IGB International School Newsletter, Issue 22, Week 1, January 2015

IGB International School’s Weekly Newsletter - Issue 22, Week 1, January 2015

The Weekly Newsletter is our online school-wide form of communication to the Parent and Student community. It is sent electronically every week to the e-mail contact you have provided to Admissions. You can either access it through the link sent to your e-mail or through the website at www.igbis.edu.my. Please read the newsletter every week!

News, events, school developments and highlights are shared and parents and students should make sure they read this every week.

IGBIS hosted the Eos Model United Nation with over 250 students participating from various schools.

Inside this week’s Newsletter

Upcoming Events January

Message from Head of School Mrs. Anne Fowles, Head of School

Updates from Student Services Mr. Peter Fowles, Head of Student Services

Updates from Academic and Support Services

Mr. Peter Syme, Director of Academic and Support Services

Updates from Admissions Mrs. Bronwyn Thorburn, Admissions Director

12th January 2015 Grade 10 to 11th Transition Information Session 6.00pm – 7.00pm (Room 6-33) 14th January 2015 Parent Information Session on International Baccalaureate 6.00pm – 7.30pm, Theatre, IGBIS 19th – 23rd January 2015 Grade 11 Semester One Exams 12th January – 20th March 2015 2nd Session of After School Activities February 3rd February 2015 Public Holiday – Thaipusam 4th February 2015 Parent Coffee Morning

Igniting Minds

11th February 2015 Chinese New Year Assembly Semester One Reports

Impacting Lives

Page 1

Message from Head of School Mrs. Anne Fowles Head of School Dear IGBIS Parents and Community Members, I hope that you all had a relaxing break over the holidays.

First of all mentioning again some major events taking place at school over the next few days: 9th - 11th January IGBIS is hosting a Model United Nations (MUN) event for over 200 secondary school students.

14th January IGBIS is hosting the Malaysian Network of IB Schools. Representatives of the IB Asia Pacific office will be presenting information to Heads of Schools, IB Coordinators, Principals and IB Educators (workshop leaders, school team visitors, field representatives etc)

In the evening from 6.00pm to 7.30pm the IB staff will be providing an information session for parents of IB students – this is open to all parents from other schools as well. Please tell your friends and ask them to come along to hear more about the IB programmes.

Candidacy Granted for IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) and IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) We were very pleased to receive formal notification from the IB Asia Pacific office this week. IGB International School is now officially a candidate school for both the PYP and the MYP. Congratulations to our staff for their work in preparing the school for this. We hope that, subject to IB approval, we can continue this process through to the authorisation stage at some time in 2016.

Library News In the Elementary school, Mrs. McLeod has, for some time, been working with all of the Elementary students during library lessons, working on library routines, basic skills and reading stories to classes. Starting in January, Mrs. Clark, our Whole School Teacher Librarian, has taken over that role, working with the Elementary students from Early Years through to Grade 5 during class borrowing times. Mrs. McLeod will come in to work with the students from time to time; she is missing them already! Thank you Mrs. McLeod for all the help and support you have given our students.

Ms. Amanda Clark, Teacher Librarian

News from the DP Coordinator Grade 11 is a very important academic year for our students, because they will start a new academic programme and will need to make decisions regarding their post high school academic plans and aspirations. In order to inform parents about the two academic programmes in Grades 11 to 12 at IGBIS and the Grades 10 to 11 transition process there will be a Grades 10 to 11 Transition Information Session at IGBIS on Monday, 12th January from 6:00pm to 7:00pm. The information session will take place in room 6 - 33.

At IGB International School (IGBIS) there are two academic programmes that students can take in Grades 11 to 12. These are the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) and the IGB International School Diploma Programme (IGBISDP).

Both of these programmes are challenging and respected programmes and can lead to acceptance at quality universities and colleges world-wide.

Pauline Davidson (College Counsellor) and I will be meeting with the Grade 10 students on 14th January to discuss the two academic programmes offered in Grades 11 to 12 at IGBIS, and the process regarding our recommendations for which programme students should take.

two academic programmes offered at IGBIS in Grades 11 to 12 and the counselling process and timeline that will take place with the students over the next several weeks. Therefore, we hope to see the Grade 10 parents at the 12th January information session. If parents are unable to attend the information session please email me with any questions regarding the Grades 10 to 11 Transition.

The Grade 11 Semester One Exams will take place from 19th to 23rd January and will be worth 25% of the Semester One grade. Its important for students in the IBDP to be organised and manage their time effectively in order to prepare for the exams and upcoming assignments.

The Extended Essay is a demanding research style essay that every IBDP student must complete in order to meet the requirements of the IBDP. Student progress on this assignment will be communicated through the Semester Reports, and if there are any concerns regarding student progress parents will be contacted by the EE Supervisor.

If there are any questions regarding the IBDP at IGBIS please email me at matthew.marshall@igbis.edu.my.

Before we begin counselling the Grade 10 students its important that we communicate to parents detailed information about the

Mr. Matthew Marshall, Diploma Programme Coordinator

Page 2

Impacting Lives

Igniting Minds

Integrated Design “’Finally, a real sewing machine!’

Students in Grade 7 were planning their project for the last weeks. Now it was time for them to investigate the different parts of the sewing machine to prepare to produce their individualised product for the Integrated Design Unit “What can I do for you?”

Students had to plan a product customised to the needs and wants of a client of their choice.

Ms. Stephanie Seehaus

IGBIS Instrumental Music Academy Registration for Semester 2 instrumental lessons opened today. Forms are available at the Finance Office. In addition to offering lessons in Violin, Viola, Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Trumpet, Guitar and Piano, in Semester 2 we will also be offering lessons in Voice.

Registration Process 1. Complete an application form and return it to the box at the Finance Counter 2. You will receive a confirmation email and invoice. Only then will the Finance staff accept your payment.

3. If paying by bank transfer please email a screen shot or copy of the payment confirmation to me.

4. Prior to the commencement of Semester 2 you will receive an email of the lesson schedule.

5. Students enrolled in Semester 1 should have received an email this week to confirm their continuation into Semester 2. If you are withdrawing your child from the program in Semester 2 please email me as soon as possible so that the schedules can be completed.

If you have any questions about the program please contact me by email at jonsuffolk@igbis.edu.my Piano Studio Recital The students of Ms. Wong Pui Sim, our piano tutor, will present their end of semester studio recital on Monday, 19th January at 4.00pm. The recital will be held in the Music Room (3 - 41). Ms. Wong’s piano students will perform short pieces that they have been preparing throughout the semester. Parents and friends are welcome to attend.

Mr. Jon Suffolk, Performing Arts Teacher

Flood Relief The IGB group is organizing contributions to support the flood relief in Malaysia. Two collection points have been set up in school, both inside the Principals offices. Items such as tinned or dried food, clothing and basic necessities are appropriate. Please encourage your students to participate. Let’s see if we can create a mountain of support Please contact me in regard to activities or student concerns.

Mr. Peter Fowles, Head of Student Services

Yoga, Qi Gong and Movement Classes for Parents Tuesdays and Thursdays with Lara at Dance Studio, LG Floor, IGBIS. Please contact Mrs. Lara Skadsen for more details and to let her know which days you will be attending.

Phone: 012 970 8664 Email: energyrisingwithlara@gmail.com Website: EnergyRising.zohosites.com

Igniting Minds

Impacting Lives

Page 3

Updates from Student Services Mr. Peter Fowles Head of Student Services Dear School Community, The second session of activities commences this Monday, 12th January and ends on 20th March 2015.

The activities are listed below, please be mindful that the deadline for payment for (User pays activities) is January the 23rd at the school finance office. Elementary students will assemble in the canteen where they will be collected by the activity supervisor who will take students to the turnstiles area at 4.05pm for the buses and handover. Please understand there can be no-refunds for (User pays) activities if students miss their registered classes.

Monday Badminton (User pays) Grades 1 to 11 Introduction and enjoyment in learning the skills, technique, footwork and rules of badminton, a combination of individualized training and team work.

Costs: Monday only RM380 for 10 sessions.

Time: 3.05pm - 4.05pm Gymnastics (User pays) Kindergarten to Grade 9 Open to boys and girls, for beginners and advanced students, try an olympic sport or enjoy developing balance and agility.

Train with a Malaysian National gymnast.

Costs Monday only RM350 for 10 sessions.

TIme: 3.05pm - 4.05pm Hip Hop Creative Dance Grades 8 to 11 (5 sessions) Time: 3.05pm to 4.05pm

Tuesday Tennis (Elementary) Grades 1 to 5 Come and learn the basics of tennis in a fun and friendly environment.

Time: 3.05pm to 4.05pm Secondary Instrumental group Grades 6 to 11 Improve child’s instrumental skills in groups Time: 3.05pm to 4.05pm Ultimate Frisbee Grades 7 to 11 Practice throwing and cutting skills and play games.

Time: 3.05pm to 4.05pm

Basketball Skills Grades 9 to 11 Basketball (outside supervisor) Time: 3.05pm to 4.05pm Karate (User pays) Kindergarten to Grade 11 Full body exercise with an emphasis on correct karate self defence techniques and discipline, keep physically and mentally healthy a popular martial art for self-defence but also to inculcate discipline, respect, confidence, perseverance and self-esteem.

Costs: Monday - RM380 for 10 sessions Thursday - RM380 for 10 sessions Time: 3.05pm to 4.05pm Swimming (User pays) Kindergarten to Grade 11 Train with Mr Daniel Bego (Olympian) and his team for stroke & stamina development, preparing you for for the next level .

Cost: Monday - RM420 for 10 sessions Wednesday - RM420 for 10 sessions Time: 3.05pm to 4.05pm Athletics (User pays) Kindergarten to Grade 11 Open to all children who enjoy the skills of running, jumping and throwing! Experience great coaching from two Malaysian Olympic athletes .

Cost: Mondays - RM300 for 10 sessions Thursdays - RM300 for 10 sessions Time: 3.05pm to 4.05pm

Page 4

Soccer (User pays) Grades 3 to10 Sunarize Sports Company AFC ‘A’ class coaching Costs: RM380 for 10 sessions Time: 3.05pm to 4.05pm

Igniting Minds

Ceramics Grades 6 to 11 Hand building with some opportunity to work on the wheel.

Time: 3.05pm to 4.05pm Football/Soccer Grades 6 to 11 A continuation of session 1’s football activity. Preparation, in the view, to play against other schools in KL. Mainly games play with some skill drills.

Time: 3.05pm to 4.05pm IGB Instrumental Music Ensemble Grades 6 to 11 This activity provides an opportunity for students to play music together in a large ensemble or smaller groups. New members are most welcome.

Time: 3.05pm to 4.05pm Homework Help Grades 6 to 11 Drop-in to the Secondary Library if you have homework to complete - work alone or with a group of friends.

Time: 3.05pm to 4.05pm Maker Club (including robotics) Grades 4 to 11 Lets get together each week to make stuff. We will be playing with lots of tools (both computer and non computer) for you to make things. Let your imagination run wild and get making.

Time: 3.05pm to 4.05pm

Impacting Lives

Badminton Grades 6 to 11 It is for MYP and DP students to practice the badminton skills.

Time: 3.05pm to 4.05pm Swim Squad Grades 3 to 11 Must be a competent swimmer apply to the coach Tuesday and Thursdays Time: 3.05pm to 4.05pm Adventure & camping (Duke of Edinburgh Award club) (Lunch time) Grades 9 to 11 An internationally recognized leadership award. CAS hours can be cross credited or earned. Camping and adventure planning for an excursion in May 2015.

Time: 12.50pm to 1.30pm Global Issues Network (Lunch time) Grades 6 to 11 Discussions and action plans on global issues Time: 12:55pm to 1:35pm

Wednesday Swimming (User pays) Kindergarten to Grade 11 Train with Mr Daniel Bego (Olympian) and his team for stroke & stamina development, preparing you for for the next level .

Cost: Monday - RM420 for 10 sessions Wednesday - RM420 for 10 sessions Time: 3.05pm to 4.05pm Athletics (User pays) Kindergarten to Grade 11 (User pays) Open to all children who enjoy the skills of running, jumping and throwing! Experience great coaching from two Malaysian Olympic athletes .

Cost: Mondays - RM300 for 10 sessions Thursdays - RM300 for 10 sessions Time: 3.05pm to 4.05pm Basketball (Middle school) Grades 6 to 8 Basketball drills and fundamentals withs some scrimmage games.

TIme: 3.05pm to 4.05pm Girls Basketball Grades 8 to 11 Practice skills, learn strategies, and play some friendly games with other schools.

TIme: 3.05pm to 4.05pm Boys Basketball Grades 9 to 11 A focus on basic basketball skills with game time and friendly matches against other schools.

Time: 3.05pm to 4.05pm Theatre Productions Grades 6 to 11 Preparing a production to be performed.

TIme: 3.05pm to 4.05pm Musical (Elementary School) Grades 2 to 5 Be part of an Elementary musical production Time: 3.05pm to 4.05pm

Igniting Minds

Creative Writing Grades 6 to 11 Students will take part in a series of mini-workshops on writing short fiction.

TIme: 3.05pm to 4.05pm Story Cartooning (Elementary) Grades 1 to 5 Students have a chance to explore their interest to create their cartoon stories through individual creativity. This class will teach them the fundamentals and basic elements of the subject.

Time: 3.05pm to 4.05pm Touch Rugby Grades 6 to 11 Non contact rugby for girls and boys TIme: 3.05pm to 4.05pm

Thursday Karate (User pays) Kindergarten to Grade 11 Full body exercise with an emphasis on correct karate self defence techniques and discipline, keep physically and mentally healthy a popular martial art for self-defence but also to inculcate discipline, respect, confidence, perseverance and self-esteem.

Costs: Monday - RM380 for 10 sessions Thursday - RM380 for 10 sessions Time: 3.05pm to 4.05pm Girls Volleyball Grades 6 to 11 This is a volleyball club. We practice the skills of volleyball and have a lot of fun doing drills and playing games.

TIme: 3.05pm to 4.05pm Badminton (Elementary) Grades 2 to 5 Have fun playing Badminton TIme: 3.05pm to 4.05pm MUN (Lunch time) Grades 6 to 11 Model United Nations is an activity that simulates the processes of the United Nations. Students explore important local and global issues and present solutions from the perspective of an assigned country. Students have the chance to attend MUN conferences at IGBIS or at other International schools in KL. Time: 1.10pm to 1.35pm Swimming for beginners (Elementary) Grades 1 to 5 Have fun learning to swim TIme: 3.05pm to 4.05pm Chess Club (Lunch time) Grades 6 to 11 For players and those who wish to learn TIme: 12.50pm to 1.30pm Swim Squad Grades 3 to 11 Must be a competent swimmer apply to the coach Time: 3.05pm to 4.05pm

Friday No Activities

Impacting Lives

Page 5

Parent Information Session on International Baccalaureate We cordially invite you to attend a presentation by Marcia Behrenbruch, Head of School Services and Ashish Trivedi, MYP School Services Manager, Asia Pacific at International Baccalaureate on: · Overall of International Baccalaureate (IB) · IB Initiatives Asia Pacific regional updates · IB/Programme Reviews · University Recognition/Development updates · Programme reviews/discussion Details of the session are as follows: Date: Wednesday, 14 January 2015 Time: 6.00pm – 7.30pm Venue: Theatre, IGB International School, Jalan Sierramas Utama, Sierramas, 47000 Sungai Buloh, Selangor Darul Ehsan You can register via the link: http://bit.ly/parentinfo-ib

Updates from Academic and Support Services Mr. Peter Syme Director of Academic and Support Services School Bus Services There have been a couple of recent situations with the school bussing. To avoid any further issues, I am compiling an updated version of all the lists, complete with contact details and ensuring that the bus drivers also have these lists. We will also have this list at the main Reception Counter should you be unable to contact the driver(s) or Peter Cheong. As the service expands, it becomes even more important to have updated records and open communication. Any issues that you do have , please do inform me.

Another matter to do with the buses is safety. I am afraid I am going to get on my soap box now and ask you as parents to support the school when we insist on the students wearing seat belts. If seat belts are present, then they must be worn. If there are no seat belts, then I need to know about it. I see all too often, young children travelling in cars either standing on the centre console in between Mum and Dad, or sitting on someone’s lap in one of the front seats, even though the driver is wearing their seat belt. Please have a chat with your children about this as we will be doing this at school too.

I will step down now from my soap box and wish you all a very safe and wonderful 2015.

Cashless System We are very close now to the implementation of this and next week should see the whole system operating very smoothly. The machines are being installed ready for the demonstrations to students. During this month, we will also be holding some demonstrations for any interested parents on how to use the cash kiosk. Thank you to the IT department who have spent many long hours manually entering the data for all the students over these last couple of weeks.

Updates from Admissions Mrs. Bronwyn Thorburn Admissions Director 21 new students and their families joined IGBIS this week, and we will have at least another 14 students starting in the next three weeks. We extend a warm welcome to all the new families, and remind you all to come to the Coffee Morning scheduled for 4th February at 8.00am here at the school.

We will be working in the next couple of weeks to create a contact forum for families in the school. If you do not wish to have your contact details included in a class listing for each grade level which will be shared with parents in the grade levels your children are attending, then please do contact Admissions and let us know by the end of January.

Page 6

Igniting Minds

Impacting Lives