Head of School's Blogs

Construction at ISB

by Bill Gerritz 13 August, 2007

We are four days into the new school year. The classrooms have filled with enthusiastic, curious students eager to learn. This is one of those magic times for me.

Our summer construction projects have gone well. The elementary school library was gutted and rebuilt in a rather spectacular fashion. We expect it to become the focus for all forms of literacy learning. In addition to books, it contains a full computer lab. I have attached photos taken by our new librarian Kim Cofino that I hope capture the design aesthetic – exciting, inviting, and eye-catching.

The athletic facilities, especially the locker rooms, received a makeover. The new spaces will be much better for students.

Our youngest students have a new playground. The play structures are safer and offer more diverse play opportunities.

ES students seem to love their lunches. With our new ES cafeteria and new contractor, the food quality has improved substantially.

There were a number of internal spaces built and doors added between classrooms. For example, when we added a fifth counselor in the high school, we needed to create a new office for her. Since we have added Spanish as a modern language in the elementary school, two rooms were created.

Work continues on the design of our new Cultural Center. The architects have given us detailed drawings that specify every space. In total, this four story building to located behind the high school will add about 25 percent to the total usable space in the school. I am especially impressed with their efforts to make the building “green.” Read more post from the Head of School's Blogs

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Comment 3: Mr.Prajen Panantang
Dear Dr.Bill Please allow me to introduce you to our organistion,Baan Nokkamin. We operate a number of orphanages throughout Thailand. We care for orphans whose lives have been touched by various difficulties including HIV, the 2004 Tsunami,houmelessness and substance abuse,covering the age range from kindergarten to university. Mor information is available on our wecsite,www.baannokkamin.in.th We interested in establishing a relationship with your institution. We would like to genetate opportunities for our children to socialise wirh children from diverse backgrounds. Initially,we'd like to suggest activities as football and Thai dancing. Fro the boys, we have a number of football teams at differrent age levels,and our girls learn Thai dancing. We belive that both the orphans and your students can benefit thai kind of interaction,on a social and cultural level. We would also wecome and suggestions that you might have. I would very like to discuss this with you further. I would greatly appreciate if you could contact me directly by phone or email. Yours suncerely, Prajen Panantang Asistant director of foundation. Ph:089-214-1126 Email:prajen1016@yahoo.com
Comment 2: Raiyan
Panthers rock
Comment 1: Janine Sager
Dear Mr. Gerritz My name is Janine Sager and I am the alumni coordinator at the International School of Beijing located in Beijing China. Our school just celebrated its 25tth year anniversary and has implemented an alumni program. We are in the process of building a data base and working with a website for the alumni program. I am currently researching the internet reviewing various alumni websites and came across your school page. I understand from your website that a voluntary alumni group seems to manage the operations of the ISB Alumni group. I am curious about how the school works with the Alumni group. I apologize for sending this note directly to you, but if it is possible could you foreward my comments and questions onto the appropriate department there at ISB? The following are some general questions I am sending to various schools and Alumni groups. How long has your alumni program been operational? Are there any staff ties with the current school or does your ISB voluntarily alumni board liaison with the school on projects or activities with the Alumni group. For example, when an Alumnus visits the ISB campus, is there a designated department or person who tours with the Alumni members? Who maintains your website at the school and does the Alumni website master maintain just the ISB Network site? Does the Alumni group use a vendor for the Alumni registration and data base development? Would you be willing to share with me some of your policies or procedures in regards to services your alumni group or school office offers to its membership We are very excited about an Alumni program for our students here at ISB and would appreciate any assistance you could offer. Regards, Janine Sager Janine Sager Alumni Coordinator International School of Beijing-Shunyi No.10 An Hua Street Shunyi District Beijing 101318 China Main line: +86.10.8149.2345 Backup line: +86.10.8046.2345 Email: alumni@isb.bj.edu.cn Web: www.isb.bj.edu.cn

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About the Author

Bill received his Ph.D. at UC Berkeley. He has written over 20 journal articles and has an abiding interest in learning improvement. Prior to ISB, Bill headed schools in Holland and South America. He and his wife Marcia have 3 sons.

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