Newsletter #15

Dear parents,

One of the great privileges of being a Principal is to have so many opportunities to learn with our students and to be delighted by their creativity in solving problems ingeniously designed by their teachers. 

Lily and Ines were in the hallway outside the CoLaboratory debating the best way to guide their robot to follow an exact path designed on the floor. The process would be very different than one they might use to drive a remote control car bought in a toy shop. The idea here was to program the robot by sending it a code that the robot interprets in specific movements. Once the code is designed and sent...the robot is on his own!

LILY AND INES GETTING READY FOR MARS! 

Lily and Ines use their digital portfolio to document their robot's programmed journey with specific code learned in the Design Technology Class.

MISSION TO MARS

Spirit and Opportunity landed on Mars January 3 and January 24, 2004 PST (Jan. 4 and Jan. 25 UTC). Both rovers lived well beyond their planned 90-day missions. Opportunity worked nearly 15 years on Mars and broke the driving record for putting the most miles on the odometer. (1)

The activity in which the J2 students were engaged was not so different from what the scientists in charge of remotely controlling two robots sent to Mars in January 2004 had to accomplish. The signal that took a few seconds to reach the robots on Mars, or to come back to NASA, did not allow for direct control of Spirit and Opportunity: instead the scientists were analyzing the surface, the obstacles, the starting point and the end point, translating this observation into a code and sending the code to the robots hoping that the calculation would allow them to continue the Mars exploration. 

To allow human beings to understand their surroundings, technology is an inevitable tool. The performance of the NASA team who sent the two rovers to Mars is an outstanding accomplishment celebrating human creativity and the technology that supports it.

This performance was partially possible thanks to advance communication tools. Down to earth, connected devices have forced communication to evolve over the past 20 years with an incredible transformation that many can admit has had a positive impact on human well-being, productivity, etc.  According to a report by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), there were 14 billion connected devices worldwide in 2014. It is expected that 50 billion objects will be connected in 2020, and 100 billion in 2030.

Of course, this transformation does not come with a positive impact only. We can all challenge the benefits of our overwhelming connectivity, and we find in current literature many authors, researchers, parents, teachers, students who identify the darker side of this revolution. And when many think "screen time", I choose to think about...the energy.

These connected objects are consuming energy. You might think that your television does not consume a lot of energy, but think again! If you watch to an average of two hours of television a day, you will have consumed at the end of the year a total of about 101.5 kilowatt hours (kWh) (depending on the performance of your TV). According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), if the trend continues, the energy demand for the use of these objects will reach 1,140 terawatt hours (TWh) in 2025. Hydropower dams worldwide provide a total of 3,500 TWh per year. So as we see, connected devices consume nearly half of this amount of energy.

Reflecting on the amount of energy we generate to support the transformation of the world is a key element, and is also the SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOAL 7 for the UNITED NATIONS.

"Energy is central to nearly every major challenge and opportunity the world faces today. Be it for jobs, security, climate change, food production or increasing incomes, access to energy for all is essential. Transitioning the global economy towards clean and sustainable sources of energy is one of our greatest challenges in the coming decades. Sustainable energy is an opportunity – it transforms lives, economies and the planet."

Solar Panels are a great source of green energy. However some argue that "fabricating the panels requires caustic chemicals such as sodium hydroxide and hydrofluoric acid, and the process uses water as well as electricity, the production of which emits greenhouse gases. It also creates waste. These problems could undercut solar's ability to fight climate change and reduce environmental toxics." (2)

Last week, UN Secretary-General António Guterres "urged world governments to adopt a transformational approach to tackling the climate emergency – speaking on Monday at the opening ceremony of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP 25) in Madrid, Spain" (3). How we generate power being central to his urge to act.



“We need a rapid and deep change in the way we do business – how we generate power, how we build cities, how we move and how we feed the world. If we don’t urgently change our way of life, we jeopardize life itself,” 

 - UN Secretary-General António Guterres, December 2019

In June 2011, a decision made by James Cameron, UK Prime Minister, probably went unnoticed by some: he appointed as a member of the Council for Science and Technology Steven Cowley, the CEO of the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority and head of the Culham Centre for Fusion Energy (CCFE).

When Cowley was asked if he was appointed because of his leading role in the national fusion program, he answered:

"It's difficult to speculate why they asked me. I think the UK government realizes that fusion is now a very important part of the research portfolio. Fusion fits right into its vision that the future has to be supported by high technology, and that the ultimate high technology is energy. I think that I am in this role because the government wants sound advice on fusion, on nuclear, on energy...and I have expertise in these areas."(4) 

More than 10 percent of the world's electricity currently comes from nuclear power plants relying on nuclear fission: a nuclear reaction where uranium atoms are split to release gigantic amounts of energy but very high levels of radioactive waste with damaging and long term consequences for our environment.

Nuclear fusion is the reaction that powers the Sun involving smashing hydrogen atoms together under extraordinary temperature and pressure, fusing them together to form helium atoms and releasing a large amount of energy and short lived radioactive waste quickly decaying to undetectable levels. (5)

James Cameron clearly understood in 2011 that if the future of humanity is related to its capacity to produce green energy, fusion needed to be investigated. However, until very recently, recreating the condition of the Sun on Earth in order to support a fusion nuclear reaction was only possible for a very short time... and using more energy than the energy created! Quel casse-tête! But the advantages are such (6) that the researchers never stop... searching.

Thanks to the development of Artificial Intelligence (7), scientists are confident that they are close to building a nuclear reactor that will produce more energy than it consumes, through fusion, directly inspired by the sun activity and... green! A few attempts in the last few months have provided positive results, giving hope that we can finally access unlimited green energy with what seems like a very limited impact on our planet. The Saint-Paul-les-Durance France-based upcoming International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER), the world’s largest fusion reaction facility aims to develop commercially viable fusion reactors, funded by six nations including the US, Russia, China, Japan, South Korea and India, and should start production in 2035.

Science, technology, green awareness, are what it will take for our young generation to change our World into a better place. Lily and Ines and their J2 friends are leading the change.

Pascal Vallet, Junior School Principal

Susan Scullin, Junior School Principal Assistant

IMPORTANT DATES

EVENTS THIS WEEK

UPCOMING EVENTS

IN THIS NEWSLETTER

INFORMATION: J2 FRENCH MOTHER TONGUE 

In Science class, the J2s planted a bulb after observing its root system. Their science teacher, Ms. Go, made them look carefully at what is usually left unseen, because it is covered with soil.

In art class during French After School, J2 students used a charcoal stick to capture the lines of an amaryllis. A first drawing was achieved with an investigative eye. The second one was a challenge: use your non-dominant hand! And the third one by closing your eyes! This exercise showed the students that art and science can go hand in hand, and that though it’s true that accuracy can be valued, the most interesting lines can be achieved when you take a risk.

 Isabelle Chu, French Teacher

INFORMATION: J3 & J4 FRENCH TRIP

Quel bonheur de partager des moments de qualité avec les élèves d'UNIS dans et hors de l'école. Ici, avec Rémi après la sortie au cinéma à l'occasion du Festival International du film pour enfants. Nous avons vu l'excellent " Le Grand Méchant Renard' en français. Ce fut un vrai régal d'humour et de bonne humeur pour tous. 

What a joy to share quality time with students from UNIS in and out of school. Here, with Rémi after leaving the cinema at the International Film Festival for Children. We saw the excellent "The Big Bad Fox 'in French. It was a real treat with humor and good spirits for all.

Mohammed Souali, French Teacher

INFORMATION: SAVE THE DATE - UNIS GALA - FEBRUARY 28

Don’t miss the party of the year to celebrate and support our School!!! Mark your calendar and stay tuned for more details…

INFORMATION: INTRODUCING THE KOFI ANNAN AWARD FOR GLOBAL IMPACT

UNIS is very excited to unveil an alumni award. For the first time in UNIS' 70+ year history, we will be celebrating our alumni success, the close connection we enjoy with the UN, and one of our greatest supporters -- Secretary-General Kofi Annan. This distinction, named the UNIS Kofi Annan Award for Global Impact, will be given to a former UNIS student whose work exemplifies the dedication and spirit of the former Secretary-General who fostered peace, stability, and improved the welfare of the citizens of the world. H.E. Annan inspired our students to follow his example, to take to heart the important work he led, in his roles as Assistant Secretary-General, Under Secretary-General, and as Secretary-General. During his tenure, extraordinary student-led events such as our UNIS Human Rights Conference and our UNIS-UN Conference, began and flourished respectively.  Our award acknowledges the long and meaningful relationship that Secretary-General Annan has had with our school both as a Board Trustee and as Board Chair. It represents a wonderful opportunity to create a new institutional connection between alumni and the School that celebrates the enduring connection with the United Nations and its values, and in particular, Secretary-General Kofi Annan. As faculty, staff, former faculty and staff, parents of alumni, and alumni, put forth your nominations today! 

BIT OF NEWS: CONCERT INVITATIONS

1. UN Orchestra in concert -- "Oh, what fun! A Holiday Celebration" 

The UN orchestra is preparing for a holiday concert, on Friday, 13 December at 7:30pm at the Tishman auditorium at the New School. It will be a fun and festive programme, which includes some popular opera arias, Strauss waltzes and polkas, and other fun holiday pieces. We will have several excellent international soloists, plus the UN Singers as special guests. Tickets are $30 (prime) and $20 (the rest), available online at unorchestra.org/tickets.

2.  Discounted Tickets for UNIS: Celebrating Beethoven's Birthday

 For all UNIS: Monday, December 16, 2019 is Ludwig van Beethoven’s  birthday and marks the beginning of his 250th birthday year celebration.

Join us at Carnegie Hall, Stern Auditorium as acclaimed conductor, Maestro Jiang Jin Yi, Music Director and Principal Conductor of the China National Symphony Orchestra, is joined by an international cast of renowned artists to perform three of Beethoven’s most important works: the Piano Concerto No. 3 in C Minor; the Piano Concerto No. 5 in E Flat Major, the “Emperor”, and the choral finale of the 9th Symphony "Ode to Joy". The concert will begin with Johannes Brahms vocal work, Nänie,  op.82, as a tribute to Beethoven. Special 40% discount for UNIS families: Tickets available at Carnegie Hall: CLICK HERE, and at the Carnegie Hall box office. Enter code: RCC32610 at “Enter your promo code” on top of the page, before seat selection.  Come celebrate one of the most inspiring figures of music, unity and freedom. "I will seize fate by the throat; it shall certainly never wholly overcome me." -Ludwig van Beethoven

BIT OF NEWS: WINTER SESSION ACTIVITIES - UPDATE SCHOOL DISMISSAL MANAGER

If you have registered your child for any Winter Session After School or Athletic Activities, please take the time now to enter that information into your child’s School Dismissal Manager account.

SDM should be updated to include each specific activity name and all of the dates when that activity will meet.

Dismissing teachers rely on the information that families enter in SDM each day to direct their students to the correct After School or Athletic activity.

If Winter session classes are not accurately entered in SDM your child may be sent to the Care Program instead.

BIT OF NEWS: COZY CATfe FUNDRAISER - DECEMBER 12 and 13

On Thursday 12/12 and Friday 12/13, J3H will create a Cozy CATfe in the lobby from 8:00- 8:45am. The CATfe will sell breakfast items and crafts to raise money for supplies for the Best Friends Animal Shelter in New York City. Please stop by to make a purchase or a donation to help our cause!

BIT OF NEWS: TOY SALE ON JANUARY 24TH

This is an early reminder that our Toy Sale will take place on Friday, January 24. Please consider putting aside items to donate. Collection bins will be placed in the school lobby by mid-January. All gently used toys and games (except plush/stuffed toys) are welcome! However, please ensure that all toys or games with small pieces are intact and well secured. No one likes to bring home broken toys or games with missing pieces. Thank you!

REMINDER: JS PARENT COFFEE - DECEMBER 10

Our next Junior School Parent Coffee is Tuesday, December 10 at 8:30am in the Cafe (instead of December 4). Nurse Marisa Rivera will be presenting Keeping Students Healthy.  With the winter months upon us this timely topic should help ensure the well-being of our children. 

For those of you not able to be at the Coffee, the handout is here. 

Cold and Flu workbook.pdf

REMINDER: LOST AND FOUND UPDATED POLICY

UNIS has implemented new lost and found procedures. Lost and found items will be collected weekly and displayed on racks just outside the front door of the school every Monday, and any unretrieved items will be donated on Friday. Items that are collected after Monday will remain in the lost and found crate by the playground doors until the following week. Any items that are not retrieved from the racks by the front doors after a week of display, will be deposited in our RefashionNYC Bin. RefashionNYC is NYC's official clothing reuse program in partnership with NYC Department of Sanitation and Housing Works to make textile donations to those in need. Once items are deposited into the RefashionNYC bin, we cannot retrieve them.

We ask that you please label all clothing, lunch boxes and water bottles. Labeled items will be delivered to the appropriate school office to be reunited with their owners. Please note that unlabeled lunch boxes and unlabeled water bottles will be discarded at the end of each week. We will no longer set out lost and found during parent teacher conferences. Please stop by the racks on your way in and out of school to retrieve items and ask your children to check for any lost items. 

REMINDER: UPDATE YOUR CHILD’S DISMISSAL PLANS

Our homeroom teachers follow the instructions entered by parents in School Dismissal Manager each day. Now that after school activities have begun please update your SDM account to indicate what the plans are for your child for each day of the week.

SDM is the only way of letting your homeroom teacher know where your child should go at 2:55 dismissal. In addition to indicating that there is an Athletic or After School Activity, you must enter a description of the activity in the box below. If the activity name is not entered in SDM your child may be placed in the Care Program instead.

REMINDER: UPDATE YOUR FAMILY CONTACT INFORMATION IN VERACROSS

UPDATE YOUR FAMILY CONTACT INFORMATION IN VERACROSS TODAY

All departments at UNIS, including the school nurse, rely on the contact information that your family provides to the school in Veracross. Please ensure today that your preferred email addresses, cell phone numbers and home address are up to date and entered accurately in your profile. The information that you provide here is the only way we can reach you regarding your child.