Upcoming Events
DECEMBER
14 December: Elementary in house field trip - Kyro the Science Guy
18 Dec- 7 Jan: Winter Break! No School!
JANUARY
8 Jan: School Resumes
11 Jan, 8:30am: PSG Monthly Meeting
12 Jan: Spirit Wear Day & Sale
19 Jan, 5:30pm: PSG Parent Social
27-28 Jan: AST Model United Nations (MUN)
31 Jan: Chili Cook-off and Quiz Night!
⚽️ ATHLETIC EVENTS 🏋️♂️
20 & 28 Dec and 4 Jan: Open Gym! (10am-noon Basketball, 12pm - 2:00pm Volleyball)
Mondays & Fridays, 6:50-7:50 am: WOLF (athletic training for ages 11 and up)
Message from the Director
PSG Spotlight: Norma Celis
Born and raised in Mexico City, Norma Celis carried her rich cultural background with her as she journeyed across continents. After teaching for eight years in Doha, Qatar, she now finds herself captivated by the beauty and openness of Astana, Kazakhstan.
Her involvement as a Room Parent Coordinator for the Parent Support Group (PSG) at QSI Astana was a natural progression after being a devoted QSI mum for nine years. "An opportunity arose, and I eagerly embraced it," she says, having been unable to participate earlier due to homeschooling her children.
Choosing to work at QSI Astana was fueled by her admiration for its supportive and diverse community. "The welcoming atmosphere feels like a family. Interacting with different cultures here is truly enriching," Norma explains.
She finds fulfillment in every aspect of her role, especially in coordinating events and seeing the children's smiles. Norma emphasizes the importance of kindness and a warm smile in building strong connections with students, families, and teachers.
While the PSG faced challenges during the COVID pandemic, Norma highlights the community's resilience in supporting each other, ensuring seamless operations despite the obstacles.
Norma appreciates the school's remarkable atmosphere, celebrating diversity and fostering mutual respect among different backgrounds and beliefs.
Working closely with a dedicated group of parents, led by Stefanie Hendricks, Norma continues to contribute her vibrant spirit and dedication, nurturing a sense of unity and inclusivity at QSI Astana.
Learning Support & Inclusion Dept.
QSI Astana is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion throughout our school. We strive to uphold a culture in which every individual, a teacher, a student or a parent feels that they belong, are trusted, and are valued.
The Learning Support and Inclusion Department at QSI Astana is designed to develop, strengthen and improve skills for positive academic performance and achievement. The LS and Inclusion Department offers students reading, writing and math support and intervention based on their Student Learning Plan (SLP). Our Department assists students with both diagnosed disabilities and those who experience documented difficulties acquiring new skills and/or completing their work. In addition, students who need help with study skills learn organizational, study and test-taking strategies. Depending on the student’s needs we help to learn, relearn and reinforce skills. We also offer push-in services where the LS and Inclusion teachers will sit in classes with students who need a little bit more support.
Supports Content Overview
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Literacy development
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Priorities and goal setting
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Reading and comprehension
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Time management and self-advocacy
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Mathematics
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Test taking
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Unit Completion
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Organization and planning
Learning Support and Inclusion Department Goals:
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To assist students in becoming as independent and successful as they possibly can by teaching self-advocacy and taking ownership in their education
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To monitor the student’s progress towards meeting SLP goals and assist the student in completing all Units of study
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To maintain communication with the student , parents, teachers and our school counselor while acting as a team
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To introduce and develop skills needed for learning
Our Department, together with teachers, monitors student progress throughout the year according to individual needs. Students and parents will have conferences to go over their progress towards the goals. Self-monitoring and self-insight will be the most important aspects happening as a result of our support and guidance. The entire process from a teacher’s referral to observations and accommodations including working with parents is streamlined and follows clear steps that allow teachers to feel supported. For further information we encourage parents to contact the LS and Inclusion teachers Ms. Saida Nigmetova at saida-nigmetova@astana.qsi.org and Dr. Stella de Bode at stella-debode@astana.qsi.org.
QSI Astana's
Statement of Purpose
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