The ‘Internet Safety’ Presentation which was scheduled for November 12, had to be cancelled due to low attendance as a result of sickness. Fortunately the company “My Child Online” is able to reschedule the presentation to another date – the new time will be Thursday February 11, 2010. I will send out more details regarding the evening in the January editions of the Shark.

As Graham mentions in his article, several of our teachers are attending the Council Of International Schools Conference in Hamburg this week. One of the main interests for AISR this year is Assessment and some of the teachers will be attending a 2 day Pre-Conference session dealing with how to bring the issues of assessment, evaluation, standards and performance together. These teachers will then give feedback regarding the sessions they attended, at the next half – day meeting in December.

Next week, we will celebrate Thanksgiving. Don’t forget to buy a ticket if you are planning to join your child/children for lunch on that day. Tickets are available in the front office. The schedule for the day is as follows:

There will be a short presentation of songs and poems performed by the Elementary students in the Gym, starting promptly at 10:15.

Dinner Schedule Grade 10:50 Pre-K & K (to be served in the Early Childhood classrooms) 11:05 Grade 111:15 Grade 2 11:25 Grade 311:35 Grade 411:45 Grade 512:00 Grades 6 & 812:20 Grades 7, 9 & 1012:45 Grades 11 & 12 Have a relaxing and enjoyable weekend and a wonderful Thanksgiving break.

Over the next few days, several members of staff will be attending the European Council of International Schools’ (ECIS) annual Conference in Hamburg. This is an important opportunity for teachers’ professional development as we get the chance to attend workshops and presentations on what new developments in education which will add value to our school. The staff also often have an opportunity to pass on aspects of their extensive knowledge and experience to other professionals, whilst representing our school.

I am very proud of all the student sportsmen and women who represented our school so well in the NECIS competitions in Luxembourg and Amsterdam. Our spirited athletes demonstrated gamesmanship and esprit de corps which was the envy of other schools.

Next week, I urge you to find space in your schedule for the High School play performance of “The Elephant Man”. The actors have rehearsed hard for many weeks to bring this entertaining and moving drama to life. With original music by one of our students and creative contributions from several members of staff, this looks set be an AISR team effort in the arts of which we can be very proud. Publicity for the play appears elsewhere in this edition. Please contact the office to arrange for some of the very limited number of tickets.

Finally, in this edition, please have a close look at Ms. Martin’s focus on English in the Middle and High School. As will be obvious from our cover image, study of this subject is now far more than just nouns, verbs and spelling. Though, you may be relieved to learn, such correctness remains important!

I wish you a relaxing weekend and look forward to seeing you at the play next week. Graham Gamble

Lights, Camera, Action!English Language Arts at the Secondary Levelth

e sh

ark2.1

NOVEMBER 20TH 2009

1 9 59 - 2 0 0 9 YEARS

5

From the DirectorGraham Gamble

From the Elementary PrincipalAnne-Marie Blitz

Anne Marie Blitz

From the Pre-Kindergarten...Mrs Uys and Mrs Willen

“Learning and laughter in Pre-K 2.”

In Pre-K 2 we started the year with shapes and colors. We created shape animals based on Lois Elhert’s book Color Farm and we experimented with colors to create a rainbow flower arrangement.

When Fall started we went on a Fall walk and collected leaves out of which we produced leaf art inspired by Leaf Man by Lois Elhert. To practice our Math skills we sorted the leaves into different categories.

For our entry point into Living and Non-Living things we planted beans in cotton wool and the Pre-K 2 students were amazed to see how the plants sprouted after a week. We learned that living things move, grow, multiply, breathe and eat. Using these criteria we compiled a book about Living and Non-Living things at AISR. The children had a fantastic time labeling things as either Living or Non-

Living.

We made a variety of puppets and we acted out fairy tales for our IPC unit “Let’s Pretend”. The Ginger Bread Man escaped from the oven and we chased after him all over the school. We made a book to document our excursion. Of course, the best part was eating The Gingerbread Man, once we caught him! We went on a fieldtrip to watch a puppet show about the Ugly Duckling. The expressions on the children’s faces were priceless. Halloween was the perfect celebration to conclude our “Let’s Pretend” unit. We pretended to be princesses, superheroes and scary creatures.

This week we started to explore houses for our new IPC unit: “Houses and Homes”. Someone left a key and a map in our classrooms. We followed the clues and discovered that Felix lives in a house and Ms. Kate Driver lives in an apartment. During this unit we are going to find out where animals live and how buildings are constructed.

In Pre-K 2 our recipe is to laugh, play and learn.

“Literature is concerned with our conceptions, interpretations and experiences of the world. The study of literature, therefore, can be seen as a study of all the complex pursuits, anxieties, joys, and fears that human beings are exposed to in the daily business of living.”—Mission Statement

In the Middle School and the High School we

emphasize the consolidation of the literacy, critical

thinking, and communication skills necessary for

success in academic and daily life. Each course of

study from Grade 6 through

12 and in IB English A1

covers a variety of fiction,

non-fiction, poetry, and

media texts from around the

world. Aside from building

the foundational

communication skills—

vocabulary, organization, style, and grammar—

students are expected to approach analysis of these

texts with increasing independence of thought and

interpretation. Students are also encouraged to

think across the curriculum as course themes in the

English classroom echo those studied in the Social

Sciences.

New to the department in 2009-2010:

•Shakespeare has been introduced in the Middle

School to foster an early admiration of the Bard

and the universal, human themes he explores. The

study of Shakespeare is a key means of

introducing emerging writers and public speakers

to imagery, rhetorical skills and, ultimately, to help

them develop a persuasive command of the

language.

• In the High School, World Literature has been

added as course offering for Grade 11/12.

•Throughout the Secondary

School English Language

Arts program, an emphasis

on Media Literacy is new to

all courses. Students are

increasing their proficiency

in the use of print, electronic,

and visual media as sources

of information.

•Students from Erasmiaans Gymnasium have joined

first year IB English A1 students. At the completion

of this two-year program they will have an IB

certificate in this subject to add to their

preparation for post-secondary studies. The

addition of students from the host country brings a

fresh perspective academic and social perspective

to classroom life.

Susan MartinEnglish

English Language Arts at the Secondary Level:Susan Martin

PTSA@AISR

Pam Farrell

coastiebear@gmail.com010 8188522061 1062630

Pam Farrellcoastiebear@gmail.com

!The Annual AISR Thanksgiving DriveNovember 11th-24th

The PTSA Outreach Committee, along with the high school CAS program, is collecting items for the Havenzicht homeless shelter. So far we have received many men’s hats, gloves, scarves and travel toiletries, but additional donations are always welcome! Our successful collection will make a difference for the homeless of Rotterdam. Collection bins will be located in the AISR entrance hall through November 24.

Your generosity will make a difference to the homeless of Rotterdam.

Let’s w

arm som

e hands

and warm

some he

arts!

The annual AISR Thanksgiving Luncheon will take place on Wednesday, November 25th.

The children will be provided a traditional Thanksgiving meal free of charge. Family and friends may dine with the students for only 5 Euros.

The menu consists of sliced turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, and cranberry sauce.

Tickets will be available for purchase in the main office until November 20.

Help to bring a smile to students’ faces by donating a dessert for the Thanksgiving luncheon. Donations will be accepted in the morning, prior to the luncheon. Thank you.

...Make my day!

On November 24 the AISR high school will perform The Elephant Man at 7:00. Please join us for an evening of entertainment.

PTSA will have wine and soft drinks available for purchase.

Meeting reminder: The next PTSA general meeting will be on November 23 at 1:00

in the cafeteria. Please join us! http://www.aisr.nl/parents/meetings/meetings.php.

SPORT@AISR Rob Zeilstra

AISR SHARKS Athletes of the Week

EXPLANATION OF THE RECOGNITION: Each week AISR coaches select a student/athlete that has shown outstanding achievement in one or more of the following:Leadership, Sportsmanship, Skill Improvement, Outstanding Play at Games, Excellence in Practice, Concern for fellow Teammates, Encouraging Others, and other efforts deserving recognition. This person can be chosen from any of the SHARK Teams.

Nov. 2, 2009 MilouMilou is  member of the U12 Volleyball team and works very hard at every practice and gives her best at all the games. She shows enthusiasm and is eager to improve all her skills and with this positive attitude she is helping  her teammates. Milou was a major factor in the recent success vs. Amsterdam, leading her team to their first set victory. Way to go, Milou!

Nov. 9, 2009     Goo HyunGoo Hyun has been at the heart of defense for the U12 soccer team for the past two seasons. Clearing the ball reliably and emphatically and always the expert on goal kicks. Recently Goo Hyun has been given the added task of supplying the ball to the feet of the U12 attack, turning a team who “might score” into a team who “will score”. Goo Hyun shows his passion for the game and strives to always do his best and  is a good role model for the less experienced players. Way to go Goo Hyun!

Did you ever wonder why the High School students are wearing the same jackets? Truly, it'’s an honor bestowed upon them as part of "school spirit" at AISR. All students receive their own Letterman jacket once they enter into the High School. They will soon add a new pin to their jacket to represent the sports that they participate in, a different pin for each sport.

The school mascot, The Shark, posed for a quick photo with the new High School students who recently received their jackets. AISR SHARKS welcomes our new High School students, from left to right: Sahil, Nico, Ralph, Manuel, Drew, Elif, Klaus, and missing from picture Alexander, Nadine, Yinka and Nikita.

GO SHARKS!

AISR has been hit badly over the last 3 weeks (almost 30 students absent from school at its peak) by a virus that spread very quickly. High fever present for a few days and a lasting bad cough are the symptoms present in almost all the cases and the recovery seems to take a little longer than usual.

The big question in many minds is: “Is it Mexican flu?” It is impossible to answer that question as not many people are tested any more and because symptoms of seasonal flu and swine flu are extremely similar. Several children from our community have had the test for Mexican flu. So far the results have been negative but we know that other schools in the area have had some confirmed cases.

I would like to remind everyone how important it is to keep our children at home in case of a fever and to make sure that they have made a complete recovery before sending them back to school. Viral infections like the one we are experiencing really take a toll on our children’s stamina and on the long run one extra day or two at home really make a big difference on their complete recovery.

Here are the main steps to follow if your child or a member of your household becomes sick:

School NurseInfirmière Diplomée d’Etat(French Nursing Diploma)recognized by the Swiss Red Cross

l.chambers@aisr.nl

• CHILDREN • Fast breathing or trouble breathing • Bluish skin color • Not drinking enough fluids • Not waking up or not interacting • Being so irritable that the child

does not want to be held • Flu-like symptoms improve but then

return with fever and worse cough • Fever with a rash

• ADULTS • Difficulty breathing or shortness of

breath • Pain or pressure in the chest or

abdomen • Sudden dizziness • Confusion • Severe or persistent vomiting • Flu-like symptoms improve but then

return with fever and worse cough

Anyone with the following emergency warning signs needs urgent medical attention:

Nurse’s CornerLaurence Chambers

Contact your huisart if there is no noticeable improvement after 3 days of sickness or if the fever returns after a few days.

If you have any concerns or questions regarding this matter or any health issues, please do not hesitate to contact me directly.

Laurence Chambers

The Nutrition Committee@AISR

The Nutrition Committee has met twice since the beginning of the school year. It meets every month to go over the Elementary school menu and the “big plate” for Middle School and High School to ensure the best quality possible for your children’s food at the cafeteria.

We are working very closely with Tjeerd, the cafeteria manager to continuously improve the standard of the food offered for your child’s lunch.

It is quite easy to critique the menus but did you know that :

• All cooked vegetables are steamed to preserve their vitamins.

• Meat is cooked in the oven or on the grill without addition of fat.

• Raw vegetables and fruit are fresh cut.• Sea salt is used and only in small quantity.• The variety of vegetables has been increased: broccoli, cauliflower, green

beans etc.• Your child has had the choice between kiwi fruit, apple as well as pears and

oranges cut in segment, pineapple on a stick, melon slices, grapes and bananas.

In one of the next issues of the Shark, we will give out a questionnaire regarding the meals and food served at the cafeteria. It will give you a great opportunity to express your views and your answers will help us to know more about your expectations regarding the food served in the cafeteria. AISR is a multicultural community with many different nationalities and therefore many different tastes. Our goal is to make the menu for our children as healthy, tasty and diversified as possible.

If you have any concerns, questions or suggestions regarding the food served at the cafeteria, feel free to contact one of us.

Anne-Marie Blitz Uta Engelen Laurence Chambersa.blitz@aisr.nl Dr.Engelen@arcor.de l.chambers@aisr.nl

Tjeerdsplace Cafe@aisr www.tjeerdsplace.nl

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

30 1 2 3 4

Healthysticks

Italianpasta

BeefNapolisauce

Orsmallplatefor€2

Greenbeans

Nasirice

Chickenleg

Kroepoek

Mixsalad

Shaslickmeatstick

Frenchfries

HALFDAY

Italianpastawithbeef,tomatoandolivesauce

Orsmallplatefor€2

7 8 9 10 11

Mixedsalad

Spaghettipasta

Tomatosauce

Peasandcarrots

Freshcookedpotatoes

Gravy

Swedishmeatballs(pork)

Broccolimix

Steamedrice

Springroll

Mixsalad

Fries

Bigeggroll

Italianpastawithbaconandcarbonarasauce

Orsmallplatefor€2

14 15 6 17 18

Healthysticks

Pennepastawith

Meatballsandtomato

Orsmallplatefor€2

Cookedcarrots

Mashedpotatoes

Bakedfish

Mixsalad

Frenchfries

Bigchickenkebab

Broccolimix

Steamedrice

Chickenlegcookedinoven

Corn

Potatoslices

Chickenburger(oven)

21 22 23 24 25

WinterBreak WinterBreak WinterBreak WinterBreak WinterBreak

28 29 30 31

WinterBreak WinterBreak WinterBreak WinterBreak

Big Plate Menu

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

30 1 2 3 4

Healthysticks

Italianpasta

BeefNapolisauce

Tomatosauceforvegetarians

Fruityogurtorfruit

Greenbeans

Nasirice

Chickenleg

Springrollforvegetarians

Kroepoek

Fruityogurtorfruit

Tomatosoup

Hotdogor

Tostiham/cheese

Ligacookieorfruit

HALFDAY

Cookedcarrots

Potatoslices

Cheeseburger

Vegaburgerforvegetarians

Fruityogurtorfruit

7 8 9 10 11

Mixedsalad

Spaghettipasta

Tomatosauce

Fruityogurtorfruit

Peasandcarrots

Freshcookedpotatoes

Gravy

Swedishmeatballs

Roatedmushroomsand

paprikaforvegetarians

Fruityogurtorfruit

Broccolimix

Steamedrice

Springroll

VegaSpringrollforvegetarians

Fruityogurtorfruit

Cucumbersticks

Pizzapepperoniormozzarella

Fruityogurtorfruit

Cookedcarrots

Dollarships

Vegarollforvegetarians

Fruityogurtorfruit

14 15 6 17 18

Healthysticks

Pennepastawith

Meatballsandtomato

Tomatosauceforvegetarians

Fruityogurtorfruit

Broccolimix

Steamedrice

Chickenlegcookedinoven

Vegarollforvegetarians

Fruityogurtorfruit

Tomatosoup

Breadstick

Hotdogor

hamorcheeseomeletandbun

Vegarollforvegetarians

Fruityogurtorfruit

Cookedcarrots

Mashedpotatoes

Fishsticks

Roastedmushroomandpaprikaforvegetarians

Fruityogurtorfruit

Corn

Potatoslices

Chickenburger(oven)

Veggieburgerforvegetarians

MerryChristmasice‐cream

21 22 23 24 25

WinterBreak WinterBreak WinterBreak WinterBreak WinterBreak

28 29 30 31

WinterBreak WinterBreak WinterBreak WinterBreak

Elementary School menu

If you have something you would like to publish in the Shark, please send it to David Blackburn via:

theshark@aisr.nlThe Shark will come out on Dec. 4th. All submissions are due by:Tuesday, Dec. 1st. by 5.00 PM.

Something for the Shark?

Community Announcements And Classifieds@AISR

Sunday, 6 December 10:00 -16:00

Vendors and craftsmen from all over the world will be participating in this year’s event, offering a wide array of items, including: Polish pottery ** Handmade cards ** Tupperware ** Murano jewelry ** Dutch wooden furniture ** Canadian Products** Indian Products, Indian Food **and several other vendors.

The Senior Class will also be selling hotdogs &chili dogs,

The PTSA will be selling bags, homemade baked goods and refreshments.

Please join us for an afternoon of fun-filled shopping…just in time for the holiday season.

The proceeds of this event will go towards the Senior Class Fund Raising Campaign.

The American International School of RotterdamVerhulstlaan 21

3055 WJ Rotterdam

The American International School of Rotterdam

Warmly Welcomes You To Join Us For Our...

International Craft Fair

The Elephant

ManPresentation Time

7 o’clock on Tuesday Eve,

November 24th.

Venue

The EntranceFoyer

An AISR PLAYERS production

of the Bernard Pomerance Dramatization

by the students... for you...

Only a limited number of seats available...

Call the School Office to book your seats!

Ballet classes

Ballet classes for ages 3 and up will be offered at AISR from January 2010. The classes will be taught by Sue Manville who trained at The Royal Academy of Dance in London.  Sue has 20 years experience of ballet teaching and choreography, in the United States, UK, Australia, Greece, Spain and Brazil.

If interested please email Sue Manville at

sue.manville@gmail.com with the age of your child.

English classes for adults

If you would like to improve and practice

your English, and at the same time make new

international friends, why not join one of the

English language classes for adults available

at the school during school hours? These are

small, friendly groups and the lessons,

ranging from beginners to advanced and all

with plenty of conversation, are given by a

British native speaker.

If you are interested and would like to know

more, please ask at the reception desk or

contact the teacher, Mary Tomlinson, directly

via e-mail address: maryjt_nl@yahoo.com

or telephone number: 010 4704424.

LIFE COACH – MIND AND BODY INC.(IN ENGLISH)

• UNDERSTAND YOURSELF! How you can be well and strong from the Inside Out.

• USE YOUR SKILLS EFFECTIVELY – Govern the Beast within you and Shine your Beauty.

• LOSE WEIGHT AND STAY FIT THE NATURAL WAY – You do not need to go on countless Weight Loss Diets and Plans if you understand how your body functions.

• UNDERSTAND YOUR CHILDREN – You can be their source of Inspiration.

• LEARN THAT JOY IS WITHIN YOU – while tackling the challenges of life head-on.

KNOW THAT THE WORLD IS YOUR CANVAS

CONTACT: SANDRA,B.A. Psychology, M.A. English Literature, M.S. Special Education

(USA).

EMAIL: joyandpower@gmail.comMOBILE: 06-16593856.

Treasured memories?Old or damaged photos

restored.

I can repair most images to a high level of presentation and provide a digital image and photo-print of the

restored image.

If interested please email David Blackburn at

mrblackburnart@gmail.com

DUTCH BEGINNERS CLASS OFFERED AT AISR

Monday’s from 9:00 AM till 11:00 AM, starting on

Monday the 19th of October

Dear all,

My name is Arjan Blokland and I offer a Dutch

beginners class at AISR. The course focuses on practical

language skills. The course has been designed for

people with no or almost no knowledge of Dutch.

The course consist of 12 lessons. The first lesson will be

held on the 19th of October. There will be no lessons on

Monday the 26th of October and during the Christmas

break.

The minimum number of participants will be three and

the maximum will be eight. The prices of the classes are

between € 16,- and € 25,- per class, depending on the

number of students.

To enroll, please send me an e-mail:

lindenlanguages@hotmail.com

or give me a call: 06-41585013.

SPECIAL NEEDS TUTORING for Children

• Gifted and Talented (including

underachieving gifted), ADD and ADHD,

Learning Disabilities, Behavior Management, Asperger's, Autism, Down's Syndrome, Fine Motor Skills.

• HELP AND SUPPORT FOR PARENTS of children with Special Needs

CONTACT: SANDRA,B.A. Psychology, M.A. English Literature, M.S.

Special Education (USA).

EMAIL: joyandpower@gmail.comMOBILE: 06-16593856.

Business Network in Rotterdam

Are you looking for a new opportunity to broaden your business network, then the Rotterdam Chapter of the American Chamber of Commerce may be the answer.  From multinational corporations to one-person businesses, members of AmCham join for a variety of reasons, depending on their particular needs and interests. All members benefit from:

• Increased business-to-business networking opportunities• Improved visibility among key US – Netherlands market

players• Important Dutch-American bilateral lobbying activities of

the Chamber

Membership in the American Chamber of Commerce in the Netherlands is open to all corporations, firms and small businesses regardless of residence or nationality. Approximately 500 companies represented by over 800 individuals with an interest in US - Netherlands trade relations are currently members of this ever-expanding organization. The Rotterdam Chapter of the American chamber was established in January 2008 and would be delighted to welcome new participants in this business network. Members are typically either American companies operating in the Netherlands or Dutch companies with a business interest in the United States. Professionals whose activities are related to American - Dutch economic relations are also members.

For further information regarding membership and activities, please view the AmCham website.

http://www.amcham.nl

KOREAN CUSINE CLASSOnly 20 Places Available!

When: Thursday December 3rd 2009, 15:20-17:30

Where: AISR, Cooking room

What: Traditional Korean dishes.

 For example, Kimchi pancake (Kimchi is fermented cabbage with pepper, garlic, etc), Bulgogi (grilled marinated beef with vegetables)

Cost: FREE

After class, small party will be held with Korean pear and Korean wine...

Contact: a.george-kelso@aisr.nl by

Tuesday 1st December to book your place.

Sponsored by

The Korea Trade and Distribution Center

010 415 1024