Integrity
As you will come to know (and I feel like I should apologise in advance at this point!), I have a penchant for a little etymology from time to time, so here goes (and bear with me!)…..
INTEGRITY: c. 1400, "innocence, blamelessness; chastity, purity," from Old French integrité or directly from Latin integritatem (nominative integritas) "soundness, wholeness, completeness," figuratively "purity, correctness, blamelessness," from integer "whole". (Online Etymology Dictionary)
The concept of moral rectitude and honesty in the word “integrity” I think we are all familiar with. However, this idea of ‘wholeness” or ‘completeness’ is interesting isn’t it? Mathematicians are more familiar with it, I suppose, as “integer” is the term we still use for a whole number.
This talk of wholeness and purity reminds me of the background of another Latinate word with similar implications that we all use quite often (usually as an adverb in our communications) which is the word “sincere” (as in, “yours sincerely”). Legend suggests (incorrectly, as it transpires, but let not that get in the way of a good anecdote!) that “sincere” derives from the Latin phrase sine cera meaning “without wax”. Back in classical times it seems dishonest sculptors would use wax to disguise flaws in their work and so a statue that was without flaws was whole and perfect. The less poetic, but more likely, explanation is that the word derives from the Latin word sincerus (clean, pure, sound) made up of the prefix sin- (one) and the word root crescere (to grow) and so meaning literally “single growth” (perhaps agriculturally pure-bred or pedigree). So, whatever origins one credits, there is still this strong sense of unity, oneness, purity and intactness (a word, incidentally, from the same origins as integrity).
“Integrity” is also, of course, the word root of the term “integration”. In education, as in many other fields and contexts, we take integration to mean bringing someone or something in from the outside and aligning her, or it, perfectly with the direction, purpose, values and ethos of the whole, creating a larger but still homogeneous and discrete entity. In other words, integration is about inclusivity and sharing a unity of purpose. Its opposite is “disintegration”, which is defined as “the process of falling to pieces or losing coherence and strength” (Oxford Dictionaries).
The observant amongst you will have noticed that rather than using the term “school”, I tend to refer to us as a “learning community’’ (notice the word root, “-unity” here) and myself, my senior colleagues and the Board have been working hard lately to define a clearer sense of a shared purpose and values for our learning community going forward. And we must continue to draw upon and enhance this community spirit for, in doing so, by acting with integrity, we teach our young people powerful lessons. We teach them to be inclusive: to integrate others in our community. We teach them that a group with shared values and purpose is an almost irresistible force for good. We teach them perhaps the single most important lesson of all in securing their future happiness- that by speaking honestly, and acting with integrity, they will always be able to look into themselves and like what they see.
From the Head of Primary
Tonight we celebrate Guy Fawkes. I’m sure it will be fun and exciting. It is very important that parents ensure their children are safe from potential danger. They should stay close to you and use fireworks sensibly. I’m sure if everyone is sensible then all should have a fun time.
An exciting aspect of school life is classes going out on trips. It gives teachers and students opportunities to learn outside of the classroom. We do have very important policies and processes to go through before a trip can happen. Grade Leaders and teachers complete a Risk Assessment form that gives all the details of the trip and possible risks when at the site they are visiting. Teachers will also visit the site before the trip to ensure everything is ready and any risks identified. The Risk Assessment form is seen by the Deputy Head of that section and given to me for approval. The school uses a security consultant to advise us of any risks going to the site, the site itself and returning to school. If we are advised of any security risks then the trip will not be approved. Thankfully this is rare!
For your child, arriving late to school occasionally will not cause major disruption. Inevitably, children will feel sick or tired some mornings, or other situations will prevent them from being on time. However, chronic lateness eventually takes its toll on a child's overall educational experience. Missing just 10 percent of the school year in the early grades causes many pupils to struggle in primary school. If your child arrives in the classroom after the starting time, they will be registered as late. Below are the starting times:
2nd - 5th Grade- 7.10am
Prepa and First Grade- 7.15am
Pre-Kinder and Kinder- 7.30am
Attendance Concerns
There is concern regarding unauthorised absences from the ABC. It seems most of these are for family travel. At ABC we have the highest appreciation for your child/children. We know that every lesson received counts towards their achievement. We also know that you as parents want your children to be successful in life. Children have only one chance at school and these opportunities for a successful future can be affected by not arriving on time every day to class or through unauthorised absences. When children do not attend or are late, they:
- Struggle to keep up with school work
- Miss out on the social side of school life – especially at primary school.
2nd - 5th Grade- 7.10am
Prepa and First Grade- 7.15am
Pre-Kinder and Kinder- 7.30am
Attendance Concerns
There is concern regarding unauthorised absences from the ABC. It seems most of these are for family travel. At ABC we have the highest appreciation for your child/children. We know that every lesson received counts towards their achievement. We also know that you as parents want your children to be successful in life. Children have only one chance at school and these opportunities for a successful future can be affected by not arriving on time every day to class or through unauthorised absences. When children do not attend or are late, they:
- Struggle to keep up with school work
- Miss out on the social side of school life – especially at primary school.
- Poor attendance can affect children’s ability to make and keep friendships, a vital part of growing up.
There is a clear link between poor attendance at school and lower academic achievement. In primary schools, less than 65% of children get good results in Maths and English in schools when they have an average of 15 days absence, compared to around 90% in schools where the average is less than 8 days.
There is a clear link between poor attendance at school and lower academic achievement. In primary schools, less than 65% of children get good results in Maths and English in schools when they have an average of 15 days absence, compared to around 90% in schools where the average is less than 8 days.
What can you do to help?
- Make sure your child arrives at school on time every day.
- Absences are only through illness or leave has been approved by the school
- Take an interest in what is happening for your child in school.
- Ask them about their day and praise and encourage their achievements
at school.
Recycling News
As you know we are still collecting empty bottles and cans. On November 2nd all the recycling bags were taken to the recycling centre. We got a total of 83 pounds of recycled rubbish!! That meant we raised $8.83!!
Old newspapers were sold to a lady that makes piñatas in the Antiguo Cuscatlán Market. That raised $5.00, which was kindly donated to the Scholarships Fund.
Book of the Week
Rise Up! The Art of Protest by Jo Rippon
This book utilises artwork, particularly posters, that have been created to draw attention to a variety of protest movements. As artist and political cartoonist Chris Riddell says in his foreword ‘the beauty of the art of protest, as this book shows, isn’t just about the lettering or images used, although these are often very beautiful, but about the power of the message.’ Produced in collaboration with Amnesty International, this is a book to provoke questioning and discussion as well as consideration of how people can express themselves through art.
Lower Primary
November
Monday 18th: Christmas Shoebox collection starts
Friday 22nd: Teletón jeans day
Monday 25th: First Padilla trip to Benihana Restaurant at Centro Comercial El Paseo, Col. Escalón - 8:30-11:30am
Tuesday 26th: First Ware trip to Benihana Restaurant at Centro Comercial El Paseo, Col. Escalón - 8:30-11:30am
Wednesday 27th: First Avilés trip to Benihana Restaurant at Centro Comercial El Paseo, Col. Escalón - 8:30-11:30am
Thursday 28th: First Carbajal trip to Benihana Restaurant at Centro Comercial El Paseo, Col. Escalón - 8:30-11:30am
Friday 29th: Kinder Bonet assembly - 7:40am - PAC
Saturday 30th: Come and Play: Open Morning for Prospective PK and K parents
Upper Primary
November
Friday 22nd - Teletón Jeans Day
Wednesday 27th - 2nd Mena Assembly- 8:15am & 12:20pm - PAC
Monday 25th - Extracurricular Enrollment for Session 3 (starting on Monday 6th January)
Wednesday 27th - 2nd Mena Assembly- 8:15am & 12:20am - PAC
Thursday 28th - Grade 4 Field Trip to Club Salvadoreño Corinto, Lago de Ilopango (Returning Friday 29th)
December
Thursday 5th - UP Christmas Show - 6:30pm - 8:00pm - Auditorium
Friday 6th - Session 2 Extracurricular Programme Ends
Wednesday 11th - Santa’s Festival - 2:30pm-7:00pm - LP Playground
Friday 13th - End of Term Break
- Make sure your child arrives at school on time every day.
- Absences are only through illness or leave has been approved by the school
- Take an interest in what is happening for your child in school.
- Ask them about their day and praise and encourage their achievements
at school.
Recycling News
As you know we are still collecting empty bottles and cans. On November 2nd all the recycling bags were taken to the recycling centre. We got a total of 83 pounds of recycled rubbish!! That meant we raised $8.83!!
Old newspapers were sold to a lady that makes piñatas in the Antiguo Cuscatlán Market. That raised $5.00, which was kindly donated to the Scholarships Fund.
Book of the Week
Rise Up! The Art of Protest by Jo Rippon
This book utilises artwork, particularly posters, that have been created to draw attention to a variety of protest movements. As artist and political cartoonist Chris Riddell says in his foreword ‘the beauty of the art of protest, as this book shows, isn’t just about the lettering or images used, although these are often very beautiful, but about the power of the message.’ Produced in collaboration with Amnesty International, this is a book to provoke questioning and discussion as well as consideration of how people can express themselves through art.
Lower Primary
November
Monday 18th: Christmas Shoebox collection starts
Friday 22nd: Teletón jeans day
Monday 25th: First Padilla trip to Benihana Restaurant at Centro Comercial El Paseo, Col. Escalón - 8:30-11:30am
Tuesday 26th: First Ware trip to Benihana Restaurant at Centro Comercial El Paseo, Col. Escalón - 8:30-11:30am
Wednesday 27th: First Avilés trip to Benihana Restaurant at Centro Comercial El Paseo, Col. Escalón - 8:30-11:30am
Thursday 28th: First Carbajal trip to Benihana Restaurant at Centro Comercial El Paseo, Col. Escalón - 8:30-11:30am
Friday 29th: Kinder Bonet assembly - 7:40am - PAC
Saturday 30th: Come and Play: Open Morning for Prospective PK and K parents
Upper Primary
November
Friday 22nd - Teletón Jeans Day
Wednesday 27th - 2nd Mena Assembly- 8:15am & 12:20pm - PAC
Monday 25th - Extracurricular Enrollment for Session 3 (starting on Monday 6th January)
Wednesday 27th - 2nd Mena Assembly- 8:15am & 12:20am - PAC
Thursday 28th - Grade 4 Field Trip to Club Salvadoreño Corinto, Lago de Ilopango (Returning Friday 29th)
December
Thursday 5th - UP Christmas Show - 6:30pm - 8:00pm - Auditorium
Friday 6th - Session 2 Extracurricular Programme Ends
Wednesday 11th - Santa’s Festival - 2:30pm-7:00pm - LP Playground
Friday 13th - End of Term Break
From the Head of Secondary
Dear parents and carers,
Thank you very much to the parents of the class of 2021 who participated in our G11 Parent Partnership on Wednesday. It is always great to see this support and the discussions taking place between children and parents are always enriching. Thank you to Mr. Hogan for organising this important topic for our IB learners.
This week Mr. Lang spoke to all our students regarding their CAT4 scores and how they are used to understand their strengths as well as addressing the need to always work to improve our language ability in order to access all curriculum and achieve their potential. He spoke of the importance of reading and we encouraged all students to develop this habit. Please encourage this at home also.
Dear parents and carers,
Thank you very much to the parents of the class of 2021 who participated in our G11 Parent Partnership on Wednesday. It is always great to see this support and the discussions taking place between children and parents are always enriching. Thank you to Mr. Hogan for organising this important topic for our IB learners.
This week Mr. Lang spoke to all our students regarding their CAT4 scores and how they are used to understand their strengths as well as addressing the need to always work to improve our language ability in order to access all curriculum and achieve their potential. He spoke of the importance of reading and we encouraged all students to develop this habit. Please encourage this at home also.
Mr. Lang also presented the Student Council Representatives with their badges as you can see below. Thank you StuCo reps for your service!
PAES- Congratulations Class of 2020
From Mrs. Ana de Cabrera- National Director
Today we received the PAES 2019 scores. I want to congratulate the Class of 2020 for achieving excellent results. Our overall score was of 8.18 and this score positions us at higher level. Effort leads to success, and this time the students have shown that this is not only a saying, but a reality. The dedication and time spent to prepare for this challenge has given good results. Congratulations Class of 2020!
Maker Market 2019
PAES- Congratulations Class of 2020
From Mrs. Ana de Cabrera- National Director
Today we received the PAES 2019 scores. I want to congratulate the Class of 2020 for achieving excellent results. Our overall score was of 8.18 and this score positions us at higher level. Effort leads to success, and this time the students have shown that this is not only a saying, but a reality. The dedication and time spent to prepare for this challenge has given good results. Congratulations Class of 2020!
Maker Market 2019
From Melissa Hernández- LRC
Last week we held our Maker Market and it was a great success!
Last Friday 8th of November, we held the Maker Market 2019 fair, the goal of this fair is to empower our students and make them realise that if they set their mind to something they can make it a reality. Maker Market gives them an opportunity to think globally and act locally, to share their skills with others and make a difference in the lives of other people.
All proceeds from the Maker Market were donated to different charities chosen by each year group.
Maker Market is the first step on the path to STEAM FEST. We want the students to realise that each technology, science, maths, art and engineering projects are valuable for the creativity and innovation of our students. Maker Market allows students to get excited and involved and allows them to support participants in each projects.
ACTUAR ES VIVIR- Donation
from Gabriela López- class of 2022
During the month of October, 20 volunteers from 10th grade dedicated their time working on diverse activities with the purpose of supporting Fundacion Actuar es Vivir which is located in SISA. Fundacion Actuar es Vivir is a non-profit organization working with and for low-income Salvadoran women in the prevention and early detection of breast and cervical cáncer. Their aim is to raise awareness among low-income Salvadoran women about the importance of prevention and early detection of breast and cervical cáncer, encouraging the habit of periodic check-ups. But mainly reduce high mortality rates from breast/cervical cancer in Salvadoran women. An average of 15 women visit the fundacion daily and the cost for their check-ups is $4, which includes: educational talks concerning breast and cervical cancer, mammography (only if they are 40 years of age and older), gynecological consultation that includes breast palpation and cytology, ultrasonography (if necessary), Biopsy (if necessary), treatment of premalignant lesions of the cérvix (if necessary) and any other necessary treatment if needed. After dedicating long hours of their time the 10th graders managed to recollect a grand total of $997, which came from the pink ribbon sale with a cost of 25 cents each and 3 jeans days in which the donation was one dollar per day.
On Tuesday 12th November 2019 the donation was given and as a community, we managed to help over 240 women to be able to take their check-ups and prevent cervix and breast cancer from affecting more Salvadoran women. As our Director, Stephen Lang said at the beginning of the year “giving and serving others ” must be one of our main priorities as an ABC community.
“It has been a pleasure giving of our time to help others, as we need to give as we have been so blessed”- 10th Grade volunteers.
OLIVER
We look forward to next week and our school Musical production of OLIVER! Please do not miss it! We are so proud of the fantastic work our students and staff are doing! It is wonderful to see such a display of talent in our school. !Break a leg!
Finally, due to this week’s tremors, I would like to address the importance of our emergency procedures. All our staff are fully trained and know how to guide students in their care in case of an evacuation. We have a very safe infrastructure. As a school we will communicate with parents as soon as we are able to but please understand that our top priority will be evacuating all our students and staff quickly and safely. Please take a moment at home and address this topic and encourage your children to take any drill we practise seriously so they can be fully prepared in case of an emergency and of course discuss your own emergency procedures at home.
Have a wonderful weekend and I look forward to seeing you at Guy Fawkes tonight!
Kind regards,
Natalia Cáceres Escalón
Head of Secondary School
Dates for your diary
November
Today Friday 15th - Guys Fawkes celebration, Christmas Fair and BINGO- from 5pm
Monday 18th - Shoe Box campaign starts
Thursday 21st - ABC Musical Production ‘OLIVER’, matinee for Primary and KS3 students, 1:00 pm PAC
Friday 22nd - Third and last TELETON jeans day; ABC Musical Production ‘OLIVER’, 7:00 pm PAC
Saturday 23rd - ABC Musical Production ‘OLIVER’, 7:00pm PAC
Wednesday 27th - Grade 9 Parent Partnership meeting (with children) - 7:00 am PAC
Thursday 28th and Friday 29th - Grade 10 Empowerment and Camping days trip, Helvética Cerro Verde
December
Tuesday 3rd - Grade 10 Art Mock start
Wednesday 4th - Grade 9/11 Parent Teacher meetings, 4:30pm Auditorium
Thursday 5th - Grade 6 Empowerment Day
Friday 6th - Grade 12 ToK Essay deadline
Saturday 7th - SAT Test
Tuesday 10th - Grade 8 Learning Review Day, all day in LRC (by appointments) and Grade 12 Art Mock first part
Wednesday 11th - Grade 12 Art Mock second part
Friday 13th - Last Day of Term and Christmas and New Year holidays start
ABC sports opened the doors to parents to share all about our Sports programme last Thursday Nov. 7th. It was exciting to see many parents at the activity that highlighted the importance of sports for our community. The ABC is committed to a high standard of education and considers sports an important tool to support every child to achieve success. Click here to watch a video played on that special night.
We are very proud to share that this week our School received two important awards at the Juegos Estudiantiles 2019 Closing Ceremony:
The School with highest number of Athletes participating at the Juegos Estudiantiles, in La Libertad.
The School that participated with the most sports in la Libertad.
Well done to all Bulldog Athletes!
Last week we held our Maker Market and it was a great success!
Last Friday 8th of November, we held the Maker Market 2019 fair, the goal of this fair is to empower our students and make them realise that if they set their mind to something they can make it a reality. Maker Market gives them an opportunity to think globally and act locally, to share their skills with others and make a difference in the lives of other people.
All proceeds from the Maker Market were donated to different charities chosen by each year group.
Maker Market is the first step on the path to STEAM FEST. We want the students to realise that each technology, science, maths, art and engineering projects are valuable for the creativity and innovation of our students. Maker Market allows students to get excited and involved and allows them to support participants in each projects.
ACTUAR ES VIVIR- Donation
from Gabriela López- class of 2022
During the month of October, 20 volunteers from 10th grade dedicated their time working on diverse activities with the purpose of supporting Fundacion Actuar es Vivir which is located in SISA. Fundacion Actuar es Vivir is a non-profit organization working with and for low-income Salvadoran women in the prevention and early detection of breast and cervical cáncer. Their aim is to raise awareness among low-income Salvadoran women about the importance of prevention and early detection of breast and cervical cáncer, encouraging the habit of periodic check-ups. But mainly reduce high mortality rates from breast/cervical cancer in Salvadoran women. An average of 15 women visit the fundacion daily and the cost for their check-ups is $4, which includes: educational talks concerning breast and cervical cancer, mammography (only if they are 40 years of age and older), gynecological consultation that includes breast palpation and cytology, ultrasonography (if necessary), Biopsy (if necessary), treatment of premalignant lesions of the cérvix (if necessary) and any other necessary treatment if needed. After dedicating long hours of their time the 10th graders managed to recollect a grand total of $997, which came from the pink ribbon sale with a cost of 25 cents each and 3 jeans days in which the donation was one dollar per day.
On Tuesday 12th November 2019 the donation was given and as a community, we managed to help over 240 women to be able to take their check-ups and prevent cervix and breast cancer from affecting more Salvadoran women. As our Director, Stephen Lang said at the beginning of the year “giving and serving others ” must be one of our main priorities as an ABC community.
“It has been a pleasure giving of our time to help others, as we need to give as we have been so blessed”- 10th Grade volunteers.
OLIVER
We look forward to next week and our school Musical production of OLIVER! Please do not miss it! We are so proud of the fantastic work our students and staff are doing! It is wonderful to see such a display of talent in our school. !Break a leg!
Finally, due to this week’s tremors, I would like to address the importance of our emergency procedures. All our staff are fully trained and know how to guide students in their care in case of an evacuation. We have a very safe infrastructure. As a school we will communicate with parents as soon as we are able to but please understand that our top priority will be evacuating all our students and staff quickly and safely. Please take a moment at home and address this topic and encourage your children to take any drill we practise seriously so they can be fully prepared in case of an emergency and of course discuss your own emergency procedures at home.
Have a wonderful weekend and I look forward to seeing you at Guy Fawkes tonight!
Kind regards,
Natalia Cáceres Escalón
Head of Secondary School
Dates for your diary
November
Today Friday 15th - Guys Fawkes celebration, Christmas Fair and BINGO- from 5pm
Monday 18th - Shoe Box campaign starts
Thursday 21st - ABC Musical Production ‘OLIVER’, matinee for Primary and KS3 students, 1:00 pm PAC
Friday 22nd - Third and last TELETON jeans day; ABC Musical Production ‘OLIVER’, 7:00 pm PAC
Saturday 23rd - ABC Musical Production ‘OLIVER’, 7:00pm PAC
Wednesday 27th - Grade 9 Parent Partnership meeting (with children) - 7:00 am PAC
Thursday 28th and Friday 29th - Grade 10 Empowerment and Camping days trip, Helvética Cerro Verde
December
Tuesday 3rd - Grade 10 Art Mock start
Wednesday 4th - Grade 9/11 Parent Teacher meetings, 4:30pm Auditorium
Thursday 5th - Grade 6 Empowerment Day
Friday 6th - Grade 12 ToK Essay deadline
Saturday 7th - SAT Test
Tuesday 10th - Grade 8 Learning Review Day, all day in LRC (by appointments) and Grade 12 Art Mock first part
Wednesday 11th - Grade 12 Art Mock second part
Friday 13th - Last Day of Term and Christmas and New Year holidays start
ABC sports opened the doors to parents to share all about our Sports programme last Thursday Nov. 7th. It was exciting to see many parents at the activity that highlighted the importance of sports for our community. The ABC is committed to a high standard of education and considers sports an important tool to support every child to achieve success. Click here to watch a video played on that special night.
We are very proud to share that this week our School received two important awards at the Juegos Estudiantiles 2019 Closing Ceremony:
The School with highest number of Athletes participating at the Juegos Estudiantiles, in La Libertad.
The School that participated with the most sports in la Libertad.
Well done to all Bulldog Athletes!
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