Dear Parents,
I am writing to wish you and your family a very happy Mid-Autumn Festival. Whether you are traveling or staying home, I hope it is a lovely time for you and your family.
In my last message to you, I focused on my first goal, which is high achievement for all students. This means that every student achieves their very best. This will look different for students and some will make fast progress while others will make progress at their own pace. I am delighted to let you know that our school has made a big improvement in this area, with thirteen more MAP assessments exceeding the US average this Fall, compared to this time last year.
Social-Emotional Learning
XLIS is an inclusive school; this means that a small percentage of our student body has special education needs, which we cater to. We delight in welcoming these students into our community, and they have a significant impact on our global averages. I do not have the opportunity to boast about averages like other schools in our region, but I do have the opportunity to boast when we do the following:
- Help a student with autism navigate school and get into university
- Walk with a family through an ADHD diagnosis and see the student become a high achiever academically
- Take a student who has been expelled from two other schools in our city and see him graduate
- Help a student who was non-verbal learn to speak clearly and successfully navigate school.
This is what it is all about for us. I get emotional each year as I see one of these beautiful children walk across the stage and receive their graduation certificate.
Whole School Student Support Team
Our student support team currently consists of two counselors, two inclusion specialists, our school nurse and is supported by a number of senior leaders. Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) is taught as part of both our PSPE curriculum and homeroom curriculum. If you would like any further information on the services we provide in this area at XLIS, please reach out to me and I will connect you with the appropriate personnel.
You know I love to hear from you, so if you have time drop me a line to let me know how your child is doing.
Sincerely,
Brian Lalor
Deputy Head of School
