Oslo InternationalSchool Communicator End of Term
for Friday, 18 June 2010
Dear OIS families,
Thank you for your involvement and support this school year. I have truly enjoyed my first year as Head of School at OIS. The faculty and staff have endeavoured to provide our students with a challenging international education consistent with the mission, vision, and values of the school. It has been a joy to observe the growth and development of students throughout this year.
Enjoy your summer break. We will look forward to seeing our returning students in August and best wishes to all who are leaving OIS.
Tom Baker
Head of School
Contents:
1. 2009/2010 All-school Improvement Goals Review
2. OIS Secondary School Administrative Restructuring Plan
3. OIS Calendar
1. 2009/2010 All-school Improvement Goals Review
Six all-school improvement goals were set for the 2009/2010 school year. Below is a review of what was accomplished this year.
1. Complete OIS Self-Study
(The Self-study supports the development of a new Three Year Strategic Plan. The school is awarded full Re-accreditation in 2011.)
Through the self-study work this year faculty, staff, and parent and student volunteers have completed a comprehensive review of the school in order evaluate our program and set the direction for future school improvement efforts. A report identifying the school’s major strengths, major factors needing strengthening, and a draft action plan for improvement will be submitted to our accrediting agencies (CIS and NEASC) in August 2010. A nine member visiting team from CIS & NEASC is scheduled to be at OIS to validate the self-study during the week of 30 October to 5 November. The new strategic plan will be developed in the fall.
2. Implement a New Communications Plan
(Communication structures and processes are systematically reviewed and the resulting recommendations are implemented to ensure accurate, timely, and effective communication for staff, students, and parents.)
A weekly newsletter for the school community, the “OIS Communicator”, was implemented, the OIS website was updated, Fronter was further developed and utilized to post classroom units of study and assignments, a monthly open meeting with parents, “First Friday with Tom”, was established, two open board meeting were held during the year, weekly briefings for faculty and staff were instituted, and an action plan for further improvements is in development.
3. Implement Fronter E-learning Tool
(Fronter is utilized by all OIS staff, students and parents as an e-learning tool to support student learning.)
Faculty and staff received training on the use of Fronter and classroom sites were developed, made available and used by students and many parents.
4. Expand After School Activities Opportunities
(More after school activities are offered and more students participate in the program.)
A new format and after school programs brochure were developed, an after school programs coordinator position was established, two sessions for activities and sports were implemented with 55 activities and sports offered during the year involving 713 separate student registrations.
5. Initiate New Gymnasium Project and Redesign of Phase Three Project
(A new gymnasium project and/or phase three redesign project is initiated which meets the immediate and future physical education/sport, music, and drama facility needs of the school.)
A Partnership with the Bærum Commune and Sports Clubs to build handball size gym on Nadderudhallen parking lot has been established. We are now in negotiations for the final approval and a financing plan with the Commune. Once we receive the approval and the final design is completed construction will take about one year.
6. Upgrade and Expand Playground Facilities
(A playground enhancement project that meets both recess and physical education/sport program needs will be implemented, beginning in the fall of 2009 and completed by summer 2010.)
The playground committee recommendations were approved and funded for a new play structure, fencing, seating for the inner court yard, fencing and equipment for the grass area adjacent to the primary wing, and a new enclosed soccer area. Improvements should be in place at the beginning of the new school year.
2. OIS Secondary School Administrative Restructuring Plan
Beginning in August 2010 there will be a new administrative structure for the Secondary School at OIS. There will be one principal, Peter Luitjens, for the entire Y7 to IB2 program assisted by a deputy principal, John Town. Mr. Luitjens will be responsible for the overall leadership and management of secondary faculty, support staff, curriculum, program, and facilities to provide for the learning and development of students in accordance with the mission, vision, and values of the school. Mr. Town will be responsible for the Secondary Physical Education, Athletics, Activities, Fine and Performing Arts, PSHE, Counselling, EAL, and Support for Learning programs, faculty and staff, and the promotion and coordination of co-curricular and extra-curricular learning opportunities to support the academic development, personal growth, and general welfare of students. A description of the rationale and structure for this new plan is attached.
3. OIS Calendar
A copy of the 2010/2011 School Year Calendar is attached. Classes will begin on Monday, 23 August at 8.50.