BULLETIN No.4

Upcoming Dates
 

 
General
 
Safety Precaution
 
A number of parents collecting their children at the 2.00 pm and 3.00 pm exits have continued to ignore our constant requests to NOT park and abandon their vehicles in the street (Calle 33) to the West of the school.  As a consequence, we are evaluating the possible measures we can take to discourage this unfortunate aspect.
 
International Fair
It is with great enthusiasm that we invite all members of our Learning Community to our annual International Fair on the 22nd of February.  Guests will have the opportunity to play a range of games, enjoy an entertaining cultural programme and sample food from around the world.  All the money that is raised on the day goes to support our students’ various service-learning projects.
 
Club Cancellations
We regret to inform you that the following clubs will be cancelled this week due to preparations for the International Fair:
 
Thursday 20th February

• Boy’s Football Year 5 – Year 6

Friday 21st February

• Senior Men’s Football Year 9 – Year 12
• Motobikes and Motorbikes Early Years 3 – Year 3
• Boy’s Football Year 4
• Girl’s Football Year 4 – Year 6

Monday 24th February

• Senior Women’s Football Year 6 – Year 12

We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused.
 
Early Years and Primary
 
Karate Kyokushinkaikan Seminar
Saul Saenz (Year 4) and his elder brother, Juan Carlos (Year 11), recently participated in the Karate Kyokushinkaikan Seminar held in Los Angeles, CA during the first weekend of February.  The seminar was part of the 19th US Weight Category Karate Championship. Photo
 
Year 5 Residential Camp
Last Friday saw the return of our Year 5 students, Teachers and Secondary School Mentors after a fantastic three-day adventure in San Ramon de Alajuela. These types of experiences provide the perfect opportunity for students to display the full range of the school’s values in a real-life context. A big thank you to all those involved in ensuring such a positive learning experience. Photos from the camp will be shared with the Year 5 generation through Class Dojo – Photo 1 / Photo 2
 
Secondary
 
BSCR Electoral Process – 2025
This week our Secondary students elected both their Class Representatives and the Student Electoral Tribunal.  As a result, starting on Monday of next week parties that would like to stand for election to the Student Council 2025/26 are invited to register their interest.
 
Year 11NB and Year 10 English Language Cambridge exams
Starting on Tuesday next week, on February 18, 19 and 20, the Year 11 NB and Year 10 students will test their English language skills, to obtain an additional international language certification, according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.   This test assesses their current skills of Reading and Use of English, Writing, Speaking and Listening. There is no need for students to further prepare for this test.  This certification will further support our students in their future national or international plans for university or work.
 
Secondary House Football Tournament
This week saw the start of our Senior House Football Tournament.  Over the next two months, teams from Arenal, Barva, Irazu and Poas will compete to be crowned champions.  We encourage all members of our Learning Community to support their House during each of the lunchtime games.
 
Dance Success
Congratulations to Montserrat Soto on her recent participation in a dance competition in Washington D.C (Intrigue Dance Intensive).  Montserrat, along with her dancing team were recognised with: 1st place in the Small Group Contemporary Junior competition, 1st place in the Junior Overall category, the Best Choreography Award and the Junior High Score Award – Photo 1 / Photo 2
 
SAT (for Year 11 and 12 students)
This year’s first SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) will take place on Saturday, March 8th, at the school. The registration deadline is Friday, February 21st. The test fee is $111, payable online. For more information on 2024 test dates and deadlines, please visit the International SAT Dates.

The SAT is a standardized test administered by The College Board. Many universities worldwide, particularly in the United States, consider it either a requirement or an optional part of the application process.  The SAT is now digital, and students are allowed to use their own computers or tablets. For practice and preparation resources, please visit the SAT Practice and Preparation Information. Khan Academy is an excellent free resource for SAT preparation.

We recommend that students registering for the first time schedule a meeting with Ana Lourdes Baumgartner, University Counselor, to complete the registration process.  If you have any questions, please contact Ana Lourdes at abaumgartner@bscr.ed.cr.

University Visits
This week, we had the opportunity to welcome university representatives and explore exciting opportunities for our Year 9 to Year 12 students. Representatives from Universidad de las Américas Puebla (UDLAP) and The King’s University in Edmonton, Canada, visited different groups and delivered presentations on higher education in their respective countries and institutions.  During their talks, they provided key information about admission processes, academic programs, costs, and scholarships, as well as study abroad opportunities, student life, and internship options. These visits offered our students a broader perspective on the possibilities available for their academic and professional future.

We also welcomed a representative for Costa Rica from the National Student Leadership Conference (NSLC), who shared information about their prestigious summer programs. NSLC offers high school students the opportunity to develop leadership skills, explore potential career paths, and experience life on a university campus in the United States. If parents would like more information about this or other summer camp opportunities for their children, please feel free to contact Ana Lourdes Baumgartner at abaumgartner@bscr.ed.cr.