Embedded Files
Dear Families,
November has been another busy month. It's a wonderful time of year to showcase how caring our community is. We started the month by collecting tins of tomato paste to share with the TIDER charity. I was proud once again of how generous our students and families are.
It was lovely to see so many of our parents attending our parent-teacher meetings to see the great work our students have been doing in class.
This month has also been a time of commeration and remembrance as we celebrated the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Turkish republic. This was followed shortly by the commeration of Türkiye's founding father, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. Our school was also proud to attend the NATO serivce of rememberance.
We are looking forward to a busy but fun end to our first term!
Kind regards,
Alison Jones
director's note
director's note
Pastoral Care & Wellbeing
Charity at The British International Forest School
Learning about charity and its importance is very important for us at BIS. During our assemblies and PSHE lessons we take the time to reflect on how we can help others.
Our Charity MOTTO is
N O T M E
Looking at all the ways we can be charitable:
N for new
O for old
T for time
M for money
E for environment
Our first charitable project this year was our AUTUMN FOOD DRIVE.
We asked for new cans of tomato paste to send to the TIDER food banks. TIDER It was a mini house competition too.
The importance of charity & how to explain it to children
Teaching your children the importance of charity is one of the most valuable lessons they can learn. The power of giving not only helps them discover causes they care about but also how giving can help others. Understanding the meaning of charity is also an excellent way for children to learn about the value of money and how even the smallest amount can make a big difference.
What do charities do and what importance do they have?
Charities bring together people who care about a cause so they can make a difference and effect change. A charity’s goal might be to relieve poverty, advance the arts, or protect an endangered species. They do this in various ways, by providing information, help and support, or raising awareness of an issue. Charities are important. They’re a way to help people less fortunate than us and support the causes we believe in.
Why teaching your child about giving back is important
Why teaching your child about giving back is important
1. Valuable money lessons
1. Valuable money lessons
Donating even a small amount of money to charity shows children they can help others and make a difference in the world. It’s also a useful lesson about appreciating what they have and the differences between needs and wants.
2. Learn about compassion and empathy
2. Learn about compassion and empathy
Getting into the habit of regularly giving, can help your child develop a sense of purpose, compassion, and empathy for others. It also gets them involved in issues they feel passionate about.
3. Connects children with their community
3. Connects children with their community
Giving back is also an excellent opportunity to show children the importance of charity in the community and supporting those around us.
4. Strengthens their personal values
4. Strengthens their personal values
Giving to charity strengthens a child’s personal values. It helps them to see they have the power to make a difference in the world.
5. Giving can help identify interests and passions
5. Giving can help identify interests and passions
All children feel passionate about something. It might be animals, the ocean, climate change, or something else. Encouraging them to give to charity helps them to identify these passions.
6. They are the next generation
6. They are the next generation
Giving to charity also helps children to develop a sense of awareness and personal responsibility for their future.
7. Helps those less fortunate
7. Helps those less fortunate
A big part of giving to charity is understanding that there are people out there who are less fortunate than us. Charities help those who need all the things we take for granted.
8. Helps communities become more sustainable
8. Helps communities become more sustainable
Charities also help communities in developing countries with environmental and economic sustainability so that damage to the environment is minimized.
9. Helps reduce poverty
9. Helps reduce poverty
In developing countries, charities help reduce poverty by improving sanitation and healthcare. They provide humanitarian support in the wake of natural disasters too.
10. Brings attention to serious issues
10. Brings attention to serious issues
Charities also campaign to highlight awareness of issues society tends to avoid focusing on.
11. Can encourage those around you to do the same
11. Can encourage those around you to do the same
Charity has a knock-on effect. Giving to a good cause can persuade others around you to give too.
12. It can make us feel good
12. It can make us feel good
Studies show donating to charity is a stress reliever. It makes you feel good. What’s more, studies show the act of giving itself is not just a feel-good moment. Improved mood, better health and living longer are all connected to giving. Whether it’s in the form of donations or volunteering.
How to teach your child to give back
How to teach your child to give back
Giving back involves more than just taking a bag of unwanted toys to the local thrift store. Here are eight tips for teaching your kids how to give back.
1. Explain what donating means
1. Explain what donating means
Use everyday examples of giving and donating your kids can relate to. For instance, that time they helped your elderly neighbor bring in the shopping. Point out that these small acts of kindness are examples of donating their time to help others. You can then use this to build on and explain other ways they can give to charity. THE SCHOOL MOTTO OF NOTME. For example.
2. Help your child understand why it's needed
2. Help your child understand why it's needed
For children to want to help others, they need to understand why help is needed in the first place. This means talking to your kids about why we doante food items over to the local food bank. The idea of food poverty may still be an abstract concept for many young children. You'll need to explain it in simple terms and then build on their understanding as they get older.
3. Lead by example and donate as a family
3. Lead by example and donate as a family
The best way for children to learn about giving is by seeing it first-hand. Take them with you when you take unwanted clothes to the local thrift store or put money into charity boxes. Ask them to pick out a few cans of food when you're in the grocery store to save for the food bank. And take part in fundraising events as a family. Basic Needs Association - Food Banking It not only sets a good example, but it also creates an opportunity to talk with your kids about the importance and rewards of giving.
4. Volunteer with your child
4. Volunteer with your child
Volunteering with your child to help a local charity is a good way to give back to the community. It’s also a useful way of getting your kids on board with the concept of giving. Charity and community organizations will always appreciate an extra pair of hands. Whether it’s helping at a fundraising event, serving food at a homeless shelter, or volunteering in a thrift store.
5. Show them the impact
5. Show them the impact
Children are more likely to respond well to donating to charity if they understand the impact their giving has. Pick out some community projects and take your child along to show them what can happen when people donate their time, money and resources.
Basic Needs Association - Support Market
6. Encourage your children to choose a charity for your family
6. Encourage your children to choose a charity for your family
Ask your children to pick a charity your family can donate to. It can be by volunteering your time or giving money or items. Suggest a few charities to your child, explaining what they do, and let them pick one that matters to them. They’re far more likely to want to give up their time if it's for a cause they've chosen and know about.
How to help your children understand the importance of charity
How to help your children understand the importance of charity
It’s not always easy to get your children to understand the importance of giving and the work charities do. What can help is to point out local and global charities that benefit everyone and use films and books to inspire them.
Here are some examples:
Picture books like https://youtu.be/awc-zVAF7jc?si=rQl8xy6_ttIQdRmQ
which asks the question, ‘Who will you help today?’
The Lorax movie (Netflix) helps educate children about the environment and explores how we can't just take and give nothing in return.
Up (Disney) teaches empathy for people different from ourselves. No one is ever too young (or too old) to help someone else.
Pay It Forwards (Amazon Prime) A young boy develops a plan to pay each good deed forward. Each act of kindness goes on to inspire another.
IDEA in Primary
Our students have been exploring the local and global communities they are part of during IDEA this month. Local communities can include family, friends, school, and neighborhoods. We discussed how we are connected to global communities through our home countries and traveling to other parts of the world. Students created their own "circles of community" which are now on display in the Primary building. The children had some really wonderful comments to make about community, including:
When you are part of a community, everyone should care about each other.
We may live far away from children in other countries, but in reality we have lots in common.
In a community, everybody is included.
You can make circles with love and let others in, like family, friends, loved ones.
You can make your circle bigger to include other children and new friends.
At school we are a BIS community and BIS team. We all care about each other and work to help one another.
We also held our first IDEA Committee meeting. We discussed communities together, and students made posters to promote community and IDEA, which are now on display for all to see. Well done to all!
Miss Ashley and Miss Bartola
NATO Remembrance Ceremony
On Friday 10th November, 3 BISI teachers and 2 students attended the annual NATO Remembrance Ceremony in the beautiful Haydarpaşa Cemetery. It was a touching service to commemorate all soldiers who have given their lives in the service of their respective Nations. The service was led by Rev. Dr. Turgay Üçal and included readings, prayers and a trumpeter who marked a minutes' silence of remembrance. Particularly moving and auspicious was the inclusion of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk's message of peace, tolerance and respect that was wholly in keeping with a day of such remembrance. During the ceremony, Mr Russell Gunnell laid a wreath of red flowers on behalf of BISI, alongside wreaths from various foreign consulates, the Turkish Army, and NATO. BISI students Hadley Paterson (Year 5) and Rafe Paterson (Year 8) confidently read John Mitchell's poem Reply to 'In Flanders Field'. The boys acquitted themselves and the school admirably well with a moving rendition of the poem and exemplary behaviour.
Atatürk Remembrance Ceremony
On November 10 our schools united to honour of the remembrance of Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Türkiye. Through moving tributes by students and staff we paid respect to his visionary leadership and lasting legacy. Thank you to the National School for inviting Primary International students and staff to the ceremony.
EYFS
Miss Elise: Preschool 1
Welcome back from EYFS after a restful and refreshing mid-term holiday we started to explore, read and act fairy tales from all over the world in literacy. We got 2 new friends and our class has grown bigger. In Maths we are identifying, sorting out, matching, counting and making patterns with shapes, colours, and numbers with indoor and outdoor objects. We can't wait to participate to the Winter Bazaar as the cold wind is blowing harder, announcing all the goodies of December.
Miss Ogomoditse & Ms Hatice: Preschool 2
We are thrilled to share the exciting adventures that our Butterflies class has embarked on recently with our theme for this term ‘Once upon a time.’ Over the past weeks, we delved into the enchanting world of two timeless fairytales: Goldilocks and the Three Bears and The Three Billy Goats Gruff.
In the magical land of Goldilocks and the Three Bears, our Butterflies explored the concept of size through the experiences of Goldilocks in the bear family's home. We engaged in activities that involved sorting and comparing. The Butterflies were delighted to recreate the story through puppet play and participating in sensory activities related to porridge.
Transitioning from bears to goats, we ventured into the adventurous tale of The Three Billy Goats Gruff. Thw Butterflies had a blast creating goats and bridges and engaging in dramatic play as the courageous goats crossing the bridge. Through these activities, they not only developed their fine motor skills but also cultivated their imaginations and storytelling abilities. As part of our celebration of diversity and language exploration, some wonderful parents graciously joined us to read stories in different languages.
Miss Lauren & Miss Melike: Reception
We have had a very busy term in Reception!
We have been learning about fairy tales this term. We have bought in our favourite fairytales from all around the world and dressed up as our favourite character!
Some parents came to read fairy tales to us! Thank you Simay and Vani!
We celebrated World Nursery Rhyme Week! We learnt five different nursery rhymes and recited them. We also recorded nursery rhymes in different languages at home!
We have been enjoying looking at scales in Maths.
We then decided to make gingerbread men!
We made bridges for the Three Billy Goats
Every week we have the most wonderful time in OWL!
Year One
Miss Katrine & Miss Sena: 1D
Seasons are changing and in 1D, students collected leaves to use for their seasonal art activities. We experimented with negative space by painting over and then removing the leaves to see the white spaces left behind. The students also had a chance to use the leaves to create their own leaf animals. They had a lot of fun experimenting with painting and creating a range of different animals.
Miss Belen & Miss Sena: 1G
The Whales class has been working on their ICT skills, mainly focusing on practising how to use the keyboard correctly. For this purpose we have used a digital platform with exercises to learn our "keyboard geography". We are getting used to placing our hands correctly on the keyboard as well as which finger to use to type each letter. We have also been learning about changing seasons and we enjoyed going out to the botanical garden to pick up some leaves. We used the leaves to create seasonal autumn art, using them as a mold to create a composition with paint and brushes. It has been fun and challenging as we develop new skills! We will keep having a great time before Winter Break approaches!
Year Two
Ms. Verralls & Miss Neslihan: 2V
In PSHE we have been learning about working together as a team. We enjoyed building a project together using shapes.
To celebrate Thanksgiving the year 2 children learned about the history of Thanksgiving. To celebrate, the children made corn necklaces. They used beads, pipe cleaners and string. They enjoyed painting the beads to show the colours of the cultivation of the corn.
Ms. Aycan & Miss Neslihan: 2A
Another busy month. To complete our Environmental Science topic we looked round the school for ways we can improve the school. We did a survey and found that rubbish is thrown near the Forest Classroom. We designed posters and presented them at our KS1 Assembly. We started our new Science topic on Movement and forces. We have conducted many investigations to see the force of air and dropping playdough to record how the force of gravity can change the shape of an object. In Literacy, we have been working on Traditional Tales and learning about connectives and expanded noun phrases. In Design Technology, we looked at different types of boomerangs, we used the design process to design our own boomerang and then tested how well it flew.
Year Three
Mrs. Robbins & Miss Neslihan: 3R
Students in 3R are learning how to perform poetry. Groups worked together to decide how they wanted to present their poems to an audience. They focused their performance on:
-Emphasizing certain words
- Speeding up or slowing down as they spoke to add excitement or suspense
- Using their hands, body, and facial expressions to engage the audience
The children had a lot of fun entertaining each other with their poetry.
Ms. Adesanya & Miss Neslihan: 3A
In Science, we thought and worked like scientists. We investigated how the shadow of an object changes as you move the object closer to the source of light. We measured the changes in centimetres. Objects closer to the light source will block a larger area of the light, increasing its shadow size.
Year Four
Ms. Lincoln & Miss Zerrin: 4L
4L have been doing a great job at observing how artists capture the movement of the sea when painting. They have worked hard to do the same, using daring colours, different brushstroke techniques, and risk taking in art to do the same. Well done to them, some really successful pieces. Thank you 4L.
Ms. Newman & Miss Zerrin: 4N
4N have been enjoying reading a variety of Greek myths in their English lessons, as well as learning the history of the Ancient Greeks in humanities. They used this knowledge to create some beautiful Ancient Greek vases, depicting the characters from the Greek myths we have read, traditional repeating patterns and the authentic colours of terracotta red and black paint.
Year Five
Ms. Halabi & Miss Mos: 5H
In Maths, Year 5 students have ventured into the realm of negative numbers, discovering their importance and practical applications in everyday life.
Our Year 5 students have been busy with various activities, learning experiences and accomplishments. In Literacy, students have been practising their poetic skills by exploring the art of Haiku. Haiku, a traditional form of Japanese poetry, captures a moment in just three lines. Our young poets have embraced the challenge of expressing profound thoughts and emotions within the constraints of this minimalist structure.
The children have also enjoyed the unit on 2D shapes and patterns. From identifying different types of triangles to exploring the properties that make them unique, they've discovered how triangles are not just shapes but fundamental elements that appear in various aspects of art, architecture, and the natural world. Learning about symmetry has been a hands-on experience for our students. They folded paper to identify lines of symmetry, reflected various shapes using mirror lines and created symmetrical patterns in our art lessons.
Mrs. Deufel & Miss Mos: 5D
5D have been working on poetry in English. The children completed poems about themselves then wrote a variety of Haiku poems. In Art, we connected our geography unit and sketches were made of mountain scenes and these were then painted. Painting was great fun! In maths, we started looking at the properties of triangles.
Year Six
Ms. Ward & Mr. Furkan: 6W
Our Science topic of Rocks and the Rock Cycle has been super interesting, especially with students bringing some excellent specimens from home to share with their classmates. These are helping us with classifying igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks. It was very exciting to have such a large ammonite to investigate, especially once Layla convinced us it wasn’t a loaf of bread. We hardly even needed the magnifying glass because it’s so large!
We conducted a science experiment to replicate magma cooling and forming extrusive and intrusive igneous rocks. One of these cools much faster than the other, so the crystals that we grew looked very different from each other. We could match them up with the examples students have brought from home.
We’ve been working on a display for our Coastal Project, which has been done in teams. It was great to see the organisation and decision making happening, to ensure every team member could contribute. A lot of problem solving went on! Erosion, deposition, stacks, bays and caves were all chosen by students to display on their posters.
Languages
Miss Talya: KS1 ESL
This month the Year 2 students have been learning new words related to thanksgiving, we have also widened our learning of the English language with arts and craft activities and supporting ESL games. We have been doing storytelling lessons were we all analysed the famous literary tale The Gingerbread Man where students have been learning the action verbs. The students have also been learning the prepositions of time, making their own example sentences after discussions and creating their own ESL booklets. Year 1 Students have been giving amazing answers to prepositions of place and feeling adjectives. The students have been engaging in various activities supporting their journey of developing their English language skills and have very much enjoyed the book Dear Zoo when learning about opposites. The students understanding of the topic was amazing and this was observed when giving out their own examples which we didn’t cover in class!
It is lovely to see how the children are really progressing day by day and are eager to learn more!
We have many more fantastic things to do together.
Mrs. Gwilliam: KS2 ESL
After the holidays the children have worked hard. In the photographs you can see some of the ESL groups and some of the work they did. Our beginners enjoyed a memory game to practise the present continuous. Year 3 Intermediates wrote the story of Winnie the Witch and made a concertina book. In Year 6 our elementary student worked on math words and shapes and found a hexagon in the garden. Meanwhile the intermediates in Year 5 and 6 have been working hard on their writing. Well done to all!
Ms. Hatice: Turkish
This month in Turkish class Year 1 and Year 2 students learned about objects and classroom language. They reinforced their learning through games like 'sit-stand' and various other activities. Year 3 students explored countries and languages, sharing information about their own countries and languages. In Year 4, students learned 10 body parts in Turkish and created fantastic monsters of their own design. Year 5 focused on different parts of the house, household items, and prepositions, constructing sentences using prepositions. In Year 6, students learned sports-related vocabulary, discussed the sports they participate in, and shared their favorite sports. The work created by children add color to our language lessons, allowing us to explore a new world with every word.
Mr. Vincent: French
Bonjour à toutes et à tous!
This month, Year 6 students have been working on places in town and directions, Year 5 students on countries and nationalities, Year 4 students on animals and Year 3 students on the weather.
Au revoir et à bientôt,
Monsieur Vincent
Ms. Ana: Spanish
¡Hola amigos!
Year 3 students are going to work on weather and clothes topics. Students will learn the weather song to describe the weather on different days. They will also learn how to describe what clothes they are wearing in Spanish. Year 4 students have finished the topic about animals. Hence, they will learn about weather types and clothes. Year 5 students are focusing on numbers from 1 to 100 in Spanish. They will learn the number song as well as practicing different activities such as 'bingo', 'Uno' and other board games.
Y6 students are learning about directions and prepositions within a city. They will be able to give directions in Spanish by practicing dialogues, role-plays and singing the directions song.
¡Hasta la vista amigos!
Learning Support
Mrs Bartola and Miss Jess
Fun online games and tools that help students build maths and language skills!
Use the technology to help students learn in a fun way
In the fun world of education, we can't wait to tell you how technology is making learning so much fun for our kids! With the rise of online games that help kids improve their language and maths skills, kids are finding that learning through play is fun.
Language arts and maths can be hard at times, but these creative online games and tools make learning fun and exciting. At the same time that students are having fun, they are also practising important skills that will help them in school.
Here are a few fantastic examples of online tools that seamlessly blend fun and education:
White Rose Maths
Math Playground
Duolingo
Word Bingo
The LS Primary Department
OWL (Outdoor Woodland Learning)
Ms. Lloyd
Music
Miss Rebecca: EYFS Music & Drama
Dear parents, this month both the KS1 Drama and EYFS Music classes have been busy preparing for the Winter Show! All the classes have been learning individual class poems and as well dances for the event. EYFS has been mainly focusing on learning about the letter G for Grumpy Gorilla and the letter T for Turkey Tango during music time. While KS1 Drama has been improvising and devising in preparation for the production. As well as playing familiar games "Bad Monkeys" and "Wink Murder". Here is a photo from the Winter Show rehearsal of the Reception students performing.
Kind regards,
Rebecca
Mr. Dennison: Y1-Y6 Music
Year Three explored traditional notation and applied it to a song they were studying. They analyzed the rhythm of the words and converted the words to traditional notation.
In Music, Year Two practiced composing and performing rhythms. They started by writing "food rhythms", that is, making chants by naming foods. Eventually, Year Two was able to play each other's compositions on class instruments.
Year Four began a drumming unit that explores many different sounds that a drum can make. All of these sounds can also be written down in a special way that is only for percussionists. We had a raucous time learning this song "Nothing But Peace".
Year Six was challenged to write at least two new lines to replace the lyrics of a song we had already studied. They had to form groups, analyze the phrasing of the song, create a new clapping pattern that follows the musical phrasing, and finally perform for the class. Most importantly, they learned how to reflect and self-evaluate themselves using a rubric--great preparation for the IB. They were as creative as possible in the time allowed, while eventually scoring themselves on written work and their class performance. Great job!
ICT
Mr Hassan
Community Service Club with Miss Ogo
It’s been a great time learning ways of giving back to the community. We talked about old people and visiting them and made a get well soon card for the sick. We have spoken about being a helping hand in the community by giving to the needy and ways to give to charity.
Reminders & Upcoming Dates
Friday 1 December: KS1 Drama Performance 9:00am
Wednesday 13 December: KS2 Choir Performance 2:00pm
Thursday 14 December: Mother Tongue Drama Performance 2:30pm
Friday 15 December: Winter Bazaar 10:00am
22 December: 12:00pm Dismissal, Reports are sent home today
25 December-5 January: School Closed
Monday 7 January: Students return to school
Report abuse