APIS Update (online) August 2013

AU G U ST 2 0 1 3

Online

ISSUE 14.

UPDATE 5 7 WO LGYE-RO 45GA-GI L , NOWO N- G U, S EO UL , 1 3 9 - 8 5 2 , KOREA ■ T. 0 2 .9 0 7 .2 7 4 7 ■ F. 0 2 .9 0 7 .2 7 4 2 ■ WWW. APIS .S EO U L.KR

First Day of School

IN THIS ISSUE: IN

■ Elementary T H IChinese S I S S U E : & Japanese ■

Faculty Retreat ■ Elementary Chinese & Japanese ■ Faculty Retreat3D ■ APIS’

Theater

■ APIS’ 3D Theater

■ Recording Arts Class

■ Recording Arts Class

AUGUST2013

E L E M E N TA R Y S C H O O L N E W S & E V E N T S

A Peek into Elementary Chinese and Japanese Classes

Grade 1 students learn the Chinese greeting, Ni Hao, through a fun song.

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ith the start of the 2013-2014 School Year, our elementary students have begun taking Chinese or Japanese as an optional 9th period class. Over 50 students from grades K5 to G5 are currently enrolled and for almost all the students, this is their first year studying either Chinese or Japanese, so all classes are beginner levels. Each class meets two or three times a week and by the end of the year students will be able to give an oral speech or performance. The Chinese and Japanese teachers are enjoying the opportunity to teach elementary students through more activities, songs, and technology. “I like singing the Chinese songs,” said Matthew Jeon (Grade 1). Students are already loving the chance to learn a new language in such a fun, new way.

E L E M E N TA R Y E V E N T S ■ MAP Testing September 2 - 6 ■ Fall After School Activities September 9 - November 22

Yeon Sue Arata (Grade 1) will be able to speak four different languages (Japanese, English, Korean, and Chinese) very soon!

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David Jeong (Grade 1) learns the names of animals in Japanese.

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Sally Oh Receives Award at Korean Language Contest

AUGUST2013

SECONDARY SCHOOL NEWS & EVENTS

Sally Oh (Grade 9) receives her award on July 26 at the Seoul Press Center.

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ally Oh (Grade 9) recently won an award for her cartoon submitted to the 9th annual Unification Culture Art Interchange Contest by South-North Koreans’ Youth Interchange Federation. This year’s theme was “Hope for Peace and Unification, and the Harmony of the Korean People.” Students competed in one of six categories: travel, essay, cartoon, picture, song, poem, or calligraphy.

The APIS Korean Language Department selected ten secondary students’ works to submit to the federation. Those ten students were part of 9,623 students who submitted all over Korea and the world.

Only 66 students won an award, and Sally was one of those students. Sally had originally created the cartoon as an assignment for her Korean class at APIS and was completely surprised when she won an award! Her cartoon focused on teenager involvement in the unification of South and North Korea.

A book featuring all the winning entries will be published and distributed throughout Korea and abroad. Congratulations to Sally!

Ms. Namhee Kong (Korean Language Arts) and Sally Oh.

Sally Oh’s winning cartoon.

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AUGUST2013

SECONDARY SCHOOL NEWS & EVENTS

Recording Arts Class Opens at APIS

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ne interesting new course at APIS this year is the Recording Arts class. The class offers an exciting opportunity for students to learn about sound recording and music production using high-end, professional equipment.

In the Recording Arts class, students will begin by learning the foundational basics of recording theory and studio practice. Once they are comfortable in the studio, they will begin working on their own creative projects, recording audio, creating beats, looping samples, and MIDI programming.

Mr. Sim and students experiment with instruments in the digital recording system.

The APIS studio is centered around the Pro Tools HDX recording system. Pro Tools was the first commercially available computer recording software, and has since become the industry standard used in studios all over the world. To complement the digital recording system, APIS has also invested in top of the line microphones and analog equipment. Students will, therefore, get the best of both worlds; the quality of analog sound, with the flexibility and editing capability of the digital system!

SECONDARY EVENTS ■ Secondary Retreat September 4-6 ■ MAP Testing September 23-27 ■ Fall After School Activities September 9 - November 22

Mr. Sim gives a thumbs up to Samuel Bae (Grade 12) as he tries to automate a mix on Pro Tools HDX.

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College Counseling Office Offers Useful Resources

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t APIS, grade 12 students meet with Mrs. Russell during their bi-weekly senior seminar class to talk about all facets of the college application process – from utilizing the computer program, naviance, to creating a final college list, to writing the college essay, and everything in between. Students also meet individually with Mrs. Russell to talk about their personal role in the application process.

Mrs. Shana Russell, Director of College Counseling.

Get your own copy of the College Counseling Handbook!

In an effort to provide further support not only to students but parents as well, the APIS College Counseling Office has published a 100-page handbook. This valuable resource contains extensive information about the entire college application process and covers topics including college counseling policies, choosing the best college, attending college abroad, standardized testing, helpful tips for the college application, financial aid, and many more.

Printed copies of the handbook were distributed to parents during Back to School Night on August 30. A digital version will be on the APIS website as well. Copies are available for parents at every grade level, so be sure to get your copy!

AUGUST2013

SECONDARY SCHOOL NEWS & EVENTS

U p co m i n g Co l l e g e V i s i t s Kalamazoo College Thursday, August 29, 2013 at 11:30 a.m.

University of Oregon Tuesday, September 10, 2013 at 3:00 p.m.

Smith College Thursday, August 29, 2013 at 11:30 a.m.

Indiana University at Bloomington Friday, September 13, 2013 at 8:10 a.m.

Trinity College Thursday, August 29, 2013 at 11:30 a.m.

University of Notre Dame Friday, September 13, 2013 at 9:45 a.m.

University of British Columbia Monday, September 2, 2013 at 9:50 a.m.

Northeastern University Thursday, September 26, 2013 at 1:00 p.m.

University of California at Irvine Tuesday, September 3, 2013 at 11:30 a.m.

Drexel University Friday, September 27, 2013 at 2:50 p.m.

Dickinson College Tuesday, September 3, 2013 at 1:10 p.m.

Polytechnic Institute of NYU Tuesday, October 1, 2013 at 1:00 p.m.

University of Connecticut Tuesday, September 10, 2013 at 3:00 p.m.

Azusa Pacific University Thursday, October 3, 2013 at 1:10 p.m.

Miami University (OH) Tuesday, September 10, 2013 at 3:00 p.m.

Suffolk University Tuesday, October 29, 2013 at 1:10 p.m.

University of Minnesota Tuesday, September 10, 2013 at 3:00 p.m.

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AUGUST2013

SCHOOL-WIDE

APIS Faculty Retreat

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n an effort to begin the new school year on the right foot and to be unified in mission and vision, the APIS faculty and administration traded the school campus for the beautiful mirinae camp in the gangwon province. Surrounded by lush forest, the camp was an ideal setting for the faculty, new and returning, to get acquainted after summer break and kick off the new year in one accord.

Over the course of three days, the APIS faculty and administration gathered together and focused on getting to know each other and the school better. They met together in various sessions to learn more about APIS. In one session, Dr. Kim recounted his journey to America as a young boy, the struggles he encountered and overcame, and the inspiration his father provided that helped give him courage to dream and eventually launch APIS. Through those sessions, faculty also played a significant role in strengthening APIS’ programs and goals by contributing their thoughts, insights, and perspectives to the discussion.

In addition to the training sessions, the faculty enjoyed the excitement of zip lining and white water rafting as well as participated in team-building exercises on a high ropes course. K-12 Counselor, Mrs. Kirstan Beatty, is new to the APIS staff and commented that the highlight of the retreat for her was, “being able to meet and spend extended time with the new and veteran staff of APIS. It was wonderful to acknowledge and share our deep love for students and education, regardless of what part of the world we are from. We’re part of such a great family here!”

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2013 New Student Orientation Welcomes New Families

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SCHOOL-WIDE

The entire faculty is introduced before the students and families.

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he auditorium was completely packed with new students and families excited to begin the new school year at APIS with the new student orientation held August 15. New APIS students and families learned about APIS’ unique vision and mission through a presentation by the School Director, Dr. Euysung Kim. While the new families were able to get a good understanding of the school as a whole in the auditorium, they were given the chance to receive more detailed information about classes, student activities, schedules and expectations through presentations in their homerooms. Students also received more insight into the school from returning students who came to offer their perspectives about life at APIS. Everyone joined together in a time of fellowship and lunch to conclude the orientation. The orientation was a perfect way to kick off the new school year and fill new students with excitement and anticipation for all the great things that are coming this year. Welcome to all our new APIS students and families!

Ramus Fong (Grade 1) gets his ID photo taken.

K5 students meet their teachers and friends.

Mr. Massiah introduces families to the elementary school.

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AUGUST2013

SCHOOL-WIDE

Announcing New Appointments at APIS CHIN ES E DE PARTMENT CHAIR: MRS . GRACE GAO

汉语

Mrs. Gao has been appointed as the Department Chair of the Chinese Department. In this new role, Mrs. Gao will work with school administration to facilitate Chinese department meetings and promote collaboration within the team.

With the recent addition of elementary Chinese, Mrs. Gao is excited about leading her team to create fun lessons and classes by utilizing more technology and a variety of resources to make learning the Chinese language exciting for the younger students. Mrs. Gao has been a teacher at APIS for 3 years and during that time, she was instrumental in APIS receiving a grant from the Chinese government for new books and teaching resources. She hopes to continue to collaborate with the Chinese government to further strengthen the Chinese department in the coming years. Mrs. Gao holds a Master’s Degree in International Studies from Seoul National University and taught in China for thirteen years before joining APIS.

M U S I C D E PA RTME N T CHA IR: M RS . S OPHIE HOLBROOK

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Mrs. Holbrook has been appointed as the Music Department Chair. As the Department Chair, Mrs. Holbrook will continue to work with school administration on programmatic and curricular decisions for the music department. She will facilitate department meetings and continue to foster an atmosphere of collaboration amongst department members.

Mrs. Holbrook has been a tremendous asset to the success of the music program at APIS over the past few years. Mrs. Holbrook is a founding and current board member of KIMEA (Korea International Music Educator’s Association) and is actively involved with music education throughout Korea. She will oversee APIS’ role in honor festivals here in Korea and internationally, continuing to provide APIS students opportunities for musical growth outside of the school. Mrs. Holbrook holds a Masters in Music Education from Boston University and has been a teacher at APIS for five years.

AC TIVITIES COORDINATOR : MR . A NDREW MURPHY

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Mr. Murphy has taken on an expanded role at APIS and has been appointed the Activities Coordinator. In this role, Mr. Murphy will be responsible for the after school activities, athletics program, school events, maintaining school facility usage calendars, and acting as the Global Citizen’s Program (GCP) Coordinator. Mr. Murphy will focus on ensuring all school activities and events are well organized and will be responsible to communicate and coordinate these events with all school administration, teachers, students, parents, and staff. Mr. Murphy will use feedback from parent, student, and faculty surveys to ensure that activities and events are available that meet the needs and desires of students and their families. Mr. Murphy came to APIS five years ago. He has been involved in multiple aspects of the school including teaching physical education, overseeing the athletics department as the Athletics Director, coaching varsity sports, planning GCP trips, and working with the summer school program.

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he APIS Auditorium is now equipped with a state-of-the-art 3D projector. As more and more forms of media become available, APIS students and faculty are excited to take full advantage of learning opportunities and entertainment provided by 3D technology.

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Mr. Chris Stapleton, APIS’ Technology Integration Specialist, feels the projector will, “encourage students and teachers to shoot and edit film in 3D. Until recently, there were no mediums to display the 3D video/photo shooting, but now student projects in 3D can be featured in the Auditorium.”

He continues, “When students start working with 3D footage, it pushes them to think of an extra dimension to their videography and they start asking how depth can play a role in the story they are telling.”

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APIS students are very happy to watch 3D films.

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SCHOOL-WIDE

Mr. Jeff Woodrow teaches Digital Media and Art at APIS and says that, “having a 3D projector is just one of the many ways that APIS is committed to leading the way in innovative education and recognizes the importance of communication and technology.

The projector will help to strengthen the rich stream of technology courses that are currently being offered at APIS, including film production, animation, and recording arts by providing students with opportunities to explore the latest tools, technology and resources available.”

Regarding future applications for the projector, Mr. Woodrow continues, “Our next venture will be to start producing and shooting our own 3D films here at APIS. The idea is to help the students see the world in a new way, a view of the world that has many dimensions.”

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SCHOOL-WIDE

Life on Purpose

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ne of APIS’ greatest assets is that it is a christ-centered school. The “S” of APIS stands for Spiritual Growth — a commitment of the school to “provide a loving and caring educational environment rooted in the Christian faith.”

Under the leadership of Secondary Principal Scott Paulin and Chaplain Zachary Luginbill, APIS’ Christian Life Center (CLC) is responsible for setting the spiritual tone for the students and faculty as well as for worship each weekend at Sunday Fellowship.

APIS students gather to learn about spiritual growth in their weekly Chapel services. Secondary students meet on Wednesdays and elementary students on Thursdays.

Each Chapel service contains high energy music, thoughtful discussion, and is followed up by students and faculty continuing the conversation in their homerooms.

“I’m super excited about what this year holds for our students”, says Mr. Paulin. “We’re taking a two-pronged approach to their spiritual development, emphasizing the importance of developing a healthy community and living a life on purpose. It’s the essence of what Jesus taught us; love God and love people.”

Secondary students lead praise at Chapel.

Pastor Zach says, “I absolutely love what we have going on with the elementary students this year. We are presenting curriculum created by Orange (www.whatisorange.org) that is being used throughout the world. It is highly creative, engaging, and the kids are having a blast! They’re also growing in their relationship with Jesus, which is awesome!” (on a side note...Pastor Zach wanted to add that his office is always open and would love an opportunity to connect with students and their parents about spiritual things - or even a pickup game of one-on-one basketball.)

Each Sunday APIS Christian Fellowship meets in the school auditorium at 10:30 a.m. for a time of refreshing worship through music, the teaching of God's Word, and prayer. All are welcome and our hope is that this we would grow together in Christ as a community of faith.

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Pastor Zach greets students as they arrive.

Lunch Time!

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hen eyes dart away from the teacher to look at the clock, and back to the teacher again, teachers know it’s time. What time? Lunch time. With the sound of the bell, students dash to the cafeteria, and quickly gather in line to get their food.

The student cafeteria buzzes with the sound of students catching up with their friends, laughing, and enjoying their meal together. Lunch services begins at 11:00 with the lower elementary school and continues until 1:00 with separate lunchtimes for upper elementary school, middle school, and high school.

Students have the option of two separate menus (Korean and International). Each menu comes with a variety of side dishes including vegetables, fruit, and soup. After getting their main meal, students gather around the salad and sandwich bar filling up their trays with a variety of salads, sandwiches, and helping themselves to juice and milk. With so many options, students never leave hungry!

Throughout the year, the cafeteria hosts special events and activities for students. This semester, cafeteria staff are excited about having a Thai Food Day, and a day with fun hands-on activities on hygiene and food safety.

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SCHOOL-WIDE

The cafeteria staff.

APIS students love the free salad/sandwich bar!

Kindergarten students have lunch at 11:oo a.m.

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AUGUST2013

SCHOOL-WIDE

APIS Kicks Off the New School Year

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PIS celebrated the beginning of the new school year on August 30 with its annual Back to School Night event. Parents were invited at 5 p.m. to visit homerooms and see the academic goals that the students are going to achieve this year. These homeroom presentations provided an opportunity for parents to better understand what their child will go through during the 2013-2014 year.

Prior to the homeroom presentations, senior parents were invited to a session on college admissions by APIS’ College Counseling Director, Mrs. Russell. More than half of the senior parents attended this year, reflecting the deep involvement and support of APIS parents in the admissions process. Mrs. Russell explained in detail how parents can be actively involved in the process of college admissions through Family Connection, an on-line tool for collaboration among students, the counselor, and parents. At the end of the session, parents received individual registration codes for Family Connection, and also a copy of the Class of 2014 College Counseling Handbook.

The Convocation Service began at 6 p.m. with a wonderful performance by the APIS High School Band.

Dr. Kim introduced the entire faculty to the parents and the principals outlined the goals of the year.

“Beginnings are important,” emphasized Elementary Principal Mr. Massiah, “and that is why elementary school is important.” He also emphasized how parent involvement is essential for successful learning.

Secondary Principal Mr. Paulin’s presentation focused on nurturing future leaders. By emphasizing APIS’ 4 core-emphases in education, he explained how the APIS community provides students with necessary skills and knowledge for the future. Their speeches provided the framework for parents to understand exactly how education at APIS fulfills the mission of “Nurturing future leaders of the New Pacific Century.”

Back to School Night concluded with the faculty, administration, and parents dedicating the upcoming school year to God. Mr. Paulin delivered the convocation message focusing on Jesus’ commandment to love God and love others. His message was followed by a time of praise and a prayer of dedication. The night ended with everyone excited about the year ahead and anticipation over all the great things that are to come.

Director of College Counseling, Mrs. Russell, guides senior parents through the college admissions process.

Mr. Paulin talks about nurturing future leaders.

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APIS parents and faculty gather together to participate in the Convocation Service.

APIS Quick Contact Guide ☎ Please dial 02-907-2747 and listen to the automated system for redirection to the relevant office or directly enter the extension number.

ADMINISTRATION Inquiry Director’s Office

Division

Contact

Office

All divisions

Dr. Euysung Kim (Director) ☎ ext. 5164/ ekim@apis.seoul.kr

Elementary

Mr. Stephen Massiah (Elementary Principal) ☎ ext. 5104/ smassiah@apis.seoul.kr

Rm. 209A

Mr. Scott Paulin (Secondary Principal) ☎ ext. 5103/ spaulin@apis.seoul.kr

Rm. 207A

Mr. Matthew Johnson (Dean of Students) ☎ ext. 5124/ mjohnson@apis.seoul.kr

Rm. 207B

Principal’s Office Secondary

Rm. 200

SCHOOL OFFICE

School Office Manager: Jade Shim, ☎ ext. 5106/ jshim@apis.seoul.kr Inquiry Division Contact Academics & general inquiries  Attendance, late arrivals, absence Ms. Angela Kim (Elementary Registrar) Elementary  Report cards, transcripts ☎ ext. 5107/ angela.kim@apis.seoul.kr  Making appointments with the principal/teachers  Teacher recommendation letters Ms. Keira Lee (Secondary Registrar)  Contacting your child Secondary ☎ ext. 5105/ keira.lee@apis.seoul.kr  Lost and Found  Translation/ Interpretation Parent participation Ms. Angela Kim (Elementary Registrar)  PTO activity support All divisions ☎ ext. 5107/ angela.kim@apis.seoul.kr  Inquiries about volunteer & school support opportunities

Office

Rm. 208

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

STUDENT SUPPORT Inquiry

Division

Behavioral & emotional counseling

All divisions

College counseling & Teacher recommendation for colleges

High School

Learning Center  EAL/ In-school & after-school academic assistance

Elementary Secondary

Contact

Office

Ms. Kirstan Beatty (K-12 Counselor) ☎ ext. 5162/ kbeatty@apis.seoul.kr

Rm. 112

Ms. Shana Russell (Director of College Counseling) ☎ ext. 5167 / srussell@apis.seoul.kr Ms. Kirstan Beatty (K-12 Counselor) ☎ ext. 5162/ kbeatty@apis.seoul.kr Mr. Matthew Johnson (Dean of Students) ☎ ext. 5124/ mjohnson@apis.seoul.kr

Rm. 006 Rm. 112 Rm. 207B

OTHER SERVICES Inquiry

Divisions

Contact

Office

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Admissions Scholarship & financial aid

Ms. Sula Kang (Admissions Officer) ☎ ext. 5111/ sula.kang@apis.seoul.kr

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Tuition Other fees

Ms. Moar Tak (Accounting) ☎ ext. 5113/ mtak@apis.seoul.kr

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School bus, uniform

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Activities Field trip information After-school program enrollment

All divisions

Ms. Min Hae Kim (Transportation & General Affairs) ☎ ext. 5175/ minhae.kim@apis.seoul.kr Ms. Julie Jung (Faculty & Student Service Coordinator) ☎ ext. 5174/ juliejung@apis.seoul.kr

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Borrowing and returning books

Ms. Jenny Kim (Librarian) ☎ ext. 5108/ jenny.kim@apis.seoul.kr

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First aid & medication administration

Ms. Esther Lim (School Nurse) ☎ ext. 5119/ esther.lim@apis.seoul.kr

Admissions

(Rm. 005)

Business Administration

(1st Floor)

Multimedia Center & Library (Rm. 304) Health Services (Rm. 210)

W W W. A P I S . S E O U L . K R EDITORIAL TEAM: ■ Euysung Kim Director ■ Michelle Chang Art & Design Editor ■ Josephine Shim Communications & PR Team Leader ■ Ashley Stapleton Writing / Editing Staff ■ Brian Beatty Writing / Editing Staff ■ Soora Koh Communications Officer

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