From the Counsellor’s Desk
Gratitude, Optimism and staying connected to close friends Gratitude is a virtuous quality that allows us to see the best in ourselves, each other, a challenging situation and ultimately in our lives. The practice of gratitude helps us become more optimistic and optimism allows us to be more focussed and grounded on positivity especially when we are faced with uncertainty. Recording and...Read More
From the Counsellor’s Desk | 30 April, 2020
Dear HBIS family, I hope this finds you safe and in good health as we continue to deal with the harsh realities of the COVID-19 pandemic. Nearing the end of Week 5 of our shelter-in-place existence and online-learning, with many uncertainties still looming, we acknowledge that this remains a time that has been challenging and has tested our patience, our humanity, our worldview and our...Read More
From the Counsellor’s Desk
Dear Parents and Students, We are now settling into our new normal and well for some it is easier than for others. Our ability to adapt can have an impact on how effective we are at school, in our social circle and could have a bearing on our mental wellbeing. Getting the mind centred: Fear, anxiety and lack of motivation can all be barriers which hamper effectiveness. Yes, we are all in a...Read MoreFrom the Principal’s Desk | 23 April, 2020
Dear Parents, Yesterday, the world commemorated an Earth Day of blue skies slowly clearing of pollution; of dolphins frolicking in the lagoons of Venice, baby turtles being born on the beaches of Thailand, and penguins walking down the streets of Cape Town. An Earth returning to some sense of normality, but in the deathly shadow of a pandemic that is decimating the human population of...Read More
From the Counsellor’s Desk
Dear Parents and Students, After consultation with Doctors (private and public), psychologists and other mental health professionals, the following advice and recommendations seem the most important to share: Get dressed everyday – This simple act of dressing will allow your brain and thus mental state to be more positive. It will allow one to feel a sense of normality Follow a routine...Read More
From the Counsellor’s Desk
Dear Parents, As we find ourselves in a new phase of life, with many things becoming the new normal, you will find yourself having to wear many different hats. This will be challenging at times, but rewarding in the end. This will also allow for your child(ren) to become reacquainted with who you are, your hopes and aspirations for their futures and create a solid foundation for relationships...Read MoreQ&A Session with Karin Kanewske Turner – CHELO Chairperson
School parent Karin Kanewske Turner has recently stepped into the role of Chairperson of CHELO. Karin directs a non-profit public health project in South Africa and across the globe. Having worked for over 20 years in international health and social welfare programs, Karin has a passion for uplifting individuals and serving communities. Her son Chet is in the MYP programme. We caught...Read More
From the Principal’s Desk – 15 August, 2019
Dear Parents, Last night I attended the MYP 1 – 3 “So You Think You Can Speak?” evening, and was most impressed with the talent of our Junior High School students. Four MYP 1 teams participated in formal debates; the MYP 2 students took part in a United Nations forum discussion on “Women, Peace and Security”, whilst individual MYP 3 students bravely did impromptu speeches on a variety of...Read More
From the Principal’s Desk – 01 August, 2019
Dear Parents, Last night I attended the PYP 5’s Science Experiment Evening. Each student presented his/her own project on Energy. Parents who were invited to the evening were also asked to grade their own children’s project. I was so impressed at the variety and standard of the projects; the confidence of the students as they discussed their projects with each adult that came up to...Read More