18 11 august 2017 head s...

Welcome to the first newsletter of the 2017/18 school year. Our weekly Newsletter is organized and posted electronically each Friday by Mrs. Marian Samarajeewa, the Head’s Executive Secretary. A few hard copies are also available at the reception and in the school offices. The weekly newsletter is intended to be the communication tool for various points of relevant information we feel is helpful for our community. A typical newsletter will begin with the Head’s Corner, which generally tends to be a brief review of a current educational article. My intention is to share current educational thought as a way of establishing a mutual focus on education. I always appreciate the occasional parental feedback on the topic and enjoy the opportunity for an electronic discussion of the article presented. The newsletter offers a wide range of information in its sections from both the Primary and Secondary administration. Our counselling team also generally offers some good information relevant to their work. The Athletics Department will provide information on up-coming events and requests for help in supporting our athletes and the school doctor offers a newsletter article regarding health interest each week. The SCN - School Community Network - will often submit an informational article regarding up-coming events. The canteen will provide the up-coming weekly menu in each edition of the newsletter. Each newsletter closes with a brief public information section that often includes ads for house help or family moving sales. If you have something you would like posted in that area please contact Marian directly to see if we will have the space needed for your notice. In short, all the relevant information we feel it is important for you to know can be found in the weekly newsletter published each Friday. Please take a few minutes each week to read through each newsletter as the main opportunity to stay informed. I hope you are looking forward to a successful new school year, which appears to be off to a very smooth

Head’s corner…..

Issue 1 SY 2017-18 11 August 2017

start. I know I am, and part of that measure of success will be in how well we are able to communicate within our school and our community. Please help make this possible by downloading and reading the weekly newsletter each Friday. In case of an important and/or time relevant event or emergency we will use the school’s email connection as well as our emergency SMS cell phone messaging connection. Please be sure the school office secretary has your current up-to-date email address and cell phone number. Our enrolment is healthy and our new faculty members have settled in comfortably. I hope you will have the opportunity to meet each of them over the course of the next few weeks. Phil Joslin Head of School [email protected]

NEW CANTEEN OPERATION One of the exciting new initiatives we have completed at OSC over the vacation has been the full refurbishment of the canteen kitchen and work area. It is clearly a new and well-organized improvement for our lunch program. In addition to the new physical space we also have contracted with a new lunch service provider. It is our hope that we will now see some improved responses from the students. The new canteen provider “Eat Right”, a company which specializes in providing healthy balanced meals, will be organizing the payment plan with a pay in advance system that uses the student identity card for the record keeping of the daily charges. Brad Fisher, our Technology Director will be issuing a clear set of instructions regarding the ID card based billing process. I expect that to come from his office shortly. However, in the meantime you could also talk to the Directress of the company (Eat Right) Ms. Minoli Pieris ([email protected] or [email protected]) to set up an advanced payment for your child. For the older students you may send some cash with them and ask them to meet with Ms Minoli at the canteen to set up their account. Minoli will be present along with the Chef during the initial period such that you can talk to them if you have any queries. They have their own system of catering for pre-ordered meals if parents require as such and payment could be in cash form or deposit basis which will have to be paid directly at the canteen.

COFFEE SHOP Dear Coffee lovers, I am certain you have noticed that the coffee shop located outside the main office has been temporarily closed pending the appointment of a new supplier. Unfortunately, The English Cake Company that formerly provided the coffee and baked goods for the outlet determined that the amount of business generated at the school site was not sufficiently robust to be able to continue supporting this outlet. The withdrawal notice came late in the summer and we immediately began to solicit bids to take over management of the location. Progress on selecting the replacement service is on-going. We anticipate being able to re-open shortly.

mailto:[email protected]


Dengue prevention at OSC Last June as we were closing school we noted that there were a number of our families who had, unfortunately, contracted Dengue fever. At the time, I received a few requests for information on the mosquito control processes the school employs. I thought perhaps it would be of interest to share our routine eradication practices as this new year opens. We work closely in conjunction with the local authorities to ensure we are doing as much as possible to avoid breeding here at campus and we host regular inspections as requested. As you may know, Dengue is a mosquito transmitted virus that tends to be most active at dawn and dusk. Prime breeding areas are collections of still water such as you may find in overlooked rain filled containers. Fish ponds can also serve as good breeding areas unless they are either chemically treated or filled with the smaller fish who enjoy eating the larvae. We take both approaches with our two fish pond areas at school. We also employ regular physical checks to ensure we do not have untreated standing water anywhere on campus. In addition to the care we take with the potential breeding sources we also directly attack the mosquitoes themselves under the following schedule: Every week – Chemical Misting and Fogging – (Every Monday) Every Fortnight – Chemical spraying for Mosquitoes (On Friday) Monthly – Rats, Ants, Cockroaches and Mosquito treatment (First Saturday of the month) In addition, on a daily basis we do a mosquito breeding inspection and clean up. When it seemed to be particularly aggressive last June we decided to take the extra step of installing the small plug-in mosquito repellent devices in the classrooms as needed. One additional step we will be taking following the recommendation of one of our parents, will be to organize a school wide information initiative with posters and notices for the students. Please read the following Fact sheet from the Epidemiological department. If you have any concerns in this regard, or would like further information on this topic, please do contact me directly.

Secondary School Principal

I’m delighted to welcome everyone back to school after what I hope has been a restful summer. Students seem to have settled in well this week and we are all looking forward to the year ahead. I should like to take this opportunity to formally welcome our new members of staff to the OSC Secondary faculty: Ms. Fleming (High School Counselor), Ms. Veillon (MYP and DP French) and Ms. Krajczar (MYP and DP Visual Art) Our DP2 students returned on Wednesday, ready for their final year in school along with a final draft of their extended essay. This is a 4000-word academic paper which they have been working on since before the summer break and is a major submission as part of their final IBDP programme and grades. I should like to congratulate them all for meeting their deadlines and getting the year off to a great start. The coming months will fly by for our oldest students and it won’t be long before we are wishing them well at graduation. I look forward to every step along the way in supporting their success both academically and beyond.

Yesterday, these DP2 students headed off to the local wetlands area to begin their Group 4 project for science. This too is a compulsory experience for eligibility to receive the IB Diploma and here at OSC it is a superb opportunity to get out into the local environment and put learning in context.

Over the next few days there are a number of dates to note on the Secondary Calendar. On Monday 14th August, Ms. Hicks will provide an introduction for parents new to OSC and the MYP programme at 2:40 in the SMPR. On Wednesday, she will be meeting with Grade 10 parents to provide a Workshop on the Personal Project, this is the culminating project of the MYP and provides an opportunity for students to explore a particular project in depth over a period of months before presenting their findings and product to the community. Also on Wednesday, Ms. Fleming will be providing a Workshop for DP2 parents and students in which they will be diving into the college admissions process and developing their plans for the year.

MYP Service Learning Presentations and Sign-Ups Please be aware that all MYP students are required to participate in a Service Project for at least one semester each year. Whether they plan to take part in Semester 1 or 2, they should stay after school on Tuesday, 22 August, from 2.45 to 3.30, to find out about the Service Projects available to them this year. Sign-up will take place at the end of this session, and buses have been scheduled to accommodate this event.

After School Activities This year we have a wide range of after school activities planned. In addition to SAISA Volleyball and Swimming, the Senior Production, Blood Brothers, and our service groups, we have opportunities for students to participate in a myriad of creative, athletic, and academic pursuits---everything from cross-stitch to wall climbing to Sinhala. On Wednesday the 16th, there will be a presentation for the secondary students outlining the options available and the sign-up process. After the assembly, students will have access to an online sign-up document, which they must complete by Tuesday the 22nd. We encourage parents to work with their children on their scheduling to ensure that the students maintain an appropriate balance of activities. ASAs will begin on Monday the 28th.

Claire McQuillan Secondary Principal [email protected]

Upcoming dates 23rd August MYP ceremony for DP1 students 12:40-1:30 Auditorium

24th August Meet the Teachers 3:30 – 6:30 pm


Primary School Principal

Welcome back from the holidays, and a warm welcome to our new families joining the Overseas School of Colombo. I’m not sure who was more excited to return back to school, the students or the parents. My highlight on the first day was seeing the crowds of parents gathered on all floors, chatting, laughing, hugging, smiling and all with genuine excitement. I boast to our new families that OSC is a special place, whereby everyone is welcomed and included in our community. Witnessing this fantastic communal gathering is great testament of what I have been preaching. Congratulations to our students, they made it through our first week of school! There were a few tears to start the week, but as the week rolled along… the tears turned into smiles. Children settle into their classes and develop initial friendships within the first few weeks of school, however, this is not the same for all children. If your child is still feeling anxious about the new school year, reassure those fears with positive conversations and communicate this with your child’s classroom teacher. Students at OSC are uniquely compassionate with new students and take them “under their wing” during the initial days of school. New Faces in Primary We would like to welcome a few new faces to OSC, specifically the ones in Primary School: Brian Milburn: Grade 5 - An American national, recently taught Grade 4 at Lincoln School, Kathmandu, Nepal. Brian holds a Master’s Degree in education and has worked in 3 international schools during the past 14 years. Naomi Williams: Performing Arts - An Australian national, recently the Head of Department and teaching Primary Performing Arts at the Pacific Pines State Primary School in Queensland, Australia. Naomi holds a Bachelor of Education as a Primary Music Specialist. Melissa Harford: Kindergarten - An Australian national, recently residing in Sri Lanka completing a Master’s of Educational Studies program, with a focus on leadership, through the University of Queensland. Melissa’s teaching experience has been in Australia, across a range of Primary grades. Communication At the onset of the year, it is important to establish an open line of communication with your child’s teacher. Parents know their child best – how they are adjusting, settling into class, and if they are building friendships. Your child’s social and emotional health is extremely important and vital for ensuring success. If you feel your child is displaying anxiety or emotional distress for any reason, please communicate this with your child’s teacher. It is much easier to find solutions at the start of a problem than to wait for the problem to fix itself. Remember, success in your child’s education is a partnership between the school and the home. Meet the Teachers On Wednesday, August 23rd the Primary School is having our Meet the Teachers afternoon from 3:00 – 5:30pm. You are encouraged to attend this event; which is an opportunity to gain more insight into a typical school day for your child. You will also receive an overview of the key curriculum areas and learn about the expectations of your child. Additional information about the event will be sent out next week. Parent Workshop On Tuesday, August 29th the Primary School will be offering a parent workshop – Introduction to the Primary Years Program – that will be held at 7:45am in the PMPR (above the canteen). This is a great opportunity to find out about the philosophy behind the PYP program. If you are new to the school or just want to find out more information about the PYP, come along and join us for an interactive session of fun!

After School Activities You should have all received an email with information about the After School Activity program. We believe that a breadth of activities from various disciplines will build our students knowledge and experience, and in turn develop more well-rounded children. Please encourage your child to sign up for activities and guide them through the on-line selection process. It is important children are choosing activities of personal interest. Our activities program will commence on Monday, August 28th. Important Notices:

August 23rd - Meet the Teachers afternoon – 3:00pm; PMPR

August 28th - Block 1 - After School Activities begin

August 29th - PYP Workshop - Introduction to the PYP – 7:45 PMPR

September 9th - SCN Welcome Back BBQ - 3:00-6:00pm; On the field Let the year begin! Regards, Jason Grandbois Primary School Principal

Welcome back! I hope that you all had an enjoyable holiday. We are looking forward to preparing for season one sports. Coaches are keen to look at your talent and would like to begin season one preparation next week. Sessions will be as follows. SAISA Swimming (Grades 6-12)

Tuesday 15th Friday 18th 3.00 – 4.30pm

Saturday 19th 8.00 – 10.00am Please note this is a competitive swim group. Swimmers should be able to swim 3 strokes over 50m without stopping. Grade 5 students will be invited to join. If you are unsure of your suitability for this group, please talk to Ms. Biegert. SAISA Girls’ & Boys’ Volleyball (Grades 9-12)

Tuesday 15th & Friday 18th 3.00 – 4.30pm

Saturday 19th 8.30-10.30am Parents I would like to invite you to attend an information session regarding the SAISA and TISSL competitive sports here at OSC. When? Monday 14th August Where? PMPR (directly above the canteen) What time? 2.45pm Hope to see you all there. New PE Kit We have finally moved into the 21st century with our PE kit. The kit still comes in the 4 house colours, but has a new quick dry fabric and some more modern looking graphics printed on it. It is available at the school shop. Shirts cost 1000 LKR Shorts cost 550 LKR Steve Turner Athletics Director & Head of Physical & Health Education

VEHICLE ENTRY STICKER

Please collect your vehicle entry sticker for SY 2017-18 from the school guard room and provide the following information at the time of collection of this sticker:

Vehicle number

Name of Student/Grade

Name of Parent

Driver’s name

Please also note that no vehicle will be allowed entry into the school without an entry sticker after 1st September 2017. This sticker is only for entry into the school to pick up/drop off students and NOT FOR PARKING WITHIN THE PREMISES.

SUGGESTED ALTERNATIVE ROUTES FROM OSC

TO BE USED DURING PARLIAMENT DAYS OR DURING

ANY OTHER TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURES

ROUTE NO. 1: OSC PANNIPITIYA ROAD

THALAWATHUGODA JUNCTION MADIWELA PITAKOTTE

PAGODA ROAD NUGEGODA NARAHENPITA ROAD

ELVITIGALA MAWATHA CASTLE STREET/BORELLA JUNCTION

HORTON PLACE KOLLUPITIYA BAMBALAPITIYA, ETC.

ROUTE NO. 2: OSC PANNIPITIYA ROAD

THALAWATHUGODA JUNCTION MADIWELA PITAKOTTE

PAGODA ROAD NUGEGODA HIGH LEVEL ROAD

HAVELOCK ROAD BAMBALAPITIYA KOLLUPITIYA, ETC.

ROUTE NO. 3: OSC PANNIPITIYA ROAD KOSWATTE

JUNCTION PASSING TALANGAMA POLICE STATION ANGODA

IDH ROAD DEMATAGODA DANISTER DE SILVA MAWATHA

CASTLE STREET/BORELLA JUNCTION HORTON PLACE

BAMBALAPITIYA KOLLUPITIYA, ETC.

14 August Introduction to the MYP for New Parents 2.40 p.m.

SMPR

14-18 August Group 4 Science Project for DP2 students S17

14-18 August HS Musical “Blood Brothers” Auditions Music Room

16 August DP2 University Admissions Workshop for Students and Parents

12 noon

16 August Personal Project Workshop for Grade 10 Parents 12.40 p.m.

19 August Board Training

23 August MYP Ceremony for DP1 Students 12.40 p.m.

Auditorium

23 August “Meet the Teachers” Primary 3.00 p.m. PMPR

24 August “Meet the Teachers” Secondary 3.00 p.m.

SCN NEWS

The SCN would like to say WELCOME BACK to the parents and students who are returning after their vacation and also a huge WELCOME to all those new

parents and students who are joining OSC and Sri Lanka for the first time. We hope you all have a great term and join us for our many things we have planned

this year.

Please note that information about SCN events will be advertised here in the newsletter and also on our Facebook page:

OSC SCHOOL COMMUNITY NETWORK

DATES FOR THE DIARY

NEWCOMERS COFFEE MORNING AND CITY TOUR - THURSDAY 31ST AUGUST

WELCOME BACK PICNIC - SATURDAY 9TH SEPTEMBER

More information to follow

THE FUTURE SCN

YOU ARE ALL WELCOME TO JOIN

The SCN is an OSC based volunteer organization made up of school parents with the mission of contributing to the students’ and their families’ school

experience through diverse ‘Building Community’ actions. There are a number of positions available within the SCN and we are really looking for more help.

Please contact: [email protected]

We look forward to seeing you.

School Community Network


OSC NEW SLETTER

Page 12

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY

Breakfast Watermelon Juice Papaya Juice Mixed fruit Juice Lime Juice Orange Juice

King Coconut King Coconut King Coconut King Coconut King Coconut

Fresh cut fruits in take away cups





Fruit Parfait Fruit Parfait Fruit Parfait Fruit Parfait Fruit Parfait

Make your own sandwich Brown bread, white bread, Tortilla wrap, Grated cheese , sliced cheese Tomatoes, Onion, Cucumber Paste Grilled Chicken, Ham, Egg

Make your own sandwich Brown bread, white bread, Tortilla wrap Grated cheese , sliced cheese Tomatoes, Onion , Cucumber Paste Grilled Chicken, Ham, Egg




Bread Corner White and brown bread Croissant Jam, Butter, Marmalade





Egg - Boiled Egg - Bull's eye Egg - Omelet Egg - Scrambled Egg - Poached

Coconut Rotti Parata Dossai String hoppers Godamba Rotti

Roast pan Roast pan Roast pan Roast pan Roast pan

Red rice Red rice Red rice Red rice Red rice

Chicken curry Chicken curry Chicken curry Chicken curry Chicken curry

Fish curry Fish curry Fish curry Fish curry Fish curry

Lunu miris Lunu miris Lunu miris Lunu miris Lunu miris

Pol sambol Pol sambol Pol sambol Pol sambol Pol sambol

Dhal Potato Curry Dhal Potato Curry Dhal

OSC NEW SLETTER

Page 13

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY

Lunch Mixed fruit Juice Watermelon Juice Lime Juice Papaya Juice Watermelon Juice

King Coconut King Coconut King Coconut King Coconut King Coconut

Make your own salad Lettuce, Eggs, Cucumber, Tomato, Chicken, Onions & dressings


Make your own salad Lettuce, Eggs, Cucumber, Tomato’s, Chicken, Onions & dressings



Make your own sandwich Brown bread, white bread, Tortilla wrap, Grated cheese , sliced cheese Tomatoes, Onion , Cucumber Paste Grilled Chicken, Ham, Egg





Lunch - Western

Sweet Corn and celery rice

Tomato flavored Mexican rice

Classic pilaf rice Spicy Mongolian Vegetable rice

Briyani basmati rice

Roast Chicken Chicken Hot Pot Lemon chicken Roast Chicken Masala Chicken

Steamed fish and Pak choy with soya ginger sauce

Mexican style Fish Stew Fish Fish curry Baked fish lemon sauce

Baked mash potato Creamy potato au gratin

Roasted Potato wedges with garlic

Oven roasted potato Tempered potato

Buttered steamed vegetables

Honey and butter roasted carrots

Char grilled vegetable with olive oil

Stir fried vegetables Mixed vegetable curry

Penne Pasta Vegetable lasagna Buttered spaghetti Penne Pasta Buttered Spaghetti

Tomato basil sauce Tomato sauce White sauce Minced Chicken with Pasta sauce

Pasta Carbonara

Lunch - Asian

Steamed red rice Steamed red rice Steamed red rice Steamed red rice Steamed red rice

Fish mustard stew Fish Tikka masala Spicy Sri Lankan Chicken baduma

Jaffna fish curry Butter masala chicken

Green beans tempered

Cabbage tempered Leeks tempered Brinjal curry Mixed vegetable curry

Dhal curry Potato curry Dhal& Spinach curry Potato Dhal curry

Pol sambol Pol sambol Pol sambol Pol sambol Pol sambol

Gotukola mallum Mukunuwana mallum Polos mallum Kos mallum mallum

Chutney pickle Chutney pickle Chutney pickle Chutney pickle Chutney pickle

Papadam Papadam Papadam Papadam Papadam

The Overseas School of Colombo Pelawatte, P.O. Box 9 Battaramulla, Sri Lanka Tel: (94-11) 2784920-2 Fax: (94-11) 2784999 Email: [email protected] Web: www.osc.lk

18 11 august 2017 head s...

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