American School of the Hague

A couple of weeks ago we welcomed back our students and teachers from their service trips to Tanzania and India. In Tanzania 24 students and three teacher chaperons began building the foundations of another classroom in Moshi. In New Delhi, 12 students and two chaperons worked in collaboration with the educational charity, Pratham, in teaching elementary age students in the slums of the city. Both groups of students raised funds ahead of time in a wide range of activities to buy materials for their respective service projects. In speaking to many of the students who took part, I have been struck by what a profound and positive effect the trips have had upon them. Developing a sense of commitment to others, especially those in less fortunate circumstances than us, is certainly one of ASH’s aims in developing global citizens. A special thanks to all the chaperons who took part in the detailed planning of each trip and gave up their February break to make these trips possible for our students.

Last month we hosted a Senior Math competition, which attracted over forty schools and 200 students! Our High School Math Department planned and executed this festival of math with great aplomb. That we could host such a successful event is in no small measure due to the tremendous support we received from the ASH community. Finding 200+ beds was a challenge Ms. Gonzalez and Ms. Rider were ready for and with the generosity of our families ensured a great weekend of math for all. Many thanks parents!

We are now in the heart of the course selection season at ASH. Parental involvement in this process is vital as future directions for our students’ college and careers are being laid. 5-9 March has been designated the week in which parents may wish to have a meeting with a teacher about the class choices being made for next year.

I am happy to say that our students continue to excel in academics as is evidenced by the large numbers who successfully attain the ASH Honor Roll accolade. Congratulations to them! College acceptances continue to arrive for our seniors. Between receiving these communications and preparing for their May external examinations, this is a particularly stressful time for our seniors. We are grateful to the ‘Senior Moms’ who continue to make the year special for our seniors in a variety of ways. Meanwhile, our basketballers and swimmers are busy making final tweaks to their preparations ahead of the upcoming NECIS and ISST championships while our thespians continue rehearsing for the spring play. On 9 March all student grades will be updated in Powerschool and progress reports for those students earning C- or below in any course will be posted on Powerschool.

We are looking forward to our High School involvement in the school’s International Day of 16 March and value the preparation that so many of our community make for this special day.

Best wishes for a glorious Dutch spring!