Parent Portal
Continuing the Journey
On Wedenesday 13 November, we will be holding a virtual information event about Middle & Upper School, for any parent that wishes to find out more about these school divisions.
Please RSVP using the link below:
UPCOMING EVENTS & KEY INFORMATION
Wednesday 23rd October - Interim Reports Released
Wk Beg Monday 28th October - Spirit Week - Five Days if Fun!
Thursday 31st October - Halloween Dress and Parade - c.2.45pm start
28th Oct - 22nd Nov - City Harvest Food Drive
Wednesday 13th November - Middle & Upper Info Evening
Future Planning - Fall Conferences
Fall conferences will be virtual once again this year. They will be available between the following time:
Monday 25th Nov - 9am to 5pm
Tuesday 26th Nov - 9am to 1pm
We'll share more information about signing up nearer the time.
Future Planning - MYP Exam Week
Thursday 5th - Tuesday 10th December - More to come nearer the time...
Year 10 will be doing assessments in class wk. beg.18th Nov.
Year 11-13 have formal mock exam weeks in the New Year.
The 1st Annual BISNY Jack-O-Lantern Jamboree
Calling all school ghouls! Got what it takes to carve a wicked pumpkin?
Click on the arrow for more information...
Now's your chance to shine! We're hosting a pumpkin carving competition, and we want to see your spookiest, most creative designs. The best pumpkins from each division - lower, middle, and high school - will be crowned winners and all pumpkins will be put on display in the dining hall during Spirit Week. Think you’ve got what it takes? Here are the rules!
Pumpkins Must Be Fresh and Clean:
Use fresh pumpkins to avoid early rotting. Make sure your pumpkin is thoroughly washed before carving
Carve, Don’t Cut All the Way Through (Optional):
For extra stability and longevity, try carving just the surface of the pumpkin instead of cutting all the way through. This technique reduces open areas that attract insects or rodents.
No Loose Pumpkin Guts Left Inside:
Scoop out all the pumpkin seeds and stringy bits completely. Make sure the inside is dry and free from debris.
Use a Protective Spray:
After carving, spritz the inside and cut edges with a diluted bleach solution (one tablespoon of bleach to one quart of water). This helps preserve the pumpkin and deters pests. Alternatively, use a mix of lemon juice or vinegar to help slow down decay.
NO Food-Based Decorations:
Do not use any food items, like candy, fruits, or vegetables, to decorate your pumpkin. These can quickly spoil and attract unwanted critters.
Pumpkin Size Limit:
Pumpkins should be no larger than 18 inches in height or width to ensure they fit properly on the display tables in the dining hall.
Seal Your Pumpkin:
After carving, apply petroleum jelly or vegetable oil to the cut edges to help seal in moisture and slow down the rotting process.
Drop-off Deadline and Handling:
All pumpkins must be dropped off at the Dining hall by 8:30am.
Display and Removal:
Pumpkins will be displayed for the entire Spirit Week in the dining hall. After Spirit Week, all participants are responsible for collecting and disposing of their pumpkins to ensure cleanliness.
Future Planning - The Crucible
Week Beg 9th December - Upper School Show Week
Information on tickets coming soon...
MYP Parents - Check out the new MYP Student Handbook...
***** School Evaluations Feedback & Beacon School Status *****
Click on the arrow to read more about the feedback from last year's school evaluations...
As many of you will probably remember we had external accreditation visits last school year by both the International Baccalaureate and the Council of British International Schools (COBIS). We received very positive reports from both organizations and it was so pleasing to see many common areas of strength singled out by both evaluation processes- the quality of relationships and community in the school, the quality of learning and teaching, the attitudes and engagement of students, and the inclusive, outward looking approach of the school.
We received the final report from COBIS over the summer and I am pleased to share that the school was deemed to be meeting all 18 standards and received a Commendation for 10 of the 18, including for all three Ethos & Values Standards. The school was awarded Beacon School Status for how 'the school has an outward-looking perspective promoting its values via a wide curriculum and through opportunities to develop awareness of other cultures and global issues.'
As part of the COBIS evaluation process, Beacon School Status is for schools which "have demonstrated excellence in specific aspects of, or the whole of a particular standard, and are committed to sharing their best practice with other schools around the world." BIS-NY is one of only 4 schools worldwide to hold Beacon School Status for Ethos & Values, so we are all incredibly proud of this accomplishment which is a reflection on the efforts, open minded approach and commitment of our whole community- students, staff and families.
I also include below the summary section of the report from COBIS and hope you will enjoy reading this as much as we did and share in the sense of accomplishment for the very special community you have worked with us and our students to build at BIS-NY. It is also a wonderful foundation on which to build and only adds to the anticipation and appreciation of potential as we embark on the new school year.
COBIS- OVERALL OBSERVATIONS
"The British International School of New York, located in Waterside Plaza, was founded in 2006. It strives to offer a superior education by blending creativity, comprehensive study, and academic rigour with an inquiry-based learning methodology through the International Baccalaureate and the English National Curriculum. The school is dedicated to providing a nurturing and stimulating environment that prepares students for future success.
The school is committed to providing a well-rounded education that meets the intellectual, physical, social, creative, and emotional needs of each child, ensuring a fulfilling and enjoyable educational experience. Consequently, the school environment is characterised by warmth and friendliness. This is a happy school.
Students take pride in being part of the school community, exhibiting politeness and respect in both classroom and informal settings. They show exemplary behaviour, confidence, enthusiasm for learning, and a dedicated pursuit of their goals. This supports the holistic development of every student.
The school radiates a welcoming and familial atmosphere, where the staff is committed to both the academic success and the overall well-being of the students. A distinctive feature of the school is its inclusive environment, which excels in supporting and implementing interventions for students with additional learning needs. Additionally, the school provides an extraordinary range of trips and extracurricular activities to enrich the students' experiences further.
Parents deeply appreciate the school's dedication, feeling assured that their children receive comprehensive care in all facets of their school life. This approach has encouraged a strong sense of community and belonging among students and families alike.
The Headteacher is inspirational, and along with his leadership team, provides a clear vision and direction, actively engaging with the compliance process to drive the
school's progress. As the school carries out its development plans, it is set to not only uphold its high standards but also to achieve continual improvements. This proactive approach ensures the institution remains at the forefront of educational excellence.
The school benefits from the backing of a dedicated and professional board of governors who have a thorough understanding of their responsibilities. The collaboration between the governors and the leadership team will be pivotal in developing a culture of continuous growth and innovation in future."
SCHOOL CALENDAR & KEY DATES
Download our
2024-25 calendar here.
Autumn Term
Wednesday, September 4th
First Day of SchoolThursday September 12th
Curriculum EveningSeptember 10th - 24th
UN General Assembly - Beware the awful traffic across the city!Thursday, October 3rd - Friday, October 4th
School Closed for Autumn BreakMonday, October 14th
School Closed for Indigenous Peoples DayMonday, 25th & Tuesday, November 26th
Parent Teacher Conferences (no lessons)Wednesday, 27th - Friday 29th November
School Closed for ThanksgivingFriday, December 20th
Last Day of Autumn Term (half day, dismissal at 12:30pm)
Winter Term
Monday, January 6th
First Day of Winter TermMonday, January 20th
School Closed for MLK Jr. DayMonday, February 17th - Friday, February 21st
School Closed for February BreakMonday, March 31st
School Closed for EidWednesday, April 9th
Last Day of Winter Term (half day, dismissal at 12:30pm)
Spring Term
Tuesday, April 22nd
First Day of Spring TermFriday, May 23rd
School Closed for Teacher Inset (no lessons)Monday, May 26th
School Closed for Memorial DayTuesday, June 17th
Last Day of School (half day, dismissal at 12:30pm)
Have a wonderful summer!
KEY CONTACTS AND WHO'S WHO AT BIS-NY
We recommend your child's class teacher (Nursery - Y6) or mentor (Years 7-13) as the first point of contact for parents with a question about their child.
Click on the down arrow for their email addresses, along with some other useful contact details:
Full list of Class Teachers and Mentors:
Class Teachers and Mentors Email
Head of School
Mr. Jason Morrow
Mr. Morrow can be contacted via email on headsoffice@bis-ny.org.
To set up a meeting please contact headspa@bis-ny.org.
Deputy Heads
Mr. Wavell Blades - Deputy Head of Student Wellbeing & Co-curriculum
w.blades@bis-ny.org
Ms. Alicia Gibson - Deputy Head of Curriculum & Staff Development
a.gibson@bis-ny.org
Divisional Heads
Ms. Stewart-Pond - Lower School (Nursery - Year 4) - a.stewart-pond@bis-ny.org
Mr. Bernard - Middle School (Year 5 - Year 9) - a.bernard@bis-ny.org
Ms. Rees - Upper School (Year 10 - Year 13) - r.rees@bis-ny.org
Front Desk
For issues relating to the day-to-day logistics including pick-up and afterschool, Ms. Sita can be contacted on frontdesk@bis-ny.org.
School Nurse
For questions with the medical forms and to report student absence due to illness, please contact Nurse Maureen on nurse@bis-ny.org.
School & College Counsellor
Our School & College Counselor Ms. Weiss (p.weiss@bis-ny.org) is also available to help support the wellbeing of students, and works with A-Level Students (Years 12 & 13) in the college admissions process.
Inclusion & Learning Support Coordinators
For students requiring additional academic support, our Learning Support Coordinators Ms. Southall (a.southall@bis-ny.org) and Ms. Keenan (s.keenan@bis-ny.org) are available to work with families on ensuring their children have access to the resources and accommodations they need to succeed.
Uniforms & Dress Code
Uniform is required for students in Nursery through Year 9. Link below:
EXTRA CURRICULAR OPPORTUNITIES
After School Clubs
Sports Teams & Clubs
BIS-NY offers competitive sports teams throughout the school year, competing in a number of different leagues. The PE Department will be in touch closer to the start of school (and again prior to each sport season) to confirm the full list of offerings, including schedules, venues, and registration requirements.
FALL SPORTS
PLEASE NOTE: Every student looking to play fall sports must have an up-to-date Interval Health History form completed and electronically submitted to me (t.hunt@bis-ny.org) as well as copied to Nurse Maureen (m.phelps@bis-ny.org). This form is completed by you as a parent and does not require a doctor visit. Without this form completed a student cannot play or practice in alignment with state guidelines. Interval Health Form
GIRLS UPPER SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL
Practice - Tuesdays 3:45-5pm @ Hunter College. Begin 9/17. Likely 6-8 games in the season. Available for girls in Years 10-13. Group coached by Ms Nguyen.
MYP SOCCER
Practice - Mondays 3:45-5pm @ Hunter College. Begin 9/16. Like 6-8 games in the season. Availbe to all students in Years 7-9. Previous playing experience in a competitive environment is helpful but not essential. We are hoping for an extra permit to allow outdoor practice but for now it is at Hunter gymnasium. Group coached by Mr Dwyer and Mr Cameron.
GIRLS MYP VOLLEYBALL
Practice - Wednesdays 3:45-5pm @ Hunter College. Begin 9/18. Likely 6-8 games in the season. Available for girls in Years 7-9. Group coached by Ms. Nguyen.
UPPER SCHOOL INTRAMURAL SPORTS
Thursdays, 3:45-5pm @ Hunter College. Available to all Upper School students. Opportunity throughout the term for intramural play in a variety of sports (volleyball, basketball, badminton, pickleball). Group coached by Ms Rees.
RUNNING CLUB / CROSS COUNTRY
Practice - Mondays 3:45-5pm. Begin 9/17. Likely 4 meets in the fall season, however this group meets every Monday throughout the school year to run together. Available for all students in Years 5-13. MYP students only compete in the meets. Group coached by Ms Kielstra.
MESH SPORTS
We are looking to add some sports offerings for the MESH students (Years 5-6) shortly. Much of this is dependent on availability of other schools (traditionally interscholastic school sports are not as frequent at this age in New York) and field/court spaces.
Music Lessons
You can find full details on our peripatetic music lesson offerings on the brochure here.
IIf you are interested in registering your child for private lessons, please fill out this registration form completely by Monday September 16th. Please fill out one form per child you are registering.
The Fall peri term will start Monday October 7th and end Friday January 24th. Two weeks of makeup lessons and potential recitals will immediately follow. The Spring peri term will run Monday February 10th and end Friday May 30th. Two weeks of makeup lessons and potential recitals will immediately follow. You will receive confirmation of your child's lesson day and time prior to the start of the Fall peri term.
As always, please email any questions you may have!
Warmly,
Ms. Viola - Head of Music
g.viola@bis-ny.org.
USEFUL LINKS AND RESOURCES
Get ready for the year...
Please click on the link below to acknowledge your receipt of the Parent Handbook:
Staffing Updates
ROLE CHANGES
Abigail Greystoke will be responsible for overall operations, working in alignment with the Affinitas Board. Sybil Swain will be moving into a new role as Director of Finance and we welcome Karlisha Belmar who joins as our HR Manager.
Oliver Goldstein moves across to having wider whole school responsibilities as the Assistant Head responsible for Digital Learning, Examinations and Communications.
We have a new team of Divisional Heads for the new school year:
Alex Stewart-Pond for the Lower School
Adam Bernard for the Middle School
Rhiannon Rees for the Upper School.
Annette Ottley and Kevin Jack-Reeves will be working on the Admissions Team alongside their continuing role as teachers.
Georgia Rubinstein is the new Head of Mathematics.
Colince Tamoka and Mickella Marshall are the new World Languages Co-ordinators.
Josie Kielstra is our new Community Outreach Co-ordinator
Stewart Lawson is the new Citizenship Award Co-ordinator
Gus Donnelly takes over as the Duke of Edinburgh Co-ordinator
Midori Larsen joins the EAL team alongside her work in Year 2
NEW STAFF
Justin Welham - Head of Computing and Design
Sonya Payne - Head of Art
Molly Beeby - Science (Primarily Chemistry)
Sarmad Khan - Business and I&S
Jonathan Lorrimer - Economics, Business and I&S
Will Walker - Geography and I&S as a
Alisha Hobbs - French and Spanish
Carlos Robles Morales - Spanish and French
Jennifer Nguyen - PE
Kole Kolinski - PE