THE ISLANDER April 3, The Islander

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1 The Islander Indexing this week s Islander 1. From the Director 2. School Lunch / Upcoming Events 3. From the School Counselor 4. PASNET 5. From PAC 7. From the IB Department 9. From the Computer Class 10. From the Excursion Coordinator 11. From the Nurse 12. From the Activities Director Guiding Statements/Helpful Links /15, 2015/16 School Calendars 17. ESOL Mission and Vision From the Director MICHELLE KLEISS Congratulations to Mr Thadd Correia, the cast of the Little Shop of Horrors who were outstanding in their performance on Monday and Tuesday night! The cast raised 450 for Ayia Skepi a drug rehab facility in Nicosia. It was a professional performance. The school would also like to thank Ms Deidi Zapinskifor her work BUSSES FOR THIS WEEK: APRIL with the cast s make up, Ms Natalie Aloneftis for her choreography, Mr Nathanaiel Highstein (AISC Math teacher) for his artistic expertise on the set, and finally Mr Peter Bohovesky (Grade 3 teacher) who worked many hours, days and weekends on the Audrey II Puppets in support of our Middle School and High School Drama program. A huge thank you also goes out to the 29 National Honor Society (NHS) students who participated in the 30 Hour Famine from Tuesday at 3:00 pm to Wednesday at 12:00 pm. The NHS students slept overnight in the school to raise money and awareness for the good work that World Vision does in support of those in need. The AISC National Honor Society chapter is based on scholarship, leadership, service and character and students are actively engaged in community service activities both at school and in the community. Thank you to the Middle School Student Council! Last Friday, the Middle School Student Council took a field trip to Choirokoitia in order to visit the new trees planted by the Cyprus Departments of Forestry and Antiquities. The Student Council raised 1,325 Euros to fund the trees through bake sales, bagel sales, dances, and spirit weeks. The new trees are part of a UNESCO Heritage Management Plan that is redefining the paths at the archaeological site. In addition to the trees, new ramps and paving stones have been installed. Most importantly, a system of fire hoses were placed throughout the site to prevent further destruction. The Student Council ensured the healthy state of the trees while enjoying a lovely picnic and hiking throughout the site. Members of Student Council: Omar Al Wehaib (President), Saskia Galea (Vice President), Ioanna Christodoulides (Secretary), Khaled Al Wehaib (Treasurer), Daniel Merchav (8th Grade Representative), Anna Savchenko (7th Grade Representative), Maria Tzevelekos (6th Grade Representative), Elli Clerides, Loiza Narouz, Michael Tzevelekos, Sasha Imbleau, Lily Joblin, Victoria Dullingham, Ayshe-Mira Yashin, Chiara Gilardi and Rita Fernandes. Well done to all our students. AISC is making a difference! Wishing everyone a wonderful spring break, Easter Holiday and Passover Holiday. MONDAY 3:00 pm & 4:00 pm TUESDAY 3:00 pm & 4:00 pm WEDNESDAY 2:00 pm & 3:00 pm THURSDAY 3:00 pm & 4:00 pm FRIDAY 3:00 pm & 4:00 pm 1

2 School Lunch MONDAY 20 TUESDAY 21 WEDNESDAY 22 THURSDAY23 FRIDAY 24 Middle & High School Chinese Noodles with Vegetables and Chicken Beans with Carrots and Celery Salad Drink Tacos (Beef or Pork) Salad Lentils with Rice Drink Oven Macaroni (Pastitsio, Pork) Spaghetti with Veggie Sauce Salad Jello Roast Chicken Roast Potatoes Black Eyed Beans with Greens Salad Fruit Drink Salad Bar Sloppy Joes (Pork) French Fries Fruit Drink Choice of Lemonade or Orange Squash Elementary School Chinese Noodles with Vegetables and Chicken Beans with Carrots and Celery Salad Drink Homemade Burgers (Beef or Pork) Baked Wedges Lentils with Rice Salad Fruit Drink Spaghetti with Cheese Spaghetti Bolognaise (Beef) Salad Jello Roast Chicken Roast Potatoes Black Eyed Beans with Greens Salad Fruit Drink Salad Bar Hot Dogs (Chicken or Pork) Boiled Eggs Fruit Drink Choice of Juice, Milk or Water UPCOMING EVENTS SATURDAY, 18 TH APRIL ACT Exam at 8:00 am in Room 212 MONDAY, 20 TH APRIL School Resumes - Start of Quarter 4 Grades 4, 5 & 6 Leventis Art Gallery Visit MONDAY-WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10 th Grade Writing Project (10 th Grade Students focusing solely on their research projects) TUESDAY, 21 ST April Middle School Girls Futsal Game against the Falcon School 2:00 pm at Strovolos Park WEDNESDAY, 22 ND APRIL Grades 1, 2 & 3 Leventis Art Gallery Visit Kritou Terra Environmental Trip for Grades 5 & 6 from 9:00 am Wednesday, April 22 nd to 4:00 pm Friday, April 24 th THURSDAY, 23 RD APRIL Director s Coffee Morning on Educational Programs at AISC for Grade 2 parents from 8:15 an 9:30 am in the Library Grades 7 & 8 Leventis Art Gallery Visit Grades 5 & 6 Kritou Terra Environmental Trip return at 4:00 pm FRIDAY, 24 TH APRIL K4 & Grade 2 Elementary Assembly at 2:30 pm in the Theatre Grades 5 & 6 Kritou Terra Environmental Trip return at 4:00 pm MONDAY-WEDNESDAY April th Grade Research Writing & Methodologies Project (9 th Grade Students focusing solely on their research projects) 2

3 THE ISLANDER April 3, 2015 From the Counselor SANGITA VAKIS CONGRATULATIONS! University Offers for the Class of 2015! Nicole Vakis University of Southern California, US Presidential Scholarship/Univ. Grant Scholarship $38,040 Duke University, US Scholarship $31,307 Stanford University, US Scholarship $47,711 Davidson College, US Scholarship $32, 310 University Tests Remaining Tests for and Test Dates: Test Test Day Deadline to Register SAT May 2 June 6 April 6 May 8 ACT April 18 Test Test Day PSAT October 14 SAT ACT October 3 November 7 December 5 January 23 May 7 June 4 September 12 October 24 December 12 February 6 April 9 June 11 3 March 13 Deadline to Register School will register all grade 10 and 11 students To be announced To be announced

4 m ac h THE ISLANDER April 3, 2015 From PASNET KELLY MILIOTI PASnet is hosting a Rummage/Table-Top Sale SAVE THE DATE: Saturday, May 16 th, 2015 WHERE: Campus of AISC TIME: 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. You are invited to shop or sell. Details to come in the next Islander. 4

5 m ac h THE ISLANDER April 3, 2015 From PAC MINUTES OF THE PARENT ADVISORY COUNCIL (PAC) DATE OF MEETING: Tuesday, 24 March 2015 CHAIR: MEMEBERS PRESENT: MEMEBERS ABSENT: Michelle Kleiss (Director) Sherri McAdams, Angela Vidmar, Katarina Lazic, Deidi Zapinski, Natalie Aloneftis, Kyle Coppes, Amy Clerides Machi Papadopoulos, Ritsa Demetriades, Helia Alikhani, Serene Malayatoor, Bernard Musyck, Andreas Lordos, UPDATE ON THE DEVELOPMENT FEE The Director opened the meeting by thanking everyone for attending and updated PAC members since the last meeting at the end of January. The following points were discussed: The Financial Assistance Committee s work on the application for assistance KPMG has agreed to manage the AISC parent s application for financial assistance should the Development Fee be approved by the MOEC. This way parents fears of divulging personal finance information is relieved by the fact that KPMG will manage the program and give a recommendation to the school Response from the Ministry of Education and Culture (MOEC) was still pending regarding the Development Fee A further financial analysis was requested by the MOEC and submitted from KPMG AISC is run as a non-profit school and is not a money-making school and that many years it has run at a loss Overarching themes of the January 23 rd Parent meeting were discussed The Director informed the PAC that all private schools received a generic letter mandating a decrease in the tuition fees. The Director explained that the School s second application for a tuition increase was submitted in the fall of 2014 which means the School complied with the MOEC s request to submit documents for a change in the fee structure by their February deadline and that all information required was in the MOEC s hands. The Director had also indicated she was aware of a letter sent to the MOEC by 78 parents who are protesting the increase but has not seen the letter. The Director hoped that the letter could be shared with the School Board so they could better understand the latest concerns of the parents. One PAC member said that the amount of the increase itself was a concern to her family and that no criteria or threshold had been put in place for how much assistance a family would receive. The Director explained that no criterion for assistance was established because it wishes to remain open to helping as many families as possible. The aim is trying to 1) make it easy for families to access the financial aid program and 2) create a process so there is no discrimination. The Director said that while researching tuition fee policies in Cyprus she came across a local private school with a two tier fee system for local and foreign parents it was strange that the MOEC approved that fee structure. 5

6 m ac h THE ISLANDER April 3, 2015 From PAC 2. NEXT YEAR S ACADEMIC CALENDAR A draft of the Academic Calendar was handed out to PAC members. support and endorsement of the calendar. The Director asked PAC members for their The Director shared the criteria for developing the school calendar which are as follows: Maximizing instructional time Ensuring at least 180 teacher/student contact days per year Recognizing the regulated Cyprus public holidays of the host country Not closing school for other religious holidays as it is not fair if we cannot recognize them all of them. Students/families are permitted to observe their religious holidays without penalty Observing US Thanksgiving long weekend since it is a school tradition Balancing out the exam schedules and ensuring enough instructional and review time prior to all exams periods, including IB exams in May The Director explained school traditionally started at end of August to include the 180 instructional days. Previously the calendar included four early dismissal days which have now been reduced to two. The general consensus was in agreement with the calendar. The Calendar will go out in the Islander every week and will be ed home. Parents suggested that the Islander be re-designed so it is easier to read and easier to find information. The Director said she would start a plan to re-design the weekly newsletter. A request was made to put the upcoming Assessment dates and testing windows in the Islander: MAP/PSAT/SAT/ACT throughout the year and deadline dates for the SAT and ACT so folks knew when they needed to register and prepare for the upcoming exams. 3. WEEKLY GRADE LEVEL COFFEE MORNING WITH THE DIRECTOR The Director explained she was starting weekly grade coffee mornings to better explain AISC s educational programs, assessments and how to ensure students are making expected growth. Grade level coffee mornings can deal with specific issues at that particular grade level. The first one started Thursday March 26 with KG4 & KG5 parents. The next one will be Thursday April A letter was sent home with all the dates of the Coffee Mornings between now and the end of the school year. The Director also showed PAC members the AISC Curriculum Database in order to find the curriculum across all subject areas and how to filter for different grade levels and subject areas. 4. Other: A request was made for the school to allow blue cardigans with the School logo. The Director said she would talk with Mr. Koutalianos, the uniform supplier, to work on that request. 5. NEXT PAC MEETING: The next PAC meeting will take place on Tuesday, 21 April 2015 PAC Members: Machi Papadopoulos (Grade 12), Helia Alikhani (Grades 2, 5), Sherri McAdams (Grade 6), Serene Malayatoor (Grades 2, 5), Ritsa Demetriades (Grade 12, Bernard Musyck (Grade 9), Angela Vidmar (Grade 4), Katarina Lazic (Grade 8), Andreas Lordos (Grade 9), Deidi Zapinski (Grades 10, 12), Natalie Aloneftis (6, 10), Maria Artemis (6, 12), Kyle Coppes (Grade 1), Amy Clerides (Grade 8) 6

7 From the IB Department ELPINIKI PAPAGEORGIOU IB Modern Greek In the second semester of Grade 11, the IB Greek class engages in a detailed analysis of prose by the modernist author Giorgos Ioannou. Ioannou was born and raised in Thessaloniki. The greatest part of his work is dedicated to Thessaloniki and its people, seen from his own perspective. The author is inspired by personal and collective experiences of World War II, German occupation of Greece, Resistance, and the Greek Civil War. In his work, his home city is wonderfully revealed, as he walks through its streets and observes the recent changes. Reading Ioannou s short stories through the conceptual lens of otherness, students learn about the tragedy of refugees and the uprooting of the Jewish community of Thessaloniki by the Nazis. Each year our students have the opportunity to visit Thessaloniki to further explore its history and culture. What follows is an essay by our senior student, Stella Pitsillidou, on the representation of the Jewish community in Ioannou s work. Stella submitted this essay in partial completion of her IB in Modern Greek. Πώς και γιατί µια κοινωνική οµάδα παρουσιάζεται µε ένα συγκεκριµένο τρόπο; της Στέλλα Πιτσιλλίδου Συχνά στη λογοτεχνία µια οµάδα ανθρώπων παρουσιάζεται µε συγκεκριµένο τρόπο εσκεµµένα για να εξυπηρετήσει τις ανάγκες ενός διηγήµατος. Ο νεωτερικός πεζογράφος Γιώργος Ιωάννου παρουσιάζει διάφορες κοινωνικές οµάδες µε σκοπό να αναδείξει τα κύρια θέµατα των διηγηµάτων του, τα οποία συνήθως διαδραµατίζονται στη Θεσσαλονίκη και τοποθετούνται σε ιστορικό πλαίσιο. Μια κοινωνική οµάδα που εµφανίζεται πολλαπλές φορές στα διηγήµατά του είναι οι Εβραίοι. Ο Ιωάννου παρουσιάζει τους Εβραίους ως µια κοινωνική οµάδα, η οποία εµπλέκεται σε τρεις διαφορετικές πτυχές της κοινωνίας. Προβάλλει τους Εβραίους ως φίλους, συµπολίτες και απόντες. Με αυτό τον τρόπο αναδεικνύει δύο από τα βασικά θέµατα του έργου: το θέµα της αλλοτρίωσης της Θεσσαλονίκης µέσα από τη σύγκλιση της ατοµικής εµπειρίας του πρωταγωνιστή και της συλλογικής εµπειρίας. Στην ακόλουθη εργασία θα υποστηριχθεί ότι οι Εβραίοι παρουσιάζονται ως φίλοι, συµπολίτες και απόντες, για να βοηθήσουν στην καλύτερη αποτύπωση των δύο κύριων θεµάτων που βρίσκονται στο διήγηµα «Το κρεβάτι.» Στα διηγήµατα του Ιωάννου η ατοµική εµπειρία του αφηγητή συµπλέκεται άµεσα µε την εµπειρία του συνόλου και συγκεκριµένα των Εβραίων, που απεικονίζονται ως φίλοι. Αυτό είναι φανερό καθώς στο διήγηµα «Το κρεβάτι» ο αναγνώστης παρακολουθεί την ατοµική εµπειρία µιας δυνατής φιλίας. Η σχέση εξελίσσεται ανάµεσα στον αφηγητή, ένα ελληνόπουλο και του Ίζου, ενός νεαρού Εβραίου που ήταν «δύο τρία χρόνια µεγαλύτερος.» (Το κρεβάτι, 46) Στο διήγηµα «Το κρεβάτι», ο αφηγητής αποκαλεί τον Ίζο «φίλο [τ]ου.» (Το κρεβάτι, 46) Μέσα σε αυτή την µικρο-ιστορία υπάρχουν στοιχεία που συνθέτουν µια χαρούµενη φιλία: «συχνά, παίζοντας στο διαµέρισµα τους κρυφτό ή άλλα παιχνίδια, κρυβόµασταν αποκάτω ή χωνόµασταν για να πάρουµε την µπάλα που είχε κυλήσει.» (Το κρεβάτι, 46) Το γεγονός ότι ένας Έλληνας και ένας Εβραίος µένουν µαζί έχοντας µια θετική σχέση αποδεικνύει την συνολική εικόνα της Θεσσαλονίκης και τη σχέση που είχαν οι Έλληνες µε τους Εβραίους πριν τον Β Παγκόσµιο Πόλεµο. Παρόλα αυτά µετά από την σύλληψη τους από τους Γερµανούς, όταν ο αφηγητής πήρε το κρεβάτι «ήταν το µόνο πράγµα που είχε αποµείνει» µέσα στο διαµέρισµα του φίλου Ίζου, καθώς οι γείτονες τα είχαν πάρει όλα. (Το κρεβάτι, 46) Ο Ιωάννου συνηθίζει να αξιοποιεί άψυχα αντικείµενα ως σύµβολα, τα οποία χρησιµοποιεί και ως τίτλους των διηγηµάτων του. Με αυτό τον τρόπο, το κρεβάτι χρησιµοποιείται ως σύµβολο υπενθύµισης για την αλλοτρίωση της Θεσσαλονίκης. Είναι το σύµβολο της παιδικής του φιλίας όπως επίσης και ένας χώρος αναµνήσεων αφού και οι δύο τους κοιµόντουσαν «αγκαλιά στο κρεβάτι» (Το κρεβάτι, 46) Η φιλία τους είναι ένα κύριο σύµβολο που συµβάλλει στην εξέλιξη του διηγήµατος και στην καλύτερη κατανόηση της ατοµικής και συλλογικής εµπειρίας. Μπορούµε σαφώς να δούµε πως ο ρόλος της εθνικής αυτής οµάδας παρουσιάζεται µέσα από την ατοµική εµπειρία του πρωταγωνιστή και τα προσωπικά του βιώµατα µε τους Εβραίους. 7

8 From the IB Department ELPINIKI PAPAGEORGIOU Ωστόσο, οι Εβραίοι δεν ήταν σηµαντικοί µόνο για τον πρωταγωνιστή, αλλά και για την πόλη ολόκληρη αφού µέσα από το διήγηµα «Το κρεβάτι» οι Εβραίοι παρουσιάζονται ως αναπόσπαστο κοµµάτι της πόλης µέσω του ρόλου τους ως συµπολίτες και γείτονες. Μετά τον πόλεµο πολλοί Εβραίοι έφυγαν από την Θεσσαλονίκη αφήνοντας πίσω µόνο αναµνήσεις όπως την αγνή παιδική φιλία µεταξύ του αφηγητή που φανερώνει το πόσο σηµαντική ήταν αυτή η σχέση µε ένα Εβραίο αγόρι. Είναι φανερό πως ο ίδιος ο αφηγητής είχε γείτονες Εβραίους διότι έµεναν στην «γειτονιά τους.» Είναι εξίσου αξιοσηµείωτο το γεγονός πως οι Εβραίοι «είχαν την πλειοψηφία» στην Θεσσαλονίκη. (Το κρεβάτι, 48) Πριν τον Β Παγκόσµιο Πόλεµο η Θεσσαλονίκη ήταν µια χοάνη λαών. Η εβραϊκή κοινότητα αποτελούσε το µεγαλύτερο ποσοστό πληθυσµού στην Θεσσαλονίκη. Οι Εβραίοι και οι Έλληνες συνυπήρχαν αρµονικά και συνεργάζονταν ως γείτονες. Ο αφηγητής αναπολεί τον καιρό που οι Εβραίοι αποτελούσαν µέρος της φυσιογνωµίας της Θεσσαλονίκης, σηµειώνοντας πως «κάποτε µάλιστα, που έλειπαν οι δικοί [του], µας είχαν κοιµίσει αγκαλιά στο κρεβάτι.» (Το κρεβάτι, 46) Με αυτό το τρόπο το θέµα της αλλοτρίωσης της Θεσσαλονίκης γίνεται ακόµα πιο προσωπική και συνάµα πιο θλιβερή εµπειρία. Ο Ιωάννου εκφράζει από την πλευρά ενός Έλληνα την ιστορική µοίρα των Εβραίων µέσα σε µια Ελληνική πόλη. Οι Εβραίοι παρουσιάζονται ως γείτονες από τον Ιωάννου ως µια επιβεβαίωση και απόδειξη πως κάποτε η Θεσσαλονίκη ήταν µια πολυπολιτισµική περιφερειακή µητρόπολη. Για άλλη µια φορά αντικατοπτρίζουν τη συλλογική εµπειρία της πόλης. Εντούτοις, η συλλογική εµπειρία µιας πολυπολιτισµικής µητρόπολης διαταράζεται από το βίαιο ξεριζωµό των Εβραίων, που ωστόσο, εύκολα λησµονείται µε αποτέλεσµα να εκλείψει η σχέση αναµεταξύ των δυο λαών και αυτόµατα να δηµιουργηθεί πνευµατικό ξεθώριασµα και αλλοτρίωση της Θεσσαλονίκης. Οι Εβραίοι ως απόντες γίνονται η αιτία να χάσει την ταυτότητά της η πόλη. Πλέον η Θεσσαλονίκη έχασε το χρώµα και το χαρακτήρα της. Εν τη απουσία των Εβραίων µέσα στο διήγηµα «Το κρεβάτι» οι ίδιοι οι πολίτες αλλάζουν χαρακτήρα. Αφήνουν τις ηθικές τους αρχές στην άκρη και µετατρέπονται σε «κλέφτες». Χάνουν τον σεβασµό τους προς τους φίλους, συµπολίτες Εβραίους. Στρέφονται ενάντια στους Εβραίους χωρίς κανένα σηµάδι τύψεων εφόσον «ρίχτηκ[αν] υπνωτισµέν[οι] στα υπάρχοντα των Εβραίων» σαν ζώα λαίµαργα που αναζητούν τροφή (Το κρεβάτι, 47). Στο διήγηµα οι εικόνες που περιγράφουν τα διαµερίσµατα των απόντων Εβραίων είναι τραγικές. Το διαµέρισµα τους ήταν πλέον «άγρια λεηλατηµένο.» Σε αυτό το σηµείο βλέπουµε τον ίδιο τον αφηγητή να βιώνει µια σειρά από τραυµατικές εµπειρίες. Η ατοµική του εµπειρία συγκλίνει µε τη συλλογική εµπειρία των Εβραίων και των Ελλήνων που ο ίδιος νιώθει αηδιασµένος από την συµπεριφορά τους. Ο αφηγητής εξιστορεί τις θλιβερές αυτές εικόνες µε ένα αίσθηµα απέχθειας µπροστά στους συµπολίτες του. Νιώθει άλλος σε σχέση µε την ίδια του την πόλη. εν ταυτίζεται µε την συµπεριφορά των κατοίκων της γειτονιάς του. Αυτός είναι ο δικός του ο τρόπος που καταδικάζει τον ξεπεσµό και κρίνει την αδιαφορία και την έλλειψη συνείδησης ανάµεσα στους Έλληνες της Θεσσαλονίκης που αφήνει πλέον την Θεσσαλονίκη µια οµοιογενή ελληνική πόλη. Ο Ιωάννου επιτυχηµένα καταφέρνει να προβάλει στο διήγηµα του την κοινωνική τάξη των Εβραίων πρώτα ως φίλων, ακολούθως ως συµπολιτών και τέλος ως απόντων. Με αυτό τον τρόπο παράγει ένα ιδιαίτερο χαρακτήρα και µια δική του προσωπικότητα στο διήγηµα καταφέρνοντας να περιγράψει το χάος και την αλλοτρίωση που ακολουθεί στην πόλη. Καθώς ο αναγνώστης βλέπει και ταυτίζεται συναισθηµατικά µε την εξέλιξη της συγκεκριµένης κοινωνικής οµάδας µέσα στην Θεσσαλονίκη, συγχρόνως µπορεί να διακρίνει και την αλλαγή που γίνεται µέσα στην ίδια την πόλη και στον ντόπιο λαό εν τη απουσία των Εβραίων. 8

9 From the Computer Class NICOLAS ROUSSIS AISC Students - Electronic Recycling Recycle!!! It is one of the best ways to make a positive impact to the earth. Electronic waste is increasing all the time, due to new gadgets, such as cell phones and computers, being produced every day. After using their new phone, many people just throw it away without even knowing how harmful it is for our own health and for the environment. On March 13, 2015, the Grade 9 went to visit Electrocyclosis, a recycling company. They have informed us about recycling and showed us the importance of it. Also, they ve provided entertaining examples, such as resembling an old computer and a TV. If you want to recycle, the A.I.S.C. has separated recycling trash bins for plastic, paper, and electronics (next to Mr.Feutz s classroom just for electronics). Article by: Adilet Akmatbaev, Amit Sagiv, Ilyas Abyanov G9 9

10 From the Excursion Coordinator AISC Cultural Family Trips MARINA COCCONI Our two trips were very successful; lovely Spring weather, beautiful monuments, passing through history and experiencing a different sense of culture. On March 25, 2015, we had a tour to the northern part of Nicosia and on March 29 a full day at Salamis and Famagusta. Two memorable and exquisite sites in Cyprus to remember!!! Famagusta Salamis, Theatre Church of Carmellitas, Famagusta Salamis, Gymnasium Salamis, Pool Walking Tour at the Northern Part of Nicosia on March 25 Famagusta St. George of the Greeks 10

11 From the Nurse MICHALIS MATHEOU Steam Old School Remedies Inhaling steam, for example, is once more a widely accepted remedy for congestion. This moves the mucus, which is important because bacteria flourish when mucus gets stuck in the nose, sinuses, or chest. An easy way to inhale steam is to fill a cooking pot one-quarter full with water. Bring it to a near boil, turn off the heat, and add a couple drops of essential oil of eucalyptus. Carefully remove the pot from the stove, drape a towel over your head, lean over the pot, and inhale. "Cupping" Another old-time treatment gaining acceptance is "cupping." This ancient Chinese practice admittedly looks strange, but it's a genuine healer according to alternative medicine experts. Cupping can be used on the back, neck, and legs to soften muscles and restore healthy blood flow. In the past, people have also used it to relieve headaches. It involves a sharp instrument, such as a razor or knife, that is used to make very tiny cuts in the skin near the source of pain. The cupping utensil, a little round cup, is placed over the slashes to create a vacuum that then draws out blood. Beauty Remedies Beauty remedies from the past are resurfacing as well, particularly as women learn the potential harm of chemicals used in cosmetics and hair care products. Apple cider vinegar is reportedly good for smooth and shiny hair because it closes cuticles. Simply mix the vinegar with equal parts water and rinse through your hair. You might also consider rinsing with beer after shampooing, as it s supposed to provide plump, lustrous locks without any risk of damage. For the skin, women have long turned to oatmeal and milk. The latter has a high fat content to moisturize and lactic acid to gently exfoliate. To get the best effect, you ll want to fill a bathtub with warm water and add a cup of whole milk. Oatmeal is typically used for the face. It contains a water-soluble fiber called beta glucan, known to have soothing and anti-inflammatory effects on the skin. Those who suffer from acne often find the most benefit from this remedy. To try, place a few spoonfuls of oats in a washcloth and tie shut. Put the pack in a bowl of warm water for one minute, then remove and use the cloudy water as a natural cleanser. Source: 11

12 From the Activities Director ARNO MORALES The AISC Spring Tennis Tournament We would like to propose an AISC Tennis Tournament for Intermediate and Advanced Tennis Players. Depending on the interest, the format of the tournament will be decided once we know the number of participants. This event is open to our AISC Community. Mr. Misha Martinov (Elementary Tennis Trainer) will be assisting us. The event will take place on April 24 th and 25 th. The games will begin right after school on the 24 th. If you are interested, please send an to Students need to see Mr. Morales in Room 122 to sign up. We already have a few teachers who have expressed interest to compete. The AISC Private School Futsal Tournament AISC hosted an on island private schools futsal tournament Monday, March 30 at Nuevo Campo, just opposite the GSP Stadium. The following schools participated: The English School, The Falcon School, The Pascal School, The Terra Santa School, The Olympion School, The Senior School and AISC. It was a successful tournament due to the fact that there were no injuries, no arguments and no complaints from students or coaches. We were very proud of all the students (80) for their good sportsmanship displayed. We hope it will become an annual tournament with lots of participation and support from all the schools. We would like to thank Mr. Papapetrou, Mr. Papasolomou and Mr. Knottek for the preparation. 12

13 AISC GUIDING STATEMENTS AISC Mission Statement The American International School in Cyprus inspires students to become enthusiastic life-long learners who value integrity, cultural diversity, and the pursuit of excellence. Using an American and International Curriculum, our qualified professionals work with the school community to prepare students to be creative, critical thinkers, and socially responsible world citizens. AISC Belief Statements We believe that: Everyone must be valued as a unique individual. Everyone deserves an education, which respects his or her differences. Understanding and appreciation of diversity are critical to peace and harmony. The development of all aspects of the individual is essential. Critical thinking and problem solving are vital in a changing world. Participation in activities and service learning fosters a sense of self-worth, community, and school ethos. Technology must be an integral part of the education process. Learning must be a life-long process for everyone. Everyone is entitled to have his/her opinion heard and considered. Everyone has a right to safety, love, and learning. AISC Statement of International-mindedness An internationally minded student seeks to understand, appreciate and accept others' diversity, culture, and opinions, even if they disagree, while keeping in mind that people have different perspectives. As an internationally minded student, you are constantly seeking to evolve your understanding of other peoples' opinions and cultures. As an internationally minded student, you can respect someone s opinion while not accepting it as your own. As an internationally minded student, your opinion should not violate another person s human rights. AISC Graduate Profile: Life Long Learner AISC graduates are inquisitive, reflective and have a desire to be lifelong learners. They communicate effectively for a variety of purposes and are technologically literate for the 21st century. They are open to a variety of esthetic experiences and continue to develop an appreciation for the arts. Pursuit of Excellence AISC graduates are self-directed learners who prioritize in order to meet high academic standards. They demonstrate skills in both collaboration and leadership, and are willing to take risks and seek new experiences. They are confident and responsible in making appropriate life choices. Critical/Creative Thinker AISC graduates are critical thinkers who evaluate information and use conclusions to guide their behavior for a common good. As creative thinkers they are innovative and focused on exploring ideas and generating possibilities when problem solving. Cultural Diversity AISC graduates demonstrate an appreciation for cultural differences and understand the need for flexibility, sensitivity and adaptability. They have acquired a high level of competency in at least one foreign language. Integrity AISC graduates understand the importance of integrity and accountability, and are positive thinkers. They use their knowledge ethically, advocating universal values such as honesty, integrity, reciprocity, and compassion. Socially Responsible World Citizens AISC graduates are aware of the global nature of many current social, economic and environmental issues and make positive contributions to society. 13

14 Important Links Name of Document/Resource AISC Family Handbook Location AISC Course Description Guide AISC Research Paper Survival Guide AISC English Language Learning Admissions Policy AISC Website Organizational Chart School Calendar Governing Statements Mission Set of Beliefs Graduate Profile Human Rights Policy History of AISC Parent Involvement PAC & PASNET ATLAS Curriculum Maps Educational Services Overseas Ltd (ESOL) School Improvement Plan Annual Report MSA Student Achievement Plans Educational Services Overseas Limited (ESOL) Middle States Association (MSA) Website International Baccalaureate Website AISC IB Grading Policy and Student Contract AISC IB Course Description Guide The IB Diploma Program - AISC Special Education and Inclusive Assessment Policy Islander Newsletter Academic Honesty Policy, Grades 6-12 IT Newsletter, Bits & Bytes IT Strategic Plan Acceptable Computer Use Policy Learning Support Centre Information Library Resources Encyclopedia Britannica Newsbank Library Newsletter, Library Communicator Guidance Department Naviance Software Language Policy Rosetta Stone Assessment Policy Handbook Essential Agreements on Assessment All Grading Policies Assessment Definitions Healthy Food Policy Elementary Supply List Elementary Information Sheet Middle School Supply List Elementary Curriculum Overviews Password: inspire School website, School website, SUPPLY%20LIST% pdf School website, School website, School website, 14

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