2017 Annual
DALAT INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
I want to encourage you to take the time to read through this annual report, which has comments and feedback from divisional leaders and department heads as well as information about the many different facets of the school. I am confident that this report will give you an accurate picture of the Dalat community and who we are as a school.
Mr. Karl Steinkamp Head of School
It’s an honor to be given the opportunity to represent the Dalat School Board of Governors to address you. As I was drafting this note, I remembered just three years ago that I shared with you the signing of the 30-year lease and the breaking of grounds for phase 1 of the campus development. We are now well into phase 3 of the building project. It is our plan to be able to occupy and use the high school and administration facility by the beginning of next school year. The development has brought together the community, and we would like to thank you for your contribution in many different ways for making this a reality. The physical building is only a tool to enable us to achieve the real development, which is to prepare our students so that they are ready for life grounded in a biblical worldview. We are proud to present to you the results our students and community have achieved over the last year.
Mr. Ooi Choon Piao
Chairman, Board of Governors
contents Leading by Serving 2 God Seekers 5
Mission and Vision 6 Test Results 7
College Acceptance 10
Parent Survey Results 11 Dalat Leadership Survey Response 15 Head of School 15 High School Principal 16 Middle School Principal 16 Elementary School Principal 17 Student Funds 18 Staff Qualifications & Enrollment 19 Department Reports 20
Admissions 20 Development 20 Finance 21 Spiritual Life 22 Fine Arts 22 Distance Learning Resource Center 23 Online Education 24 Technology 24 Residence Life 25 Facilities 26 Care & Share 26 Athletics 27 Dalat Athletics Booster Club 27 Parent-Teacher Organization 28
Leading by
SERVING
DALAT STUDENTS BLESS OTHERS WITH COMPASSIONATE SERVICE A small group of students shuffle into a Dalat classroom during the X-block hour. They are different ages — from grade 5 up to grade 11 — but all come together with a single-minded purpose. They want to bless underprivileged kids. The group — aptly named “From Kids 4 Kids” — has met regularly for the last four years during X-block to brainstorm and carry out creative fundraising ideas to sponsor two young children via World Vision, a Christian organization that helps the poor and oppressed. “It’s an opportunity to help kids that need it,” says Natasha, a junior who is also a seasoned member of the group. “I want to make a difference in the world and I like kids.” “From Kids 4 Kids” seeks to share God’s love in a practical way, and under the leadership of Deputy Head of School Shawna Wood, the group initially sponsored a young girl from Vietnam. But fundraising efforts were so successful that they were able to add a second child, a young Sri Lankan boy. Some students who joined the group when they were in middle school are now 11th graders and have become mentors to newer members of the group. Together, these middle and high school students have done amazing things. With the older students taking a leadership role and the younger students eagerly supplying fresh ideas for earning money, the group has orchestrated events such as a slime party and science fair, each attracting around 50 elementary school students. They have also sold their own crafts and other items in the Penang Street Market and baked goods at special events at Dalat. And they educate their peers in school chapels each year, giving a presentation about World Vision and children in poverty and what can be done to help. “I like to help people who need it,” says Kira, a fifth grader who participates in the group. “It’s fun to make things and sell them.”
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In the process of developing skills in entrepreneurship, leadership, and teamwork, students in “From Kids 4 Kids” are doing something that’s even more significant — expressing God’s compassion. At Dalat, students receive every opportunity to discover who God is, and then share His love to the world around us. That’s what being a God Seeker is all about.
DISCOVERING WHO GOD IS From its earliest days, Dalat has sought to cultivate in children a passion for who God is, based on the teachings of the Bible. Dalat first opened its doors in 1929 in French Indochina (now known as Vietnam) with a mission to provide a quality education to the children of Christian workers and foster in them a lifelong love for God and others. Students at Dalat receive a biblical education integrated into every subject, learning how God works in all areas of life and that He is the ultimate source of truth. They also study the Bible itself to discover the ways God has revealed Himself to humanity. Through these means, our students are nurtured to become God Seekers — one of Dalat’s Expected Schoolwide Learning Results (ESLRs), which is the focus this school year. In the elementary school, children learn a variety of character traits that reflect God’s nature — from courage to honesty to forgiveness — and are encouraged to apply them. And in the high school, Dalat has launched a Spiritual Leadership club that allows students to explore more fully who God is and how to serve Him. Around 25 students meet each Friday at lunch to discuss Scripture, pray, and encourage one another. The group has also initiated a weekly evening worship time together. “The goal is to foster spiritual growth and leadership development in students who are seeking more depth in their relationship with God,” says teacher Susan Allen, one of the group’s mentors. The club is also planning ways to serve other people together — a key part of a biblical education. That’s because a true understanding of who God is involves applying His character in our own lives. It’s part of Dalat’s mission to provide an “education for life” — one that trains the next generation to be people of character, integrity, and compassion and prepares them to make a positive impact on the world whatever their career choice, and wherever they live.
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POINTS OF LIGHT Becoming a God Seeker and applying that knowledge practically can look different in different settings. Dalat has provided students with many opportunities to touch the community, expressing God’s compassionate heart to the people around them. These are just a few of the points of light Dalat students have participated in: •
Providing fun English instruction and games on Saturdays to young students at Sekolah Kebangsaan Tanjung Tokong, a local primary school.
•
Visiting Shan Home, a home for underprivileged children, on a weekly basis to tutor the kids and play with them.
•
Serving at Kawan Centre, a shelter for the homeless in downtown Georgetown, to help with meals, clean up, and spend time with the guests.
•
Reaching out to the construction workers on Dalat’s campus who have built the CASTLE, the Lighthouse, and currently the new high school building. Students have brought snacks and meals, painted hard hats, and given small gifts for the workers.
•
Serving at a weekly Awana club, where nearly 100 children play games and study the Bible.
•
Providing clean-up, repairs, and new paint for equipment at Tanjung Bunga parks.
•
Teaching English to kids from Crystal Home, a home for underprivileged children, every week.
•
Visiting a local nursing home for the elderly and giving musical performances and hosting bingo games with many prizes for the residents.
•
Providing fun days and carnivals at Dalat and in downtown Georgetown for underprivileged children.
•
Coaching sports and playing friendly matches with local schools.
The love, care, and generosity shared by Dalat students with the people around them has a great impact on the Penang community — but it also touch the hearts of those serving as well. After helping to clean up a local park, Mandy, an 11th grader said, “I think it was a really great opportunity to serve the Penang community because I’ve lived in Penang all my life. It warms my heart to see how happy the children at the playground were when they saw us repairing it.”
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BEYOND BORDERS Dalat’s vision is to extend the reach of our students’ ability to express God’s compassion for others. With the launch of the Impact program this year, high school students will experience different and unique opportunities that exist around the world. In partnership with organizations making a positive difference around Southeast Asia, students will participate in service-learning opportunities that allow them to serve, learn from, and engage with others of diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. The program will augment Dalat instruction in subjects such as science, music, art, education, Bible, and business. It will also provide tangible avenues for student leadership in real-world contexts. “It’s a catalyst to create change in a student that will last a lifetime,” says Andrew McClary, Impact coordinator. “This generation needs to engage with and apply their faith and education. It can’t just be theoretical, it needs hands-on application.” The Impact program is a way to do that, to equip students to become servant leaders — developing a lifestyle of respectful, compassionate, and loving service which places the needs of others before their own. By extending our borders of service and learning, Dalat will give students more opportunities to serve and learn from others, no matter where they are or what they do. And ultimately, that’s what it means to be a God Seeker and to reflect who He is in the world.
God
SEEKERS Our ideal is students who... •
pursue a lifelong, growing relationship with Christ through prayer, worship, Bible study, service, and sharing their faith.
•
identify and use their spiritual gifts for the greater good and the glory of God.
•
love God with all of their heart, soul, mind and strength, and others as themselves.
Our students will...
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•
study the Bible in a variety of ways.
•
choose to participate in God-honoring activities available at school or in the community.
•
express the main points of an historical, biblically-based worldview, comparing and contrasting it with other worldviews.
Mission &
VISION MISSION Education for life founded on a biblical worldview.
VISION Our students will know God and impact their world for His glory.
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. Dalat MAP scores continue to be far above the U.S. average and, in many cases, above the EARCOS international average. From the time DIS began conducting the MAP test in 2011, scores have risen steadily. Average scores are broken down by subject area and grade at the end of the 2016–17 school year.
LANGUAGE USAGE
7
GRADE
DALAT AVERAGE May 2017
U.S. AVERAGE
Percentage of DIS students at or above US grade level
2
199
190
83%
3
212
200
92%
4
215
207
73%
5
219
212
86%
6
226
215
93%
7
227
218
80%
8
233
219
94%
9
239
220
94%
10
241
220
90%
SCIENCE
READING GRADE
DALAT AVERAGE May 2017
K
169 189
1
200
2
212
3
216
4 5 6 7 8 9 10
216 225 230 235 239 239
U.S. AVERAGE
159 178 189 203 206 212 212 218 220 233 221
S Percentage of DI ove ab or at s nt de stu US grade level
Percentage of DIS students at or above US grade level
GRADE
DALAT AVERAGE August 2017
79%
2
196
88%
3
205
81%
90%
4
211
89%
78%
5
208
78%
86%
6
215
85%
69%
7
220
83%
86%
8
224
92%
73%
9
228
90%
92%
10
231
93%
96% 91%
MATH GRADE
DALAT AVERAGE May 2017
U.S. AVERAGE
K
169
159
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
195 199 213 224 230 237 244 255 256 262
181 192 203 214 221 225 229 231 233 232
Percentage of DIS students at or above US grade level
79% 91% 83% 78% 87% 76% 85% 88% 100% 96% 96%
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SAT The Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) determines acceptance into U.S. colleges and universities. The U.S. national average score for 2017 is 1060 (evidence-based reading and writing, 533; and math, 527). Dalat’s Class of 2017 scored an composite average of 1284 (evidence-based reading and writing, 637; and math, 648). The highest total Dalat SAT score was 1580 and the lowest was 960 out of a possible 1600. Note: SAT scores reflect 2016 maximum score change from 2400 to 1600.
1390
1060
U.S. AVERAGE
SINGAPORE AMERICAN SCHOOL
1270 JAKARTA INTERCULTURAL SCHOOL
0
1280 INT. SCHOOL KUALA LUMPUR
1000
1255
INT. SCHOOL BANGKOK
1200
1284
AMERICAN SCHOOL IN JAPAN
1300
1360
DALAT INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
2016-2017
1400
2000 1791
1806
1500 1400 1300 1200 1000 0
9
AMERICAN SCHOOL IN JAPAN
1600
DALAT INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
2015 - 2016
1700
1490
U.S. AVERAGE
1775
SINGAPORE AMERICAN SCHOOL
1801
JAKARTA INTERCULTURAL SCHOOL
1815
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL KUALA LUMPUR
1800
1918
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL BANGKOK
1900
College
ACCEPTANCE
CLASS OF 2017
Fifty-five members of the Class of 2017 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.): Ateneo de Manila University, Philippines
Purdue University, United States
Azusa Pacific University, United States
Rice University, United States
Biola University, United States
School of Visual Arts in New York, United States
Boston University, United States
South Dakota State University, United States
Brigham Young University, United States
Southeastern University, United States
British Columbia Institute of Technology, Canada
The Cooper Union, United States
California Baptist University, United States
The University of Sydney, Australia
California State University, Fullerton, United States
Trinity Western University, Canada
Cedarville University, United States
Union University, United States
Clark Community College, United States
University College, Dublin, Ireland
Cornerstone University, United States
University of Alberta, Canada
Curtin University, Australia
University of British Columbia, Canada
Emerson College, United States
University of Calgary, Canada
Geneva College, United States
University of California - Berkeley, United States
George Fox University, United States
University of California - Los Angeles, United States
Hawaii Pacific University, United States
University of California - San Diego, United States
Hillsdale College, United States
University of Florida, United States
La Trobe University, Australia
University of Illinois, Urbana - Champaign, United States
Langara College, Canada
University of Washington, United States University of Waterloo, Canada Virginia Tech University, United States Wellesley College, United States Wentworth Institute of Technology, United States Westmont College, United States Wheaton College, United States Whitworth University, United States
University of Manchester, United Kingdom
Liberty University, United States
University of Melbourne, Australia
MacEwan University, Canada
University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, United States
McGill University, Canada
University of Missouri, St. Louis, United States
Minerva Schools at KGI, United States
University of San Francisco, United States
Nyack College, United States
University of Southern California, United States
Pomona College, United States
University of Toronto, Canada
TOP 10 SCHOOL TOP 25 SCHOOL TOP 50 SCHOOL
According to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings and the QS World University Rankings.
Parent Survey
RESULTS This survey was conducted in May 2017. There were 297 surveys completed, including 219 in English, 48 in Korean, and 30 in Chinese.
This survey defines “Satisfied” as answering the question with an “Excellent” or “Good” response. “Unsatisfied” is defined as answering the question “Fair” or “Poor.”
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？ 90% 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？ 86% 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？
81% Satisfaction 4. How would you rate the impact on your child’s life from the teaching of 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？ 82% 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？ 81% 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？ 88% Satisfaction
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7. How would you rate the amount of homework your child has? 자녀들이 숙제 양에 대해서 여러분은 어떤 등급을 주시겠습니까?
您对于孩子的功课量有何意见？ 11% 76%
Too Little Right Amount
너무 적다 적당하다
太少 刚好
13%
Too Much
너무 많다
太多
8. How would you rate the quality of homework your child has?
식당의 음식이 지불된 가격에 비해 어떻다고 평가하십니까?
您觉得学校餐厅的餐点价钱怎么样？ 55% Satisfaction 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？ 80% Satisfaction
자녀 숙제의 질을 어떻게 평가하십니까?
16. How well does Dalat meet the needs of your child socially?
你觉得您的孩子的作业做得怎么样？ 75% Satisfaction
달랏이 여러분 자녀의 사회적 필요를 어느 정도 충족시켜 주나요?
9. How do you feel about the physical and emotional safety of your child at Dalat? 달랏 학교에서의 신체적 그리고 감정적인 안전에 대해서 어떻게 느낍니까?
你觉得您的孩子在学校里身心上的安全感怎么样？ 89% Satisfaction 10. How would you rate the school facilities? 여러분은 학교 시설물에 대해 어떻게 생각하십니까?
您怎么评估学校的设施? 70% Satisfaction 11. How would you rate your feeling of being safe on campus for your child and family? 자녀와 가족을 위해 캠퍼스에서 안전하게 지내는 것에 대한 귀하의 생각은 어떻습니까?
Dalat在社交应对上是否能提供您的孩子的需要？ 87% Satisfaction 17. How well does Dalat support struggling learners; i.e., ESL, peer tutoring, and special services? 달랏은 얼마나 어려움을 겪고있는 학습자를 지원합니까? 즉 ESL, 또래 학습 및 특별 서비스?
Dalat给予挣扎学习者的支持有多好; 即ESL，同伴辅导以及特殊服务？ 76% Satisfaction 18. How would you rate your child’s activity level at school?
학교에서 자녀의 활동 수준에 대해서 여러분은 어떤 등급을 주시겠습니까?
您如何评估各级的学校活动？ 5% Too Busy 88% Good Amount 7% Not Enough
너무 바쁘다 적당하다 너무 활동이 부족하다
太忙 足够 须增加
您如何评价您对孩子和家人在校园的安全的感觉？ 89% Satisfaction
19. Are you familiar with Dalat’s Child Protection and Safety Program?
12. How would you rate the quality of the extracurricular programs offered?
您了解Dalat对于您的孩子人身保护及安全措施吗？ 81% Yes
별도 제공되는 프로그램 질에 대해서 여러분은 어떤 등급을 주시겠습니까?
您如何评估课外活动的素质？ 77% Satisfaction 13. How would you rate the quality of the sports programs offered? 스포츠 프로그램에 대해서 여러분은 어떤 등급을 주시겠습니까?
您如何评估各项体育项目的素质？ 74% Satisfaction 14. How would you rate the value for the price paid for the food in the cafeteria?
여러분은 달랏 학교의 어린이 안전과 위기대응 프로그램에 대해서 익숙하십니까?
20. How would you rate Dalat’s communication with your child (the student)? 달랏과 학생들과의 켜뮤니케이션을 어떻게 평가하십니까?
您如何评估Dalat与学生的沟通？ 88% Satisfaction 21. 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？ 81% Satisfaction
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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？ 83% 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？ 85% Satisfaction 24. This year’s Expected School-wide Learning Result (ESLR) focused on the Passionate Learner. Dalat’s expectation of a Passionate Learner is that a student should: • independently read different forms of literature and study topics of personal interest. • learn cooperatively with others. • use technology and other resources to enhance their learning. • identify, value, and express their God-given creativity. • learn about Malaysian culture as well as the cultures represented in the school community. • set and pursue realistic yet challenging short and long-term goals. According to these expectations, how are Dalat students meeting this goal? 올해의 ESLR은 열정적인 학습자입니다. Dalat의 열정있는 학습자가 되기 위하여 학생들이해야 할 일은 다음과 같습니다 : • 개별적으로 다양한 형태의 문헌을 읽고 개인적인 관심사를 연구합니다. • 다른 사람들과 협동 학습을 합니다. • 기술 및 기타 자원을 활용하여 학습을 향상시킵니다. • 하나님이 주신 독창성을 확인하고 가치를 부여하며 그것을 표현합니다. • 말레이시아 문화뿐만 아니라 학교 공동체에서 대표되는 나라의 문화에 대해서도 배웁니다. • 현실적이고 도전적인 단기 및 장기 목표를 수립하고 추구합니다. 이러한 기대에 부응하여 달랏 학생들은 목표에 어느정도 성과를 이루고 있습니까?
今年的全校学习成绩预期（ESLR）专注于热忱学习者。Dalat对于热忱学习者的 期望是学生应该： • 独立阅读不同形式的文学和研究个人兴趣的题材。 • 与他人合作学习。 • 利用科技和其他资源加强他们的学习。 • 鉴定，珍惜和表达上帝给予他们的创造力。 • 学习关于马来西亚文化以及所代表学校社区的文化。 • 设定和追求实际而又具有挑战性的短期和长期目标。 根据这些期望Dalat学生如何达到这个目标？ 81% Satisfaction
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25. How confident do you feel about Dalat’s future?
33. How well does Dalat administration listen and address your concerns?
달랏의 미래에 대해 얼마나 자부심을 갖고 있습니까?
달랏 학교 행정부서에서 얼마나 여러분의 관심을 듣고 설명한다고 보십니까?
您对Dalat的未來有多自信？ 91% Satisfaction
Dalat有没有倾听和解决您提出的问题？ 74% Satisfaction
26. How would you rate the sense of community at Dalat?
34. How would you rate Dalat against other international schools around the world?
달랏의 커뮤니티를 어떻게 평가하십니까?
您觉得Dalat 在社区的服务如何？ 84% Satisfaction 27. Do you feel welcome at Dalat? 달랏에서 환영받고 있다고 느끼십니까?
您在Dalat感觉受欢迎吗？ 94% Yes 28. How would you rate the cooperation and interactions of nationalities? 다른 국적의 자녀들과의 협력과 상호 작용에 대해서 여러분은 어떤 등급을 주시겠습니까?
전세계의 국제학교와 비교하여 달랏을 어떻게 평가하십니까?
您如何评估Dalat在世界各国国际学校的地位？ 82% 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? 91% Satisfaction 36. How would you rate the value you receive for the price you pay at Dalat? 달랏에 지불하는 만큼의 대가를 받고 있다고 평가하십니까?
您如何评估不同国籍的合作与互动？ 75% Satisfaction
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？ 83% Satisfaction
29. Would you recommend Dalat to your family and closest friends?
37. How long have you been a part of the Dalat community?
가족이나 가까운 친구들에게 Dalat을 추천하실 생각이신가요?
您是否会推荐Dalat给您的家人和亲密的朋友？ 94% Yes 30. Do you think Dalat students make a positive impact outside of our school? 달랏 학생들이 학교 밖에서 긍정적인 영향을 준다고 생각하세요?
您认为Dalat 学生在校外有正面的影响吗? 92% 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？ 90% Satisfaction 32. How would you rate the leadership of Dalat?
달랏 커뮤니티에 얼마나 오랫동안 관여해 왔습니까? 1 년 미만, 1-2 년, 3-5 년, 5 년 이상
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 – 18% • 1–2 years – 26% • 3–5 years – 32% • More than 5 years – 24% 38. Where is your home country located? 당신의 모국은 어디입니까? 북아메리카, 아시아, 유럽
您的祖国在哪里？北美洲，亞洲，歐洲 • North America – 45% • Asia – 48% • Europe – 3% • Other – 4%
달랏의 리더쉽을 어떻게 평가하십니까?
您如何评估Dalat的领导层？ 87% Satisfaction
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Dalat Leadership
SURVEY RESPONSE HEAD OF SCHOOL Thank you for taking the time to answer the parent survey. We want your input and always learn from the honest feedback you give us. It helps us become better. It is good to hear from you directly what you think we are doing well and how we can improve. Every year we take these results and discuss them with the School Management Team that, in turn, helps us make decisions for the future for improvements in your children’s education and for our community. From the 2017 survey, I was pleased to see the following:
Mr. Karl
STEINKAMP
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In a significant number of categories, we saw an improvement in parent satisfaction this last year.
•
Students being prepared for university, college, and vocation was up 3% to 86% satisfaction.
•
The use of technology to enhance learning has gone up three years in a row, now at 81%.
•
Your confidence in Dalat’s future has risen to 91%.
•
Your overall satisfaction of Dalat is at 90%!
•
The value you feel you receive for the price you pay is up 5% to 83%.
•
The three areas that I highlighted last year in my survey response to work on this year: preparing students for university, meeting the needs of the students socially, and the impact on students from teaching Christian values; have all gone up.
Areas of focus in 2018 for improvement or changes:
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•
The school will be reevaluating Dalat’s Expected School-wide Learning Results (ESLRs) as our educational goals for Dalat students to meet the needs of our children in a world that is changing quickly.
•
A three-year technology plan is being created to make sure the student’s use of technology is truly enhancing their learning.
•
Significant progress has been made in the first year of the five-year school strategic plan in the areas of: Authentic Transformation, Innovative Learning, Passionate Personnel, and an Intentional Community; and will continue to be worked on in 2018.
HIGH SCHOOL As always, thank you for the thoughtful answers to the survey questions. Your feedback gives quality insight into areas of focus for improvement and ranges from the small details (like drop-off procedures) to the much weightier (such as grading and homework policies). All of the feedback is valuable and I take considerable time mulling over each suggestion. ••
This year begins the roll out of our “Impact” program. This will allow our student body better opportunities to implement service learning by taking a number of trips throughout SE Asia. We will begin small with some trial trips, expecting to launch a much grander program in 2018.
••
In the HS we are in the second year of a major revamp of our Bible curriculum. The emphasis is on relationships and mentoring as well as developing a personal faith where students take ownership of what they are learning.
••
On the eve of moving into the new HS building, this is a challenging year to find adequate space for all of the classes that we offer. The HS student body has grown by 5 percent, making it the largest ever. The new facilities are coming at the perfect time. Thanks for all of your patience as we grow. I am thankful for the support of the Dalat community and excited to see what the future will hold for us together.
Mr. Brian
BREWSTER
MIDDLE SCHOOL As I reviewed the results of this survey, as well as comparing it with the previous year’s results, I am very pleased with the responses concerning the middle school. The data collected reflects a positive gain for almost every question. These results represent an effort by the previous principal and staff to improve in all areas, not just those of lower satisfaction. Two areas of particular growth were: Dalat’s communication with parents and how well we meet the needs of your child socially. ••
••
There were several things that were focused on to increase communication: intentional use of student agendas, the addition of comments in PowerSchool, class and grade-level newsletters, and direct contact through both email and face-to-face interactions. Since focusing on these methods have resulted in a greater level of satisfaction, they will again be the primary modes for communication. With regard to the social needs of the students at Dalat, there has been an increased focus on X-blocks and what is being offered during that time for our students. The main addition this year has been the D-league, an intramural sports program for fifth and sixth grade students to introduce them to being part of a team sport at Dalat.
Mr. Steve
HUTCHCRAFT
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In reviewing the data, one question that drew my attention was regarding the cooperation and interaction of nationalities. When I observe our students during class, at break, and at lunch I can’t think of times when students weren’t interacting with students of other nationalities. Our population is becoming more diverse, and as a result I believe this is becoming less of an issue within school hours. I wonder if the response to this question is based on student interaction outside of school. If that is the case, I would encourage you as parents, to reach out and invite students of other nationalities to do an outing together, host a get together at your house, or invite them to visit your church. We can be instrumental in creating opportunities that help our students overcome their differences.
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL In reviewing the 2017 parent survey, I am pleased to report the following:
Mrs. Shantel SEEVARATNAM
••
An increase in parent satisfaction with students being prepared academically.
••
A dramatic increase in parent satisfaction in having their child’s social needs met.
••
91% of elementary parents reported that their child’s activity at school is the right amount.
••
93% of elementary parents are satisfied with the school’s communication with their child — an 11 point increase from the previous year.
••
Elementary parents continue to highly rate Dalat’s communication with parents.
••
There has been a 5 point increase in parents’ overall satisfaction with the school and a 3 point increase with administration listening to and addressing concerns of parents.
Some areas we can improve:
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••
We are looking at ways to improve the quality of homework by ensuring that our homework is meaningful, well communicated, and of a high standard.
••
Parents continue to request Mandarin as a KICs (Kids Interest Clubs) option. Last school year, we offered Mandarin KICs twice a week for beginning and intermediate students. We discovered that, although parent interest was high, this was not reflected in the number of students who signed up for the KICs. Additionally, we face challenges in how to organize Mandarin classes since we have varied ability levels. We will continue to pursue a solution if there is continued interest from both parents and students.
••
There is a growing interest in having more sporting options available in our KICs program, especially swimming lessons. This year, we are offering at least two sporting options each day (Monday–Thursday). This includes a swimming, dance, Zumba, and judo KICs. We will continue to seek out opportunities to grow and improve our sporting options in the elementary.
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 2016:
RM87,220
Interest Generated for Students: RM4,147
New Balance in 2017:
RM91,367
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: RM1,386.75 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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Staff Qualifications
& ENROLLMENT STAFF QUALIFICATIONS Bachelor of Education.............................................. 26
ENROLLMENT BY NATIONALITIES First Semester 2017-18
Bachelor of Arts........................................................ 23
Australia ............................. 7
Other........................................................................... 5
Bangladesh ....................... 1
Total ........................................................................... 89
Canada ............................ 10
Master of Arts........................................................... 35
China ................................ 27
Other, 5%
Bachelor of Arts, 23%
Finland ............................... 2 Germany ............................ 5 Denmark ............................ 1
Bachelor of Education, 26%
Master of Arts, 35%
Hong Kong ........................ 4 India ................................... 3
Total Number of Expat Staff in 2017-18.................. 85
Indonesia ........................... 5
Administrative Staff.................................................. 14
Japan ............................... 17
Teaching Staff............................................................ 66 Full-time Teaching staff............................................ 57 Part-time Teaching staff............................................. 9 Residence Life Staff ................................................... 7 National Staff............................................................ 62
700 600 500
517 532
565 577 560 577 573 575
599
624
648
0
Nepal ................................. 1 Netherlands ...................... 4 New Zealand ..................... 5 Philippines ......................... 1 Singapore ........................ 14 Switzerland ........................ 5 Thailand ............................. 4
Fall 2017
Spring 2017
Fall 2016
Spring 2016
Fall 2015
Spring 2015
Fall 2014
Spring 2014
Fall 2013
Fall 2012
Spring 2013
Taiwan .............................. 12
300
100
Malaysia ......................... 194
South Africa........................ 4
400
200
Korea .............................. 128
Semester
09
19
United Kingdom ............... 9 United States ................ 185 Total............................ 648
Department
REPORTS
ADMISSIONS • •
•
Dalat finished the 2016–17 school year with 624 students enrolled. 118 new students were enrolled and 8 returning students were welcomed back for the start of the 2017–18 school year. This brought the enrollment total to 648 — a nearly 4 percent increase in growth and another record-high enrollment. Dalat has grown in the diversity of its student body, now representing 24 nationalities and welcoming students from a variety of schooling backgrounds. Dalat’s two most-represented nationalities — Malaysian and American — have continued to grow.
DEVELOPMENT •
•
•
•
Finishing the Task Campaign 2017, with a goal to raise an additional RM1.5 million to complete the campus development plan started in 2015, began in January. The public phase of the campaign began on 16 September with the Malaysia Day Campaign Family Day Celebration. The campaign concluded in December, raising funds to complete the final building in the three-building plan that provides new sustainable facilities for Dalat students for the next 30 years. The Lighthouse, a four-story dormitory housing three student dorms, staff housing, and guest rooms was completed in July. The grand opening took place on 16 September with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The building has been dedicated to the Sisters of the Convent of the Infant Jesus, owners of the school campus property, who have been partners with the school since 1971 to provide a great education and home for children. The Harbor, a three-story high school, administration, and multipurpose room building, began construction in June with the demolition of Ziemer and Jaffray dorms. This building will be the largest building on campus and will transform the school with purpose-built modern classrooms, centralized facilities, and a community hall that can host all of the school’s major events, facilities that Dalat International School has not had before in its 88-year history. Mrs. Cheryl Franceschi, the new Associate Director of Development, has joined the Development Office team. She comes with over 20 years of experience while working for charity foundations, a hospital, and a university; most recently working at Concordia University in Portland, Oregon, U.S.A.
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FINANCE •
We have seen and experienced His blessings in many areas in the past school year. With strong student numbers and prudent management, we were able to achieve many good things for the school and its students including the completion of the new dormitory on our lower campus. We marvel at how God never fails to provide. What appears to be financially difficult has been made possible.
•
On top of our additional financial needs for campus development, the school had to manage with a weaker ringgit as well as ever-increasing cost of operations. While manpower cost continues to be the largest contributor to our expenses, academic expenses, plant operating expenses, and administrative expenses were the next largest spendings for the year – over 24 percent collectively, followed by boarding and other miscellaneous expenses. Expenses per student also underwent a sharp increase of over seven percent compared to the last school year. Average revenue per student rose by six percent over the same period.
•
For the first time, student population hit the 600 mark, i.e., a four-and-a-half percent growth. The growth in revenue allowed the school to invest more in its operations without overburdening students through hefty fee increases. Nonetheless, as the school inches towards its maximum capacity, more thoughts are now given to sustainable financial management to reduce its reliance on student increases while not instituting burdensome fee increases. In view of this, the finance and development offices are both working hard to develop better plans to diversify revenue sources and lower expenses without impacting quality of education.
•
As we get to the end of the development phase, the school quickly recognizes that this marks the beginning of the second phase of campus renewal where we begin to work on the remaining areas of the campus, e.g., the cafeteria, chapel, gymnasium, etc. It is with all these in mind that the management pledges to make continued efforts to improve our facilities, making sustainable financial management ever the more important.
•
Although the school is operated based on a non-profit model, it is still subjected to the many challenges that ordinary businesses face in Malaysia. Changes in law and a higher cost of compliance are all impacting the school in different ways. The introduction of new laws — Personal Data Protection Act in 2013, Goods and Services Tax Act in 2015, Companies Act in 2017 — and a variety of radical changes in immigration, withholding tax, and the Human Resources Development Fund Act are all adding financial stress to the school besides increasing the drain on human resources in areas of compliance.
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SPIRITUAL LIFE •
Missions Emphasis Week (MEW) featured Scotty & Heidi Wisley who work in Papua, Indonesia. They are involved in educational training of local people, community development, and discipleship (leading others as someone follows). Their main focus was our calling as followers of Jesus to discipleship both in our lives and how to help others. Scotty is an alumnus of Dalat and had many insights into Dalat culture from his own time and today.
•
Spiritual Emphasis Week’s (SEW) speaker was James Grout. He is the former head of youth for the Christian & Missionary Alliance and has many relational connections with Dalat, including going to college with the Steinkamps. James’ theme, “Fearless,” challenged students to live a life patterned after Jesus and his disciples to trust in God’s power and take risks when God asks us to.
•
Ten students were baptized at the Easter Sunrise Service.
•
Dalat’s Mentoring Program has continued to grow with over 40 students meeting with teachers on a regular basis to develop relationships for discipleship.
FINE ARTS Dalat students celebrated their God-given talents in many ways through music, drama, and art: •
Though small in number, the HS Concert Band produced a flood of high-quality performances playing as both a full ensemble and many small ensembles.
•
Three students performed with the ACSC Honor Band in Hong Kong.
•
Elementary students performed Pirates of the “I Don’t Care- Ibbean,” a musical drama which was a big hit with kids and parents, at the Fine Arts Festival. Grades 2–4 put up an amazing performance through drama, dance, and song, with 140 of them on stage.
•
The Fine Arts Festival was a huge hit with massive coordination between teachers and students. The jazz band and men’s and women’s ensembles put on an entire concert on their own.
•
HS Concert Choir attended the Bangkok International Choral Festival held at International School of Bangkok where many international schools came together as a mass choir of 300.
•
The student ensembles Tone Commandments and DecaHarmony had an amazing year performing together and really rocked out the stage at our Fine Arts Festival with their hit “Man in the Mirror” and “Joyful, Joyful.”
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AP Music Theory students premiered new works with the high school band, and many students jumped between musical, drama, and music performances over the two-week festival.
•
The eighth grade band put on two free concerts for Rumah Orang Tua Uzur Pulau Pinang as part of the MS service learning days.
•
The art department created the ES and MS legacy projects that incorporated the work of over 300 students (K–8).
•
The visual arts department collaborated with the HS band on a speed painting performance during the Fine Arts Festival. Foundation Art set up dinner tables and cafes fitted with incredibly realistic clay-made food.
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The high school fall drama production of No Opera at the Op’ry House Tonight showcased 10 students from grades 9–12 and 1 staff actor.
•
Tales of Wonder II was performed in December 2016 by RLT (Road Less Traveled drama group).
•
High school students gave an amazing theatrical and musical performance in RLT: A Collection of Our Best & RLT Musical Revue during the Fine Arts Festival.
DISTANCE LEARNING RESOURCE CENTER •
The Distance Learning Resource Center (DLRC) serves about 30 families, including 60 students.
•
Some 40 DLRC students are in after-school activities and five are auditing classes at Dalat.
•
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 school for the children of Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) families in Tarakan, Indonesia. The DLRC serves this school with consultation for 10 families and teachers, curriculum development, and annual testing.
•
In partnership with Asia Education Resource Consortium (AERC), the DLRC also serves families throughout the region who may need resources or consultation in making educational decisions for their children.
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ONLINE EDUCATION •
Students are enrolled in external online courses offered by the following providers: The VHS Collaborative, Sevenstar Academy, Northstar Academy, Florida Virtual School, Fuel Education, University of Nebraska High School, and BC Online School, a division of Heritage Christian School Online and Brigham Young University.
•
In 2016–17 26 students enrolled in 19 different external courses with an outside provider.
•
Students took 128 online courses.
•
Online courses provided in-house by Dalat staff on DISCourse include Bahasa 3, Information and Communication Technology, Health, AP Psychology, Personal Psychology, and Developmental Psychology. Total student enrollment in these courses was 102.
TECHNOLOGY The 2016–17 school year focused on the Lighthouse (dorm) construction and improving the school’s phone, bell, and emergency systems. Improvements were made in the following areas: •
Oversight was given to the implementation of the networking, Wi-Fi, and emergency speaker system for the new dorm building.
•
Moved in and completed the CASTLE building’s network, printers, projectors, and Wi-Fi.
•
Investigated, purchased, and implemented a new phone system for the school that includes an emergency system.
•
New online PowerSchool grading system.
•
Installed a Point-Of-Sales system for school uniform sales.
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RESIDENCE LIFE •
Dalat’s boarding program provides a caring, supportive “home away from home” for 46 middle and high school students from 10 different countries. We offer three family-style dorms, which are all conveniently located on campus.
•
A beautiful new boarding facility called the Lighthouse opened in August 2017. The new dorm includes the following: ౦౦ ౦౦ ౦౦ ౦౦
Level 1 – Support staff apartments (nurse and dorm assistant) and two guest house rooms for visiting parents Level 2 – Ziemer Dorm Level 3 – Jaffray Dorm Level 4 – Jackson Dorm
•
The boarding program intentionally facilitates and supports the formal educational curriculum of Dalat 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 under the daily care of professional residence life staff. The staff provide academic support and accountability, make homemade meals and treats, and plan fun outings and activities throughout the year. One highlight is the annual dorm retreat, which allows students to enjoy time away from campus and opportunities to learn about our host country, grow spiritually, and engage in bonding activities. Dorm staff also communicate regularly with parents through sending weekly emails and pictures of dorm students.
•
Student safety is a high priority in the residence life program. Boarding staff are carefully screened and also provide ongoing safety training to dorm students. A resident nurse provides medical 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.
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rm
The new Lighthouse do
FACILITIES The 2016–17 school year has seen some great changes and additions to the facilities: •
Completion of the Lighthouse, the new dorm building housing all three dormitories as well as a school nurse apartment, a resident assistant apartment, and two guest rooms.
•
The planting of several new trees throughout campus and in front of the Student Center.
•
Installation of new lighting on the seawall and beside the new dorm building.
•
Renovation and painting of the seawall with new metal sections.
•
New fencing around the center campus basketball court, tennis court, and swimming pool area.
•
A covered drop-off area at the upper field for use during rainy days.
•
New surfacing at swing and jungle gym play areas.
CARE & SHARE Care & Share served and supported the underprivileged in a variety of ways in 2016–17: •
Supported the 2nd annual fundraiser dinner & auction for Hope Welfare Association.
•
Partnered with Sekolah Kebangsaan Tanjung Tokong (SKTT), a local primary school, to purchase three tents for a school event.
•
Held three Fun Days at Dalat for different children’s homes.
•
Visited Shan Home each week.
•
Dalat high school students brought wrapped toys to the Christmas banquet, and Care & Share provided the toys at a Christmas party for the underprivileged.
•
Made outfits for the orang asli Christmas pageant.
•
Partnered with St. George’s Church to put on a carnival in January for 150 underprivileged children.
•
Organized weekly ESL lessons for Crystal Home children with Dalat students.
•
Occasionally helped needy families with food.
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ATHLETICS The Athletics department offered 11 varsity sports with youth teams from age 10 to 18 and participated in the Asia 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 Taiwan. The team came in first place, earning Dalat’s first-ever ACSC title, and finished with a 17-4-1 record.
•
Girls Soccer – Varsity girls soccer played its ACSC tournament in Manila and finished in fourth place and a record of 7-10-4.
•
Girls Volleyball – Varsity girls volleyball played its ACSC tournament in Korea and finished in sixth place with a record of 8-14.
•
Boys Volleyball – Varsity boys volleyball played its ACSC tournament in Hong Kong and finished in sixth place with a 10-12 record.
•
Boys Basketball – Varsity boys basketball hosted the ACSC tournament and finished in fifth place with a 14-8 record.
•
Girls Basketball – Varsity girls basketball played its ACSC tournament in Taiwan and finished in eighth place with a 3-16 record.
•
Track & Field – Students competed at ACSC in Taiwan and finished in second place with 15 medals.
•
Boys Baseball – Varsity boys baseball finished third in MSSPP.
•
Girls Softball – Varsity girls softball finished third in MSSPP.
•
Athletes of the Year – Sam Huang, Male Athlete of the Year; and Felicia Teoh, Female Athlete of the Year.
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 2016–17, the Booster Club raised RM25,000 and provided: • An ice machine • Youth sport equipment • Water coolers • Softball equipment • Athletic tape and safety equipment
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PARENT-TEACHER ORGANIZATION Dalat PTO was led by Krissy Kendrick in the 2016–17 school year with a committee of about 25 members. PTO’s accomplishments: •
Weekly caramel and buttered popcorn (raised RM1,382)
•
Orientation day support
•
Open house support
•
Capital Campaign kick-off party support
•
Family Fun Day with lots of games and prizes (raised RM1,390)
•
Fine Arts Festival support
•
Made and sold about 320 Valentine cookie bags (raised RM1,532)
•
Teacher Appreciation Day buffet
•
International Food Fair, more than 10 countries represented (raised RM13,152)
•
Annual garage sale
PTO donated RM425 for ES Battle of the Books button pins, RM1,500 for an ice cube machine, RM1,076 for a beverage cooler, and RM8,300 for teacher appreciation.
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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 648 students from 24 nations. Dalat started as a school for missionary kids in Dalat, Vietnam, 88 years ago in 1929. Since then it 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, university-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) 375-2100 Email: info@dalat.org Website: dalat.org