Dear Parents,
Our Opening Ceremony yesterday marked the beginning of Year 9 for the school, with the sun breaking through, the Army Frontier Band in fine fettle, especially for the Game of Thrones main theme ( magnificent with Mongolian traditional instruments, the raising of the 3 flags and a large gathering of parents, staff and children. ESM is expected to be 800 in number this year, the highest Roll in its life-time.
External Exam results have arrived at the senior end with improving grades, including a 40 (Top world class University) score in the IB Diploma and 9 IGCSE passes including (4 A stars and 3 As) as the best marks this year.
When you are growing, last year’s clothes quickly cease to fit and, to meet our new size, we have changed the lay-out of classrooms. The look has been totally re-worked over the holidays, with enlarged space for Pre and Junior Schools, now taking over Floor 1 and Floor 2 in their entirety. Higher up, eight classrooms on floor 4 are already in use as a centre for English and Languages in the Senior School. This extension is internally stiil taking shape with a whole western wing in prospect, but has already brought style and grandeur to the main building.
Amongst many other changes, there is now a separate entry to the Pre-School from the Front Quad; We have a new clock, with Roman Numerals and illuminated at night. The face is 2 metres in diameter and the time-piece graces the front of floor 4 and sounded for the first time at 12 noon yesterday. As part of our revamp of the School Uniform, a new kilt has been introduced for the girls, who seem pleased with the fresh look.
Not many staff left in June, but we have made some appointments, who look already to be contributing much in experience, verve and energy. Last week 25 members of the Pre- School and Junior Staff earned their certificates after a 2 day PYP workshop led by a specialist IB Coach from China. Monday to Wednesday saw a 3 day induction programme for all teachers and adminstration, the most comprehensive pre-year training so far for at ESM.
The Calendar for terms 1 and 2 is out in draft, with a number of sporting and some events to be filled in, as our fixture list expands on the return of other schools. The 2018-2019 magazine is published: a lively summary of what it was to be part of the school over the last 12 months. And with 20/20 Vision in mind, a gamut of the proposals, initiatives and engaging for opportunities for our students is taking shape for the year ahead.
We are pleased to be back, suggest to you to follow school events on our Facebook page( www.facebook.com/englishschoolofmongolia ) or the website. Or, better still, to join us for many of the exciting occasions in planning for 2019-2020.
We thank you as always for your support: there is a big sense of anticipation as ESM weighs anchor now for 2019-2020. There is a real sense of transition and purpose.
Regards,
Graham Hill
ESM
