A great start to the term

This week has been very smooth and I would like to commend all of the pupils for their punctuality and attitude this week. It is sometimes difficult to transition back to learning after a lengthy break but the BISC pupils have been great. Walking around the campus, it is very clear that everyone is excited to be back and excellent learning is taking place. 

The focus this term will be on creating a family atmosphere and making sure that our pupils make the effort to help others when needed. Every week, I remind all pupils that it is important to try and notice those who might be isolated or going through a difficult period, and then to offer support and friendship; a kind word or conversation can make a big difference.

Uniform Reminder

I would like to take this opportunity to remind all parents to check their child’s uniform in the morning before they leave for school. One of the areas that can be overlooked is footwear. Below is a picture which clearly shows what is permitted and what is not; permitted footwear is readily available throughout Cairo.

Welcome back to all students! It has been lovely to see everyone refreshed after the Winter holiday. Behaviour and attitude to learning has been excellent this week and I hope that this is a sign of things to come.

Year 11 students have started the Mock exams; these are progressing well.

Please be reminded that with the colder weather, students must still be wearing the correct uniform. Plain black or navy blue coats can be worn on top of the school logo hoodie, or blazer for Year 7 students. Plain black shoes are expected - no boots, please. 

GCSE and IB Options Process

This term, we begin to plan the next steps for students moving into Key Stage 4 and Key Stage 5 next year. We will be holding parent information evenings, options events and the parent-teacher meetings soon. More information will be sent to the relevant students and parents at the beginning of next week.

Senior School Students have been advised to sign up for term 2 ASAs through the Engage Portal. Students should arrive on time at 15:20 and the second set of school buses will leave at 16:30. As a reminder, you can find your child’s ASAs on Engage and here is a summary table of the options available:

Good luck to the Under 13 BSME Squad who will soon be travelling to Dubai for the Under 13 BSME Games. The team leave on Thursday 19th January and return on Monday 23rd January, and will compete in football, volleyball, netball and athletics. 

Congratulations to Abd El Rahman in Year 8 for winning the trophy of the Best Junior in the Medal Golf Tournament played in Allegria last week.

His parents thanked Ms Walker and all Abd El Rahman’s teachers for their continuous support.

Welcome back and Happy New Year!

I hope that you have all had a restful holiday and I would like to wish you all a happy new year.

We have many exciting things planned and I am sure that the children will have another exciting and motivating term ahead.

The Year 5 students will be going on a residential trip to Luxor at the end of this half term and Mr Scholes will be holding an information meeting for Year 5 parents between 12:30-13:00 on Wednesday 18th January in the Theatre. Please don’t worry if you cannot make it as all information will be sent home for you to read.

Student reports are being finalised and will be sent out at the end of January for all children in Year 1-6. We hope that you will find these informative and a true reflection of your child’s progress so far this year. 

After School Activities are also due to start on Sunday 15th January for children in Years 2 - 6. Lots to enjoy!

Thank you for entering your Junior School child’s preferences for ASAs into Engage during the winter break.

ASAs have been confirmed on Engage today, and they will start from Sunday 15th January.

Welcome back to all Foundation Stage parents and children. I hope that you all managed to enjoy a great Winter break. Your children have come back to school with lots of news about the exciting things they have done, people they have met, and places they have visited during the holidays.

I am delighted to report that our new classroom furniture has arrived and that the Foundation Stage classrooms are all looking bright, modern, and functional. You may have noticed that we have new lockers for all the children, and these are situated outside each classroom. There are three sections to each locker for lunchboxes, school bags, and work or book folders. Hopefully, this will result in fewer items being mislaid.

This term we will be starting new themes with the children, you will be sent detailed information by the beginning of next week.

The energy drink 'Prime', which seems to be the latest craze around the world, has now been banned from our school. Prime contains 200mg of caffeine, per bottle, and is not recommended for children under the age of 18.

Please ensure that your children only bring in water and juice for snacks and lunch. 

Elevate Education are holding four more parent support webinars this term:

• How to Help Your Child Make Better Notes - 17th January
• How to Help Your Child Improve Their Memory - 7th February
• How to Help Your Child Prepare for Exams - 28th February
• How Your Child Can Maximise Marks in the Exam Room - 21st March

The first session, How to Help Your Child Make Better Notes, will take place at 20:00 Cairo time.

It will focus on: The most effective way to structure notes, the three levels of acquiring knowledge, and the power of deliberate practice to improve their marks.

If parents would like copies of any of the photos you have seen in the Bulletin, please email s706@bisc.edu.eg.