IGB International School’s Weekly Newsletter - Issue 94, Week 3, November 2016
• Elementary students practicing for the upcoming theatre play, Pinocchio The Musical ~ December 2nd 2016
Inside This Week Message from Head of School Mrs. Anne Fowles 2 Head of School .............................................................. News from Elementary School Mrs. Claire McLeod 2 Elementary School Principal .............................................................. News from Secondary School Mr. Michael Arcidiacono 4 Secondary School Principal
Early Years Fiend Trip ~ Pg. 3 Grade 11 EE and January Exams ~ Pg. 4 “Living with Lady Macbeth” ~ Pg. 4 University Information ~ Pg. 5 Hour of Code at IGBIS ~ Pg. 6 The Flying Phoenix ~ Pg. 7 24 Hour Race - Running for a Brighter Future ~ Pg. 8 Photos! ~ Pg. 9 - 10
Happening Living with Lady Macbeth 6 & 7 December Theatre ...................................................... Pinocchio The Musical 2 December Theatre ...................................................... Hour of Code 6, 7 & 8 December
Message from Head of School Dear IGBIS Parents and Community Members, The ‘24 Hour Race’ to raise awareness and combat human trafficking was attended by over 800 runners with support from the IGBIS Parent Volunteer Organisation and school staff, as well as parents and teachers from other schools. Paul Balluff, the General Manager of the 24 Hour Race, opened the event along with student organisers and said that the event at IGBIS was the biggest race out of those run in Hong Kong, Singapore and Seoul. More than RM 200,000 was raised to combat human trafficking in Malaysia. We have been delighted with the response to our in-school Open Days this week and the interested families likewise found
it more rewarding to visit the school when the programmes were in operation. Both students and staff are looking forward to the Elementary musical “Pinocchio” taking place on Friday, December 2 and the Secondary production “Living With Lady Macbeth” taking place on Wednesday December 7. We hope that many of our parents are able to attend the productions as well as the Christmas Assembly on December 9.
Mrs. Anne Fowles Head of School
News from Elementary School Pinocchio Rehearsals for the Elementary School performance of Pinocchio have been scheduled for a few occasions next week so our students have the experience of being on stage with their costumes on, managing where they should stand and move to, and experience the effects of the bright lights. All parents are invited to attend the performance on Friday 2nd December, starting at 8.15am in the Theatre. Christmas and Celebrations The end of the calendar year and the upcoming three weeks of holidays is a good reason to celebrate and for many people, Christmas will be added to this list. As a school we know that not everyone celebrates Christmas; however, it would be wrong to not recognise it as a significant event for many people. There is no need for elaborate class parties; however, l am sure some yummy treats would be well received by everyone!
those who do not celebrate Christmas. Therefore, we are not able to support the giving of presents to all students in the class during school time. This also covers any form of Secret Santa. As adults we can decide whether we participate in this or not; however, if this is a whole class activity there will probably be some students unable to join in and they could feel left out. Our Christmas Assembly will be held on Friday 9th December in the Theatre, starting at 8.15am and all parents are welcome to attend. Until next time,
Mrs. Claire McLeod Elementary School Principal
Giving of Presents The giving of Christmas presents between individuals is a personal decision; however, as a school we are respectful of
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Early Years Field Trip Tamara Snooks Early Years Coordinator .............................................................................................. Early Years students have been learning about living things and on Monday they travelled to Valencia to explore living and nonliving things, how they are interconnected and what is their responsibility towards other living things. The students saw many living things, big and small. One group were extremely excited to see a connection with a monitor lizard dragging a large fish up the bank of a pond. Collecting seeds was equally exciting, as students found many seeds and their pods on the ground beneath large trees. Some students examined the similarities and differences between the roots of trees. Many interesting things were brought back to the classroom for more ongoing inquiry. It was pleasing to see the connections students made to their responsibility for the area. The litter was very noticeable and it was great to see some students eager to take action, collecting rubbish and placing it in the bin. The following reflections on this problem and the desire to take action was just one positive outcome of the field trip. A big thank you must go to the single subject teachers who have been collaborating with us on this unit: it was so beneficial to have them join us. Thank you also to the parents that assisted our learning while visiting Valencia.
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News from Secondary School Last week, Mrs Fowles shared our revised mission and vision and I would like to draw attention to one particular aspect of each of our guiding statements: IGBIS Mission: ...caring global citizens IGIBS Mission: ...make a positive impact on the world In the Secondary school, when we think about the purpose of school we often narrow our focus to the preparation of students for university. Our IGBIS guiding statements clearly show that we must remember our focus is much more broad in what we hope and expect for our students (and for everyone in our community). The aspects of the mission and vision that I have highlighted speak to the role we have in our community.
week is an example of how a whole community can accomplish this - the efforts of the 24 Hour Race Committee leaders, students, parents and IGBIS staff were instrumental. This week our Grade 6 and Grade 7 students spent time with Early Years and Kindergarten students, and Grade 9 students threw a party for MRCEC, all as part of their Service requirement in the MYP. Through these types of actions, reflecting on their learning, and growing in their sense of responsibility, students demonstrate the IGBIS mission in action.
Michael Arcidiacono Secondary School Principal
How we can have a positive impact on others is seen in many ways at school. The great success of the 24 Hour Race last
Grade 11 EE and January Exams Mary Boyd Diploma Programme Coordinator ............................................................................................... It was fantastic to see our DP students’ teamwork, determination and good nature during the 24 hour race last weekend. Our Grade 11s started their Extended Essay journey on Wednesday morning, during which they were encouraged to start thinking of possible areas of research, and to think about finding a topic that really ignites their interest. Through reading and research their ideas can be honed, and what seems like an elusive research question now, should materialise with time and curiosity. The schedule for their Semester 1 exams
was shared too, which take place during normal timetabled lessons from Wednesday 4th to Tuesday 10th January, 2017. In preparation for the exams, we encourage students to take a balanced, proactive approach to their revision, but to make sure they have a good rest over the holiday season as well. The Grade 12s continue to work industriously and curiously, all with good cheer. With CAS, they have been doing all sorts of wonderful and interesting things, showing real initiative and philanthropy, particularly in the service aspect, and especially with their varied and interesting CAS projects. For all our DP students have achieved and done since the beginning of the semester, they deserve huge praise and a massive well done!
“Living with Lady Macbeth” Jon Suffolk MYP Performing Arts and DP Theatre Teacher .............................................................................................. Who is Lily Morgan? Will Lady Macbeth make an appearance at IGBIS? What is all the fuss about? As you should now be aware the Senior Drama Company production “Living With Lady Macbeth” will be staged at the IGBIS Theatre on Tuesday 6th December at 2:00pm and
Wednesday 7th December at 7:30pm. The drama students have worked incredibly hard over the past three months rehearsing, designing and producing this wonderful comedy by British playwright Rob John. It is a fun romp with colourful characters, murderous moments and lots of laughs. So put the date in your diary and come along to support our wonderful thespians. The performance lasts for approximately 1 hour.
Secondary Student Council Dance Students in grades 6-12 to let loose and have some fun! The Secondary Student Council is celebrating the close of our first semester with a dance in the Level 3 Drama Room on Friday 2nd December from 6:00pm to 8:30pm. The admission fee is RM10, and pizza and drinks will be available (RM4 for 1
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slice of pizza and RM1 for 1 drink). Students have been sent a form that will allow them to register for the dance and preorder food and drinks. Students will not be able to remain at school beyond 4:00pm, so they will go home at the end of the school day as usual, and then return to school for the dance. We look forward to seeing all of Secondary School there!
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University Information Pauline Davidson Grade 9-12 School Counsellor ...............................................................................................
eligible to apply for a number of scholarships. Notable alumni include J.K.Rowling, author of the Harry Potter series of books.
University of Glasgow This week I am sharing the last of the British Universities that have visited IGBIS
26,000 students (40% of them from western Scotland) attend this university in the
in recent weeks, eager to share the benefits of the educational and recreational
heart of the city of Glasgow, Scotland. The university is considered a research
experiences they can offer. I hope that this information helps graduating students
powerhouse, and is well regarded in all four colleges: Arts; Medical, Veterinary
and their parents to narrow down the list of universities they wish to apply to in the
& Life Sciences; Science & Engineering; and Social Sciences. The university has
coming weeks. If you would like more information about these universities, please
an established international support programme that includes several scholarships
contact me.
available to international students. Alumni include physicist Lord Kelvin.
Kings College London
Goldsmiths, University of London
Located in London, England and supporting 28,000 students, Kings College
Located in London and supporting over 8,000 students, 20% of which are
London is a competitive university and is, it is claimed, the largest centre for
international students, this research university specialises in arts, design,
healthcare education in Europe. Several scholarships to this historic university are
humanities and social sciences. Several scholarships are available to international
available to international students. The alumni list seems endless and includes
students. Notable alumni include Lucian Freud, artist.
writer and poet Virginia Woolf, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and 12 Nobel laureates. Lancaster University University of Surrey
Lancaster, Lancashire is home to this relatively young university of 13,000
The University of Surrey, just south of London, supports over 14,000 students and
students, 3,000 of which are international students. Several undergraduate
specialises in science, engineering, business and medicine. It is one of the UK’s
degrees are offered within four faculties: Arts & Social Sciences; Medicine; Science
leading universities and offers a number of scholarships and boasts Ameenah
& Technology; and Management, with international students able to apply for one
Gurib, president of Mauritius among its famous alumni.
of several scholarships. Famous graduates include Andy Serkis, actor; and Louis Barfe, political journalist.
University of Southampton This university has recently opened a campus here in Malaysia, in addition to
University of Loughborough
the main campus in southern England that supports over 24,000 students. Well
Located in Loughborough, Leicestershire in central England, this university is
regarded for the research conducted from its campuses, Southampton is also
highly regarded for engineering and technology, as well as sporting courses and
noted for its teaching and learning activities. Several scholarships are available to
endeavours. The school has the UK’s largest sports scholarship programme, with
international students. Alumni include mathematician Daniel Pedoe.
more than 250 international athletes studying and training at the university. Over 15,000 students attend the university, 1,000 of which are from overseas. The
Royal Holloway University
university’s scholarship programme automatically considers international students
This comparatively small university (supporting less than 10,000 students)
for scholarships. Notable alumni include Sebastian Coe, Olympic athlete and
sitting just outside Greater London is actually a constituent college of the federal
politician; and Malcolm Sayer, Jaguar Cars designer and engineer.
University of London. Students from over 100 countries come here to study a diverse range of courses, with particular emphasis placed on arts and humanities.
Newcastle University
Several scholarships are available to international students. Famous alumni include
23,000 students from 110 countries attend this historic university in northern
George Eliot and Jojo Moyes, British novelists.
England. Notable among the 24 academic schools are the Business School, Medical School, Law School, and the School of Modern Languages. High
University of Dundee
ranked subjects include dentistry, medicine, architecture, art & design, and civil
Over 15,000 students attend this university in Scotland which has a significant
engineering. Several scholarships and other financial schemes are available to
reputation for traditional professions such as law, medicine, and dentistry, and
international students. Alumni include Yasmin Ahmad, Malaysian film director,
is emerging as a fine school for life sciences and art. A number of scholarships
writer and scriptwriter; and Karim Nayernia, biomedical scientist.
are available to international students. Famous former students include Harold Plenderleith, art conservator and archaeologist; and James McIntosh, food writer.
Newcastle Medicine Malaysia (NUMED) NUMED is the Malaysian campus branch of the Newcastle University Medical
University of East Anglia
School, the main campus of which is located in Newcastle upon Tyne, northern
With just over 16,000 students, this university in Norwich, Norfolk offers a very
England. The course offered in Johor is identical to that offered in Newcastle, and
well-respected Master of Creative Writing course that has graduated the likes of
affords the graduate a Newcastle University degree. There are opportunities for
Ian McEwen, Kazuo Ishiguro and Tracy Chevalier. The university has held the UEA
students to study part of their course in Newcastle.
Literary Festival since 1991, attracting famous writers from around the globe. There is a comprehensive international student programme, with many scholarships
Queen Mary University of London
available for international students. A regional office is in the nearby KL suburb
A constituent college of the University of London, QMUL is very highly regarded
of Sri Hartemas.
for dentistry, law, and media & film studies. 17,000 students, 30% of which are international students coming from 130 different countries make this university very
University of Exeter
diverse. Seven Nobel laureates were either students or academics at QMUL. Other
With four campuses in the south of England supporting 20,000 students, University
alumni include J.G.Ballard, writer; and Frederick Batten, British neurologist and
of Exeter is highly regarded for Business, Accounting & Finance and Management
paediatrician.
courses. The school has 70 research centres, looking at topics as diverse as climate change, extrasolar planets and genomics. International students are
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Hour of Code at IGBIS Geoffrey Derry Technology Integration Specialist .............................................................................................. “Every girl deserves to take part in creating the technology that will change our world, and change who runs it.” Malala Yousafzai, Nobel Peace Prize winner. The Hour of Code is a worldwide learning event that reaches tens of millions of students in over 180 countries. Coding or programming a computer is an important literacy skill, just like reading, writing and mathematics. The majority of new jobs created (and many jobs that don’t yet exist) usually have something to do with computers. It is important to know how computers work as well as how to use them. This year the Hour of Code will be held during computer science week (5th - 11th December), and we will be hosting a variety of events here at IGBIS. Students from Early Years onwards will be coding (programming) a computer or iPad. They will use programs like Scratch and Light Bot, as well as online tutorials to create games, animations, solve problems and explore computers and computer language. The students will work at their own pace learning how computers work. Some classes have already started and the kids are loving it. You, too, can participate in the Hour of Code at IGBIS. We will be running after school ‘Bring your parents to school’ coding sessions on Tuesday 6th Dec, Wednesday 7th Dec and Thursday 8th Dec from 3pm - 4pm. These hands-on coding sessions will allow parents and students to learn how to code together. Parents can code robots, make games or just play on iPads and computers. We are encouraging students to bring their parents to school to learn together. Please use this form to sign up as spaces are limited. https://goo.gl/forms/0eBCqNUlAXGdLysk2 If you can’t attend one of the sessions at school you can make your own home coding sessions. The easiest way is to go to code.org and work through the tutorials. There are Frozen-themed tutorials, as well as Star Wars, Minecraft and even higher level game-making tutorials. This is a great family computer activity to do with your kids. It is impressive to see some teachers exploring how they could use coding in their regular subjects. This type of learning is learner- and inquiry-focussed and fits into the IB philosophy and IGBIS way of learning.
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The Flying Phoenix Tim Bartle Athletics & Activities Coordinator ............................................................................................... This week was all about the U18 Boys Football team. Scheduled matches on Tuesday and Thursday were moved inside due to thunderstorms, and teams were reduced to 6-a-side and Futsal rules applied. We welcomed HELP International School on Tuesday for a friendly head-to-head contest. The game started well for the Phoenix with a goal inside the first 15 seconds thanks to a strong header from Rene. The rest of the quarter was fairly even with both sides generating scoring opportunities. The second quarter began with a flurry of HELP goals that left our boys a little rattled. In the space of 5 minutes we’d let a 1-0 lead slip to a 3-1 deficit. The second half was a tight affair and the game finished 4-2 to HELP. Team
Tenby and BSKL were our guests on Thursday as we once again hosted a football tournament. Our opening games against Tenby A and Tenby B were very close. Both teams peppered the goals with shots that ricocheted off the uprights and crossbar. It was frustrating to watch at times, but some excellent goalkeeping by Ishak meant that our opening games finished 0-0. The Phoenix looked a much more organised team in their final game against BSKL. They controlled much of the play but still lacked that clinical finish to take the lead. With just minutes left on the clock, Rene played a lovely through ball to Jacopo who placed the ball cleanly into the bottom left corner. The home crowd erupted and we hung on for a 1-0 victory. With 1 win and 2 draws (and only 1 goal), the Phoenix amazingly topped the teams for the Thursday tournament. It just goes to show the value of keeping a clean sheet.
Wins
Draws
Losses
Points
GD
IGBIS PHOENIX
1
2
0
5
+1
Place 1st
BSKL
1
1
1
4
+1
2nd
TENBY B
1
1
1
4
-1
3rd
TENBY A
0
2
1
2
-1
4th
Season 2 Sign Ups Sign ups for Season 2 Activities and Athletics will open at 8:00am on Monday 28th November and will remain open until 6:00pm on Wednesday 7th December. The Sign Up process will be similar to Season 1 and can be accessed via the Activities button on the school Splash page. All parents will receive an email with detailed instructions on how to register their child.
Pietro Della Rosa polishes the sock of his brother and goal scorer Jacopo Della Rosa at the U18 Boys Futsal tournament.
The teams from BSKL, Tenby and IGBIS enjoyed a friendly tournament played in good spirits.
IGBIS managed to keep 3 clean sheets on their way to a tournament victory.
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24 Hour Race - Running for a Brighter Future Phil Clark Julie Arcidiacono .............................................................................................. We were delighted to again host the 24 Hour Race on the IGBIS Sports Field last weekend. Over 1000 student runners from across Malaysia participated, with support from over 100 student marshals, and countless other essential crew. The glorious weather was hampered only occasionally by light showers, and on the two occasions that the lightning detector siren was activated participants retreated to the Sports Hall and runners continued running in the safety of the covered parking area. The 24 Hour Race started at 9.00am on Saturday and concluded at 9.00am on Sunday, with young runners passing batons to teammates to create the 24 hour relay. Participants were treated to entertainment throughout the event, including zumba and live music from a variety of local bands. Meals and snacks were provided courtesy of the IGBIS Parent Volunteer Organisation, and medical support was always available. The goal of the 24 Hour Race is to gather young people to raise awareness of human trafficking and to raise funds to end this modern form of slavery. More information about the 24 Hour Race can be found at www.24hourrace.org. The beneficiary of funds raised from this year’s event is Suka Society. This organisation has been set up to protect children
in Malaysia from harm caused by, among other things, different kinds of human trafficking. More information about Suka Society’s vital work can be found at www.sukasociety.org. The 24 Hour Race Organisation is an international youth organisation and the organising committee for the Kuala Lumpur race comprised students from many schools, including IGBIS Grade 12 students Yin Xzi Ho, Rene Himpe, Zoe Teh, Hamizah Sukiman, Ahmad Abuzahra, Viguen Ardehi and Hwei Minn Khoo. Organising an event as complex as the 24 Hour Race is a mammoth task that requires months of planning and cooperation. In the lead up to the race, our student leaders, with special mention to Deputy Director of Events & Logistics, Yin Xzi Ho, transitioned from students to educators, teaching us valuable lessons in organisation, collaboration, communication, patience, humility, perseverance, passion and compassion. It is impossible to single out every person for their invaluable contributions, but it is with heartfelt gratitude that we would like to thank everyone involved in the 24 Hour Race, from the people who chaperoned and provided first aid to runners, to the people who helped to feed the participants, to the people who cleaned up rubbish. The 24 Hour Race provided an opportunity for our community to come together to support the cause of ending human trafficking. The event was a tremendous success and will be remembered by many for a long time.
24 Hour Race Fundraising Figures Michelle Lee PVO Event Committee Leader .............................................................................................. The 24 Hour Race, which raises awareness of slavery and human trafficking, provided an excellent opportunity for IGBIS students to plan, organise and execute a large-scale event involving more than 1,200 participants. Students participated at different levels from being part of the organising committee, to volunteering as marshals, or participating in the run itself.
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The school community is proud that IGBIS was again the venue host this year. This gave the PVO the opportunity to support our students and make the event a real success. The PVO was actively involved from start to finish, and successfully raised over RM23,000 in cash for Suka Society and secured sponsorship to fund the food and drinks, valued at over RM9,000. Excess food and bottled water from the event was donated to Lighthouse Children Welfare Home Association, Angels Children’s Home and Kechara Soup Kitchen.
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Disney-inspired image created by Mabel Lee