Annual
RESULTS 2015
Dalat International School
At the heart of Dalat is a school that strives to be a place where students are challenged and prepared for the life ahead of them. This does not happen merely in the classroom — much of it takes place outside in the hallways, in the extracurricular programs, and at special events on campus. This is why it is important for us to solicit feedback on all aspects of our school. This survey helps us assess how well we are meeting the needs of our students and parents. Our school theme this year is GRIT (Growth, Resilience, Integrity, and Tenacity), and we are learning about what it means to have grit, not just as individuals but also as a community. A part of grit is being willing to strive to improve each day, to keep working even when it is difficult. I hope the Results book is an indicator of our willingness to do just that — to work hard each day to improve in every way possible. In the remainder of this booklet, divisional and department leaders will address your questions and respond to your feedback. I encourage you to read through it carefully. If you have any questions from the survey results, or on the contents of this booklet, please do drop by and talk with us about it. Mr. Karl Steinkamp Head of School The school year 2014–2015 was a success, and many great things were accomplished by our students, staff, and parents. At the Board level, we are delighted to see the signing of a 30-year agreement with the Sisters of the Infant Jesus Convent and the breaking of grounds for phase 1 of our campus development plan. This is a major milestone for the school as we have gone through many years of planning and deliberation. We expect that with every new building completed, the learning experience of our students will improve. While the teachers play the most crucial role in the learning of our students, modern improved facilities do contribute to teaching. The completion of phase 1 will provide us with a new combined library, a new science lab, and an improved counseling center. The Board would like to thank you for your patience and cooperation during the development. Mr. Ooi Choon Piao Chairman of the Board of Governors
Contents Continuing the Legacy 2 Mission and Vision 7 Test Results 8 College Acceptance 9 Parent Survey Results 10 Dalat Leadership Survey Response 14 Head of School 14 Elementary School 15 Middle School 15 High School 16 Student Funds 17 Annual Fund 18 Staff Qualifications & Enrollment 20 Department Reports 21 Admissions 21 Development 21 Finance 22 Spiritual Life 22 Distance Learning Resource Center 23 Fine Arts 24 Online Education 25 Technology 25 Residence Life 26 Facilities 26 Athletics 27 Care & Share 28 Parent-Teacher Organization 29 Dalat Athletics Booster Club 30 Faithful Steward 31
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Continuing the LEGACY BUILDING ON DALAT’S FAMILY HISTORY In the world of gardening, what’s below the surface is just as important as what’s on top. Soil conditions and healthy roots directly affect the health of the plant above ground. The same holds true within a family tree. Those unseen qualities that nourish families — love, commitment, determination — grow a family into something greater and more fruitful with each passing generation. Bonnie (Douglas) Burnett (1985) has experienced this firsthand. Long before her birth, Bonnie’s grandparents took a leap of faith to leave their homeland and move to Vietnam and serve God. They had brought their children with them, despite the lack of educational options in Southeast Asia. And that led to the birth of a new school — eventually named Dalat. “When [my] Uncle George (1936) reached school age, Grandma and Grandpa Irwin (E. F. & Marie Irwin) asked the [Christian Missionary & Alliance] to send out a teacher to start a school,” Bonnie says. “The practice at the time was to send your children back to North America to stay with family until your next furlough, and Grandma and Grandpa weren’t willing to do that. The Alliance agreed to their request.” That was in 1929. The rest is history — Bonnie’s family history and Dalat’s history. George Irwin (1936), along with his siblings Franklin (1941) and Helen (1940), all attended the tiny school in Da Lat, Vietnam. Once they had graduated, all returned with their families to Vietnam and sent their own children to the school. One of those children, after graduating from Dalat, eventually sent his own daughter to Dalat as well. In all, Bonnie (who graduated from Dalat in 1985) counts more than 20 family members from three generations who attended Dalat. It’s an incredible legacy for Bonnie’s family and for Dalat.
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DALAT’S FAMILY TREE With a mission to care for children whose families were serving God in Indo-China, Dalat School was founded in 1929. When doors opened that year, one teacher taught three students — two of whom later became Bonnie Burnett’s aunt and uncle. Despite political turbulence in both World War II and the Vietnam War, the school grew. Up until 1965 the school continued holding classes in Dalat, Vietnam, until the U.S. Embassy in Saigon announced that the school’s safety could no longer be guaranteed. Students and staff were evacuated by helicopter and airplane to a temporary location in Bangkok, Thailand. Eight months later, the school relocated to the Cameron Highlands of Malaysia where it remained for six years. In June 1971, Dalat moved to its present location in Penang, Malaysia where it became established as Dalat International School in 2002.
THE LEGACY Although Dalat’s student body has multiplied many times over, the school has stayed true to its roots — to make a difference in the lives of children. It’s a mission that goes well beyond the classroom and has made the school more like a family. “After being a student at Dalat in the 1970s and 1980s,” says Head of School Karl Steinkamp (1986), “I was thrilled to come back as a teacher in the 1990s, return as high school principal in early 2001, and then become head of school for the last ten years. “Many things have changed since I attended school here in Penang in first grade, but one thing has remained the same: the commitment to educating and loving children, preparing them for their future. Some things change, but Dalat’s key values won’t change.” Those values have left a deep impression in the lives of thousands of children. And now those children — as adults — are changing lives themselves. A sampling of Dalat’s alumni includes: •
Scotty Wisley (1985), founder of three schools in Bokindini, Papua, Indonesia
•
Nathanael and Christina (Robertson) Matanick (both 2005), award-winning film producer and screenwriter
•
Bob Carlsen (1968), who worked for NATO in Belgium and the U.S. Department of Defense
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•
Rear Adm. R. Tim Ziemer (1964), Commander of the Navy’s Mid-Atlantic Region and after retirement served as the Executive Director of World Relief, and headed up the U.S. Malaria Initiative in Africa and Asia
•
Richard E. Lewis (1973), critically acclaimed author of several widely published books
•
Sharlene Tompkins Dzugan (1977), chemistry professor at University of the Cumberlands (United States)
•
Shauna Mullin (2002, attended Dalat in the 1990s), volleyball player who competed in the 2012 Olympics
•
David Sanborn (1990), playwright, composer, and actor on stage and in film
•
Nathan Bemo (1992), president and founder of American Ramp Company, which produces skateboard ramps
•
Harry Mak (2011), assistant coordinator of TEDxHongKong, a branch of TED: Ideas Worth Spreading
•
David Thompson (1966), doctor and founder of the Pan-African Academy of Christian Surgeons, a training program for African surgeons
•
Evelyn (Sahlberg) Lundberg Stratton (1971), retired Ohio Supreme Court Justice
Several alumni are counted in Dalat’s own staff, including Susan Allen, who graduated in 1994 and now teaches high school Bible and social studies. Susan’s four children currently attend Dalat. “Dalat School impacted my life tremendously,” she says, “first as a student, then as a parent, and finally as a teacher. I came to Dalat at the beginning of my freshman year in high school. I had such amazing teachers who called the best out of me, and they supported me in beginning to realize my full potential. “Then, six years ago I began to teach at Dalat, and that opportunity is the greatest way the school has impacted my life. The students at Dalat are passionate about learning, and it is a true joy to teach them. I find that they are so open to God’s work in their lives, and the opportunities I’ve had to share His love and truth with them have exceeded anything I could have imagined.”
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NEW GATHERING PLACES To continue its legacy, Dalat will need to undergo major physical changes in the next few years. Buildings erected in the 1930s and 1950s, which once provided great classroom space when Dalat first moved to Penang, have come to the end of their usefulness and should be replaced to meet the needs of the next generation of Dalat students. In July 2015, Dalat made the first step to invest in the future by securing its current campus location at least up to 2043. A new long-term rental agreement was signed with the landowners, the Sisters from the Convent of the Infant Jesus. And with the lease in place, Dalat finally began a much-needed facelift for the campus. A capital campaign, Continue the Legacy, has begun to raise the last amount of resources needed to construct the first three buildings over the next couple of years, headed by the school board and a parent-led steering committee. Already one outdated building has been torn down, and more will follow, to make way for four new structures: •
the Guidance, Media, and Science Center (currently being built)
•
a four-story dormitory
•
a cafeteria and fine arts center
•
and a high school and administrative building
Guidance, Media, and Science Center to be completed in April 2016.
The goal is that, with these changes, Dalat will remain relevant and up-to-date long into the future, allowing the school to continue providing an education for life founded on a biblical worldview — which is the school’s mission. “These foundations are what we plan to build upon in the next ten years as we renew Dalat’s campus facilities to provide a great learning environment for our children,” says Head of School Karl Steinkamp. “Dalat’s community will thrive with new facilities and new gathering places while we continue to hold fast to what makes Dalat so special — our family atmosphere.” Those roots are deeply planted. And that’s why — like a beautiful tree — Dalat will continue growing outward and upward, extending its legacy from the past as it impacts the lives of children and their families for many generations to come.
Four-story dormitory to be completed in August 2017.
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ChristianDALAT, & Missionary Alliance VIETNAM, 1929 6
Mission & VISION MISSION Education for life founded on a biblical worldview.
VISION For the glory of God we will… never stop improving. never stop inspiring. never stop impacting our world.
EDUCATION FOR LIFE Dalat International School seeks to teach our children in areas that go beyond books and academics. Education for Life is the pursuit of training the next generation to be people of good character and integrity and to care for others, which will prepare them to make a positive impact on the world in any area they choose to work and live in.
EXPECTED SCHOOL-WIDE LEARNING RESULTS (ESLR) Dalat students will be:
• Passionate Learners
• Transformed Thinkers
• Servant Leaders
• God Seekers
• Faithful Stewards
• Effective Communicators
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Test RESULTS MEASURES OF ACADEMIC PROGRESS Dalat uses the Measures of Academic Progress (MAP), a standardized test for K–9. These assessments are unique in that they adapt to each student’s ability, accurately measuring what a child knows. In addition, MAP tests measure academic growth over time, independent of grade level or age. Most importantly, the results have practical application to teaching and learning. MAP test results provide educators with timely information that guides instructional planning and school improvement. Average scores are broken down by subject area and grade at the end of the 2014–15 school year. Percentages are students at or above grade level: GRADE
MATH
READING
K
93%
93%
1
84%
87%
2
88%
88%
94%
3
66%
66%
83%
4
70%
80%
88%
5
88%
96%
96%
6
87%
67%
80%
7
97%
84%
97%
8
96%
84%
96%
9
81%
96%
89%
SAT The Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) determines acceptance into U.S. colleges and universities. The U.S. national average score for 2015 is 1490 (495 reading, 511 math, and 484 writing). Dalat’s Class of 2015 scored a composite average of 1815 (603 reading, 629 math, and 583 writing). The highest total Dalat SAT score was 2260 and the lowest was 1350 out of a possible 2400.
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LANGUAGE
800
U.S. Average
700 600 500
Dalat Average
629
603 495
511
583 484
400 300 200 100 0
Reading
Math
Writing
College ACCEPTANCE Forty-eight members of the Class of 2015 graduated in June, and they were accepted to the following colleges and universities (It is important to remember that these results are self-reported, so there may be other schools that accepted our graduates that the school does not know about.): Arizona State University, United States
The Australian National Unversity, Australia
Baruch College, City University of New York, United States
University of Akron, United States
California Baptist University, United States
University of Alabama, Birmingham, United States
Georgia Southern University, United States
University of British Columbia, Canada
Georgia Institute of Technology, United States
University of California - Davis, United States
Hofstra University, United States
University of California - Santa Barbara, United States
Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong
University of California, Riverside, United States
Houghton College, United States
University of Colorado, Boulder, United States
Iowa State University, United States
University of Edinburgh, Scotland
John Brown University, United States
University of the Fraser Valley, Canada
Langara College, Canada
University of Manchester, United Kingdom
LeTourneau University, United States
University of Melbourne, Australia
Liberty University, United States
University of Newcastle, United Kingdom
Monash University, Australia
University of New South Wales, Australia
North Carolina Wesleyan, United States
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, United States
North Greenville University, United States
University of Oklahoma, United States
Nyack College, United States
University of Queensland, Australia
Oklahoma Baptist University, United States
University of South Carolina, United States
Queen Mary, University of London, United Kingdom
University of Sussex, United Kingdom
San Diego State University, United States
University of Sydney, Australia
Shorter University, United States
University of Texas, Austin, United States
Southern Polytechnic University, United States
University of Toronto, Mississauga, Canada
State University of New York, Buffalo, United States
University of Toronto, St. George, Canada
Taylor University, United States
University of Western Australia, Australia
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Parent Survey RESULTS This survey was conducted in May 2015. There were 261 surveys completed, including 198 in English, 41 in Korean, and 22 in Chinese. Parents were asked to respond to each question with “excellent,” “good,” “fair,” or “poor.” Dalat defines “Satisfaction” as “excellent” or “good” responses on the survey. A “fair” or “poor” response is considered unsatisfied.
1. How would you rate the quality of education at Dalat? 달랏에서의 교육의 질을 어떻게‘ 평가하겠습니까?
请您估计Dalat的教育质量？ 89% Satisfaction 2. In your opinion, how well is Dalat preparing your student for university, college, or vocation after Dalat? 여러분은 자녀들이 대학 또는 취업 준비를 얼마나 잘 하고 있다고 생각하십니까?
你认为您的孩子对假期或上大学的准备做得怎么样？ 85% Satisfaction 3. How satisfied are you with the course offerings? 개설된 강의 과목에 얼마나 만족하십니까?
您对Dalat所提供的学科滿意吗？ 79% Satisfaction 4. How would you rate the impact on your child’s life from teaching Christian values from the Bible? 성경으로 기독교의 가치를 가르침이 학생들의 인생에 얼마나 영향을 미치리라 생각하십니까?
您觉得基督教徒圣经上所教导的价值对您孩子的生活有怎么样的冲击？ 83% Satisfaction 5. How would you rate the use of technology to enhance learning? 배움 증진을 위한 기술 사용에 대해서 여러분은 어떤 등급을 주시겠습니까? 您如何评估运用科技设施以加强学习的效果？
76% Satisfaction 6. How would you rate your overall satisfaction with your child’s/children’s teacher/s? 담당교사와 그외 교사들에 대해 종합적인 만족도는 어느 정도로 평가하십니까?
您对您孩子的老師的整体表现滿意吗？ 83% Satisfaction
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7. How would you rate the amount of homework your child has?
14. How would you rate the value for the price paid for the food in the cafeteria?
자녀들이 숙제 양에 대해서 여러분은 어떤 등급을 주시겠습니까?
식당의 음식이 지불된 가격에 비해 어떻다고 평가하십니까?
您对于孩子的功课量有何意见？
您觉得学校餐厅的餐点价钱怎么样？ 50% Satisfaction
너무 적다
13%
Too Little
70%
Right Amount
17%
Too Much
太少
적당하다
너무 많다
刚好
太多
8. How would you rate the quality of homework your child has? 자녀 숙제의 질을 어떻게 평가하십니까?
你觉得您的孩子的作业做得怎么样？ 65% Satisfaction 9. How do you feel about the physical and emotional safety of your child at Dalat?
15. How well does Dalat meet the needs of your child academically? 달랏이 여러분 자녀의 학구적인 필요를 어느 정도 충족시켜 주나요?
Dalat在学术上是否能提供您孩子的需要？ 78% Satisfaction 16. How well does Dalat meet the needs of your child socially? 달랏이 여러분 자녀의 사회적 필요를 어느 정도 충족시켜 주나요?
Dalat在社交应对上是否能提供您的孩子的需要？ 85% Satisfaction
달랏 학교에서의 신체적 그리고 감정적인 안전에 대해서 어떻게 느낍니까?
17. How would you rate your child’s activity level at school?
你觉得您的孩子在学校里身心上的安全感怎么样？ 89% Satisfaction
학교에서 자녀의 활동 수준에 대해서 여러분은 어떤 등급을 주시겠습니까?
10. How would you rate the school facilities? 여러분은 학교 시설물에 대해 어떻게 생각하십니까?
您怎么评估学校的设施? 66% Satisfaction
您如何评估各级的学校活动？ 5% 88%
Too Busy 너무 바쁘다 太忙 Good Amount 적당하다 足够
7%
Not Enough
너무 활동이 부족하다
须增加
18. Are you familiar with Dalat’s Child Protection and Safety Program? 여러분은 달랏 학교의 어린이 안전과 위기대응 프로그램에 대해서 익숙하십니까?
11. How would you rate the campus security and emergency procedures appropriate for a school?
您了解Dalat对于您的孩子人身保护及安全措施吗？ 65% Yes
학교측의 캠퍼스 안전과 위기대응책의 진행이 적합한지에 대해 여러분은 어떤 등급을 주시겠습니까?
19. How would you rate Dalat’s communication with your child (the student)?
您如何评估校园的保安及紧急措施？ 80% Satisfaction 12. How would you rate the quality of the extracurricular programs offered? 별도 제공되는 프로그램 질에 대해서 여러분은 어떤 등급을 주시겠습니까?
您如何评估课外活动的素质？ 78% Satisfaction
달랏과 학생들과의 켜뮤니케이션을 어떻게 평가하십니까?
您如何评估Dalat与学生的沟通？ 84% Satisfaction 20. How would you rate Dalat’s communication with you (the parent)? 달랏과 학부모와의 커뮤니케이션을 어떻게 평가하십니까?
您如何评估Dalat与学生家长的沟通？ 79% Satisfaction
13. How would you rate the quality of the sports programs offered?
21. Do you read the Dalat News weekly?
스포츠 프로그램에 대해서 여러분은 어떤 등급을 주시겠습니까?
매주 달랏 뉴스를 읽으십니까?
您如何评估各项体育项目的素质？ 79% Satisfaction
你是否每周阅读 DALAT新闻？ 93% Yes
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22. How familiar are you with the goals, mission, and vision of Dalat? 달랏이 추구하는 목표, 미션, 비전에 얼마나 익숙하십니까?
您对Dalat的目標、使命和愿景有多了解？ 84% Satisfaction 23. How well is Dalat achieving its mission and vision statements? 얼마나 달랏 학교가 목표와 사명을 잘 이루어 가고 있습니까?
你对Dalat实现其办学宗旨和愿景的满意度？ 79% Satisfaction 24. Last year’s Expected School-wide Learning Result (ESLR) focused on the Transformed Thinker. According to these expectations, how are Dalat students meeting this goal? 올해의 기대하는 학교- 폭넓게 배우는 결과 (ESLR)는 변혁된 생각을 가진 사람에 촛점을 맞춥니다. 이러한 기대들에 대해 달랏 학생들이 어느 정도 목표를 이루고 있을까요?
今年学校学习成果的目标是思想的转化. 根据以上这些期望，Dalat 学生达致多少成果? 78% Satisfaction 25. How confident do you feel about Dalat’s future? 달랏의 미래에 대해 얼마나 자부심을 갖고 있습니까?
您对Dalat的未來有多自信？ 86% Satisfaction 26. How would you rate the sense of community at Dalat? 달랏의 커뮤니티를 어떻게 평가하십니까?
您觉得Dalat 在社区的服务如何？ 86% Satisfaction 27. Do you feel welcome at Dalat? 달랏에서 환영받고 있다고 느끼십니까?
您在Dalat感觉受欢迎吗？ 95% Yes 28. How would you rate the cooperation and interactions of nationalities? 다른 국적의 자녀들과의 협력과 상호 작용에 대해서 여러분은 어떤 등급을 주시겠습니까?
您如何评估不同国籍的合作与互动？ 73% Satisfaction 29. Would you recommend Dalat to your family and closest friends? 가족이나 가까운 친구들에게 Dalat을 추천하실 생각이신가요?
您是否会推荐Dalat给您的家人和亲密的朋友？ 93% Yes
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30. Do you think Dalat students make a positive impact outside of our school?
37. How long have you been a part of the Dalat community?
달랏 학생들이 학교 밖에서 긍정적인 영향을 준다고 생각하세요?
달랏 커뮤니티에 얼마나 오랫동안 관여해 왔습니까? 1 년 미만, 1-2 년, 3-5 년, 5 년 이상
您认为Dalat 学生在校外有正面的影响吗? 90% Yes 31. How would you rate your overall satisfaction of Dalat? 달랏에서 전체적인 만족도는 어떻게 평가하고 싶으신가요?
您如何评估Dalat的整体满意度？ 88% Satisfaction
您成为Dalat社區多久？少於1年， 1到2年， 3到5年，過超5年 • Less than 1 year – 17% • 1–2 years – 27% • 3–5 years – 30% • More than 5 years – 27% 38. Where is your home country located? 당신의 모국은 어디입니까? 북아메리카, 아시아, 유럽
32. How would you rate the leadership of Dalat? 달랏의 리더쉽을 어떻게 평가하십니까?
您如何评估Dalat的领导层？ 84% Satisfaction
您的祖国在哪里？北美洲，亞洲，歐洲 • North America – 39% • Asia – 57% • Europe – 3% • Other – 1%
33. How well does Dalat administration listen and address your concerns? 달랏 학교 행정부서에서 얼마나 여러분의 관심을 듣고 설명한다고 보십니까?
Dalat有没有倾听和解决您提出的问题？ 71% Satisfaction 34. How would you rate Dalat against other international schools around the world? 전세계의 국제학교와 비교하여 달랏을 어떻게 평가하십니까?
您如何评估Dalat在世界各国国际学校的地位？ 78% Satisfaction 35. How would you rate Dalat’s reputation in Penang? 페낭에서 달랏의 평판은 어떻다고 생각하세요?
您怎么评估Dalat 在槟城州的声誉? 86% Satisfaction 36. How would you rate the value you receive for the price you pay at Dalat? 달랏에 지불하는 만큼의 대가를 받고 있다고 평가하십니까?
您如何评估您的孩子在Dalat所付出的学费与所接受到的教育？ 78% Satisfaction
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Dalat Leadership SURVEY RESPONSE HEAD OF SCHOOL Welcome to a very important process — a process designed to ensure that healthy communication is taking place between parents and the school — the Annual Parent Survey. Through this survey, Dalat strives to make sure we are improving the quality of education for our students and to give parents a chance to give honest feedback on how to meet the educational needs of their family. As seen in our vision statement, Dalat is always striving to improve. Inviting authentic feedback is an important part of pursuing that vision. The annual survey is part of an improvement process that involves a number of different steps. The feedback that is given through the survey is reviewed and studied by the Dalat administration and then used to help us chart a course for improvement. It is important for our parents to know that the feedback is looked at carefully by the management team, and many decisions are made each year from the data received from the survey. In the 2015 survey, I was pleased to see the following indicators:
Mr. Karl
STEINKAMP
•
Parents ranked the “Quality of Education” (89%) and “Preparing Students for University” (85%) very high.
•
The sense of community at Dalat went up again last year to 86%.
•
In response to the question “Do you feel welcome at Dalat?” the number or parents saying “yes” rose even higher to 95%.
•
One of the most important indicators of a good school is whether a parent would recommend it to a friend, and 93% of you said you would.
Here are some of the areas where we need to improve: •
Our course offerings satisfaction rate is lower than we would like (79%), so we will look at what we can do in this area in the next 1 to 2 years.
•
We will need to look at the feedback on both our use of technology (76%) and quality of homework (65%) as those are numbers we would like to see increase.
•
School facilities rating is one of our lowest at 66%. We understand this, and in the next 2 to 3 years believe that this will change as we implement our new campus development plan.
•
Satisfaction with the cafeteria program is up for the third straight year (50%), however, we would like to raise that number even more.
An important part of education is modeling behaviors and attitudes we want to see in our students. The annual survey, and the printing of the results in a booklet for our community, is one way for us to model to our students the importance of being a life-long learner. Being willing to receive critical feedback, striving to improve, and working hard to grow and develop are qualities we should practice throughout our lives and careers, long beyond our time as students.
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ELEMENTARY SCHOOL •
I am pleased to report that our ES homework policy continues to balance the needs of families as well as support our youngest learners. In our most recent survey, the majority of parents were satisfied with the amount of homework their child was receiving. This percentage nearly doubled from the previous year. Nonetheless, in spite of reduced homework requirements, our MAP scores remain among the highest in our region.
•
We are also excited to announce that 99 percent of our parents believe that their child has an appropriate activity level at school. This is reflected in the level of students participating in our after-school interest clubs. We continue to work hard to provide a wide variety of enriching Kids Interest Clubs. We are excited to introduce dance and language in our offerings.
•
This year we have even more lunch monitors to help supervise both the cafeteria and the playground during lunch recess. We have also increased the number of adults supervising afternoon recess.
•
Both physical and emotional safety remain a priority for our division. We believe our concentrated efforts are reflected in the upward trend of parents being increasingly satisfied with our safety measurements. We invest heavily in safety training and resources, and have been especially diligent during this construction period.
•
Using technology as a learning tool is an important factor in nurturing and developing 21st century learners. We are pleased to announce that every ES classroom has access to and regularly uses a SMART board, 4 iPads, and 5 classroom computers.
•
Being able to work collaboratively and cooperatively with others is a skill that our students are encouraged to develop from preschool to grade 4. Effective conflict resolution is also a skill that our students are taught through Kelso’s Choice. As a school, we have intentionally created a caring and safe learning environment in which all students are encouraged to interact with each other, regardless of cultural differences. Children, however, often emulate behaviors that they have observed. Therefore, I encourage you parents to reach out to families that are different from your own so that you can model for your child the importance of building crosscultural friendships.
Mrs. Shantel
SEEVARATNAM
MIDDLE SCHOOL •
As I looked over the results of the annual parent survey this year, I was pleased to find that some areas we have focused on are now showing results. The teachers in middle school have put an intense focus on being welcoming and inclusive, and parents report that their children feel physically and emotionally safe. Parents are also very pleased with the quality of teachers in the middle school division. I agree with you and strongly believe that teachers are the cornerstone of a great school. The results also show that we have finally controlled the homework load. Too much homework in middle school was a common complaint for several years, but it appears that we have found the balance. We will continue to work hard and keep these areas strong.
•
An area of weakness you noted in the middle school was communication with parents. We are working to communicate more directly with students at this age level, but we also realize the need to keep parents informed. We will keep endeavoring to find the right balance between communicating with students and
Ms. Shawna
WOOD
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communicating with parents. Another lower-ranking area in the middle school was the impact of Christian values on the lives of students. This is actually an area of focus for our entire school. We are examining our Bible curriculum, mentoring program, while other programs and brainstorming ways to improve our impact in this area. •
Thank you for taking the time to complete the survey. We always welcome feedback and suggestions from parents at any time during the school year.
HIGH SCHOOL • Once again I am amazed at the kind words that many shared in the survey about Dalat. While we know we are far from perfect, it is encouraging to hear the high praise that many of you shared for our programs. I have just finished looking over the AP test scores for 2015, and we have had one of our best years ever.
Mr. Brian BREWSTER
• One area of common concern that has been expressed is about the need for a better developed science program. Any quality program starts with the teachers, and this year we have four teachers who are all teaching in their area of expertise. Our physics teacher has a master’s degree in physics, our chemistry teacher has 12 years of experience teaching this class, and our anatomy teacher is a practicing chiropractor. This semester we had some focused professional development time with a visiting professor from a university in Iowa. Dr. Derek Brower is a “teacher of teachers,” and he spent the month of October working with all of our science teachers in grades K–12 improving the quality of our science education. And we are not stopping there. You may have heard that the entire top floor of the new building will be comprised of five purpose-built science classrooms. All of our science teachers look forward to moving into this dedicated space. • While this may be a challenging year as we work around the campus development, I am excited for the changes that are coming and to continue seeing Dalat moving in the right direction.
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Student FUNDS MK ED ENDOWMENT FUND The Missionary Kid Education Endowment Fund was established to be an ongoing source of income to offset the rising costs of education for Dalat students whose parents are serving as missionaries around the world. The beauty of an endowment fund is that a gift to the fund remains in an account as long as Dalat School exists and generates interest every year that, in turn, provides funds for the education of missionary’s children. Starting Balance in 2014:
RM 76,830
Raised Last School Year:
RM 3,796
Interest Generated for Students:
RM 3,324
New Balance in 2015:
RM 83,950
ALUMNI ATHLETIC AND FINE ARTS TRAVEL FUND Dalat Alumni give back to Dalat School because of the many great memories they have had and for a desire to share those memories with Dalat students today. One of the practical ways Alumni help Dalat is to give to the Alumni Athletic and Fine Arts Travel Fund. This fund assists families that find it challenging to pay for the international trips the sports teams and fine arts groups participate in during high school. This last year the band took a trip to Bangkok and the ACSC sports tournaments took place in Thailand, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Korea, and Taiwan. Students Received Last Year:
RM 2,362
Funds Raised Last Year:
RM 876
If you would like to donate to either the MK Ed Endowment Fund or the Alumni Athletic and Fine Arts Travel Fund please contact the Director of Development, Larry Chinn, at lchinn@dalat.org or Dalat’s Finance Office at accounts@dalat.org.
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Annual FUND This year’s Annual Fund was all about being Faithful to the Promise that we have made to our children to provide an education for life founded on a biblical worldview, Dalat’s Mission, and for the glory of God never stop improving, never stop inspiring, and never stop impacting our world, Dalat’s Vision. The goal was to raise RM 129,000 during six weeks in October and November. Because of you, our generous community, we raised RM 182,378 to provide the tools and learning environment for every Dalat child that will allow us to be Faithful to the Promise to give Dalat students a solid foundation and a safe, loving atmosphere. Thank you! Preschool Playground ...................................................... RM 6,500 Smartboards for ES Computer and Music ..................... RM 17,500 Bulletin Board Die Cuts for ES ........................................ RM 2,000 iPad Minis for MS ........................................................... RM 15,000 Musical Instruments for ES & MS ................................. RM 14,000 Library Books and Furniture ......................................... RM 40,000 Science ............................................................................ RM 40,000 Robotics ........................................................................... RM 9,000 Drama ............................................................................... RM 3,500 Athletics ............................................................................ RM 9,000 Dorm Home Décor ......................................................... RM 15,000 Electronic Message Board ............................................... RM 7,500 Care and Share Community Service ................................ RM 3,500
PLEASE FREQUENT OUR CORPORATE SPONSORS: (Listed in Alphabetical Order) Baa Baa Black Sheep Blossom Art Bose Carrie Xu Design Croisette Café Eastern & Oriental Hotel Eunich Trading Four Points by Sheraton
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Gentle Chiropractic Grumpiez Green Pepper Gusto Café Hard Rock Hotel Penang Just Caffe Lee Tong Hai & Son Construction Metta Fashion House
Morganfield’s Restaurant Moroccan Tresors Muthu Foods Park Royal Hotel Pimei Rainbow Paradise Beach Resort
Rasa Sayong Resort & Spa Penang Regent Furniture Rejoyce Café Saarah Gems Switch Village Artisan
PARENT HONOR ROLL Eagle Status - RM 10,000 or more Two Anonymous Donors Chia, Hong Nyiap & Serene
High Honor Roll - RM 5,000 or more Leong, Kong Meng & Cynthia Lim, Dato Kean Seng & Datin Sue Ying Park, Daniel & Katherine
Honor Roll - RM 1,000 or more One Anonymous Donor Beasley, Daniel & Jesusa Brewster, Brian & Brandi Bubrik, John & Monica Burns, Matthew & Lori Chan, Choo Keng & Bok Sin Chang, Chee Kok & Ah Keng Chang, Jhy Hau & Su Lee Chin, David & Ming Shu Chin, Keo San & Hephzibah Chinn, Larry & Debbie Choi, Mun & Sun Young De Cort, Cornelis & Mildred Deeb, Michael & Ruby Ferguson, Ben & Julie Goh, Eng Leong & Mei Lin Graves, Jason & Elizabeth Guo, ZhiFang & CaiDi Halbedl, Randy & Martha Hassan, Shamus & Sheryn Hogan, Jan Huang, George & Chiu-Yang Kendrick, Aaron & Kristin Khaw, Chong Joo & Yu Chin Khor, Bean Tatt & Ju Siew Khor, Siang Gin & Annie Kim, Young Wan & Sul Hwa Kunawaradisai, Wanchai & Aree Lai, Kin On & Sherrie Lee, Dong Woo & Hye Won Lee, Kyoung-Kuen & Kyoung-Mee Lee, Yen-Fei & Hsiu-Ju Lin, Andrew & Amanda Lo, Simon & Josephine Loh, Lay Soon & Siew Kun Loh, Richard & Sally
Lyon, Nathan & Ruth Mims, David Neill & Margit Oo, Khuang Liang & Yean Chin Ooi, Choon Piao & Janice Ooi, Chuan Mun & Lee Eng Oppenheim, Jay & Amy Pagee, Bob & Ann-Marie Phuah, Sin Jeow & Jamie Pillai, Dato Ram & Datin Andrea Pontrich, Brian & Amanda Ramirez, Vladimir & Maria Victoria Ronning, Jon & Rebekah Saw, Lip Teik & Lay Hong Sim, Choon Siong & Chee Cheng Singh, Surinder & Sharon Soon, Chin Chye & Geok Gim Sullivan, Terrence & Joan Tan, Jon & Esther Tan, Soo Hee & Siew Khim Tang, Jeff & Joyce The, Nicki Teng, Beng Lee & Irene Teoh, Cheng Ghee & Aida Toh, See Wei & Ang Weidemann, Brian & Val Wong, Jeffry & Doris Yang, Chao Tung & Pi Mei Yeap, Leong Soon & Arisa Yeoh, Alvin & Jennie Yeoh, Ee Kee & Shelly Yost, Douglas & Marsha
Stand and Be Counted Any Amount or Service Allen, James & Susan Anderson, Josh & Bona Ang, Kheng Soon & Seok Liew One Anonymous Donor Arnold, Chuck & Deana Balzer, Steven & Lisa Brake, Andrew & Lora Brewster, Daniel & Alice Brokaw, Valeri Brooks, Benjamin & Rachel Buhr, Garth & Eileen Burleson, Travis & Kelly Burley, David & Angeline Chai, Nam Han & Wee Chan Chan, Kenny & Janet
Chan, Kuang & Oon Ling Chang, Daewe & Hongim Chee, Lean Hock & Ean Ching Chew, Boon Hoong & Min Gan Chew, Chin Foo & Tang Kheng Chim, Chi Shing & Yuen Yee Chin, Ken Meng & Chin Hoon Cho, Inson & Jasmine Chung, Chee Yee & Soon Yee Corman, Chad & Nicole D’Cruz, Lori Franz, Jasmane Frohlich, Kevin & Robin Geiman, Mary Go, Dukhyun & Youngsun Goh, Gary & Yvonne Goh, Kok Soon & Bee Teng Grad, Emily Hawk, Jonas & Mary Ho, Whye Chek & Saw Hoon Hofer, Scott & Heather Horie, Shinya & Maki Horton, Jon & Lori Huang, Stanley & Juo-Lin Huang, Zhi Qiang & Yue Jang, Paul & Sarah Jung, Tae Bo & Jeong Mi Kahrobaei, Dariush & Martina Kelley, Andrew & Jana Khor, San Leng Kilgo, Pat & Michelle Kim, Hee-Keun & Jin-Young Kim, Jong Chul & Kee Chung Kim, Young Shin & Hee Kyoung Knowles, Caroline Ko, Bong-Sang & Yun-Hee Ko, In Seob & Hyun Hee Koi, Aun Siang & Chee Yin Kok, Chim Kong & Seok Ching Krishner, Dato K.N. & Datin Harumi Ladner, Douglas & Laura Lee, Chor Min & Heem Heem Lee, Dong Ho & Eun Jung Lee, Heng Gee & Jessie Lee, Hyungsuk & Seonae Leong, Kin Heng & Jennifer Lim, Chau Wei & Chai Ling Lim, Jin Foo & Joo Pheng Lim, Jung-Hoon & Pearl
Lim, Lum Eng & Beng Fung Littleton, Diane Low, Boon Leong & Amelia Mahoney, Kerry & Robin Man, Yong Bin & Feng Maurin, Guy & Denise McIntyre, Roy & Jenna Munson, Lisa Ng, Eric & Beh Kia Ooi, Bok-Kim & Eunice Park, JunHo & Eun Hyoung Park, Sang Bae & Hyun Suk Park, Taek Soo & So Yeon Penland, Tom & Carre Peters, Bernardus & Dong Mei Pham, Tuan Anh & Dale Phillips, Tim & R’deen Phungsonthorn, Akarapol & Sinit Restrepo, Jesica Roberts, Dustin & Renae Roberts, Steve & Lydia Ronzheimer, Kirk & Calah Roylance, Craig & Carin Sasse, Mark & Karen Saw, Leng San & Siew Wah Schouten, Rene & Selena Seckler, Jessica Seevaratnam, Reuben & Shantel Shanmuganathan, Shanmugabalan & Liza Shin, Il Jae & Mi Lan Soon, Eng Hooi & Cheng Sim Steinkamp, Karl & Jacki Strong, David & Doris Tan, Chia Min & Poay May Tan, Kee Seng & Kooi Pyn Tan, Vincent & Shirley Tang, Heng Aun & Seaw Hooi Teoh, Yi Soon & Irene Unruh, Stan & Ronda Weidemann, Bethany Wong, Wee Keong & Siaw Hong Wood, Shawna Wood, Tony & Stephany Worten, Vance & Juni Yang, Byounghwan & Eunja Yeap, Chloe Yeoh, Eng Hun & See Lin Yun, Judith Zhang, Nian & Zhi hua Zimmer, Chris & Robin
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Staff Qualifications & ENROLLMENT STAFF QUALIFICATIONS Master of Arts .............................................. 35 Bachelor of Education .................................. 29 Bachelor of Arts .......................................... 10 Other................................................................ 3 Total .............................................................. 74
ENROLLMENT BY NATIONALITIES
Other, 3%
Canada...............................15
First Semester 2015–16 Australia.............................. 7 Brazil................................... 1
Bachelor of Arts, 13%
China................................... 9 Finland................................ 2 Germany............................. 1
Bachelor of Education, 38%
Master of Arts, 45%
Hong Kong.......................... 2 India.................................... 1 Indonesia............................. 7
Total Number of Expat Staff 2015–2016........ 95 Administrative Staff...................................... 22 Teaching Staff................................................ 66 Full-time Teaching/Administrative Staff....... 52 Part-time Teaching/Administrative Staff........14 Residence Life Staff......................................... 7 National Staff................................................. 54
Japan................................... 9 Korea................................ 121 Malaysia........................... 167 Nepal................................... 3 Netherlands......................... 8 New Zealand....................... 3 Philippines........................... 1 Singapore...........................10
600
Fall 2015
Spring 2015
Fall 2014
Spring 2014
Fall 2013
Spring 2013
Fall 2012
United Kingdom................10
0 Semester 9
20
Switzerland......................... 4 Taiwan................................13
Spring 2012
100
Fall 2010
200
506 517 532
South Africa........................ 1
Thailand.............................. 3
300
Fall 2011
400
469 477 492 Spring 2011
500
565 577 560 577 573
United States................... 175 Total........................... 573
Department REPORTS ADMISSIONS •
We finished the 2014-2015 school year with an all-time-high enrollment of 579. Over the summer, we said goodbye to a number of expatriates who returned home. A slightly smaller group of missionary families left for furlough or to permanently return to their home countries.
•
In June 2015 we said farewell to Mr. Shien Tan, Director of Admissions for four years. Mrs. Carin Roylance, Dalat’s new Director of Admissions replaced him.
•
Online applications were introduced making student applications much easier.
•
Dalat opened the 2015-2016 school year with a record first semester enrollment of 573.
DEVELOPMENT •
Preparing Dalat’s Campus Development Plan and capital campaign was the main story in the Development Office this last year. After years of searching for a new location and struggling with different building options, Dalat decided to stay put on our current location and build in order to provide a time-honored Dalat education for the next generation.
•
A new long-term rental agreement was signed in July 2015 to secure our current campus location at least up to 2043. The landowners, the Sisters from the Convent of the Infant Jesus, graciously gave us a lease that would guarantee our location for the next 30 years, making it worthwhile to invest in the property and raise funds to provide much-needed new facilities.
•
A capital campaign to fund the campus development plan, Continuing the Legacy, formed a steering committee in January 2015, consisting of passionate and committed Dalat parents and school board members, in order to raise RM1.5 million before the end of 2016 for Dalat’s first phase of campus development. A silent phase of the campaign was started in August 2015 and the public phase will begin in January 2016.
•
The first building in Dalat’s Campus Development Plan, the new three-story Guidance, Media, and Science Center, broke ground on 13 August 2015 and is scheduled to be completed in April 2016.
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FINANCE •
The past financial year has been eventful as the school faced financial challenges brought about by the newly implemented Goods and Services Tax as well as campus development. In a nutshell, the school did moderately well in the 20142015 financial year despite experiencing a decline in student numbers by over 2% that resulted in an overall decline in revenue by over 1%. Amidst all these, expenses continue to edge upwards finally taking their toll on school income by over 1.5%.
•
On a year-to-year basis, educational expenses have increased by 15.7%. The increase in educational expenses occurred in spite of an over 2.0% decrease in student numbers compared to a year earlier – a strong indicator of the school’s commitment to providing a high standard of education for its students. Other expenses that registered an increase would be plant operating expenses and dormitory expenses, both of which recorded an over 20% increase vis-à-vis similar expenses a year earlier. As the school continues to embark on improving its facilities, the management foresees that the increase in plant operating cost would develop into a trend for years ahead until it plateaus, with newer buildings, after the campus development project is completed.
•
As the school continues to grow, it is committed to investing heavily in areas that directly impact the quality of education and service its students receive. This is evident in the average increase in its operating cost over the past five years – 6.05% annual increase. This is further strengthened by the fact that the school has also invested in its hardware to go in line with other developments we see at the school. With the declining ringgit towards the end of the financial year, the management continues to pray for wisdom and the necessary competence and leadership as it looks forward to another year ahead.
SPIRITUAL LIFE •
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Missions Emphasis Week (MEW) featured Kirk Ronzheimer and his family from Laos sharing about their lives and God’s work there. The theme was “Compelled by the Love of the Father” with an emphasis on understanding our identity in God. When we understand who we are in God, well-loved sons and daughters, then we can let our mission flow out of His love for us. The students identified with their need to take their focus off achievement and place it on their position with Christ.
•
Spiritual Emphasis Week’s (SEW) speaker was previous SEW speaker Pastor Rudy Sheptock. Pastor Rudy’s theme was “Bold Moves” and encouraged students and the community to rely on God to do things that we cannot do without Him. Both MEW and SEW featured drama skits written by Dalat students to emphasize the message.
•
The 2014-2015 school year celebrated eight baptisms in high school and middle school.
•
This school year Chapel services are using the GRIT theme with the overarching message of asking, “If God has a plan for my life, what does that mean?” featuring real people with real stories talking about how God has impacted their lives.
•
Tom Cura, Spiritual Life Director for the last two years, returned to the U.S., opening the door for Kirk Ronzheimer to become Dalat’s Spiritual Life Director. Kirk did his undergraduate studies at Crown College in intercultural studies and Bible and a master’s degree in missions with an emphasis in community development at the Alliance Graduate School in Manila, Philippines. Kirk worked in Taejon Christian International School in Korea for five years and spent the last six years working in Laos with his family before coming to Dalat.
DISTANCE LEARNING RESOURCE CENTER •
The Distance Learning Resource Center (DLRC) serves 30 families, including 60 students.
•
26 DLRC students are in after-school activities.
•
Over 3,000 resource volumes are in the DLRC library.
•
DLRC publishes a monthly resource letter (news, articles, curriculum reviews, science experiments, art ideas, writing ideas, etc.) that is archived for easy access.
•
Dalat, through the DLRC, has partnered with a small MK school for the children of Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) families in Tarakan, Indonesia. The DLRC serves this school with consultation for ten families and teachers, curriculum development, and annual testing.
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FINE ARTS Dalat students celebrated their God-given creativity in many ways last year:
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•
Art, music, and theatre classes
•
Quarterly band and choir concerts
•
HS Choir Festival in Bangkok
•
MS/HS Choirs at ParkRoyal Hotel Christmas Tree Lighting
•
ES Christmas Concerts
•
Grade 5 Christmas Presentation at Kawan House
•
Grades 5/6 Musical: Simon Says—The Rockin’ Trial of Simon Peter
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MS Advanced Band appearance at the St. Patrick’s Parade, Straits Quay
•
AMIS Honor Band in India (MS) and Singapore (HS)
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HS Fall Drama: The Importance of Being Earnest
•
MS Dramas: Some of My Best Friends Are Spies (Q1) and Rowdy Kate (Q4)
•
Southeast Asia Forensics Tournament, ISKL
•
RLT Players and individual student performances at Penang Performing Arts Center (PPAC)
•
HS Readers’ Theatre: M*A*S*H
•
Original student-written musical, A Tad of Trouble, PPAC
•
Piano recitals
•
Pep Band
•
Worship music opportunities on and off campus
•
StuCo-sponsored live music events
•
Fine Arts Festival, PPAC: drama, ES/MS/HS concerts, and student artwork display
ONLINE EDUCATION •
Students are enrolled in external online courses offered by the following outside providers: The VHS Collaborative, Sevenstar Academy, BC Online School, University of Nebraska-Lincoln High School, Fuel Education, Northstar Academy, and Florida Virtual School.
•
In 2014-2015 47 students enrolled in 41 different external courses with an outside provider.
•
Students took 211 online courses.
•
Online courses provided in-house by Dalat staff on DISCourse include 21st Century Computing, Information and Communication Technology, Health, AP Psychology, Personal Psychology, and Developmental Psychology. Total student enrollment in these courses was 176.
•
21st Century Computing, a compulsory ninth grade course on technology skills, was valuable in preparing students for their high-school level work.
TECHNOLOGY The 2014–15 school year was a year of preparation for the building development on campus and many other improvements. Here are some of the highlights: •
A new stable fiber Internet line was secured, greatly improving Internet access.
•
A new firewall was purchased and implemented to protect the campus.
•
The school’s fiber network was expanded to allow flexibility in working around the building development on the campus.
•
A new bell system was created to manage and schedule bells.
•
MAP standardized testing was migrated to a new web-based platform for better management and an improved test-taking experience.
•
Multiple enhancements were made to the PowerSchool parent portal. •
Online report cards
•
Lunch signups
•
Health information
•
MAP standardized testing scores
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RESIDENCE LIFE •
Three boarding homes on campus, Jaffray, Jackson, and Ziemer Dorms, continue to provide a caring, supportive residential option for education. The boarding program intentionally facilitates and supports the formal education curriculum as well as focuses on life skills, community living, and spiritual formation in the lives of students. Dorm students enjoy the benefits of living in a safe, nurturing environment that provides many service and worship opportunities, good dorm food, and lots of fun outings and activities throughout the year.
•
Dalat boarding provides residence for 45 students from 10 different countries. Their ages range from 5th grade through 12th grade.
•
The boarding staff plan special activities for long weekends and have an annual dorm retreat. The retreat involves some time away from Penang, learning about our host country, a spiritual formation component, and plenty of good food and fun games.
•
Student safety is a priority. Boarding staff are carefully screened and also provide ongoing safety training to dorm students. A resident nurse provides emergency care and transportation for medical and dental treatment. Students are taught how to report any unsafe situation to Dalat’s Child Safety Team or any other staff member.
FACILITIES The 2014-2015 school year has seen some great changes and additions to the facilities:
26
•
Renovated gym locker rooms to provide more showers and toilets in both the boys’ and girls’ bathrooms.
•
Relocated and expanded the exercise/weight room to over double the original size.
•
Installed a cushioned hardwood gym floor.
•
Expanded the upper-field parking lot to accommodate our growth in student numbers for parent and staff parking.
•
Fitted the upper floor of the middle school building with new flooring, paint, and carpet.
ATHLETICS The Athletic Department offered eleven varsity sports with youth teams down to age ten and participated in the Asian Christian Schools Conference (ACSC), MSSPP, Penang Schools Athletic Conference (PSAC) as well as tournaments in Kuala Lumpur. •
Boys Soccer – Varsity boys soccer played its ACSC tournament in Korea. The team finished 6th place with a 7-10-4 record
•
Girls Soccer – Varsity girls soccer played its ACSC tournament in Chiang Mai, Thailand, and finished in 4th place.
•
Girls Volleyball – Varsity girls played their ACSC tournament in Manila and finished in 3rd place.
•
Boys Volleyball – Varsity boys hosted the ACSC tournament and finished in 3rd place.
•
Boys Basketball – Varsity boys played their ACSC tournament in Taiwan and finished in 5th place.
•
Girls Basketball – Varsity girls played their ACSC tournament in Hong Kong and finished in 2nd place.
•
Track & Field – Twenty two medals at the zone meet for MSSPP and six state titles.
•
Cross Country – Twenty runners in the MSSPP state cross country meet.
•
Tennis – Best-ever results in the MSSPP state tennis tournament.
•
Boys Softball – Varsity boys finished 1st in MSSPP zone with a 7-2 overall record.
•
Girls Softball – Varsity girls finished 2nd in MSSPP mainland zone.
•
Athletes of the Year – Shion Matsumoto, Male Athlete of the Year; and Charlotte Combrink, Female Athlete of the Year.
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CARE & SHARE
28
•
The Family Hope Welfare Association received RM300 monthly for food, eyeglasses, medicine, or anything else they might need. The High School Christmas Banquet provided gifts for about eighty children.
•
Pastor Lukas in Kulim runs a home for eighteen kids and four seniors and received Christmas treat bags and some funds. They were invited to Timothy’s Christmas party and received gifts from Dalat students.
•
Pastor Lucas and Pastor Solomon pastor churches on the mainland in poor communities. We invited fifty of their kids for a fun day at Dalat.
•
In May eighty excited kids came to campus from a local Awana club and played water games and did a craft at a carnival.
•
Thirty eight Malay students and their teachers from SK Kota Kuala Muda in Kedah came for a visit to Dalat. These children had never gone on a field trip before. Our students were very patient and loving with the children as they played games together. After lunch they cooled off in the grade 4 classroom and played some ESL games and made a craft.
•
Two Orang Asli villages started a small kindergarten for their village children. We helped provide a fan, some books, charts, and other supplies they can use to educate the children.
•
This was our sixth year of visiting the Shan home once a week. Students from high school come to assist in reading English, helping with homework, playing games, or just connecting with the twenty two children who live there.
•
A convoy of eighty volunteers went to a fishing village in November to help run a carnival and fundraiser for the village.
PARENT-TEACHER ORGANIZATION Dalat PTO was led by Elizabeth Graves in the 2014-15 school year. A committee of seventeen moms faithfully served and worked hard to encourage the community. PTOs accomplishments: •
Weekly caramel and buttered popcorn
•
PTO BBQ serving over 300
•
Family Fun Day, with raffles, a cake walk, and lots of games and prizes
•
Sponsored the Care & Share Family Fun Day at a fishing village
•
Annual Fund Silent Auction organization and support
•
250 Valentines cookies
•
Junior-Senior Banquet dress sale/swap
•
Teacher Appreciation Christmas food and origami crane ornaments
•
International Food Fair, with delicious foods from more than eight countries
•
Ice cream party for grade three, which collected the most Labels for Education. The ES purchased art supplies, markers, crayons, and pedometers.
PTO raised over RM18,000, and that money was given back to the school to help fund different projects such as Battle of the Books books, new baby gift vouchers for staff, teacher appreciation and Christmas vouchers for all staff, and support for the yearbook. Our biggest donation was to help fund new caps and gowns for graduation.
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DALAT ATHLETICS BOOSTER CLUB The Dalat Booster Club is an organization of parents who work to support school sports teams, athletes, and coaches. Its primary duties include fundraising off campus, seeking sponsorships, and providing volunteers for athletic events. In 2014–15, the Booster Club raised RM10,000 with a Discount Card fundraiser and was able to provide: • • • • • • • • • • • • •
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Gym wall padding Basketball backboard padding Soccer balls Tennis balls Basketballs Scorekeeping iPad Game basketballs Softball helmets Softball bat Softballs LED scoreboard Basketball nets Athletic tape & prewrap
Faithful STEWARDS OUR IDEAL IS STUDENTS WHO... •
wisely give of their time, finances, and talents to their families, school, community, and world.
•
care for God’s creation.
•
develop a lifestyle that will enhance and extend their physical well-being for a lifetime.
OUR STUDENTS WILL... •
apply their time, finances, and talents in school and community activities.
•
express an understanding of the need to care for the earth.
•
choose to participate in personal, school, or community athletic and fitness activities.
For the glory of God we will… never stop improving. never stop inspiring. never stop impacting our world.
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DALAT INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL STAFF 2015-2016
Dalat International School educates children in preschool to grade 12. Located in Penang, Malaysia, Dalat is a leader in international education and provides an “education for life� for 573 students from 23 nations. Dalat started as a school for missionary kids in Dalat, Vietnam, 86 years ago in 1929. Since then it has relocated to Bangkok, Thailand, for a year before moving to the Cameron Highlands, Malaysia in 1966. The school has been on its current location in Penang since 1971. The school offers an American, college-preparatory, biblical world-view curriculum, and its academic and boarding programs are fully accredited.
DALAT INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL Tanjung Bunga 11200 Penang Malaysia Phone (60-4) 899-2105 Fax: (06-4) 890-2141 Email: info@dalat.org Website: dalat.org