Northside Inquirer!
ISZN Newsletter
School Year 2013/2014
Inside this issue:
Head of Primary
PYP Classes
2
3-14
ISSUE 6
July 2014
Page 2
Note from the Head of Primary
Dear ISZN Community,
It is very hard to believe that we are already up to the final issue of our
Newsletter for this school year. Each year seems to go by a little faster than
the one before!
This edition is dedicated to our reflections of the year. If I was to list the
highlights we have celebrated and enjoyed since last August, I would take up
all of the remaining pages! Thankfully the students and teachers have selected
a range instead that they would like to share. Additionally, our School
Yearbook is on its way, filled with memories to enjoy for many years to come.
As International Baccalaureate (IB) learners, we ask our students to think
every day about the ten words that make up the Learner Profile. One of those
words is ‘Reflective’ and we are firmly of the belief that one of the most
effective tools we have as learners and teachers, is our ability to reflect on all
that we do and experience.
The IB describes Reflective learners as:
We 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.
As you may be aware, we recently hosted visitors from the IB as part of the
five year re-evaluation visits. In addition to a wide range of commendations
and recommendations that were in alignment with our ongoing development
plans, one commendation that particularly stood out for me, was for our
students’ active engagement and ownership of their learning.
Our students remind us every day, that they are thinking about their actions
and they are taking them – as they aim to make a the world a better place for
all. Our incredible Grade 5 Exhibition particularly left many visitors with the
idea that we (all) could be doing more.
As you read and look through these pages, please talk to your student about
their reflections on their learning; their experiences and their actions. We have
been extremely fortunate to see so many examples this year –and been given
a glimpse into at the amazing potential contained within.
If I do not see you before the summer break, I would like to wish you a safe
and happy holiday. I will look forward to seeing families back in August –
ready for the exciting year that we are currently planning ahead. For any
families who are moving on, I would like to wish you all the best and
encourage to keep in touch and visit in the future whenever the opportunity
arises.
Kind Regards,
Jane Hollands
Head of Primary & PYP Coordinator
School Year 2013/2014
ISSUE 6
Page 3
Nursery Anneliese Ehlert Joss
What have you liked doing the most in Nursery this year?
I asked the children in Nursery this question as we reflected of our year
together. This is what they said…
I read books, do work, I like
painting best. I like playing
with Vince and all my
friends, we play a lot of
games. Today we were playing with cars.
playing, looking at
books, tidy up, have
lunch. Play with my
friends outside.
I sleep and come to school. Morning I
come the train and 2 busses. I like to see
my friends Rishab and Tapan. I like to
play on the orange bike in the garden. I
like making and cooking. I play numbers, I like painting, make balloons.
Mine is very small now. Shapes play.
I like to tell things to the
teacher. I like to listen to stories and teachers. We do lots
of things. I like to play with
Tapan we play balls and trains.
We do lots of jobs, I like to do fun jobs.
We colour, paint, make hot air balloons.
We paint numbers, use shapes to make
pictures of cars and talk about the world.
I like playing with Eva, Tapan, Vince, all
my friends. I like playing together nicely ,
lots of different kinds of things.
Kaneshwar likes to come
to Nursery to play with
his friends and the toys
we do lots of things, making
things and making the classroom
really nice. Painting, sticking, cutting, writing, drawing. We have
lunch here too. My friends are
Rishab and Shion .We like playing
cars and dolls.
My friends Eva, Kimaya, Rishab,
Victor and Nicolas and Tapan.
Play games. I like bingo numbers
and writing and colouring and
painting. Favourite cars play. Kimaya make me happy, she funny
games.
I like painting. My friend are
Vince, Eva, Nicolas and Shion. I
play in nursery and sing, glue and
painting.
I listen to a story. I play with the
fire truck and ambulance, police
car to go to the hospital.
“This has been fabulous year, it has just flown by. We have had so much fun
together learning, laughing and telling each other about the world. I’m going to
miss all the children that will go to Pre-K after the summer or to another
school and I am looking forward to the seeing the others after the holiday for
another year of busy times. See you all soon. X x x”
Miss Anna
Page 4
Nursery 2 Claire Lillywhite
The children shared their reflections of the year with me
and this is what they enjoyed most this year.
Alya: "I like ballet”
Azzim: "I liked playing with the magnets and cars.
I like painting”
Chitrangada: "I like the caterpillar book and
butterflies”
Danyasri: "I like coming to school by bus and
playing”
Julia: "I like going to the library and doing P.E.”
Leonardo: "I have fun at school - Fun is playing
with each other. I like it when Happy is in my
class:”
Mrudula: "I like listening to Princess stories.”
I have enjoyed seeing the children become relaxed and
happy at school. They have made huge progress
developing the social, physical and academic skills to
help them on the next step of their learning journey. It
has been, as always, a pleasure to be a part of this
school community.
Claire Lillywhite.
School Year 2013/2014
ISSUE 6
Pre-Kindergarten Njomza Murtaj
Page 5
Page 6
Pre-Kindergarten Vicky Waldmeier
Pre-K 1 Portfolio
Conference
We showed our
parents our
portfolios…..
AND MADE
BOATS!
It was very fun!
Sharing our learning
develops our confidence
and makes us feel proud.
School Year 2013/2014
ISSUE 6
Page 7
Kindergarten Cecile Meintjes
What a wonderful way to end the year – a Portfolio afternoon. The
children were SO excited – this was their moment; they could finally
show their parents what they have learned. Thank you, Parents. You
made many hearts blossom.
During circle time the children shared some of their best memories this
year:
•  Ayaan – ‘Portfolio time is still my favourite. My parents are
here’
•  Katja and Zarina – We liked the swimming lessons very
much’
•  Zsombor – ‘The bee unit was my favourite. I loved the
activities.’
•  Siddhaarth – ‘I liked the senses unit. I have learnt how
important they are’
•  Aahana – ‘All the units were great. I have learnt a lot of
stuff which I didn’t know’
•  Catherine – ‘I liked the senses unit. It was fun to smell and
taste everything’
•  Colin – ‘I enjoyed the year because we could make our own
things and we were challenged to think.’
•  All said – ‘Field trips will always be our favourite. We loved
the sleepover. We would like to have another one. We
liked the night story, the ice-cream, the toy we could bring
and we could play with the torch in the dark .’
•  Cecile – ‘The highlight of each day is to see how these little ones
mature in every possible way’
It was a privilege to be part of their lives for these few months. Thank
you to each parent for your trust and support.
Have a wonderful, well deserved summer break,
Cecile Meintjes
Page 8
Kindergarten Ayeisha Ehlert Darvas
Kindergarten has had a wonderful year full of learning and fun. We
have worked hard and have grown to be a team. Here are some of
Kindergarten’s comments about the year:
Agustin: It was awesome.
Mirudhu: It was so much fun.
Isabelle: It was nice and I love school.
Krithik: I like school.
Saphira: I love coming to school, we can read and play.
Adit: I liked reading and writing and playing.
Sivani: I like coming to school every day.
Shiven: We did the bee unit and we went to see the recycling center.
Moustafa: I liked funky fingers.
The children were also all in agreement that we have had a blast on
our field trips.
Well done Kiga, keep up the good work!
School Year 2013/2014
ISSUE 6
Page 9
Grade 1 Anna Bernadas
In Grade 1.1 we have had a very busy year full of learning,
excitement and action. Now that we are reaching the
end, we have taken some time to reflect about this
fantastic year.
“I learnt a lot in the light unit, body unit, celebrations unit, food
unit, oceans unit and journeys unit.” – Amelie
“I like the Lego!” – Mathias
“I like the celebrations in the class.” – Jesper
“Ms Anna is my hero. My friends always keep me happy.” –
Madison
“Grade 1 classroom was very nice. It was nice and big.” –
Amishi
“I really like my units. I try to do my central ideas.” – Boris
“I learnt a lot throughout these units because they were
interesting.” – Mia
“Everything looks like fun.” – Vishy
“I like everything. I also enjoyed my teacher.” – Melinda
Page 10
Grade 2
Felicity Trimming
In Grade 2 we have been reflecting on our learning and memories of
the year. We would like to share our reflections with you…
I like learning about symmetry and I really liked listening to Miss
Felicity reading Running Wild by Michael Morpurgo. -Fiona
The best thing about Grade 2 was working on my reading and
writing. I also liked listening to Running Wild. -Nolwenn
I liked watching videos about our unit on You Tube.
-Sathvika
The best part of Grade 2 was taking part in our Mathematics
Battles. -Shubham
The best thing is that we worked together and learnt how to be
friends. -Alec
I like using the ipad because we learn Math and English. It gets our
brain working. -Enrico
I liked listening to stories and Grade 2 was the best class ever! Yash
We had fun learning. I liked learning about new things.
-Melissa
The best thing about Grade 2 was Art because we get to draw
and paint. -Luca
Grade 2 helped me with my Maths. I liked the library because I
read everyday. The best bit about Grade 2 is that it helped me to
express my talents. -Eva
I liked Art because we made nice pictures. -Urvee
The best thing about Grade 2 was playing Boggle. -Sukanya
School Year 2013/2014
Grade 3
ISSUE 6
Page 11
Pamela Ostler
I have loved being in the Grade
3 class. Anyone is lucky enough
to come here should have a
great time. - Ria
My favorite thing in
Grade 3 is the new
friends I made and my
new teacher. - Paula
My favorite subject of
the year was
Mathematics because
I like to practice my
division skills and
many other things. Aatman
This year I learned
something special; all my
class cooperated with our
learning so we learned
something very, very
special. It’s class love that
we found and it’s the best
thing anybody could ever
want to find in class and
that’s why I loved this year.
- Chiara
My favorite topic in
Grade 3 was
Endangered Species
because we learned
how hard people try
to save animals and
other people kill them
just for their fur
and in Grade 3 we
had a lot of fun. Betka
My favorite activities were
Unit because I am very
proud of that and Maths
because I am very good in
that. I enjoyed a lot 3rd
Grade. - Matteo
I enjoyed Grade 3 but
I’ll miss everyone’s
attitudes. I’ll especially
miss the part where I
get to help others and
see their smiles and
love for each other. I
made a relationship
with all the classes and
I’ll miss playing with
others and sharing
exciting and sad
moments with the
people that feel that
way. I’ll miss helping
people overcome their
fears. I’ll never forget
these moments. Sofia
I’m glad I was your teacher
I’ve come to love you so!
I can’t believe the end is here
I hate to see you go!
Remember all the fun we had
The things we learned and did
But most of all remember,
you’re a very special kid! – Miss Pam
The best part about
grade 3 was when we
did Art because it
turns out fun and nice.
Thank you Miss Pam.
- Livia
I really liked being part
of this class because it
is very fun and I
learned a lot. My
favorite subject is Unit
because I learn a lot of
stuff I never knew
before. - Meher
My favorite
subject was Art
because I wanted
to improve on
my art skills a
lot.
- Vedant
I enjoyed the
Roman unit the
most. It was so fun
doing things in
groups. - Andronik
Page 12
Grade 4
Juanita Daniels
Reflections of Grade 4
I absolutely loved Grade 4, especially golden time because that’s the only time in the week where we get
to do whatever we want. What I would’ve liked to be better is maybe a bit more UOI time so that we can
learn more about the main subject every day. Otherwise, I thought Grade 4 was AWESOME! – Kyle
I really like our Poetry unit and all the things we learn in that unit. I also like what we’re doing in Music
which is using the keyboard. This was a very exciting year and Ms. Juanita is really nice. – Isabella
Wow, what a fun year with Ms. Juanita. We learnt a lot about a Science unit when we got to choose our
own unit-mine was the 5 senses. I am looking forward to Grade 5. I am so sad that Grade 4 is over, but
at the same time so excited. –Ellie
I liked everything which we did in Grade 4 with Ms. Juanita, especially during debates and presentations.
We had so much fun presenting our presentations, looking at the feedback and reciting poems. I am
looking forward to Grade 5 and it will be fun making presentations. – Aditya
My 2 favourite units were Space and Poetry. A big thank you for Ms. Fabulous Juanita. She organized an
individual Science unit of inquiry. I am looking forward to Grade 5. I am really happy with this year and I
am waiting until the summer holiday will finish. – Julia
I think Grade 4 has been an awesome year. I loved the Science unit the most because you got to think a
lot about sustainable action, presentation and researching. I loved to learn about new things with Ms.
Juanita and the class. – Ginevra
I have really enjoyed the unit of Marketplaces with cupcakes and the last camp. I learned a lot of new
things in the plants unit and the other units too. It was awesome!! – Sebas
In Grade 4 I enjoyed learning about grammar and math the most. My favourite unit this year was Poetry
then Ancient Civilizations. I am very much looking forward to Grade 5. – Candy
School Year 2013/2014
Grade 5
ISSUE 6
Page 13
Ingrid Willemse
A year in Grade 5
I am not in Grade 5 the
whole year. I arrive only at
the end for 5 weeks to
improve my English. I love this
school and I love Grade 5. In
these last few weeks I made a
lot of new friends. I also love
our teacher Mrs. Ingrid, she is
very kind and a good
teacher!
This year in Grade 5 has been
great with Mrs. Ingrid teaching
us. I have improved my
cooperation skills. To prepare
us for the Exhibition, we had
two Drama Units, which were
Migration and Model United
Nations. Overall this was a
good year.
Grade 5 was a really great year. I
have enjoyed our Drama Units,
where I improved my confidence
and my acting. I also really liked
the French. I have learned a lot,
although I already spoke a little
French. German was also really
nice. I have improved my verbs
and adjectives. The Exhibition was
my favorite!! I loved the way we
did our presentation.
Grade 5 has been a wonderful year!
We had lots of Drama units, so we
learned lots about Empathy. Exhibition
made me more confident and I learned
a lot about myself. French was really
hard, but I learned a lot and it’s quite
fun when you know the words and
grammar rules. I am going to miss
Grade 5, but I am looking forward to
Grade 6.
I only arrived 3 weeks ago, but I
like this school a lot. Mrs. Ingrid
and my friends are wonderful. I
am having a great time here,
but now it is time for Grade
6 more study!!a
This was a fantastic year in Grade 5,
where I improved and learned many
things. I loved the unit Inventors and
their Inventions. I improved my creativity
and had so much fun. I also enjoyed
the Exhibition, where I stopped being shy
and learned an uncountable amount of
things. A huge THANK YOU to Mrs.
Ingrid; it was the most amazing school
year ever!
Grade 5 has been an awesome
year! We have done so many
fun units, like Migration or Model
United Nations. They were so
great, especially because they
both were drama units. The
Exhibition was amazing!!! We
had to work so hard, but it was a
wonderful end result! BUT the
best part of Grade 5 was having
Mrs. Ingrid as a teacher.
Grade 5 has been the best year
so far!! All the trips we made: Ski
camp, horse back riding and
archery were so fun and
awesome! Mrs. Ingrid, our class
teacher, is also so full of fun and
excitement. The studies in Grade
5 are taught in such a fun way! I
really loved Grade 5.
I loved Grade 5, because we
did so many great things like
camp, mathematics projects
and Exhibition. I think this was
the best year in my whole life
and I loved the teacher Mrs.
Ingrid.
Grade 5 has been an
outstanding few weeks for me,
especially with Mrs. Ingrid as a
teacher. We had a great unit,
the Exhibition Unit. I have
learned many new things since I
started Grade 5. I have
especially learned to
communicate and cooperate
better and to believe more in
myself that I can do anything! I
am really going to miss the
students and Mrs. Ingrid
Grade 5 was a wonderful year!
We had really good units, like
Model United Nations and
migration, which involved drama. The
Exhibition was amazing!! We had to
do a lot of work and the end result
was fantastic! Best of all, we had an
amazing teacher!!
Grade 5 was an awesome year!!
We had many great units, like
Model United Nations and
migration, which were combined
with Grade 4. The Exhibition was
the peak of the Grade 5
mountain and all our work from
the whole year came together.
The Exhibition was also a Drama
Unit. No class had done this
before.
Page 14
To my class,
I'm glad I was your teacher
I've come to love you so.
I can't believe the end is here.
I hate to see you go.
Remember all the fun we had
in all the things we did,
But most of all remember...
You’re a very special kid!
Grade 5 was fun. My favorite
unit was the Exhibition. I
learned a lot. I worked with
students I would never work
with. I really improved my
Learner Profiles and attitudes.
I love Grade 5 the most!
French
Myriam Spichtig
After a very busy time working on their French Exhibition, which was a huge success, the grade 5 students are
enjoying their last assessment and are proud to show how much they have learnt in French this year. Hopefully
they won’t forget their French during the long Summer break and will continue to work hard and enjoy learning
French in grade 6.
Here are their reflections about their French experience and what they have enjoyed the most.
“I liked everything! French lessons helped me talk French when I went to Paris. The activity around the world helped
memorizing words. When we had homework it was fun to do because I love French. I learnt a lot and I will talk
French fluently ( Maleeha)
“I liked almost everything in French because it is really fun playing the French games and the French cards that the
teacher showed us. Even the homework is quite helpful. I LOVE French!” (Prachi)
“My favourite activity in the French classes was the games since it helped you learn new vocabulary, learn how to
use articles and since the games were fun.” (Param)
“I liked everything in French because it is a new language and it helped me to talk more with my mother and like to
learn new languages. It is also fun because we play games and Miss Myriam explained really good.” (Amanda)
“My favourite topic was learning clothing because we did many fun activities about it. My favourite activity was
playing around the world because it tested your knowledge very well”. (Lope)
“My favourite activity in French was around the world and the vocabulary bingo because they both are making you
learn the words if you want to play.” (Lavinia)
“My favourite activity in French was playing games (vocabulary, structures etc…) because I think it was a good way
of learning”. (Aadi)
“I really liked the word knock-out because I could learn my words faster and easier.” (Lucille)
“I really enjoyed the activity when you were with partners and you had a bunch of words that you had to make
into a story. It was for the animal unit. I enjoyed it because you were working with other people on your
grammar. It was also very fun because we were trying to see who would get the story solved first. I probably
would like more activities, but I did not get to do that many because I joined the class only recently.” (Olivia)
“I really enjoyed the unit where we learnt how to buy something in French because I learnt a lot of new words and
grammar rules and I got to use my knowledge in Crans Montana when we went shopping.” (Lisa)