E-Newsletter March 2012
WHOLE SCHOOL
Bookworm Literary Festival Authors Visit CISB-March 15
Bookworm Literary Festival authors came to CISB on Thursday March 15.
Author/Illustrator Xiong Liang (熊亮), originally from Zhejiang Province, is renowned for his
poetry, prose, powerfully emotive paintings and children’s book illustrations. Drawing
from the rhythmic lines of traditional Chinese art, Xiong’s work undertakes many different
styles. He has written and illustrated a number of children’s books, including Paper Horse.
He presented slides from two of his books for the students in grades K-2 and also grades 3-5.
After his presentations, he created Ink and Brush paintings for the students, which have been
framed to hang in the library.
Jon Campbell graduated from the University of Washington with a Masters in International
Relations, and moved to Beijing to study Chinese. Within weeks he entered into the local
rock world, first as a drummer in several bands and later as a chronicler, booster, promoter
and agent. His first book is Red Rock: the Long, Strange March of Chinese Rock & Roll.
Students in middle and high school were impressed with his knowledge of current and past
Chinese rock bands. Many were interested to read his book that parallels other events in
history.
*****
MIDDLE/HIGH SCHOOL
Winter Carnival-March 7-9
The theme of this year’s Winter Carnival was “Time Travel”. From March 7 to 9, activities
focusing on the 50s, 60s, and 80s were scheduled during noon hour. Students had fun
competing individually in the Hula-hoop spinning competition, taking photos behind a retro
theme cutout board, and playing various games. On Thursday and Friday, our IB business
students implemented their business project: a smoothies’ vendor venue. To end the threeday carnival, a formal social night was organized included a stunning fashion show and many
activities such as dancing, pick-up-stick and mystery bags.
Olympic Sports Day-March 9
During the afternoon of March 9th, 15 groups of 15 students from Grades 6 to 10 participated
in various competitive sports activities to promote physical education and health. With the
bright sunshine and the early-spring breeze, students played soccer games on the outdoor
field and track games such as Egg & Spoon Relay and Target game. Dodgeball and floor
hockey games were also played in both gymnasiums and the pool was filled with relay
swimmers and ‘big splash’ contestants. A great day was enjoyed by all and winning teams
will be announced soon!
New Brunswick Judge Irwin Lampert speaks to CISB Middle/High Students! -March 19
and 20, 2012
CISB students were honored to have Judge Irwin Lampert, a well-known and respected court
judge speak to them over two days, March 19th and 20th.
Judge Lampert addressed grades 6 through 10 while presiding over a ” Mock Assault Trial”
for year 11 and 12 students.
During his presentations to grades 6-10 Judge Lampert spoke to the topics of “Bullying as
well as Cyber-Bullying; Personal Safety Dangers, Threats, Emotional Outbursts, Decision
Making and The Law”. He reviewed the dangers associated with being involved with any of
these as well as particular sections of the Law that would be relevant if taken to court.
During the afternoon session grade 11 and 12 students were able to view a “court in
session”—with year 11 students who assumed the roles of crown attorney, defense
attorney, court clerk, crown and defense witnesses, the alleged victim-- and the accused
along with the Honorable Judge Lampert.
All year 11 and 12 students were directly involved either as part of the courtroom
participants and/or gallery members.
Judge Lampert delivered the final verdict along with specific comments as follows: very well
done; serious approach taken towards this project; professionally dressed and looked and
acted the part very well; used strong English language skills; did their research of specific
laws pertaining to the case; excellent gallery/audience appropriate conduct; great learning
opportunity for all; he thanked all students while recognizing the work of their
teacher/supervisors-Mr. Harrold and Mr. Dorey with guidance and support from Mr.
Prescott, Head of School.
*****
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Elementary Spring Carnival-March 12-15, 2012
Literacy Day-March 12
Elementary Spring Carnival began on Monday March 12, with a salute to students’ favorite
book characters. Children dressed as Harry Potter, fairy tale princesses, TinTin, and many
others. During Language Arts class, they wrote about their characters in a variety of ways.
Social Studies Day-March 13
On Tuesday, March 13, children arrived at school dressed in the traditional costume of their
home countries. It looked like a spring flower garden in the classrooms, as students proudly
displayed their heritages. They also worked on mapping and flag exercises to complement
the learning and sharing the children engaged in about their homes.
Crazy hat Day-March 14
On Wednesday March 14, children wore a hat to school, in honor of Dr. Seuss, beloved
children’s author of “The Cat in the Hat” and other books, including “One Fish, Two Fish, Red
Fish, Blue Fish” – which prompted math activities of estimation – how many goldfish
crackers were there in a fish bowl? The hats ranged from fairly simple, to elaborate
constructions made by the children and their families.
Green Day-March 15
Thursday March 15 was Green Day – children wore something green to school, with the
proximity of St. Patrick’s Day on Saturday, as well as Green being synonymous with
Ecological Responsibility. No new paper was used all day in the elementary classes; only
recycled paper, or use of other media.
The events of the Carnival were very successful, particularly as they involved children and
their families talking about and preparing for the events of the week. It was evident how
much support the parents provided for these special days.
PRESCHOOL
Preschool Workshop-March 15
On March 15th, two overseas professional art teachers from the International Child Art Club
presented a lecture on “The effects of art education on a child’s personality”. Over 70 parents
attended the workshop at the CISB Library. During the one-hour lecture, both experts
showed evidence from the psychological research institutes and proved that good art
education is very beneficial to a child’s psychological development. Children that receive
good art education do not only develop better visual sense, but also have more active
personalities with better mental abilities. By comparing the paintings completed by different
aged preschool children, the experts led the parents to interpret meanings and
characteristics behind the art works. Parents were very interested in the practical advices on
how to raise children’s interests in art and how to lead them to a higher level. Many parents
in attendance expressed interest in attending future workshops provided by professional
teaching experts.
*****
UPCOMING EVENTS AT CISB
April 4:
Qingming Festival Holiday
April 6:
Report Cards Day
April 9/10:
Pre-Kindergarten Spring Field trip (To be confirmed by letter/email)
April 12:
(Prek-12) Parent-Teacher Interviews Evening
April 13:
No School for All Students
(Prek-12) Parent-Teacher Interviews
April 16-20: Earth Week
April 17:
Literacy Night
April 21:
Kindergarten, Pre-Kindergarten Earth Week Family Fun Day