English International School

Newsletter of the 27th November 2015

Dear Parents,

As the end of the term draws near, I would like to extend my compliments of the season to all.

Please make note of the following information and events during these final weeks of school:

Collection basket for the needy

As we think of those who are not as fortunate as we are, we prepare items to donate to a local orphanage / alternative school. If you have good quality used clothes or toys, please gather them together to bring to school. A basket will be placed in front of the administrative building from 1st December for collection.

Presents

In the spirit of the season, we follow the tradition of giving presents at the end of term. A ‘Secret Santa’ draw will take place in Middle and Upper School classes, with children pulling out the names of those for whom they will buy gifts. The suggested amount is 5,000 francs cfa. For the Pre-school and Lower School, notice will be sent out by teachers as to how the gift giving will be handled. All presents should be brought to school no later than Monday, 7th December. They will be given out by Father Christmas on the last morning of term (Friday, 11th December).

Reports and Child Progress Conferences

Reports will go out on Thursday, 3rd December and Child Progress Conferences will be held on Friday, 4th December. Lower and Middle School teachers send out appointment times and Upper School teachers meet with parents in turn on the evening of 4th December from 17:30 – 19:30.

End of Term School Performances

On Monday, 7th December, Years 10 and 11 will perform Shakespeare’s, The Merchant of Venice, in the Lower School Garden, starting at 18:00.

On Friday, 11th December, Lower School children will invite all to join in the holiday spirit at their Christmas Programme, which will begin at 8:30 in the Lower School Garden.

We look forward to your presence.

Swimming Lessons

Our swimming lessons are held at the Hotel du Port swimming pool, which is used by several schools, as it is the one olympic size pool most suitable and accessible in Cotonou. On a few occasions, we have been disappointed by the apparent lack of cleanliness of the pool to our standards, even though the Hotel’s administration has attested to it being usable. We also insist that our swimming instructor be present when the level of chlorine and balance of chemicals are tested. Please be assured, nonetheless, that our teachers have been instructed to not allow swimming if on a given day, they are not satisfied with the pool’s appearance.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Yours sincerely,

Rebecca Khelseau-Carsky

Head teacher