Download - Bavarian International School

PRIMARY SCHOOL
2012-2013
Bavarian International School e.V. Primary School Office 08133 / 917 -161 or -162
Schloss Haimhausen Fax 08133 / 917 -165
Hauptstrasse 1 Main Reception Desk 08133 / 917 -0
D-85778 Haimhausen Website www.bis-school.com

Table of Contents
VISION, MISSION and MANDATE ........................................................................................................................... 6
Our Vision............................................................................................................................................................ 6
Our Mission ......................................................................................................................................................... 6
Our Mandate ....................................................................................................................................................... 6
ORIGINS and BACKGROUND ................................................................................................................................... 7
THE ASSOCIATION of the BAVARIAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL e.V. ..................................................................... 7
CAMPUS and FACILITIES.......................................................................................................................................... 7
School Layout ...................................................................................................................................................... 7
STAFF ....................................................................................................................................................................... 8
CURRICULUM OVERVIEW ....................................................................................................................................... 8
The International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme - IBPYP ................................................................. 8
IB Learner Profile ................................................................................................................................................ 8
Concepts - What do we want students to understand ................................................................................. 9
Knowledge ...................................................................................................................................................... 9
Skills - What do we want students to be able to do ..................................................................................... 9
Attitudes - What do we want students to value and feel ............................................................................. 9
Action - How do we want students to act ..................................................................................................... 9
Curriculum Summary ........................................................................................................................................ 10
For further information..................................................................................................................................... 10
DAY to DAY ACTIVITIES and PROCEDURES ............................................................................................................ 10
Admissions Policy / Grade Level Placement ..................................................................................................... 10
After School Activities ....................................................................................................................................... 11
Arrival and Dismissal ......................................................................................................................................... 11
Assemblies ........................................................................................................................................................ 11
Assessments ...................................................................................................................................................... 12
Attendance / Absences and Make Up Work ..................................................................................................... 12
Birthdays ........................................................................................................................................................... 13
Cafeteria and Food ............................................................................................................................................ 13
Calendar ............................................................................................................................................................ 13
Change of Address ............................................................................................................................................ 13
Class Placement Policy ...................................................................................................................................... 14
Code of Conduct ............................................................................................................................................... 14
Problem Solving Steps ................................................................................................................................... 15
Other Important Expectations ...................................................................................................................... 15
Primary School Discipline Procedures .............................................................................................................. 16
Disciplinary Measures ................................................................................................................................... 16
Financial Reimbursement ............................................................................................................................. 17
Appeal ........................................................................................................................................................... 17

Communication: Home and School .................................................................................................................. 18
BIS Intranet ................................................................................................................................................... 18
Parent / Grade Level Mass-mailing ............................................................................................................... 18
News and Notes ............................................................................................................................................ 18
Class and Grade Level News ......................................................................................................................... 18
Grade Level Curriculum Mornings ................................................................................................................ 18
Parent Information Sessions ......................................................................................................................... 18
Conferences .................................................................................................................................................. 18
Open Days ..................................................................................................................................................... 19
Homework Diary and Home/ School Folder ................................................................................................. 19
Sprechstunde - Open Door Policy ................................................................................................................. 19
Contact Guide ................................................................................................................................................... 19
Discipline ........................................................................................................................................................... 19
Elective Programme (EP)................................................................................................................................... 19
English as an Additional Language (EAL)........................................................................................................... 19
Emergency Procedures ..................................................................................................................................... 20
Field Trips .......................................................................................................................................................... 20
Guests ............................................................................................................................................................... 20
Guardianship ..................................................................................................................................................... 21
Homework ........................................................................................................................................................ 21
House Teams ..................................................................................................................................................... 21
Information Communication and Technology (ICT).......................................................................................... 22
Learning Assistance Programme (LAP) ............................................................................................................. 22
Library ............................................................................................................................................................... 23
Opening Hours .............................................................................................................................................. 23
The Collection ............................................................................................................................................... 23
Borrowing ...................................................................................................................................................... 23
Library Charges ............................................................................................................................................. 23
Library Behaviour Policy................................................................................................................................ 23
Parents .......................................................................................................................................................... 24
Online Assistance .......................................................................................................................................... 24
Lost and Found .................................................................................................................................................. 24
Mother Tongue Programme (MTP) .................................................................................................................. 24
Nurse’s Office .................................................................................................................................................... 25
School Health Records .................................................................................................................................. 25
Medication .................................................................................................................................................... 25
Students and Medication .............................................................................................................................. 25
Emergency Medical Care .............................................................................................................................. 26
Parent Teacher Organisation (PTO) .................................................................................................................. 27

Parent Volunteers ............................................................................................................................................. 28
Personal Belongings .......................................................................................................................................... 28
Photographs ...................................................................................................................................................... 28
Physical Education (P.E.) Requirements ........................................................................................................... 28
P.E. Sport Kit ..................................................................................................................................................... 28
Professional Development (PD)........................................................................................................................ 29
Recess Break ..................................................................................................................................................... 29
Religious Holidays ............................................................................................................................................. 29
Reporting .......................................................................................................................................................... 29
Focus Week ................................................................................................................................................... 29
Portfolio ........................................................................................................................................................ 29
Self Evaluation / Reflection ........................................................................................................................... 30
Student / Teacher Conference ...................................................................................................................... 30
Progress Report ............................................................................................................................................. 30
Student, Parent, and Teacher Conferences .................................................................................................. 30
Parent Comment ........................................................................................................................................... 30
Room Volunteers .............................................................................................................................................. 30
School Hours ..................................................................................................................................................... 31
Security ............................................................................................................................................................. 31
Student Council ................................................................................................................................................. 32
Student Support Services .................................................................................................................................. 32
Supplies and School Materials .......................................................................................................................... 32
Transition Education ......................................................................................................................................... 32
Transportation .................................................................................................................................................. 32
Withdrawal from BIS ......................................................................................................................................... 33
Yearbook ........................................................................................................................................................... 33
APPENDICES .......................................................................................................................................................... 34
Whole School Calendar 2012-2013................................................................................................................... 35
Primary School Calendar 2012-2013................................................................................................................. 35
Primary School Timetable ................................................................................................................................. 36
Primary School Staff List 2012-2013 ................................................................................................................. 37
Classroom Maps ................................................................................................................................................ 38
Class Supply Lists ............................................................................................................................................... 44
BIS Contact Guide ............................................................................................................................................ 51
Student Action Plan (Sample) ........................................................................................................................... 54
Parking and Entrance Map ................................................................................................................................ 55
BIS Accreditations ............................................................................................................................................. 56

VISION, MISSION and MANDATE
Our Vision
BIS strives to develop motivated, responsible life-long learners who make a difference to our
world.
Our Mission
Inspiring and challenging young minds as a caring and committed international community to
achieve excellence, assume responsibility and pursue life-long learning.
Our Mandate
Inspiring and challenging young minds
Stimulate inquiring minds and spark enthusiasm for discovery and exploration.
Focus on all aspects of student development: the academic, the intellectual, the creative,
the social, the physical, the ethical and the emotional.
As a caring and committed international community
Provide an open-minded and supportive atmosphere through a climate of commitment,
empathy and open communication.
Facilitate the acquisition of languages and understanding of culture by communicating
in English and by providing instruction of German and other languages.
Promote international-mindedness throughout our curriculum by exploring our
diversity of culture, language and experience while gaining insights from the unique
perspective of our German host culture.
Achieve excellence
Promote the acquisition of concepts, knowledge, skills and attitudes required to think
critically, pursue excellence and fulfil one’s personal potential.
Be a dynamic and progressive school with well-resourced and innovative programmes.
Pursue excellence through a commitment to the continuum of the IB programmes and
other accrediting educational organisations.
Assume responsibility
Stimulate inquiry into local and global issues from multiple perspectives and develop
the understanding that the opinions of others may also be right.
Build a strong sense of personal and social responsibility that sets the foundation for a
balanced lifestyle and encourages service to others, our community and our
environment.
5

Life-long learners
Challenge our students to become life-long learners by taking risks, reflecting on their
experiences and preparing for their futures.
Encourage parent and family involvement in each student’s learning to enhance the
success of our programmes.
Excel in standards of education with dedicated teachers and a committed staff who seek
multiple opportunities for professional development.
ORIGINS and BACKGROUND
The Bavarian International School e.V. was established in February 1991 to serve students (Pre-
Reception to Grade 12) from the multinational community of greater Munich and its
surrounding areas. The total enrolment is approximately 950, representing over 40 nationalities.
THE ASSOCIATION of the BAVARIAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL e.V.
The Bavarian International School e.V. is a non-profit association (Verein) with an elected Board
of Governors. All parents are automatically members of the Association once they have
officially joined the school. Current Board members are Chairman Dietmar Bauer, Vice-
Chairman Christiane Brock, Treasurer Wim Keja and General Members Kristin Jacobs-
Markwort, Jonathan Trent, Ruth Davies and Louise Holland. For further information please
refer to the Articles of Association available at the Admissions Office.
CAMPUS and FACILITIES
Located as it is in a beautiful area on the outskirts of a peaceful country town, about 20
kilometres north of the city of Munich, the Bavarian International School e.V. is ideally placed
to provide our students with a calm, high quality learning environment.
School Layout
Some of the Secondary School classrooms and administrative offices are housed in the Schloss
(mansion). Art and Music facilities have been developed in the loft of the Schloss, and a stateof-the-art
computer laboratory has been established on the first floor, in addition to the
numerous computers to be found in the work areas around the Schloss.
Our middle building hosts our Pre-Reception and Reception classes on the ground floor, the
Humanities classrooms and the Pre-Reception to Grade 2 Learning Support room on the first
floor and the Science laboratories, two Grade 5 classrooms and the Grade 3 to 5 Learning
Support room on the top floor. The Nurse’s office is located close to our Pre-Reception and
Reception classes on the ground floor.
A state-of-the-art Sports Hall and outdoor sports facilities including a tartan athletics track cater
to the Physical Education programme across the school. Our school facilities also include a
recently refurbished cafeteria, main entrance and foyer area and the Performing Arts
Auditorium.
Grades 1 to 5 from the Primary School are located in our purpose built facility, which also
accommodates a library, an ICT laboratory, two music rooms, a Technology room and some
Secondary School classrooms in addition to our Primary School classrooms.
6

STAFF
BIS employs over 100 well-qualified and experienced teaching staff representing around 19
different countries. They are organised into the Primary School (Pre-Reception to Grade 5) and
the Secondary School (Grades 6 to 12). There are approximately 40 administrative and support
staff.
CURRICULUM OVERVIEW
The International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme - IBPYP
We are authorised to teach the IBPYP. This programme is an international curriculum
framework, which combines the best research and practice from national school systems with
the collective knowledge and experience of international schools to provide an excellent
educational programme for children aged 4-12. It provides an age-appropriate programme for
children from diverse cultures and language backgrounds, and is transferable within national
and international systems. The IBPYP focuses on the development of the whole child: academic,
social, physical, emotional and cultural. This is expressed in the overall aims of the IBPYP,
outlined in the IB Learner Profile.
IB Learner Profile
The aim of all IB programmes is to develop internationally minded people who, recognising
their common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet help to create a better and more
peaceful world. IB learners strive to be:
Inquirers
Knowledgeable
Thinkers
Communicators
Principled
Open-minded
Caring
Risk-takers
Balanced
Reflective
They develop their natural curiosity. They acquire the skills necessary to
conduct inquiry and research and show independence in learning. They
actively enjoy learning and this love of learning will be sustained throughout
their lives.
They explore concepts, ideas and issues that have local and global
significance. In so doing, they acquire in-depth knowledge and develop
understanding across a broad and balanced range of disciplines.
They exercise initiative in applying thinking skills critically and creatively to
recognize and approach complex problems, and make reasoned, ethical
decisions.
They understand and express ideas and information confidently and
creatively in more than one language and in a variety of modes of
communication. They work effectively and willingly in collaboration with
others.
They act with integrity and honesty, with a strong sense of fairness, justice
and respect for the dignity of the individual, groups and communities. They
take responsibility for their own actions and the consequences that
accompany them.
They understand and appreciate their own cultures and personal histories,
and are open to the perspectives, values and traditions of other individuals
and communities. They are accustomed to seeking and evaluating a range of
points of view, and are willing to grow from the experience.
They show empathy, compassion and respect towards the needs and feelings
of others. They have a personal commitment to service, and act to make a
positive difference to the lives of others and to the environment.
They approach unfamiliar situations and uncertainty with courage and
forethought, and have the independence of spirit to explore new roles, ideas
and strategies. They are brave and articulate in defending their beliefs.
They understand the importance of intellectual, physical and emotional
balance to achieve personal well-being for themselves and others.
They give thoughtful consideration to their own learning and experience.
They are able to assess and understand their strengths and limitations in
order to support their learning and personal development.
7

The IBPYP written curriculum framework incorporates five essential elements: Concepts,
Knowledge, Skills, Attitudes and Action. The elements related to Concepts, Skills, Attitudes
and Actions are relevant across all subject areas and provide a framework for structured inquiry
- an ideal vehicle for learning. The remaining element is Knowledge. The emphasis in the
IBPYP is not the acquisition of isolated facts and skills but a holistic understanding of ideas.
Therefore, knowledge is not only seen as separate curriculum documentation but as the
development of transdisciplinary Units of Inquiry in a whole school Programme of Inquiry.
The programme strives for a balance in the acquisition of knowledge, the development of skills
and the search for understanding.
Concepts - What do we want students to understand
Eight fundamental concepts, expressed as key questions, propel the process of inquiry. They
are broad in scope and drive transdisciplinary units of inquiry and all classroom engagements.
The key concepts are:
Form
Function
Causation
Change
Connection
Perspective
Responsibility
Reflection
- What is it like
- How does it work
- Why is it like it is
- How is it changing
- How is it connected to other things
- What are the points of view
- What is our responsibility
- How do we know
Knowledge
The IBPYP identifies a body of significant knowledge for all students in all cultures in the six
subject groups: Languages; Social Studies; Mathematics; Science and Technology; The Arts;
Personal, Social and Physical Education. Six transdisciplinary themes provide the framework
for the exploration of knowledge at each grade level.
Who we are
Where we are in place and time
How we express ourselves
How the world works
How we organise ourselves
Sharing the planet
Skills - What do we want students to be able to do
The five areas of skill development acquired in the process of structured inquiry are Thinking,
Communication, Social, Research and Self-management.
Attitudes - What do we want students to value and feel
The programme promotes and fosters a set of attitudes including Tolerance, Respect, Integrity,
Independence, Enthusiasm, Empathy, Curiosity, Creativity, Co-operation, Confidence,
Commitment and Appreciation. These attitudes directly relate to the development of the
attributes listed in the Learner Profile.
Action - How do we want students to act
Students are encouraged to reflect, to choose wisely and to act responsibly with their peers,
school staff and in the wider community, based on their learning experience/ construction of
meaning.
8

Curriculum Summary
The IBPYP focuses on the heart as well as the mind of learners and addresses social, physical,
emotional and cultural needs as well as academic needs. In addition to this traditional academic
subjects are valued. There is also an emphasis on the balance between the acquisition of
essential knowledge and skills and the search for meaning and understanding.
The programme provides opportunities for learners to construct meaning through an inquiry
approach which incorporates a range and balance of teaching strategies. The threads of
children’s learning are brought together in the transdisciplinary programme of inquiry, which
in turn allows them to make connections with life outside school.
The IBPYP enables children to develop sensitivity to the experiences of others through the
curriculum, the attributes listed in the Learner Profile and the expectation of socially
responsible action as a result of learning experiences.
For further information
Current grade level Units of Inquiry and subject information in the Programme Outline can be
found in the Primary School Curriculum section which is posted on the school’s website at
www.bis-school.com.
For further information on the IB Primary Years Programme visit the International
Baccalaureate Organisation website at www.ibo.org.
Members of the school community will find detailed programme and curriculum information
by accessing the password protected school Intranet. The information is located in the Primary
School curriculum and Class pages within this protected site.
DAY to DAY ACTIVITIES and PROCEDURES
This section of the Handbook is organised alphabetically.
Admissions Policy / Grade Level Placement
BIS is open for admission to expatriate and German national students. The school accepts
students who will benefit from its programmes. The school is unable to offer programmes to
meet the needs of students with significant mental, emotional, or physical handicaps or who
have significant learning difficulties. The granting or denial of admission is the joint
responsibility of the Director and Head of Admissions in collaboration with the Section
Principal. Applications for admission will be accepted throughout the school year. The
maximum class size is 24 from Reception to Grade 5. The maximum class size for Pre-Reception
is 20.
For the 2012/2013 academic year the cut-off date for admission to any grade level group is 30 th
September. For example, children entering Pre-Reception must be four years of age before 30 th
September of the current school year.
Grade Age Group Age / Cut-off-date for Entry
Pre-Reception 4 years old 4 by 30 September of the current school year
Reception 5-6 year olds 5 by 30 September of the current school year
Grade 1 6-7 year olds 6 by 30 September of the current school year
Grade 2 7-8 year olds 7 by 30 September of the current school year
Grade 3 8-9 year olds 8 by 30 September of the current school year
Grade 4 9-10 year olds 9 by 30 September of the current school year
Grade 5 10-11 year olds 10 by 30 September of the current school year
9

Applicants are placed into a grade level according to birth date guidelines. Maturity,
educational background and level of achievement are considered, but the school reserves the
right to place each child in the class and grade level deemed to be the most appropriate and
beneficial to that child. An observation period will occur to confirm the initial placement
decision. Children proceed from the Primary School to the Secondary School on successful
completion of Grade 5.
After School Activities
After School Activities offered in the past have included physical activities such as Irish
Dancing, Gymnastics, Ballet, Judo, Indoor Climbing and Softball. Clubs such as Brownies and
Guides are also available. Please be advised that parents are responsible for the supervision
of their children after dismissal at 16:00 on Monday to Thursday and 14:20 on Friday.
Teachers are not on duty after dismissal time. Transportation is not provided for students who
choose to participate in after school activities; therefore parents are required to provide
transportation.
Parents will be informed of the activities offered by means of the monthly News and Notes, our
mass-mail system and through the school Intranet. The sign up for each activity is on a first
come, first served basis. Ms. Aisling Moss, will be coordinating the After School Activities
Programme so please contact her directly if you have any questions.
Arrival and Dismissal
The school day begins at 9:00 and finishes at 16:00 on Monday through Thursday. The school is
open from 8:40 until 17:45. On Friday the school day begins at 9:00 and ends at 14:20.
Upon arrival, students should deliver their belongings to their lockers and then go directly
outside to play. At 8:55 the bell will ring for students to enter the building.
If students arrive after 9:00, they must report to the Primary School office to sign in and then
report to their class. Students arriving after 9:00 will be marked as late.
Students are expected to remain on campus during the school day. Students, who need to leave
school early, before normal dismissal time, must have a note from a parent and they must be
signed out at the Primary School office by a parent/guardian. Parents who come to collect their
child early must come to the Primary School office to sign them out. If someone other than the
parent/guardian is collecting the student, the school must be informed before the student will
be allowed to leave the school.
For dismissal, parents of Pre-Reception through to Grade 5 students wait to meet their children
in the Cafeteria area in the designated sections. All students picked up by parents will be
dismissed at 16:00 on Monday through Thursday and at 14:20 on Friday. Students who take the
school buses home are dismissed at 15.55 on Monday through Thursday and 14:15 on Friday.
Students taking the bus exit through the Primary School building entrance doors. Buses depart
at 16:10 on Monday through Thursday and 14:30 on Friday.
Assemblies
Assemblies in the Primary School will be held each Friday at 13:20. This information will be
published regularly in the school News and Notes. Each class takes a turn to organise and
present an assembly during the year and grade levels work together with the music department
for special assemblies. Our assemblies may also be used to celebrate special cultural events that
are significant to an international student body. Recognising birthdays, welcoming new
10

students and saying farewell to students who are leaving BIS is also a regular part of our
assemblies. Parents and friends are encouraged and always welcome to attend.
Assessments
In October, the Primary School will administer a series of benchmark assessments to all Grade 3
and Grade 5 students. This International School’s Assessment (ISA) is created by the Australian
Council of Educational Research (ACER). These benchmark assessments are based upon
internationally endorsed reading and mathematical literacy frameworks developed by the
Programme of International Student Assessment (PISA) These assessments contain a broad
cultural base and will measure student performance in the areas of Reading Literacy,
Mathematical Literacy and Writing. The results of these assessments will provide parents and
teachers with valuable information on each individual student’s level of achievement, identify
areas of strengths and weaknesses and diagnose gaps in the above-mentioned areas. This
important information will help teachers meet the academic needs of individual students which
will result in the improvement of student learning. Further, the results of these assessments are
normed which means that BIS will be able to compare the performance of our students with
those students who attend other international schools throughout the world. BIS will be able to
use this assessment data, in its aggregate form, to evaluate curriculum and instruction in
relation to objective evidence of student performance.
Attendance / Absences and Make Up Work
Students are expected to be in attendance each school day. The school is aware that students on
a few occasions will be unable to be in attendance due to illness, family matters or emergencies.
It is strongly recommended that travel and vacation plans be scheduled to avoid missing any
school days.
Under Bavarian law, students must attend a minimum of 85% of all school days to
successfully complete the requirements for that grade and to be promoted to the following
grade. The school will also expect Pre-Reception students and those over eighteen years of age
to attend on the same basis, although they are not legally obliged to do so.
Parents are asked to please notify the appropriate school office in writing or digitally, ahead of
time, if a student is to be absent. If an email is sent to the teacher to notify sickness or
unexpected leave, please CC the Primary School office (ls-office@mailman.bis-school.com) and
the Transportation Manager (a.bauer@bis-school.com) if the bus is involved.
In the case of illness or some other unexpected absence, parents are required to email or make a
telephone call to the office on the morning of the absence. Upon return to school a note signed
by the parent explaining the reason for the absence is required. In some cases a doctor’s note
stating any restrictions may also be required.
Students who miss school for a few days for any reason, should arrange to get assignments,
(assuming they are well enough to do the work), from a friend in the same class, or the teacher
may send a copy home with a sibling or via email if it is possible. Students who miss school for
extended periods, (whether due to illness or other reasons), can request a list of assignments
and recommended work to make re-entry as smooth as possible. However, a lot of what
happens in school is work which cannot be made up later. The interaction with the teacher,
other students, and doing hands on activities, etc., cannot be recreated. Teachers are NOT
expected to create extensive individual programmes for students who miss school for long
periods.
11

Birthdays
Teachers will recognise student birthdays as appropriate for the age in question. Invitations to
private birthday parties may be distributed at school only if all children in the class are invited.
BIS discourages special arrangements made by parents for parties at school during the day.
Parents who would like their child’s birthday celebrated must make arrangements with the
teacher in advance. The celebration must be limited to cupcakes and a drink - no gifts or treat
bags - and last no longer than 15 minutes.
Cafeteria and Food
Parents need to make provision for each of the following breaks: a mid-morning snack, lunch
for their child and a snack for the afternoon recess. There are several alternatives:
1. Parents of all Grades provide a mid-morning snack, a lunch for their child and a snack
for the afternoon recess. These are sent to school in a named plastic box.
2. Parents of Pre-Reception, Reception and Grade 1 students may order a mid-morning
snack from the Cafeteria and provide their own lunch and snack for the afternoon recess
for their child.
3. Parents of Pre-Reception and Reception students may order a mid-morning snack and
purchase a lunch from the Cafeteria. These lunches are delivered to the classrooms at
lunchtime. An afternoon snack would still need to be provided by parents.
4. Parents of Grades 1 to 5 students may provide a mid-morning snack and a snack for the
afternoon recess and purchase lunch from the Cafeteria.
Pre-Reception and Reception students will eat their packed lunch or Cafeteria lunch in their
classroom with the teacher. Grades 1 to 5 students will be allocated time to eat their packed
lunch or hot lunch in the Cafeteria area. Students should bring their own water bottles.
If you wish to order and pay for snacks and/or lunches from the Cafeteria, please ensure that
you place adequate money into the Aramark bank account which you will receive at the
beginning of the year. Students from Grades 1 to 5 who are paying for their lunch are issued a
lunch card that automatically deducts the cost of the meals from money placed in the Aramark
bank account. If you have any further inquiries please contact the Aramark Catering Service
manager at 08133 917 180. Parents are asked to pay directly to the aforementioned account and
not to rely on Primary School students bringing large amounts of money to replenish their cards
using the machine in school.
Please support us in encouraging a healthy lifestyle by not sending chocolate, candy or fizzy
drinks to school at any time.
Calendar
The 2012/2013 school calendar has been approved by the Board and can be found in the
Appendix as well as on the school website. This year the school is maintaining our 10 day
schedule. Therefore, a Week 1 and Week 2 calendar related to the schedule is also located in the
Appendix. A calendar of events can be found on the school Intranet site. Important events are
published regularly in the school News and Notes or details are emailed direct to your email
account.
Change of Address
Please notify the school immediately of any changes to your address, telephone number or
email.
12

Class Placement Policy
Towards the end of the school year it is our policy to make initial tentative placements of
students in classes for the coming year, according to a set of clear and fairly managed criteria,
which include:
Academic range and balance
Balance between new and returning students
Behaviour issues
EAL needs within the class
Friendships / optimal peer relationships
Gender (in order to maintain a balance in the class)
Nationality (in order to maintain a spread and a balance in the class)
Size of the class
Special needs requirements within the class
Teacher’s professional judgement / experience / detailed knowledge of child,
considering academic and personal abilities and needs
These recommendations are given very careful consideration by the teachers and will remain
tentative until after the arrival and assessment of new students is completed at the
commencement of the next year. Furthermore, until numbers are known close to the start of the
new school year, it is even possible that extra classes may have to be established in some cases.
Class lists are initially developed independent of who specific teachers may be. At an
international school there is always a certain amount of movement amongst the faculty as new
teachers arrive and depart, and even those teachers who remain may request a change to teach
at a different grade level. Depending on enrolment, sometimes new classes are even added over
the summer vacation. There are times, however, when the school will decide on a placement
for a specific student with a specific teacher and this is usually done in conjunction with our
Learning Support teachers in special cases.
Thank you for your understanding in this matter, and please be assured that we have your
child’s interests at heart in all such decisions.
Code of Conduct
At the Bavarian International School e.V., we believe in the development of each student’s
potential for learning in a positive, safe and orderly school environment. We are proud of the
excellent behaviour that has been displayed by students over the years. The following section in
no way should indicate that misbehaviour is an ordinary occurrence. However, in fairness to
students and parents who are arriving from many different schools throughout the world, we
believe that we must state behavioural expectations and discipline procedures in a manner most
likely to be read and understood.
Discipline at BIS is based upon the following assumptions:
All students are innately good and have the capacity to behave responsibly and make
good choices.
A school environment, in which appropriate behaviour is consistently expected and
recognised, creates a sense of security for students that will increase their attention to
learning and to self-responsibility.
Disciplinary consequences should be productive, reasonable and related to
inappropriate behaviours.
Students benefit from the educational process best when teachers, administrators,
counsellors and parents work cooperatively to ensure that students gain the most from
their mistake.
13

The aims of discipline procedures at BIS are as follows:
To help students recognise that freedom and responsibility go hand-in-hand.
To help students learn from their mistakes.
To help students develop effective communication skills, problem solving skills and
other important social skills.
The Primary School has developed a Code of Conduct, in line with the IB Learner Profile, as a
positive means of encouraging appropriate behaviour. The Code of Conduct includes five
statements. These are written in a positive manner, and represent the desired behaviours and
habits that students are expected to model and practice on a daily basis. We will consistently
challenge students to consider their behaviour and contributions to school life in terms of the
Code of Conduct.
Student Code of Conduct
As BIS students, we are committed to these values in conjunction with our mission
statement:
Our international understanding
Explore different perspectives by engaging with your peers
Share your personal heritage
Our community of individuals
Enrich our community with your different perspectives and opinions and
respect those of others
Nurture your own talents and value those of others
Our wealth of opportunity
Take full advantage of the privileges provided by the school
Strive to fulfill your potential
Our commitment to serving others
Hold and spread an awareness of people in need
Proactively contribute to the enrichment of the community
Our community‘s supportive spirit
Respect individual learning
Offer a helping hand
Problem Solving Steps
Students are encouraged to use the following steps to help them solve problems.
Stop
Talk
Walk
Help
Other Important Expectations
Personal Appearance
Students are expected to wear suitable clothing and safe footwear at all times and to maintain
an appropriate level of personal hygiene. Clothing that a student chooses to wear must be in
good taste. When choosing clothing to wear to school, students should consider the cultural and
religious sensitivities of all members in our school community. Clothing should be in good
repair and free of displays of language and substances that are not acceptable in our school
14

community. A student who is unsuitably dressed may be asked to return home to change
clothing.
Personal Stereo, Electronic Toys and Mobile Phones
Students are not allowed to use personal stereos, electronic toys or hand phones during the
school day. In accordance with school policy the following applies at BIS:
If a student uses a personal stereo, electronic toy or a mobile phone during class or break
time, it is considered a disturbance and the equipment will be confiscated by the teacher.
Movement around Campus
Students are expected to walk on the right hand side of the hall and staircases and move quietly
and carefully throughout the building. On the playground, students are expected to come
quickly at the end of break and assemble in their lines. All classroom teachers will come to the
playgrounds to meet their class at the end of each recess and lead them back inside the building.
Food
Students should not chew gum, or consume chocolate or candies during the school day.
Primary School Discipline Procedures
The Primary School reserves the right to take appropriate disciplinary action, including
suspension or expulsion, for activities of a student, whether on-campus or off-campus, which
are considered detrimental to the welfare of the school, student body or individual.
1. BIS students are subject to school rules and disciplinary responses for incidents of
misconduct or breaches of discipline occurring during school or while attending schoolsponsored
activities.
2. BIS students are subject to school rules and disciplinary responses while away from
school should actions by them be considered detrimental to the welfare of themselves,
others or the school.
Breaches of discipline shall be dealt with by applying progressively serious measures, which
appropriately meet the seriousness of the offence. These may include behavioural or academic
issues.
Disciplinary Measures
Verbal warning
Time out
Complete “Reflection and Action Plan” (see Appendix) and /or Letter of Apology
Loss of privileges or do extra jobs in class
Visit with Primary School Principal or Assistant Principal
Conference
The teacher or Primary School Principal will confer with the student. The parents may
be conferred with in person or by phone. As a result of the conference process, one or
more of the following consequences may be imposed as a result of a student’s
inappropriate behaviour.
Weekly Progress Report
The Primary School Principal or Assistant Principal may place a student "on report" due
to academic and/or behavioural concerns. We will closely monitor the student’s
academic performance and/or behaviour for the week. A student on report will be
required to have his/her teachers complete a report at the end of each lesson for the
entire week. After the report is completed, the student will sign it and acquire the
signature of parents.
Contract
A formal written contract between the school, parents and student may be required
which specifies expectations and consequences of behaviours. 15

Detention / In School Suspension
Detention/In School Suspension shall mean a disciplinary measure, which requires a
student to remain in a designated and supervised area of the school for a specified
period of time. Students may be assigned specific work during a detention. Detention
may result from inappropriate behaviour in class or on the playground, and may be
imposed by the faculty or the Leadership Team.
Suspension of student
Behaviour judged to consistently deviate from accepted standards, or in a single more
serious incident, will lead to suspension by the Primary School Principal for a period of
from one to five days. Consistent unacceptable behaviour or serious infringements of
the rights, safety or welfare of others may result in suspension. The Director and the
parents will be advised of the circumstances and action to be taken. A suspended
student may not return to school until a conference is held between the administration
and the student, parent(s) or guardian. A student shall be referred to the Counsellor on
returning to school.
Probationary enrolment
A student shall be placed on probationary enrolment as a consequence of behaviour
judged sufficiently serious that repeated similar behaviour will result in automatic
recommendation for expulsion.
Expulsion of student
Very serious and/or chronic offences may lead to expulsion, resulting in a student being
removed from the school register.
A student can expect to be expelled in the following cases:
a) A student is found to be in possession of, using or selling prohibited substances.
b) A student commits an offence in relation to firearms or dangerous weapons.
c) A student commits a serious offence in relation to theft or property damage.
d) A student’s actions and attitude demonstrate that his or her presence in the
school has been or may be detrimental to the safety and well-being of others.
Financial Reimbursement
A student and his/her parents may be required to reimburse individuals or BIS for damage to or
destruction of property.
Appeal
The parents will be advised of their right to appeal to the School Board against the decision to
expel the student. Any appeal must be lodged within five working days after receipt of
notification. On receipt of an appeal, the Board shall meet as soon as is practical to consider its
decision.
The student and his/her parents may present their appeal to the Board in person. The Board
shall consider the appeal in light of all information presented and notify the student’s parents of
its decision as soon as possible.
If, after expulsion procedures have commenced, the parents elect to withdraw the student from
the school, expulsion procedures may cease.
Once expelled, a student may not seek re-admission to BIS for a period of at least twelve
months.
Consideration for re-admission would be given on the basis of probationary enrolment, taking
into account the student’s personal and academic record during the period of absence from the
school.
16

Communication: Home and School
As professional educators we feel strongly that to maximise learning for our students, we need
good communication with parents in order to work together to benefit our students. We
maintain close communication with parents in the following ways:
BIS Intranet
The past few years have seen the development of the school Intranet site. This site is our major
communication outlet. At present there is detailed information on the Primary School
curriculum and our assessment policy available on the site. Further to this each grade level has
a class page which explains the Unit of Inquiry being explored and also hosts blogs, learning
links, student work and photographs related to the unit. The monthly community newsletter,
News and Notes, is also posted on the BIS Intranet.
Parent / Grade Level Mass-mailing
As we move towards utilising digital communication more, we now have the facility to mass
mail groups of parents. We will use this mass mailing system for a number of information
bulletins. These will include: information related to student learning within a specific class;
when a grade level has a new newsletter available on the Class pages; when student work is
available online; or to provide news related to a grade level involved in an overnight field trip
etc. In order to receive these mass mailings, it is extremely important that you keep the
school’s Admissions Office informed of any email changes.
News and Notes
The school community newsletter is published each month and posted on the school Intranet.
For those families without Internet access a hard copy is available at the Reception Desk. News
and Notes is very important as it contains valuable information of relevance to students, staff
and parents alike. The Director, School Principals, single subject teachers, classroom teachers
and the Parent Teacher Organisation regularly contribute both articles and information about a
variety of items and upcoming events.
Class and Grade Level News
Class and Grade Level newsletters are published on a regular basis. These letters are specific to
a particular class and grade level and inform parents of class and grade level activities. This
information will be posted on the Grade Level Class pages available through the school Intranet
site.
Grade Level Curriculum Mornings
Grade Level Curriculum Mornings are hosted by the Primary School Principal and Assistant
Principal twice a year - in September and February. These ‘Curriculum Mornings’ provide an
opportunity for everyone to get to know each other and to discuss matters relevant to the
particular grade level group.
Parent Information Sessions
Parent Information Sessions are scheduled in early September to enable parents to meet the
teachers and learn about the programmes and expectations. Attendance is very important.
Details related to these sessions will be sent in your Parent and Student Welcome Pack.
Conferences
As part of our regular reporting procedures, conferences involving the Student, Parent and
Teacher will be scheduled twice a year. These conferences are held during school time on
November 20 th and 21 st 2012 and March 12 th and 13 th 2013.
17

Open Days
These are opportunities for parents to come into the school during a normal school day to
observe their child and participate in the learning activities.
Homework Diary and Home/ School Folder
Please check this book and folder regularly as they could contain important notices and
messages for you. If there is information to be shared which is confidential, please send a
separate note or email the teacher directly.
Sprechstunde - Open Door Policy
BIS teachers are available to speak to parents at regular times each week. If parents wish to
make an appointment to meet with a particular teacher they should make an appointment
directly with the teacher concerned. For convenience, it may be easier to communicate directly
with the teacher via email. If a parent at any other time wishes to meet with a teacher it is only
necessary to arrange a time.
Contact Guide
Please see the Contact Guide in the Appendix section for information about who to contact for
different purposes.
Discipline
Please see “Code of Conduct” under “C”.
Elective Programme (EP)
The Elective Programme (EP) is intended to raise the level of balance each child gains from our
curriculum to develop them in all ways including social, physical, emotional and academic. The
EP offers a range of activities from music and dance to sports and languages from which your
child can choose. For Pre-Reception and Reception the EP will be offered on alternate Tuesdays
and Thursday after the fall break. For Grades 1 to 5 the EP will only be offered on Thursday
afternoon from 15.10 - 15.55. Students may only be excused from the EP once approval has
been given from the Primary School Principal. For this to occur, parents must submit a
written request outlining the activity the child is going to engage in outside the school during
this time.
English as an Additional Language (EAL)
EAL support is provided from Pre-Reception through Grade 5. EAL is the English as an
Additional Language programme, which teaches English to non-native speakers in an academic
setting. The EAL teachers support classroom teachers and help English Language Learners
(ELLs) acquire the language skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing in English.
Learning an additional language generally follows the pattern of learning a first language.
Conversational English is most often learned quite rapidly and enables students to
communicate with their peers and become active participants in the social environment of
school. Research indicates, however, that it may take up to five to seven years for non-native
speakers to develop the academic aspects of the language to the same standard as native
speakers.
ELLs may receive support in a pull-out programme and/or through in-class sessions from our
four full-time EAL teachers.
18

Emergency Procedures
In the event of an emergency during non-school hours all BIS families will be contacted. A
detailed letter outlining the method of operation of this system will be provided to all families
during the first month of the school year.
In the event of an emergency during the school day, it may be necessary for all BIS families to
be contacted via an SMS or email.
Students participate in evacuation drills on a regular basis. The school has developed a Crisis
Response Plan to outline processes and procedures that will direct the school’s responses to any
form of crisis.
Field Trips
There will be a number of school-sponsored field trips at each grade level throughout the year.
Parents/guardians are required to sign a general permission slip at the start of the academic
year allowing their child to leave the school campus, on foot, to participate in neighbourhood
activities or projects, relevant to a particular topic being studied, as well as day trips in the
region using public transportation or school buses. Parents/guardians will be informed in
advance of all day trips planned. No further response will be needed unless the parent wishes
to withhold permission for the specified activity. Students cannot participate in field trips
unless they have the written permission of their parent/guardian. Since the written parental
permission is a legal requirement, we ask for your co-operation in ensuring that the signed slips
are returned promptly.
Students in Grades 3, 4 and 5 will have the opportunity to participate in overnight field trips, up
to a maximum of three nights, within Germany. A parent information session is held well in
advance of the trip to inform parents of the itinerary for these overnight field trips. Special
permission forms are required for these trips. The school provides part of the total cost for
these overnight trips and parents are required to pay an additional amount to contribute to the
total cost.
Accidents involving all students at school and on BIS sponsored activities are covered by the
BIS Insurance Policy. Please note however, that illnesses are not. It is assumed that parents will
have appropriate health insurance cover for their children.
All Field Trips will begin and end at the school. We request that parents arrange to have their
children at school to begin the Field Trip and the Field Trip will not officially end until all
students have returned with their teacher to the school.
Guests
From time to time we receive a request for a child to attend our school for a short period
(typically one or two days) with one of our BIS students, who is a friend or relative. Parents of
the BIS child are required to submit a written request at least three days in advance to the
Primary School Principal, stating:
- Their child’s name and class.
- The name of the visiting student and the relationship to the BIS student.
- The date of the requested visit.
The Primary School Principal consults with the BIS student’s classroom teacher(s), checks dates,
class size and other factors. Parents will be notified of the approval or otherwise. If approved,
prior to the visit, the parents of the visiting child must write a note, which includes an
19

acknowledgement that their child must conform to BIS Code of Conduct. The visiting child(ren)
is (are) to be signed in as Visitors at the Main Reception office on arrival at school and then
should report to the Primary School office to be shown to class.
Guardianship
If parents leave home temporarily and leave their child(ren) in the care of someone else, it is
required that parents notify the school giving all dates, names, numbers and pertinent
information in advance.
Homework
Homework is an important part of the educational programme at BIS. It provides the student
with opportunities for independent practice, skill reinforcement, research, independent projects
and also promotes the development of good time management and responsibility. All Primary
School students from Grade 1 through to Grade 5 are assigned a Homework Diary to assist
them with organising their time. This diary may also be used for communication between
home and school.
The following guidelines have been developed to ensure that homework assignments remain
manageable.
1. Grade 1 should spend 20-30 minutes working together with their parents or carers on
reading or assigned activities.
2. Grades 2 and 3 should spend 30-45 minutes.
3. Grades 4 and 5 should spend 30 minutes to an hour.
4. All students are expected to read each night as part of their assigned homework.
5. Students in the Advanced German classes will be assigned one night of homework per
week, with at least two nights to complete the task.
6. Teachers may schedule a homework-free night occasionally, but if this seems to be
happening with undue frequency, parents are encouraged to check with the teacher.
In Grade 1, the students are not expected to complete homework assignments independently.
The focus is on developing good work habits and learning to read and write with parent
support.
Occasionally homework may take longer or even less than the prescribed times to complete.
However, if this happens regularly, parents should discuss the situation with the class teacher.
If a child has difficulties with a particular homework assignment, parents should ensure only
the recommended time is spent on the task and then inform the teacher as soon as possible.
This way the teacher will be able to address the problem sooner rather than later. The aim is to
have students view homework as a part of school life. Developing good work habits at an early
age, gradually increasing the responsibility and workload over time is the position BIS holds.
House Teams
All students are assigned to a House Team and this team becomes their team for the duration of
their time at BIS. A variety of fun activities, including the Primary School Sports Day, are
planned for students to participate in as a member of a House Team. The House Teams and
colours are:
The Red Bears
The Green Falcons
The Yellow Wolves
The Blue Wildcats
20

Parents will be notified of the house each student belongs to prior to any activity. To assist with
the success of the House Teams we request that students arrive to school wearing T-shirts
which are their house colour on the day of House Team events.
Information Communication and Technology (ICT)
ICT concerns itself with enabling students to get the ‘right information, the right form, to the
right audience at the right time.’ It focuses on the business of learning itself, and as such is as
much a tool and a resource as a set of skills. It is delivered at BIS in the course of general inquiry
and learning by the classroom teacher, rather than as a separate, discrete discipline. A Primary
School ICT Co-ordinator is dedicated full time to ICT support for teachers and children in the
classrooms.
The Bavarian International School e.V.'s Curriculum Network provides students with both
Intranet and Internet access. The network allows students to acquire, use and present
information in a variety of ways and to communicate with people all over the world. Users
may use the school’s curriculum computer network for numerous activities including the
following:
Use general applications for presenting work such as word processing, and multimedia
development,
Use general applications for data manipulation such as spreadsheets and databases,
Access information for research purposes via the Internet,
Access information from the school’s Intranet,
Update their Grade 4 or 5 e-portfolio,
Send and receive email using the allocated school email account.
All student users who have BIS Curriculum Network accounts must comply with the terms and
conditions expressed in the Computer User Guidelines document. This document, which is to
be signed by all students and their parents from Grades 3, 4 and 5 specifically states the rights
and responsibilities of all users and requires all users to use their account for appropriate
communication, education and research and collaborative work. The use of the BIS Curriculum
Network is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate use may result in the cancellation of the
privilege and other appropriate disciplinary consequences.
Learning Assistance Programme (LAP)
The Learning Assistance Programme is a support programme for students across all age ranges.
It is a scheme that brings together students, volunteers and teaching staff as partners in
students’ learning. LAP volunteers work with students on a one-to-one basis for one or two
sessions a week, devising with the teacher, coordinator and student, a plan of activities tailored
to that student’s particular needs.
The success of the programme is based on five simple principles. These are that LAP:
Is always one-to-one,
Is about relationships,
Builds confidence and self-esteem,
Takes a creative approach to learning,
Promotes parent and community participation in schools.
LAP is a programme that builds bridges between the school and the community, and between
the volunteer and student, in a way that links and supports all parties. Both school and
community and student and volunteer are mutually supported and strengthened by the links
that LAP provides. For further information about this programme or to become involved as a
volunteer, please contact the LAP coordinator. 21

Library
The library is situated on the ground floor of our Primary School facility. It currently houses the
Primary School library collection and offers classroom research facilities as well as a
presentation room. Library services are provided by a teacher-librarian, a part-time library
assistant and trained volunteers.
Opening Hours
The library is open between 8:30 and 17:00, Monday to Thursday and on Friday it is open
between 8:30 and 15:00. It is not open on the weekends, school holidays or public holidays.
Please note that after school hours students must be supervised by a parent when they are
using the Library.
The Collection
The library has a collection of approximately 19,000 titles. The English book collection is
divided into the following sections: Fiction (Junior Fiction, Easy Readers and Picture Story
Books), and Non-Fiction (Secondary Non-Fiction, Junior Non-Fiction, Secondary and Junior
Reference). There is also a large German Fiction and Non-Fiction collection. A small collection
of picture books and fiction books in French, Dutch, Italian, Spanish and Japanese exist to
support mother tongue programmes. Any donations to these collections would be appreciated.
The library also has a small range of DVDs, videotapes and audiotapes, which can be borrowed
by parents and teachers. The library subscribes to about thirty magazines and newspapers.
Current issues are for use only within the library, but back issues may be borrowed for one
week by all users.
Borrowing
Students may borrow the following amount of books:
Pre-Reception and Reception - one book
Grade 1 - two books
Grade 2 - three books
Grade 3 to Grade 5 - four books
The borrowing period is two weeks and each item may be renewed for a second two-week
period.
Library Charges
The library does not issue overdue fines, but reserves the right to charge the replacement and
processing fee for any long overdue items. An item is deemed long overdue if it has not been
returned within three months of issue. At the end of the school year students need to have
returned all library materials or made a payment for lost materials in order to receive their
progress report.
Library Behaviour Policy
The library is shared by students, staff and other members of the BIS community, thus all users
are requested to behave responsibly and respectfully. The eating or chewing of any food or
drink is not allowed; neither are unruly behaviour and any actions which result in damage or
injury. In order to maintain a pleasant and enjoyable learning environment we also ask that
users clean up after themselves. The computers in the library are for educational use and
student research. If a student wishes to use any computer programme they must request
permission from the librarian. 22

Parents
Parents may borrow items from the library but must return any item immediately if needed for
school learning purposes. Parents borrow under the name of their youngest child at school and
have the same loan period as students.
Some parents also help out in the library on a volunteer basis - if you are interested in doing this
please contact the librarian about our next training session.
Online Assistance
The Library has five databases that can help students with their inquiries at school or at home.
These are:
1. Grolier Encyclopaedia - this not only has the New Book of Knowledge and Grolier Multimedia
Encyclopaedia, it also contains the New Book of Popular Science and Lands and People.
2. Heinemann Explore - a wide-ranging interactive teaching and learning resource for ages
4 to 11.
3. Net Trekker - an educationally reviewed search engine which retrieves websites
appropriate for student use and reading level.
4. NewsBank - articles explore events and facts about plants, animals, fossils, science,
math, the earth, health, sports, people, arts, geography and important problems. It also
has games, pictures and activities written at the level students can understand.
5. Ebsco Periodical Index
Each of these databases will get students the right results far faster than Google.
Lost and Found
There is a large cupboard on the ground floor of the middle building for Lost and Found items.
Parents are welcome at any time to check this for lost items. The P.E. Department keeps a lost
property box in the Sports Hall for misplaced items left in this building. Often items are put out
on display at assemblies or during Student, Parent and Teacher conference times. Unclaimed
items are eventually donated to a charitable organisation after a reasonable amount of time. In
order to reduce the number of lost items stored, we would appreciate if student’s belongings
are clearly labelled.
Mother Tongue Programme (MTP)
The Bavarian International School e.V. educates children from a wide range of national, cultural
and linguistic backgrounds.
The Mother Tongue Programme supports the mother tongue of students whose first language is
not provided by the BIS curriculum.
The aims of the Mother Tongue Programme are:
To help children to maintain their mother tongue fluency.
To develop the student’s basic literacy skills in their mother tongue.
To strive to support the student’s home culture.
In its efforts to work towards these aims the MTP tries to follow the BIS Primary School
philosophy of teaching and instructing languages as far as possible. Mother Tongue classes
occur each Monday afternoon from 15:10 to 15:55. Availability of classes in a particular
language depends on parental interest and the availability of a suitable (volunteer) teacher.
23

Nurse’s Office
The following information is provided to inform you of the school health activities and policies
as well as the type of medical assistance available through the health department. Your
familiarity with this information is absolutely necessary in order to provide your child with the
best possible health care.
One full-time and one part-time nurse work at BIS, both are registered nurses with active
licences to practise in Germany as well as in their home country. The health department is
located in the middle building of the school. The Health Department is open from Monday to
Thursday between 08:30 and 17:30 and Friday between 08:00 and 16:00. Students may visit the
nurse’s office at any time of the day. Students should always inform their class teacher before
visiting the health department, unless it is an emergency situation. During recess break times,
students must always inform duty teacher or the school office before coming to the health
department.
School Health Records
It is essential that health records be completed prior the student entering the school. Any
pertinent medical information, addresses, telephone numbers, immunisation or other
information must be brought to the health department. Be sure emergency information is
current, and please help in keeping the records up to date. Teachers and staff involved with a
student with specific health problems are informed on a confidential basis about his/her
medical conditions.
The following minimum immunizations are recommended prior to starting school: polio,
diphtheria / pertussis / tetanus, and measles/mumps/rubella, hepatitis B. Please be aware that
some of these vaccinations have to be given more than once.
Medication
With parent’s advance written permission, students may be given non-prescription medication
during the school day to treat mild conditions such as headache, menstrual cramps or a sore
throat. A medical evaluation will be requested if a student requires non-prescription medication
more than three times per month for the same symptom. Students with diagnosed medical
conditions may need emergency medication during the school day. These medications are kept
locked in the health department, together with the student’s name, class, condition and dosage.
A parental permission slip is required along with these medications authorizing their use. If a
short-term illness requires the use of antibiotics or other prescription drugs, the parents should,
if possible, arrange for such medication to be taken before or after school.
Students and Medication
If medication must be given during school hours, it must be labelled with the student’s name,
the amount to be given, the time it is to be given and we require a parent’s signature giving
permission. The medication will be kept in the health department. The nurses will assist in
giving the student the medication. Please be aware Lower and Middle School students are not
permitted to carry their own medication in school or during school trips. In special
circumstances please contact the school nurse.
24

Emergency Medical Care
Accidents
In the event of an accident, the parents will be notified, and if needed an ambulance will be
called. If treatment is necessary but it is not an emergency, parents will be called upon to take
the student for medical care.
Illnesses
In the event of severe illness the nurse will notify the head of school’s office and the parents.
Parents are required to make arrangements to transport the child to their physician for
treatment. If, however, the illness is so severe that there is not sufficient time for the parents to
come to the school, an ambulance will be called and the student will normally be taken to the
nearest hospital.
Bayerische Landesunfallkasse, Ungerstrasse 71, 80805 München
An accident report will be filled out by the health department. It is important that parents
cooperate in providing information for the report at the earliest time possible. In the case of
hospitalization, the German statutory accident insurance covers regular hospital
accommodation and medical care. The doctor or the hospital should always be informed by the
parents that it was a school related accident.
Excluding a Student from School
Sick students should be kept home for a number of reasons. Attending school when sick can
lead to the illness worsening, an increase in recovery time and spreading to others in the
building. Regardless of the illness type, a sick student will always need rest. A sick student
exposes all staff and students he/she may come into contact with his/her illness. Therefore it is
the parents’ responsibility to take their sick child home. If the parents cannot be reached, there
must be an emergency contact person who is able to take a sick student home.
The following are the school health guidelines for excluding a student from school:
Temperature of 37.5°C or above
Nausea, vomiting or severe abdominal pain
Diarrhoea
Acute cold, sore throat, persistent cough
Red inflamed, or discharging eyes
Acute skin rashes or eruptions
Suspected scabies or impetigo
Swollen glands around jaws ears or neck
Earache
Any weeping skin lesions unless protected and diagnosed as non-infectious
Head lice
Other symptoms of severe illness
No student is permitted to leave the school on account of sickness without contacting the health
department.
Excluding a Student from Activities (Physical Education)
If for some reason, (illness or physical disability) a student cannot participate in physical
education activities, he/she must bring a doctors or parents note to school stating the condition
and length of time the student is excused from this activity. The nurse will only issue such
excuses under very special circumstances.
25

Student Returning After an Illness
Please report any infectious conditions such as chicken pox, infectious diarrhoea, scarlet fever,
tuberculosis, impetigo, meningitis, mononucleosis/glandular fever, or hepatitis, before the
student returns to school. Students with these conditions should return with a doctor’s note
stating they are no longer contagious, or stating which special precautions must be taken.
Students with Head Lice should not attend school until they are effectively treated. They should
return with a doctor’s note stating they are lice free. This procedure is necessary to ensure the
health of the others in school.
What to Do in Case of a School Accident
Any student, who is accidentally injured while at school, coming to or from school or on an
official school field trip, will be covered by the German statutory accident insurance system. It
provides insurance against occupational and commuting accidents, and against occupational
diseases. Besides employees, trainees or other groups of persons are also insured, including
school children, students at vocational colleges and other institutes of higher education, also
children in nursery schools and after-school care centres.
School accidents are defined as accidents suffered by children or students in their educational
establishments. They include accidents suffered by children or young people whilst attending
schools, nursery schools, after-school care centres or vocational colleges; or whilst under
supervision by such educational establishments or in association with them immediately prior
to or following lessons. This category of accidents also includes those suffered by students
during education and training at institutes of higher education.
Please feel free to contact us in the health department if you have any questions or require any
assistance regarding your child’s health and safety at school.
Telephone number: 08133/917-163.
Parent Teacher Organisation (PTO)
At BIS we have a very active Parent and Teacher Organisation (PTO). The primary function of
the PTO is to help families - newcomers and returning families alike - feel part of the school
community. The PTO provides a forum for communication, an organisation for providing
volunteer services and some financial support by fundraising for items not covered by the
regular budget. The PTO coordinates a wide variety of social events, clubs and activities
throughout the year. The BIS PTO Welcome Committee helps support new and existing families
in their transition to life in the Munich community. This is mostly done through Support
parents, Regional Support parents and Language Support parents. For further information
about the PTO please contact the PTO Chair for the school year. All parents are encouraged to
participate in the PTO organisation.
The Members of the PTO Executive Board for the current school year are:
Chair
Vice Chair
Treasurer
Secretary
IT / Communications
Events Coordinators
Welcome Coordinators
Ms. Jo Giesen
Ms. Ellen van Keymeulen
Ms. Mirka Celikoglu
Ms. Melissa van den Ancker
Ms. Erin Foley
Ms. Kay Hehl, Ms. Emma Raphael
Ms. Kasia Sinclair, Ms. Pascale Queva
26

Parent Volunteers
A child’s school life is greatly enriched by a family that is well-informed and active in school
affairs. BIS welcomes parent involvement and encourages close ties between parents and the
school. Early in the school year parents are asked if they are interested in volunteering at the
school, as a Room Volunteer for a specific class, as a classroom helper, acting as a mentor for the
Grade 5 Exhibition, organising special projects or reading in the Library. There are many ways
in which parents can assist in the Primary School. We would love for you to be involved!
Personal Belongings
Students and parents are asked to PLEASE LABEL ALL personal belongings, which come to
school. If items are misplaced this enables us to return them to the correct owner.
Students are discouraged from bringing expensive personal items to school such as mobile
phones, computers, iPods, Nintendo game consoles or money. Parents are asked to please
discuss this issue thoroughly with their children and encourage them to be responsible with
their personal belongings. BIS takes no responsibility for the damage to or loss of personal
belongings.
Photographs
The school arranges for individual and class photographs for students with a professional
photographer. Parents have the option to purchase these photographs. The official school
photographs will be taken throughout the day on Tuesday, 25 th September 2012.
Physical Education (P.E.) Requirements
Students must wear the P.E. uniforms for Physical Education classes, for school sport activities
and competitions. The shorts and the T-shirt are blue, the BIS school colours, and show the BIS
logo. School track pants and fleece sweaters are also available for purchase. All students must
have white-soled shoes for use in the Sports Hall. For safety reasons no jewellery should be
worn during P.E. lessons and students whose hair is below shoulder length must have their hair
tied up. Students who do not have appropriate clothing and/or footwear will not be able to
participate in Physical Education classes.
Students in the Early Years section of the school should come to school wearing their P.E.
uniforms on their designated P.E. days. If the weather is cool a sweatshirt may be worn.
Students in the Junior Years section of the school are required to change into their P.E. uniforms
in the changing areas in the gym. Grade 4 students may also choose to shower at the end of
their double P.E. lessons. Showering at the end of double P.E. lessons is required for Grade 5
students.
If a student is not able to participate in their P.E. lesson for any reason a note is required.
P.E. Sport Kit
Soccamm is now offering the school P.E. Sport kits with BIS Logo for the coming school year.
They will be in school providing some P.E.-kit size-fitting and direct ordering for the first week
of school and will be situated in the upper Gym room. Their times at BIS will be on Monday
August 20 th and Tuesday 21 st from 9:00 to 17:00. The fitting of P.E.-kits and direct ordering will
take place in the Sports Hall.
27

Be aware: after ordering the delivery will take approximately 14 days! Please make sure that
you provide complete information using your child’s name and class as this will help in
delivering the goods.
Professional Development (PD)
Throughout the year teachers participate in a variety of Professional Development activities to
enhance their practice and improve student learning. As well as attending conferences in
various international locations, this year the staff will have PD days on: Thursday and Friday
13 th and 14 th September 2012.
Recess Break
Students have supervised outside break times during the school day and they are expected to
go outside to play. Everyone is expected to dress appropriately for the weather. In cold
weather, snowsuits and boots, hats and mittens are essential. In rainy weather an appropriate
coat is required. In sunny weather, a hat is essential. On the occasional day when the weather is
considered inclement, outside play will be cancelled. During outside play students are expected
to remain in the designated supervised areas and play safely. Teachers on supervision duty
wear orange vests to ensure that they are easily seen by all students.
Religious Holidays
The school understands that students of various religions within the school observe diverse
holidays. The school respects and accepts these needs and asks parents to inform us of plans for
absences or special observances/customs that the child needs to adhere to.
Reporting
At BIS, we see the child, parent and teacher as partners in the learning process. All parties have
goals for the child’s learning and these will be most effectively realised as the result of open
communication.
The child, teacher and parents work together to assess and evaluate the child’s progress,
identify observed strengths and areas to develop, discuss concerns and set future goals to meet
the student’s needs.
Our Assessment and Reporting process involves a number of components.
Focus Week
Each child will be involved in a special Focus Week twice a year. During this week the teacher
will make observations and assessments of the child’s progress in all areas of the curriculum.
Single subject teachers (Physical Education, German and Music) will also have the lists of
children on focus and will pay special attention to the skill development of these particular
children during their time.
Portfolio
Throughout the year each child will collect work in a Portfolio. The format of this book will be
flexible to suit student needs and teacher preferences but the purpose will be the same, to
provide evidence of student learning and achievement and to show growth over the course of
the year. For Grade 4 and 5 students the format will be an electronic format which can be
accessed through BIS Intranet. Students will present their portfolios at the Student, Parent and
Teacher conferences in November 2011 and March 2012.
28

Self Evaluation / Reflection
Each child will be required to carry out some personal reflection on their work at school and to
make their own evaluation of their progress.
Student / Teacher Conference
These conference times provide regular opportunities for the teacher and student to have some
one-to-one time for the purpose of reflecting on the child’s achievements, identifying strengths
and areas to develop, discussing concerns and setting goals. These goals are very specific to the
individual child and are agreed upon between the child and teacher, with the teacher acting as
guide and facilitator. The nature and number of goals set at each grade level will vary and
reflect the needs and abilities of children at different ages and stages of development.
At this time, the child is given a great deal of responsibility for making honest and open
comments about his/her own perceptions of himself/herself as a learner.
Progress Report
At the end January and at the end of the year in June, the teacher will complete a formal,
written progress report for each child.
Student, Parent, and Teacher Conferences
During the first term on 20 th and 21 st of November 2012 Student, Parent and Teacher
conferences are scheduled during the regular school day. This first conference is a ‘Three Way’
conference when your child and your child’s class teacher will have some time to show and
discuss your child’s work. The teacher will highlight particular areas of the child’s growth and
progress and address any areas of concern. Parents also contribute!
Conferences will also be held on 12 th and 13 th March 2013 during the regular school day. At this
conference students will be presenting their portfolios and the conference will be more studentled
than the November conference.
There is no regular school programme for the students on 20 th and 21 st November 2012 and the
12 th and 13 th March 2013. Students will only attend their conference scheduled times during
these days.
Parent Comment
Throughout the year, parents will be asked for written feedback about their child’s
development. Our assessment and reporting process values the role of the parent as a vital link
in the process.
Room Volunteers
Each class may have a parent who volunteers to act as Room Volunteer contact for the teacher.
Some of the ways the Room Volunteer may assist include:
Developing a class contact list to be shared with all parents of the class.
Arranging a parent volunteer schedule for classroom helpers to listen to children read,
help with art activities, etc.
Locating resources, e.g. speakers, trips, materials, to support the programme.
Coordinating help for special events e.g. assemblies, presentations etc.
29

School Hours
Monday through Thursday
Start End Period Description
8:40 8:55 Arrival
Students arrive at school. Students deliver their
personal belongings to the hallway areas and proceed
outdoors until the bell rings to enter their classrooms.
9:00 9:10 Attendance Attendance is taken.
9:10 9:55 Period 1 First class of the day begins.
9:55 10:40 Period 2
10:40 11:00 Break Snack and Recess
11:00 11:45 Period 3
11:45 12:30 Period 4
12:30 13:20 Lunch
Students eat for the first twenty minutes and from 12:50
students have an outside playtime.
13:20 14:05 Period 5
14:05 14:50 Period 6
14:50 15:10 Break Snack and Recess
15:10 15:55 Period 7
16:00
Dismissal / Parent Pick-up
in Cafeteria
Students from Pre-Reception to Grade 5 will be
dismissed to the Main Entrance/Reception area.
16:10 Bus Dismissal
Students move promptly to the bus area by the Sports
Hall. Buses depart at 16:10.
The Friday schedule is the same as the Monday-Thursday schedule in the morning session.
However, the lunch recess is five minutes shorter on Friday and Period 5 will be the Primary
School assembly time. Students will return to their homeroom class at the end of assembly
ready for dismissal at 14:20 and buses depart at 14:30.
Security
Safety and security is high on the BIS priority list. Security programmes operate at a number of
levels and locations. In addition, we are in close contact with state and local authorities, police
as well as accredited foreign representations which keep us informed of any potential security
risks. The school and the campus are monitored by security cameras.
All visitors are to report to the Reception Office for registration, a visitors badge will be issued
and the person to be visited is to pick up the visitor from the Reception.
Visitors interested in admission are to be met either at the Reception desk or following prior
arrangements at the Schloss entrance. These visitors will be accompanied by the admissions
30

officer or another member of staff and do not require a visitor’s badge. The admissions officer
keeps a record of all potential parents. Parents are not required to wear visitor badges.
Student Council
The Student Council is a way for our students to take action in our school, to introduce students
to the formal meeting process and to develop responsibility and initiative. The Student Council
comprises of elected representatives from each class from Grades 3 to 5. There is an elected
executive; President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer as well. The Student Council runs
activities such as spirit days, dances and community service events throughout the year.
Student Support Services
If you have any questions, comments or concerns about your child’s learning in school, meet
with your child’s class teacher first. If necessary, a referral can be made for him/her to the
Learning Support Teachers or Speech Therapist. The staff who work in this area are experienced
in diagnosing learning differences. They will observe your child in class and may carry out
various types of assessment. They may modify your child’s classroom programme with the
class teacher and offer extra support in or out of the classroom. They will also make
recommendations for ways in which parents can assist at home.
Supplies and School Materials
Please see the Appendix for grade level lists.
Transition Education
Most families find that living abroad is enriching and the adventure they had hoped for.
However, the upheaval of moving to a new country usually involves a period of stress. First,
families move away from established routines, relatives and friends. Second, it is typical to
experience culture shock. The family needs to be understanding and supportive of each other in
the first months.
Each Primary School staff member is aware of the challenges families face while making cross
cultural moves. Transition education is part of the programme and supports children in their
settling and adjustment. The PTO provides workshops for families on moving and settling
abroad and, the library has many publications for loan on dealing with relocation.
Transportation
BIS has a very good bus service. Every day the drivers manage to collect and drop off children
from all over the greater Munich area. At these times their primary concern is the safety of each
child.
Students are expected to follow the bus rules and behave appropriately on the bus at all times.
All parents will receive a booklet of information pertaining to the bus system at the beginning
of the year. Bus students and parents are required to sign the Code of Conduct for the School
Bus form, which is part of this packet.
Please notify the Transportation Manager if you do not require the bus on a particular day or
if you come to school to collect your child in person.
31

Withdrawal from BIS
When a student is to be withdrawn permanently from school, parents of students leaving BIS
should inform the Admissions Office in writing as soon as they know they will withdraw. This
will enable the office to prepare the students leaving documents. Before such documents can be
issued, a withdrawal form must be prepared which checks on such things as library books,
outstanding fees, forwarding addresses and so forth.
Yearbook
The Yearbook is an annual record of events, activities and people at BIS. This is prepared
during the year, printed and distributed - one per student. Families who are leaving BIS at the
end of the school year should make sure they leave a forwarding address so that a copy of the
Yearbook can be sent on. The 2012/2013 Yearbook will need to be purchased by each family
and any shipping costs related to receiving a copy are the responsibility of the family.
32

APPENDICES
APPENDICES
Whole School Calendar 2012-2013
Primary School Calendar 2012-2013
Primary School Timetable
Primary School Staff List 2012-2013
Classroom Maps
Class Supply Lists
BIS Contact Guide
Student Action Plan (Sample)
Parking and Entrance Map
33

Whole School Calendar 2012-2013
34

Primary School Calendar 2012-2013
35

Primary School Timetable
36

Primary School Staff List 2012-2013
37

Classroom Maps
38

Class Supply Lists
44

BIS Contact Guide
51

Student Action Plan (Sample)
54

Parking and Entrance Map
55

BIS Accreditations
Our school has approved by the government of Bavaria and fully accredited by the New England Association of
Schools and Colleges as well the European Council of International Schools.
We are also a member of the National Association for College Admissions Counselling and subscribes to
NACAC’s Statement of Principles of Good Practice
We are proud to be authorised to offer the International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO) Primary Years
Programme (IBPYP) curriculum from Pre-Reception to Grade 5, the IB Middle Years Programme (IBMYP) and the
IB Diploma (IBDP) at Grades 11 and 12. IB programmes are recognised worldwide.
56

Our school has been approved by the government of Bavaria and fully accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS), the New
England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) as well as the European Council of International Schools (ECIS). We are also a
member of the National Association for College Admissions Counseling and subscribe to the NACAC's Statement of Principles of Good
Practice. We are proud to be authorised to offer the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IBPYP) from Pre-Reception to
Grade 5, the IB Middle Years Programme (IBMYP) from Grade 6 to 10 and the IB Diploma Programme at Grades 11 and 12. IB programmes
are recognised worldwide.