primary parent handbook 2020/2021

Primary Parent

Handbook 2020/2021

Table of Contents

PRIMAR Y PARENT HANDBOOK 2019/2020 3

The British International School Bratislava is the only school in Bratislava to produce consistently outstanding academic

results and a unique personal enrichment

programme with the Highest Quality Learning delivered

on a Global Campus.

Letter from the Principal

IntroductionNord Anglia Education GroupThe British International School Bratislava

Collaborations

School Rules and Regulations and School Operation Manual

BISB Learner Profile

School Structure

School Calendar

Primary Staff

Primary CurriculumHow We TeachAssessmentReporting and Parent Consultations

Home Learning TasksEducational VisitsResidential Visits

Enrichment Activities and After School ClubsWillows After SchoolProvisionMaples After School ProvisionOaks Enrichment and AfterSchool ClubsPeripatetic Music LessonsTechnology in SchoolPerforming ArtsPhysical EducationGymnasticsSkatingSwimmingWorld LanguagesMother Tongue Languages & Slovak StudiesLibrary

Supporting our LearnersEnglish as an Additional LanguageLearning SupportSchool Counsellor

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PHSE Rewards and SanctionsAssembliesCelebrating SuccessHouse TeamsBehaviour

CommunicationHome - School Communication Formal Discussions with Teachers Firefly

Parent CommunityClassroom Drop-inParent WorkshopsParent ForumsParent Teacher AssociationParent Events

Starting SchoolNew StartersNursery – New StartersBuddy SystemTransition SupportWhat to bring to school

The Primary School DayWet/Cold Weather Policy

AttendanceLateness & Leaving EarlyAuthorised/Unauthorised AbsencesSchool Lunches/SnacksSchool BusPupil Information UpdateSchool Nurse, Medical Care and Emergency ProceduresMedicines at SchoolHealth InsuranceContact Information for Primary School

School Uniform GuidelineSchool Security ArrangementsParent CardsParking and Traffic Flow outside the Oaks (Pekníkova 6)

Primary School Calendar 2020-2021

Academic Staff

Non-Academic Staff


Letter from the Principal

When you join BISB you are welcomed into our warm and friendly community of students, parents and staff of more than 40 nationalities. We want our parents to play an active and supportive role within our school, and together our community can help you make the most of your life in Bratislava.

The purpose of this handbook is to provide a quick point of reference for parents of BIS Bratislava. It also endeavours to set out aspects of the ethos that drives the routines and procedures that go to maintain a purposeful learning community.

One of the great strengths of the British style of international education is that it involves all aspects of students’ moral, physical, emotional, aesthetic, social and academic development focused on each individual’s personal best.

This handbook plays a part in building the community in our school. It is designed to be a point of reference containing information on the routines which guide the daily life of the school and the regular annual events that makes up our DNA.A parent handbook can never be fully comprehensive, nor should it be a static document. If there is anything which you are unsure about, do not hesitate to come and talk to me, another member of the PTA Committee or your child’s Form Tutor or Class Teacher. Equally, if you have any suggestions for improvement in this handbook, I’d be delighted to hear your views.

Here at BISB, this is achieved through superb teaching supported and complemented by the guidance of our Class Teachers, Form Tutors, Primary Phase Leaders, Secondary Care and Guidance Leaders, our Careers and University Guidance Counsellor and our School Counsellor.

Form Tutors in Secondary and Class Teachers in Primary are always the first point of contact for parents and a source of information and advice on school matters. Partnership with parents is central to success in all of our endeavours.

We are proud of our community, united by the common goal of providing education and an upbringing for the students of BISB. A strong community provides the conditions for successful learning everyone. Community means everyone. Our Code of Conduct sets out ways of acting within our community. Shared values, consistently enacted, by everyone.

NORD ANGLIA EDUCATION GROUP

The Nord Anglia Education Group opened The British International School Bratislava in September 1997. Nord Anglia Education is the world’s leading premium school’s organisation, with campuses located across 29 countries in the Americas, Europe, China, Southeast Asia, India and the Middle East. Together, our 66 schools educate more than 66,000 students from kindergarten through to the end of secondary school. We are driven by one unifying philosophy: we are ambitious for our schools, students, teachers, staff and communities, and we inspire every child who attends a Nord Anglia Education school to achieve more than they ever imagined possible.

Our PhilosophyWe are united by our philosophy, to be ambitious for our students, our people and our family of schools. We believe that:

• There is no limit to what every student can achieve

• Creativity and challenge help us get better every day

• Learning should be personalised to each child

• Unique global opportunities enhance every student’s learning experience

We believe that being part of our family gives our schools a special advantage. Working together, we can achieve more than we can individually. Our schools have access to a wide range of resources and support to enhance their success. We also create unique opportunities to benefit our students and people, such as the Global Campus, Nord Anglia University, and our collaborations with The Juilliard School, MIT, UNICEF and King’s College London.

In Nord Anglia we are ambitious for all of its students in all of its schools believing there is no limit to what our students can achieve. So, we encourage them to be ambitious. To reach for their dreams. To step outside their comfort zones and try something new. We ignite their curiosity.

Being ambitious is inspirational. It urges our students to stretch themselves that little bit further. To be relentlessly optimistic. To be the best that they can be. And beyond that to make a difference, to make things better, throughout our world. Ambition can take you anywhere. It’s transformational. It’s what makes the extraordinary possible. But it’s only the spark. It takes passion, determination and

commitment to make it a reality. It takes creativity and innovation. It takes resilience and courage. It takes confidence. All of these are built into the Learner Profile (© IBO 2003).

That’s what our outstanding teachers nurture through personalised learning for each child. We build on each student’s individual strengths and passions. We create challenge in every lesson and every activity so that they continuously grow and learn. We offer unique experiences to open new opportunities. We empower our students to achieve beyond what they may have imagined, academically, socially and personally across our family of schools.

This is the Nord Anglia Approach.

Introduction

Karen Eastwood Principal


School Rules and Regulations and School Operation ManualAll students and parents are obliged to follow all valid and effective School rules and regulations outlined in the Parents Handbook and documented in the School Operational Manual.

THE BRITISH INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL BRATISLAVA

The British International School Bratislava is the only school in Bratislava to produce consistently outstanding academic results and a unique personal enrichment programme with the Highest Quality Learning delivered on a Global Campus.

This school caters for children between 3 and 18 years of age. We have students from over 40 different countries and with many different home languages. As an international school we value individuality and aim to develop, within

These govern the rights and obligations of the Student during his/her participation in the educational process at BISB.

our students, knowledge and understanding of the differences and commonality of the peoples of the world. In school, however, all children are encouraged to speak English, even with their own nationals.

Our curriculum up until Year 9 is based on the English National Curriculum and the International Primary Curriculum (IPC). However, we recognise that children transfer to and from very many different school systems and bring with them a varied educational and cultural background. We therefore adapt the Curriculum to meet the needs of our international student body.

In Years 10 and 11 students study courses from the University of Cambridge in England, known as the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE). The IGCSE courses are two-year programmes requiring a considerable amount of in- depth study in each subject. In May and June of Year 11, usually when they are aged 16, the students sit the Cambridge examinations at the school. The completed examination papers are sent back to Cambridge where they are marked. Results are issued in August with final certificates arriving in October. Those students who achieve the required standard are awarded IGCSE diplomas by Cambridge.

In Years 12 and 13, students embark on the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, a two- year course of study culminating, if successful, in the gaining of the IB Diploma, awarded in July. This qualification is a passport to further and higher education around the world. For instance, the IB Diploma is welcomed by hundreds of universities worldwide, including the Universities of Oxford, Cambridge, New York, Boston, Yale, and Harvard, where students can gain advanced placement on degree courses.

Collaborations THE JUILLIARD SCHOOLIn 2015 Nord Anglia Education and The Juilliard School announced a global collaboration to enhance performing arts education for students age 5-18. The program includes an embedded curriculum along with continued support and engagement with Juilliard alumni and affiliated artists. It also includes professional development for teachers, a summer school and private lessons.

The Music curriculum was rolled out in the British International School Bratislava in September 2016, the Dance curriculum started in September 2018 and the Drama curriculum in September 2019.

In addition to inspiring a love of learning for music, dance and drama, the collaboration with the Juilliard school develops students’ cultural

awareness, international perspective and skills for life such as critical thinking, creativity, complex problem solving, people management and negotiation.

MIT (MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY) In September 2018, BISB started with another exciting collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology on STEAM subjects for students age 5-18. The collaboration is developing a new approach to implement science, technology, engineering, visual arts and mathematics at BISB and across the other 66 Nord Anglia schools worldwide.

Subjects traditionally taught in school do not necessarily give the knowledge and skills needed in an ever-changing world and the greatest discoveries in our century exist at the cross-section of subjects.

Core to the collaboration is the reflection of MIT's philosophy of 'Mens et Manus', 'mind and hand', which calls for a hands-on approach to problem solving. Students will learn directly from lecturers and students at MIT. STEAM discipline teachers at Nord Anglia will also benefit from unique professional development opportunities through annual workshops and ongoing training with MIT staff, hosted by the MIT Museum.

UNICEFThe United Nations have identified 17 Sustainable Development Goals (Global Goals), to transform our world and create a better future for our planet and everyone living on it. BISB students will work together to raise awareness of and take action on the goals, whilst researching and designing practical solutions to achieve them in our community.


BISB Learner Profile* INQUIRERSWe nurture our curiosity, developing skills for inquiry and research. We know how to learn independently and with others. We learn with enthusiasm and sustain our love of learning throughout life.

KNOWLEDGEABLEWe develop and use conceptual understanding, exploring knowledge across a range of disciplines. We engage with issues and ideas that have local and global significance.

THINKERSWe use critical and creative thinking skills to analyse and take responsible action on complex problems. We exercise initiative in making reasoned, ethical decisions.

COMMUNICATORSWe express ourselves confidently and creatively in more than one language and in many ways. We collaborate effectively, listening carefully to the perspectives of other individuals and groups.

PRINCIPLEDWe act with integrity and honesty, with a strong sense of fairness and justice, and with respect for the dignity and rights of people everywhere. We take responsibility for our actions and their consequences.

OPEN-MINDEDWe critically appreciate our own cultures and personal histories, as well as the values and traditions of others. We seek and evaluate a range of points of view, and we are willing to grow from the experience.

CARINGWe show empathy, compassion and respect. We have a commitment to service, and we act to make a positive difference in the lives of others and in the world around us.

RISK-TAKERSWe approach uncertainty with forethought and determination; we work independently and cooperatively to explore new ideas and innovative strategies. We are resourceful and resilient in the face of challenges and change.

BALANCEDWe understand the importance of balancing different aspects of our lives—intellectual, physical, and emotional—to achieve well-being for ourselves and others. We recognise our interdependence with other people and with the world in which we live.

REFLECTIVEWe thoughtfully consider the world and our own ideas and experience. We work to understand our strengths and weaknesses in order to support our learning and personal development.

* © IBO 2003

Classes in the school are arranged as follows:

*Nursery – a child needs to be 3 years old when entering nursery class

School Structure

Class LocationAge of Student

at 1st September on Entry

Age of Student at 31st August

on Leaving

Student Date of Birth

Nursery WILLOWS Dolinského 1 3 4 1/9/2016 to 31/8/2017

Reception WILLOWS Dolinského 1 4 5 1/9/2015 to 31/8/2016

Year 1 MAPLESPekníkova 4 5 6 1/9/2014 to 31/8/2015

Year 2 MAPLESPekníkova 4 6 7 1/9/2013 to 31/8/2014

Year 3 Main School

OAKSPekníkova 6

7 8 1/9/2012 to 31/8/2013

Year 4Main School

OAKSPekníkova 6

8 9 1/9/2011 to 31/8/2012

Year 5Main School

OAKSPekníkova 6

9 10 1/9/2010 to 31/8/2011

Year 6Main School

OAKSPekníkova 6

10 11 1/9/2009 to 31/8/2010


Primary StaffSchool CalendarThe academic year starts in late August and ends in late June. There are three terms and dates are set in such a way as to accommodate traditional holidays while retaining a good balance of continuous teaching time through the academic year. Term dates are available on the website: https://img.nordanglia-education.com/resources/europe/_filecache/abd/e41/61380-term-dates-2020-2021.pdf

Please abide by the published school calendar, arranging your family holidays to coincide with school holidays. Absence during term time is disruptive to a student’s education. The days immediately before and after timetabled holidays form part of the planned curriculum and attendance is important. If there is a special reason to request absence, you should seek permission from the Head of Primary.

Term 1

Tuesday 25th August New Students Welcome Day

Wednesday 26th August Term Starts 08:05

Tuesday 1st September Public Holiday

Tuesday 15th September Public Holiday

Monday 26th October to Monday 2nd November (6 days) Autumn Half Term HolidayMonday 16th November - Tuesday 17th November

(17th November-Public Holiday) Autumn Holiday

Friday 18th December Term Ends

Term 2

Thursday 7th January Term Starts 08:05

Friday 29th January Winter Holiday

Monday 1st March to Friday 5th March (5 days) Spring Half Term Holiday

Wednesday 31st March Term Ends

Term 3

Monday 12th April Term Starts 08:05

Friday 28h May to Monday 31st May (2 days) Half Term Holiday

Friday 25th June Term Ends

Head of PrimaryMrs Sue Warmington

Deputy HeadMrs Clare Vincent Senior Phase Leader

Ms Ursula Jardine

Nursery/ReceptionMrs Sarah Thorpe

PE

EAL

Year 3 & Year 4Mrs Lianne Berrisford

WORLD LANGUAGES

Year 1 & Year 2Ms Emily Stewart

MUSIC

HLTAs School CounsellorDrama

Year 5 & Year 6 Ms Gabrielle Clover

LEARNING SUPPORT

Mrs Andrea Juríková NMs Lucia Harmathová NMrs Sarah Thorpe RAlana Zimmermann R

Mrs Jana KopáčováMrs Nicola RawstronMrs Anežka HetešováMs Renáta ViskupováMs Zuzana Hollá

Ms Lauren KennyMrs Katarína EuellMr Tomáš PavlíkMr Gareth EvansMr David Mumby

Mr Anthony PrinceMs Mariana Malagaris

Ms Judith Boyd 3AMrs Lianne Berrisford 3B

Mr Simon Thorpe 4AMr Conor O’Brien 4BMs Ursula Jardine 4C

Ms Kelly Martin 3Ms Katarína Lacová 4

Mrs Eliza Jonczyk (Sp)Mr Matúš Sagan (G)Ms Liana Kitz (G)Mr Gwénaël Gobert (Fr)Mrs Stanislava Taranová (Sl)Ms Marina Belejkaničova (Sl)Mrs Dawoon Jung (Ko)

Mr Damien Walker 1AMs Emily Stewart 1B

Ms Clare Vincent 2AMs Samantha Chew 2BMrs Alison Fegyveres 2C

Mrs Iveta Higgins 1AMrs Tamara Trutzová 1BMr David Kelly 2AMs Katarina Kadlecova 2BMrs Rosemary Finley 2C

Mr Nicholas McGauleyMs Catherine McNeillyMrs Anna Mišunová

Ms Maryna GlibkoMs Lenka ErtlováMrs Daniela Kollárová

Ms Natália HanulikováMs Sarah Macdonald

Mr Daren King 5AMr James Williamson 5B

Ms Gabrielle Clover 6AMs Charlotte Nash Wanklin 6BMr Martin Rawstron 6C

Mrs Barbora Kopčoková 5Ms Sandra McKillop 6

Ms Pauline MablyMrs Kristi LúčnaMrs Elena Kelly

https://img.nordangliaeducation.com/resources/europe/_filecache/abd/e41/61380-term-dates-2020-2021.pdf






Primary Curriculum BISB is a safe and happy place to be where relationships between adults and students are positive and respectful.We think this is a necessity in order for excellent learning to take place. We do all we can to ensure our students feel happy to come to school and are successful in their endeavours.

We are conscious that the knowledge our children will need in the future may not yet exist. Our role, therefore, is to facilitate the learning process so that children become lifelong learners who can apply their critical thinking skillsto increasingly diverse and challenging problem-solving situations.

Our Learner Profile identifies the core values we seekto promote. We want our students to be:

KNOWLEDGEABLE

PRINCIPLED

CARING

BALANCED

OPEN-MINDED

REFLECTIVE

THINKERS

COMMUNICATORS

RISK-TAKERS

INQUIRERS

CLASS TEACHERSThe majority of our teachers are trained in the UK and have experience of the British Education System. Many have experience of otherinternational schools. We have a shared vision of what leads to excellent teaching and learning in the class.

TEACHING AND LEARNING ASSISTANTS & HIGHER LEVEL TEACHING ASSISTANTS (TLA & HLTA)Each class from Nursery to Year 2 has a Teaching and Learning Assistant working alongside the teacher to support all aspects of the children’s academic and social development. Years 3 to 6 classes have shared assistants. The Teaching and Learning Assistants are a vital part of the staff team; they support individual and small groups of students within the class, take an active role in assessing and monitoring student progress and help to create an active and visually engaging learning environment.

Our Teaching and Learning Assistants are highly skilled and qualified, with several being qualified teachers. In addition to class based assistants, we have a Teaching and Learning Assistant allocated to support students with specific learning needs and one to support students new to learning English.

We also have 3 Higher Level Teaching Assistants who

• We follow a broad, balanced and relevant primary curriculum which offers coherence and progression from Nursery through to Year 6 and into Secondary School.

• The majority of the curriculum is based on the English National Curriculum but some adaptations have been made to reflect the needs of our international and multi-cultural student body and to capitalise on the unique opportunities provided by being located in Bratislava. We draw on resources from the International Primary Curriculum.

• With the growing importance of STEAM in our school, we are developing a Project Based Learning approach to some aspects of the curriculum. This is an approach that enables students to collaborate, develop project management skills and make ‘adult world’ connections.

• All subjects, with the exception of Foreign Languages, are taught in English.

• Some lessons have fixed timetabled slots, such as those taught by specialist teachers. However, as much as possible, we aim to have a fluid and flexibly working day/week to ensure effective delivery of the curriculum while being responsive to

provide teaching support and cover classes.

SPECIALIST TEACHERSSpecialist teachers of Music, Drama, Dance, Physical Education, German, French, Spanish (Year 6), Slovak & Korean work alongside the class teachers and together they ensure that high expectations are reflected in the quality of the children’s

students andthe immediate environment.

• Where possible, we aim to exploit links across the curriculum enabling students to reinforce language learning, key learning concepts and core skills.

• ICT is taught as a discrete subject but computers and iPads are also used to enhance learning across all aspects of the curriculum.

During 2019-20 we facilitated learning through our Virtual School. Scan the QR codes below for a quick link to find out more about our Curriculum and our Virtual School.

Primary school curriculum guides:

Virtual School Experience:

work. Class Teachers with a specialism may have additional responsibilities to co-ordinate a curriculum subject. They have responsibility for leading curriculum development within their subject and providing support and guidance to colleagues. This allows us to share our staff skills and expertise and enhance the learning experiences for the children.

Who to contact if you have concernsIf you have any issues concerning your child’s schooling or education then it is important that you have easy access to someone who is well placed to deal with the matter. Your first point of contact, in most cases, should be your child’s class teacher, but if that person is unable to deal adequately with your concerns then you should contact the appropriate phase leader:

NURSERY & RECEPTION (WILLOWS) Phase Leader: Sarah Thorpe ([email protected])

YEAR 1 & YEAR 2 (MAPLES) Phase Leader: Emily Stewart ([email protected])

YEAR 3 & YEAR 4 (OAKS) Phase Leader: Lianne Berrisford ([email protected])

YEAR 5 & YEAR 6 (OAKS) Phase Leader: Gabrielle Clover ([email protected])

If you have concerns that cannot be met by the class teacher or a Phase Leader then please make an appointment to see Mrs. Clare Vincent ([email protected]), Deputy Head of Primary or Mrs. Sue Warmington ([email protected]), Head of Primary. Appointments can be made via the School Office or by directly emailing the teachers.


HOW WE TEACH• Throughout the school,

teachers use a wide range of teaching methods and strategies to engage students, make lessons stimulating, and cater to the learning needs and styles of all students. Within a single lesson the teacher will use many different strategies to suit the task, the stage of the lesson and the particular group of students.

• Lessons are planned with a strong emphasis on experiential and investigative learning. We believe that students learn by doing.

• Lesson content and tasks will be differentiated to support students to learn at their own pace.

• Students will be given the opportunity to learn in a range of group situations such as whole class, mixed ability or levelled groups, partner work or as individuals.

• Students will learn to apply a range of key skills through Project Based Learning.

• Positive and constructive feedback is used to encourage and motivate students. We use praise and rewards for effort and achievement, rather than emphasizing negative attitudes and behaviour.

REPORTING AND PARENT CONSULTATIONSWe see parents as partners in their child’s education and, as such, it is important that parents feel well informedabout their child’s progress and achievements. If either parents or teachers have concerns about a child’s learning these must be shared and addressed to ensure that we maximise the learning opportunities for each child.

Opportunities to meet or communicate can be by appointment, by email or informally on the playground. Regular communication and discussion with the class teacher will ensure that parents have a clear idea of how their child is progressing in school.

• Students are encouraged to take an active role in their own learning by setting personal targets and evaluating their own progress.

• Students will learn to use technology to support and enhance their learning.

ASSESSMENTThroughout the school year teachers are involved in many kinds of assessment to help monitor student attainment and progress and to help us to plan effective lessons to meet the needs of the children in our classes.

• Formative Assessment (Assessment for Learning) happens during the learning process and actively involves the students. This helps teachers not only to assess what students know but also focuses on what students understand, are thinking and what learning processes they have gone through. Assessment for learning focuses on the gap between where a student is in their learning, and where they need to be – the desired goal. This can be achieved through teacher questioning, observation and detailed feedback, peer and self-assessment against explicit goals and criteria.

• Summative Assessment (Assessment of Learning) in the form of end-of-unit, term, or year tests. The purpose of these is to

• Within the first two weeks of the school year there is a ‘Meet the Teacher’ session where you can find out about the curriculum, routines, homework etc.

• 4 times per year, in October, December/January, April and June, parents and students will be invited to individual Pupil Progress Meetings to discuss all aspects of their child’s academic and social progress. You will also agree and review student targets.

• In December and June, parents will be given a report detailing the attainment and progress made throughout the term/ year and the focused targets for the next learning phase.

• Students who are Slovak citizens, studying Slovak, also receive a Slovak report.

measure student progress and knowledge against specific objectives set for the class and identify gaps in learning to inform future work. The types of tests given could be times-tables or spelling tests; reading; maths; or a science review at the end of a topic unit. These may be devised by the class teacher or be officially published test papers. This helps teachers plan interventions when necessary and measure pupil progress to ensure that all students are moving forward with their learning.

• Annual Online Adaptive tests During the year, students in years 3-6 are given some short on-line adaptive tests in reading, mathematics and developed ability. These tests give us an age standardized assessment of a child’s ability and will give us diagnostic information about their strengths and areas for development when compared to other children of their age. This enables our school to track progress and benchmark our students’ performance against a UK /International Standard.

• 2 Simple Profile (for children in Nursery and Reception) The progress of children in Nursery and Reception is tracked using an on-line tool which captures significant learning achievements in photographic form.

• Parents are invited to arrange a meeting with the class teacher if at any time they need additional information or have concerns about their child’s learning.

• Information about assessment and attainment banding will be given to parents in the form of written information and parent workshops throughout the year.

• Parents are encouraged to email the teacher if they have any concerns or questions.

• Please see the back of this handbook for key dates that parents of Primary School students should be aware of.


Children are expected to read at home every day and may also be set some maths, spelling and phonics home learning tasks as deemed appropriate by their class teacher. Specialist teachers may set homework to consolidate class learning .

Educational VisitsThroughout the course of a school year, students will have the opportunity to take part in several educational field trips to support and enhance aspects of the curriculum. In addition to educational trips designed to supporting class subjects, in October students also take part in a ‘Discovery Day’ designed to develop team spirit and enabling the students to get to know each other outside the classroom.

Willows After School ProvisionFor Nursery and Reception the school day ends at 14.45. We offer after school provision for all ages but recommend that younger children do not stay late every day. The school day can be tiring and lots of extra sessions after school may impact on their progress and wellbeing.

Nursery and Reception children can stay in our Rockets Club where they can play with friends in a supervised environment. Rockets at Willows runs until 16:45 (Monday to Thursday) and 15:45 on Friday. PLACES MUST BE BOOKED THROUGH OUR ONLINE SYSTEM CHQ. Reception children are offered some free enrichment activities from 14.45 - 15.45 and Nursery children also have this option from Term 2.

All Clubs in Nursery and Reception must be signed up for by parents through our electronic system CHQ.

Maples After School Provision For Year 1 and 2 the school day finishes at 14.45. Rockets at Maples runs until 15:45 Monday to Friday and is included in the school fees, although places are limited. However, parents must sign up for this using CHQ.

Parents are informed in advance of all the details of visits. On occasion parents may be asked to join the group in a social or support capacity. BISB will cover the cost of non- residential outings.

Residential VisitsIn the summer term during June, students in Years 3, 4, 5 and 6 will be given the opportunity to take part in residential outings which involve them staying away from home for up to four nights. These residential programmes are meticulously planned to ensure that the students are safe and well supervised whilst challenged to be adventurous and try new things. The residential programmes offer excellent, fun learning experiences

which develop team spirit, independence and self- confidence. All students are strongly encouraged to join these trips.

The approximate cost of these residential trips for 2020/2021 will be as follows:• Year 3 – 1 night in the

Bratislava area (100 Euros)• Year 4 – 2 nights in Austria

(230 Euros )• Year 5 – 3 nights in Austria

(400 Euros )• Year 6 – 3/4 nights in

Austria on a Sailing Programme (450 Euros)

This cost is paid for by parents and covers travel, insurance, food and accommodation, instructors, activities and use of equipment.

We also organise an annual optional ski trip for students from Years 5 and 6. Places are restricted to 40 students and the approximate cost of this trip is 650 Euros.

Students in Year 1 & Year 2 can also join some 45 minute Enrichment Activities on Monday to Wednesday. The cost of these is included in the school fees. On Thursday and Friday we offer a range of Clubs for Years 1 and 2, run by external teachers/coaches, from 14.45 - 15.45. These are paid Clubs and parents will be invoiced if their child signs up for them. Payment is per term and refunds will not be given.

All Clubs in Years 1 and 2 must be signed up for by parents through our electronic system CHQ.

Oaks Enrichment and After School Clubs In Years 3 – 6 the school day ends at 15.45 on Monday – Wednesday and at 14.45 on Thursday and Friday (in line with Secondary School).

Enrichment Activities are offered to students between 14.45 and 15.45 as part of the school day for two out of three days from Monday-Wednesday (on the days when they do not have swimming, skating or gymnastics). The children sign up for these in class with their teacher. These Clubs are optional for all children in Years 3 – 6. If you would like your child to opt out of

Enrichment Activities, please inform your child’s class teacher and the Office before the start of term. Our Enrichment Activities run in “blocks” of approximately 10 weeks and students must opt in or out of entire blocks – they cannot re-join once a block is running.

If you choose for your child to opt out of Enrichment Activities they must be collected promptly at 14.45. Please note that buses do not run at this time.

On Thursday and Friday we offer a range of Clubs for Years 3 – 6 run by external teachers/coaches, from 14.45 - 15.45. These are paid Clubs and parents will be invoiced if their child signs up. Children sign up for the whole academic year with the option to cancel the activity before the beginning of each Term. Payment is per term and refunds will not be given. These Clubs must be signed up for through our electronic system CHQ.

Home Learning Tasks Enrichment Activities and After School Clubs


Peripatetic Music Lessons Parents can enrol their children on our peripatetic music programme which offers 1:1 Music tuition on the piano, violin, cello, flute, Slovak folk instrument (fujara), ukulele, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, bass guitar, drums, saxophone, recorder, trombone, trumpet and voice. Lessons run throughout the day and after school and are coordinated by Mrs. Vladimíra Sertlová. A timetable is issued each day with children being rotated so they don’t always miss the same class lesson each week. Lessons take place in the small instrumental rooms on the ground floor music corridor. Parents whose children are having a music lesson after school have to be in school by 16:30 at the latest to wait for their children, after which time the front office may not be staffed.

Technology in SchoolThe school is equipped with a high capacity Wi-Fi system and students have access to the Primary ICT room as well as numerous portable devices to use with our Wi- Fi. Students in Year 3 to Year 6 have their own school iPad to use to support their learning. The iPads will be used to facilitate collaboration, research, multimedia presentations, translation and to develop an understanding of the capabilities of mobile technology. Through ICT lessons students will also be taught programming skills.

Performing ArtsDrama is taught by a drama specialist and helps students develop confidence in the way they express themselves. Students have a 1 hour lesson every 2 weeks. Dance has always been part of our PE curriculum and is taught by PE staff. Since the collaboration with Juilliard our PE staff have benefitted from enhanced training with professional dance teachers.

Physical Education (PE)All children have weekly PE lessons. All PE lessons are taught by specialist PE staff and take place in the gyms or designated outdoor sports areas.

Children are expected to wear the appropriate school PE uniform and non-marking sports shoes. Physical education is an important part of a child’s development. Absence from swimming/PE for a prolonged period may only be for a genuine medical reason and a letter accompanied by a doctor’s note must be sent to the school. Our PE curriculum is enhanced by 3 offsite activities throughout the year: gymnastics, skating and swimming.

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday FridayPeriod 1

08:15 Period 2

08:45Period 3

09:15Period 4

09:45

10:15 - 10:45 SNACK BREAK

Period 510:45 Assembly

Period 611:15

Period 711:45

12:15 - 13:15 LUNCH BREAK

Period 813:15-13:45 Swim/skate/gym

Y5 (week A)Y6 (week B)

Swim/skate/gym Y2

Swim / gym Y1skate Y3 Swim/skate/

gym Reception

Assembly

Period 913:45-14:15

Period 1014:15- 14:45

Enrichment Y3 & 4

Swim/skate/gym Y4

Enrichment Y3 5 & 6

Swim/gym Y3

Enrichment Y4 5 & 6

Period 1114:45- 15:15 Paid Clubs

Y1-6Paid Clubs

Y1-6Pick Up Time15:15- 15:45


Swimming, Ice skating and Gymnastics are taught off site by specialist coaches. These lessons are a compulsory part of the school curriculum and all children are expected to attend. If your child cannot participate for medical reasons, please inform the office by 08.15 latest on the day of the lesson and provide a medical certificate or doctor’s letter. Any child who is unable to join their class for swimming, ice skating or gymnastics MUST be collected promptly at 13.15.

GymnasticsChildren from Reception – Year 6 will have Gymnastics lessons in the Autumn Term. Gymnastics will be taught by specialists in a facility equipped with beams, a trampoline, boxes and soft equipment to help students develop their skills. For more advanced gymnasts, there is a room with silks hanging from the ceiling to enable children to develop aerial gymnastics

World LanguagesFrom Years 3 to 6 students choose to study either German, French or (in Year 6 only) Spanish as a foreign language. Having made a choice, students are expected to continue with this language until the end of the primary phase of schooling at the end of Year 6.• Native German students

will study French as a foreign language.

• Native French speakers will study German as a foreign language.

• In Years 3 and 4, French and German will be taught for 1 hour per week and be consolidated with simple homework.

skills. Children will need PE kit and those doing aerial gymnastics are advised to wear leggings and gloves.

SkatingFrom late November through the Spring Term, children have the opportunity to learn how to skate. Each year group will be grouped by ability and will progress through more complex skating skills throughout the term under the guidance of trained instructors. Children will need to bring their own skates and helmet for skating to ensure equipment fits correctly.

SwimmingStudents from Reception to Year 6 will swim in the Summer term. Swimming is an important life skill which develops stamina and physical skills and learning to swim means children can be safer around water. We use well qualified English speaking swimming instructors who work with the children in small groups according to their abilities. We follow an excellent,

• In Years 5 and 6, French, German and Spanish will be taught for 3 x 1 hour sessions over 2 weeks and be consolidated with homework.

Students in their first year of learning English and who are complete beginners will be offered additional English lessons instead of German or French.

Mother Tongue Languages & Slovak StudiesBISB supports the principle that children should have the possibility of continuing to study their mother tongue while attending BISB. Slovak and Korean lessons are provided for

structured programme that develops skills and stamina in the water whilst ensuring the children have fun! We are excited to be using a newly renovated swimming pool this year.

Children will need Swimming caps if they have shoulder length hair and indoor sandals (flip flops). All children will have a quick shower/rinse on leaving the pool. With a good quality swimming hat, children can keep their hair dry, otherwise there are 4 hair driers available at the swimming pool to dry hair. If children are not attending swimming and parents are collecting them from school, the school office must be informed by email or telephone by 08:15 on the swimming day, please.

Slovak and Korean nationals. These lessons occur during school curriculum time. Non-Slovak and non-Korean students will also take Slovak Studies and extended literacy lessons. During Slovak Studies they will learn about their host country and be introduced to basic Slovak words and phrases.

Year group Autumn Term Gymnastics/Skating

Spring Term Skating

Summer Term Swimming

Reception Thurs 13:00-14:00 Thurs 13:15-14:15 Thurs 13:00-14:00

Year 1 Wed 13:00-14:00 Fri 13:15-14:15 Wed 13:00-14:00

Year 2 Tues 13:00-14:00 Tues 12:45-13:45 Tues 13:00-14:00

Year 3 Wed 14:00-15:00 Wed 13:30-14:30 Wed 14:00-15:00

Year 4 Tues 14:00-15:00 Tues 13:45-14:30 Tues 14:00-15:00

Year 5 Mon Wk A 13:00-14:00 Mon Wk A 13:15-14:15 Mon Wk A 13:00-14:00

Year 6 Mon Wk B 13:00-14:00 Mon Wk B 13:15-14:15 Mon Wk B 13:00-14:00

Year groupGROUP 1

SlovakHours per week

GROUP 2 Korean

Hours per week

GROUP 3 Extended literacy &

Slovak studies

Year 2 3x 30 minutes lessons and 1 x 60 minute lesson Extended Literacy Extended Literacy

Year 3 & 4 3 hours 3 hours Korean 1 hour Slovak Studies2 hours Extended Literacy

Years 5 & 6 3 hours Year 53 hours Year 6

2 hours Korean1 hour Extended Literacy

1 hour Slovak Studies1 hour Extended Literacy

Autumn Term 2020 Spring Term 2021 Summer Term 2021

Gymnastics: 2nd September – 27th November

Skating: 30th Nov – 17th Dec

Skating: 11th January until 13th March

Swimming: 12th April – 18th June


LibraryReading is the most important part of homework which parents can help with. Children have the opportunity to choose a book from the school library each week during library periods. Loans are normally for two weeks and we urge parents to support children to be punctual about return times so that books can be enjoyed by as many children as possible. Children may choose library books that are too advanced for them to read independently

and parents can help by reading to their children. We are continually refreshing and replenishing our stock of books in the library responding to the reading preferences of students whenever possible. All books are logged on our database ‘Junior Librarian’ and parents and students can access this from home, browse the database for books of interest, reserve books and leave book reviews for other readers.

Whilst learning to read, children also bring home a structured

reading ‘scheme’ book which allows them to access reading at the appropriate level. We also subscribe to on-line books through our ‘Bug Club’ reading scheme which means students can enjoy books throughout the holidays as well.

Bug Club offers comprehension quizzes to students to test their understanding of what they have read and it enables teachers to track student progress with reading.

Supporting our Learners

PHSE Rewards and Sanctions

ENGLISH AS AN ADDITIONAL LANGUAGEThe EAL department supports students who join the school with insufficient English language skills to access the curriculum independently. Working with class teachers and parents, the EAL specialists assist pupils in acquiring the necessary English language skills. The aim is to enable them to integrate fully into all aspects of school life and learning as quickly as possible.

The school runs a six-week intensive English Language Programme, led by specialist EAL teachers, at the start of each term. When joining the school, children are assessed to

ASSEMBLIESThe School is essentially a community of people who work together. An important part of celebrating that togetherness is the School Assembly. We hold 2 assemblies every week. Our whole school assemblies on Monday (10:45-11:15) are often

LEARNING SUPPORTIf a child is not making expected levels of progress, we will explore possible reasons for this and offer appropriate support. In some cases, it may be necessary to complete a diagnostic assessment. Our Learning Support teachers, Ms. Pauline Mably, [email protected] and Ms. Kristi Lúčna, [email protected], will suggest suitable interventions which might include support in class, additional small group work or 1:1 support. They are assisted by a specialist Learning Support TLA, Ms Elena Kelly. They will also provide guidance to teachers and TLAs to support the child in the classroom.

Our Learning Support teachers work closely with parents and class teachers to ensure that children view interventions positively and that they feel supported and valued.

determine whether they should join this course.

We have three EAL teachers working in Primary: Ms. Mariana Malagaris, Mrs. Sarah Keys and Mr. Anthony Prince. The EAL teachers strive to build a positive and comfortable environment and the lesson activities are fun and interactive. Students look forward to receiving EAL support and view it as a positive and rewarding experience. In some cases, individuals or small groups of students may be withdrawn from class for targeted lessons. Alternatively, an EAL teacher may provide support within the classroom.

led by the children, as each class leads one assembly per year that parents are invited to. At our Friday assembly (13:15-13:45) we celebrate achievements and share successes. Sometimes these assemblies are whole school and at other times in KS2 they alternate between Years

If you feel that your child is experiencing any difficulties with learning you should speak to the class teacher in the first instance. The teacher will then refer to the Learning Support team for additional assessment and advice where necessary.

Approximately 10% of the population have some form of specific learning difficulty and 1 in 10 will encounter difficulties with learning at some point in their education. It is important that we identify emerging issues as soon as possible and are made aware of any history of learning difficulties at the earliest opportunity. Please see the Learning Support Policy for further information.

English as a modern foreign language is also offered for students who are new to the language providing them with extra English lessons for their first year instead of learning French or German. Our EAL teachers also deliver the course which enables students to sit the Cambridge Young Learner exams. This is an internationally recognised language qualification, offered in both Primary and Secondary.

Students are continually assessed and EAL support will gradually decrease as the students’ ability and confidence improves. Students can supplement their learning with resources provided by the EAL team on Firefly.

3 & 4 one week and Years 5 & 6 another. KS1 will hold assemblies for Years 1 & 2 in KS1 building (Maples).

SCHOOL COUNSELLOROur School Counsellor is Mrs. Natália Hanulíková, Natá[email protected]. She is a qualified and experienced school psychologist who provides support to childrenwho are experiencing difficulty in their home or school lives. This may include issues with friendships, self-esteem, bereavement, divorce etc. Mrs. Hanulíková also works closely with the Learning Support team to assess and support children with specific learning difficulties. Children may refer themselves to speak to the Counsellor, and parents and teachers can contact her if they have any concerns about their child. Parents will be informed if Mrs. Hanulíková feels it would be beneficial to see a child regularly and views parents as partners in providing support for the child.


Assemblies are also very important because they:• Form a key part of our

pastoral care system by reinforcing the responsibility of each member of the school community towards each other.

• Contribute powerfully to a young person’s personal, social, moral and spiritual development.

• Create greater awareness of the world beyond the school and issues such as human rights, environmental preservation, international celebrations and significant dates.

• Provide a high profile opportunity to celebrate the achievement of students and staff. Each week selected students are presented with certificates of achievement in recognition of their good work and behaviour.

Parents are invited to many assemblies to join with us in celebrating class work through stories, poems, plays, exhibitions and music.

Although there is no official religious education at BISB, time and effort are placed on developing the moral education of our students. Important aspects of life, such as learning to be part of a community, respect for that community as a whole, respect for individuals and their particular beliefs,

Students are expected to wear the PE shirt in their house colour purchased from the school uniform supplier. Special House Team events and days are planned for each term. These days may havea Sporting or Global Campus focus, or involve children in special events such as quizzes and debates where their participation and efforts are rewarded with House Points. Throughout the term, there may also be specific Global Campus challenges that children will complete at home. At the end of each half term, all the points are counted and the team with the most points are the House Champions. We hope that children will want to work hard to help their team gain lots of points.

BEHAVIOURBISB aims to promote high standards of behaviour by creating a positive, safe and supportive environment. We equip students with the skills to manage their behaviour so they can develop self-control and empathy towards others. So that behaviour expectations are clear, the Behaviour Ladder is visible in every classroom and is referred to when rewarding positive behaviour or warning and sanctioning challenging behaviour. Each class displays a set of the Learner Profile characteristics. Class rules should be agreed on in each class and should also be on display.

responsibility towards each other, as well as oneself, are all essential skills for a child to learn and are an intrinsic part of creating a happy, stable and respectful school environment.

CELEBRATING SUCCESSWe always look to celebrate success both informal and formally. • On a daily basis teachers will

watch students and provide positive verbal praise and encouragement. Students may get written comments on their achievements, in books, post-it notes or class Dojo points.

• Students may be chosen to get a special achiever’s certificate at the Friday assembly.

In KS1 ‘General Manners’ rewards students for always displaying excellent manners around the school.

Positive BehaviourOur focus as a school is setting high expectations of behaviour and rewarding students who consistently demonstrate the behaviours in the Learner Profile.

L1 - DOJO POINTSAll classes set up a class Dojo account for their students at the beginning of the year. Children arebe given Dojo points for demonstrating desired behaviours. These points are collected and linked to rewards outlined in the behaviour policy.

L2 – CERTIFICATES AND ISAMS RECORDStudents who consistently demonstrate positive behaviour, display leadership, sportsmanship, kindness, citizenship and outstanding effort receive a special certificate in assembly.

Disruptive behaviourWhere possible behaviour will be managed by the teacher as part of quality behaviour management in the classroom. Teachers will first use strategies such as praising children displaying the desired behaviour, tactical ignoring, moving in a non-threatening manner in the proximity of children displaying undesired behaviour, eye contact, non-

HOUSE TEAMSOn entry to BISB all children are placed in a house team. We use the house team system to help promote team spirit, collective responsibility and as a positive reward system. Each House Team is represented by an element and colour:

verbal cues. Usually these methods are enough to remind and encourage children to make positive decisions about their behaviour. We do not believe in punishment, but in consistent positive behaviour support.

If these methods have not worked we consistently follow a system of:• REMIND – Students will be

reminded of the expected behaviour, followed by the words ‘thank you’ which communicates an expectation of compliance.

• WARN – Students are given a clear warning. The child is shown the behaviour expectations on the Behaviour Ladder in the room and a sanction is outlined if the behaviour continues.

• SANCTION – If the behaviour continues, the warning is followed through with the previously outlined sanction.

Levels of behaviours and possible sanctions are found on the Behaviour Ladder and outlined in detail in the Whole School Behaviour Policy.


Communication HOME-SCHOOL COMMUNICATIONWe believe that children are educated most successfully when there is a strong partnership between the child’s home and school. Effective communication with parents is absolutely essential for the successful education of all young people. BISB has a number of initiatives, both formal and informal, which promote such effective communication:

Weekly SummaryEach Friday an overview of what each class will be learning and doing during the course of the week is shared with parents. The teacher will also highlight any particular events that are happening in the class that week or materials that children should bring to school. The weekly summary will be emailed to parents by the class teacher.

Primary NewsletterBi-weekly on Friday, a Primary Newsletter is published on our school website. This newsletter allows us to share what has been happening in school and also gives information about future events and key dates. The Parent Teacher Association also uses this newsletter to share information.

School AppThe British International School Bratislava app by SchoolInfoApp is now available for iPhones®, iPads®, Android™,

Formal Discussions with Teachers One of the strengths of BISB is that we are a very close community of students, parents, teachers and others. Consequently, there are many opportunities for you to meet informally with any member of staff when bringing yourchild to school or picking them up to take them home. If you wish to speak formally to a teacher on any matter, please make an appointment with that member of staff either by contacting the school office or the teacher by email.

FireflyFirefly is a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), a web application that educators can use to create effective online learning sites.

Each year group has their own pages and teachers may post home learning tasks on Firefly. This can be accessed by students and parents.

Blackberry™ and Windows™ devices.

The BISB app is free and gives parents and students quick access to: • Keep up with all of the

latest news, information and announcements

• Find out about events and activities

• Contact teachers, staff and administration

• Get important documents, picture galleries & other media

Social MediaStay connected with BISB no matter where you are. Follow us on social media to keep up to date with all the latest news, events, information, photos and videos from the School.

Explore what’s happening around BISB:

HOW TO LOG ONTO BISB FIREFLYYou can access Firefly via the school website – scroll down the Curriculum link on the toolbar to find the Firefly link http://bratislava.fireflycloud.net/

There is also a ‘Firefly Mobile’ app that can be used to access Firefly on devices. You can login to Firefly with your child’s school username and password which will be provided by the class teacher.

HOW TO LOG ONTO OFFICE 365 Alternatively you can log in using your internet browser

Class DojoThis is an app that brings teachers and students closer together with parents. It enables parents, once they have signed up to a secure class account, to see what is happening daily in their child’s class. Class teachers will use Class Dojo to share rewards, children’s learning and photos with parents. Parents will be given clear instructions on how to sign up to their class dojo account at ‘Meet the Teacher’ or via email if joining later in the year.

Reading records (Reception - Year 2)Teachers provide students with a reading record in which all reading books are recorded; individual reading books, guided reading in class, library books. Teachers, TLAs and parents can make comments in this book in relation to the student’s reading and related tasks. These books should be brought to and from school on a daily basis.

Student Planners (Years 3- 6)Teachers will provide students with a Student Planner in which home learning tasks, and reading books will be noted. These books are sent home on a daily basis and parents are free to make comments about their child’s learning in these diaries.

using the link http://portal.office.com/ You can access Office 365 via the automatic links contained on all student pages of Firefly on the right hand side of the screen. You can log-in to Office 365 with your child’s school username and password which will be provided by the class teacher.

ACCESS AND ON-LINE SECURITY Firefly is a school-based website, which means that only registered school users can access the site, providing a safe and welcoming social learning network for children, parents and teachers.

Get involved and see what people are saying and join the conversation using #BISB_Bratislava

facebook.com/BISB.Bratislava

twitter.com/BISB_Bratislava

GLOBAL CAMPUS: twitter.com/BISB_GlobalMUSIC: twitter.com/BISB_MusicTRIPS: twitter.com/BISB_TripsSPORTS: twitter.com/BISB_Sports

@bisb_bratislava

BISB Bratislava


Parent Community CLASSROOM DROP-INEach term, parents will have the opportunity to come into school for a Drop-In Session. This session will allow parents to observe a lesson. You will be able to walk around and see the displays in the school and in your child’s classroom.

PARENT WORKSHOPSThroughout the school year we run Primary Parent Workshops. These cover a variety of subjects and are aimed at helping parents to better understand how their children learn, how they can effectively support their child’s learning and also to learn more about the British Education system and what we do at BISB. These sessions will normally take place after the Parent’s Classroom Drop-In, dates of which are in the back of the Handbook.

issues – this is not unusual. In some cases, it may be good for a parent to stay a little while, showing your child around the environment and the toilets before leaving. For some Nursery children, it may be useful to gradually increase their time at school from a half day to a full day. Each individual child is different, and your child’s teacher will be able to help make the transition as smooth as possible.

BUDDY SYSTEM Within BISB we have a Buddy system for all new students starting school to help them to have a welcoming experience from the beginning. On the first day of school for a new starter, the Class Teacher will assign a Buddy from within the class and this person will be responsible for guiding the new starter around the school for the first 2 weeks and helping them to get used to all the practical and social aspects of school life.

TRANSITION SUPPORT To prepare our students for moving up into the next year group, in Term 3 we have a “Move up Morning” to introduce children to their next teacher and to ensure that the transition into their next class is smooth. Parents are invited to come and talk about transition into the next phase of school. The first day of the Autumn term is also an induction day, where both new and current students and their parents are invited to come in and meet the teacher. Within the first 2 weeks we also have a

PARENT FORUMSOnce a term parents are invited in for Parent Forum meetings, when school may be seeking parent views or where parents may want to raise issues that they are concerned about or interested in. These meetings will be attended by Mrs. Warmington, Head of Primary, and are an opportunity to both celebrate successes and plan ways to improve the service we offer. Parent Forum meetings are usually one week after the Classroom Drop-in sessions.

PARENT TEACHER ASSOCIATIONParents are invited to get involved with PTA events through the Parent Teacher Association which meets in the canteen, normally once every half term. This meeting is attended by both the PTA members and ‘Friends of the PTA’ and Mrs. Warmington also attends. Attending the PTA

‘Meet the teacher’ session when questions or concerns can be raised.

WHAT TO BRING TO SCHOOL EQUIPMENT We provide all the exercise books, paper and stationery needed by primary children. However, as children move into Year 5 and 6 we also encourage them to bring their own pencil cases as this helps them to develop personal organisation skills.

Toys/Games/Mobile Phones The school cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage to any personal items. We ask that children do not bring toys or electrical games to school, especially valuable or irreplaceable items. This equipment is expensive and can be easily lost or broken. If parents permit children to bring a mobile phone for their journey to and from school, phones must remain in school bags (in classrooms) and at no time be used during the school day. Children are responsible for looking after their own belongings. Guidance will be given about care of the school iPads (see earlier section).

Birthdays at SchoolWe recognise that a birthday is a very special day for children and we will always acknowledge this at school. Within the classroom we sing ‘Happy Birthday’ and try to make students feel special. We are happy for parents to send a cake (preferably pre-sliced cake or individual cup cakes) to

meetings allows you to network with other parents and support the children in some fun events.

PARENT EVENTSAs an international school, we consider it important to build our wider school community to enable parents to meet each other and enjoy each other’s company. We therefore provide a ‘Parent Café’ which is located in the Canteen at Oaks (Peknikova 6) where parents can arrange to meet each other and enjoy a drink together. We also run Keep Fit classes for parents in the morning and Parent Lectures. Our first event of the year is the ‘Back to School Barbeque’ which we hope parents will support and see as an opportunity to enjoy being in school outside normal work hours.

All parent events are advertised in the bi-weekly newsletter, on our website and on social media.

school to share with the class but we ask you to avoid cakes with nuts as some children may have allergies. We do however remind that school is not the place to have a party for your child and we ask that you do not send party bags or sweets to school.

Healthy SnacksWe encourage children to bring healthy snacks and drinks to school and ask that parents support us with this. Children must not bring sweets or fizzy drinks to school. Children should only bring a small snack fortheir own consumption and not large packets of biscuits, crisps or snacks to share with friends. There is also the possibility of ordering a school snack. There is a special arrangement for children in Nursery, Reception and Year 1. All those who sign up for school lunches within these three Year groups receive a morning and an afternoon snack within the price of the lunch.

Water BottlesRegularly drinking water helps to keep the mind alert and so all students need to bring their own water bottle to school. These are kept in the class and children can drink from them when needed or prompted by the teacher. These should be clearly labelled with the child’s name and taken home to clean regularly. Chilled water dispensers are situated around the school to enable students to refill their water bottles. As an ECO school, in order to minimise waste, we do not provide plastic/paper cups at the water dispensers.

Starting SchoolNEW STARTERS At BISB we are very sensitive to the challenges faced by our young learners during their first few weeks in their new school. All our new starters have to get used to a new learning environment, new teachers and new classmates. Many also have the challenge of coping with a

new country, new language and a different education system. This is a huge amount for any young person to deal with and so we have lots of support systems in place to make this journey just a little bit easier for the students and parents. All staff will ensure that both students and their parents

feel secure and have all the information and support needed to settle well at BISB.

NURSERY – NEW STARTERS A change of setting and unfamiliar faces may cause some uncertainty for our youngest children and a few settling-in


The Primary School Day

Nursery & Reception WILLOWS (Dolinského)

Years 1 & 2 MAPLES (Pekníkova 4)

Years 3-6OAKS (Pekníkova 6)

Before School

Early Rockets 7:50-08:15

Playground Supervision Oaks 1 Playground

7:50 - 08:05Doors open 08:05

Playground SupervisionOaks 1 Playground

7:50 - 08:05Doors open 08:05

Registration Start of day

Lessons School Day starts 08:15Continuous Provision in-

cluding snack time08:15-12:00

School Day starts 08:15Lessons: 08:15 - 10:15

School Day starts 08:15Lessons: 08:15 - 10:15

Morning Break

Snack & Break 10:15 - 10:45

Snack & Break 10:15 - 10:45

Lessons Lessons: 10:45 - 12:00 Lessons: 10:45 - 12:15

Lunchtime & break

Lunch & sleep time12:00 - 13:00

Lunchtime & Break 12:00 - 13:15

Lunchtime & Break12:15 - 13:15

LessonsContinuous Provision including snack time

13:00 - 14:45

Lessons: 13:15 - 14:45

Lessons : 13:15 - 15:45 (Mon-Wed)

13:15 - 14:45 (Thurs & Friday)

End of School Day

Collect from Willows14:45

Collect from Maples14:45

Collect from Oaks 1 Playground or from

Canteen in bad weather15:45 (Mon-Wed)

14:45 (Thurs & Friday)

Bus time15:45 (Mon-Wed)

14:45 & 15:45 (Thurs & Friday)

15:45 (Mon-Wed)14:45 & 15:45

(Thurs & Friday)

15:45 (Mon-Wed)14:45 & 15:45

(Thurs & Friday)

After School

Rockets 14:45- 16:45 (Mon-Thurs)

14:45-15:45 (Friday)Enrichment Activities

(from Term 2 for Nursery)

Rockets (Mon-Fri) 14:45-15:45Optional Enrichment

(Mon-Wed) Paid Clubs (Thurs & Friday)

14:45-15:45

Optional Enrichment(Mon- Wed) 14:45-15:45

Paid Clubs (Thurs & Friday) 14:45-15:45

Morning Snack and Playtime (30 min) 10:15 – 10:45• All students have a morning

break where they eat snack (except Nursery, Reception and Year 1 children who order school lunch, when a morning and an afternoon snack is provided)

• Children should bring a healthy snack and drink.

• Children eat their snack in the canteen area.

• All children go outside by 10:30 to play.

Lunch and Playtime (60 min) • All students have 60

minutes for lunch and playtime.

• A hot school lunch is provided or students can bring their own packed lunch.

• Year 1 and 2 will eat in the Maples (Year 1 and Year 2) building.

• The lunch times for children from Year 3- Year 6 are staggered to avoid canteen congestion.

• Information about the school catering company and school lunch systems is given in a later section.

• All children are supervised and supported during lunchtime to help them develop good eating habits and table manners.

• Children are encouraged but not forced to eat.

• Class teachers will inform parents if we have concerns about a child’s eating habits.

Enter Oaks (Pekníkova main site for Year 3 – Year 6) via the gates by the car park or by the Oaks 1 Playground, not via the Front Office.

Enter Maples (Year 1 & 2) via the gates by the car park or by the Oaks 1 Playground, gathering

at Oaks 1 Playground. Only children arriving after 8:05 should come directly via Maples entrance.

Only children who arrive later than 08:20 should come via the Front Office.

Enter Willows (Nursery and Reception) site via the security gate passing by the Front Office.

Please remember to wear parents’ ID cards at all times if you wish to enter the BISB premises.


Playtime• Playtimes are well

supervised.• Students are encouraged to

use playtime toys and older children can play football on the ‘astro-turf’ pitch from 12:45.

• The School Council organises for there to be balls, skipping ropes, hoops and other equipment available to play with; students may not bring their own balls.

• The School Council also appoint children to act as Playtime Buddies on the playground and their role is to help children who have no one to play with or to help resolve disputes.

Wet/Cold Weather PolicyWe believe that all children need to have plenty of fresh air and exercise and so all children are expected to go outside at break time and at lunchtime.Children will only remain inside if it is raining or there is exceptionally cold weather (-10 degrees). Occasionally, we may also keep children inside if we feel the playground surfaces are dangerously wet or snowy.

Permission to leaveParents of children in Year 5 & 6 can complete a ‘Permission Form’ to allow their child to leave school unaccompanied or supervised by an older sibling.

Click here for the Permission Form: https://bratislava.fireflycloud.net/forms

Children with parental ‘Permission’ are expected to leave the premises to meet their parents at an agreed location and not to play on school grounds unsupervised. If children are collected by a secondary sibling they must leave school together. Primary children cannot be left unsupervised while the older sibling attends an enrichment activity. If you require your child to go home with another child or another adult, please inform the school office in advance.

https://bratislava.fireflycloud.net/forms

https://bratislava.fireflycloud.net/forms


AttendanceLATENESS & LEAVING EARLYOccasionally lateness is unavoidable, however it is disruptive to your child’s day and to the class routine. We ask all parents to get children to school between 07:50 at the earliest and 08:10 at the latest, to allow them time to get ready for a prompt start of class at 08:15. After 08:20, the playground gates will be shut and children should be brought through the front office and signed in so that the office staff can update the class registers. It is against school policy and recommendations for children to leave school early on a regular basis. The full school week has been designed to allow us to provide a balanced curriculum to all our students (in accordance with British guidelines and requirements). Most of our lessons are

sequential, building on the previous lessons and learning experiences of the students. If students regularly miss sessions, then they will have gaps in their learning and find it difficult to keep up with the rest of their class. Such situations also negatively impact the rest of the class as the teacher often has to take the time from the class to recap or provide explanations to the child who has missed the previous lesson. Exceptions will only be made for students achieving at a very high level in their discipline such as being a member of a National Sports Team. Such request must be made in writing to the school Principal or Head of Primary.

AUTHORISED/UNAUTHORISED ABSENCESAs an educational institution we believe it is in the best

interest of your child that they attend every school day of the year. We understand, of course, that there are valid reasons why 100% attendance may be impossible; we do try to support our students and their families in special circumstances. Where the school has concerns regarding attendance, parents will be asked to come to school and meet with the Head of Primary to review the situation.

If a student is absent, please telephone the school or send an email to [email protected] to let us know the reason by 08:05 in the morning of the first day of absence. Unexplained absences will be followed up by the school. Should your child be absent in either a morning or an afternoon this will be counted as 0.5 rather than the full days’ absence.

In Reception and Year 1 we hope for a minimum attendance level of 90%. Then as the children move into Year 2, when all children in Slovakia should be at school, we are aiming for a minimum attendance level of 95%. From Year 2 we issue guidance about when an absence will be authorised and when it will not be authorised. At the end of the year we award 100% attendance certificates to children who have not missed a day of school.

Authorised Absence (automatic)This request can be communicated by email or telephone.

1. Medical2. Bereavement

Authorised Absence by RequestThis means that parents must seek permission for absence in writing, email or letter to the Head of Primary. They cannot simply inform of non- attendance. We are required to go through a documented process of communication that ‘authorises’ absence.

Attendance at high level training for music/sport - This will only be authorised if the student represents their country or at the high level of musical or sporting talent which necessitates lessons outside the locality.

The school may impose a limit on occurrences or set certain expectations of the students involved so that school work does not suffer. Please arrange a meeting at the start of term to discuss this further withthe Head of Primary should your child require this level of authorisation.

• Educational leave - Up to 5 days per year for expat families to arrange new schools.

• Family Leave - Up to 3 days per year at the Head of Primary/Principal’s discretion.

Unauthorised AbsenceParents may inform the school that they choose to take their children out of school for other reasons but will haveto accept that this absence is unauthorised and will be recorded as such. In such cases the school is not responsible for providing catch up materials/ input for lessons missed.

1. Holidays 2. Attendance at sports/riding/

music clubs. (Unless at a national level)

Should your child be absent you will be emailed with

the details stating whether the absence is authorised or unauthorised. Any absence from school where parents have communicated nothing to the school will also be recorded as an unauthorised absence.

Notification of appointments or requirement to leave school earlyIf you wish to take your child out of school to attend a medical appointment etc., it is essential that you inform the school office by phone or email by 08:15 on the day of the appointment at the latest. Early notice is required in order that the office staff can inform the class teachers and arrange for the child to be waiting at the given time.


SCHOOL LUNCHES/SNACKS Our caterers offer a cooked lunch meal service and a cold morning snack service. (Note: A full day lunch package for children in Nursery, Reception and Year 1 includes cooked lunch as well as a morning and afternoon snack).

Every day a selection of two main cooked meals will be offered adhering to the Hygiene Department’s regulations to provide a balanced diet.

The daily lunch menu consists of: soup, main meal with two side dishes (e.g. meat with rice and grilled vegetable), vegetable salad bar, dessert (in a 5-day week this will be 2x fruit, 1x cake, 2x yoghurt), drink (water with herbs / fruit / pure water).

The school’s catering partner is Little CHEF. The Primary students (Years 2 to 6) will receive an ID card, the Secondary students use their school badges (ID cards). Only one lunch can be deducted from the card each day.

How to enrol your child for the food servicesPlease visit https://littlechef.sk and fill in the registration form. You will receive a confirmation email. The invoices will be sent to the email address which will be specified in the registration form.

How to select the menu or how to cancel the lunchShortly after lunch registration, you will receive log in details to https://www.eskoly.sk. Please log in and make the necessary changes (menu selection/lunch cancelation) by yourself.

Please note that the changes, including cancellation, must be done by 12:00 at the latest on the preceding working day (e.g. you should cancel your Monday lunch by Friday noon time at the latest).

Please note that you will be charged for the lunch if you do not cancel the lunch before the above mentioned deadline.

EXTRA CHARGES: Please note that your child will receive an ID card after registration. This ID card is used at lunchtime. If your child loses it, you will be charged 5 Euro for its replacement.

Not allowedFood deliveries (from McDonald’s or pizza takeaways, etc.), chewing gum, fizzy drinks and drinks in glass bottles are not allowed.

SCHOOL BUS The official bus service provider for BISB is JUMAP s.r.o., Mr. Juraj Pátek being thecontact person. You can reachthem at + 421 905 352 776 [email protected] requiring this serviceneed to contact the companydirectly to make the necessaryarrangements. JUMAP issuesinvoices directly to the parents.

Cancellation or ChangesPlease always inform the bus company if you need to cancel the transport to/from the school.

Please include the School Office as well if you need to cancel the transport from school on a particular day, by 12:00 noon at the latest.

There is only one bus pickup on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday at 15:45 (buses leaving the school parking zone by 16:00 at the latest).

There are two bus pickups on Thursday and Friday at 14:45 and 15:45 (buses leaving the school parking zone by 15:00 or 16:00 at the latest).

Please note that if the students are signed up for the later bus on Thursdays/Fridays owing to club attendance it is not be possible to take an earlier bus. If parents opt for their child not to attend their scheduled club for any reason, responsibility for collection and transportation of children will fall to the parent.

ImportantThe buses leave promptly at the above mentioned times Those students who miss the bus departure have to be collected by their parents or designated guardians. There is no alternative covered by the school or bus company.

PUPIL INFORMATION UPDATEPlease ensure that the office is promptly informed, in writing, of any change in address, contact phone numbers and email addresses.

School Nurse, Medical Care and Emergency Procedures If children are suffering from heavy colds or coughs, we strongly encourage you to keep them at home until they are better. If your child has a temperature they should be kept at home. If your child

has been sick or has diarrhoea they should be kept at home for 24 hours without showing the symptoms. This avoids the spread of illness to other children and also means that children are not struggling through the physical and mental challenges of the school day when they are tired, ill and emotional.

Since the emergence of Covid-19 it is absolutely vital that children are not sent to school when experiencing any of these symptoms: severe cough, sneezing, shortness of breath, muscle aches, tiredness and fever. To minimise the spread of the virus, we expect that children wash their hands regularly and use the hand sanitizers placed around the school. If during the day your child’s temperature rises above normal, you will be asked to collect your child


without delay. We will continue to follow the updates in recommendations from the local health authorities or the Slovak government and communicate these to parents.

If your child has any medical condition we must be informed in writing or emailing [email protected] so that we can act in an appropriate manner if an incident should occur. We have 2 part-time qualified school nurses who are able to give first aid.

It is important that you update your child’s medical history forms as needed and advise the school of any change in the medical information you disclosed at the time of admission.

Health InsuranceBISB expects that parents have local health/medical insurance for their children. In case of emergency, the hospital requires patient’s medical insurance card/information for any treatment before they can admit the patient.

We would kindly ask parents to provide a copy of the Local Health Insurance Card if they have not done so with admission process yet. The cards will be stored in our medical information database and will be confidential.

Medicines at SchoolIn order to administer any prescription medicines, the School Nurse must be given a full report from the doctor including the dosage information etc. The school nurses will not administer antibiotics because if a child is on antibiotics they should be kept at home until the course of medicine is completed. Over the counter medicine can be administered only with a written consent signed by the parent and only in urgent matters. If parents wish to request the administration of medicines by the School Nurse, they must complete an Authorisation for the Administration of Medication form. Both the completed

The school is obliged to submit Health Insurance details in case a child is taken to hospital because of serious injuries. Additionally, parents are responsible for insurance of the personal belongings of their children.

form and the medication, in its original container, must be taken to the School Nurse, ideally by the parent. If a student is bringing medicines to the nurse they should do so at the beginning of the school day. Class Teachers and Teaching and Learning Assistants cannot be asked to administer or be responsible for medicines. Please do not send vitamins, natural or homeopathic remedies to school and remind your child never to share medicines with others.

In the case of an injury or head bumps, parents will be called and advice and assistance given by school staff. An ambulance would only be called if the injury was life-threatening.

We occasionally have occurrences of head lice. If you notice head lice on your child’s hair please treat their hair by combing and using medicated shampoo. As preventative measures it is advisable to tie long hair up. During May to September, although we take some control measures, we sometimes have ticks in the grounds so we advise that parents check their children at night if they have been in the forest or in long grass.

FinanceFor any finance related queries (e.g. payments for school fee, deposit refunds, due dates) please contact the Finance Department at [email protected].

All important information can be found on our website and published via the school newsletter.

WILLOWS Nursery & ReceptionJ.V. Dolinského 1841 02 Bratislava

MAPLES Year 1 & Year 2Pekníkova 4841 02 Bratislava

OAKS Primary & Secondary SchoolPekníkova 6841 02 Bratislava

T: + 421 2 6436 6992M: + 421 908 105 796E: [email protected]



FINANCE [email protected]íkova 6841 02 Bratislava,T + 421 2 6930 7084 M + 421 0905 247 000 F + 421 2 6930 7083

PRINCIPAL’S PAZuzana [email protected] + 421 2 6930 7081 M + 421 907 992 310

HEAD OF PRIMARY PAJarmila Polónyová [email protected]íkova 6841 02 BratislavaT + 421 2 6930 7081

CONTACT INFORMATION FOR PRIMARY SCHOOL


School Uniform Guideline All students from September 2019 should be in the new school uniform as designated on the web site at the following location:https://www. nordangliaeducation.com/en/ our-schools/bratislava/our- students/what-we-wear

NURSERYThere is no dress code in Nursery. However, parents may be asked to provide waterproofs (jacket and trousers) and wellies for outdoor activities.

Notes about footwearEvery child needs at least 1 smart pair of black shoes orsandals which will be worn in the school building (indoor shoes). These will be the shoes that children will be asked to wear if they are representing the school outside of the school building.

The OUTDOOR / PLAYTIMESHOES can be another pair of black shoes or trainers (preferably black or white, nobright coloured shoes or laces please). In the winter months some plain boots are allowed for outside with the smart black shoes/sandals being worn inside. (No bright coloured shoes or laces please).

Girls: Reception – Year 6• Navy blue tailored trousers

(no leggings), school skirt, skort or pinafore with embroidered NAE school crown logo

• School pale blue short or long sleeved polo shirt with embroidered NAE school crown logo

• School navy blue jumper, cardigan or vest with pale blue trim at collar and cuffs with embroidered NAE school crown logo

• Plain socks (white or navy blue) or plain tights (navy blue) (no patterned tights)

• Plain leather type black shoes or sandals

• Optional playtime schools – trainers (preferably black or white)

SUMMER UNIFORM: Summer and Autumn Terms (optional instead of above):• Navy blue and white

flowered dress

Boys: Reception – Year 6• Navy blue tailored trousers or

shorts (no jeans or ‘combat- style’ trousers, no shorts with baggy pockets)

• School pale blue short or long sleeved polo shirt with embroidered NAE school crown logo

• School navy blue jumper or V-neck vest with pale blue trim at collar and cuffs with embroidered NAE school crown logo

• Plain socks (white or navy blue)• Plain leather type black

shoes or sandals• Optional playtime schools –

trainers (preferably black or white)

Boys and Girls: Physical Education• Lightweight indoor trainers

or gym shoes with non- marking soles

• Plain white or navy sports socks

• Short sleeved T-shirt with school badge in their house colour: red, blue, green or yellow (to be bought after the confirmation of their house).

• Plain navy sports shorts/grey tracksuit trouser

UNIFORM SHOPSchool uniforms can be purchased online: http://www.bisbuniforms.sk/ or in person at the school uniform shop during the designated hours. The school shop is located walking distance from the BISB at Žatevná Street 12.

JULYCLOSED

10TH AUGUST TO 14TH AUGUST

by appointment - please send us an email at

[email protected]

17TH AUGUST TO 31ST AUGUST

Monday - Friday 10:00 - 17:00

2ND SEPTEMBER TO 30TH JUNE

Monday - Thursday 14:00 - 17:00

Friday 8:00 - 10:00

• Shop is closed during Slovak public holidays and BISB holidays

• Cash and Card payment available


SCHOOL SECURITY ARRANGEMENTSSecurity arrangements at BISB are important to us. While the relatively open-door culture maintains an air of ease and friendliness, as our student numbers grow we need to be more careful and more vigilant. Anyone entering the BISB premises needs to be easily identifiable.

All visitors must sign in the visitor’s book and wear a visitor’s badge on a visible place.

PARKING AND TRAFFIC FLOW OUTSIDE THE OAKS BUILDING (PEKNÍKOVA 6)We would like to propose one of the following routes (blue or yellow arrow) for those of you who drop your children at Oaks.

PARKING ARRANGEMENTS FOR DROP OFF There are two car park areas created for parents. Parking 1 (P1) at the corner of Pod Záhradami Street and Pekníkova Street and Parking 2 (P2) at Pod Záhradami next to the Court Office Building (see map - blue Parking sign P1 and P2).

All parents are issued with the parent cards that must be worn at all times while on the premises.

Cards and badges enable staff and students to easily recognise that people inside the school are authorised to be in the building.

For any special events during the school day all visitors and parents must use only the Front Office entrances at Oaks, Maples or Willows.

PARENT CARDS• Each parent is issued a card.• The colour of parent cards

is orange for an easy identification.

• Parents coming inside the building must wear these on a visible place so students and staff can easily identify them.

• Cards for new parents will be issued prior to the first school day of the student.

• If parents forget their cards, they need to sign in and wear a visitor’s badge.

• Every entrance is guarded by a member of our facility team in the morning drop off and afternoon pick up and proof of ID may be requested at the gate.

Pod záhradami

Pod záhradami

Pekníkova

Žatevná

Žatevná

Vendelínska




P1 P2

Pod záhradami


Academic StaffSenior Leadership Team

Principal Karen Eastwood [email protected] of Primary Sue Warmington [email protected]

Primary Leadership TeamDeputy Head of Primary Clare Vincent [email protected] Phase Leader Ursula Jardine [email protected] and Reception Phase Leader Sarah Thorpe [email protected] Leader Years 1-2 Emily Stewart [email protected] Leader Years 3-4 Lianne Berrisford [email protected] Leader Years 5-6 Gabrielle Clover [email protected]

Nursery and ReceptionNursery Teacher Andrea Juríková [email protected] Teacher Lucia Harmathová [email protected] Teaching and Learning Assistant Renáta Viskupová [email protected] Nursery Teaching and Learning Assistant Jana Kopáčová [email protected] & Reception Teaching and Learning Assistant Nicola Rawstron [email protected]

Reception Teacher and Phase Leader Sarah Thorpe [email protected] Teacher Alana Zimmermann [email protected] Teaching and Learning Assistant Anežka Hetešová [email protected] Teaching and Learning Assistant Zuzana Hollá [email protected] Level Teaching Assistant, Forest School Leader Daniela Kollárová [email protected]

Key Stage 11A Class Teacher Damien Ebdon-Walker [email protected] Teaching and Learning Assistant Iveta Higgins [email protected] Class Teacher and Phase Leader Emily Stewart [email protected] Teaching and Learning Assistant Tamara Trutzová [email protected] Class Teacher and Deputy Head Clare Vincent [email protected] Teaching and Learning Assistant David Kelly [email protected] Class Teacher Samantha Chew [email protected] Teaching and Learning Assistant Katarína Kadlecová Katarina.Kadlecová@bisb.sk2C Class Teacher Alison Fegyveres [email protected] Teaching and Learning Assistant Rosemary Finley [email protected] Level Teaching Assistant Lenka Ertlová [email protected]

Primary School Calendar 2020-2021

August September October

Mo 3 10 17 24 31 7 14 21 28 5 12 19 26Tu 4 11 18 25 1 8 15 22 29 6 13 20 27

We 5 12 19 26 2 9 16 23 30 7 14 21 28Th 6 13 20 27 3 10 17 24 1 8 15 22 29Fr 7 14 21 28 4 11 18 25 2 9 16 23 30

Sa 1 8 15 22 29 5 12 19 26 3 10 17 24 31Su 2 9 16 23 30 6 13 20 27 4 11 18 25

November December January

Mo 2 9 16 23 30 7 14 21 28 4 11 18 25Tu 3 10 17 24 1 8 15 22 29 5 12 19 26

We 4 11 18 25 2 9 16 23 30 6 13 20 27Th 5 12 19 26 3 10 17 24 31 7 14 21 28Fr 6 13 20 27 4 11 18 25 1 8 15 22 29

Sa 7 14 21 28 5 12 19 26 2 9 16 23 30Su 1 8 15 22 29 6 13 20 27 3 10 17 24 31

February March April

Mo 1 8 15 22 1 8 15 22 29 5 12 19 26Tu 2 9 16 23 2 9 16 23 30 6 13 20 27

We 3 10 17 24 3 10 17 24 31 7 14 21 28Th 4 11 18 25 4 11 18 25 1 8 15 22 29Fr 5 12 19 26 5 12 19 26 2 9 16 23 30

Sa 6 13 20 27 6 13 20 27 3 10 17 24Su 7 14 21 28 7 14 21 28 4 11 18 25

May June

Mo 3 10 17 24 31 7 14 21 28Tu 4 11 18 25 1 8 15 22 29

We 5 12 19 26 2 9 16 23 30Th 6 13 20 27 3 10 17 24Fr 7 14 21 28 4 11 18 25

Sa 1 8 15 22 29 5 12 19 26Su 2 9 16 23 30 6 13 20 27

School and Public Holidays First Day of Term Last Day of Term

Week A Week B

AUGUST25 New Students Welcome Day26 Term 1 starts26 Parent Coffee morning27-31 Meet the teacher Virtual Meetings31 Gymnastics starts

SEPTEMBER7 Enrichment Activities & Clubs start21-25 Virtual Parent Consultations (1)

OCTOBER26 Half term holiday starts

NOVEMBER2 Staff training day24-26 Virtual Parent Drop in30 Skating starts

DECEMBER9 Y1 Show10 Winter Concert11 T1 Reports out15-17 Optional Parent Consultations (2)18 Last day of Term 1

JANUARY7 First day of Term 2

FEBRUARY4 Year 4 Show25 Y5 Juilliard Showcase

MARCH1 Half term holiday starts15-18 Virtual Parent Drop in19 Big Sing29-31 Book Week31 Last day of Term 2

APRIL12 Term 3 starts12 Swimming starts29 Y3 Juilliard Showcase

MAY28 Half term holiday starts31 Staff training day

JUNE1-4 Y6 Sailing Residential7-11 Y3-Y5 Residential week 15-16 Sports Day17 Y2 Show18 Reports out22 Y6 Show22-23 Optional Parent Consultations25 Last day of Term 3


Primary Specialist TeachersEAL Teacher Mariana Malagaris [email protected] Teacher Anthony Prince [email protected] of Learning Support (whole School) Pauline Mably [email protected] Support Teacher Kristi Lúčna [email protected] Support Assistant Elena Kelly [email protected] Teacher Stanislava Taranová [email protected] Teacher Marina Belejkaničová [email protected] Teacher Dawoon Jung [email protected] Teacher Liana Kitz [email protected] Teacher Matúš Sagan [email protected] Teacher Gwénaël Gobert [email protected] Teacher Eliza Jonczyk [email protected] of Performing Arts (whole school) Nicholas McGauley [email protected] Teacher Catherine McNeilly [email protected] Teacher Anna Mišunová [email protected] Teacher Sarah Mcdonald [email protected] Education Teacher Lauren Kenny [email protected] Education Teacher Katarína Euell [email protected] Education Teacher Tomáš Pavlík [email protected] Education Teacher David Mumby [email protected] Education Teacher & Deputy Head of Secondary School Gareth Evans [email protected]

School Counsellor Natália Hanulíková [email protected]

Key Stage 23A Class Teacher Judith Boyd [email protected] Class Teacher and Phase Leader Lianne Berrisford [email protected] 3 Teaching and Learning Assistant Kelly Martin [email protected] Class Teacher Simon Thorpe [email protected] Class Teacher Conor O'Brien [email protected] Class Teacher and Senior Phase Leader Ursula Jardine [email protected]

Year 4 Teaching and Learning Assistant Katarína Lacová [email protected] Class Teacher Daren King [email protected] Class Teacher James Williamson [email protected] 5 Teaching and Learning Assistant Barbora Kopčoková [email protected] Class Teacher and Phase Leader Gabrielle Clover [email protected] Class Teacher Charlotte Nash Wanklin [email protected] Class Teacher Martin Rawstron [email protected] 6 Teaching and Learning Assistant Sandra McKillop [email protected] Level Teaching Assistant Maryna Glibko [email protected]


Domestic StaffCleaner Darina Patrnčiaková Marta Ružičová Věra Krejčí

Iveta Némethová Marie Therese Che Sahuwu

Caretaker / Purchaser František Jánoš Ladislav Marček

Senior Leadership TeamBusiness Manager Barbara Kanclířová [email protected] of Admissions and Marketing Milina Bireš [email protected] Manager and Deputy to BM Alexandra Viljoen [email protected] Administrator and Deputy to BM Alexander Kopčok [email protected]

Role Name E-mailHR Manager Stanislav Fančovič [email protected] Manager Jana Habová [email protected] Accountant Ľubica Zvardoňová [email protected] Manager Gabriela Vranovská [email protected] and AV Manager Stanislav Matej [email protected] and Safety Officer, Purchase and Logistic Manager Ivan Pivník [email protected]

Marketing Officer Monika Predajňová [email protected] Officer Oľga Kleinová [email protected] Officer Lucia Remšíková [email protected] and Community Liaison Officer Eva Matejová [email protected]

Chief Accountant Stanislava Trnovská [email protected]

Finance Accountant Miroslava Moráveková [email protected]

Finance Accountant Adriana Mašánová [email protected]´s Personal Assistant Zuzana Leczo [email protected] Assistant to Head of Primary and Head of Secondary Jarmila Polónyová [email protected]

IT Technician Viktor Gašparovský [email protected] Technician Juraj Pap [email protected] Assistant (Maples) Silvia Budayová [email protected] Manager (Oaks) Marcela Hlubíková [email protected] (Oaks) Zuzana Jablonická [email protected] Assistant (Oaks) Kristína Komárková [email protected]

Nurse Miroslava Matunáková [email protected]

Nurse Elisabeth Laursen [email protected] Librarian Paula Gubová [email protected]

Non-Academic Staff

50

93 %98 % 90 % 91 %96 % 93 % 92 %

Happy at school

Feel safe at school

Our first contact with the school was positive and welcoming

Recieve a quality education from the school

Have a good relationship with their teachers

Developing confidence at school

My child was given a good induction when starting the school

PARENT SURVEY RESULTS 2020

“Individual approach, highquality education, respectfor children, high qualityteachers who really knowtheir job and are lovingand understanding children,raising children to theirpotential.”

“My son feels very happyat this school. He is wellsupported by sta� andit is clear that teachersknow him well and makee�orts to interact with himon a personal level o en.In primary I feel the waymaterial is taught throughtopics is done really well andmakes it really engaging.”

“The first contact we hadwith the school during myfirst visit was a key factorfor our decision, we likedthe atmosphere we sawin the school.”

“The school is a warm,friendly place where allbackgrounds are welcomed.The teaching sta� is generallyvery positive and excitedabout teaching and students.The administration continuesto grow and refine theschool’s infrastructure ando�erings, in consideration ofneeds of a growing school.”

“I like how my kids areexposed to the arts, music,and drama.”

“Very well trained teachers,excellent infrastructure,attention to the environmentand health.”

“Great results at IGCSEand IB, MIT and TheJuilliard collaboration, Tripsand residentials, Duke ofEdinburgh Award, GlobalCampus expeditions, Sportstournaments.”

“It provides an opportunityto complete the IBDPDiploma and thus thepossibility of studyingat excellent universitiesabroad.”

“The school o�ers thanksto the committed teachersgreat opportunities alsooutside the curriculum(DofE, sport, leadership,clubs, etc.). Great resourcesand technology. The schoolsupports the students tobecome open minded andresponsible grown-ups.”

“Caring, happy, fun yetserious with many teachershighly committed, availablefor students. Pastoral care.”

“Every year the schoolmakes new initiativesso that the outdoor areasand indoor facilities areimproved.”

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primary parent handbook 2020/2021

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