Partnering with Parents to Accomplish Learning Goals for Our Students

Blair Lee,
Principal

As I finish my first two months as Principal at Branksome Hall Asia I thought it would be good to take some time for reflection but also to look ahead. It has been enjoyable for me to get into classrooms and see the students engaged in their learning. I have also been encouraged to see so many parents coming to campus to volunteer, learn more about their children's program of learning, and work with the Friends of Branksome or our Parent Advisory.

I would like to share with you some of the goals that the faculty and staff of Branksome Hall Asia have adopted for this year and let you know the ways that you can help support these goals.

Goal #1 - Strengthen the Branksome Hall Asia Community (students, parents, faculty, staff, and leadership groups)

We recognize that the restrictions imposed by the authorities to manage the pandemic over the past several years have limited our ability to meet as a community. With the repealing of Covid-related regulations, we are committed to hosting numerous in-person parent sessions this year to enable you to learn more about what an IB education is and how we deliver the program. In addition, we are planning whole-school celebratory events where we can all come together to fellowship and support one another. I believe Together is Better!

Goal #2 - Enhance student critical thinking skills

Although considered a soft skill, there is little doubt that critical thinking plays a valuable role in preparing students for university, careers, and civic life. The development and enhancement of critical thinking skills are foundational to the three IB programs offered by Branksome Hall Asia. A number of our faculty have joined the Project Zero professional learning community from Harvard Graduate School of Education. PZ is a research center that explores topics in education such as deep thinking, understanding, intelligence, creativity, and ethics. For more information about PZ, please visit their website at http://www.pz.harvard.edu/. We are committed to creating an environment in which students of all ages are encouraged to objectively analyze problems, identify connections, ask probing questions, formulate opinions and draw rational conclusions.

Goal #3 - Inspire students to shape a better world through authentic experiences and action

An IB education is not only focused on creating knowledgeable and capable academic learners but it aspires to use education to create a better and more peaceful world. Branksome Hall Asia is committed to partnering with our local community for meaningful projects that will benefit our neighborhood. We are also exploring ways to establish international and in-country service projects. We are excited to have our students experience learning outside of the four walls of their classroom and participate in authentic and experiential learning experiences through such programs as Week Without Walls. I would encourage you to get involved in various service learning programs that require parent volunteers. If you come across a possible service opportunity that might be good for us to explore, please share that information.

It is an honor to partner with you as we educate your children. Together is Better.

Sincerely,

Blair Lee, Ed. D.

Principal, Branksome Hall Asia