ISF's Newsletter - September 2016

eISF

The Newsletter of the International School of Florence

September 2016 - Welcome Back Edition

HEAD OF SCHOOL MESSAGE Dear Parents, The start of a school year begins with butterflies, expectations and new plans! Pencil cases are fully equipped, notebooks are neatly stacked and some students even wake up before the alarm clock rings!

This year at ISF, we have many plans and high expectations! With this letter, I would like to highlight one area of particular focus intercultural learning and global citizenship. Last year, two focus groups met regularly to identify ways to promote the values inherent in these two complementary areas.

-The Intercultural Board is an upper school student group which has defined its objectives as promoting intercultural dialogue, respect, understanding and awareness as well as strengthening unity among the ISF community.

-The Intercultural Learning Committee is made up of teachers from both campuses. Their work last year culminated in the decision to adopt the UNESCO Framework for Global Citizenship as a guide to ensure that our curricular and extracurricular programs develop the attitudes and skills that support global awareness.

The third way in which we focus on these areas is through the IB Learner Profile – already at the center of our PYP program, and extending now into our Middle School and High School in more planned and purposeful ways.

Many of the values at the core of a global mindset are included in the Learner Profile, such as being open-minded, caring, knowledgeable and reflective. It is my belief that supporting these traits, coupled with a desire to embrace an active role in promoting intercultural understanding and becoming responsible global citizens, will lead ISF learners to have a positive impact on others and the world around them.

We are off to a great start, welcoming your children each morning as they continue on their paths of growth!

Welcome back, and I look forward to an exciting year!

Warm wishes, Debra Williams

IB learner profile IB learner profile IB learn IB learner prof IB learner profile IB lear IB learner profile IB learner profile IB learner profile IB lear IB learner profil IB learner profile IB learner pro

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The aim of all IB programmes is to develop internationally minded people who, recognizing their common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet, help to create a better and more peaceful world.

As IB learners we strive to be: We 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.

We 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.

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

We 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.

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

We 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.

We 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.

We 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.

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

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.

The IB learner profile represents 10 attributes valued by IB World Schools. We believe these attributes, and others like them, can help individuals and groups become responsible members of local, national and global communities.

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Summer Works In addition to the standard maintenance work that is regularly carried out on our beautiful Renaissance villas during the summer months, this July, some significant projects were completed at the Junior School, including the restructuring and repair of the Italian garden walls, removal, trimming and planting of trees throughout the campus, the installation of a new playground area thanks to our 2016 Gala funds, and initial work on renovating the Italian garden itself.

At the Upper School, the Aula Magna has benefited from a make-over, with the installation of a high quality projector to enhance curricular and extra-curricular activities in that space, as well as the purchase of a 3-D printer, both thanks to Gala earnings!

Helen Stanton - Upper School Principal What are your first impressions of ISF and of Florence? I love the beauty and architecture of Florence, and many people on the streets have been very pleasant and helpful. The school is part of this lovely setting; it is a pleasure to arrive every morning. Everyone I have met has been very welcoming.

What drew you to a career in education and how long were you teaching before becoming a principal? I tried teaching and found that I enjoyed working with teenagers, and I liked the variety and unpredictability of the days.

A teacher is never bored! I taught for many years before I became a principal, and worked as IBDP Coordinator and Vice Principal in four schools.

If you hadn’t become a principal, what other plans did you have for your career? I was interested in journalism.

How do you, as a principal, promote good relationships? I try to listen and understand people, and I realise that everyone has their own stories that influence who they are and how they act.

What is the most difficult task as a principal? It is never easy to give bad news to someone.

Were you ever sent to the principal’s office growing up? If so, for what? I was sent for objecting when a teacher took down a poster of Karl Marx, and then refusing to go to assembly!

What one teacher do you remember most and why? I remember an English teacher who was lively and interesting and encouraged us to write creatively.

What do you consider your greatest achievement? I hitchhiked with a fridge-freezer from South Africa to Botswana.

What is your motto? I like these lines from Hamlet: 'This above all: to thine own self be true, And it must follow, as the night the day, Thou canst not then be false to any man.'

Matt Ihle - Junior School Principal What are your first impressions of ISF and of Florence?

Well, after just moving from North Africa, I am very glad to be surrounded by green again. I grew up in the Northwestern United States and always had mountains and trees around me. ISF has struck me strongly as a community. I watch children and parents greet each other each morning and I look forward to developing relationships with all of our families and feeling like a part of the community.

What drew you to a career in education and how long were you teaching before becoming a principal?

I am intrigued by the learning process, especially children’s motivation to learn. That was a major focus of my Masters’ program. Teaching has always been an honored profession in my family. My mother was a teacher and my grandmother was one of the first women principals in Oregon. She was offered the position as elementary principal in World War II until they could find a man to do the job. She retired in the late- 1970s after over 30 years. I was in my 5th year of teaching when I was asked to stay and serve as principal of a large, international school in Honduras. I was 28 when I started as principal in 1993 with 740 students.

If you hadn’t become a principal, what other plans did you have for your career?

I was happy teaching and was really enjoying honing my craft when my Superintendent asked me to accept the principalship. I think I would have enjoyed touring the world as a teacher. Instead we returned to the States so my wife and I could continue our academic preparartion. I also believe that I would have enjoyed the foreign service if I had not become a teacher.

How do you, as a principal, promote good relationships?

Ah, this is the real job of a principal. I work at listening. I try to create a sense of welcome to my office, so concerns and successes are both shared. I invite conversations and try to ask about important things, like family. I also try to communicate decisions within the framework of the values and goals that we have developed and that the students’ best interest is my goal.

Were you ever sent to the principal’s office growing up? If so, for what?

Once, but I don’t remember the reason. I do remember a middle school science teacher spanking me with a paddle because I was running around the class room during a break.

What one teacher do you remember most and why?

I remember my kindergarten teacher invited me (and each of my classmates over the course of the year) to her house for tea on a Saturday. That was so special.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

My family. Each one makes the world a better place by how they care for people.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

Well, I run, but just because I have to to stay in shape. Florence is the best running city I’ve found. It has beauty in all directions. I love to play sports. I tell people that I am happiest chasing a little ball -- Baseball, soccer, football, tennis, golf. All make exercising fun for me. But my favorite is volleyball. I played volleyball through college and into adulthood and last year the school team I helped coach won the regional tournament with my son, David playing a lead role as captain. That was fun. I also play guitar, read, cook, and I love to travel. We have always been involved in the leadership in our churches around the world. We are looking for a church home here too. I look forward to buying a car so I can begin to get around with family and friends. I want to know all of the parts of Italy and their regional food specialties. We are starting in Sicily for our October break.

What is your motto?

Live life ‘unoffendable’. I have learned that offense is something that you get to accept or refuse. Life is much more pleasant without it.

ISF New Staff Profiles 2016/2017 Rachel McDade •

Na#ve of: Edinburgh, Scotland

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Joining us from: Victoria Primary School, Leith

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Earned: Post graduate degree in Educa#on, University of Edinburgh

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Assignment: Founda#on Kindergarten Teacher

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Personal Interests: Running, reading, and travelling

Simona Faus3ni • Na#ve of: Firenze • Joining us from: St. Thomas Becket Primary School, Croydon • Earned: PGCE in Primary Educa#on • Assignment: Art Teacher Junior School • Personal Interests: Singing ethnic music, travelling and wri#ng

Catherine Ewing •

Na#ve of: Coventry, UK

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Joining us from: Sir Thomas Abney in Hackney, London

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Earned: PGCE from University of Cumbria

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Assignment: Grade 4 Teacher

• Personal Interests: reading, cooking and dancing Lindy Hop

Clare Kelly •

Na#ve of: Chester, UK

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Joining us from: The Winsford Academy, Winsford Cheshire

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Earned: M.Sc. in Prenatal Gene#cs and Fetal Medicine

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Assignment: US Science, IB Biology

• Personal Interests: theater, ballet, cycling and youth pilgrimages for disabled children

Andreea Coco •

Na#ve of: Romania

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Joining us from: The Interna#onal School of Frankfurt

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Earned: M.Ed. From Rutgers University

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Assignment: Junior School EAL

• Personal Interests: reading pain#ng, the outdoors

Valen3na Brandani •

Na#ve of: Florence

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Joining us from: Liceo Piero Calamandrei, Florence

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Earned: Laurea in matema#ca, Università degli Studi di Firenze

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Assignment: Italian Program Math and Grade 9 Geometry

• Personal Interests: reading, walking and going to the sea

Aofie Shanley •

Na#ve of: Ireland

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Joining us from: ISF Junior School

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Earned: Higher Diploma in Educa#on

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Assignment: Student Life Supervisor and Pre-CAS Coordinater

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Personal Interests: Running, cooking, and going to the cinema

Paula Lindquist •

Na#ve of: Washington State, USA

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Joining us from: First grade teacher at George Washington Academy in Casablanca, Morocco

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Earned: Masters of Arts in Teaching

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Assignment: EAL at the Junior School

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Personal Interests: Sports, reading, and travelling

Welcome back!

The first day back to school in September never felt so good as it did last Thursday, September 1st. It was the typical sunny day in Florence, but nothing shined more than the “Thousand Splendid Suns,” that were brightening our halls and classrooms -- our kids were back! What made the day so special for me was that I was back too, back in the classroom, and it never felt better!

For those of you who are new to ISF, I missed the last two and half months of school the last academic term as the result of a cycling accident. I won’t go into the details: the descent and curves of, to quote the Bard, “outrageous fortune,” or the injuries, “the thousand natural shocks that flesh is heir to” when the human body slams into a Tuscan hill. While not ready to cycle off “this mortal coil,” I was forced to trade in the classroom for a hospital bed.

So, five months later it feels good. “It feels great to be back,” I told more than one colleague. “I know,” one replied. “This is the third time you’ve told me.” The doctors say I’ve healed fast. And a very big part of that was all the support I received from my ISF family – my colleagues who sent prayers, get well wishes, and goodies, and those who trekked all the way down to Siena to visit me in hospital and later when I was transferred home – Thank You. The parents who wrote me, shared their good wishes and prayers, and sent me a carload of wine and cookies and jams and books…it was Christmas in May! One parent came by bus from Florence to visit! Another fantastic mom showed up with her son (my student) and a big tray of homemade Lasagna! To all those wonderful parents – Thank You. And then of course there were my students – our kids. So many heartfelt messages and notes. I couldn’t have asked for better medicine. So yes, I healed fast. Your presence, whether physically or in spirit, was deeply appreciated. So yes, it feels great to be back in the classroom, back in the ISF family.

John Pitonzo, English and Drama Teacher Upper School

41 ISF students sat the full diploma in 2016.

14 students (34%) scored at or above 34 total points, which is quite good (with 8 students (20%) at or above 36 points).

12 students (29%) scored between 28 and 33 points.

15 students (37%) scored at or below 27 points, with 3 students below 24 points.

The pass rate for the year is 85% (the world average is usually about 78%).

Our students are now on the way to university destinations, including: New York University, Brown University, Boston University, Pratt Institute New York, University of Oxford, Kings College London, Richmond University London, Royal Holloway London, University College London, Imperial College London, University of Kent, University of Sussex, European Business School Wiesbaden, Bocconi University Milan

The Grade 8 and Grade 5 Italian Program students sat both oral and written examinations for an external, Italian public school commission.

We are delighted that our students performed exceptionally well, with all students passing both the Terza Media and Quinta exams!

Over half of our Senior Class of 2016 earned the bilingual diploma in Italian and English. Well done!

ISF aims to provide a caring learning environment that promotes personal, social and academic growth through challenging and engaging programs, in order to develop respectful, responsible students who strive to have a positive impact on others and the world around them.