b"The NewsSenior SchoolEmpathy Week Extra-Curricular 'Empathy Week' was createdProgrammesby a group of educators who passionately believe thatNew initiatives anddeveloping the skill of empathyfuture developmentsin our pupils of today will help Numerous new initiatives have been put in place this term, create a brighter tomorrow. from an improved Primary sign-up system based on parental feedback to a number of new activities to cater for the Each year the organisation produces a wide range ofpreferences expressed by secondary pupils via the end ofresources and workshops which encourage teachersTerm 1 survey.and pupils alike to dig deep into what empathy means and how we can practice more empathy in ourWe have also started to include some progression in Netball Match Against the communities. We ran Empathy Week as a whole- Primary clubs and attended some competitions, including British School of the Netherlandsschool initiative at The BSA and the theme this yearan Irish Dance competition in January, a Netball match inI was delighted to hear that The BSA netball team had the was 'Home'. We explored stories of people whoFebruary, and a football tournament in March.opportunity to play against another school. Alongside Ms have experienced homelessness, war torn countries,We also had special visits organised this term around Lodder-Kotz, it is a pleasure to help coach the girls. While travelling the world and much more. traffic safety. Pupils in the Junior School have taken part coaching tests my patience at times, seeing them improve in workshops on traffic where they explored thetheir throwing abilities and spatial awareness makes me Pupils had the opportunity to engage with the conceptproud.of empathy through powerful storytelling. The contentinfrastructure in the areas they live in, and then alsoSki Trip was delivered through assemblies, PSHE lessonsused virtual reality to complete challenges around risks We had an under-14 and under-15 team, consisting ofand what to watch out for. Workshops such as this18 players, who went to play against the British Schooland tutor times that had been carefully curated byof the Netherlands (BSN).complement childrens classroom learning and extra-The 2024 ski trip for 40 pupils acrossprofessional educators and storytellers. Additionally,curricular activities by providing hands-on, experientialThe under-14 match started strong, with the score being there was a book review competition in which pupils Year 9 and 10 was a whirlwind ofwrote a book review on a book that has changedlearning opportunities that reinforce important concepts. 5-1 to BSA but after an unexpected retaliation from the excitement and adventure.their perspective on home. We had some exceptionalThis coming term we will continue expanding our offeringsBSN girls, The BSA girls lost their momentum. It wasa close game but the BSN girls won 10-8 and Savannah entries across KS3 and 4. to cater to the evolving interests and aspirations of our(goal shooter) got Player of the Match.From the bustling Schiphol airport to the picturesquepupils and we are planning to add Language and Science The under-15 match was more of a challenge as theirSwiss Alps, every moment was filled with laughter andPupils also brought in books for a book swap. Theseteam had players from under-16 and under-17. Ouranticipation. Despite early mornings and long days,books focused on the theme of empathy/home. Readingclubs for Primary. team played well considering the experience of the other fueled by delicious meals and hot chocolate, our spiritsis a way in which we can develop a strong sense ofIn the coming months, we plan to introduce new clubs team with the final score being 15-8 to BSN. The Playernever waned. empathy for the characters in the books and helps usand activities based on pupil feedback and interests.of the Match was Grace (centre).to see things from another person's perspective. ThankAdditionally, we are exploring opportunities for inter-As a team, we took a lot of positives from the games, but Skiing lessons began with beginners mastering theiryou to everyone who engaged so positively with this. school collaborations and competitions to provide have also identified our weaknesses and what to focus on first slopes while intermediates and advanced groupsenriching experiences beyond our campus borders. during our training. You learn more when you lose than tackled more challenging terrain. Afternoons offeredPupils also voted for other pupils and members of staffwhen you win. With more experience, we will be able to opportunities for ice skating, sledging, or simplyfor who has shown them empathy in action. ThereStay tuned for updates on upcoming events, workshops, adapt and perform our best in different environments.relaxing. Evenings were filled with camaraderie, fromwere over 250 votes across the Senior School. It isand initiatives designed to ignite passion and inspireSpecial thanks to Mrs. West for assisting anddelicious dinners to fun quizzes and even a disco night. fantastic to see how much empathy is being shown onexcellence in our pupils. Mrs. K for coaching us!a daily basis. AaminahThroughout the week, we witnessed remarkable progress and resilience among all pupils. The ski instructors and animation team were praised for their dedication, and special awards were given out during the prize-giving ceremony.As the trip came to a close, we cherished memories captured in a music video and slideshow. With hearts full of gratitude and excitement, we packed our bags, ready to return to Amsterdam, with memories to last a lifetime.18 19"