July 2010

Suddenly, the end of the year has sped along, at least for the children. School of course remains open throughout, and our Summer Club is running smoothly. Reports were issued on the last day. I hope you find them honest, frank and helpful. I have compared EIS’ reports with a large number of schools’ and I think ours are the most informative. 

What a year! Who could have forecast that we would have to cope with the swine flu panic, the air traffic chaos, changes to the visa rules, and Moscow stuck in a recession? Then there was the worst, or best, winter for a decade, depending on your point of view – it was great to get the skis out. Thank you for your perseverance, and to the staff and pupils for coping so well with every challenge. At home, we have made great strides thanks to the Friends of EIS. We have increased the range and quality of our music, drama and catering. We sport bigger and better playing fields, and splendid sports results. It has been a proud year for the work and effort we have put in to helping our chosen charities – thank you!

Academically, this year we doubled the number of IGCSE and AS level entries, and added our first A Level exams. This is a remarkable achievement, given the diversity of our students’ previous educational experiences, and the short times that many of them have been with us. These exams will reward ability, and effort, and preparation. Each candidate will need to look at their results personally.

It was a pleasure to see so many of you here for Prize Giving and Sports Day. Congratulations to the Eagles for winning the inter house Stars competition, and to the Wolves for their fine victory on sports day. A lovely day!

Culture Week was another great success. Special thanks to Mrs Hunter and Miss Ashton, who led a hot but happy gang of seniors to St Petersburg. Other forms headed for Red Square, museums, galleries, boats, bowling, parks, gardens, zoos and water parks, sports, busy times and quieter moments. In all, they have done education without the schooling. A good way to finish the year.

Next year EIS is aiming to continue our growth and development. We are reviewing WHAT we teach and HOW we teach it. We have ordered more ICT equipment and books. We are enlarging both libraries. We have booked the swimming pool, and hope to see a full commitment from all for this most valuable exercise.

One of EIS’ mottos is “Everyone is special”. We are proving in a more formal way. We have always had a wide range of language backgrounds, a mix of abilities and a number of pupils who need something out of the ordinary. Moscow is often said to be a very unfriendly city for children who need learning support. EIS is now changing that. We offer more and better support for children with dyslexia and other learning difficulties. We are very excited about this, and unanimously determined to raise the standard. I hope and expect that EVERY pupil here will benefit from this focus on enhancing the learning of all. I am sure you will welcome and support us in this initiative.

We can do everything better. Next year we will also seek to raise the standard, again, of uniform, catering, homework diaries and the teaching of languages – building on successes to date. We are redesigning and rebuilding the web site.

We say farewell this term to Miss Diana Sokolova in the office, Miss Aishling Larkin in the Early Years Department, and Miss Buzeta and Miss Joubert in the Junior section. All have done wonderful things for EIS in the time they have been with us and will be greatly missed. All are moving on to exciting new adventures and challenges, in UK, USA and South Africa, and we wish them all well.   

Keep you diaries clear for:

Wednesday 1 September – the first day of teaching

Thursday 9 September – open afternoon to come and meet form tutors and other parents

Thursday 23 September  -  parents’ and staff social evening - a chance to get to know everyone in a pleasant setting – all most welcome!

Please keep in touch over the summer. Parents are welcome to make an appointment to get uniforms in the days before term.

With grateful thanks for all your support and enthusiasm,

Best wishes for a relaxing and peaceful summer.

Yours sincerely