"April showers bring May flowers," or so we used to say when I was growing up in the Northern Hemisphere. Let us hope the same holds true - to some extent - in Tanzania. As I write my penultimate newsletter as the Head of Boarding, however, there is little time for nostalgia.
IB Diploma exams begin for all D2 students on May 5th. Our residential exam policies are already in place, as we aim to ensure an ideal environment for those students sitting exams. During the exam period there will continue to be a regular array of weekend and weekday evening activities, but we will endeavour to keep such activities away from boarding areas, as study is our first priority.
IGCSE Exams for S5 students begin on May 12th. May 8th - 9th have been set aside as IGCSE ‘study days.'Students will not be required to attend classes. Their teachers will be available in classrooms to assist those who need help in preparation for their exams. Boarders may work in their boarding houses or may travel home for these days. If your son/daughter will be spending the week at home, could you please inform his/her boarding parent in advance.
Internal Exam Week for M1 - 4 and D1 students runs from May 12th - 16th. All residential exam policies apply for students in these year groups during this time.
Meanwhile, Mama Somaiya and I continue to work hard to assure a smooth transition as she prepares to take on the majority of my responsibilities next year. Her title will remain Senior Boarding Parent, and she will be responsible to Mr. White, the Head of Campus. We are currently finalising updated drafts of the Boarding Handbook and other important documentation. We hope to have required materials for returning students posted on the website in the very near future.
In the last several weeks we have also provided students with an opportunity to evaluate the performance of their Boarding Parents. Before the end of the term Mama Somaiya and I will meet with each of the residential members of staff and set goals and targets for next year. Professional development remains important to us.
In May we will also celebrate the graduation of our current D2 class. Graduation is Saturday, May 24th. The evening prior to this, Friday, May 23rd, D2 parents are invited to join us for our annual Graduation Dinner. Mr. Brandon, our Diploma Coordinator, will soon announce times and a venue. Please watch the ISM website for updated information (www.ismoshi.org). It will be a great pleasure to celebrate the success of your children, as well as see and say good-bye many of you during these special occasions.
Yours faithfully,
Richard Eaton
Head of Boarding
