Husky Herald - December 2012 Issue by Canadian International School

Issue Number 1: December 2012

International Drama Festival at CIS Educational Technology and 21st Century Learning

MICA (P) 180/11/2012

David Foster Theatre Celebration GINSING - Time to Act, Time to Change

Canadian International School | Husky Herald

15 Editorial Editor Michelle Sharp Copy Editor Lisa Leland Design Rowell Lee Photographs Communications Team and Faculty

Distribution The Husky Herald is published 3 times during the academic year by the Communications Department of the Canadian International School. It is distributed free of charge to parents, faculty members and organisations who serve the Canadian International School. Canadian International School Lakeside Campus 7 Jurong West Street 41, Singapore 649414 T: 6467 1732

Tanjong Katong Campus 371 Tanjong Katong Road, Singapore 437128 T: 6345 1573 www.cis.edu.sg Contacts Inquiries and Feedback communications@cis.edu.sg

Husky Herald Submissions communications@cis.edu.sg Deadline Husky Herald articles must be submitted at least three weeks prior to the month of issue. CPE Registration Number: 199002243H CPE Registration Period: 7 June 2011 to 7 June 2015

Contents

December 2012 02 Cover Story 04 Head of School 05 EdTech

09 Academics 14 Arts 20 Sports 28 Beyond the Classroom 32 Service and Outreach

36 Student Voice 42 Celebrations

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COVER STORY

CIS Names Theatre After 16-Time Grammy Award Winner, David Foster Lisa Leland, Communications and Marketing Executive

n Saturday, 3 November 2012, Canadian singer, songwriter, record producer and 16-time Grammy Award winner David Foster visited the Canadian International School’s Lakeside campus to officially inaugurate the school’s David Foster Theatre, named after him. Foster, who has written and produced music for artists such as Whitney Houston, Céline Dion, Barbra Streisand, Andrea Bocelli, Michael Bublé, Madonna and Chicago, was in Singapore to perform at the grand opening of the Star Performing Arts Centre. Foster, a proud Canadian, has been instrumental in the success of countless performers. He has an uncanny ability to recognise talent, to encourage people to reach their fullest potential and is an educator in his own right. During his visit, Foster had a vibrant rapport with the audience, encouraging all students to exhibit confidence in their abilities – explaining that knowing you are good is not necessarily arrogance, but can be a vital skill that will help in the path to success. He also underscored the valuable contribution of teachers and their impact in developing students’ array of talents. Foster demonstrated his considerable talent on the piano playing the Love Theme from St. Elmo’s Fire. He quickly called for students from the audience to get on stage for impromptu performances. Kyarah Boon, Grade 9, sang A Note to God by Charice and was joined by her sister, Noa Boon, Grade 8, who sang In this Song also by Charice. Antonio Magides, Grade 11, who also sang with Foster during last year’s visit, delivered an outstanding rendition of Ave Maria, a song arranged by David Foster for Andrea Bocelli. At the prompting of David Foster, Antonio also reprised his rendition of Michael Bublé’s I’m Feeling Good, and was praised for following instructions well and outdoing his performance with David Foster last year. Connor Magides, a 13 year old in Grade 9, wrapped up the audience participation captivating the audience by singing Josh Groban’s You Raise Me Up. At the end of the visit, Foster remarked on how supportive students had been as they cheered on their peers, and how important this positive culture is in schools today and for student success.

Canadian International School | Husky Herald

Singing with David Foster

The opportunity to sing with the one and only David Foster on stage was a dream come true! The most exciting part of this amazing experience was David Foster calling us up on stage, and getting to meet him after the performance. David Foster is a very nice, funny and open person. Since he is so easy going, he is even more amazing in person than we thought he would be. David Foster told us that we are both very talented. This is very inspiring and helped us feel more confident. He also promised to follow us on You Tube, and his manager gave us his email address, which we really appreciated. We will treasure the pictures we took together! Noa Boon G8-4KO and Kyarah Boon AG9-6RD

COVER STORY

The CIS David Foster Theatre

The David Foster Theatre is a stateof-the-art facility complete with 500 seats, an 11 metre flytower that is capable of six scenery changes, an orchestra pit, a high quality sound system, as well as environmentally friendly features such as an air conditioning system located under the theatre seats, which is approximately 60 percent more energy efficient than regular theatre air conditioning systems.

Click here to watch the video of David Foster

Canadian International School | Husky Herald

HEAD OF SCHOOL

Communication - an Integrated Approach Dr. Glenn Odland, Head of School

Communication and change The topic of communication in today’s technology driven world can be a hot topic. Commonly expressed sentiments include: “How do we reach people?”, “How do we manage our email?”, “I am feeling overwhelmed.” In this information age, sharing the message is easy – but are these messages effective and are they being heard? Is our community feeling bombarded with all of this “need to know” information? What led to the creation of the parent portal? Over the past 2 years, parents have shared with us that it has been, at times, hard to find all the information they need. Teachers shared updates via Google sites, some via email, others via different modes of sharing. Then school communications gets added into the mix. Parent feedback has been that it was difficult to remember where to access what. Analysis of this problem led to the concept, development and launch of a new technology driven initiative: the parent portal. The portal is designed to provide a secure and central channel for all school and teacher communication. Parents can view the weekly updates (for the year), search school communications, and download the latest copies of report cards in one central location. Change requires a new mindset You may be thinking, “But we like email”. We understand that change can be difficult and that building new habits takes time. We understand that the need to “login” takes some effort – but once the habit is ingrained, it pays great dividends. Over the coming months, further enhancements to the portal will provide added value to parents. Parent Teacher conferences will be booked via the portal (with no need to login again), ECA registration will be centralised (again no need for a separate login), and resources will be expanded. A changing environment The most recent element of the portal is a new sports section that provides access to match schedules, match details (location and timing), directions to away games, and the latest sports news and sporting achievements. In addition, the dashboard, viewable upon login, has also been redesigned to facilitate easier access to information. These changes and enhancements are just the beginning. We are excited about this new direction and eagerly anticipate further enhancements. Trouble accessing the portal? Please contact our Communications Department at communications@cis.edu.sg if you have any problems accessing the portal.

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The activity stream in the portal allows easy access to curriculum updates, and is filterable for each child. Click any of the updates and you can access your child’s teacher’s group space.

The sports section holds all need to know information about competitive sports schedules, and the latest sporting achievements.

EDTECH

Defining Educational Technology Mike Pelletier, Head of Educational Technology

s the new Head of Educational Technology at the Canadian International School, I thought this would be a great opportunity to define Educational Technology and what this means in today’s learning environment. Since this is a new role at CIS, it will take some time to establish the foundations of EdTech and put systems in place to impact learning, which is the ultimate function of EdTech. The role of technology has dramatically changed in schools and will continue to change how schools operate. The evolution is clear when one looks at the research conducted about the changing educational landscape. Terms such as gamification, online learning, blended learning, digital storytelling, social networking and tweeting are changing the way we communicate and share information. How did this happen? Technology used to involve setting up a computer and connecting to the Internet when I started teaching in 1996. Students had access to a computer lab and most of the teaching involved desktop publishing. Now we discuss technology under the lens of creating interactions through global

collaborations, sharing work which can be assessed by a broader audience outside of the classroom, and content created by learners as much as it is by teachers. In essence EdTech has everything to do with the K-12 curriculum. CIS is moving in a direction that is critical to the future of student learning. The effects will not be immediate, because it takes time to change perceptions and old habits, and establish new processes in any large organisation. Technology was managed by tech people for years in schools. The focus was around the “stuff” and not around the learning. In the past decade we have seen a shift away from this style of using and managing technology in schools. All forward thinking educational institutions have accepted the changing role of technology and have begun implementing and supporting technology from the lens of learning rather than the lens of purchasing. What is most interesting, my job did not exist 10 years ago. My brother-in-law who works in the film industry also has a job that did not exist 5 years ago. Because

of technology, both of us are employed in roles that we needed to adapt to. Your children will more than likely be working at a job that doesn’t exist today. This is one of the main reasons why CIS is moving from an IT- based management style to an EdTech management focus. The focus is on adjusting how the network responds to classroom learning. How do we support these tools before putting them out there? What should learners use these tools for? These are common questions from schools but they must be managed from a teaching and learning perspective not a network perspective. In the end, my job is one of building bridges. We have a gap from how technology is used to how it can be used when looking at the continuum of technology integration. How do we bridge the gap from current practices to new practices supported by technology? As schools support technology through a strong and stable network, professional development, up-to-date teacher and student tools, movement from the level of substitution to augmentation, modification to the ultimate goal of redefinition begin to take place.

Apps for Redefinition:

Apps for Modification:

Apps for Augmentation:

Apps for Sustitution:

Ruben R. Puentedura, Ph.D. - SAMR Model of Integration

Canadian International School | Husky Herald

EDTECH Implementation Bridge

The implementation bridge requires the building of foundational structures in order to achieve our goals. This is the main function of EdTech. It is to manage the pillars of strength needed to bridge the gap from current practices to new future practices using technology embedded in the K-12 curriculum. The measures of standards used to do so can be found here: http://www.iste.org/standards/nets-for-students/nets-for-students-essential-conditions Please follow us on our twitter channel @cisedtech to see what changes will be coming and what celebrations we want to highlight at CIS in the world of EdTech, such as this:

Other resources to follow to gain a better understanding of Educational Technology in K-12 schools. http://envisioningtech.com/education/ http://www.nmc.org/pdf/2012-horizon-report-K12.pdf

Skoolbo at TK

Grade 1 students at TK have been piloting a new maths and literacy programme called Skoolbo, which offers differentiated learning through gamification. The new educational game was created by Shane Hill, the founder of Mathletics, and is available on multiple platforms, including PCs, Macbooks, iPads and Android devices. Shane has been working closely with us at TK to get the programme going and we plan to roll it out to other grades across both campuses in the near future. We are excited to be piloting this new educational game for kids and look forward to seeing its growth globally over the coming months and years. Dion Norman, Educational Technology Coach, Tanjong Katong

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EDTECH

Grade 1 students used Popplet to help organise members of the school community and make connections between them.

Letter formation remains an important skill that is rehearsed in a number of ways. This app is yet another way to practice writing letters - with the added benefits of engaging learning experiences and immediate feedback for the students.

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in an APP? iPads in Elementary Ben Grundy, ES Educational Technology Coach, Lakeside

These Grade 3 students used Popplet to document (with photos and text) and organise their learning (via a mind map) while on a field trip to Sungei Buloh. This also helps to make the learning connections back to the classroom later on.

Representing and expressing our ideas, feelings and learning in pictures can be enhanced on the iPad with easier editing, vast options for colours and stickers and stamps.

Role playing is an important element of learning through play. This app, Puppet Pals, allows students to move characters and record their voice to create animated puppet shows.

Moving paintings into equal groups as a pre-assessment.

Canadian International School | Husky Herald

EDTECH We continue to be amazed by the vast range of learning potential offered by our iPads at both Lakeside and Tanjong Katong campuses.

ur innovative teachers and EdTech Coaches carefully consider the use of iPads for learning right from the beginning of unit planning through to application in class and in the field. As a result we are seeing our iPads being used as a learning tool for everything from expressing ideas through pictures in ECE, writing first words in JK, letter formation and number knowledge in SK, organising of information and QR Code mapping skills in Grade 1, story telling in Grade 2 and field trip documentation in Grade 3. There’s plenty more to say, but as the saying goes, a picture tells a thousand words, so I’ll let the photos do the talking. For those of you with iOS devices who are keen to continue the learning at home you can see the apps we have installed on our students’ iPads at: TK: http://bit.ly/TKiPadApps (case sensitive) LKS: http://cisipadapps.blogspot.com Ben Grundy, ES Educational Technology Coach, Lakeside

Canadian International School | Husky Herald

Grade 1 students during a QR Code Scavenger Hunt. Each code linked to a clue that helped build mapping and directional skills.

ACADEMICS

Language and Literature an Integrated Approach Dr. David Ansbacher, High School Principal, Lakeside

If you asked a room of 100 high school English teachers the question, “What is the right balance between teaching literature and teaching ‘real world’ reading and writing skills,” you would get 100 different answers. In fact, you’d probably get the same from a room full of parents as well!

CIS’

commitment to an expanded slate of IB Diploma Programme course offerings this year has seen the addition of Grade 11 Geography, English B, Environmental Systems, and beginner Spanish. When it came to expanding our English offerings, we felt it was important to honour both sides of this debate, and give students and families a level of choice. We expanded our traditional “Literature” course and included the option to study “Language and Literature” across both years of the IB diploma. This relatively new course has been designed by the IB to prepare students for contextual and literary analysis, where equal emphasis is placed on language and literature components through the study of both literary and non-literary texts. Works will be chosen from a variety of sources in order to provide a diverse base of study topics for the programme.

While the “Literature” course focuses primarily on works of prose, poetry and drama, the Language and Literature course expands the world of reading and writing to encompass a wider variety of non-fiction texts as well, illustrating the ways the written word can be used and misused. Maya Tenenbaum, a Grade 11 student, explains the course as a place “where you can explore different areas and explore culture and issues that are going on in the world in terms of how they are written and the different aspects of text structure and meaning.” Topics are varied in Language and Literature. Students might analyse different modes of advertising one week, and explore the different ways in which globalisation has been portrayed in news writings from different cultures the next. Ms. Du Ree, who teaches the course

along with Ms. Franze, says that the class “requires students to explore texts from all angles, examining the various cultural and contextual influences that shape perspectives of the writers and our understandings of their works.” The course is divided into four parts: Language in Cultural Context, Language and Mass Communication, Literature (texts and contexts), and Literature (critical study). The traditional study of works of literature is done alongside, and in conjunction with, studies of different sorts of non-fiction writing. “This course has definitely provided a better understanding of how to analyse texts,” said Liselotte Riehl, Grade 11, “and has made me become more inclined to read more ‘in between the lines’ when it comes to pursuing a text.” The “Literature” and the “Language and Literature” courses are not harder or easier than each other by nature, but instead offer different approaches to challenging learning. Students enjoy the balance and new ways of looking at reading and writing. “I find analysing media really interesting because it is so different to just analysing novels and poems,” said Manami Saito, while Adeel Azeez called the class “one of the most adventurous courses” he’s taken. So, while we may never reach a consensus regarding the perfect balance between the study of literary and non-literary texts in schools, choice is definitely an option at CIS as students embark on an intellectual IB Diploma journey.

Canadian International School | Husky Herald

ACADEMICS

Speech Arts

Mr. Keith Bland, Middle School Principal, Lakeside

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ACADEMICS On 14 November, class representatives from Grades 4 to 8 performed their pieces at the Speech Arts Celebration. In the previous five sessions, students participated in drama exercises working on their confidence and performance skills, practiced their pieces with classmates and other grades, and received feedback on how to improve their delivery and performance in front of their class. The Speech Arts Committee wishes to congratulate all students in the Middle School for their outstanding performances and making this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s programme a memorable event for both students and teachers. A sincere thank you to Ms. Arianna Pozzuoli and the organising committee.

Click here to watch the video of Speech Arts

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ACADEMICS

Three, Two, One...Blast Off! A Learning Journey that is Kendra Jones, Grade 5 Learning Lead, Lakeside

Out of This World. Miles Murphy

Thomas Allan dressed as a Droid

Liz Sarich as Princess Leia and Lisa Miller as a MIB Officer.

Grade 5, “Space Day”

On Tuesday, 20 November, the Grade 5 teachers and students at Lakeside launched their new unit of inquiry with “Space Day”. They came dressed as anything related to space – there were aliens, astronauts, stars, planets, Star Wars characters and so much more! Students had the opportunity to participate in one of the planned activities including building lunar modules, creating paper maché planets, painting a day and night mural, folding and designing rockets and stars, and sketching a space scene. Teachers and students “tuned in” to the central idea; Planet earth is part of an immense and complex universe, which inspires human curiosity and new discoveries. There was lots of enthusiasm and curiosity generated on Space Day and this will help to drive the new unit in which students will learn about systems and how they work. Students will inquire into the parts of the solar system and how they influence each other and life on earth, as well as learn about space exploration. Eventually the students will decide on a topic that they are curious about independently inquiring into. A great unit – so much to be curious about!

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ACADEMICS

GINSING: Time to Act, Time to Change TK MYP Team

Six students from CIS-TK attended the 6th Annual East Asia Regional Council of Schools (EARCOS) Global Issues Network Singapore (GINSING): Time to Act, Time to Change Conference - Friday, 9 November to Sunday, 11 November. GINSING is predominantly based upon the principles of Jean-François Rischard, former World Bank Vice President for Europe, described in his book High Noon: 20 Global Problems, 20 Years to Solve Them. To pursue potential solutions to these problems, the High School GINSING explored the following issues within a specific Global Action Network Group (G.A.N.G.). Our Grade 9 students were placed in the following G.A.N.G.’s: • Felix Koay - Global Warming • Tiffany Tsui - Peacekeeping, Conflict Prevention, Combatting Terrorism • Grace Toi - International Labour and Migration Rules The main goals of the G.A.N.G.’s were to: allow students from different schools across the EARCOS region to share

and learn from their experiences with a global issue of choice; enable delegates to network with one another to create effective solutions to solve global issues; and form a Local Action Plan (L.A.P.), which delegates will bring back to their communities and implement.

The weekend was an amazing opportunity for the students to network and collaborate with their peers as well as be influenced and inspired towards the notion that it is, in fact, time to act, time to change.

At the Middle School Conference, the following Grade 8 students from CIS-TK explored the issues of animal rights: • Yuka Kiyosawa • Noemie Viterale • Sung Eun Kim Both groups of students participated in this enriching exchange with educators, NGO’s and 800 students from across the region. Highlighting the conference were a several keynote speakers, including Hannah Taylor, Scott Hammell, John Wood and Rob Dyer.

Grade 8 Students: Sung Eun Kim, Noemie Viterale and Yuka Kiyosawa

Grade 9 students: Tiffany Tsui, Felix Koay and Grace Toi

Canadian International School | Husky Herald

ARTS

Javelin Youth Art Award Winner Jordan Arnold Talks to CIS Lisa Leland, Communications and Marketing Executive

Jordan Arnold (IB DP Grade 11) draws on a theme of personal freedom to create an award winning painting “Imagination”

Jordan created her studio piece for the REDRESS High School Art Competition, sponsored by Javelin Wealth Management. The goal of organisers was to raise awareness about Human Trafficking by having students appreciate their freedoms and at the same time learn about those who have tragically lost personal freedom. Jordan took inspiration from her own childhood and the book Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak. She delved into the theme of personal freedom and human trafficking, and focused on how children in trafficking don’t have a childhood and imagination. Jordan elaborates that “Max goes into this world full of monsters, but he is able to overcome them and he returns to a safe home, to a family and a warm dinner. And the children being trafficked don’t have that opportunity, so I thought it was important to incorporate that into my work”. The studio piece created contrasts the personal freedom between those who aren’t trafficked and those that are. The lively, bright skin tone for one child differs with the other child’s symbolic sadness in a grey blue tone. Jordan described appropriating the image of Max in her oil canvas painting and painting a skull instead of a face to represent the loss of childhood and imagination these children go through.

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Jordan said that IB has helped to “...develop concepts further and go more in depth into what I’m thinking. I have a deeper meaning for my pieces. Earlier, I just focused on the aesthetic value of my pieces.” She has had really supportive teachers that have helped her develop technique and ideas. “A pivotal point came with Ms. Grainsky helping me to develop, grow and find my style.” Jordan’s interests include volunteering with children at Canvass. She is also working on a portfolio for university and is interested in attending Savannah College of Art and Design in Hong Kong and OCADU in Toronto. Jordan’s first oil painting brought in $500 at the “REDRESS: Stop the Traffic” gala auction.

Click here to watch the video of Jordan Arnold

ARTS

Glass Menagerie A Dramatic Production

Schuyler Mastain, High School Theatre & Language Arts Instructor, Lakeside

What was it like to work with the actors? I loved working with each and every one of them. Unfortunately, one of the actors had to quit the show about three weeks into it because he had to focus on academics and his first passion, music. Luckily we had a 10th grader boy, Sharva Vaidya, who was just chomping at the bit to get involved. While the other actors had eight weeks to memorise their lines and play with their characters, Sharva had only five weeks to make it work. And he certainly did. Bethany Fuller did a fantastic job of bringing Amanda to life, as did Zachary Waterton with Jim and Maya Tenenbaum with Laura. All actors were so professional, always willing to try new things. Why did you choose to do this show? In all honesty it was an act of fate. I had held a drama club meeting in late August to determine how many kids were interested in participating in a fall play. Because we only had limited numbers I decided that we shouldn’t do Romeo and Juliet (which required 18 people and was what I wanted to do initially). And so, I went with a script I knew pretty well, and one that only had four characters in it. I thought the production elements involved were much less rigorous than other plays. For instance, the play asks that it be set in one place (a home in St. Louis) throughout the course of the play and so the only things that had to be considered were lights and props.

The rehearsal process was a blast. We devoted several days to acting training and playing with various improvisation games to get the kids able to build the character. You know, its important for an actor to be able to totally inhabit the character and walk and talk and think like the character. In those rehearsals, we played a lot of games that, to an untrained audience or someone who just walked in the door while we were shouting at each other like dogs at the vet, they would’ve thought we were crazy. But that’s the beauty of drama. We get to totally unleash any and all inhibitions and act out our true selves, our animal selves. This play called for that a lot.

Click here to view highlights of the play.

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ARTS Glass Menagerie...

“This year I had the opportunity, along with three other students, to perform in the high school production of The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams. Throughout the process the cast and crew really got to know each other and become a little family. As a four-man cast taking on a full-length, dialogue-driven play, we were each responsible for a significant portion of lines. Sitting back stage opening night, I know I couldn’t have told you any of what I was going to be saying on stage but as soon as the lights came up we really were able to act off one another and create our own world. I think I speak for the whole cast when I say that each of us grew as an actor and person through this experience, be it our first high school production or our last. It was great to work with such a talented group of actors, and of course our wonderful director. Despite the stresses of this major commitment, this experience is definitely something I will remember for a long time.” - Bethany Fuller as “Amanda”, AG12-6JA

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What difficulties did you experience in the process of rehearsing for the show? The most significant hurdle that I had to cross was far different from the one the actors had to get over. While I was dealing with various things like reserving the space to rehearse in, figure out the light cues and sound cues, the actors had to memorise biblical length passages of prose that do not even come close to resembling the way people talk nowadays. The character of Jim, played by Zachary Waterton speaks to another character, Laura, for the length of about three straight pages. But Zach came into rehearsals one day, about four weeks into the process completely memorised. I think that memorisation for the actors was probably the biggest hurdle for all involved. But they pulled it off and did a fantastic job. What is next for the Drama Program? “Working” the Musical by Stephen Schwartz. People will be happy to know, I think, that the authors and creators of this show are the same ones who created “Wicked” and “Pippin” among many, many others. James Taylor wrote several songs for this musical as well. I think this musical is going to be a great addition to the line-up of various performances this year in the DF theatre. First of all, I chose this piece as it is on the lighter side of production elements. The set is (or can be) simple. The rehearsal demands on the actors are (or can be) relatively moderate. Rather than follow the typical set-up for most musicals where one or two characters drive the story, “Working” is like a vignette of various stories centered around the theme of working. There is a truck driver, waitress, housewife, teacher, retired guy, newspaper boy, millworker, and other various people who hold various occupations. Each character sings a song and presents a scene from a day in their life. It is a very poignant, honest, and moving piece, I think, as it addresses issues that are very real and meaningful to everyone of us: dreams, aspirations, regret, ambition, love, etc. I am excited about the way it is going to pan out. There will be a company of about 10 - 15 singers and dancers who will augment each and every story. It will be very movement / dance oriented and will be relatively conceptual in this regard. Also, I am looking forward to collaborating with 12th grader Charlie Von Ootegehm on various artistic measures, lighting, costuming, and set design. Its a step in the direction that I’d like to take this drama program: student driven. I would love to see students take more active roles in the devising, creating, writing, directing, and acting of various artistic pieces. Alongside, I hope to see more students involved in the technical aspects of theatre as well with light, sound, and set design. Furthermore, I hope that there will be a One Act Festival in April / May that will be entirely student led. Students can contact Emi Morihata or Asavari Ingrole, our Drama Club President and Vice President for more info.

ARTS

w o h S t r G3 A at TK

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ARTS

CIS Hosts International Drama Festival (8-10 November)

Kerriann O’Rourke, Learning Lead, Middle School Drama, Lakeside

International Schools Theatre Association (ISTA) is an organisation promoting drama and theatre in schools world-wide. Students from Lakeside and Tanjong Katong were joined by students from 5 schools and 3 countries to come together to learn dramatic arts skills from highly qualified drama professionals and educators, while also building new friendships. Through experimentation, learning focused on the acquisition of new skills and how to use ensemble (groups of 20-25) to develop skills within the devising process. The three-day event hosted by CIS gave participants opportunities to learn new drama skills, meet many great new friends and also work towards a dazzling final performance. The ISTA event was entitled Climbing Beanstalks - Jack and the New Giants. Was this another production of Jack and the Beanstalk? ... No. The students were given the base discussion topic – Into the Future. From this, the development of the production took many twists and turns by looking at technology as the fabled Giant. This further led to the connection that sometimes the use of technology leads to miscommunication which can lead to misunderstanding and potentially to bullying. There were 118 students from 6 schools and 3 different countries involved. These students made up 5 ensembles that included performance and tech ensembles. This event would not have been possible without the help of the many CIS teachers, staff and students and the PTA. Among the many staff involved, Ms. Lisa Patton (Head Librarian) and Mr. Mark Patton (Gr. 7-10 MYP Coordinator) played key liason and logistic roles. A special thank you to students, Kai Alexander and Matthew McVey for creating the ISTA festival app and to Asavari Ingrole for the many hours helping out with decorations and final preparations. CIS has been a member of ISTA since 2009 and this is the first year that Middle School has joined the High School participants.

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“This was my first year participating in the ISTA drama festival. Throughout the festival we did group activities, which were a lot of fun and got you into the drama spirit. On the first day we also did two workshops. I participated in creating my own theater piece and clowning. In clowning we learnt how to act like clowns and be comedic without speaking. We were in ensembles throughout the festival and we put together three pieces for our final performance. While we were working on our pieces it wasn’t clear how everything was going to fit together. On the final day, they sat us down and explained how they were going to combine all the different pieces. I thought this was the best part of the festival, to see how everybody’s separate parts were combined into one. The whole weekend was amazing and it is an experience I will never forget!” - Stefanie Mulder, G8-4KO

ARTS

“I was so happy to see what a wonderful turn out we had for the final performance! So many members of the CIS community came out to support the students on their performance and it was so wonderful to see great support for the Arts in the Middle School. The ISTA staff were equally impressed with the turnout!” - Kerriann O’Rourke, Learning Lead, Middle School Drama

Canadian International School | Husky Herald

SPORTS

A Sporting Spirit Cross Country

Coaches: Meagan Douglas, Katherine Hallam, and Lisa Little, Lakeside

The Cross Country team had a very successful season and the coaches were delighted with the sportsmanship that the athletes displayed! There was a great turnout this year with runners from grades 4-12. These dedicated runners practiced every Thursday morning while running in numerous races throughout the season. When the inclement weather wasn’t postponing our events, the team had fabulous results in many of the races. Our U14 Girls’ team was our powerhouse, with several top ten finishes during the whole of the season. We would like to thank all of the runners who consistently came out to the practices and races. Keep running and see you next season!

High School students competing in Lakeside’s neighbourhood. 20

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SPORTS

Alexander Andersen 2nd Place Runner, AG10-1DL

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SPORTS

TK Season One Roundup Shane Blackbourn, PE Athletics Lead Teacher

eason One was a tremendously busy and successful season for the athletes and coaches here at CIS TK. We know the athletes are as proud to wear CIS sports strips as we are when we watch them perform. Every athlete can be proud of his or her performances, be it in a team or individual sport. As the Athletics Director, I want to say a huge thank you to all those involved, coaches, athletes and of course parents.

Our U12 Girls’ Netball team was a combination of experienced girls and some who were completely new to the game. During the season we saw all the girls further develop their skills and become a wonderfully close team. There was no moaning about doing that last lunge or that monotonous drill, each one of these girls took working hard in their stride. We’re especially proud of the girls’ maturity and good sportsmanship, which showed by the way they dealt with difficult matches. It was a great journey girls. Well done!

Our U14 Girls’ Netball team was a fast paced team showing us a great attacking game and committed defense. They took on new skills with ease and always gave 100%, showing to be great role models. This is a great group of girls who showed wonderful support for each other when encouragement was needed. Along with their academic commitments, each one of these girls took training and working hard in their stride. Well done!

U12 & U14 Cross Country Bedok Reservoir was the venue inter-school Cross Country, however the rain and lightning won on the day so the meet was cancelled. The 3.2km course remains ready for next year.

Coaches

The rain managed to stay away long enough for this interschool Cross Country to take place. After a touch 2.5km course with hills and turns, grass and gravel, Lucy Pike succeeded with a silver medal.

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The coaches this season have been tremendous. The success and development that have been bought about by their enthusiasm, knowledge and willingness to learn is inspiring. Often we forget about what they do, the hours of their own time that they commit to our students, planning, attending meetings & matches on top of their full time jobs. This time can equate to another full work day a week. The effort and teamwork that this seasons coaches have displayed is commendable and I want to offer a huge thank you to them. You truly are valued.

SPORTS

The U11 Boys’ Basketball team had an amazing season. We started out on the losing end of our first couple of games but with hard work and focus we started to gel as a team. We had 13 boys that consistently showed up for practice, learned their positions, and played great! We ended our season with silver medals losing a competitive final against Stamford American International School. Well done boys you showed great heart and determination!

The U12 Boys’ Badminton team took home a bronze medal this season after narrowly defeating GIIS-QT in a nail-biter. The 3rd place prize came down to a 3rd game in the final best-of-three doubles match that went back and forth and culminated with a 24-22 victory for CIS! Congratulations, boys! You did us proud!

Congratulations to U11 Girls’ Basketball team! They ended their season with a bronze medal, defeating UWSEA east in their final game. Even more important than this win was their enthusiasm for the game and the teamwork they showed at practice and in games. The bronze medal was earned through the effort of each girl on this team! Well done!

Tanjong Katong Campus U9 competition squads were grouped into 3 different competition teams. Team Germany would be competing in Division 1, whilst Team England and Team Spain would be competing in Division 3. In addition to the boys’ team, a girls’ team was also formed and coached to compete in the girls leagues. Bringing a group of children together to form an effective team from students who have different football backgrounds, experience and knowledge in a short period of time is always a challenge, however under the guidance of ESPZEN Coach Dennis and his crew, all teams showed remarkable improvement not just in their technical skills but also their teamwork and football intelligence.

The U12 Girls’ Badminton team made strides towards competing for a medal in season one. Several of our team members this year had little or no badminton training before joining the team and all team members showed marked improvement over the course of the season. Overall confidence levels are higher and enthusiasm has been a constant. We look forward to see a big turn out next year. Congratulations on a great effort!

At the start of the season all parents were briefed that the U9 programme would be an educational journey for their children, many of whom were competing for the school for the first time, and this certainly proved to be the case. A solid soccer foundation has been provided for these young footballers whom we hope will form the nucleus of the U10 competition teams in 2013, and in the interim continue to pursue their soccer aspirations during the School ECA Soccer Program and externally. A special congratulations to the players of Team Spain who finished 2nd in their group and were awarded Medals for their outstanding achievement.

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SPORTS

Lakeside Season One Roundup Coaches: Melissa Ansbacher, Renee Bellavance, Zachary Berezowski, Michael Black ,Todd Bowler, Andrew Clarke, Liz Sarich, Xavier Mahdavian, Flynn McCreath, Dave Moore, Jon Naylor, Shawn Perry, Daryl Sim and Simon Thauvette

The Huskies Swim team has competed in meets since the season opened in September, and has clashed and splashed with Tanglin, UWC East, and AIS, SJII and Nexus. The Huskies have been in action most Friday nights at the CIS pool, and swimmers such as Abbey Smith, Natalie Hill, Alex Dixon, Daigo Mimuro, Aoife Hayes and Jazzy Bowers have been setting the pool alight with some great swims. The team is coached by Mr Bowler and Ms Wolfe, and very well supported by all our swim parents.

The team competed in the ACSIS U11 Girls’ Basketball league played at AIS, and were very competitive despite a shortage of players. Campus rivals TK were also in the league and provided weekly match ups and the honors were shared during the season. LKS beat bronze medalist, TK, in a thrilling semi-final clash and went to the gold medal game where they lost a close game to a very good OFS team.

The U11 Boys’ Basketball team at CIS Lakeside had a terrific season. We went into the season as a team of unknowns, with many new faces mixed with a few returning players. As we moved up to division 1, from division 2 last year, we were not quite sure what to expect. We won many more than we lost, by playing a very team-defence-first style of play, but relied on a fast breaking run-and-gun for points. Through hard work and perseverance, the team had bronze medals around their necks at season’s end.

Season One U11 Boys’ Tennis team was a success. Our boys remain undefeated and were the champions taking home the gold medal. During the tournament our boys won all their matches 5-0 against schools UWC Dover, UWC East and SJII. The boys went through tough training with the coaches but at the same time training was fun and kept the boys coming back for more tennis. Well done boys and coaches. We hope to see more boys and girls joining tennis and representing CIS. Go Huskies!!

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SPORTS

U12 and U14 Girls’ Netball Teams CIS entered teams in the ACSIS U12 and U14 leagues, and participated in a very well run season at Tanglin Trust School. Many of the girls were new to Netball, and played with enthusiasm and commitment. This is still a relatively new sport for CIS, having had teams previously, but bodes well for future with much interest shown in this excellent sport.

U14 Boys’ Cricket Team A new venture for CIS was the first ever competitive cricket team making its debut in the ACSIS league. The team was very enthusiastic and stayed committed after tough games against powerhouse cricket schools, Global Indian and NPSI. The team was very well led by Mrudul Tummala and coached by Mr. Andrew Clarke.

The U14 Boys’ Badminton team had an up and down season. The boys worked hard in practice and it’s exciting to see what will happen next year. The boys had some good victories and were excellent sportsmen. They represented CIS very well. The team saw one of its own players, Jae Ho Jung, go undefeated in match play. A big congratulation goes out to him! Way to go boys!

The U14 Girls’ Badminton team had a competitive first season. They developed their fundamental skills in practice and used these successfully during all of their matches. All players, in both singles and doubles, demonstrated excellent enthusiasm and sportsmanship throughout the season. Congratulations to all of the girls for their commitment and dedication to the team!

Last season, CIS fielded its first ever rugby team in regular competition and came home with a medal! After dropping the first game of the season, the Huskies regrouped and entered the final tournament of the season with an 8-2 record, leading the league in both number of games won and in points for/against. They came away with the bronze and this achievement is a true testament to the effort and dedication. All players should be proud of their accomplishments and can look forward to a promising season next year.

“Volleyball? What is volleyball? I can’t play volleyball!“ Once the idea caught on, the U19 Girls’ came out in droves to try out this new sport at CIS. We played some great matches and placed 2nd in our pool and we were called to play for 3rd place against SJII. This last game was scheduled on an outdoor court and after it warmed up, the skies opened up and poured. The team played an amazing game in the rain to defeat SJII in 3 games to take the silver medal for our division. The team is proud of their accomplishments and dedication to the sport.

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SPORTS

The U16 Boys’ Basketball team had a competitive first season. The team developed their fundamental skills in practice over the course of the season to turn from a losing team, into a winning team. All team players are commended on their work ethic and contribution to good moral in practice and excellent sportsmanship during matches.

When the U19 Boys’ Basketball team had their first practice of the season, the old players from last year had to learn to play with the new players. Our team is like a family - we win together and suffer together. Our first game was after only a few practices. We had yet to have the chance to improve our fitness level, but we didn’t give up. We improved as a team and also as individuals. In the end, we brought home a bronze medal.

The U16 Boys’ Football team started with great gusto and enthusiasm. This spirit continued throughout the season even though we had a few tough losses. Our first game was against UWC East and we won 5-0. The next few games were a lot tougher and we struggled to get goals in the back of the net. This didn’t deter the boys and they continued to play to the best of their ability.

This year, our U19 Boys’ Football team demonstrated great determination, as our team grew stronger and more disciplined with each passing week. It was a year of transition with many of the U16 boys coming up to fill out our squad. Our younger members played well beyond their years, while our veteran members led by example. Our most memorable moment came when our team defeated ACSIS 2-1 for their first victory of the season, as it was our most complete team game of the season. It was a pleasure to watch the team develop over the course of the season and I have no doubt that the U19 Boys Football team will be back in 2013 with a vengeance.

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SPORTS

Captain’sReport Shayna Haley, AG12-6JA, Lakeside

This year, we had an impressive number of girls show up in hopes of representing the CIS Huskies Girls’ Soccer team, or football for those of you from the rest of the world. We had practices mornings and evenings and all worked hard as a team to ensure we were in good shape and prepared for our games. We were both lead and inspired by the enthusiasm and dedication of our coaches, Mr. Naylor and Mrs. Ansbacher. I’m sure I speak on behalf of the team as I thank them for their commitment to us, not to mention the treats they brought after practices.

Although our team went through highs and lows, we never lost heart and were always ready to meet the next challenge. I’m very grateful to have been able to have the experience of being captain and to be able to watch everyone learn and grow together over the course of the season. We made sure to finish on a strong note, coming back with a goal in the second half of our last game triggered by a great pass by Vallesca from a corner kick to tie up the game at 1-1. Even though it wasn’t the win we had all hoped and worked for, it was definitely a moment of victory to know that we could come back from having our spirits in the slumps to being able to fight hard until the very last whistle blew.

In all, I’m indebted to every single girl for giving me the best time I could ever hope for for my senior year. You were all amazing and every single one of you improved so much throughout the season. I hope that you’ll all continue on to play for the Huskies in future years and keep up the intensity and focus we’ve given to our name. It’s so hard to try and sum up the experience in just a few short paragraphs, but they say a picture’s worth a thousand words, and I’d say that’s just about right…

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BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

SISMC Comes to CIS Mathletes Compete

Meggie Kuypers, AG10-6MA and Stephanie Shepherdson, Math Learning Leader for Grades 7 to 12, Lakeside

On 7 November, we had students from several Singapore International Schools compete in the Singapore International School Mathematics Competition (SISMC). It was a day of individual competition as well as team events. Our Math Competitions Club volunteered to host this memorable event at our school. The students put in a huge effort creating and revising the contest questions, and formatting the events of the day. Our Emcees, Meggie Kuypers and Soumya Ojha, along with the other members of the Math Competitions Club directed the activities of the day.

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BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

students from other schools also participated...

We sent 3 teams of three students each to represent the Huskies bringing the total number of teams competing to 21. Winning individuals and teams got prizes from CIS, Chiliâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and MegaZip Adventure Park to make the day a huge success for all the participants.

Our students will participate in the next SISMC, which will be held at TTS in January as well as in all the University of Waterloo Math contests coming in 2013! Go Huskies!

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BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

Outward Bound Building Strong Connections in Grade 9 Jon Naylor, PE Teacher, Lakeside

This past September our grade 9 students enjoyed the challenges offered at Outward Bound Singapore. For five days and four nights, students endured the elements on and around Pulau Ubin by land, sea and sometimes in the air! We all learned how to climb on rocks and ropes, kayak, hike, navigate through the jungle and sleep in tents. Best of all was our time together preparing meals and washing dishes! As individuals we grew up and began to understand more about taking risks and achieving our goals. It was a thrilling learning adventure and a wonderful time for our students to bond together as a class.

Packing bags for the hike to the campsite and working together to ensure that they have what they need for the trip

Washing their own dishes

Training on â&#x20AC;&#x153;Climbing Safety and Proceduresâ&#x20AC;?

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BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

G4 Open Minds

Christa Craats, Open Minds/Excursion Coordinator, Tanjong Katong

Rubber boots? Shovels? Buckets? Mud...lots of mud? The Grade 4 students were literally up to their knees in mud as they explored the muddy waters of Sungei Buloh’s mudflats, the Mangroves at Pasir Ris Park and the Fragile Rainforest at the Singapore Zoo. As part of their Unit of Inquiry that explored “Sharing the Planet”, students spent 4 days digging, searching, sorting, testing and classifying living and nonliving organisms in hopes of discovering more about the complex biodiversity of these ecosystems. Students were lucky enough to work side by side with a biologist from the Raffles Institutes of Biodiversity while at Sungei Buloh during their day there. Using binoculars and stuffed birds, students were fascinated to see and learn about the physical adaptations of the thousands of migratory birds that call the mudflats home during their migratory journey. Things got really exciting (and muddy) when the rubber boots were put on, and they had a chance to dig and search through the mud of the mudflats. Using shovels, buckets, sieves and a lot of hard work, students found baby crabs, poisonous worms, snails, and decomposing matter under the soil which they took back to the lab to scrutinise more closely under

magnifying glasses and microscopes. While some of the discoveries were surprising, students had already started to formulate some of their thinking and understanding about organisms while studying the Mangroves at Pasir Ris Park for two days. With the help of the iPads and an app called “Geocaching”, students navigated the Mangrove boardwalk like experts, allowing them time to inquire into Mudskippers, Mud Lobsters, Propagules, tidal zones and the unique adaptations of the plants and organisms that survived there. Students became “real ecologists” and tested moisture levels, light levels, clarity and salinity of the mud and water in this ecosystem to gain a better understanding of how these variables effect survival within this ecosystem. The evidence they collected helped them justify and prove their thinking about the statement, “The Mangroves and its organisms need the Ocean”. Thinking Routines such as, “I see, I think, I wonder” slowed students down to a point where they were able to spot unique things, like the clumps of salt secreted onto the leaves of the Sea Holly plant, and the crabs hiding in the holes of trees during high tide, seeking shelter from their predators.

After all the digging in the mud and water, it was time to hit the dry (drier!) grounds of the Fragile Forest at the Singapore Zoo, where we were set to explore the amazing interdependence that occurs within this ecosystem. The day started with many of us thinking that we knew a lot about Rainforests, but ended with us having a lot of new ideas and even more questions than we began with. We spent a lot of time observing the animals in the forest, such as the fruit bats, mouse deer, sloth and lemurs. We were amazed when we saw the bats dropping fruit to the ground and the mouse deer eating what he had dropped, and realized that the mouse deer was dependent on the bat for some of its food. Webbing all the things we observed made us realize how interconnected everything is to each other for its survival and how important it is for us to allow this balance to exist naturally. After 4 days in the mud, and the sun, the rain and the heat, we realised that while we had learned a lot about the biodiversity and interdependence of the organisms within the ecosystems, there was still so much more to discover!

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SERVICE AND OUTREACH

Community Outreach

Donna Jackson-Kerr, Community Outreach Coordinator, Lakeside

The Canadian International School is committed to helping both the local and wider community through a variety of community outreach initiatives. All contributions, both large and small, make a difference and everyone in our school community has the capacity to effect meaningful change. Some of the initiatives to date this school year include: CIS Lakeside Blood Drive: A highly successful Lakeside campus-wide initiative started by a group of motivated Grade 11 girls. The girls advertised the event, liaised with the Red Cross, helped set up equipment and even donated blood. Over 70 people donated blood on the day with 41 units of blood being collected – blood which will be used to save lives and improve people’s health. It was a top effort from the organisers and from all those who “bled for the cause”. Hannah Taylor Visit: Middle School students attended a presentation given by Hannah Taylor where the focus was on taking action. Students were in awe of what Hannah has done in her short life so far, and on the day, we collected voluntary donations of many boxes of hygiene products for Food From the Heart – Singapore. Bake Sale for the Homeless: A group of committed 5th Graders were so motivated by Hannah Taylor’s talk that they set up a bake sale to help the homeless. They baked goodies and made friendship bracelets, and sold them at recess. In total, over one hundred dollars was collected and the group put together a presentation about where the proceeds of the bake sale will be used. WAELP and a Focus on Service: Lakeside Grade 8 students have been looking at giving back to the local community. Some students have visited our neighboring school, Shuqun Primary, to mentor groups of Grade 5 leadership students in a research project. Other students have been to St. Joseph’s Old Folk’s home to listen, talk and help. Lastly, another group of 8th

Graders have focused on CIS and take the time to read to younger students in a pupils helping pupils initiative. Teachers Making an Impact: Through a cocktail evening, a progressive dinner, raffles and coin drives, teachers from Lakeside and Tanjong Katong have raised over $23,000 for our three overseas Non Government Organizations: Tabitha – an NGO who builds houses for homeless people, the People’s Improvement Organization (schools and an orphanage by the rubbish dump) and the New Hope for Cambodia Children (an orphanage for children with HIV/AIDS). Eighteen staff members went to Cambodia over the April break and built six houses for homeless families. In addition to house building, the team took one hundred and eighty kilos of pre-loved uniforms (kindly donated by CIS parents) to Cambodia for PIO school children. Some of the funds raised were used to pay PIO and New Hope teachers’ salaries and purchase school equipment. Many thanks to the committed, caring and motivated CIS community for their amazing efforts so far this year.

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SERVICE AND OUTREACH

Brian Hobbs singing to students at the PIO - Peoples Improvement School

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SERVICE AND OUTREACH

Vietnam Bound

Grade 10 Vietnam Excursion In October, Lakeside Grade 10 students spent an illuminating week in Vietnam as they experienced Excursion Week. Before embarking on the trip, students had preselected one of the 3 service options: Adventure and Service, Light Service and Intensive Service. Throughout the week, our students spent time working with Vietnamese schools - where they taught local students and helped to beautify the school campuses - and pushed their own personal limits as they trekked through rural areas.

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SERVICE AND OUTREACH

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STUDENT VOICE

Campus Radio and an Exploration of the Role of Beauty in Today’s Society Connor Chilton, AG12-1AG and Tanya Deol, AG12-7MA, Lakeside

Our school was chosen for the second year straight to participate in the 938 Live radio show. Each year we are given a new debate topic, this year’s topic can be paraphrased as “Is being beautiful necessary to succeed in our society?” Host, Joel Chuah of MediaCorp, led the panel of Connor Chilton, Tanya Deol, Mr. Butler, and Catherine Chan, Image Consultant, Iconiq Image. It was a 1 hour live broadcast that was also recorded and played later in the evening as well. The topic was debated in a very lively manner indeed. Many members of the Grade 12 student audience as well as the panel had conflicting opinions.

“What I found most interesting about this experience is that the student population finally got their voice heard by a wide audience, and that such a relatively untouched demographic opinion reached out to many listeners.” – Connor Chilton “There was no final agreement or answer, but regardless if on the panel or not, everyone had a chance to speak” – Tanya Deol

This panel discussion forms part of the IB DP Theory of Knowledge and Language A1 curriculum.

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STUDENT VOICE

Staying Connected through New Technologies - A Student’s Experience Mahika Malhotra, TKG9-1KL

Mr. Lennan MacDonald, MYP Coordinator: Mahika Malhotra was very sick over the summer with Guillain Barre Syndrome, an auto immune disorder whereby the body’s immune system attacks itself. After she was cured of the disease her body was left in a weakened state leaving her unable to come to school. In looking for a solution to her situation where her mind was thirsty - but her body unable to get her to class, we decided to try to Skype her in. She was immediately receptive to this and began Skyping into my class almost immediately. I thought that if her body could not come to class - that Skype could bring her smile and laughter and ideas to class. Skype could bring her mind where her body could not go.

Mahika Malhotra, TKG9-1KL: Skype has been wonderful for me. All my doctors are very surprised at how fast I have recovered. They think a large part of this has to do with me ‘Skyping’ school. Skype has been my biggest motivator. I can’t wait to finish my therapy at Mount Elizabeth everyday and log into Mr. MacDonald’s Language Arts class to take part in his class discussions. I also partner-up with friends to create humorous dialogues in Miss Isabelle’s French class! My friends made me feel so welcome – It was almost like being there! I still remember the day Ms. Lelek came home to set up Skype for me. It was as though she had created a huge glass door that linked me to the outside world. Even though I couldn’t physically reach school, I could be there everyday. I just want to thank every one of my teachers who have been so supportive and wonderful. Both Ms. Hurd, my Maths teacher, and Ms. Riley, my Science teacher, would sometimes send me links and lessons ahead of time, so it would be easier for me to follow along, and Ms. Lelek would share her computer screen with me in IT so that I could see what she was teaching. I want to thank all my teachers for this, especially Mr. MacDonald who thought of this incredible idea in the first place!

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STUDENT VOICE

Student Led Blood Drive Leadership In Action Tanya Deol, AG12-7MA

Grade 12 IB DP students, Tanya Deol, Paula Hohne and Iman Al-Rebdi, successfully organised and implemented CIS Lakesideâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first Blood Drive on 27 September, 2012. These students were joined by a team of 2 doctors and 10 nurses from the Singapore Red Cross Society, CIS teachers, Ms. Kerr and Ms. Bellavance, and more than 20 high school volunteers. Over a 7 hour day, 50 people donated blood. There was an excellent cross section of support staff, teachers and parents who donated. Students also donated, but the number was limited due to the Red Cross requiring donors to be 16 years and older. Tanya said that there were a lot of students who are very keen to donate and are looking forward to participating next year. Tanya has put out the call to action for students to facilitate this worthy cause next year!

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STUDENT VOICE

Hannah Taylor Visits CIS an ordinary child achieving extraordinary things

Click here to watch the video of Hannah Taylor

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STUDENT VOICE

The Dance of Fallen Stars On pavement does the gray fog cloak thy feet, Under the chandelier of scattered stars. Whilst hand in hand thou dance reflects on street Despite thy clouds they sing, the night is ours. Above us trees are fire, bright fall hues, By feet that dance and splash to their own song In thy bright eyes of night I see my muse, To wait for love one waits too longs The love of life, and thou will fall Thy night you find yourself a star If love is joy then fear it all, For stars are souls whom fell too far Thou life severed by breaking dawn A bandit thief, the name of love To fear and hate and loathe thereon Love broke thou throne, no mourning dove For love is life and life means death To love is end and fear the rest.

Analysis

This poem follows several traits that Robert Browning often followed. One common trait that many of Robert Browning’s poems have is that they follow a very dark tone, often times pairing love and death together. For example Porphyria’s Lover was a poem about death and love, although the exact events are up to interpretation. Much like Browning’s poems, the poem above is a study of love, life, and death. Although there is a fleeting sense of hope, especially in the second stanza, the theme is dark and ends leaving a somber connotation on an otherwise happy word, love. Along with that Browning uses a rhyme scheme in most of his poems. The rhyme scheme of the poem above is for the most part Petrarchan, following the rhyme scheme most Shakespearian sonnets follow. Another factor that this poem follows that may be related to Robert Browning’s poems is the use of old English. Many of Robert Browning’s

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poems use a formal language, suggesting that the narrator is of old times. Words such as ‘thy’, ‘thou’, and ‘art’ are used as opposed to modern day language. Robert Browning’s poems are studies of psychological disorders, such as depression, often times caused by the heartbreak of love. Certain stanzas in the poem I wrote above, especially the fourth stanza along with the last stanza, carry a dark and depressed connotation and a sense of anger towards life and love. This may suggest that the narrator of the poem has experience some fore of heartbreak and feels bitter towards love, thus stating that ‘To love it end’, and ‘a bandit thief, the name of love’. The phrase ‘Mourning dove’ also carried a very dark and saddening connotation, for a dove is a symbol of peace, thus a mourning dove is a symbol of hate and war.

Emma Par ker

STUDENT VOICE Agoraphobia In my old age I can’t deny, an emotion that conquered life. Never could I say goodbye, if I did it stabbed me like a knife.

Life, wasted living in isolation. Now it is time for me to die, Never had I the chance to fly, Life was my imagination. The true meaning of life. Pleasing others? Never have I done that. Enjoy while you can? Never have I done that. What have you done to my life? I remember, when I controlled life, A bright sun, red fire, bright light, darkness. A lifeless body, tearing eyes, eternal strife. Forever sacrificed to sadness. Love, never have I truly understood. Is it the rain falling on the grey streets, Or the wind roaring through the looming trees? It is something I never could. This heartless sentiment, heartless sadness, Consume me now, I am lost. No longer can I live in this darkness, And so, this breath will be my last.

Analysis (abridged)

A major theme of Robert Browning’s poems is one of psychology and human nature. The psychological disorder my poem focuses on is agoraphobia. Agoraphobia may be defined the fear of visiting certain places, or in extreme cases, leaving the comfort of one’s home. In this poem, ever since a loved one died, the narrator has never been able to recover and leave the comfort of his house. Poems by Robert Browning also often contain personification of intangible ideas, inner conflicts, and tend to have a dark mood. My poem is focused on the last moments of the old man before he commits suicide, during which he holds an inner conflict reminiscing of his life. He is remembering how agoraphobia consumed him, and with the use of a flashback, introduces the audience to what initiated the emotion that took over his life, and

would eventually kill him. Similar to Browning personifying ideas such as love and hatred, I used personification to describe love as well as agoraphobia. The rhyme schemes in Robert Browning’s works are not often strictly set and sometimes, exceptions to the rhyme scheme may occur. I tried to adapt a similar style of rhyming in my poem, starting with an ABAB CDDC scheme. In addition, like many poems by Browning, my poem is written in first person so that emphasis is placed on the characterisation of the narrator, his inner conflicts, thoughts, and experiences. Despite the numerous similarities between my poem and Robert Browning’s style of writing, some specific literary devices and themes that often occur in Browning’s poetry but not in mine include religion, historical references, and a formal or old way of writing.

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CELEBRATIONS

Spooky Happenings at the Lakeside Campus

Tracy Doberstein, Lakeside PTA President

3 November saw the return of the PTAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s annual Halloween Party Tailgating for Treats, several hundred children along with their parents descended on the school for 2 hours of family fun, sugar, and numerous Halloween themed games and activities. This year, unlike many previously, the grey skies only produced a drizzle, and thankfully with the covered parking area and bus bays it was not only a ghoulishly fun time but a dry one as well. An event this size takes months of planning and preparation, starting in September with the ordering and eventual sorting of 500lbs of candy brought from the US, to the planning of the games and decorations, the recruiting and organising of our wonderful high school students, the creation of countless ghosts, eyeballs, rats and witches hats and then the final set up, running of the event and tear down. A true CIS community event this was all made possible only by the dedicated Halloween Committee and parent and student volunteers who devoted their time to make decorations and game materials the week before, lent a hand getting the party set-up and helped out on the day. The final amazing touch was the enthusiasm and Halloween creativity of our 21 Tailgating volunteers who dazzled with their car creations. A big big thank you to all those involved and to the CIS support staff for their patience and assistance. Though to truly know the event was Spooktacular you just needed to look at the smiles on the childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s faces and receive a review like the one from Ben.

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CELEBRATIONS “I thought Tailgating for Treats was awesome because the cars were decorated very well. It was awesome because one of the cars was turned into a haunted house. This car was at the end of the Tailgating for Treats line. I thought the haunted house was really dark, but it wasn’t scary. I got lots of great candy that day. My favourite game to play was the Witches Brew Trivia game. I liked this game because at the end of the game you got another treat! The other games I liked playing were Spend a Minute in Jail and Splat the Rat. I also like going to it because a lot of people were dressed very well. Everyone’s costumes were great. I ate lots of food that day like hot dogs and cotton candy, there was popcorn but I didn’t eat it. I found all my friends there. We played and played and played until we had to go home. It was super fun; I can’t wait until next year so I can go again.” - Ben Hudson, G2-4AL

Click here to watch the video of Spooky Happenings at LKS

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CELEBRATIONS

Ghouls and Goblins Abound Halloween Disco at TK Geraldine Van Dijk, TK PTA President

What a hit! The PTA had decorated the gym with bats, spiders, ghosts and other spooky items. The windows were covered to make it dark. The grade 4-6 students had the honor of going first with their disco from 6pm-7:30pm. Our ‘house DJ Abhishek’ got the crowd going with the pumping sounds of LMFAO’s Party Rock Anthem and all the children remembered the dance sequence. And when he played the immensely popular Gangnam Style the children went wild with enthusiasm. The PTA handed out bags of Halloween candies and drinks to every child. To the children’s surprise there was FOC popcorn. In the meantime the school council organised a Halloween ghost tour through the school for the Grade 7-9s. One girl told me some parts were really scary!! At 7:45pm the disco was open to the Grade 7-9s. Vann opened the disco with a song and DJ Abhishek took over with more LMFAO and Gangnam Style. The school council had added some games which were highly appreciated and the bags of candies, popcorn and drinks provided again by the PTA went down well. At 9:30pm the doors closed and everyone went home on a sugar high, looking back on a great night.

Canadian International School | Husky Herald

CELEBRATIONS

Canadian International School | Husky Herald

CELEBRATIONS

Elite Model Winner Lena Stewan

Lisa Leland, Communications and Marketing Executive

Lena Stewen, Grade 11 DP student, won the Singapore Elite Model Look contest and went on to the Elite Model Look 29th World Final in Shanghai. On 1 December, 2012 Lena represented Singapore and competed against contestants from over 60 countries. Lena has had to juggle a very busy schedule preparing for this competition. Whilst she aspires to excel in a modeling career, she is focused on finishing the DP programme before venturing to the modeling and fashion hubs of London, Paris, New York and Milan. One of the best experiences Lena has had is establishing new friendships. She enjoys the acting component of photo shoots and the crazy rush that occurs behind the runway scenes. Academically, Lena sees herself pursuing fashion design or visual arts programmes whist having a modeling career. Congratulations to Lena and what a fantastic opportunity to experience internationalism!

Canadian International School | Husky Herald

CELEBRATIONS

Guinness World Record Holders Wendy Nussey, Elementary School - ECA/Logistics Coordinator, Lakeside

CIS Elementary School World Record Holder On Thursday, 15 November, over 420 students in Grade 1 and 2 earned the new Guinness World Record for “Most People Sport Stacking at Multiple Locations in One Day”. The record now stands at 483,658 stackers! This year’s STACK UP! participation beat last year’s mark by more than 70,000.

Canadian International School | Husky Herald

CELEBRATIONS

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Canadian International School | Husky Herald

CELEBRATIONS

Canadian International School | Husky Herald

CELEBRATIONS

Masque Carnival Celebrations Geraldine Van Dijk, TK PTA President

TK’s 2012 ‘MASQUE CARNIVAL’ – 24 November Entertaining 525 children requires a lot of preparation, but as it came together, the organising team got more and more excited. The positive feedback we received tells us that the Masque Carnival was a great event for everyone! In keeping with the Masque Carnival theme, the children received a coloured mask at the gate and a goodie bag. Children were happy to line up for the hits of the day: the inflatable Vertigo climbing wall, Gladiator and Giant darts. The stations for face paint, nail art and lollipop flower-making were great for young and older children alike. A magic show entertained the little ones, while parents shopped for gifts at the bazaar. Families had their photos taken at a sponsored photo booth from AAM Advisory. The enthusiastic team provided wonderful photo collages for all. Students in Grade 7-9, stepped up and helped at all the game stations, while the teachers and parent volunteers filled the open spaces as needed. Hot dogs, drinks, cotton candy and popcorn completed the carnival and happy families returned home after a very successful event.

Canadian International School | Husky Herald

CELEBRATIONS Our 2 other winners for the Logo-Making Contest:

ES Winner: Zara Mehta, 3-3RP

HS Winner: Meggie Kuypers, 10-6MA

Canadian International School | Husky Herald