BCIS holds regular workshops known as Parents as Learners (PAL) Workshops on topics of general interest to parents. The sessions are led either by BCIS faculty members or guest experts.

Please note that PAL workshops are only open to BCIS parents (unless stated otherwise).

Upcoming PAL Workshops:

Title: Transition/MYP workshop

Description:

In this 2-part workshop that takes place in one two-hour session. Our MYP Coordinator and Middle School Counselor will share information with parents that will help them navigate the changes and expectations associated with transitioning to the IB Middle Years Programme. The first part will focus on an introduction and brief overview of the Secondary School and its key support people. We will also share strategies, tips and information to help both parents and students experience a smooth transition as well as continue to build partnerships and relationships with parents to make sure their children are secure, supported and confident. In part 2 we will explore introductory aspects of the MYP Programme to help build parents’ understanding of this learning framework. We will also specifically look at how assessment in the MYP works because this is very unique to IB schools. Both sessions will have time for questions and answers from parents.

Presenters: Karen Skelly – Counselor and Cornel Marais – MYP coordinator

Date: Thursday 13 October

Time: 8:30 to 10:30 am

Venue: SS Library

Target audience: Parents new to the Secondary School (G6 - 10)

Title: Active Parenting Workshops

Description: A 3-part series of Active Parenting workshops. The workshops are designed to help parents in building a positive connection and relationship with their child in the adolescent years.

Presenter: Karen Skelly and Ashley Perkins – Secondary School Counselors

Date:

Session One – Tuesday 18 October - The Active Parent

Session Two - Wednesday 9 November – Winning Cooperation

Session Three – Wednesday 23 November - Responsibilities and Discipline Approaches

Time: 8:30 to 9:30 am

Venue:

ECC 4th Floor Kitchen Area for the first session (The Active Parenting)

The Elementary New Centre Learning Space Ground Floor Elementary School - Room 1107/8 (Winning Cooperation)

SS Library (Responsibilities and Discipline Approaches)

Target Audience: Parents with children in Grades 6 through to 10. All parents are welcome to come and share ideas and learn strategies for working with and understanding your child as they make their way through adolescence. We will encourage open discussions and engage in sharing and role play. It is advisable that parent/s attending commit to all three workshop sessions to gain the full benefit.

Title: Child Protection: A holistic approach to keeping our students and community safe

Description: We are all responsible for protecting children from harm and keeping them safe. At BCIS, we have a robust Child Protection Policy to support all members of our school community in understanding our roles and responsibilities to child protection and safeguarding. At this workshop, parents will learn more about our programs and our holistic approach to Child Protection, and how we support all students in understanding:

·Their right to be safe

·Healthy relationships

·How to recognize and report abuse and neglect

·How to use protective strategies.

We look forward to welcoming parents and working in partnership to keep our children safe.

Presenters: Elle Mei, Karen Skelly, Ashley Perkins

Date: Wednesday October 26, 2022

Time: 8:30 to 9:30 am

Venue: SS Library

Target Audience: SS parents

Title: NWEA MAP Student Report Reading

Description: During this session, we will go through the student report and how to interpret the information that is presented. We will also look at how BCIS is doing in comparison to similar schools in EARCOS and around the world.

Presenter: Matthew Ignash

Date: November 1st, 2022

Time: 8:30 to 9:30 am

Venue: Theatre

Target audience: Grades 6 – 9 Parents

Title: The Science of Happiness

Description: This workshop is going to share with you some of the most popular research findings in Positive Psychology regarding how to help kids learn and grow by focusing on developing their character strengths and become more happier and successful in school and life. We hope to invite parents to this discussion and let’s work together to develop personalized strategies that work for your kids.

Presenter: Elle Mei (SS Character Education teacher)

Date: November 30th, 2022

Time: 8:30 to 10:00am

Venue: SS Library

Target audience: SS parents

To register for PAL workshops, please contact your child’s school division secretary: