COMMUNICATION
The Boracay European International School is our school. Each member of the community - parent, student, faculty and staff - is committed to doing all that he can to develop and actively support our vision and mission for the benefit of our students. Effective communication is a priority at BEIS. There are many options for families to receive and share information. Our website will be frequently updated and memos and other important announcements will be posted here.

Our school releases a monthly school newsletter online that updates families on what children are learning inside their classrooms. Our newsletters are meant to be informative and fun as they give you a glimpse of all the exciting lessons and projects that your children have been working on. The student-run newspaper can be found at Koleksyon.com

Teachers will also be using technology to communicate with parents and students. New software will allow parents to receive frequent updates on their student's behavior and progress. While it might feel less personal than face-to-face communication, these new tools are meant only to supplement for parent-teacher meetings, not replace them. We understand parents can find it difficult to come on campus often and see what students are doing in classrooms, the newsletter and the email tools will allow a virtual glimpse into each child's classroom on a very frequent basis.

BELIEFS ABOUT COMMUNICATION
We believe that communication between BEIS and home enhances the education of our students. Effective relationships built on trust are vital in making our students feel safe and secure in their learning environment. Partnerships between teachers and parents support learning and allow for connections, which deepen understanding of our students. Good communication means that the teacher and parents are appropriately informed about what is happening in the school and at home, allowing both sides to take responsibility for the development of each individual student.
As a school we believe that we should be communicating about the following:
• Our curriculum and school program, including teaching methods, strategies, concepts, skills learned and resources used.
• What is happening in the classroom, including day-to-day schedules, routines and expectations for students.
• The learning progress of each student, including areas needing improvement, strengths and successes.
• Strategies for parents to support their student with learning at home.
• Ways that parents can get involved in the classroom and school.
• Special events and projects that students are involved in and how parents can get involved in these.
• Safety procedures and routines.

As parents we ask you to communicate with the school about the following:
• What is happening in your child's life that may impact on their learning or contribute to the learning that is happening in the classroom?
• What growth and development have you observed in your child?
• What questions do you have and how can we assist with problem solving any areas of concern?

Methods of Communication
• Teachers and Administrators make themselves available to meet. Appointments may need to be made to discuss important concerns as it is difficult right at the start of the day or at the end while students are entering or leaving the classroom.
• Both emails and phone calls are used for sharing of information and setting up meetings informally or as needed by both teachers and parents.
School Office – (036) 288 1624
Email Address – info@beischool.org
The email address for any faculty or staff member is her first initial and last name @beischool.org (for example: mwatkins@ismanila.org)
• Parent and Student Bulletins will be prepared each week, including school-wide information and updates about curriculum and developments within the school. These can also be found on the main School Blog page: http://www.boracayinternationalschool.org (An email link to the bulletins is sent by the School Office each week.)
• The BEIS webpage (www.boracayinternationalschool.org) is a starting point for learning more about our school and curriculum. You will also find important information on our News and Events blog or classroom teachers’ blogs. Please visit these each week to find out more about what is happening in each of our subject areas and classrooms. You can also view the Parent-Student Handbook from the website.
• Parent-Student-Teacher Conferences, held in October, are formal scheduled meetings used to discuss student learning. Students have a half-day off school during this time.
• Parent-Student-Teacher Conferences can be scheduled at your request any time of year; make an appointment with the teacher directly or contact the school office to request a PST Conference.
• A progress report of grades is available at your request. Report cards are made available at the end of each 9-week term.
• The school calendar provided in this handbook along with updates in the Parent and Student Bulletin will keep you informed of what is happening throughout the year and ways that you can get involved.

Change of Contact Information
Contact information can be updated through contacting the BEIS Office. It is important that we have your most up-to-date phone number, email address and emergency contact information.

PARENT TEACHER ORGANIZATION
The PTA supports school activities and provides parent education. The meetings are open to any BEIS parents, student, and staff that wish to participate.
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The group uses its influence to lobby on behalf of the school in its continuing effort to ensure the best education for all students. BEIS needs participation in this vital organization. The past few years, the PTA has been very successful in raising funds and organizing school events as they bring the school and the community together. Please consider being an active member of the PTA in this new school year of 2013-2014!

Having parents volunteer in the classrooms is encouraged here at BEIS. You may volunteer as a class reader, class representative, assistant coach or even teach an elective class. Please contact your child’s class teacher and find out how you can get directly involved with education at BEIS.
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