Author: Pledge Harbor

10th June 2024 marked a significant milestone for our Grade 5 students in the history of PHIS PYPX, as they presented their PYP culmination exhibition. Each student showcased their ideas and creations with remarkable prudence, delivering a stupendous performance. From a magnificent song and skit display to exploring the theme” How the World Works, “ our students took up personal individualized projects and delved deep into the impact of Robotics, Artificial intelligence, Forensic Science, Digital Art, Climate Change, Agriculture and modern scientific advancements. Their mutual support and expressive proficiency shone brightly throughout the exhibition. Congratulations to all the students for their outstanding contributions, and we wish them continued success as they embark on their journey to the Middle Years Programme with boundless potential.
The Student-Led Conferences on the other hand celebrated each student’s unique strengths and contributions, emphasizing their active role and partnership in the learning process. Through sharing portfolios with parents and interactive presentations, students showcased their understanding and growth, making SLCs a testament to their continuous learning and development.

On the mesmerizing evening of 25th April 2024 Thursday at Pledge Harbor International School (PHIS), students and teachers gathered to witness a remarkable astronomy event organized by the Dhrubotara Astronomy Organization. The event, graced by the presence of Mr. Ongon Rahman, the esteemed founder of the organization, promised an unforgettable experience under the enchanting glow of a full moon. The astronomy event commenced at 9pm, as the moon illuminated the night sky with its radiant presence. Students and teachers eagerly assembled to embark on a celestial journey, exploring the wonders of the universe. The atmosphere was filled with anticipation and curiosity, as everyone prepared to delve into the mysteries of the cosmos.
As part of the event, the attendees were privileged to virtually interact with a renowned Hollywood movie director, Mr. Jeffrey Morris. Known for his expertise in creating captivating science-fiction movies, Mr. Jeffrey Morris shared his insights and experiences with the enthusiastic audience. Students and teachers were captivated as they watched an exclusive trailer of his upcoming movie Peresphone, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O5y98s7XzUk which showcased the marvels of space exploration. The highlight of the evening was the interactive session with Mr. Jeffery Morris. Students eagerly posed questions, seeking to unravel the secrets behind the creation of science-fiction movies. Mr. Morris graciously shared his knowledge and provided valuable advice to aspiring filmmakers and astronomy enthusiasts alike. The virtual interaction allowed the attendees to gain a deeper understanding of the intersection between astronomy and the world of cinema.
Following the enlightening conversation with Mr. Morris, students participated in an engaging quiz session focused on astronomy. The quiz aimed to test their knowledge and ignite their passion for the celestial realm. For every correct answer, participants were rewarded with official stickers from NASA, symbolizing their achievement and dedication to the study of astronomy.
The astronomy event at Pledge Harbor International School, organized by the Dhrubotara Astronomy Organization, proved to be an extraordinary experience for all attendees. Under the luminous full moon, students and teachers immersed themselves in the wonders of the universe, gaining insights from both Mr. Ongon Rahman and Hollywood director Mr. Jeffery Morris. The event not only fostered a love for astronomy but also provided a platform for students to engage with industry professionals and expand their horizons.

Pledge Harbor International School MYP students successfully organized the Annual MYP Exhibition yesterday, Saturday, 2 March 2024. They showcased a range of skills that involved various subjects. These flexible skills feature academic abilities that go beyond the classrooms. Among the highlights of the programme includes a lively performance of a Spanish song, Alvaro Soler’s Mira Sofia by MYP 2 students, a humorous Bangla skit, Sukumar Ray’s Jiboner Hisab by MYP 3 students, and a heart-wrenching English musical performance by the MYP 4 students based on The Epic Musical by Jorge Rivera-Herrans that is inspired by Homer’s Odysseus. There were also a slew of original poetry and song performances from MYP 3-5 students, showing the students’ creativity and imagination.
It was also a show of modernity as students created and showcased short films that synthesize their learnings in Design as well as how they are taking part in global conversations to reduce climate change in Individuals & Societies. Students showcased each grade’s Service As Action activities and MYP 5 Personal Projects. These projects were testaments to their ability to integrate all the ATL Skills into their curriculum. At the end of the event, parents and visitors were encouraged to participate in a quiz on Mentimeter to choose the right solutions to the real world problems related to global warming and climate change. Students also demonstrated a remarkable display of skills and creativity in presenting engaging Science, Math, and Sports activities in their classrooms.
The event was graced by the presence of Head of School, Mrs. Kaniz Zareen, members of the Senior Management Team, parents, teachers, and students.

Sports day is one of the most important events in the academic calendar of PHIS since the beginning. At Pledge Harbor International School it is called “Pledge-A-thon”. PHIS strongly believes that physical activities and sports not only compliment academic performance but also help to develop leadership qualities, determination, mental resilience, communication and social skills. PHIS employ this as an opportunity to bring the entire PHIS community under one umbrella and display their athletic excellence.
This academic year’s Pledge-A-thon has been competed on 22nd of February, 2024 in a befitting manner. As usual there were different track and field events for the students of K-12. It had events for the parents, all the staff (teachers, dorm masters & admin staff) and support staff of PHIS as well. One of the highlight of this year’s Pledge-A-Thon was the PT display by the students of PYP. This year’s fastest runner (the Best Athlete) award was won by Sadiq Bin Muzahid of grade 12 and the fastest girl was won by Zara Khan of grade 12. Tug of war trophy was won by Pluto House and the March past trophy was won the Mars house. The most coveted Champion House trophy was won by the point table topper house Pluto. Congratulations to the entire PHIS community. Bye, bye till the next Pledge-A-thon.

The Pledge Harbor Inter School Football Tournament 2023 got underway with a bang on February 9th! With tight security and excitement in the air, 13 schools brought 24 teams to compete. Inaugurated by Mr. Ahsan Kabir Khan, Vice Chairman of Viyellatex Group, the event was nothing short of spectacular. Simultaneously, our chief guest unveiled the PHIS Yearbook commemorating the decade-long odyssey of Pledge Harbor.
The tournament atmosphere bore a resemblance to the excitement of ‘The Triwizard Tournament’ from the ‘Harry Potter’ series. Matches unfolded across various categories, including U-12, U-16, Girls U-18, and U-19, showcasing both skill and sportsmanship with some being easy victories and others fiercely contested. U-12 made their tournament debut and reached the finals, a moment of immense pride for everyone involved!
As day 2 unfolded, the competition intensified, with teams displaying resilience amidst victories and defeats. One of the most intense and thrilling encounters of the event was the U-19 match between PHIS and Manarat Dhaka School & College. PHIS clinched the U-19 title, while Masco Kanchan’s U-16, Delhi Public School, Dhaka’s U-12, and PHIS’s Girls U-18 teams emerged champions in their respective categories.
The runner-up positions were filled by the Manarat Dhaka School & College U-19 team and Masco Kanchan’s U-18 girls team, alongside PHIS’s U-16 and U-12 teams. Our Chief Guest, Mr. Amir Hasanat, Director of Viyellatex Group, presented the medals and trophies and officially concluded the tournament.
As PHIFT 2023 draws to a close, it is important to commend the dedication and sportsmanship displayed by all the participating teams. Looking ahead, we anticipate another thrilling tournament next year, where teams will once again gather to celebrate the essence of sports and camaraderie.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our sponsors for their invaluable contributions in making this tournament an unforgettable experience.

Tranquillity, excitement, and diligence characterized the atmosphere at Pledge Harbor International School for a year and a half leading up to the conclusion of the Multiprogramme Evaluation in January 2024.
The International Baccalaureate Organization has a unique approach to evaluating schools, focusing on progress and development rather than the pass-or-fail concept. A comprehensive three-day evaluation of the Diploma Programme, Middle Years Programme, and Primary Years Programme not only observed the advancement of our school but also garnered praise for every member of our community. We were honoured to host Ms Suman Sethi, a Senior IB World Schools Manager, and Mr Patrick Ong, an MYP Programme and Team Leader, along with Evaluation Leaders for all three programmes. Under the guidance of our Head of School, Ms. Kaniz Zareen, our DP Coordinator led the evaluation process in collaboration with MYP and PYP Coordinators and a planning committee made up of educators and administrators, with contributions from our parent body and community.
The preliminary report submitted in September 2023 met all IB expectations, boosting morale for the final IB visit in January 2024. Surveys and orientations were conducted to gather feedback from stakeholders, and action plans were developed based on the findings to enhance alignment between programmes, ensure consistency in teaching practices, and improve student learning outcomes.
Professional development sessions were held to share findings and promote collaboration among educators. Through focused efforts and strategic planning, coherence across programmes was improved. We take pride in meeting the requirements and expectations of the IBO and remain committed to ongoing evaluation and improvement at Pledge Harbor International School in Bangladesh.
All’s Well That Ends Well; the evaluation team was impressed by our school’s execution of all three programmes and the dedication shown by our students and teachers. They also noted our school’s significant community service efforts, recognizing PHIS as an exceptional IB school.

Students from Pledge Harbor International School participated in a CAS visit to Upo Anushanik Primary School, a local institution for underprivileged children. The primary goal of the visit was to bring awareness about the significance of handwashing among the students of Upo Anushanik Primary School, aligning with their CAS service objectives. Demonstrating the commitment to IB CAS goals, our students actively engaged in activities, including creating a Bangla song that conveyed the proper handwashing steps. This interactive approach not only facilitated understanding but also made the learning experience enjoyable for the Upo Anushanik Primary School students. Our students designed vibrant and informative posters illustrating handwashing steps and their health implications, serving as visual aids to reinforce the importance of this hygiene practice. As a gesture of compassion, PHIS students provided hand wash and hand towels to their peers at Upo Anushanik Primary School, contributing essential resources for proper hand hygiene. The day was filled with productivity and valuable experiences.

Recognising our School Captain and the entire Student Council and Class Prefects for 2023/2024.
Congratulations to our Student Leaders.

TOK exhibition is the culmination of the Tok Internal Assessment component. DP students showcase their understanding of TOK and critical thinking by choosing objects in real life and connecting with IA prompts.
At PHIS, in keeping with its continuum tradition we involve all teachers across the programs in the exhibition. Some glimpses of the day with animated discussion between faculty and students where both were deeply engaged.
Sujata Chowdhury,
DPC, TOK and Physics faculty

Friendship Chain for PEACE DAY,
PYP

Our learners are understanding the importance of the one vote and the responsibility of voting for the right candidate.
Pledge Harbor teaches this is an exercise in democracy in practice.

On June 8th, Pledge Harbor International School in Bangladesh successfully concluded the highly anticipated Primary Years Programme Exhibition and Student-led- Conference. The PYP Exhibition centered around the theme “How We Express Ourselves” through Art & Expression. The event was graced by the presence of Ms Kaniz Zareen, the Head of School, along with the Senior Management Team and the Consultant for Marketing and Administration.
The PYPX featured captivating performances that showcased various art forms and expressions. It includes the mesmerizing Bharatanatyam dance, the melodious Jaltarang instrument, a poetic symphony of Bengali rhythms, nostalgic melodies from the 70s, and a dynamic rendition of Queen’s “We Will Rock You.” Additionally, energetic aerobics routines and an insightful presentation on the students’ PYP journey were part of the program. These remarkable showcases served as a reminder to the students that they can achieve their dreams through discipline, determination, and dedication.
The exhibits skillfully portrayed the creative process behind the PYPX and effectively addressed important Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as Climate Change, Zero Hunger, Poverty Eradication, Quality Education, Peace & Justice, and Sustainable Cities and Communities. The audience was captivated and maintained their attention and interest throughout.
We take immense pride in our students, the HRT Ms Mumtaz Masuda and the subject specialists, Ms Surovi Jahan, Ms Ayesha Sara Siddiqua, Ms Luthfun Nahar, Ms Reasad Alam Roana, Mr Masud Rana, Mr Amit Hasan and Mr Shiful Islam for putting up an exhibition of this magnitude!
We extend our best wishes to our fifth-grade students as they embark on their MYP Journey. Their presence will be dearly missed at the school.
A significant turnout of parents was observed at the Student-Led-Conference (SLC), which concluded on a positive and successful note.