidays
Upper Primary
October
Monday 14th - 3 Way Conferences Start (until Fri 25th)
Wednesday 16th - 5th Hernández Assembly- 8:15am & 10:55am - PAC
Wednesday 16th - Extracurricular Religion Suspended (due to 3 Way Conferences)
Wednesday 23rd - 4th Quijano Assembly- 8:15am & 10:55am - PAC
Wednesday 23rd - Extracurricular Religion Suspended (due to 3 Way Conferences)
Wednesday 23rd - Desintoxícate, lecture given by Omayma Villanueva, 6:00pm - PAC
Thursday 24th - Latin Music Night - 6:30pm - PAC
Friday 25th - Save the Children Colour Run
Friday 25th - Last Day of 3 Way Conferences
Monday 28th - Half Term Break (no school from Mon 28th Oct - Fri 1st)
Mind Your Health. Mental Health Week focuses on wellbeing, support and community.
Make connections and be part of our community by checking in with your mates, sharing a cuppa to talk things over, find out what’s happening in your community or join mindshare and talk to others.
Everyone’s wellbeing is important. You can help look after your mind by getting enough sleep, eating well, exercising and reducing alcohol consumption, learning how to manage stress and keep yourself safe and maintaining healthy relationships.
Seek support when you need it by talking to people you trust.
BOOK OF THE WEEK
The Little Island by Smriti Prasadam-Halls and Robert Starling
Once upon a time all the animals on the farm lived in harmony with only the occasional disagreement. Then the geese take it into their heads that the island where they and the ducks live is getting too many visitors rendering it too crowded and unsafe. Despite the objections of the ducks, geese are just in the majority and they peck away the footbridge linking them to the mainland. As time goes on, life gets more difficult for the geese and they miss sharing work and play companionably with other animals. And what will happen when the foxes realise that the geese are alone on their island?
Clearly a fable for our times, this is an important picture book which can be shared with children from a wide range who will access its message at their own level of understanding.
Dates for your diary
Lower Primary
October
Wednesday 16th - Prepa McNeil & Prepa Isley Curriculum morning - 7:30-8:30am
Thursday 17th - Prepa Chadwick & Prepa Gordon Curriculum morning - 7:30-8:30am
Friday 18th - Prepa McNeil assembly - 7:30am - PAC
Monday 21st - Send t-shirt for Colour Run activity
Monday 21st - Kinder trip to Tin Marin Museum - 8:00am-12:15m
Monday 21st - 1st grade trip to Playa San Blas to release turtles - 8:00am-2:00pm
Thursday 24th: Pre-Kinder trip to Tin Marin Museum -8:00am-12:00m
Friday 25th - Prepa Isley assembly - 7:30am - PAC
Friday 25th - Students can wear their own Colour Run T-shirt for a donation
Monday 28th to Friday 1st November - Half term holidays
Upper Primary
October
Monday 14th - 3 Way Conferences Start (until Fri 25th)
Wednesday 16th - 5th Hernández Assembly- 8:15am & 10:55am - PAC
Wednesday 16th - Extracurricular Religion Suspended (due to 3 Way Conferences)
Wednesday 23rd - 4th Quijano Assembly- 8:15am & 10:55am - PAC
Wednesday 23rd - Extracurricular Religion Suspended (due to 3 Way Conferences)
Wednesday 23rd - Desintoxícate, lecture given by Omayma Villanueva, 6:00pm - PAC
Thursday 24th - Latin Music Night - 6:30pm - PAC
Friday 25th - Save the Children Colour Run
Friday 25th - Last Day of 3 Way Conferences
Monday 28th - Half Term Break (no school from Mon 28th Oct - Fri 1st)
From the Head of Secondary
Dear parents and carers,
We are happy to say that our class of 2020 have taken their PAES examinations and we now look forward to hearing of their success and to be officially Graduates of El Salvador.
This week we have been focusing on Mental Health awareness and our Key Stage assemblies welcomed a guest speaker from the Fundación Continúa who came to encourage our children to be in touch with their emotions and to keep track of the emotions they felt in order to seek help when needed. One particular message I liked was “It is ok not to be ok. It is not ok to not seek help.”
Dear parents and carers,
We are happy to say that our class of 2020 have taken their PAES examinations and we now look forward to hearing of their success and to be officially Graduates of El Salvador.
This week we have been focusing on Mental Health awareness and our Key Stage assemblies welcomed a guest speaker from the Fundación Continúa who came to encourage our children to be in touch with their emotions and to keep track of the emotions they felt in order to seek help when needed. One particular message I liked was “It is ok not to be ok. It is not ok to not seek help.”
Coffee and teenagers
Coffee is addictive and withdrawal symptoms are real.
We are becoming increasingly concerned over our students coming into school carrying large cups of coffee. As we know, coffee has caffeine which is a stimulant. Too much caffeine can lead to insomnia, jitteriness, upset stomach, headaches, difficulty concentrating, and increased heart rate. I take this opportunity to remind parents that we do not allow students to bring in coffee to school and we ask for your help in speaking with your child and ensure they do not bring it into school.
I sign off wishing all our girls a happy “International Day of the Girl.”
Since 2012, 11 October has been marked as the International Day of the Girl. The day aims to highlight and address the needs and challenges girls face, while promoting girls' empowerment and the fulfillment of their human rights.
"We need to uphold the equal rights, voices and influence of girls in our families, communities and nations. Girls can be powerful agents of change, and nothing should keep them from participating fully in all areas of life." — UN Secretary-General António Guterres.
Have a wonderful weekend,
Kind regards,
Natalia Cáceres Escalón
Head of Secondary School
Dates for your Diary
October
Tuesday 15th - Interested Parents for Grade 8 Washington trip information evening - 4pm ABC Lecture Theatre
Wednesday 16th - Grade 11 students visiting HOPAC - from 11:30am to 3pm
Tuesday 22nd - Grade 10 and 12 Parent Teacher Meetings - 4pm, Auditorium
Thursday 24th - Latin Night, all Parents and ABC community are invited - $4 per person or a table of 6 for $20 - 6:30pm, PAC
Friday 25th - Colour Run event
Monday 28th to Friday 1st November - End of First Term holidays
November
Monday 4th - Back to school and Second Term starts
Tuesday 5th - Grade 8 Parent Partnership meeting (with children) - 7am PAC
Wednesday 6th - Grade 7 Parent Partnership meeting (with children) - 7am PAC
Wednesday 13th - Grade 11 Parent Partnership meeting (with children) - 7am PAC
Friday 15th - First TELETON jeans day; Guys Fawkes celebration and Christmas Fair - from 5pm
Monday 18th - Shoe Box campaign starts
Thursday 21st - ABC Musical Production ‘OLIVER’, matinee for students, 1pm PAC
Friday 22nd - Second TELETON jeans day; ABC Musical Production ‘OLIVER’, 6pm PAC
Saturday 23rd - ABC Musical Production ‘OLIVER’, 6pm PAC
Wednesday 27th - Grade 9 Parent Partnership meeting (with children) - 7am PAC
Thursday 28th and Friday 29th - Grade 10 Empowerment and Camping days trip, Helvética Cerro Verde
We are very proud to announce that four ABC athletes will be representing El Salvador at the upcoming Juegos CODICADER in Costa Rica, from October 15th to October 21st. We wish our U12 all the best.
Gymnastics: María Fernanda Garay Aparicio
Swimming: Ariana Michelle Valle Pereira, Ivanka Bukele Sánchez, Sebastián Contreras Melgar
All parents with athletes from 2nd to 12th grade who have kids participating in ABC Sports are expected to attend the Sports Parents’ Night on Tuesday October 15th at 5:00pm at the PAC.
Coffee is addictive and withdrawal symptoms are real.
We are becoming increasingly concerned over our students coming into school carrying large cups of coffee. As we know, coffee has caffeine which is a stimulant. Too much caffeine can lead to insomnia, jitteriness, upset stomach, headaches, difficulty concentrating, and increased heart rate. I take this opportunity to remind parents that we do not allow students to bring in coffee to school and we ask for your help in speaking with your child and ensure they do not bring it into school.
I sign off wishing all our girls a happy “International Day of the Girl.”
Since 2012, 11 October has been marked as the International Day of the Girl. The day aims to highlight and address the needs and challenges girls face, while promoting girls' empowerment and the fulfillment of their human rights.
"We need to uphold the equal rights, voices and influence of girls in our families, communities and nations. Girls can be powerful agents of change, and nothing should keep them from participating fully in all areas of life." — UN Secretary-General António Guterres.
Have a wonderful weekend,
Kind regards,
Natalia Cáceres Escalón
Head of Secondary School
Dates for your Diary
October
Tuesday 15th - Interested Parents for Grade 8 Washington trip information evening - 4pm ABC Lecture Theatre
Wednesday 16th - Grade 11 students visiting HOPAC - from 11:30am to 3pm
Tuesday 22nd - Grade 10 and 12 Parent Teacher Meetings - 4pm, Auditorium
Thursday 24th - Latin Night, all Parents and ABC community are invited - $4 per person or a table of 6 for $20 - 6:30pm, PAC
Friday 25th - Colour Run event
Monday 28th to Friday 1st November - End of First Term holidays
November
Monday 4th - Back to school and Second Term starts
Tuesday 5th - Grade 8 Parent Partnership meeting (with children) - 7am PAC
Wednesday 6th - Grade 7 Parent Partnership meeting (with children) - 7am PAC
Wednesday 13th - Grade 11 Parent Partnership meeting (with children) - 7am PAC
Friday 15th - First TELETON jeans day; Guys Fawkes celebration and Christmas Fair - from 5pm
Monday 18th - Shoe Box campaign starts
Thursday 21st - ABC Musical Production ‘OLIVER’, matinee for students, 1pm PAC
Friday 22nd - Second TELETON jeans day; ABC Musical Production ‘OLIVER’, 6pm PAC
Saturday 23rd - ABC Musical Production ‘OLIVER’, 6pm PAC
Wednesday 27th - Grade 9 Parent Partnership meeting (with children) - 7am PAC
Thursday 28th and Friday 29th - Grade 10 Empowerment and Camping days trip, Helvética Cerro Verde
We are very proud to announce that four ABC athletes will be representing El Salvador at the upcoming Juegos CODICADER in Costa Rica, from October 15th to October 21st. We wish our U12 all the best.
Gymnastics: María Fernanda Garay Aparicio
Swimming: Ariana Michelle Valle Pereira, Ivanka Bukele Sánchez, Sebastián Contreras Melgar
All parents with athletes from 2nd to 12th grade who have kids participating in ABC Sports are expected to attend the Sports Parents’ Night on Tuesday October 15th at 5:00pm at the PAC.
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