From the Elementary Principal
On Cultural Context in International Schools:
Have you ever wondered why it is sometimes more challenging to communicate information with those who were raised in a culture different from your own? Even if the information to be communicated is somewhat inconsequential, we often find ourselves with increased anxiety, uncertainty, and even frustration when we can’t fully interpret what message is being conveyed. According to research conducted by Edward T. Hall (1976), it goes much deeper than simply differences in language or personality.
In the international school setting, situations like these often arise, where students, teachers, and even parents find it challenging to communicate with one another. While this is completely normal, it can be frustrating. Though we are all speaking a common language at school, our cultural context can sometimes play a major factor into how we receive information.
One thing to keep in mind is that much of what we understand about each other’s culture consists of what can be seen at the surface, such as that of an iceberg. Native language, celebrations observed, and the type of food your parents pack in your lunch are those “tip of the iceberg” aspects of culture that have very little emotional and/or contextual implication. A person’s practice of eye-contact, use of nonverbal communication, attitudes held towards elders, caregiver speech, and concept of time are just a few examples of the many, deeper aspects of culture which lie well below the surface. Meyer (2016) suggests “when interacting with someone from another culture, try to watch more, listen more, and speak less. Listen before you speak and learn before you act.”
At BAIS, we cherish the diversity present in our student body. This is one of the main reasons we enjoy the international setting our school provides. We are privileged to work and learn in a context that helps us all learn about the diversity of unique cultures around the globe. So, let us remember to listen and observe more, and learn about one another before we make assumptions.
Below, you will see a helpful image relating to low and high context cultures. Where do you see yourself?
Works cited:
Hall, Edward T. (1976). Beyond culture. Garden City, N.Y : Anchor Press
Meyer, Erin. 2016. The Culture Map. New York, NY: PublicAffairs.
From the Director
As mentioned in previous editions of the Buzz, tuition will not increase for the 2021-2022 school year. We understand the current economic climate for your families and we desire a continued mutual partnership with all of you. However, there are a few program fees that will be increased. These increases are due to the fact the programs are currently operating within a substantial deficit. BAIS is a non-profit organization. When programs operate within a deficit, they are not sustainable nor healthy for other school programs. The following are the program fee changes for the next school year:
| Program | 2020-2021 Fees | 2021-2022 Fees |
|---|---|---|
| English Language Development (ELD) | Rp. 12,000,000 | Rp. 17,000,000 |
| Graduation Program Fee | Rp. 2,500,000 | Rp. 4,000,000 |
| Special Needs and Learning Support Fee | Rp. 0 | Currently Under Evaluation |
| Daily Lunch Fee | Rp. 35,000 (small) Rp. 45,000 (large) | Currently Under Evaluation |
| Activities Fee | Rp. 100,000/activity | Currently Under Evaluation |
Update Regarding 21-22 Invoices
Invoices for the 21-22 school year will be issued on or before February 15. Please remember the Early Bird Discount expires on March 5.
Mr. Jeremy Thomas
BAIS Director
From the School Counselor
Hello Students! Because of the craziness of the world and online school, I’ve been really wanting a way to check in with all of you, see how you are doing, and just provide a space for you to share what’s going on in a safe group setting. That is why starting next week we will begin having counselor/ chaplain time (including high school)! This will not be every week, but please be on the look-out for an email and calendar invite from me. Middle school meetings will also show up on the summative meets schedule. I’m looking forward to getting to know more of you, even if it’s not in the ideal “in-person” setting.
See you soon!
Ms. Martin
Elementary Praise Party
Our next Elementary Praise Party will be held on March 12 at 10:30am.
Mark your calendars and stay tuned for details
Updates and Announcements from the Guidance Counselor
Congratulations to Deo Sinaga!
Deo has been accepted to the following universities in the United States:
- Purdue University
- The Ohio State University
- Northeastern University
Make sure to congratulate him when you see him around… your Google Meet.
Drama Rehearsal Announcement
When: Wednesday, Feb 10
What: Scene 8
Who: Elementary Ensemble; Sound/Lights Crew; Ollie; Kezia; Eliza; Ezra; Jinny; Mael; Josh; Mia; Simeon
Note: The Elementary Ensemble will only need to be there from 4:15 – 5:15. Parents, please come to the music room to pick up your students.
2019 2020 Chapel Giving
Update from Clean Water International
It is with great delight and much happiness that we can announce that the Bandung Alliance Intercultural School project is complete and has been successfully delivered and distributed to the Dongan Pekong Elementary school in Dongan Pekong, Matanao, Davao del sur in Mindanao Philippines. Five ceramic water filters were put into grade 1 – 5 classrooms with a minimum of 40 students per filter. This will give 200 students access to clean water. What a blessing this is to the school, the students, and teachers. Thank you so much for your patience in this project, as Covid 19 restrictions in the Philippines have made it difficult for the organization to travel. We were blessed that our team had been given special permission by the department of health to eventually travel to the areas where our projects are being facilitated.
Here is some information regarding the school:
- 165 girls
- 144 boys
- 12 teachers
The water source is a spring 2 km away. The village uses ½ inch pipe to carry the water to their area. The children had no choice but to drink the water but now they are enjoying the safe water.
Thank you so much, and God Bless!
Shannon Nelson
Clean Water International
Attention BAIS Community!
We need your help to gather pictures for this year’s yearbook.
Send us pictures of yourself, your child, or anything that relates to the current theme!
Make sure that:
- No filters/edits are applied
- Include a description of the activities/quotes
- Include the name of the people in the pictures
- Upload the picture via this Google Form.
You will receive 5 points for each picture submitted.
(There’s a possibility that your picture might be featured in the yearbook)
Please go to this link for the picture upload. You need to have the Google Drive app installed in your gadget to go to the link.
Sincerely,
The Yearbook Team
