In 2006 Sarah Smith became an IB (International Baccalaureate) 
World School.  

IBO Mission Statement:
Through comprehensive and balanced curricula coupled with 
challenging assessments, the IBO aims to assist schools in their 
endeavours to develop the individual talents of young people and 
teach them to relate the experience of the classroom to the 
realities of the world outside.  Beyond intellectual rigour and high 
academic standards, strong emphasis is placed on the ideals of 
international understanding and responsible citizenship, to the end 
that IB students may become critical and compassionate thinkers, 
lifelong learners and informed participants in local and world 
affairs, conscious of the shared humanity that binds all people 
together while respecting the variety of cultures and attitudes that 
makes for the richness of life.

IB Student Profile:

1.  INQUIRERS: Their natural curiosity has been nutured.  They have 
acquired the skills necessary to conduct purposeful, constructive 
research.  They actively enjoy learning and this love of learning 
will be sustained throughout their lives.

2.  THINKERS: They exercise initiative in applying thinking skills 
critically and creatively to make sound decisions and to solve 
complex problems.

3.  COMMUNICATORS: They receive and express ideas and information 
confidently in more than one language, including the language of 
mathematical symbols.

4.  RISK-TAKERS: They approach unfamiliar situations without 
anxiety and have the confidence and independence of spirit to 
explore new roles, ideas, and strategies.  They are courageous and 
articulate in defending those things in which they believe.

5.  KNOWLEDGEABLE: They have spent time in our schools exploring 
themes which have global relevance and importance.  In doing so, 
they have acquired a critical mass of significant knowledge.

6.  PRINCIPLED: They have a sound grasp of the principles of moral 
reasoning.  They have integrity, honesty, and a sense of fairness 
and justice.

7.  CARING: They show sensitivity towards the needs and feelings of 
others.  They have a sense of personal commitment to action and 
serve.

8.  OPEN-MINDED: They respect the views, values, and traditions of 
other individuals and cultures and are accustomed to seeking and 
considering a range of points of view.

9.  BALANCED: They understand the importance of intellectual, 
physical and emotional balance to achieve personal well-being for 
themselves and others.

10. REFLECTIVE: They give thoughful consideration to their own 
learning and analyze their personal strengths and weaknesses in a 
constructive manner.

(IBO Manual 2000)

The IB Program of Inquiry is based on six organizing themes:

1.  WHO WE ARE
2.  WHERE WE ARE IN PLACE AND TIME
3.  HOW WE EXPRESS OURSELVES
4.  HOW THE WORLD WORKS
5.  HOW WE ORGANIZE OURSELVES
6.  SHARING THE PLANET

SARAH SMITH KINDERGARTEN IB UNITS:
1. WE ARE SPECIAL
2. IT'S ABOUT TIME
3. CELEBRATE GOOD TIMES
4. ME ON A MAP
5. WANTS AND NEEDS
6. LOVE YOUR MOTHER

IB ATTITUDES:
1.  APPRECIATION: Appreciating the wonder and beauty of the world 
and its people.
2.  COMMITMENT: Being commited to their own learning, perservering, 
and showing self-discipline and responsibility.
3.  CONFIDENCE: Feeling confident in their ability as learners, 
having the courage to take risks, applying what they have learned, 
and making appropriate decisions and choices.
4.  COOPERATION: Cooperating, collaborating, and leading or 
following as the situation demands.
5.  CREATIVITY: Being creative and imaginative in their thinking and 
in their approach to problems and dilemmas.
6.  CURIOSITY: Being curious about the nature of learning, about the 
world, and its people and culture.
7.  EMPATHY: Imagining themselves in another's situation in order to 
understand his or her reasoning and emotions, so as to be open-
minded and reflective about the perspective of others.
8.  ENTHUSIASM: Enjoying learning and willingly putting the effort 
into the process.
9.  INDEPENDENCE: Thinking and acting independently, making their 
own judgements based on reasoned argument, and being able to defend 
their own judgements.
10.  INTEGRITY: Being honest and demonstrating a considered sense of 
fairness.
11.  RESPECT: Respecting themselves, others, and the world around 
them.
12.  TOLERANCE: Being sensitive about the differences and diversity 
in the world and being responsive to the needs of others.

IB WORD OF THE WEEK: