learning to innovate: a trip to google sydney ~ pg....
TRANSCRIPT
IGB International School’s Weekly Newsletter - Issue 124. Week 2. September 2017.
Learning to Innovate: A Trip to Google Sydney ~ Pg. 8
Happening.
+ Mon, Sep 11 ~ University Visit: Jacobs University Bremen @ Secondary Library 12:50 pm – 1:20 pm
+ Wed, Sep 13 ~ Class Representatives Coffee @ PVO Room | 8:00 am – 8:40 am ~ Malaysia Day Assembly @ Theatre | 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
+ Fri, Sep 15 ~ Open Day | All-day ~ Kopi with the Secondary Principal @ PVO Room | 8:00 am – 8:40 am ~ Kopi with the Elementary Principal @ PVO Room | 8:40 am – 9:20 am
Malaysia Day Celebrations ~ Pg. 2
Elementary Music News ~ Pg. 4
Grade 12 News ~ Pg. 5
College Counselling News ~ Pg. 6
Performing Arts News ~ Pg. 7
Learning to Innovate:
A Trip to Google Sydney ~ Pg. 8
Japanese Coffee Morning ~ Pg. 9
Korean Parent Workshop ~ Pg. 9
Flying Phoenix ~ Pg. 10
Secondary House Relay Event ~ Pg. 11
Friends of the Phoenix ~ Pg. 12
Inside This Week
Message from Head of SchoolMrs. Anne FowlesHead of School....................................................News from Elementary SchoolMr. Simon MillwardElementary School Principal....................................................News from Secondary SchoolMr. Michael ArcidiaconoSecondary School Principal
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3
5
Message from Head of School
Dear IGBIS Parents and Community Members,
Congratulations to Malaysia for its phenomenal success in the SEA Games. The medal tally was certainly cause for celebration!
This week IGB International School is proud to be the Malaysian centre for ten IB Asia Pacific Regional Workshops. The Workshop Leaders and participants have travelled to Kuala Lumpur from all over the Asia Pacific region and beyond to take part in the workshops.
IGBIS also the hosted the first General Meeting of the Malaysian Association of International Baccalaureate Schools (MyIB). Over 100 teachers, coordinators and Heads of Schools from around Malaysia attended the meeting followed by IB programme sessions and networking opportunities. Mrs Fowles, Chair of MyIB welcomed the school representatives and explained the many advantages of the new association. The Regional Development Manager provided an update on developments in the region and noted that over 30 schools are now offering IB programmes in Malaysia with IGBIS being the first four programme school. MyIB was honoured to have officials from the National Innovation Agency of Malaysia and MARA attending the meeting.
Anne FowlesHead of School
Malaysia Day Celebrations
All parents and members of the IGBIS community are invited to attend our Malaysia Day Assembly on Wednesday 13th September at 2.00pm. Students and parents should wear clothing or colours that celebrate the rich culture of Malaysia.
Igniting Minds Impacting Lives 3
News from the Elementary Principal
We were extremely proud of our Grade 4 and Grade 5 student
council representatives this week as they acted as guides for
the IB workshop participants. Their role was to guide them
from the car park to Level 5 and into the theatre. They were
to welcome them to IGB International School, converse with
them and answer any questions they may have had. They
spoke knowledgeably about the school and the PYP and rep-
resented the school admirably.
Speaking of our student council (STUCO) I have been hearing
some rumours that they have some exciting plans ahead. At
this stage it is top secret, but I look forward to hearing their
concrete ideas very soon.
We would like to ask for your assistance with regard to your
children’s belongings. Students can be forgetful and misplace
their water bottles, security tags, swimming clothes, school
hats and lunch boxes to name just a few items. If you could
take the time to write your child’s name on EVERYTHING that
would be a big help. We do have a lost and found but it makes
it much easier to return items to the owners if they have a
name on them. Thank you for your help in this matter.
Next Wednesday 13th September, we have our Malaysia Day
assembly that is being led by the Elementary School students.
We would like to invite all parents to attend and be seated in
the theatre by 2pm for a prompt start at 2.10pm. For this day
we would love it if students can dress in traditional Malaysian
clothes, if this is not possible then students can wear clothes
to represent the colours of the Malaysian flag (red, blue, white
and yellow). If your child is due to have PE or swimming during
the day on Wednesday please send them in PE clothes and
they can change before the assembly.
I look forward to seeing you next Wednesday 13th September
at the Malaysia Day assembly.
Simon MillwardElementary School Principal
4 Igniting Minds Impacting LivesIgniting Minds Impacting Lives
Elementary Music News
Susan Bal-ShortElementary Music Teacher...............................................................................................
Greetings from Elementary Music!
“Musical experiences and learning begin with the voice.”
(PYP arts scope and sequence). This will certainly be true for
the coming year in Elementary School as we implement the
Orff Schulwerk Approach to music education.
The Orff Approach is a holistic and inclusive approach, where
learners are actively involved in music-making, composing,
creating and performing in speech, singing, drama and dance.
The Orff Schulwerk Approach, was developed by the German
composer, Carl Orff (from “Carmina Burana” fame), and is a
way of learning music by singing, dancing, playing special
instruments and improvising. Already the students are risk-
taking on instruments through improvisation and singing in
class.
Early Years and Kindergarten classes are enjoying their own
dedicated music room - this year where they are experiencing
movement and dance, percussion work and singing through
play activities and action songs.
Grade 3 students are preparing for a special “voice production”
workshop as part of their Unit of Inquiry on communication.
The Phoenix Tweeters held their first choral rehearsal on
Tuesday. 12 little Tweeters are now in preparation for a Diwali
Assembly debut and we look forward to our first performance.
Grade 4 and 5 students are also in full preparation for the
Malaysia Day Assembly being held next week with some
special Malaysian songs played on traditional Malay and
Indonesian instruments.
We look forward to igniting the musical possibilities and
imaginations of our learners in the coming year.
Grade 5 - Small ensembles and improvisation.
Igniting Minds Impacting Lives 5
News from the Secondary School Principal
Dear parents,
Today (Friday) was an exciting day as grades 6-11 embarked
on a “Service Day”, leaving the confines of IGBIS to work in
the community in partnership with different organisations.
A few weeks back, Ms Chotard organised a Service Fair to
raise awareness amongst our students about ways they can
contribute. Today was an opportunity to move from “raising
awareness” to “taking action”.
• Grade 6 - SPCA (working with animals)
• Grade 7 - Biji Biji (recycling)
• Grade 8 - Hope Malaysia (local community organisation)
• Grade 9 - Cert Academy (First Aid)
• Grade 10 - Achievers Academy (refugee group)
• Grade 11 - Epic homes (NGO that helps families)
A special thanks to Ms Chotard for all her work in putting these
opportunities together for our students. While they were away,
IGBIS hosted IB workshops which took place in Level 6 and 7
classrooms, and continue throughout the weekend.
Like today, September will continue to be a very busy month,
so I would like to highlight some important dates:
• September 15th at 8 am - Kopitiam with Mr Arcidiacono
• September 19th at 8 am - Managebac workshop with Mr
Derry.
• September 26th from 8:00-9:30 - Assessment in the MYP
workshop with Mr Clark
• September 27th at 8 am - Workshops for Korean and
Japanese parents, with Ms Kim & Mr Helman
• September 29th from 8:00-12:00 - MYP Maths & Science
workshop with Mr Clark
Lastly, I hope to see all parents at our Malaysia Day Assembly
this Wednesday. Students, parents and staff are invited to
dress in Malaysian traditional dress to celebrate this important
occasion. I have my outfit ready, do you??
Sincerely yours,
Michael ArcidiaconoSecondary School Principal
Grade 12 News
Mary BoydDiploma Programme Coordinator...............................................................................................
Grade 12 students worked on their EE and had extra lessons
in ToK, in addition to normal lessons on Friday. As the only
grade remaining in Secondary School, they enjoyed a special
pizza picnic to unwind, and enjoy the company of their fellow
school mates.
During the DP parents coffee morning this week, we spoke
about the need for a healthy approach to work, including
planned rest periods. Wellness in the DP is something we
discuss regularly with the Grade 12 students, and something
we have scheduled during Grade 12 Camp Week - with
Cooking for University, First Aid for Survival, and Active
Mindfulness.
Grade 12 Camp Week: 26-29 SeptemberNow bridging the gap between school and university, current
Grade 12 students were blessed with the wisdom of some of
our graduating students, Hwei Minn, Rebecca and Hamizah,
who dropped by to collect their DP Diploma Certificates,
before setting off for the UK — to Cambridge, Leicester and
Exeter universities — to study Natural Sciences, Geography
and Law. A special note of thanks to Hamizah, who has been
an amazing leader, tireless in her altruistic acts and revered
for her organisational skills, that have helped so many with
genuine kindness and exceptional efficiency. As ever, we wish
them every good fortune with their next adventure in life.
Current Grade 12 students with 2017 graduates - off soon to Cambridge, Leicester and Exeter universities
6 Igniting Minds Impacting Lives
College Counselling News
Bill MitchellGrades 9-12 School Counsellor...............................................................................................
IGBIS EventsGrade 12 Parent University Meeting
Many thanks to the parents who were available for the review
of the university application process for the Grade 12 students.
I think that the Student Led College Conferences were
insightful and will give you an idea on the status of your son/
daughter’s progress to date. In school, our next steps will be
to do workshops on personal statements, college essays and
interview preparation simulations.
Don’t forget your homework that I assigned: it will give me
great detail to assist in the Letters of Reference.
University Visits: UBC, Les Roches and HULT International
Business
It was fantastic to not only see the top school’s in the world
here, but also our student engagement! Students from Grade
10 were out asking questions, clarifying options and learning
about scholarships and elite programmes!
Follow the Secondary Calendar or see the College
Counselling Events [ https://sites.google.com/a/igbis.edu.my/
counsellingigbis/home/collegeandcareer] calendar for future
visits and events.
Kuala Lumpur EventsSeptember 19 Guest Advising with University of Idaho: Mary
Ellen Brewick, a university representative from the University
of Idaho, will provide feedback on student’s applications and
essays and answer any questions on the university application
process. To schedule an appointment email Kavita at adviser.
September 26 Linden Fair: Linden Education Services
provides a unique opportunity for students to meet U.S.
university representatives in one convenient location. Register
Here [http://macee.bmetrack.com/c/l?u=733838A&e=BA25D
3&c=81A55&t=0&l=6C6331E9&email=4KyS%2FgfFD%2Bl3e
3L2w7uc%2Fbb54MinPSAJMeTu86Tp7lQ%3D&seq=1]
September 29 KIC Tour: KIC UnivAssist will bring U.S.
university representatives to the MACEE office to meet with
students and their families. This event will teach students more
about studying in the U.S. and finding the university that best
fits them.
EVERY TUESDAY AND THURSDAY U.S. University Advising:
EducationUSA Advisers provide comprehensive U.S.
university advising Register Here [http://macee.bmetrack.
com/c/l?u=733838B&e=BA25D3&c=81A55&t=0&l=6C6331E
9&email=4KyS%2FgfFD%2Bl3e3L2w7uc%2Fbb54MinPSAJ
MeTu86Tp7lQ%3D&seq=1]
Igniting Minds Impacting Lives 7
Performing Arts News
Jon SuffolkInstrumental Music Academy CoordinatorP erforming Arts Teacher...............................................................................................
ISTA Middle School Festival at IGBIS - March 2018IGBIS will be hosting an International Schools Theatre
Association Festival (ISTA) in March 2018.
What is an ISTA Festival? An ISTA Festival is an opportunity
for students to work with students from other international
schools and with visiting local and international artists over a
three-day period to explore a significant world issue through
making and creating drama and theatre.
Our Festival has been in the planning for the past 6 months
and is now beginning to take shape. It has been publicised
through the ISTA website and is now booked out. The Festival
will take place from Thursday 15th March to Saturday 17th
March with staff and students from Hong Kong and Malaysia
attending.
The Festival theme “Something in the Air” explores the
destruction of the world’s rainforests through theatre. Students
will work with the visiting local and international artists to
devise original performances, develop an understanding
of new theatre techniques and share and develop a greater
global perspective on the focus.
How can IGBIS students get involved? There will be 20
places available for students from grades 6 to 8. Students
must be between the ages of 10 and 14 years and be willing
to host visiting students in their homes for the duration of
the Festival. This is a great way to make new friends and
international networks.
Application forms will be available in the coming weeks. Please
watch the newsletter and school email for details.
IGBIS Instrumental Music AcademyThis week music lessons got underway. With the surprise
holiday on Monday, Ms Wong’s piano students will have their
lessons rescheduled to a later date.
A reminder to parents that payment for Semester 1 can be
made at the Finance Counter or by bank transfer. If you are
making a bank transfer please email proof of the transfer to
the Finance Department.
There are a number of new students and many continuing
students. Parents please encourage your children to practice
at home. Make it fun. Short bursts of practice are valuable for
the younger student.
8 Igniting Minds Impacting Lives
Learning to Innovate: A Trip to Google Sydney
Geoff DerryTechnology Integration Specialist and Google Innovator...............................................................................................
Visiting a Google office is every computer nerd’s dream and I
was lucky enough to do just this.
During the summer holiday I applied to be a Google Innovator.
This is a hand-picked programme for teachers from all over the
world. There are only about 100 teachers per year selected
and I was excited to be one of them. The idea is that you pick
an innovation project — an educational problem that you
would like to solve. You then work on this problem or innovation
for a year and come up with a solution to the problem. The
work/learning/creating began before I went to the conference
and continues until August next year.
The problem I chose is “student created displays” (such as
those found in science fairs, exhibitions, etc.) and how they
are still stuck in the 20th Century. They waste resources, don’t
last, can be boring and can’t be shared. Over the course of
the week with Google, this problem evolved from changing
student displays to how can students share their learning in
new and innovative ways.
This opportunity ties in with IGBIS’s mission to be an innovative
school. During the course of the year (and longer) we will be
exploring ways students can create virtual reality worlds and
videos (think Google cardboard) and exploring how they can
use augmented reality in their presentations. We will also be
exploring ways that students can share their learning and
examples beyond IGBIS, to relatives, other students, and the
rest of the world.
Visiting the Sydney Google office was incredible. It was
hard work, long days, but was well worth it. Talking to other
like-minded educators and experts was empowering and
inspirational and I can’t wait to see where my innovator journey
will take me and IGBIS.
Igniting Minds Impacting Lives 9
Japanese Coffee Morning by Gustav Helman
Korean Parent Workshop by Yuri Kim
Japanese Coffee Morning by Gustav HelmanJapanese Coffee Morning by Gustav HelmanJapanese Coffee Morning by Gustav Helman
10 Igniting Minds Impacting Lives
Flying Phoenix
Tim BartleAthletics Director...............................................................................................
Finally the long wait is over with Athletics and Activities
commencing this week. The school has been abuzz with the
exciting programme offering morning, lunchtime and after
school sessions in a wide range of fun and engaging activities.
This year the Athletics and Activities programmes will be a
driving force behind the House System at IGB International
School. Every time a student participates in any lunchtime or
after school activity or athletics training session, they will score
a point for their house team towards the House Championship.
Large house events such as the Secondary School relays that
took place this week will also contribute towards to the team
scores. You can check the live scores on the Athletics and
Activities section on the Splash page.
Unfortunately our athletics sessions have already experienced
some interruptions due to thunderstorms this week. Please
note our training sessions will still take place and students
will still be involved in the event of a thunderstorm. Outside
activities will move to a safe location indoors where the activity
will be modified.
Finally, all KLISS competition dates for our athletics teams
have been finalised and will be soon be shared with parents
and students. These will also be placed on the Athletics and
Activities site.
Go Phoenix!
Igniting Minds Impacting Lives 11
Secondary House Relay Event
Hugo NootebosGrade 11...............................................................................................
What started out as a chaotic morning with people wondering
where their team members might have gone and wishing Mr.
Bartle was joking when he said, “50 minutes,” turned into one
of the most memorable events IGBIS has ever seen. Every
secondary student was involved and proudly represented their
house, their team and themselves in the Secondary House
Relay.
The 36 teams collectively ran 295 kilometres with each team
running just under 12 700-metre laps. Seeing this enormous
statistic didn’t surprise me since everyone was persistent,
no matter their age or running experience. After 30 minutes
everyone on the track was tired and desperate to rest, but no
one gave up. Instead of taking a nap by the side of the track,
the fatigued IGBIS students completed their lap, sat down and
felt good about themselves while watching the other runners
suffer. It didn’t take long before students got up to stand next
to the track and cheer for their team. Not only did this voluntary
act of kindness help the runners gain confidence, it also
reflected the spirit that our students naturally have.
What I liked most about this event was working together with
students across grade levels to create a strategy, help each
other and persist for 50 minutes. I hope everyone enjoyed it as
much as I did because the Secondary House Relay of 2017
was awesome.
IGBISINTERNATIONAL SCHOOL Igniting Minds Impacting Lives
IGBIS Class of 2017 alumna, Yin Xzi Ho (second from right),
catches up with some members of the Class of 2016: Yongyou
Woon (left), Zai Chern Cheng (second from left), and Angelica
Song Mei Liaw (right). The four IGBIS alumni are studying at
universities in Vancouver, Canada.
New IGBIS Uniform Stock has Arrived!!New school uniforms can now be purchased from the Uniform
Shop. There is still a slight delay on PE uniforms, which should
be arriving before the end of the month.
Susie busily restocking the shelves in the Uniform Shop.