Hereafter the great news related to this past week. We have fantastic results to report to our community and an impressive set of activities, just completed and soon to come. All this shows our effort and commitment to make Hanova an outstanding International School, for the benefit of our entire community.

MYP Authorization.  Xi’an Hanova International School is proud to announce to all our parents and friends that we will become an authorized International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, for the five-year Middle Years Programme (MYP) offering MYP years 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5.

Our School has received the official letter from the IB Asia-Pacific office, with congratulations on our considerable accomplishment. The IB has also commended “our school’s educators, administrators, students and families for the active roles in choosing to offer the MYP. The positive results of this choice will become evident in our community as classes of MYP students graduate and undertake activities that enhance social, cultural and economic environments locally, nationally and, perhaps, internationally.”

This considerable accomplishment further strengthens our Secondary School curriculum, complementing the previous authorizations received to offer the IB Diploma Programme and the Cambridge International Examinations. We are proud that our students will not only be able to obtain internationally recognized qualification for application to top universities, but will also acquire the skills to understand issues from broader perspectives. By providing a complete and challenging program for students from 3 years old through their high school graduation, Xi’an Hanova International School wants to develop life-long learning and talented people, who realize rich and fulfilling lives and will succeed personally and professionally in the 21st century.

Many thanks to all of you for your patience and support during last years, allowing us to achieve this great result!

NHSDLC Debate Conference.  During the weekend of November 5^th & 6^th, Hanova has hosted the first NHSDLC Debate Conference organized in Xi’an and Shaanxi province, an event part of a program organized all over China by the National High School Debate League of China (NHSDLC), involving 70+ students who use English as their Second Language.

The organizers were grateful to Hanova for the support received, and we are grateful to all teachers, members of staff and students volunteers who have provided their effort and time in support of this great event here.

University Fair.  We had a big University and College Fair last Saturday (5^th November) afternoon with several universities from the United States, evidence of our efforts to connect our students to all the possible study opportunities abroad. We will have more institutions arriving before the Christmas break: for more information please contact our University & Careers Counselor, Ms. Zhu ( sharon.zhu@his-xian.com ).

Primary Staff Professional Development.  Last week on Thursday 3rd and Friday 4th November while PYP students had an extended weekend break, our PYP teaching staff (including some Secondary School teachers) were engaging in their passion for education through a professional development workshop devised by the International Baccalaureate, entitled “Inquiry and The Additional Language Teacher”, led by Mrs. Priscila Alvarado.  We discussed our language learning, examined standards and practices. Staff reflected on how we can support multilingualism in our culturally diverse community.

Book Fair.  Beijing Star Kids Children’s Bookstore is returning to run our annual Book Fair. They will set up books for purchase on Monday, 14^th and Tuesday, 15^th November in our Library. They provide an easy way to access good English books for parents, that you can actually select and look through yourselves. The Book Fair will be open to parents and friends on Monday and Tuesday from 9:00am to 4:00pm, while the students can visit the Book Fair at any break time to select books that can be put aside for them and, after your approval, they can return with the appropriate money the next school day. For logistics purpose, please send any money in a sealed envelope with your child’s name, the amount of money and the book title (if known). For more information, please contact Ms. Hou in our Library ( amy.hou@his-xian.com ) .

Primary Parent-Teacher Conferences.  We would like to invite all primary parents to attend a Parent—Teacher Conferences for this school year on both Tuesday, Nov. 29^th and Thursday, Dec. 1^st from 2pm-5pm. Conferences are a way to discuss students’ learning, report on progress, and set learning goals. School will finish at 2pm on these two days.

All parents will need to complete a booking form that has been sent home to select a time that is convenient to attend the conference(s). We will make every effort to arrange a meeting time based on your preference. The school will confirm the day and time of the conference. This meeting is to talk with your child/children’s classroom teacher. If you would like to see one or more of the specialist teachers, please contact marketing team in the office.

NOTE: Each conference lasts 10 minutes. If a longer period is required a further appointment can be made at the meeting with the teacher.

Secondary Parent-Teacher Conference.  The new date for the Secondary School Parents, Teachers and Students conference is now set for Wednesday 23^th November. A dedicated letter will be sent out again to all Secondary parents by our Head of Secondary Mrs. Smith ( Jacqueline.smith@his-xian.com ) to confirm the arrangements.

DP Geography.  The IB DP Geography students went on a field trip on Wednesday 2nd November to complete the research necessary for their Internal Assessment. They are investigating the difference between urban stressors in areas of Xi’an. This promises to be a very interesting report. Thank you to Ms. Lilian Li for accompanying and helping us.

Sports.  Last Saturday 5^th November, a significant number of teachers and students have participated to the Xi’an City Wall Marathon, a community and athletic event linked to our host city. For details, Please ask ( anthony.lynn@his-xian.com ).

Hanova International Basketball Tournament.  On Saturday 12^th November, the Basketball Tournament venue has been changed: it took place at XIS. We have won the game VS XHIS with the score 54:27, VS XIS with 38:28. We are really proud of their achievement, please continue cheering for our team. For more details on this initiative contact Mr. Lynn ( anthony.lynn@his-xian.com ) and Mr. Chao ( chris.chao@his-xian.com ).

Thanks again for your continuing support.

Yours,

Francesco Masetti-Placci