Hello from the HS Counselor's office. My name is Paula Brunning and I am very excited to be working with all High School students this year, from grades 9 through 12. At SIS, we focus on a holistic counselling model that incorporates preparing students for their top choice universities worldwide, as well as student social-emotional wellbeing and academic and career counselling. I join SIS with a strong background in supporting young people in all aspects including preparation for post-secondary planning and admission to the best universities that fit each individual.

SIS has a history of success. The personal and academic growth achieved through our rigorous and challenging program culminates in students being well prepared for future studies and that is acknowledged by our incredible list of acceptances to universities across the globe. In just the past year, our Class of 2017 had offers to Vanderbilt, Fordham, Georgetown, Tufts, University of Virginia, UC Berkeley, UCLA, UC San Diego, UC Irvine, Purdue, Carnegie Melon University, Washington University at Saint Louis, Emory, American University, New York University, Northeastern, University of Pittsburgh, Syracuse, University of Illinois, Newbury College, Florida Atlantic, Hawaii Pacific University, Brigham Young University, University of British Columbia, UBC Okanagan, McGill, University of Alberta, University of Manitoba, University of Saskatchewan, Niagara College, Brock University, University of Toronto, York University, University of Waterloo, University of Edinburgh, University of Birmingham, University of East Anglia, University of Law - Kent, Newcastle University, London School of Economics, University of Manchester, University of Bristol, University of Dundee, King's College London, Royal Halloway University of London, University of St. Andrew's, Queen Mary University, University College London, City University of London, IE-Spain, Amsterdam University of Applied Science, University of Amsterdam, Copper Union, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Shanghai Conservatory of Music, Qing Hua College of Arts Beijing. Visit the Senior Spotlight section to learn more about our talented Class of 2017.

The HS Counselling office is the focal point for students looking for a range of things, from information on a university visit or summer college experience, to a quick break with a cookie and a great view. Encouraging students to be mindful and take a moment to access what they need -be it reassurance, a quiet space, a piece of information - is an important skill developed to ensure students are prepared to care and advocate for themselves as much as study hard and participate in activities.

Individual academic planning, group lessons, standardized testing, parent information events and university visits to the SIS Bayside campus are some of the ways the HS Counselor ensures all students receive the guidance and support they need throughout their HS careers. Events occur throughout the year and are supplemented by an open-door policy, so parents and students can access me at their convenience.

Two important events kick off the 2017-18 school year:

Tuesday August 29, an IB Information event for all Grade 12 students and parents starting at 6:30pm in the Bayside Amphitheatre, and

Tuesday September 12, a university planning and preparation event for Grade 11 students and parents, also starting at 6:30pm in the Bayside Amphitheatre

Always feel welcome to drop by the HS Counselor Office on Level 3 of the Bayside Campus. I will see you there!

Paula Brunning

HS Counselor

pbrunning@sis.org.cn