It’s a short week here due to the Galungan holiday (as a reminder: no school Wednesday through Friday, and Monday is also off for a staff Professional Day), but as always, plenty to report in the latest installment of the GS Weekly News. Please see link below. We’ve got some housekeeping details as well as requests for donations (of time, expertise, and materials) from the high school, some upcoming workshops of interest in the Ubud area, great new Bali Starling t-shirts for sale in HOS, and some inspiring environmental work being undertaken by a GS family.

In this issue:

1. Keep our village clean and green
2. Green School Access Now Open from East and West Sides
3. Absence and Lateness
4. Updated contact details
5. Green School High School “Help Wanted”
6. Positions Available
7. Donations Needed
8. Sports Update
9. Ubud workshops
10. Green School Bali Starling T-shirts Are Now On Sale
11. Our own weekly news

Keep our village clean and green

Here’s a wonderful piece by Green School parent Kimberly Harrison (Cole, Grade 8; Callais, Grade 5) on her family’s efforts to deal with pollution in their village by helping to mobilize the community. Inspiring work!

Together as a family we decided we couldn’t stand looking at the garbage that decimates our beautiful little village of Pererenan. Being a last village before the sea means we get the bulk of the garbage from up stream.

Three months ago we approached the head of our banjar and asked for help in cleaning up the village. He was thrilled that we cared as guests, and not homeowners. At the same time he was suspicious as to why we would want to invest our time and resources to clean up this village. We told him it was because we care and so appreciate all that Bali and the people of Bali have given us, we want to give back.

Within three days of that conversation the program was launched, three days after that we had 40 children in our courtyard at 8 Sunday morning ready to make a difference.

Today our village is far from being immaculate, and with every rain comes more garbage passing through out village to the sea, but it is without doubt 100% better than we arrived. Most importantly, we are seeing a shift in consciousness from the villagers.

We have through the financial assistance of individuals and corporate sponsorship, installed 4 sets of garbage and recycling bins throughout the village in strategic places, such as stores, temples, the bale banjar etc…

Our intent is to have these bins placed everywhere throughout the village. Once a month we host a garbage clean-up party and invite the children to join us for a swim in the pool and a small lunch. At our last garbage clean-up we had over 150 villagers, including 80+youths, involved in the clean-up and happy to be doing so.

Our intent is to make this a sustainable project for the village through sponsorship and villa participation. It is our hope that Desa Pererenan is one day the cleanest village in Bali on the south coast and the children through education, and hands on experience will become ambassadors to inspire others to do the same. One bag at a time, one village at a time.

Green School Access Now Open from East and West Sides

Thanks to everyone who came out to this past Friday to help us celebrate the new bridge opening. Just to be clear, GS can now be accessed from both the west and east. If you are coming to school from points east (Ubud, Sanur, Gianyar, etc.) the east side will generally reduce up to ten minutes from your drive and on top of that you’ll be rewarded by a beautiful walk across the Ayung. For people coming from the west (Seminyak, Canggu, Kerobokan, Tabanan, etc.) it will still generally be quicker to drive to the west side entrance. As always, we encourage families to lower their carbon footprint and help build community by carpooling. Please let us know if you’d like help in finding someone to carpool with and we’ll do our best to facilitate.

Absence and Lateness

As a reminder, there are two ways to contact GS if your child will not be attending school, will be late, or will be departing early for whatever reason. You can call or SMS the school handphone (081 1380 9298) or email novi@greenschool.org. Please help us by sending your communication through these centralized avenues rather than just letting individual teachers know. Thank you and terima kasih!

Updated contact details

If you have just moved to Bali or have changed your handphone number recently, please send any updated info to admissions@greenschool.org. It is vital that we have current details for emergency contact details.

Green School High School

“Help Wanted”

Our “Help Wanted” ads highlight specific opportunities for members of the Green School community to make a difference in the lives of our senior students. Please consider donating your time or unwanted items to support High School students who need adult support, guidance and mentorship. We will run these “ads” regularly throughout the year to keep the larger community aware of and involved in GSHS. Thanks for your support! – Leslie Medema – High School Coordinator – leslie@greenschool.org – 082 147 915 809

Positions Available

Game Design Tutor and Mentor – Tutor and personal mentor for student with interests in Game Design, Web Design, and Mathematics. Ideally Fridays from 10:45am-12:25pm at Green School. Volunteer position

ESL Discussion Tutor – Current Events & World History – Need tutor to speak English with ESL student weekly. Focus on current events and world history. Ideally Tuesdays or Fridays from 10:45am-12:25pm. Volunteer position

Mentors/Life Coaches – Mentors needed for students living away from their families while attending Green School. Ideally Wednesday mornings 830-1030am or outside of school hours. Volunteer position

Paid Tutors Needed – Looking for experienced High School level English, Math, Physics and Bahasa Indonesia tutors, as well as SAT Preparation (English and Math) and Study Skills tutors. Paid position

TOEFL Preparation and Study Group Leader – Need leader(s) for twice weekly study group. TOEFL is an international exam that English as Second Language Speakers must take in order to attend colleges around the world.  Ideal candidate would have experience as a TOEFL teacher or student. Test Strategy, test components, and test preparation will be the most important part of this study period. Needed for the following times through May 2012 (could be same person or different people on a rotating schedule): Tuesdays & Thursdays 1:15 – 2:15pm at Green School. Volunteer and possibly paid position

Internet Research Project – University Entrance Process – 5-10 hours of research on the Internet of approximately 20 colleges and universities around the world and their entrance requirements.  Also, email those schools for brochures and information to be mailed to Green School. Volunteer position

Writing Project Editor – High School Documentation – We need an objective, skilled editor who is willing to look at several High School documents and edit for ease of reading and consistency. There is likely additional work through the end of the 2011/2012 school year.  Volunteer and possibly paid position

Donations Needed

Digital Cameras – we need 1-2 simple digital cameras with battery and memory card for a Photography Elective course.  If you have an old camera that you are not using, the High School with put it to good use in a very popular elective we are running this term with professional photographers from our community.

SAT or TOEFL Prep Materials - If you have any SAT or TOEFL preparation materials or books and would be willing to donate them to the High School that would be wonderful.
University Information Booklets – if you have any brochures from colleges or universities in your possession, we would be happy to utilize them well and put them in our library section with such materials for students to check out and consider.

Novels & Non- Fiction Books about Indonesia (English language) – If you have books set in or written about Indonesia please donate them to our Indonesian Studies Class. We are looking for engaging ways to give our senior school students greater insight into the country we all call home.

Wood & Building Materials or Outdoor Play Equipment – Sacred Child Foundation Project – Grade 11 is building play structures for the Scared Child refuge for abused and trafficked children. If you have any building materials or appropriate play equipment they would be much appreciated

Sports Update from Pak Colin

BSSA Basketball matches begin on Wednesday 8 February: here is the season’s schedule:

Teams depart Green School at 2pm for away games and return by 5pm
Parents please inform coaches if you’re collecting your child from the match venue

February 8:
8-10 Mixed  vs GMIS at GREEN
10-12 Boys vs Dyat 1+2 at Dyat
13/14 Boys vs GMIS at GMIS
13/14 Girls vs GMIS at GMIS

February 15:
8-10 Mixed vs BIS and SIS at BIS
10-12 Boys vs SIS at GREEN
13/14 Boys vs Dyat 1+2 at Dyat
13/14 Girls vs BIS at BIS

February 16: 12-5pm
15+ Boys and Girls tournament at BIS

February 22:
8-10 Mixed vs SIS at SIS
10-12 Boys vs BIS 1+2 at BIS
13/14 Boys- no game
13/14 Girls vs Dyat 1+2 at Dyat

March 7:
8-10 Mixed vs BIS+ Dyat at BIS
10-12 Boys vs SIS at SIS(friendly)
13/14 Boys vs BIS at BIS
13/14 Girls- no game

6-9 Improvers Team:
Please note no practices on 8 and 15 February due to Green School hosting BSSA matches: practices will resume 22 February
If there are any parents who would like to assist with this practice, please let us me know.Her

Ubud workshops

Here are fliers on two interesting sounding work-shops taking place in the Ubud area next month:

Green School Bali Starling T-shirts Are Now On Sale!!!

Designed by our students using 100% organic cotton, Green School T-shirts are now available at the ‘Souvenir Desk’  located in the Heart of School. Price: Rp150,000@  Sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL or (special request)

You can also place your order at arni.apriani@greenschool.org with your name, contact no. your choice of T-shirt and quantity. All profits will go to the Begawan Foundation and Green School Balinese Scholarship Fund.  Please show your support!

Our own weekly news

To submit your own news updates for inclusion, please send it to communications@greenschool.org by 12 noon each Wednesday.We cannot always guarantee inclusion and we may have to delay for a week at times.

Visit the Green School Website: http://www.greenschool.org
Visit the Green School Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/greenschool

Believe that life is worth living and your belief will help create the fact.
- William James

Below, please find the link to the latest installment of our weekly newsletter. There is lots going on as we hit our stride in Term 2 here, including the grand opening of our new bridge (capping off a Friday that is full of parent-friendly activities at GS), the recent Model UN trip to Shanghai, the latest in Ibu Mona’s series of articles on sustainability in education, some late additions to our roster of after-school activities, an interesting plastic bottle request from Grade 10 students, and much, much more.

In this issue:

1. The Bridge is Open
2. Friday, January 27
3. Green School Granted CIS Membership
4. Grade 11 Community Service project: “The Sanctuary”
5. Plastic Bottle Project by Grade 10
6. Drop-off Etiquette
7. GS High School Students take Shanghai
8. Grade 8 Quest Program
9. Grade 5 Integrated Art-Science Project
10. Travel Green
11. What is carbon offsetting
12. Ibu Mona: Educating for Sustainability
13. New In Afterschool!
14. Hand Craft Group activities
15. Green School Calendars and upcoming holidays
16. Class Ambassadors
17. Our own weekly news

The Bridge is Open!

The proper offerings have been made, the right prayers proclaimed, and our beautiful rebuilt main bridge is now open for human and animal traffic (but please, no motorized vehicles!). See details below on Friday’s Green School Grand Opening, but in the meantime, any family coming from points east of the school should consider parking on the other side of the river and walking across. You should more than make up for the extra minutes spent traversing the campus in driving time saved, and I can guarantee you a truly peaceful and lovely start to the school day.

Friday, January 27:

12:30 PM Principal Lunch with Parents (Mepantigan);

01:30 PM Green Community Meeting (Mepantigan);

02:30 PM Green Community Assembly (Mepantigan);

03:30 PM Afternoon Family Social (New Bridge)

Those of you new to Green School will soon find out that the last Friday of every month is usually very action-packed. This week is no exception!

Principal Lunch, 12:30- 1:25 PM: This is a chance for parents to meet with the principal to engage in discussions about any aspect of school life. Feel free to grab lunch in the Heart of School and bring it over to the Mepantigan. Steve and Andy will front this week’s event, but the focus will be a guest speaker who is an expert on the subject of cyber-safety and kids, Greg Gebhart. (Greg also happens to be Pak Steve’s brother in law, and he’ll be speaking with our middle and high school students before lunch). He’ll be addressing the following topics and taking questions:

• What kids do on line
• Cyberbullying
• What to do in relation to cyberbullying
• Social networking sites
• Who kids talk to
• Sexting
• Grooming
• Setting rules and monitoring

Here are some links to Greg’s work:

http://www.cybersmart.gov.au/

Green Community, 1:30-2:25 PM:

Green Community, formerly known as the Changemaker Forum, is your chance as parents to get involved with various projects taking place at Green School. The idea is to build community and make a positive difference in the life of the school. At this week’s meeting , also taking place in the Mepantigan, we’ll hear about ongoing projects and brainstorm new ones for this term. Please do join us!

Green Community Assembly, 2:30-3:15 PM:

An all-school assembly that celebrates some of the student and parent-led projects taking place around the school. This week we’ll hear from our intrepid Model UN group, just back from a triumphant and world-dominating visit to Shanghai (see n article below), and learn more about the ongoing Green Manual project. Rumor has it there may even be a special musical performance by the Bamboo Staff Band…

Family Social Afternoon, 3:30-5:00 PM:

This is another way we try to build community. The focus of this month’s gathering is to celebrate the opening of the new bamboo bridge! We’ll have a ribbon-cutting, musical performances, and light refreshments, along with a Balinese blessing. Please note that we request all attendees to wear appropriate Balinese ceremonial clothing (for women: kebaya, sarong and sash; for men: udeng (head wear), inner sarong, saput (outer sarong ), sash.) If you are new to Bali still and haven’t yet acquired this, now would be a good time! Although we will have a few extra on hand.

Green School Granted CIS Membership!

In December, Ray Davis from the Council of International Schools, one of the world’s most important and prestigious accrediting bodies, spent an intensive two days at Green School, during which he observed many aspects of our operations and interviewed representatives from all major constituencies within the school, including teachers, students, parents, admin staff, and board members. The site visit was preceded by an intensive round of documentation. We’re excited to announce that the results are in, and they are very positive! Below, see excerpts of GS Managing Director Chris Thompson’s letter to staff last week

“I am very happy to update you that we have been awarded membership in the Council of International Schools. This was an excellent team effort and we were reviewed very strongly. We have some key areas to continue to work on and we have already addressed some of them and the others are in process. This is a major first step in the process to accreditation as not all schools pass this step.

We have already engaged CIS on the next steps for accreditation and we will update accordingly. This is a more lengthy and rigorous process.

I want to greatly thank the team cc-ed above for their support in this process. They were highly commendable to you and in my private discussions with Ray he was incredibly impressed with the organization. “

Along with all staff, Chris himself worked very hard to make this happen, and former GS Director Ron Stones (OBE) was also instrumental in initiating the process. Congratulations to all and next stop, accreditation!

Grade 11 Community Service project: “The Sanctuary”

Dear Green School community,

This year the grade 11 students have been working with an incredible foundation called Sacred Childhoods.  You will find on their website one of the current projects in Bali is called “The Sanctuary”

http://www.sacredchildhoods.org/projects/protecting-trafficked-children

Throughout the term grade 11 has become devoted to helping the foundation & together with Natalia (the founder) we have discovered a perfect way the students can contribute.

The Sanctuary is a BIG project for SCF & any help they receive is greatly appreciated since the foundation is a Non-profit Organization. On January 30th & 31st the grade 11 class will go to the Sanctuary to help Sacred Childhoods build tree houses & a healing circle to add character & charisma to the landscape. Please inquire about any way your family could contribute to the Sanctuary project. Donations of wood/building material, statues for the healing circle, and anything else to add charm to the environment would be extraordinary.

Please bring in donations before January 30th & grade 11 students will take them directly to the site (and even take a picture, so you can see how your donation was used).

Thanks for any & all contribution & support!

Ibu Brynn brynn@greenschool.org

Plastic Bottle Project by Grade 10: Help Us Build Our Plastic Bottle Boat!

In our grade 10 Global Perspectives class, we are trying to raise awareness of the amount of garbage in Bali and surrounding regions and to promote alternative ways to up cycle rubbish so that it has a purpose.  As part of this, we will build a boat made entirely out of garbage and natural resources, specifically using a large amount of thrown-away plastic bottles.

You can help! We need a lot of plastic bottles with caps, and we would appreciate if you would bring your recyclable plastic bottles with caps to our collection point at Green School. We are aiming to get a total of 500 litres of plastic bottles in the space of 3 weeks because we need to be finished with the boat in 7 weeks.

You may deposit your contribution in the big card board box located in the heart of school next to the concierge. Its about 3 feet tall and it will be labeled “Put plastic bottles here, plastic bottle boat project.”

Every bottle counts!

Thanks in advance for your contributions…

Silas, Imogen, Alex, and Eddy

Drop-off Etiquette

I was going to re-write the message I received from a concerned parent last week but on second thought I realized I probably couldn’t have phrased it any better, so I will publish the following anonymously. Plus, I found it to be very funny!

“I know this is prob not your thing and everything but please, please can something be done about the drivers on the school run? One gripe is people stopping by the gates to let children out rather than driving into the lot and secondly it’s the way drivers go into the car park and then stop to let kids out by the steps not giving a (darn) that there’ s a queue of cars trying to park behind them. It’s driving me so mad!  Every morning it’s the same. Just had to get that off my chest before I go and rear -end someone.Obviously I need to meditate but is it really that hard to park up before letting out your carload of kids?”

I have noticed not just drivers but some GS parents also engaging in these practices. However, since receiving this we’ve talked to security about making sure that all vehicles park before letting kids out, and the problem seems to be on the wane.  Thanks to all for your cooperation, and thanks to the mystery correspondent for raising a concern in a way that made me smile. (Perhaps a good lesson for all of us?)

GS High School Students take Shanghai: Model UN China trip

Green school sent eight students to the Concordia International school Model United Nations conference in Shanghai China from Jan. 12 to Jan. 17th.  At the conference we represented the countries of China, Cuba, Mexico, and Libya.  The students who attended were  Imogen Fairs, Erinn Macfarlan, Leslie Mouradian, Pim Pettibone, Kathleen and Theresa Hamilton, Cormac Westbury, and Mike Natenzon.For a first conference, our students did really well. They each had to do an opening speech outlining their countries policies on the given topics.

Some examples of the topics are:  Human rights council- “Measures to ensure the rights, welfare and fair treatment of refugees and internally displaced persons in Somalia”,  General Assembly- “Establishing guidelines governing multinational corporate conduct in the developing world, with an emphasis on preventing labor exploitation and environmental degradation” and the Security Council- “How to deal with the current issues surrounding Syria”.  As you can see the topics push the students to become informed about current world issues and to develop solutions to these complex problems. MUN provides the students an opportunity to develop critical thinking skills in a real life situation , and it is amazing to see the solutions they develop.  If the adults in the world stopped to listen to the students more often I truly believe that it would be a better place.  Our students were hosted by the Concordia student and I believe that some life long friendships were formed.

After the conference we took two days so to take in the culture of Shanghai.  Some of the things we experienced were; a view of the city from the pearl tower, a Chinese acrobat show, The Yu Garden (the oldest in Shanghai), and the fake market.

Quotes from students:

“The entire trip was incredible. I think it was such a learning experience, being able to integrate within another international school community and meet likeminded kids. Also being able to see some of Shanghai was awesome, the entire conference and the trip was made by the people we were surrounded by. The Green School MUN group really did itself proud.” – Kathleen

“A truly amazing experience. I enjoyed meeting new people, representing Green School, and sight-seeing the remarkable parts of Shanghai. I would definitely do something exactly like this again.” – Mike

“It was cool representing China in the MUN Security Council as it meant we learned a lot of new things about how the UN works and how resolutions are written attempting to solve problems. It was awesome to be a P5 (Permanente five- US, UK, China, Russian Federation, France) country because they have significantly more power than the majority of countries in the UN. We also had the opportunity to experience the Chinese culture and make some awesome friends.” – Imogen

“An experience that I was lucky not to miss, and a learning experience that I will never forget”  Pim

Grade 8 Quest Program

This term from January to June, all Grade 8 students will be embarking on a Quest. This is a six-month intensive personal journey in which students discover and work closely on a topic of choice. The Quest, interwoven in subjects including English, Green Studies, Science, Technology, Art and Global Awareness, has the focal point centered on the Green Studies theme of Conservation and Social Justice. In the Quest, students will put together and complete a portfolio, 1500-3000 word research paper, a 15+ hour Community Improvement Project, and a final multi-media presentation given in June to all parents, mentors and teachers at Green School.

The Quest allows students to pick and work closely with an adult mentor and dive deeply into their topic of choice. Following the Cambridge Secondary 1 Curriculum Framework English outcomes for grade 8, students will be guided during Quest class by Ibu Mary. Class will be held throughout the term but a majority of the work will be completed out of the classroom. Many students have already picked their topics, which vary widely but include learning more about: Bali garbage and recycling issues, local orphanages and schools for the disabled, coral reef restoration, endangered Asian elephants, shark finning, organic gardening, bamboo business cards, recycled plastics for umbrellas and eating healthily with raw foods. For further information and questions on the Quest, please contact Ibu Mary: mary.thomas@greenshool.org

Grade 5 Integrated Art-Science Project

Grade 5 made 3D Volcanic forms in Art focusing on the mighty Gunung Agung in Bali as inspiration.

This week Ibu Margot asked our new Science teacher Ibu Benny to help create a chemical reaction to create the impression of an eruption.

These photos show the dramatic impact of Baking Soda, Vinegar and Food Dye to add visual effect to the sculptures.

“Travel Green”

This holiday season, many of us probably did a bit of traveling, by planes, trains, automobiles, and the like! Our friends over at Thai Airways have shared with us some information about carbon credits and offsetting our carbon footprint while traveling.

This December, Thai Airways became the first airline in Asia to fly a commercial passenger flight using biofuels. They are pioneering the use of bio jet fuel in Asia and Southeast Asia, and hopefully inspiring other airlines to follow their lead!

Congratulations to Thai Airways for setting a positive example for other large companies

around the world!

What is carbon offsetting?

Car driving and flying consume energy and produce greenhouse gas emissions, particularly carbon dioxide (CO2), which contributes to climate change. Governments, businesses, and individuals are all responsible for reducing the carbon emissions they create.

You can compensate for your own emissions by paying someone to make an equivalent greenhouse gas savings. This is known as “carbon offsetting” and includes investment projects, such as renewable energy from wind farms and hydroplants.

Offsetting is not a “cure” for climate change; rather, the most effective way to combat climate change is to reduce our emissions. However, if done in the right way, offsetting can reduce the impact of our actions and help raise awareness on the issue!

What are carbon credits?

A carbon credit is a permit that represents one ton of carbon dioxide (CO2) that has either been removed from the atmosphere or saved from being emitted. Passengers can purchase carbon credits generated by certified renewable energy and energy efficient projects in developming countries that are verified to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Carbon credits create a market for reducing greenhouse emissions by giving monetary value to the cost of polluting the air.

Ibu Mona: Educating for Sustainability

Dear readers,

Welcome to the second post on topics related to “educating for sustainability”. I would like to thank you for your responses and feedback. It is encouraging to know that these articles are relevant and meaningful to you.

My aspiration is to initiate a dialogue with YOU – the readers of these articles. Please email me with your questions, suggestions and responses to mona@greenschool.org

Response from one of the parents of GS: “Hi Mona, thank you for the article, I enjoyed reading it, can you please address ‘sustainability’ at some point”. Thank you and here it is:

SUSTAINABILITY

Consider this: Quite simply, we have invented a new ecology, one in which, to an ever-increasing extent, all the resources of the world that previously nurtured many millions of species, are channelled toward just one. – Colin Tudge

The word sustainability is derived from the Latin sustinere (sus, up; tenere, to hold). Some meanings from the dictionaries for sustain are  “maintain”,  ”support”, or “endure”. We can consider sustainability at a number of different levels, including the individual, a community, an organization, or a planet. It reminds us of our responsibility to pass on to our children and grandchildren a world with as many opportunities as the ones we inherited. The most popular definition of sustainability can be traced to a 1987 UN conference. It defined sustainability as:

“Meet present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs“. (WECD, 1987).

We have lived by the assumption that what was good for us would be good for the world. While it has been commercially profitable for enterprises to use more natural resources and employing fewer people, in the 21st century we’ll have to use fewer natural resources while employing more people.  21st century well-being will require the nurturing and valuing of: Natural, Cultural, and Human capital. Isn’t it true that all wealth is ultimately, a product of a healthy environment!

As Fritjof Capra states, “Living sustainably means recognizing that we are inseparable part of the entire web of life, of nonhuman and human communities, and that enhancing the dignity and sustainability of any one community will enhance all the others” (Bioneers Conference workshop, 2003)

I found this animated video on sustainability relevant to the topic of discussion:

Now try this fun and educational activity with a group of friends or with your children to learn how to evaluate a product and see to what extent it is sustainable: Read more…

NEW IN AFTERSCHOOL!

Free Teen Yoga!
taught by Janet Nicol.
Every Monday, starting January 30th.
Drop in Classes
3:30-4:30 in Grade 4 Class Room.
grade 8-11
Boys get extra house points if they make 5 classes!
Wear comfortable clothes and bring a mat if you have one

Hand Craft Group activities

3.30 pm – 4.30 pm
Join Pipit and learn stitching and sewing.
Clay – we made our own clay. Card – we decorate it with origami and/or quilling. Friendship bracelets
Age range between kindergarten to Grade 3
Venue – Grade 3 classroom

Batik!
Every other Wednesday
Drop in classes
3:30-4:30 in The Heart of School
Ages 5-96 Welcome (first grade and under should have a guardian present)
Cost starts at Rp 40,000 per project

Wood Carving!
Tuesdays and Thursdays starting February 7th
MUST SIGN UP gypseamermaid@gmail.com
3:30-4:30  HEART OF SCHOOL
4th  grade – Adult
Rp 160,000 per session (Rp 40,000 per class)

One month Sessions

Kit Cost R100,000 for tools
additional Rp5,000-Rp15,000 for raw wood piece per project.

Class Description:
This class is open to GS students, parents and the general public.  Students will learn how to carve in soft wood by a master carver from Mas Village, using traditional Balinese tools. During the first class, Ketut will teach technique for holding the tools and how to carve safely. After that, he will demonstrate and help everyone carve their individual piece.

Ketut will bring wood pieces with a rough outline for each project. After each session, students will bring home the item(s) they have carved.

Choose either Tuesday or Thursday.

Tuesday classes will carve a more simple, flat design, structured for the younger student, or person who has never held a carving tool in their hand and wants to ease into the art of carving.

Grade 4 and older.

Thursday classes are for the student who has either carved before, who is artistic, or adventurous! Pieces will be more detailed and 3 dimensional.

Grade 6 and older.

Four sessions to choose from, classes are on first come first served basis. Limit is 5 students per class.

Email Andi Morrell to sign up gypseamermaid@gmail.com

Session 1

Tues                Thurs
7 Feb               09 Feb
14 Feb             16 Feb
21 Feb             23 Feb
28 Feb             01 Mar

Session 2

Tues          Thurs
6 Mar         08 Mar
13Mar        15 Mar***
20 Mar

Session 3

Tues              Thurs
3  Apr            05 Apr
10 Apr           12 Apr
17 Apr           19 Apr
24 Apr           26 Apr

Session 4

Tues               Thurs
1 May              03 May
8 May              10May
15 May            24 May ****
22 May            31 May

****Session 2 adjusted costs
3 Tuesday Classes
Rp120,000

2 Thursday Classes
Rp 80,000

Coming soon … Hula Hooping with Angela …. Stay tuned to hear more about that.

Green School Calendars and upcoming holidays

Speaking of after-school activities, please check the GS events calendar regularly for an updated schedule: http://www.greenschool.org/calendar/ (You can get there via the sidebar on the homepage or through the community header at the top of the home page). In addition, here is a link to the school calendar (located under the General Info header): http://www.greenschool.org/calendar/). As you will see, we have a six-day weekend upcoming through the magical confluence of Galungan and a Professional Development Day for staff.

Class Ambassadors

Many of you have probably already heard from your Class Ambassador, aka Parent rep. If not, here is a current list. Class ambassadors act as an important conduit between teachers and parents and help to marshall support for the class in many ways. Thanks to all of you who have volunteered!

Pre-K Prep   Stacy Porteus                   shporteus@gmail.com
Pre-K           Lianne Shwartz                  liannerimu@hotmail.com
Kindy           Rachel Glitz                        rachelglitz@hotmail.com
Grade 1        Wendy Kassel                   wendykassel@yahoo.com
Grade 2A      Antoinette Marie Zagata   amzagata33@gmail.com
Grade 2B      Michelle Frasher              slavinfrasher@yahoo.com
Grade 3        Sherri Dean                      shridee@gmail.com
Grade 4        Andi Morrell                      gypseamermaid@gmail.com
Grade 5        Linda Jenour                     linda.jenour@gmail.com
Grade 6        Lorraine Allen                   yayaallen@yahoo.co.uk
Grade 7        Susan Karya                     susiekarya@hotmail.com
Grade 8        Janet Nicol                        jmnicol@gmail.com
Grade 9        Renata Hamilton               singaporebabe@hotmail.com
Grade 10      Anne Hockett                    annehockett@me.com
Grade 11      Renata Hamilton               singaporebabe@hotmail.com

Our own weekly news

To submit your own news updates for inclusion, please send it to communications@greenschool.org by 12 noon each Wednesday.We cannot always guarantee inclusion and we may have to delay for a week at times.

Visit the Green School Website: http://www.greenschool.org
Visit the Green School Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/greenschool

“The task of the modern educator is not to cut down jungles,
but to irrigate deserts.”
C. S. Lewis

Welcome back from the break, and welcome to Bali and/or GS if you are just joining our community this term. A very Happy New Year to you all!

Please click on the link below to see our first weekly newsletter of the new term. We use this as a communications tool to alert the community about upcoming or ongoing events that might be of interest, as well as to share information and highlight some of the things taking place on campus that people might not otherwise know about.

This week’s issue features updates on the new bridge (so close…), the Grade 8 Bali Starling fund-raising project, an inaugural article by Ibu Mona (the first in a series of pieces about education and sustainability), info on the after-school programs that start this week, and much, much more.

In this issue:

1. Bridge Update
2. January 20 assembly
3. Green School Art Online!
4. Green School Blog
5. Dr Ating Foundation
6. February Swap Meet
7. After-school sports and activities schedule:
8. Campus tours every Monday and Wednesday at 3
9. Media at Green School
10. Request for book donations from GS High School
11. Learn Bahasa Indonesia with Cinta Bahasa
12. Educating for Sustainability
13. Grade 8 Bali Starling Project
14.Senior Green SuperCamp
15. Links that Make Us Think
16. Our own weekly news

Bridge Update

As per the photo above, the new bamboo bridge is completed, and it looks absolutely beautiful. For families coming to Green School from Ubud, Sanur, and other points east, the east side access point will significantly shorten the drive here and allow students to begin their day with a bracing walk across our pristine river valley. However, although structurally finished, the bridge can only be crossed at one’s own karmic peril for now, as we still need to have the proper Balinese opening ceremony. This has been tentatively scheduled for 27 January. Further details to come

January 20 assembly

As a reminder, school assemblies are held every Friday afternoon (except this previous one!) from 2:30-3:15, and parents and visiting friends and family are always invited to attend. Please join us this Friday for a special Chinese New Years assembly to usher in the Year of the Dragon, featuring a special performance by Kijane, Green School’s marimba band. If you are new to GS and haven’t heard marimba here yet, you are in for a big treat! Early childhood parents (Pre-K Prep through Kindergarten), please not that occasionally assembly topics are deemed to be age-inappropriate for our younger children for whatever reason. In those cases, your teachers will inform you beforehand.

Green School Art Online!

One of the newest additions to the Green School website is a lovely visual art gallery that has recently gone up. Many thanks to Ibu Margot and Pak Kadek Wirya (our talented webmaster) for their hard work and initiative to make this happen. If you haven’t visited the Art Atrium and gallery area on the north side of the ground floor of Heart of School, please come and have a look at some of creative and inspired works of art being produced by our students. But there are also many lovely examples here: http://www.greenschool.org/gallery/creative-art-class/

Green School Blog

You’ll find lots of useful information on the GS website (we hope!), but for parents there is probably no more relevant section than the classroom blogs, which can be accessed via this link: http://blog.greenschool.org/, or through the sidebar on the right of the homepage that is titled “Parents: Homework and Notices”. You can subscribe to individual class postings and get updated information sent directly to your inbox. Please do make use of this helpful resource.

Dr Ating Foundation

There probably aren’t that many schools in the world that have their own, full-time doctor on staff. Green School is doubly blessed to have a doctor who on top of excellent medical training and experience also possesses a huge amount of heart and compassion. It’s hard not to be touched by the way Dr. Ating interacts with people at a very human level. (Not to mention that he was able to cure me of a case of Athlete’s Foot that had persisted for several decades!) He’s also an exceedingly modest man: we recently received the following message from the Gelins, a Green School family from Sweden that was in Bali two years ago, regarding some wonderful community and environmental work Dr. Ating is doing outside of school time. Please have a read and click on the link below:

Dear friends,

Our little family lived, as most of you know, in Bali during 2009-10. We met lots of interesting people during our time there, but the one who made the most impact on us was “our” school doctor – Dr Ating.

At the end of our stay we started to realize what wonderful dreams this humble man carries. We also decided to start helping him realize them. If you have the time, take a look at the web site below and see if you get the same feeling. We are proud to announce the opening of the Dr Ating Foundation and we hope that you will join in – helping the doctor in his quest to save some of the planet’s most valuable rainforests and the unique species that live there.

Love

Sven & Lena

http://dratingfoundation.com/DrAting/Home.html

February Swap Meet

We are hosting a huge Community Clothing and Stuff Swap at school. It will be held in the Gym in February, the final date to be determined.  Swaps are a wonderful way to Reduce, Reuse, Recycle! Out with the old energy, make room for the new!

Notice going out now, so you can start sorting through kids, women’s, men’s Clothing, kids’ and adults’ Stuff, and setting aside things that are outgrown or are not being used by your family anymore. Everything must be in good condition.

We will have a drop off destination (to be announced) 1 day prior and day of event.

This Swap will be open to our entire community…Green School families, all Green School staff and faculty, our Home Helpers, and Drivers. Whatever is leftover will be split with local orphanage and surrounding villages.

Bring clothes, shoes, toys, household items, snorkel sets, surfboards, etc. Whatever would be useful to another family. And give thanks for the bounty we are blessed to have!

PEACE AND LOVE,
ANDI, BLAIR, TINI, LINDSAY

After-school sports and activities schedule:

Basketball training days will be as follows: 3:15-4:30pm

MONDAYS:
10-12 Boys: Pak Chris M : start 16 January

TUESDAYS:
13/14 Boys: Pak Matt: start 17 January

WEDNESDAYS:
BSSA Games-start 8 February

Improvers mixed team:(no formal BSSA matches) Pak Oded: start 25 January
(Ananda, Adi, Bella, Avishi, Nanda, Tiarnan, Olivia)

THURSDAYS:
13/14 Girls(11/12+13/14 mixed): Ibu Brynn: start 19 January

Junior mixed team: Ibu Mary: start 19 January
(Ben, Chayton, Tchiki, Melvin, Annabel, Baxter, Myles, Austin)

FRIDAYS:
15+ Boys and Girls: Pak Colin: start 20 January

Other After School Sport: 3:30-4:30pm

-On Tuesdays there will be Aussie rules football with Pak Shaun for 6 weeks, followed by Rugby with Pak Conor for 6 weeks
Aussie Rules start on 17 January

-On Thursdays Ultimate Frisbee will continue with Pak Peter: start 19 January

As well as this there will be Juggling Club on Thursdays hosted by Shaun

Library every day hosted by Made.

Anna will continue high school garage and on Mondays

Campus tours every Monday and Wednesday at 3

If you are new to GS or have visiting friends or family visiting who might be interested in seeing the campus, please note that we hold general tours every Monday or Wednesday at 3:00 PM.

Media at Green School

As many of you are aware Green School has been the beneficiary of extensive media attention from around the world. (Indeed, this may be at least in part the reason some of you are here! As well as a source of potential students, such coverage also connects us with potential donors, innovators, and otherwise interesting people who visit us and then help spread the Green School message.) If any parents feel uncomfortable with the idea of your child(ren) being photographed or videoed during media visits here, or with images of your child appearing on our website, please let us know (communications@greenschool.org). If we don’t hear from you we will assume you have no objections. (Please note that we do our very best to ensure that any media visit is minimally disruptive to the normal functioning of the school.)

Request for book donations from GS High School

Green School High School is requesting the donation of any and all novels and historical literature about Bali and Indonesia, to expand our Indonesian Studies Program in High School. We know many people new to Bali buy these books, read them, and then leave them on the shelf. Please help us increase our students’ understanding of the culture they live in by donating these books to Green School.

Ganesha Books has already graciously given us a number of books at discount to start our collection.

Please contact Erika at erikacarpenter@gmail.com or 081 236 533 940 to arrange donation or drop the books at the GS library with a note specifying “for High School Indonesian Studies Program”.

Terimakasi dan Matur Suksama

Learn Bahasa Indonesia with Cinta Bahasa

The Green School has joined together with Cinta Bahasa to provide a space for you to learn Bahasa Indonesia while your kids are in school.

Our Small-Group Beginner course with a minimum of 4 and maximum of 6 students, is two-hours per day, five days per week for just one month, and you’ll be speaking Indonesian comfortably! The cost is Rp. 3.500.000 which includes a specially-designed Textbook/Workbook and learning resources. For more information, visit www.cintabahasa.com.

Educating for Sustainability

Here is the first in a new series of articles on sustainability and education by Green School’s very own Mona Dalmia (Grade 2A international teacher). She can be reached via email at mona@greenschool.org. Thanks and terima kasih Ibu Mona!

Dear readers,

Welcome to my first post on topics relating to “educating for sustainability”. My motivation to write weekly comes as an inspiration from my immediate environment.

My aspiration is to initiate a dialogue with YOU – the readers of these articles. Please email me with your questions, suggestions and responses at mona@greenschool.org

Since I am inspired by the place I live and work, we will begin with the topic of:

PLACE BASED LEARNING

The approach to Educating for Sustainability, as stated by the Center of Ecoliteracy, follows the following guiding principles:

• Nature is our teacher
• Sustainability is a community Practice
• The real world is the Optimal Learning Environment
• ·Sustainable living is rooted in a deep knowledge of PLACE

Hence the focus on Place Based Learning. Place-based learning is a philosophy of education that uses the local community and surrounding environment as an integrating context for multidisciplinary learning. It is characterized by student-driven, project-based explorations of local environmental issues, social questions, cultural heritage, or civic leadership.

Students at Green School practice Place Based Learning by growing rice, taking care of the crop, harvesting it and finally storing, selling or consuming it – this is a possibility because we are in a rice producing area.  Such opportunities to apply their learning helps solve “real” problems, catalyze change, document history, and celebrate local identity.

Similarly Grade 2A students extended their connection to the place by collaborating with the local school to address a very local problem of unmanaged waste in the neighborhood. When children connect to a place they can take proactive measures in finding solutions to issues out of love and compassion for the place, much like increasing awareness of waste management amongst students and teachers of SDNI and making the school a role model for other local schools in the community. This type of contextualized learning and creative participation in the locality can provide opportunities for students to investigate and deepen their relationship to their home places.

Place-based education has many roots: from the age-old practice of learning from our surroundings, to the ideas of Dewey (1929) and Geddes (Higgins and Nicol, 2009). However the phrase became popular in the last two decades in the United States through the work of the Orion Society (2010) and educators such as Gruenewald (2003), Knapp (2001) and Smith (2002). Place-based education marks the development of environmental education to include local as well as global issues, and engage learners with the interdependence of ecological and community issues around them (Smith, 2002).

As parents we can extend our children’s learning by encouraging and participating in place-based activities like local ceremonies, rice plantings, and walking through the rice paddies. We can inculcate love for our locality and a feeling of belonging by interacting with the local population. Eating locally grown foods is beneficial for our health, economy, environment and spirit. Encouraging children to make paints from plants, take care of animals,  and collect seeds to re-growing them provides hands on nature based holistic enjoyment. These and many more activities provide experiences that create special meaning and memories for our children, nurturing their connection with the environment and place.

References:
American Institutes of Research. 2005. Effects of Outdoor Education Programs for Children in California. Sacramento.

Bai, H., & Scott, G. (2009). Touching the earth with the heart of enlightened mind: The Buddhist practice of mindfulness for environmental education. Canadian Journal of Environmental Education, 14.

Cameron, J. I. (2003). Educating for place responsiveness: an Australian perspective on ethical practice. Ethics, Place & Environment 6(2), pp. 99-115.

Dewey, J. (1929). Experience and nature. New York: Dover.

Gruenewald, D. A. (2003). Foundations of place: A multidisciplinary framework for place conscious education. American Education Research Journal

Orr, D. W. (1992). Ecological literacy: Education and the transition to a postmodern world. Albany: State University of New York Press.

Grade 8 Bali Starling Project

Those of you returning from last term are already aware of this, but for families new to Green School, surely one of the most exciting of the many projects taking place here is our work with the Begawan Foundation to breed endangered bird species right here on campus. The centerpiece of the project are the beautiful Bali Starlings, and starting last term out Grade 8 class has been working with Pak Glenn to use social media to raise awareness and funds for the species. Please click on the link to see some more information and learn how you can support this wonderful example of Green School learning in action:

http://www.indiegogo.com/Bali-Starlings?a=302464

Senior Green SuperCamp

Over 65 campers and crew members from 10 countries attended the first Senior Green SuperCamp which was hosted by the Green School from the 17th to 23rd of December. It was a week filled with fun, new friends and a deep understanding of nature.

Everyone stayed in the Yurts and a Tent Village was set up right in the Heart of School. Campers enjoyed the activities from adventure ropes course at the Bali Zoo to Capoeira and games in the mud pit. Campers uncovered their unique abilities, developed greater confidence and mastered the strategies for academic and personal success.

The camp was led by an expert team of facilitators who emphasized the Quantum Strategies and the 8 Keys of Excellence with a Green Theme, building keys such as integrity, commitment, flexibility and ownership into lessons from nature. The result? A team of energetic, empowered Global Green Citizens.

Visit www.greensupercamp.com to find out more about the next Green SuperCamp in Bali.

Links that Make Us Think

Here’s a great TED-ex talk from a Thai expert on sustainable living. Very thought provoking!

http://tedxtalks.ted.com/video/TEDxDoiSuthep-Jon-Jandai-Life-i

Our own weekly news

To submit your own news updates for inclusion, please send it to communications@greenschool.org by 12 noon each Wednesday.We cannot always guarantee inclusion and we may have to delay for a week at times.

Visit the Green School Website: http://www.greenschool.org
Visit the Green School Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/greenschool

It’s the last week of the term, and therefore the final newsletter of 2011 is a fairly stripped-down affair.

Huge thanks to all of you who made Bamboopalooza such a great event, either through active participation or helping to generate attendance or simply showing up– it was lovely to see a number of non-GS families here, and the overall energy of the afternoon was really positive.

We wish all of you and your families the best for the holiday season, and look forward to seeing most of you in the New Year. To those of you moving on, thanks for being a part of this community for however long you were here and please stay in touch!

In this issue:

1. Bamboopalooza!
2. No Thanks to Illegal Downloads at GS
3. Request from Ibu Brynn regarding Amazon Dam Project
4. Safety and Security at Green School
5. Wind power Expert Speaking This Week to Middle and High School Students at GS
6. Links that Make Us Think
7. Bali Classical Nights
8. BCAC Holiday Workshops
9. Our own weekly news

Bamboopalooza!

Here’s a note from GS Head of Fundraising Rachel Tobias, who herself deserves tremendous thanks for making the first ever Bamboopalooza holiday extravaganza the success that it was:

To parents, teachers, students, and friends,

Green School would like to sincerely thank all of the people who supported Bamboopalooza on Friday. From the class stalls to the pony rides, from the kite making to the delicious crepes, everyone really kicked in and played a part! The event has been a huge success, the proceeds of which are headed to the John Fawcett Foundation and the Green School Balinese Scholarship Fund.

We really couldn’t have done it without you! A special thanks to parents Linda Jenour and Renate Hamilton for all the hard work they put into making this fair happen!

A special thanks also to Janet Nicol for her hard work making the bamboo chips, Conor for his Green Camp activities, Andi for bringing Balinese cultural arts to the event, Kadek for the delicious food, Miska and Lea for their help before and after the event, and Nina and her team for organizing all the event logistics. And to all the rest of you who spent your evening helping us out, thank you so very much!

Below is a list of auction items and winners. Please contact me at: rachel.tobias@greenschool.org regarding your items:

Bamboo Bicycle: Anna Overeem
Bamboo Lamp: Will Travis
Marimba Lesson: Toby King
Four Seasons Jimbaran Stay: M. Harrison
Four Seasons Sayan Dinner: M. Harrison
Thai Airways Tickets: Simon Jenour
Three Little Trees Gift Certificate: Wendy Kassel
Half Day Surf Lesson: Zeb Curry
Half Day Surf Lesson: Maxwell G.
Waterbom Package: Annie Reinl Laine
Small Textile: Annie Rienl Laine
Large Textile: Wendy Kassel
Private Tour of Big Tree Farms: Galina Saye
Green Camp Birthday Party: Renate Hamilton
Katherine Rally Textiles: Jung Yoon
Lunch at the Como Shambhala: Sono King
Candlelight Dinner on the Bridge: Simon Jenour
Yoga Session with Janet Nicol: M. Harrison
Spa Package at Taksu: Sono King
Cooking Class at Mozaic: Annie Reinl Laine
Dinner at the Ayana: Simon Jenour
Conrad Hotel Stay: Roger Hamilton
Rob Peetoom Gift Vouchers: Kimberly Harrison
Semara Resort Stay: Simon Jenour
FREAK Coffee Basket: Chris Saye
Dinner at Sari Organic: Edin Finn
Dinner at Sari Organic: Dee Farrell
Dinner at Sari Organic: Janet Nicol

No Thanks to Illegal Downloads at GS

Through our local internet service provider we’ve received a letter from Paramount Pictures. No, they are not looking to film “Avatar 2: Into the Jungle” at Green School, but rather, it seems that they have traced an illegal download of one of their films to a computer here. Please let’s try to avoid any such further behaviors going forward. Aside from the very real possibility of having our Internet access cut off, downloads like this also slow down Internet speeds for other uses. Thanks in advance for your cooperation!

Congratulations to Ibu Robin Lim and Bumi Sehat!

A few months ago we posted a piece about Ibu Robin, a good friend to Green School, having been named a top ten finalist in CNN’s project to identify the “Hero of the Year” for her work in providing prenatal care and birthing services along with other forms of medical aid to low income families in Indonesia. Hot off the presses, we’ve just learned that she’s won! You can read more here: http://edition.cnn.com/2011/12/11/living/cnn-heroes/index.html

Request from Ibu Brynn regarding Amazon Dam Project

Befitting her role as founder of the GS Earth Awareness Club, here’s a note from Ibu Brynn about a controversial hydroelectric project planned for a pristine region in Brazilian Amazonia:

A huge hydroelectric dam is going to be built in the middle of the Amazon forest, affecting the natural ecosystem of the forest, but also millions of indigenous people.
Many of us think that hydroelectric power is a “sustainable” energy option (which it CAN be), but dams (like the one they are planning on building) have such a HUGE impact on the environment as well as societies.. If this dam is built it will be the first of many, and the consequences are VAST!

Please take 5 minutes to view this web page, & support the Brazilian indigenous people by signing the petition to stop the construction of the Belomonte dam.
Then, tell EVERYONE you know :)

http://amazonwatch.org/take-action/stop-the-belo-monte-monster-dam

Safety and Security at Green School

At Green School, we like to to think of ourselves as a warm and welcoming community, but of course our primary concern is always the health and safety of our students. So that we can better monitor people visiting the campus for whatever reason, please do make sure that you check in to the security desk on the way in and get badge. If you by any chance see some you don’t recognize who is not wearing a badge, please feel free to give them a gentle reminder to check in and get one as well. Terima kasih and thanks!

Wind power Expert Speaking This Week to Middle and High School Students at GS

On Wednesday the 14th of December, Ken Morgan, Chairman and Chief Marketing Officer for Venger Wind will present their new quiet and bird safe wind technology to the students and faculty of Green School. Venger Wind designs, manufactures, markets and sells vertical axis wind turbines to customers world wide. The company, based in Thailand, recently delivered 60 of their elegant vertical axis wind turbines to the Philadelphia Eagles Football Stadium in the United States. These systems will help power the lights in the stadium at night.

Additionally, Ken will be presenting a new small and affordable, off grid, vertical axis wind turbine solution called the Venger Micro that was developed for countries in the developing world. The new Venger Micro Wind Turbine system enables families to charge cell phones, radios, laptops and LED lighting so they can read books and study at night. Venger Wind already has over 70,000 orders for the micro turbine in Africa alone. Africa has 500 million people without any access to electricity.

Links that Make Us Think

Here’s an interesting website that lets laypeople become “citizen scientists”: http://www.projectnoah.org/missions

BSSA BASKETBALL SEASON: Term 2: Jan-end March
Training days will be as follows: 3:15-4:30pm

MONDAYS:
10-12 Boys: Pak Chris M : start 16 January

TUESDAYS:
13/14 Boys: Pak Matt: start 17 January

WEDNESDAYS:
BSSA Games-start 8 February

Improvers mixed team:(no formal BSSA matches) Pak Oded: start 25 January
(Ananda, Adi, Bella, Avishi, Nanda, Tiarnan, Olivia)

THURSDAYS:
13/14 Girls(11/12+13/14 mixed): Ibu Brynn: start 19 January

Junior mixed team: Ibu Mary: start 19 January
(Ben, Chayton, Tchiki, Melvin, Annabel, Baxter, Myles, Austin)

FRIDAYS:
15+ Boys and Girls: Pak Colin: start 20 January

Other After School Sport: 3:30-4:30pm

-On Tuesdays there will be Aussie rules football with Pak Shaun for 6 weeks, followed by Rugby with Pak Conor for 6 weeks
Aussie Rules start on 17 January

-On Thursdays Ultimate Frisbee will continue with Pak Peter: start 19 January

Please note NO after school sport this last week.

Have a great break!

Pak Colin

Bali Bound this Holiday Season?

Looking for some fun and adventurous activities for the kids over the break? Why not join us for some fantastic experiences  both on-site and off.  Green Camp has kids from all over joining us over the holidays and this promises to be a great opportunity to make new friends and try new things. A few key items on our Green Camp checklist:

• Campfires? Got em’.
• Cool new yurts? Yup!
• Fun activities? uh huh.
• Great food? You bet.
• Close encounters with snakes, chameleons and other creatures of the night? Absolutely!
• Awesome instructors. Of course.

We’re offering junior and senior programs of 3 and 5 days focusing on Exploration and Adventure. The programs are filling up so if you’d like to find out more or to register, please contact us at info@greencampbali.com. Make sure to mention you’re a Green School parent for a 20% discount. More information on dates, costs, and program descriptions can be found on our website at http://www.greencampbali.com/programs/christmas-holidays-programs/.

Keep it local and keep it green. See you at Green Camp this holiday season!

Bali Classical Nights

Here’s a poster with details on a rare opportunity to enjoy some live classical music in Bali:

BCAC Holiday Workshops

Sticking around Bali for the holidays and looking for interesting activities for your children? Have a look at this interesting offer from our friends at the Ubud-based BCAC:

Our own weekly news

To submit your own news updates for inclusion, please send it to Agung Lea at leaoka@greenschool.org by 12 noon each Wednesday.We cannot always guarantee inclusion and we may have to delay for a week at times.

Visit the Green School Website: http://www.greenschool.org

Visit the Green School Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/greenschool

As always, there is a lot to talk about. We are hurtling towards the end of term and this week sees a flurry of celebratory performances and events: Thursday afternoon’s Creative Arts assembly, Friday afternoon’s Indonesian Awareness Assembly, and then of course, Bamboopalooza continuing on into the evening! Please join us for all events, and encourage your friends and neighbors to attend Bamboopalooza.

We also have updates on the bridge construction (hint: it’s almost finished) and an array of other Changemaker projects, engaged and inspired action by our Student Council, a trip to Waterbom arranged by the Student Village, and Grade 8′s ongoing efforts to protect and grow the Bali Starlings.

In this issue:

1. Creative Arts Assembly
2. Indonesian Awareness Assembly
3. Bamboopalooza! Friday, 9 December
4. Update from the Middle School Student Council
5. Grade 11 Off-campus Lunch Privileges
6. Slow Food Ubud Event
7. Student Village organizes trip to Waterbom
8. Links that Make Us Think
9. Construction of Millenium Bridge Nears Completion
10. Primary School FRIENDSHIP STOP
11. Grade 8 Odyssey Trip report
12. Grade 8 Raises Funds and Awareness for Bali Starlings
13. BSSA Sports Update
14. Update from Principal
15. Changemaker Assembly & Awards
16. News from the Changemaker Forum
17. Green SuperCamp this December!
18. Our own weekly news

Creative Arts Assembly: Thursday, 8 December at 2:00 PM

Please join us this coming Thursday at 2:15 PM in the Mepantigan for a very special Thursday assembly celebrating the creative arts at Green School. Students from Kindergarten through Grade 10 will be sharing their talents. Come one, come all!

Indonesian Awareness Assembly, Friday, 9 December at 2:00 PM

Come back the next day for an assembly dedicated to performances from different parts of Indonesia by students in Pre-K Prep through Grade 5. This will be a preview of a special Indonesian Awareness Day we’ll be holding next term.

Bamboopalooza! Friday, 9 December from 3:15-7:00 PM

Stay until dark for Bamboopalooza, our epic end of term holiday extravaganza. Music, games, food, drink, fun, vendors, silent auction, cultural activities, and so much more! Please tell your friends and neighbors and otherwise spread the word.

Update from the Middle School Student Council

Dear Green School families,

The middle school student council would to inform you about our members, mission, and projects. This year we have two representatives from each middle school grade.
Grade 6: Lucy Phillips and Rian Brown
Grade 7: Julia Weed and Kahlil Karya
Grade 8: Izzy Ackerman and Emmet Robins

We meet as a middle school council once per week and come together with the High school council once per month. Our mission is to strengthen the voice of the Green School students and to work with the community for the benefit of Green School.

Some of our initiatives thus far this year include: a plan to create signage at the gelato stand to show how close we are to earning another ipad, an initiative to create Indonesian translation on signs around school, a campaign to raise awareness of energy use, ways to find a more sustainable lunch ticket system, and efforts to find a more sustainable alternative to tissues in the bathrooms.

We are looking forward to a productive year. Please talk to the representatives with any suggestion you have

Grade 11 Off-campus Lunch Privileges

In recognition of their status as the oldest students at Green School, our Grade 11 class has been given the option of going to lunch at the warung just to the right of the school gates. We’ve had reports from a few parents who were concerned that GS students were making unauthorized forays outside of the campus, so we just wanted to clarify the situation. Of course, if you see students in Grade 10 or below out there, please do tell us!

Slow Food Ubud Event: Sunday, December 11

Please see poster below for more details on an interesting event taking place this weekend. Several GS parents are actively involved in the Slow Food Ubud chapter.

Student Village organizes trip to Waterbom, Saturday, 10 December

Andi Morrell and the Student Village are planning a trip to Waterbom this coming Saturday, with a great group rate on the entrance fee. Please see notes from Andi below:

Important points
1- We MUST meet between 830-930 am or you will NOT get the group deal.
2- I will be the PIC (person in charge) at the gate, I will have the name list of everyone who has responded to THIS email.
3- Please Rsvp to me, names of people who will be joining us. EVEN if you have already rsvp’d, Please do it again or you will not be on the list (again, I apologize). gypseamermaid@gmail.com

* RSVP BY DEC 8TH please. We need to turn the list over to Waterbom.

Still December 10th
Rp 115,000 kids
Rp 160,000 over 12
No outside food or drink

PEACE, LOVE AND SLIPPERY SLIDES!

Andi Morrell with the Student Village Kids!

gypseamermaid@gmail.com

Links that Make Us Think

Thanks to those of you who sent in links this week! We’ve got interesting pieces about a 13 year-old solar power innovator, an essay on the state of mainstream education in the US written by a 16-year-old, and an article about bamboo building in other parts of the world:

http://wakeup-world.com/2011/08/22/13-year-old-makes-solar-power-breakthrough/

www.huffingtonpost.com/nikhil-goyal/post_2586_b_1034887.html

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-colombia-bamboo-20111129,0,3037760.story

Construction of Millenium Bridge Nears Completion

As per the photo below, our new bridge is almost finished. Rumor has it that it will be crossable by this Friday, so if you feel like it, wander down during Bamboopalooza. The official opening won’t take place until January. Big thanks to the team at Bamboo Pure for their great work in getting this up!

Primary School FRIENDSHIP STOP

Primary School Student Council has initiated the ‘FRIENDSHIP STOP’ concept by creating two circular ‘bamboo Friendship Stop’ lollypop signs. One is outside the new admin office (with the other signs) and the second is by the gym near the primary classes. The Primary School council team voted unanimously in favor of the idea. They then designed the stops and met with Ibu Nina to decide on a suitable location.

So if ‘you feel like you need a friend’, maybe you are lost, confused, left out, need a chat or a giggle – go and find the friendship stop. Someone is sure to stop and be a friend. The friendship stops are not just to be used by primary children and friendship can come in many ways….so stop think and smile…. middle school, upper school and elders stop for an unexpected friendly moment at our new friendship stops.

The Primary School student council would also like to welcome Ibu Meidy, our Librarian to the Primary School meetings, which will now be held with Ibu Kat and the class councilors on Monday’s at 2.45 in grade 2a yurt.

Please look out next term for the fantastic mural characters that primary Council have developed with their classes.

We will also be keeping a number of orientation games in the library, devised by Grade 3, in response to the school councils request of ‘ how can we make new students feel welcome.

Grade 8 Odyssey Trip report from Ibu Mary

The Grade 8 Green Studies theme is Conservation & Social Justice. We focused on that theme with group discussions of what conservation is, what motivates someone to become an active participant in a conservation project, what are methods of conservation and social justice and then kids learned how to conduct a scientific coral reef study just off our camp site. We looked at indicator species specifically: fish, exoskeletons and the substrate. A few of these pictures are the dry land practice, which mimicked what we did under water later that day. Then we compared that reef to a reef off Menjangan Island, which was much healthier. We also worked on a beach clean up, and the kids came up with a create way to present the plastic to us teachers. They wrote a little play and displayed a mermaid in the process. The students worked well together, learning how to camp and and become a team for four days.

Here are links to some videos of the Grade 6 & 7 Odyssey trips that took place earlier in the term. We’re told that Grade 8’s video is still in process!:

Grade 7 health retreat: http://www.odysseyinstitute.com/media/film/an-exploration-of-holistic-health/

Grade 6 ecology field trip: http://www.odysseyinstitute.com/media/film/green-school-freshwater-exploration-oct-2011/

Grade 8 Raises Funds and Awareness for Bali Starlings

Grade 8 has created a crowd funding campaing on the Indiegogo website. Crowd funding is a new avenue for raising money. As part of their theme of conservation and in partnership with the Begewan Foundation, they put together this campaign. They will also be supplying various student designed gifts for donors. Congratulations to Grade 8 for last week’s wonderful assembly, and for putting into practice learning that integrates academics, the environment, and social media and advocacy. The Green School dream!

The link to donate : http://www.indiegogo.com/Bali-Starlings?a=302464

BSSA Sports Update from Pak Colin

BSSA VOLLEYBALL:

Big congratulations to the 9/10yr old mixed team who finished the season undefeated!!

The 15/O boys and girls teams ended the season with friendly games at BIS on Friday.
Well done again to the girls for making the semis and the boys for their outstanding performance in the grand final of the BSSA tournament.

COMMUNITY SOCCER:

After 2 defeats against the Sibang Kaja 10-14yr olds our 10-12 yr old boys came back and ended the season with an excellent 4-2 victory. Well done boys!
This week will also see the 6-8yr olds playing against the local kids in their last game of the season.

BSSA BASKETBALL SEASON: Term 2: Jan-end March

Training days will be as follows: 3:15-4:30pm
MONDAYS:
10-12 Boys: Pak Chris M : start 16 January

TUESDAYS:
13/14 Boys: Pak Matt: start 17 January

WEDNESDAYS:
BSSA Games-start 8 February

Improvers mixed team:(no formal BSSA matches) Pak Oded: start 25 Jan
(Ananda, Adi, Bella, Avishi, Nanda, Tiarnan, Olivia)

THURSDAYS:
13/14 Girls(11/12+13/14 mixed): Ibu Brynn: start 19 January

Junior mixed team: Ibu Mary: start 19 January
(Ben, Chayton, Tchiki, Melvin, Annabel, Macy, Baxter, Myles, Austin)

FRIDAYS:
15+ Boys and Girls: Pak Colin start 20 January

Other After School Sport: 3:30-4:30pm

-On Tuesdays there will be Aussie rules football with Pak Shaun for 6 weeks, followed by Rugby with Pak Conor for 6 weeks
Aussie Rules start on 17 January

-On Thursdays Ultimate Frisbee will continue with Pak Peter: start 19 January.

Please note NO after school sport during the last week of term:12-16 December.

Have a great break!

Pak Colin

Update from Principal Steve Milverton on Educational Developments at Green School

This week I have been visiting classes all over the school. There are tremendous lessons happening throughout. Grade 3 are designing a new rabbit enclosure using the bamboo model techniques used to design Green School. they are learning about scale, animal husbandry, measurement, team work skills, collaboration and negotiation.

All of the grade 1-8 have had standardised reading comprehension and spelling test since the beginning of the year. The result of these test are informing classroom instruction in grammar, spelling and reading skill development. Kindergarten is working through early reading skills using a Jolly Phonics approach. The kids are incredibly respectful and supportive of each other.

Our senior students are working on practicing essay writing to the level of university entry. Others are preparing for the mock exams and mock UN conference.

Grade 10 have been involved in the Risky Business program, developing skills to make the right choices in life and working through strategies to support each other in challenging social situations.

In Term 2 we will be assessing all of our students in mathematics in order to individualise mathematics programs to students needs. ‘

Changemaker Assembly & Awards

Last Friday the Model United Nations students gave a presentation on the eight millennium goals, and the changemaker projects that relate to each goal. They also gave an explanation of the new Millennium Bridge, which is a reminder to those goals and the global promises the United Nations countries are working towards.

Congratulations to the Changemaker Award winners: Grade 7 for their research and recommendations in their ‘Swab the School’ project; Pak Matt and Grade 8 students, Izzy, Iyyli, Nicholas & Cole for participating in the Begawan Foundation’s semi-annual Nusa Penida Bali Starling Audit; Monica Mesquita for her inspiration and leadership in her Green Studies Internship at Green School; and to SMP3 Abiansemal for their efforts in plastic recycling and composting, helping us in keeping Bali green.

SMP3 Abiansemal has been partnering with Green School’s middle school, and their students visited on the day of the Changemaker Assembly. The school has been recognised as the greenest local school in Bali, for their work in sustainability, recycling and composting. The students attended the assembly and their principal, Pak Wayan Sukadan, accepted the award.

We wish the best to the Model United Nations students, who will be travelling to Shanghai in January with Pak Chad to represent Green School at the Model United Nations International Conference.

Pak Wayan Sukadana, Principal of SMP3 Abiansemal, receiving the Changemaker Award from Kathleen Hamilton, Grade 11. In the background: The Model UN students

News from the Changemaker Forum

The Changemaker Forum was run at its new time just before the Changemaker Assembly, and at the last forum of 2011, the various project leaders gave updates on all the ongoing projects. Some highlights included:
John Pettigrew announced that Green School Farm is now the proud host to new kids from the goats, and we have discovered we have three goat farmers within the parent community, so we are in the process of creating a milking station and an educational project on the rearing of the goats.

Chris Thompson updated on the Solar Power project, which is powering ahead, and after an assessment of the power use at the school, we believe that once the solar installation is complete in the first half of 2012, we will be able to take Green School fully off the grid.

Tom Navasero showed a presentation on Bali’s first solar powered, green ATM, which is being installed next to the warung. This completes the Green School’s connectivity to the rest of the world,and moves towards our vision of a sustainable global village, giving those at the schools, and visitors access to cash to support our green enterprises, student initiatives and fund raising projects.

Linda Jenour gave an update on the upcoming Bamboopalooza Fair (It’s this Friday!) and the incredible support we have received from companies and community members Bali-wide. It is going to be a fabulous day, linked to our Indonesia appreciation day so make sure you set the afternoon aside!

Jo Guelke provided details of the new Class Ambassador Network, the Community Council, and how it will connect new families who arrive at Green School, and work as a communication network with parent representatives in each class.

Roger Hamilton gave an update on the Green School Bridge, and the Senior Green SuperCamp, which is taking place in December. This week long, accelerated learning camp has grown to be bigger than the first Junior Camp in July, and will include many more Green School students as well as over 50 teenage students travelling in from around the region.

From January 2012, the Changemaker Forums and Assemblies will be coordinated by Ben Macrory, and Ben got a rousing applause from the forum in support of this. As the focal point of parent involvement at Green School, the family days will continue throughout 2012 on the last Friday of each month, with the Principal Meeting at 12 noon, Changemaker Forum at 1pm, Changemaker Assembly run by the students at 2.30pm and Family Social immediately afterwards with snacks, drinks and activities.

To get involved, connect with Agung Lea at the welcome desk, or email leaoka@greenschool.org

Last chance to join the Senior Green SuperCamp this December!

Following the success of our Junior Green SuperCamp in July, we will be holding our first Senior Green SuperCamp this December. This is a joint partnership with SuperCamp (the world leader in summer enrichment camps for students). The Senior Green SuperCamp is open for students from 14 to 18 years old and will be taking place from Sat 17th to Fri 23rd December, right after the end of term.

This is a very exciting initiative which brings transformational results in both life and learning skills for the students who attend, preparing teens for the future. We expect many students to be flying in from around the world for this event. There will also be a ‘parent camp’ for parents to understand how to make the most of the leadership and accelerated learning skills that are at the core of Green SuperCamp.

You can find out more about Green SuperCamp by visiting www.greensupercamp.com

Our own weekly news

To submit your own news updates for inclusion, please send it to Agung Lea at leaoka@greenschool.org by 12 noon each Wednesday.We cannot always guarantee inclusion and we may have to delay for a week at times.

Visit the Green School Website: http://www.greenschool.org

Visit the Green School Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/greenschool

Education’s purpose is to replace an empty mind with an open one.
Malcolm S. Forbes

But as usual, there is lots to share! Bamboopalooza looms ever larger Exciting news from the John Fawcett Foundation (co-beneficiary of Bamboopalooza) about their efforts in our area The Grade 3 art opening in Ubud at Three Monkeys Gallery in Ubud New arrivals in the animal area and a sensory garden starting Volleyball success at the BSSA Bamboo business cards and toys a great program for Global Nomad families taking place at Green Camp one of the signature houses in the Bamboo Village is on the rental market and much, much more!

In this issue:

1. Only Eleven Days until Bamboopalooza!
2. A Message from John Fawcett AM, Founder and CEO of the John Fawcett Foundation
3. Bark Along with Art: Grade 3 exhibition
4. Sensory Garden Classroom
5. Hape International visit to Green School
6. Bamboo Business Cards: Entrepreneurial Learning in Action
7. Parent Information Meeting
8. New Kids at Green School
9. Global Nomads Family Retreat hosted
10. BSSA 15/O VOLLEYBALL
11. HOUSING AVAILABLE AT BAMBOO VILLAGE:
12. Tetra pack pick-up Thursday
13. Links that make us think
14. Our own weekly news

Only Eleven Days until Bamboopalooza! Friday, 9 December 3:15 PM-7:00 PM

The countdown is on, and Bamboopalooza draws ever closer. Please join us for an end of term celebration to rival all end of term celebration! We have lined up a fabulous array of events, activities, performances, vendors, food & drink, plus a great silent auction. Lots of fun for kids and adults. Please do help ensure a great turnout by spreading the word to your friends and neighbors. By the way, the beautiful poster above was designed by GS head of Fundraising Rachel Tobias and features art work by many of the high school students. Again, all proceeds from Bamboopalooza will be split between the John Fawcett Foundation, which provides cataract and facial reconstruction surgery for low-income Indonesians, and the GS scholarship program for Balinese students.

A Message from John Fawcett AM, Founder and CEO of the John Fawcett Foundation

Speaking of the John Fawcett Foundation, we have just learned that they have kindly decided to bring their mobile eye clinic to the school carpark at 9am until 5pm on the day of Bamboopalooza. The bus will have staff and technicians who will be making false eyes, all the medical equipment to undertake cataract operations and the half body dummy to show how cataract surgery is practiced and completed. Although the operating bus is usually a sterile environment they are very happy to allow anyone into the bus to see what is involved in their work. This will be a perfect opportunity for the students,staff and parents to have first hand experience of opthalmology and all it entails.

At a later date the foundation will hold an official three day eye screening and surgical program for the entire local area and its banjars for free. These include up to 3000 screenings, surgery and visiting all the local schools to check the children. This is all paid for by the foundation itself and organized by them. Below, please see a message to Green School from John Fawcett himself:

Staff of the John Fawcett Foundation have visited the exciting Green School on many occasions and have always returned full of enthusiasm for what they have seen.  It is a privilege to meet such dedicated staff and bright, happy young people with a commitment to the environment, who also delight in their schooling.

We work with young people too, visiting village schools in Bali and other parts of Indonesia checking on eyesight. Often, when someone has difficulty learning, it is caused by poor eyesight.  This problem can usually be cured with the simple provision of glasses.  However, we sometimes find young people who are blind with cataracts.  These are referred to our ophthalmic surgeons who perform a simple sight-restoring operation. All of our work is done free of charge.

It is a wonderful experience to see someone who has been blind be able to see again.   Gede Arya is such a boy and you can see the joy on his face after his sight was returned.

If you would like to learn more about what we do or how you can support us you can visit our website www.balieeye.org

Bark Along with Art: Grade 3 exhibition begins in Ubud, Monday, 28 November

Just a reminder that Grade 3’s Bark Along with Art  Bali Dogs exhibition opens in Ubud today. The pieces are really lovely and this is a great example of integrated learning at Green School. Please go check it out and support Grade 3 and Bali dogs in the process!

Sensory Garden Classroom – In Progress!

You may have noticed a space of land above Pre K and Kindergarten classrooms which has been tidied up recently. This is in preparation for the creation of an outdoor Sensory Garden classroom.

Why build a sensory garden at Green School, when the whole school is, in itself, a feast of the natural environment on the senses? Good question!

The  value of the sensory garden will be in 4 ways:
1. The garden will offer a concentrated area of learning, where all the senses can be explored, taught and experienced. A sensory garden is ideal to encourage the development of children via a very hands on approach. The abundant colours, smells, sounds, and textures will help develop their sensory skills, and teach them about nature
2. The sensory garden will be created for and owned by, the students
3. The sensory garden can offer a place of solace and retreat for students, in a nurturing ‘in-touch-with-nature’ kind of way. It will have individual seating pods for kids to sit in and reflect
4. The garden will connect to the existing meditation circle (via an Alice in Wonderland like maze!), and classes will be able to make more of this area too.

The garden design has been created by a team consisting of John Pettigrew, Tara Hunt and Nicole Lenord. We are now looking for extra helpers! If any classes would like to volunteer for any of the following, please let John know:  the_grew@hotmail.com . We need help with propagation, planting and ongoing garden up-keep, the making of 20+ bamboo wind chimes, making of arrow signs for adventures around the garden and engraving of the senses images onto bamboo stakes.

For now, we hope you agree that ‘an important spiritual practice is to come to your senses’.

Hape International visit to Green School

Green School was visited by representatives of Hape International, a German-owned, China-based company that  creates innovative and educational games and toys  mostly out of bamboo. Peter Handstein, the founder, gave a donation of some wonderful new toys for our early years classrooms.

Peter says, “A commitment to children must go hand in hand with a commitment to the environment. Our children will inherit the world we live in.”

Hape’s goal is to make toys that are as conscious of the impact on the environment as they are on the impact on children. Hape’s production is built upon a Total Life Cycle approach to manufacturing, utilizing the 4R’s: Recycle, Reduce, Reuse, and most importantly, Re-think. Re-thinking is reflected in Hape’s assessment of environmental impact at each stage of a toy’s life cycle: raw materials, production, packaging, transportation, product usage, and post-use.

Hape believes that the future begins and belongs to our children. It is our duty to leave them with infinite possibilities, not unsolvable problems; through responsible business practices we aspire to leave that world in a better condition than when we received it.

Pete and Hape are is looking to build a bamboo kindergarten in China, so he decided to visit Bali and Green School to get some inspiration. We thank them for their very kind gift!

Bamboo Business Cards: Entrepreneurial Learning in Action

Bubam Cards, the student-run bamboo business-card printing business, produced its first card recently to fill an order from Pak Chris, the Director of GS.  GS students Gika Savitri and Nicholas Saye are running the business and will be showing off their wares at Bamboopalooza on December 9th. They’ll be demonstrating how their cards are made and will be taking orders for cards, which would make great Christmas presents or unique gift tags/cards for use in the upcoming holiday season.

Parent Information Meeting

6 December, 6:00-9:00 pm, Mepantigan.

Please join the Green School High School management team for an evening of information, questions and answers about our evolving program.

Topics will include the 2012/2013 course offerings, Green School High School graduation requirements, communications systems, behavior policy, 2011/2012 IGCSE/A Level exam schedule and our new Individual Learning Plan program.

We are looking forward to sharing the measurable strides we are making this year and taking your comments and questions about the present and future at GSHS. Coffee, tea and snacks served.

New Kids at Green School

Last week saw the arrival of six newborn baby goats at Green School. These are some mighty cute kids if you haven’t seem them yet you can do so in the goat yard just in front of Chakra House (aka the music room). Meanwhile, some GS parents with goat-rearing experience attempted to milk one of the does last week, with mixed results. But we’ll stick with it. Can Green School chevre be far behind? I smell a mighty tasty entrepreneurial learning project in the near future!

Global Nomads Family Retreat hosted by Green Camp, 12-13 December

Please see poster below for details about a great program at taking place at Green Camp and organized by GS parents Renee Martyna and Steve Munroe, addressing the joys and challenges that come with raising children in cross-cultural environments. (Surely a few of us can relate to these!)

BSSA 15/O VOLLEYBALL

Last week saw the BSSA 15/O Volleyball tournament being hosted at Dyatmika School.
12 teams took part in the boys division and 10 in the girls division.

Both our girls and boys teams did themselves and Green School proud with excellent performances.

The girls made the semi finals and the boys the grand final, where they narrowly lost 1 set to 2
The boys gave everything and their desire, team work and spirit were amazing!

Well done!!

Both teams are now preparing for another tournament on Friday 2 December at BIS with games against our own excellent GS Security guard team!

COMMUNITY SOCCER
Thunder and Lighting cut our match with the local Sibang Kaja kids short. Plus we were missing a few key players, but nevertheless put up a spirited performance in an exciting and fun game. Next community football game will be next Tuesday 29 November. Thanks to Jerobi for refereeing as part of his International Award Service hours.

AFTER SCHOOL SPORT TERM 2
Term 2 sees the start of Basketball season in the BSSA. Teams, coaches and training days will be posted in the Weekly Newsletter on Monday 5 December.
We will also be offering Rugby and Aussie Rules football.

Please check the newsletter regularly for all updates and info

Many thanks
Pak Colin

HOUSING AVAILABLE AT BAMBOO VILLAGE

The famous “Wave House,” a 2 bedroom, 1 bath home featuring views of the Green School, large stone patio and grassy area for playing is now available to move into at 5.5 juta per month including utilities. Please contact Stacy at 0852 3884 2386 for more details.

Tetra pack pick-up Thursday, 8 December outside Grade 4 classroom

Like many of you, I have been avidly saving my old tetra packs in anticipation of the next recycling day. That day is now upon us! Please bring in your trove to the collection area just outside the Grade 4 classroom next Thursday, 8 December. Thanks to Grade 4 for the continued efforts!

Links that make us think

A Pre-K Prep mother shared this article, and I thought it was an interesting read, no matter what the age of your child(ren). Lots of good perspective! http://www.magicalchildhood.com/articles/4yo.htm

Our own weekly news

To submit your own news updates for inclusion, please send it to Agung Lea at leaoka@greenschool.org by 12 noon each Wednesday.We cannot always guarantee inclusion and we may have to delay for a week at times.

Visit the Green School Website: http://www.greenschool.org

Visit the Green School Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/greenschool

Learning is finding out what we already know. Doing is demonstrating that you know it. Teaching is reminding others that they know just as well as you. You are all learners, doers, and teachers.
By Richard Bach

We’ve got lots to report this week, from a new Grade 6 student-initiated newsletter that needs submissions to upcoming concerts and tree-planting projects, as well as an update on the new Green ATM machine and the upcoming Changemaker Forum and Family Day taking place this Friday.

There are some exciting new after-school programs on offer this quarter, and some health and safety information relating to to bicycle racks, snakes, and lice. (Yuck…)

In this issue:
1. Reforestation Project In Kintamani
2. November 25 Concert At Canggu Club Featuring Gs Students
3. New After School Activities
4. From Aliya And Yasmin  In Grade 1
5. New Green ATM Opening At Green School
6. Grade 3 Bark Along With Art Exhibition
7. Bicycle Rack Safety
9. Bssa Sport Update Volleyball
10. Grade 6 Ultimate Bamboo Post
11. Green School Family Day
12. Garage Sale December 9th At Green School!!
13. Snakes Alive
14. Head Lice
15. 2011-2012 Green School Yearbook
16. Our Own Weekly News

Reforestation project in Kintamani, Sunday, 4 December

All Green School families and staff are invited to participate in a great tree-planting event in Kintamani in a few weeks. Please see poster for details. GS students get house points for taking part! Read More

November 25 Concert at Canggu Club featuring GS students

Please see poster below promoting the end of year Singing Students concert being held at Canggu Club November 25 from 6-8pm. The kids range from 5 -15 years old – and hail from 6 of the International schools here in Bali. Green school students Stanley, Max, Lily, Maya, Nanami, Zoe and Olivia are all in the concert. Let’s get out and show them some support!

NEW AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

We’ve got some great new after school programs taking place. Please see info below. And, as a reminder, don’t forget to check regularly the new events calendar on the website: http://www.greenschool.org/calendar/

Tuesdays 3.30 – 4.20
JUGGLING CLUB
Come join in the fun and skillful activity of juggling. Ages Grade 3 and up. ADULTS WELCOME
All abilities welcome from beginner to experienced juggler are welcome in the Mepantigan.
Learn the basic or practise new tricks! Bring balls and clubs if you have them.
Facilitator Shaun McGurgan is an experienced juggler performing for children’s parties and busking.

Thursdays 3.30 – 4.20
WORLD FOLK DANCES
Come and join in folk dances from around the globe.
Learn dances from: Bohemia, Russia, Scandinavia, Ireland, Israel and more
ges class 1 and up (including adults) are invited join this dynamic and fun activity hosted by Oded and Shaun in the Mepantigan.

From Aliya and Yasmin  in Grade 1

In our October school break we took the opportunity to visit a local orphanage near where we live In Tabanan. We  did a major clean up in our room and brought all sorts of goodies for the kids to enjoy …AND TRUST US THEY DID.

Keeping with our family’s Hong Kong tradition, we would like to ask the Green School families to contribute with a Christmas  donation  …Anything from plush toys to pencils even school amenities would be appreciated.

Your donations can be dropped off at the Grade 1 class.
Under Angels for Xmas.
Check out the website www.balikids.org

New Green ATM opening at Green School

We are very excited to have an ATM kindly donated by our school bank, Bank Internasional Indonesia (BII), right here on campus in support of our staff and local community. All staff (over 160) at the school receive their monthly salary deposited at BII.  A lot of the banking needs can only be done either by going to the branch or by going to a BII ATM (the closest one to school is in Ubud). This initiative will hugely benefit our staff and teachers to ensure they can do their banking needs without the need to go to the branch during school hours.

In addition to the benefit it will give to the staff this will help visitors, parents and local community in accessing cash around the school (as you can imagine there aren’t many ATMs in our village area!).

ATMs can be noisy at times so putting it in the Heart of School was not an option, and we wanted
to have it nearer to the Warung, coffee and eating areas for convenience.

Also, this will be one of the world’s only “green” ATMs as it will be run by solar electricity and it will be housed in a beautiful bamboo construction.

We are very grateful for the kind gift of BII to be helping our local community and we hope this helps to make parents, visitors and staff lives much easier.

Grade 3 Bark Along With Art Exhibition

Bicycle rack safety

The Green School community includes many avid cyclists, as one would expect. However, something that many of us might not be aware of is the number of often serious accidents that take place in Bali when motorcyclists get tangled up with bike racks affixed to the back of cars.

Please see the following link for some simple tips to cut down your chances of such an event occuring: please click here

This was prepared by a Green School parent who was recently involved in such an accident. He writes further: “The main thing expats should understand is that aside from the senseless injuries / deaths that can result from Bali Bikers tangling themselves with Bike Racks is that anyone involved (in any capacity) with a serious road accident will get sucked into the whole police investigation which will cost you a lot both financially & in terms of stress.”

Be careful and hati hati out there!

BSSA SPORT UPDATE VOLLEYBALL

Well done to the 9/10 mixed and 11/12 girls teams on their spirited performances at Green School last week.

Remaining Volleyball dates for this term:
24 Nov 15/O Tournament at Dyatmika
3 Dec 15/O at BIS
30 Nov 9/10 mixed at BIS

COMMUNITY SOCCER
Our 10-12yr boys took on the local Sibang Kaja kids (10-14 yrs old) and went down 4-6 in a thrilling and friendly football game. Rematch this week Tuesday.

Please note that there will be no After School Sport in the last week of Term: 12-16 December

Many thanks

Pak Colin

Grade 6 Ultimate Bamboo Post

Grade 6  is about to publish  the first newsletter by Green School students  entitled ‘The Ultimate Bamboo Post’. The kids would really like as many children from the school as possible to submit articles, drawings or photographs as well as being a voice of what they think about our environment, the school and the world around them and as a place to exchange ideas.

We think kids can tell grown ups a lot about saving and protecting the planet.

They have organized a Bali starling drawing contest and it would be fantastic if you can encourage your children to submit some pictures. The only way the newsletter can work is with the support of Green School parents.

The newsletter email address is bamboopost8@gmail.com. There is a box for submissions hung up at the Green Warung.

This Friday, 25 November: Green School Family Day

The Green School Family Day is this Friday, 25th November. We have changed the time of the Steve’s Parent & Principal Meeting and the Changemaker Forum before the assembly, and the Family Social straight after the assembly, to make it easier for everyone with young children to attend:

12.00pm – 1.00pm – Principal meeting with parents (over lunch)
1.00pm – 2.30pm – Changemaker Forum
2.30pm – 3.00pm – Changemaker Assembly
3.00pm – 5.00pm – Family Social & Living in Bali

Garage Sale December 9th At GREEN SCHOOL!!

This is a reminder to everyone that we are having a garage sale on December 9th at the holiday fair, aka Bamboopalooza.  This is to benefit our scholarship program and John Fawcett organization.  Please bring your gently used items to Grade 2B before December 9th.

Thank you very much!!
Michelle Frasher

Snakes Alive!

Based on some recent snake sightings on and around campus (hey, this is the jungle, people!), here’s a link to an information sheet written by Bali-based herpetologist Ron Lilley: please click here . Pak Ron has presented at Green School in years past and we are in the process of arranging for him to come speak again with GS staff and students.

Head Lice…

Continuing with the theme of animal life forms considered by many humans to be unpleasant, we’ve had some cases of head lice this week. Please remember, as per the Green School Family Handbook, that if your child shows signs of lice or nits (eggs), they should be kept home until treatment has begun. Here is some more information on treatment options: please click here Thanks in advance for your cooperation!

2011-2012 Green School Yearbook

We have a group of students and some very talented and generous parent volunteers (Cecilia Wong and Mike Clarke) who are in the process of putting together a yearbook for the end of the school year. It promises to be a great way to remember the 2011-2012 GS experience! Right now we now for sure that there will be a digital version, and we’re in the process of looking at various print options. For a minimum print run of 200 copies, we’re looking at prices per copy in the range of Rp250,000 to Rp400,000 (the more expensive end is more eco-friendly). We’d love to get a sense of how many families are interested in signing up for a printed copy. If you are, please email Ibu Lea: leaoka@greenschool.org Thanks so much.

Our own weekly news

To submit your own news updates for inclusion, please send it to Agung Lea at leaoka@greenschool.org by 12 noon each Wednesday.We cannot always guarantee inclusion and we may have to delay for a week at times.

Visit the Green School Website: http://www.greenschool.org

Visit the Green School Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/greenschool

“When we heal the earth, we heal ourselves.”
By David Orr

We’ve got information on the upcoming observance of Saraswati Day at Green School (Saturday, 19 November) and the bamboo bike building project that begins here tomorrow, as well a reminder about the 9 December end of term celebration we’re now calling Bamboopalooza (because, let’s face it, “Holiday Extravaganza” just sounded too tame for a GS event!).

Also featured are articles on some of the wonderful learning taking place here on a daily basis, an explanation of the Green Studies program, and accounts of student involvement with the Bali Starling project both on campus and in the wild.

Please come out this Wednesday afternoon to support our volleyball teams in home matches against Dyatmika!

In this issue:

1. Saraswati Day Ceremony at Green School
2. Grade 7 “Swab the School” Project
3. Donation box for water bottle refills
4. Bamboopalooza!
5. Bamboo Bicycle Update from Pak Chad
6. Grade 8 Participates in Census of Wild Bali Starling Population on Nusa Penida
7. Bali Starling event on campus
8. GS Withdrawal Reminder
9. Sports Update
10. Grade 3 Bark Along With Art Exhibition
11. Links That Make Us Think
12. Environmental Studies through the Grades
13. Our own weekly news

Saraswati Day Ceremony at Green School, Saturday 19 November from 10 AM-12 PM

All Green School families are invited to join us this Friday and Saturday to help prepare for and then celebrate Saraswati Day, honoring the Goddess of Wisdom. For more details on Saraswati, please see the following link
Saraswati will be held on Saturday, November 19 from 10 am till finish…. (Approximately 12 pm/ to be confirmed).
We would like to invite Green School families to be involved in preparation and ceremony. We still need volunteers to be involved in:
- Rejang Dance for kids and adults (rejang explanation attached)
- Making Penjor a day before Sarsawati on Friday, November 18 at 3.30 pm
- Making Gebogan/ fruits offering on Friday, November 18 at 3.30 pm
- Making Kwangen/ flowers arrangement for praying
If you interested in getting involved please email or speak with Ami (ami@greenschool.org) by Wednesday afternoon.

Thanks and terima kasih!

Grade 7 “Swab the School” Project

Here’s a great piece from Middle School Science teacher Ibu Sarah on a a recent project that truly lives up to the GS ideal of integrated, cross-disciplinary learning: “Last week Grade 7 Students participated in a ‘Swab The School’ Laboratory Experiment.  Students hypothesized about which areas of Green School campus might be harboring the most germs.  They swabbed two sites of their choosing, then cultured their samples in petri dishes for 72 hours.  With the help of Ibu Margot (Visual Arts Teacher), students had a lesson on drawing scientifically, which culminated in 23 stunning artistic renditions of their bacteria colonies.  They then analyzed their results and formed conclusions about which areas of Green School harbor the most bacteria.  Letters were written to Chris Thompson, making recommendations about where the cleaning staff might focus their efforts.  Chris responded by joining the 7th graders for a discussion about bacteria, then introduced them to Ibu Nina who is going to follow through on three specific cleaning recommendations.  More attention will occur on the handrails in the Heart of School, the soap dispenser pumps next to every sink and the water valve handles and spouts in the Heart of School. Grade 7 students agreed to do a follow-up study of these sites in a few weeks to see if their scientific investigation and cleaning recommendations will make a difference to the health of the greater Green School community.

Thanks to Ibu Margot for her contribution to the interdisciplinary lesson on drawing scientifically and to Chris and Nina for their swift action plan in response to student recommendations.”

Thanks and congratulations to Ibu Sarah and the Grade 7 class for coming up with a project that combines science, visual art, and communication skills both written and oral in a way that will hopefully improve our school community!

Donation box for water bottle refills

It’s come to our attention that some community members are filling their big Aqua water jugs at the GS well just behind the aquaculture pond. We’re happy for everyone to enjoy our delicious free-range, organic water, but as there are maintenance costs associated with upkeep for the filtration system we’d ask respectfully that anyone filling their jug their make a donation in the special bamboo box right next to the tap. The suggested donation is Rp 10,000 for a full jug– below market rates!

Bamboopalooza! 9 December, 3:30-6:30 PM

Bamboopalooza! 9 December, 3:30-6:30 PM
Upon further reflection and based on input from some Grade 9 students, the holiday extravaganza has been renamed Bamboopalooza. Our group of parent volunteers is busy planning a number of great events. More info to come but please keep those calendars marked…

Bamboo Bicycle Update from Pak Chad

Marty Odlin will be here this week  to help build bamboo bikes (bamboo bike studio).
We will be building two bikes this week, starting Tuesday afternoon and ending Friday afternoon.
The building will take place in the coffee shop. There will be a presentation and a Q & A session in the coffee shop on Thursday from 9:00 am to 10:00 am for the GS community.
Students will be involved in the building of the bikes in 1/2 day rotations. Anyone can stop by to watch the process at their convenience. One of the bikes being built will be part of the silent auction on Dec. 9th. For more information, please see the following links: www.bamboobikestudio.com
http://blog.bamboobikestudio.com/zacks-new-bamboo-bike-studio-bike/

Grade 8 Participates in Census of Wild Bali Starling Population on Nusa Penida

Here is another great example of integrated learning in action, Green School-style, from Pak Matt: “Last week four 8th graders (Izzy, lyyli, Nicholas and Cole)  and I joined the Begawan Foundation’s semi-annual Bali Starling Bird Audit in Nusa Penida.

The purpose of the trip was to observe the behavior of the Bali Starlings who, thanks to the Begawan Foundation, have been released back into the wild.  During our trip the kids toured the island with local bird expert and naturalist extraordinaire, Sumadi, and were also joined by the “Head of Conservation and Science” from Chester Zoo in Europe as well as Begawan staff

Over the course of the trip the kids performed four different audits at different times and locations across the island in an attempt to establish whether the efforts to breed and release the endangered bird are effective or not.  Although the final data is still being compiled and compared to data from previous audits, we are happy to report that every single person in our group reported multiple sightings of the bird over the course of our 3 day audit!  Many of these sightings were of birds that did not have an identification ring on their foot which would suggest that they were not the original birds that were released by Begawan Foundation back in 2008 but instead that they were new offspring!  Hooray

Although all of our sunrises and sunsets were spent collecting data about the current population size and location of the Bali Starling throughout the island, we also managed to find time to do a beach clean-up, tour a local village compound, and of course to explore the local markets in a search for Nusa Penida’s best warung!  Thanks to the great group of kids who joined this trip and to the Begawan Foundation for hosting us and sharing this amazing experience with us!

Pak Matt

Bali Starling event on campus

A few days later, Green School and the Begawan Foundation hosted an on-campus event to welcome around 20 Bali Starlings that have recently been repatriated from zoos and bird parks in Europe (mainly Germany, Poland, and the Czech Republic) and have joined our breeding program. Because the original group of Bali Starlings here all descend from a limited ancestral pool, the new birds will play a vital role in helping us increase genetic diversity.

Thirty guests joined the presentation, including government officials and media. Speakers included Begawan founder Bradley Gardner and representatives of the Governor of Bali and the Bupati of Badung, and Green School 8th Graders Camilla and Ritvik helped lead a tour of the breeding enclosures. Stay tuned for more exciting developments from Begawan Foundation…

GS Withdrawal Reminder: Wednesday, 16 November deadline

Green School parents, please be reminded that 16 November is the last day to notify us of your intention to withdraw following the end of Term 1 without forfeiting your deposit.

Sports Update

VOLLEYBALL:
Another unbeaten run for the 9/10 mixed volleyball team this week! Well done boys and girl!

The 11/12 girls also beat BIS and will face off against Dyatmika this week for a spot in the semi-finals.

Green School will be hosting the 9/10 and 11/12 Dyatmika teams on Wed 16 Nov starting at 3pm-Come along and support our volleyballers!

BASKETBALL SEASON:
Attention parent volunteers:
We’re looking for a volunteer parent to run a basketball session every Wednesday 3:30-4:30pm for the 5-8 yr olds at Green School from January to March.
8-14yr old students representing Green School in the BSSA will play their games on Wednesdays as per usual. There are no official games for 5-8yr olds.

Basketball season starts next term(after the Dec/Jan holidays) and practice days for each age group will be announced shortly.

Many thanks!
Pak Colin

Grade 3 Bark Along With Art Exhibition

Links That Make Us Think

Check out this Ted Talk from a 12 year-old I-Phone app designer!

Environmental Studies through the Grades

Our students have been focusing their learning on various themes, from nature appreciation and exploration to managing local and global environment. Please click here for the full information on Environmental Studies though the grades at Green School. click here

Our own weekly news

To submit your own news updates for inclusion, please send it to Agung Lea at leaoka@greenschool.org by 12 noon each Wednesday.We cannot always guarantee inclusion and we may have to delay for a week at times.

Visit the Green School Website: http://www.greenschool.org

Visit the Green School Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/greenschool

It’s another action-packed week here at Green School. We’ve got updates on the middle school’s impressive showing at the Bali Math Competition this past weekend and Grade 7’s recent trip to Bali EcoVillage. For chocoholics, there is information on the grand opening party for Big Tree Farms’ new chocolate factory opening party this coming Friday (11/11/11), featuring Kijane, Green School’s marimba band. (Kijane and Supa Kalulu, made up of some of the members of Kijane, are also playing this week at the Indonesian Music Expo.) We’ve also got a thank you to some very special GS parent, the latest from Changemakers, and much, much, more…

In this issue:

1. Green School Students Achieve at Bali Math Competition!
2. Green School Holiday Extravaganza
3. Request for items for Garage Sale for Holiday Fair from Michelle Frasher
4. Great Green School thanks to parents Erika Carpenter and Nikki Macfarlane!!!
5. BSSA Sports
6. New Events calendar
7. Bamboo in the News
8. Bamboo Chocolate Factory opening party featuring Green School Marimba – Kijane
9. Green School Marimba also performing at Indonesian Music Expo
10. Grade 7 Odyssey trip report
11. Changemaker Assembly & Awards last Friday
12. News from the Changemaker Forum
13. Green School Family Social Dates!
14. The New Millennium Bridge is on its way up!
15. Important notice regarding students leaving Green School
16. Our own weekly news

Green School Students Achieve at Bali Math Competition!

On Saturday, November 5th, 9 students from GS attended the 2nd annual Bali Math Competition hosted by Bali International School in Sanur. Five schools from around Bali sent a total of approximately 60 students who competed in both individual and team events. In individual competition, Natasha Ahman took 2nd place in the Junior Division, out of about 30 students!  Then, the GS 7th and 6th grade teams won 2nd and 3rd places, respectively, in the Junior Division team event, out of a total of 10 teams.

A big thanks to Pak Aron for organizing and preparing the GS teams for the event and kudos to Pak Andy, our 6th and 7th grade math teacher, for a fantastic showing by his students! Congratulations to all the following students who participated: Nicholas Saye, Connor Clarke, Izzy Ackerman, Tia Nilsen, Natasha Ahman, Anneleen De Ruiter,  Maxwell Hidajat, Marcus Saye, and Anjali Dalmia.

Mark your calendars: Green School Holiday Extravaganza, Friday, 9 December 3:15 PM- 6:30 PM

Please see note below from GS parent Linda Jenour:

Dear Green School Community,

We are planning a Green School Holiday Fun Fair for Friday 9 December 2011 from 3.15 pm until evening.

The purpose of this event is to bring our community together and celebrate a great year at Green School. Friends and family are most welcome.
Fun activities will include a bouncy castle, tug of war, mud pit madness, raw chocolate making, slip and slide, pony rides, lucky dip, face painting door prizes, raffles and much more.
There will also be delicious food stalls offering french crepes, sausage sizzle, cake stall, organic produce and drinks for sale.
Vendors from across the island will be selling jewellry,clothing, bags, soaps, ceramics, plants, greeting cards and many other interesting items.

We are seeking donations for the Silent Auction.  Such items would be furniture, hotel / villa accommodation, restaurant gift cards, cooking classes, jewelry and spa packages.  All donors will receive full promotional exposure such as a banner display on the school grounds, promotional material display and distribution at the entrance, company logo on the sponsor board, mention in the newsletter and MC announcement throughout the event.

Please contact Rachel Tobias if you have a voucher or gift for the Silent Auction, on rachel.tobias@greenschool.org and 082 147 902 309.

If you would like to have a stall at the fair the cost is Rp 200,000 for parents and Rp 250,000 for others.
The gymnasium, oval and Heart of School will be available for use.  Tables and chairs will be provided.

Please contact Renate Hamilton on singaporebabe@hotmail.com and 081 338 292 986.

Each class will also hold a stall.  The students can choose what they would like to do. For example, lucky dip, popcorn stand, herbs and plants for sale,
greeting cards, home made lemonade / ginger beer, second hand toys and books, nail art and coloured hair spray.
If any parents would like to be involved or have any ideas to contribute please contact Linda Jenour on linda.jenour@gmail.com and 081 558 959 042.

Funds raised from this fair will be distributed equally between the Balinese Scholarship Fund and the John Fawcett Foundation.

This event is just 5 weeks away so we hope to hear from you soon.

Request for items for Garage Sale for Holiday Fair from Michelle Frasher

Hello everyone,
It is time to purge that useful junk that lies around your house (you know the saying, ” One person’s junk is another’s treasure…”.  We are having a Holiday Fair on Dec. 9th at Green School.  This is a fund raiser for the John Fawcett foundation, and for the Green School scholarship program.

We all have stuff laying around that needs a good home, this is the perfect opportunity to donate for such a good cause.  We will accept anything in good condition.  Some examples would be books, toys, kitchen wear, clothes, just anything that is in good shape.
This garage sale will be sponsored by Grade 2 B.  Please bring all donations to grade 2 B, before Dec. 9th.

Thank you!
Michelle 081247171971

Great Green School thanks to parents Erika Carpenter and Nikki Macfarlane!!!

You’ll be hearing more about their efforts later, but for now we thought it was time to acknowledge the huge amount of work put in by GS parents Nikki Macfarlane and Erika Carpenter towards developing the secondary program here. Both families have been at GS from the beginning, and Erika and Nikki are inspiring examples total commitment and support. Below are some thoughts from Pak Joel:

“Nikki and Erika are true believers in Green School’s potential, and they work tirelessly towards the goal of reaching that potential.  They have given a lot, but let’s just focus on this year.  They have made countless individual contributions, but I always think of them as a team working within the big picture of Green School.  Individually and together they count the following among their contributions this year alone:

Designed a comprehensive curriculum for Green Business Enterprise and has co-taught the course (Nikki)

Designed a moodle page that will connect all parts of the high school system this year and begin to encompass the rest of the school next year; this work includes many hours of programming and assisting teachers in meeting documentation deadlines, as well as providing training for teachers, helping with report cards, providing models for reflective practice in HS (Nikki and Erika)

Took on the role of interim University Counselor – includes organizing grade 10 and 11′s inclusion in BIS’s PSAT and university information sessions, and setting up a mentorship program for grade 11 students
(Erika)

Currently play an integral role in developing our high school program (Nikki and Erika)”

BSSA Sports

VOLLEYBALL
Well done to the 9/10 mixed team who were unbeaten in their matches with BIS and Dyatmika

The 13/14 boys team(a mix of 11-13 yr olds) did well against experienced and in some cases much older opposition and scored an exciting 2 sets to 1 victory against the BIS B team.

Matches this week Wed: 9 Nov-3pm

9/10 mixed at SIS
11/12 girls at BIS
13/14 boys at Dyatmika

Buses leave GS 2pm and will return by 5pm. Parents please inform coaches if you’re collecting your child from the match venue.

SWIMMING: GS Swim Club
The second 8 week block of morning swim training at the Soka  pool(just north of Green School) starts on Tues 15 November. Training is from 6:30-7:30am on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and open to Gr3-11 swimmers.
Cost is 1 360 000 per swimmer per 8 week block(85 000 per lesson including pool entry) We currently have a core group training hard with the main focus on technique.
The BSSA swim meet takes place on 15 March and is open to all students regardless of whether they’re training with the morning club.

COMMUNITY/Social SOCCER
Tuesdays 10-14yrs
Wednesdays 6-9yrs

Many thanks
Pak Colin

New Events calendar

We have a new and improved events calendar on the website, with a comprehensive listing of activities and events taking place at Green School: http://www.greenschool.org/calendar/ You can also find it in the drop-down menu under “Community” on the homepage of the website. Please check regularly to make sure you don’t miss any of the great things coming up at GS!

Bamboo in the News

This video and the accompanying text article appeared in media outlets throughout the world last week. http://msn.nzherald.co.nz/ Green School gets a mention, as do our friends across the river at Big Tree Farms, which is co-owned by GS parents Blair and Ben Ripple (Lila, Grade 1; Noli, Pre-K). Please see the next piece for exciting news from Big Tree!

Bamboo Chocolate Factory opening party featuring Green School Marimba- Kijane, 11/11/11

This coming Friday marks the official opening of Big Tree’s new bamboo chocolate factory, right across the river from Green School. Please click on the following link for details on the grand opening party, featuring a musical performance from Kijane, the Green School marimba band. More Detail

Green School Marimba also performing at Indonesian Music Expo

It’s a busy week for Green School Marimba! Supa Kalula, an Ubud-based world music supergroup including Ibu Jan and Green School students will be appearing this evening at the Indonesian Music Expo. Kijane will be featured tomorrow evening. This is a world class musical event organized by GS parent Franki Raden (Ratri, Grade 11)– the event closes on SUnday with a talk from the legendary producer Quincy Jones ( “Thriller”)– so please come out and support it. Please see details here

Grade 7 Odyssey trip report from Ibu Mary and Ibu Sarah

Our three day Odyssey Institute field trip, held at Bali Eco Village, was a huge success thanks to the fantastic attitudes and involvement of each and every 7th grader who came along.  The purpose of the trip was to focus on this year’s Green Studies theme of “health and healing.” Students held lengthy discussions and participated in: group activities, dramatic interludes, yoga practices, hiking, writing assignments and solo time to focus on what makes an individual holistically healthy.  We broke holistic health into five areas: physical, mental, emotional, social and spiritual.  There was also a time for a gender workshop where boys and girls separated to discuss issues relevant to their gender, self-perseptiions and specific age group.  Follow-up at Green School will include checking up on holistic health goals students set during the trip during Community time, continuing our study of health and healing in Science class through the study of nutrition and diseases of Bali, and some reflective writing assignments in English class.  Thanks again for the wonderfully positive participation, 7th Graders. We all had a great time at Bali EcoVillage! The food was great, accommodations were lovely, the whole team worked well together and a special thanks Ben and Brad from Odyssey Institute! You guys rock!

-Ibu Mary and Ibu Sarah

Changemaker Assembly & Awards last Friday

Last Friday Grade 5 hosted the assembly, with an interactive presentation on explorers and ‘Are you smarter than a 5th Grader’. It was also Halloween Dress Up Day, which made it a very scary assembly. The student council gave out prizes for the best, scariest, greenest and cutest costumes.

Congratulations to the Changemaker Award winners: The Student Village and the Saye Family for their involvement in the Ocean Conservancy International Coastal Clean Up Day; Jam Maraire for her

The Changemaker’s Assembly takes place on the last Friday of each month to celebrate the projects that students, teachers and parents are working together on to have a positive impact on our community.

News from the Changemaker Forum

At the Changemaker Forum Jo Guelke introduced all the Class Ambassadors in our new class ambassador network. There is now a parent rep in each class to connect parents, support the teacher.

All newcomers are welcome to support the various projects taking place this term, including: Green Energy, Solar Power, The Vortex, Green Apps, Green School Farm, Herb Garden, Watermelon Project, Bali Starling, Bali Black Pig, Natural Arts, Waste Management, Water, Class Ambassadors, Student Village, Community Outreach, Green Citizen Handbook, Social Events, Living in Bali, Flagpole Project, Bamboo Cards, Green Camp, Green SuperCamp, Millennium Bridge, Scholarship Fund and Yoga Studio.

To get involved, connect with Agung Lea at Concierge, or email leaoka@greenschool.org

Green School Family Social Dates!

Some important times to put in your calendar:

The next Green School Family Day is Friday 25th November. We have changed the time of the Steve’s Parent & Principal Meeting and the Changemaker Forum before the assembly, and the Family Social straight after the assembly, to make it easier for everyone with young children to attend:

12.00pm – 1.00pm – Principal meeting with parents (over lunch)
1.00pm – 2.30pm – Changemaker Forum
2.30pm – 3.00pm – Changemaker Assembly
3.00pm – 5.00pm – Family Social & Living in Bali

This will be the penultimate Family Day in 2011, so come and join us! (There will also be a Family Day on December 9th with an Indonesia Appreciation Day and Family Fair organised by teachers and families).

The New Millennium Bridge is on its way up!

The new Green School Bridge began this month and is getting built with the help of Ibuku’s skilled artisans and funding from Green School Parents. It is going up fast, and will be finished by next month, so hurry down to the river and see history in the making before it’s complete!

The new Bridge is named the Millennium Bridge as it is a metaphor for our focus in bridging from the past we have inherited to the new future we are creating – for ourselves and our planet. The Bridge is a very unique design, that improves on the previous iconic image, and includes seating for the bridge to be turned into a learning, reading and reflection space.

Here is the new Bridge going up..

Join the Senior Green SuperCamp this December!

Following the success of our Junior Green SuperCamp in July, we will be holding our first Senior Green SuperCamp this December. This is a joint partnership with SuperCamp (the world leader in summer enrichment camps for students). The Senior Green SuperCamp is open for students from 14 to 18 years old and will be taking place from Sat 17^th to Fri 23^rd December, right after the end of term.

This is a very exciting initiative which brings transformational results in both life and learning skills for the students who attend, preparing teens for the future. We expect many students to be flying in from around the world for this event. There will also be a ‘parent camp’ for parents to understand how to make the most of the leadership and accelerated learning skills that are at the core of Green SuperCamp.

You can find out more about Green SuperCamp by visiting www.greensupercamp.com

Important notice regarding students leaving Green School at the end of Term 1

To ensure a full refund of deposit; 15 November is the last day to inform us in writing if you decide to withdraw for Term 2. Please email admissions@greenschool.org if you are not planning to return to Green  School in January. Thanks!

Our own weekly news

To submit your own news updates for inclusion, please send it to Agung Lea at leaoka@greenschool.org by 12 noon each Wednesday.We cannot always guarantee inclusion and we may have to delay for a week at times.

Visit the Green School Website: http://www.greenschool.org

Visit the Green School Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/greenschool

“To teach a man how he may learn to grow independently, and for himself, is perhaps the greatest service that one man can do another.”
by  Benjamin Jowett

We’re pleased to present the latest issue of the Green School weekly newsletter.

We’ve got updates on solar power and the bridge construction projects, a profile of GS parent, environmental activist and iconoclast Ben Brown, and a sneak preview at an end of term holiday fair being organized by some GS parents be sure to save the afternoon of Friday 9 December for what promises to be a memorable day!

We’ve got organic berries from Java, an exciting student and teacher driven project building bamboo bicycles, and the latest from the BSSA.

In this issue:

1. People Profile
2. Angklung Assembly
3. Update on Solar Power
4. Bridge Update
5. Student Village Movie Night
6. Berries!!!
7. Changes to Lunch Program for Term 2
8. Green School Holiday Extravaganza
9. Pelan-pelan
10. Info on Bamboo Bicycle Project
11. BSSA update
12. Our own weekly news

People Profile: Ben Brown

“Free Your Mind and the Grass Will Follow…”

“I can’t sit still for more than 10 minutes in an office building, and I fidgeted my way through formal schooling,” said GS parent Ben Brown. “Why should my sons and daughters be confined between cinder block walls?  Being in contact with the wind and the rain and the green smell is essential to experiencing the human condition in this world.  Free your mind, and the grass will follow.”

Ben’s sons Rian, grade 6, and Kaleed, pre-K, attend Green School. Ben ploughs all his passion and a decade and a half of experience with environmental work in Indonesia into his efforts to cultivate the Green Farm surrounding the Heart of School.

“A year and a half ago, we introduced bio-intensive farming to Green School, through a season-long training and development of a demonstration farm,” said Ben.

This year, Green Farm is organized into three divisions, including provision of inputs, food production and harvest and post-harvest processing.

“There will be seven mini-farms, run by a working pair of farmers, which use bio-intensive beds to produce vegetables, calorie crops (tubers, corn and some rice) and lots of legumes,” explained Ben. “We are especially focused on developing Wing Bean (Kecipir) and Jack Bean (Kacang Kara) as soy replacements.”

“The key is to always involve the farmers in planning.  Decisions should not be made for farmers, nor packaged technologies or systems forced upon them,” said Ben. “It is essential to build from skills and knowledge that the farmers already have, and to introduce new ideas and skills through trials.  The farmers should always be at the center of decision making, building their critical thinking skills. This is the key to long-term sustainable management of a farm – pro-active, empowered farmers.”

Ben has been living and working in Indonesia since 1995, initially as a volunteer at the Environmental Education Center in East Java (PPLH) in watershed monitoring.  Then a posting with Volunteers in Asia took him to North Sulawesi for three years at Yayasan KELOLA involved in Community Based Coastal Resource Management.

In 2000, Ben started Mangrove Action Project – Indonesia with some friends.  Since that time he has worked in 13 provinces in Indonesia, developing Ecological Mangrove Rehabilitation in about 1,500 hectares of degraded mangrove forest.

Ben has also been involved with building community resource centers, and he started a small bamboo business in East Java (Sahabat Bambu) which is going strong.

Ben consults on behalf of MAP Indonesia in Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia, Cambodia and Timor Leste.  The largest current project is a 5-year effort with 60 communities in South Sulawesi called Restoring Coastal Livelihoods, supported by CIDA and OXFAM GB (www.rcl.or.id).

“We are also working on mangrove restoration in two districts in Aceh,” said Ben, “and are involved in the Restoring Blue Carbon Habitats project with Charles Darwin University and Flora-Fauna International.”

“I would say the [greatest challenge] is ensuring that women have equal access to resources and say in how they are managed.”

Women and men of the Green School community are invited to get involved in the Green Farm by participating in a 16-week introductory course in which they will learn the 8 principles and 19 tasks of BI farming.

Angklung Assembly: Friday, 4 November at 2:30 PM

As always, families are invited to join us for the Friday assembly. This week’s should be especially interesting (although it will be tough to follow Grade 5’s magnificent effort this past Friday!), as we’ll be joined by American ethnomusicologist Meghan Hynson. Meghan will bring with her an angklung ensemble and giving a workshop for our students. Angklung is a bamboo musical instrument native to Indonesia but now popular throughout Southeast Asia. Click here to see a video of a record-setting angklung performance that recently took place in Washington DC:

Update on Solar Power from GS parent Tom Navasaro

A group of senior school students have taken leadership in installing and planning the school’s solar plant under the mentorship of the change maker parents and vendors, and the Solar plant installation has begun. During the last term break a team of “non vacationers” decided to spend their holiday playing with solar panels. The team accomplished the design for the Solar room, and layout of the 108 PV panels. The plant hopes to produce up to 22Kw!  Join the next “place and stake” session for the PVs this Thursday.

We are also building out the BII ATM machine with its own Solar power source and bamboo ATM wrap. It will be located  next to the GS Warung. The team is aiming for 11-11-11 for the launching of what is very likely the world’s first solar-powered ATM machine!

Bridge Update

Anyone who has been down to the river lately would have noticed that the bridge project remains a hive of activity, with huge progress made over the last few weeks. Still, realistically the new bridge won’t be completed until late December. We’ll likely be having the grand re-opening celebration at the start of Term 2 in January. Stay tuned!

Student Village Movie Night, Saturday, 5 November at 7:00 PM in Sanur

On Saturday, 5th of November at 7 p.m., the Student Village is hosting a FREE movie night featuring the epic film “One Giant Leap.” Families can watch the trailer on You Tube at

The venue is located beachfront in Sanur next to the Mercure Hotel in a beautiful open air movie theatre at the Power of Now (www.powerofnowoasis.com). We encourage families to enjoy dinner on the beach and then head over to watch this very inspiring film about two musicians who travel the world asking powerful questions about life while creating some of the best new music on the planet during the film’s production.

Seating is limited, so please RSVP to David Portues: dsporteus@gmail.com or 0852 3884 2386.

Berries!!!

After a brief interruption caused by the earthquake, organic berries from Java are now available again. Please email Luli at luli@ibaldesigns by the end of Tuesday to place your order for Friday 3:30 PM pick-up. The prices are going up slightly to Rp 50,000 for the blueberries and raspberries and Rp 25,000 for the strawberries, but this is still well below what you would pay at Carrefour!.

Changes to Lunch Program for Term 2

Based on increasing costs of imported food items, we have decided that as of the start of Term 2 in January, prices for the international student lunch will go up to Rp 25,000. Indonesian lunch will hold steady at Rp 20,000. We’re also going to offer a pre-payment option for the whole term that will lock in the lower price for both meal options. The total for the term comes to Rp 2,360.000. Please email ben@greenschool.org for info on signing up for this.

Mark your calendars: Green School Holiday Extravaganza, Friday, 9 December 3:15 PM- 6:30 PM

Please see note below from GS parent Linda Jenour:

Dear Green School Community,

We are planning a Green School Holiday Fun Fair for Friday 9 December 2011 from 3.15 pm until evening.

The purpose of this event is to bring our community together and celebrate a great year at Green School. Friends and family are most welcome.
Fun activities will include a bouncy castle, tug of war, mud pit madness, raw chocolate making, slip and slide, pony rides, lucky dip, face painting door prizes, raffles and much more.
There will also be delicious food stalls offering french crepes, sausage sizzle, cake stall, organic produce and drinks for sale.
Vendors from across the island will be selling jewellry,clothing, bags, soaps, ceramics, plants, greeting cards and many other interesting items.

We are seeking donations for the Silent Auction.  Such items would be furniture, hotel / villa accommodation, restaurant gift cards, cooking classes, jewelry and spa packages.  All donors will receive full promotional exposure such as a banner display on the school grounds, promotional material display and distribution at the entrance, company logo on the sponsor board, mention in the newsletter and MC announcement throughout the event.
Please contact Rachel Tobias if you have a voucher or gift for the Silent Auction, on rachel.tobias@greenschool.org and 082 147 902 309.

If you would like to have a stall at the fair the cost is Rp 200,000 for parents and Rp 250,000 for others.
The gymnasium, oval and Heart of School will be available for use.  Tables and chairs will be provided.
Please contact Renate Hamilton on singaporebabe@hotmail.com and 081 338 292 986.

Each class will also hold a stall.  The students can choose what they would like to do. For example, lucky dip, popcorn stand, herbs and plants for sale,
greeting cards, home made lemonade / ginger beer, second hand toys and books, nail art and coloured hair spray.
If any parents would like to be involved or have any ideas to contribute please contact Linda Jenour on linda.jenour@gmail.com and 081 558 959 042.

Funds raised from this fair will be distributed equally between the Balinese Scholarship Fund and the John Fawcett Foundation.

This event is just 6 weeks away so we hope to hear from you soon.

Pelan-pelan, Please!

We heard reports last week that a GS driver came perilously close to hitting a local child while driving too fast down the new west side access road. Please be sure to observe the 20 KPH speed limit on the back road, and make sure to let your drivers know as well. Many thanks for your cooperation.

Info on Bamboo Bicycle Project from Pak Chad

A few teachers and students will be working with Marty Odlin, a engineer from “The Bamboo Studio” to build 7 bamboo bike frames.  We will be building 2 frames at a time throughout the remainder of the school year.  One of the bikes from the first round of building (built with Mary’s direct help and supervision) will be built into a complete bike donated to the silent auction on December 9th at the Holiday Fair.  All proceeds will go to the Balinese scholarship fund at GS  I have provided a link to the company,their BlogSpot, as well as a photo of a bike that someone made in one of the workshops.

Cheers,
Chad

www.bamboobikestudio.com
http://blog.bamboobikestudio.com/zacks-new-bamboo-bike-studio-bike/

BSSA update from Pak Colin

Well done to the 9/10 Boys football team for making the BSSA Grand final!
It came down to penalties after a hard fought 0-0 draw and unluckily we went down 1-0 after a couple great shots hit the post. But that’s football!
What a fantastic season for our boys!!

Onto Volleyball season now…

Wed 2 Nov the following matches take place:

9/10 and 13/14 at BIS
11/12 at SIS

Bemos depart school at 2pm, games start 3pm and bemos will return by 5pm Please let coaches know if you’re picking your child up in Sanur after the matches

The 15/0 boys and girls tournament takes place Thursday 17 November

Further Sports Info:

Bali Football Academy will be holding trainings starting in November on Wednesdays and Sundays.

Email – info@balifootballacademy.com to sign up for trainings and info

VOLLEYBALL MATCH DATES for the rest of term:

2 Nov-3pm
9/10 mixed and 13/14 boys at BIS
11/12 girls at SIS
9 Nov-3pm
9/10 mixed at SIS
11/12 girls at BIS
13/14 boys at Dyatmika
16 Nov-3pm
9/10 mixed and 11/12 girls at Green School
17 Nov-1pm
15/0 tournament at Dyatmika
30 Nov-3pm
9/10 mixed at BIS

Our own weekly news

To submit your own news updates for inclusion, please send it to Agung Lea at leaoka@greenschool.org by 12 noon each Wednesday.We cannot always guarantee inclusion and we may have to delay for a week at times.

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