Warming thoughts from the SPC

November is a month that can feel long for some - the novelty of crisp fall days and autumn colours is over, and the wait for the December holiday break has begun. Plus, winter hats and gloves need to be pulled out; snow pants, coats and boots found and checked for fit; and everyone suddenly needs to remember winter tyres and how to walk on slippery streets! 

During this busy season, the SPC keeps the focus on connecting and supporting the community with informative meet ups and fun events planned to keep the community spirit bright!

NOVEMBER

We had a great SPC General “Wellness” Meet Up in November with our special guests, the SIS School Counsellors - Maria Laura, Student Counsellor EY3-Grade 5, and Noam, Student Counsellor Grades 6-7. It reminded us all how important it is to have a community to lean on, and how the ex-pat experience is a continuous journey with its own special highs and lows.

Here’s a LINK to the helpful presentation for those who missed the meeting!

Our aim is to bring in speakers for each of our quarterly meetings on topics important to our community. Mark your calendars for our next General Meet Up focusing on the hot topic of AI! Wednesday, 4 Feb - SPC General Meet Up: AI @ SIS 

DECEMBER

As the lights start to go up around Stockholm, our December celebration planning is also underway. Here's a rundown of what’s coming up from the SPC in the month ahead.

SPC Parent Community Holiday Mingle
Thursday, 11 Dec - 17:00-19:00 - Norra Latin
We are excited to continue our parent-focused events by getting the community together again in December. The SPC invites all SIS Parents to a festive, holiday mingle. Come and enjoy traditional Swedish glögg, wine, and cheese from Engelmanns - while spreading some holiday cheer with the parent community. Let's get into the holiday spirit! 
Don't miss the Parent & Staff Choir singing carols at 18:00!
Get more info and sign up HERE!

Lucia
A favourite Swedish tradition as the days get darker is celebrating Lucia! An ancient mythical figure, Lucia is the bearer of light into the dark Swedish winters. Today, Lucia is celebrated in many Swedish homes and schools, offices and hotels throughout the country as a way to bring light to the darkest time of the year. 

The SPC will be part of bringing a festive atmosphere to both schools on Friday, 12 December.

At Norra Latin, Upper and Middle School students will be welcomed into the building with festive music and traditional lussebullar and pepparkakor treats from the SPC to brighten their morning. And at Primary, the SPC will help the school with their own morning Lucia celebration. 

Grade & Class Holiday Parties
Planning is underway for Grade and Class specific Holiday Parties coming up at the end of December. Each grade and class has different traditions, so be sure to check in with your Parent Rep to see what’s happening, and if volunteers are needed to make these gatherings festive for everyone!

Classlist Listings Tip
Looking to clear out last year’s winter clothes that don’t fit, and want to find quick replacements - or ice skates, sleds, furniture and more… check out ‘Listings’ on the Classlist app home screen. You can offer items for sale or donation to the community - and possibly find something that you’ve been looking for!! 

Giving Season is Here!
The SPC is starting to prepare holiday gifts for the Teachers & Staff Appreciation Program! Around 200 Åhléns gift certificates will be given to everyone who works with our students, and behind the scenes, to make our family’s SIS experience the best it can be. Thank you to those who have already given to the program! 
There is still time to DONATE - CLICK HERE for more program and donation information.

Volunteer to bring some cheer!
A great way to spread some cheer and keep your spirits up is through volunteering. Looking for ways to connect with other parents in your grade or class? Help with our activities is always welcome! Be sure to check our posts on Classlist and with your Grade or Class Parent Representative for volunteer opportunities - or contact us at the SPC Board directly if you are looking for ways to help out with our various holiday activities - spc@intsch.se.

Together we can all help keep the glow of the season bright!