DBIS News 
Keep up to date with what's happening in the school with our fortnightly newsletter.
May Update
Dear Parents
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Mark Award: Following an extensive external assessment, we are delighted to announce that Discovery Bay International School has been awarded the prestigious ICT Mark by Becta (a United Kingdom government body responsible for recognising valuable use of ICT in British and International schools and colleges). Discovery Bay International School is recognised as being the first Independent International School to gain this award.
This award acknowledges our school’s success in developing the strategic use of ICT across the curriculum and in administration. The associated report makes particular reference to our strengths with regard: teaching and learning approaches, coordination and leadership, the quality and capability of our staff, the consistency and depth of curriculum planning and our progressive thinking.
We are extremely pleased to have attained this award and would like to acknowledge the creative and consistent efforts of our staff and students along with the ongoing support of our parent community.
Secondary School Enrolments: Our Year 7 classes for the coming year are already full and we have a waiting list in place. In response to the growing requests from parents of our current Year 5 students, please find attached with this newsletter information relating to the application procedure along with the application form for enrolment into our 2011 – 2012 Year 7 classes. If you have any questions, please contact Mr Andy Edwards, Head of Senior School.
Primary School Timetable: Our Primary School staff members have been through a process of reviewing our timetable options for the coming school year. Our key focus has remained on reading, writing and mathematics. Our current timetable reflects this important emphasis.
The introduction of the International Primary Curriculum has had a positive impact upon our curriculum delivery, notably in science, geography, history, art and design technology. To further enhance the delivery of our curriculum we will be increasing the total teaching and learning time time.
With effect from the beginning of our 2010 / 2011 school year, the start time of our Primary School day will be at the earlier time of 8:25 am, while the end of the day will remain at 3:00 pm. This increase of teaching and learning time for all Primary students effectively adds two weeks to their school year.
There is no fee increase related to this change.
Secondary School Timetable: Our Secondary School timetable will also be adjusted for the new school year. As indicated to our Secondary School parents, the daily timetable will change to six lessons, each of a fifty five minute duration.
With effect from the beginning of our 2010 / 2011 school year, the start time of our Secondary School day will be at the earlier time of 8:15 am, while the end of the day will remain at 3:15 pm. This increase of teaching and learning time for all Secondary students effectively adds one and a half weeks to their school year.
There is no fee increase related to this change.
Class Lists for the Next School Year: A further reminder that our school staff will no longer be accepting parent requests for placement of students with teachers in the coming 2010 / 2011 school year. We have made every effort to accommodate such requests in the past four years. The number of requests has grown to a point where it becomes impossible to balance classes when accounting for the range of considerations required of our teachers.
It is important to note again that we have high quality and hugely talented teachers throughout our school, along with a wonderful array of students. Students always settle into their respective new classes through the careful guidance of their new teachers.
Year 3 Production – Jungle Book: Yet again, the talents of our school community were amplified during the wonderful Year 3 production of Jungle Book last Thursday. The sparkle and energy of the entire cast were absorbed by an equally engaging audience. I never cease to be amazed as to the talents of our students, with last week’s performance being yet another example of their boundless abilities. It was, quite simply, an outstanding performance in the proudest traditions of our many school productions.
Thank you so much to all of our Year 3 parents – your work with your children and your amazing assistance with the costumes, make up, props along with the stunning set and backdrop was fantastic. Thank you to all of our staff involved, in whatever capacity, and in particular to: Jane Engelmann and Jayne Gonzales for your musical direction and accompaniment; to Ben Loran for your technical production; to our multi talented Year 3 teachers – Tracey Edwards, Linda Roxborough, Liz Tait and Kate Ringrose for your planning, auditions, rehearsals, choreography, direction and production – just superb work all round!
Primary School Touch Rugby Tournament: The DBIS boys and girls touch teams travelled to King's Park on Friday, 30 April, brimming with confidence after their respective tournament victories at the DBIS Beach Touch Tournament. Our boy’s team started brilliantly, winning all four of their games while allowing only one try in against them. The girls kicked off slightly later in the morning and after drawing and losing a match, the weather started to cause problems for everybody. The tournament was unfortunately abandoned with the boys in a strong position to win their third successive touch title.
With the season now finished, congratulations and thank you must go to all players and supporters. From Mr Corbett. (A special thank you also to Matt Corbett for your coaching work with these teams).
DBIS Annual Rugby Tournament: The end of season tackle rugby tournament took place last Friday in Discovery Bay. With schools from all over Hong Kong making the journey to Discovery Bay, we were able to mount a competitive and most enjoyable tournament.

DBIS played Kellett School in their first game and came out victors 6 tries to one. The nature of this win may have been too much as our DBIS boys were quickly brought back down to earth with a last minute 1-0 win against a determined and well organised Chinese International School. Over the next 3 games, DBIS managed to overcome the French International School, Discovery College, and our archrivals the Australian International School. These performances earned us a place in the final against the fast improving Kellett School. After a quick first half try, our team had their confidence up and came out tournament champions 3-0.
Assisted by their impressive leaders Blaise Barnes and Dante Gutu, the DBIS rugby team came through the season unbeaten, and much improved. The commitment, courage and skill shown by these players have been fantastic. Congratulations to all of our players. Thank you also to Gill Hadley and Sasha James for organising the tournament, and to all of our parents who assisted on the day. From Mr Corbett. (Thank you once again to Matt Corbett for your coaching of our tackle rugby team).
Year 5 Camp: Our Year 5 students undertook a more demanding second camp this year and successfully managed the range of challenging and exciting adventures. Our students were under the care of our school staff and also enjoyed the expert tutoring from the qualified and experienced Asia Pacific staff. While the weather proved a little daunting on the second day, all students made the most of their camping opportunities and had a great time. Thank you to all of our school staff for your planning and organisation leading up to the camp, and for your care provided for each student.
Public Hoilday: A quick reminder that school will close on Friday 21 May to recognise Buddha’s Birthday.
Calendar Update: Please refer to the following calendar reminders for May and the first week of June.
• Wednesday 19 May | Reception Mathematics Day
• Wednesday 19 May | Year 3 trip to the Organic Farm
• Wednesday 19 May | Year 2 open morning
• Thursday 20 May | Year 4 DB walk
• Friday 21 May | No school: Public holiday - Buddha's Birthday
• Monday 24 May | Year 6 SATs
• Monday 24 May | CDAC in Year 5
• Tuesday 25 May | Year 6 SATs
• Tuesday 25 May | CDAC in Year 5
• Wednesday 26 May | Year 6 SATs
• Thursday 27 May | Year 6 SATs
• Friday 28 May | Year 6 SATs
• Wednesday 2 June | Year 4 trip to Peng Chau
• Thursday 3 June | Years 6,7 & 8 Beijing Netball Trip
• Thursday 3 June | Reception water fun day
• Friday 4 June | Years 6,7 & 8 Beijing Netball Trip
• Friday 4 June | Nursery water fun day
• Saturday 5 June | Years 6,7 & 8 Beijing Netball Trip
Kind Regards
Grant Ramsay
Principal
Community Notices
Disclaimer - The following notices are presented as a community service. While the content is proofed and generally summarised, it is important to state that the information contained in these Community Notices in no way reflects Discovery Bay International School policy or practices.
University Fees Planning?: Financial Partners and Friends Provident International are presenting a session aimed at assisting parents in making financial provision for any future university fees. This presentation from Paul Forman will be held in the Globe at Discovery Bay International School, this Wednesday 19 May, from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Coffee / Tea and biscuits will be served. Could you please RSVP Vivian van Eeden on telephone 2827 1199 ext 134 or email
