TERM 3, ISSUE 1 29 January 2014
Dear KISC Community It has been a great start to the term as we have focused on the KISC value of Love. ‘We know God the Creator of the heavens and earth is love.’ We had a wonderful devotion from Gretchen Schlie (Academic Director) in our Academic Leadership Team (ALT) meeting reminding us that love is a noun as well as a verb. We are to eagerly pursue love, 1 Corinthians 14 v 1. Gretchen challenged us ‘Let this be the year that we pursue love. Let this be the year that we stop talking about love, that we do less regretful moaning about how little we love and how much we need to grow in love and actually be determined to love more the way Jesus loved (John 15:12). Let this be the year we actually put into place some strategies to help us love.’ Before the beginning of term the newly organized leadership teams (Business Leadership Team and ALT) spent three days away together. We sought the Lord for His ideas on love for the KISC community this term. The Lord guided us to Colossians 3 v 12-14 as the term verse. It is key we learn what we need to ‘put off’..(continued on page 8)
Term 3 value & Verse:
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사랑 Amor
love
TERM 3 important dates FEBRUARY 5-6 7 10 19 24 26
W-Th Parent Interviews: 3:15-5 Fri Parent Interviews: 12:45 (½ day) Mon Staff Meeting Wed SMC Meeting EMERGENCY EVACUATION Mon Staff Meeting Wed Interhouse Music Festival
27 Thur - 4 Tue Midterm Break
MARCH 4 12 17 28 29 31
Tues Wed Mon Fri Sat Mon
Staff Dev Day Y10/12 Options Evening Staff Meeting & Staff Social Primary Picnic Zuala Cup Scholarship applications due
APRIL 2 Wed Parent/Teacher Interviews 4 Fri Easter Assembly & End of term 21 Mon Term 4 begins
EQUIP Schedule
Feb. 3-11 - EQUIP PALPA VISIT April 15-23 - LAMJUNG PHASE I April 17-27 - PALPA PHASE I
“Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yoursleves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive owthers. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.”
~ Colossians 3:12-14
SMC
School management committee
KISC VISION:
“To be living witnesses of Christ’s love through excellent education.”
KISC MISSION:
“To provide quality education, primarily for the Christian mission community and Nepali teachers, based on the sovereignty of Christ. Through the KISC K-13, KISC EQUIP and KISC TEC, students and staff will positively impact their world.”
PASSION STATEMENT: The KISC passion statement is based on Isaiah 61:1-3. “We will be like mighty oaks - deeply rooted, established in knowledge and wisdom. We will positively impact our world by being living witnesses of Christ’s love through the KISC values of love, grace, excellence, community and justice.”
KISC VALUES & how we live them out: love
grace
We know God, the Creator of the heavens and the earth, is love. • We treat everyone with kindness. • We apologize quickly.
We are created out of the goodness of God and are unique, creative, relational, rational, volitional, emotional, spiritual and physical beings. • We are created in the image of God. • We forgive and reunite.
community We discover our identity and destiny in Christ. • We work to the best of our ability. • We do all things for the glory of God.
excellence We encourage each other and share the good news that all creation is being redeemed by Christ. • We care for each other. • We care for our environment.
justice
We participate in restoring God’s goodness in all nations. • We honour all people. • We bring good to others.
SCHOOL MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE MEMBERS All SMC positions are required by the Ministry of Education except consultants who are advisors to the board as a non-voting member as and when needed. The SMC meets approximately 6 times a year. All positions are voluntary. Please pray for the SMC as they lead and guide KISC. SMC Chairperson: Appointed by HDCS Marcy Knoble Ministry of Education Rep: Appointed by Nepal MoE Mr. Bir Singh Dhami HDCS Representative: Appointed by HDCS Tirtha Thapa Treasurer: Recommended to HDCS by SMC Ian Chadwell Member Secretary: KISC CEO Judith Ellis Admin Representative: Voted by Admin staff Khim Kandel Teacher Representative: Voted by Teaching staff Phillipa Munday 2 Parent Representatives: PTA Chairperson & Member Mirjam Thiessen & Astrid Smith *Consultant: Requested as needed by SMC Currently: Angus Douglas
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A r t i s t s Wa n t e d !
The Battle of the Books in the Library continues! Anyone who can draw, or is willing to try to draw, is requested to visit the Library and try their hand at drawing the Superhero and/or Villain that were described last term. Pick up and drop off entry forms at the KISC Library. Drawings must be according to the descriptions provided on the entry forms. The last day to enter this competition is 26th February, 2014.
PRESIDENT ELECTIONS MEET THE CANDIDATES
Monday February 3rd students will be voting for Student President. The candidates are (left to right): Rebecca Vuite, Seong Won, Emily Smith, Peter Jung. Here’s what others are saying: • “I plan to vote for Becca ‘cause she can sing and wants everyone to have the opportunity to win choice points.” • “Peter and Seong Won are the ones for me because they make a dynamic duo and their stance on the effects of Wai Wai’s on the family structure is inspiring.” • “Emily? It’s because of the puppies of course and world peace.”
Designing logos
primary IS BLESSING KISC WITH random acts of kindness
Year 9 students had the opportunity to work with designer Ali Wilkinson to design a new logo for Above and Beyond Trekking company. They were given a brief, worked in groups on their ideas and presented their work to Ali last term. Ali then took their ideas and developed the logo you see on the screen. She took elements of all the designs and created this simple and sleek new logo. We were all impressed with the final result and can't wait to see it out and about.
Miss Parr ~ Design Technology Teacher
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Kitchen Garden Project
KISC EQUIP was awarded US$ 2,000 towards the development of its “Kitchen Garden” project by Horticulture Collaborative Research Support Program at University of California. In addition to the funding, the Trellis Fund, supported by USAID, sent a graduate student in agricultural sciences to Nepal for two weeks to work with the EQUIP team to develop a practical kitchen garden manual. In December, Courtney Jallo came to Nepal to do research for the Kitchen Garden manual. Courtney worked on the project alongside EQUIP’s Rae Goss. After visiting some of our partner schools they chose to work with Bethel Secondary School (Tansen) and Good Shepherd (Kathmandu) as pilot locations for the project. Visits were also made to other organizations to research current agricultural practices and developments. Courtney will continue to work on the Kitchen Garden manual from the US. Once it is ready it will be introduced to EQUIP’s partner schools with supplementary training by Rae.
In December the EQUIP team impacted 105 teachers with their trainings in Palpa, Lamjung and Kathmandu. 73 parents attended EQUIP’s Parent Workshops. Great job EQUIP team for giving of yourselves to impact schools throughout Nepal.
PRAISE FOR PROVISION OF FUNDING!
We are thankful to God that the funding for the Lamjung Schools Training will be provided by a generous donation from Samaritan’s Purse - Canada. The funding will cover trainings in Lamjung for the next 3 years. Samaritan’s Purse also funds the EQUIP Trainings in our Palpa partner schools. We want to say a huge thanks to Samaritan’s Purse Canada for their support of KISC EQUIP to transform schools in Nepal.
Community Connections The aim of the Community Connections (CC) program is to foster student and staff involvement in community organizations, to be living witnesses of Christ’s love. For Senior students (Years 10-13), community service is a requirement for graduation. Students must complete a minimum 10 hours of service each academic year. They must organize their own project, and have a supervisor complete an evaluation form, in order for the hours to be recognized. All senior students have had an evaluation sheet emailed to their KISC email.
During Term 2, Year 12 and 13 went out to bless the local community by collecting rubbish off the streets, many hands make light work.
If you know of any organisations or community groups that would be be able to utilize the skills and services of KISC students, please contact me with the details. I am collecting a data base of contacts in order to assist staff and students to make contact with and get involved with community groups.
Tonya Padgett Community Connections Coordinator
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PARENTS Scholarships: application deadline March 31st. Forms are available in Reception.
New parents’ tab on the website: www.kisc.edu.np/parents Here you will find useful information and downloadable forms. If there is something not on the website that you as a parent would find useful, please send an email to: communications@kisc.edu.np. Thanks!
we want to save you money!!!
In order to receive your Refundable Deposit back if you are leaving KISC, you must fill out the Withdrawal Request in Reception one full academic year in advance. To qualify for the Reduced Retainer Fee of 15% for the upcoming academic year, you must fill out the Extended Absence Form in Reception by the end of the of the previous academic year. So, if you plan to be away next year for an extended period of time, we need to know by the end of this academic year. Otherwise the Retainer Fee is 50% of normal fees. Even if you THINK you are going to be away, let us know. CHECK OUT the link above to download these documents. For good financial and recruitment planning we need to know who is going to be away or leaving. Thank you.
PTA
School photos
are all on the KISC website: www.kisc.edu.np/schoolphotos. Please follow the link to see the pictures. If you want to order, click this link and fill out the form, it will then automatically inform us and also sends a copy to you. You can order for multiple children and multiple photos with the same form. The last date to order pictures is 4 February. It will then take a couple of weeks to print. We will inform you when photos are ready to be collected. Please bring your money to Reception when you come to collect your pictures.
Interhouse music festival
Wednesday 26th February @ 1:15pm in the KISC Hall. Come and support the Secondary Students as they perform creatively through music and dance in the 2013-2104 Inter-House Music Festival!
Total raised so far this academic year: NPR 3,35,574/-
parent Teacher association
Last week we could start the new term with many of you in prayer and worship. Thank you for coming; prayer is very much needed for KISC, our staff and students. While the adults were praying the children made a craft showing the different aspects of love, which is the term focus. Feel free to have a look at what was made by the children; it is displayed on the window opposite the stairs in the main building. Astrid Smith, PTA, Yr 12/13 Rep
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Join us for prayer Every Monday morning from 8-9am we meet in the Prayer Room (behind the toilet block) to pray for KISC, the staff, students and each other. Any specific prayer requests can be sent to: mirjamthiessen@gmail.com
NEW FACE IN RECEPTION
Welcome
Meet Sunil Maharjan, the new Office Manager. He’s training to take over Ramila Karmacharya’s position as she is working on her doctorate. Please stop in to say hi and welcome him to KISC.
REMEMBER those who are away Daniel & Becky Parnell - UK - working on his masters. Plans to return September ‘14. Susie Moore - N. Ireland - returning Term 4, 2014. Anne Brown - UK - plans to return in May 2014. Arneson Family - US - returning April ‘14
Liz Shepherd - EQUIP Zeljka Shah - Communications Manager Meaghan Truscot - ESL Primary Yvonne Edwards - Secondary Science Laura Payne - Part time PE Ian & Denise Mitchell - Finance & Administrative Support
Bea Family - Korea - return April ‘14 Musser Family - Thailand - return Aug. ‘15 DeBortoli Family - US - returning April ‘14
3 Days That Cleared My Vision - Story from the recent leadership training Load shedding periods are very stressful times for the ICT services people. I can attribute almost all equipment failures to erratic power supply. What we are most concerned about is our Server, the heart of our system. We are very protective about our server and I almost treat it like a person. Despite our layers of protective equipment, we have already swapped out 2 dead disks this year. There are several other equipment that we’ve had to fix around the school, not to forget the software that comes with it. I’ve had nightmares that I would walk into KISC one day and find that everything had ground to a halt. After 3 years of fire-fighting, I was beginning to think that this cycle would never end. Each day I would come to work and fix things. At the end of the day go home and find my family in a poorly lit room illuminated by just battery powered LED lights. The next day would be the same again. Everything was so depressing. Two thoughts would play in my mind repeatedly. One side of me would say, “You’ve fixed it.” The other would reply, “It will break tomorrow.” I had almost decided that I’d had enough. I wanted to leave Nepal. I had even announced to my church that I wanted to raise my daughter in a ‘brighter’ country. Last Saturday, they told me that they had been praying in secret to have us stay. This decision to join the Leadership Training was my own and very sudden. I had seen some posters around but really didn’t know if it was over or happening. I am thankful now that I talked to Amit to include me. Judith, Khim and other ECEC trainers talks about having Clarity of Vision, Culture & Congruence of Actions had a profound impact on me. I really felt the testimonies they shared. I discovered that I was a ‘task oriented’ perfectionist. While that may be fine in Germany or Switzerland, I needed to adapt in Nepal. So sum it all up – I’ve found a new direction. It’s OK to do things right. But it’s more important to do the right things. Thanks Judith, Khim & other ECEC trainers for the wonderful training. May God Bless You All. Arpan Yonzon, KISC ICT System Manager
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FUN
??????????????????????? SPOT THE BALL COMPETITION The first person who can correctly tell Angus Douglas where the ball was in this picture before we removed it, he will buy you a donut.
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Fundraising
In the recent staff meeting, Angus presented the findings of his extensive research into fundraising. For many in the KISC community, fundraising is a part of mission life. It may be useful to apply these lessons for own personal fundraising. The principal parts of fundraising were broken down into three vital sections: FUN: publications on raising money promote the use of Fun, however very few people actually enjoy it. RAISIN: often overlooked in fundraising – the RAISIN. With this in mind, we may plan to use ‘Iestyn – The Fundraising Raisin.’ SING: the final component in fundraising, and again not utilized enough, is the SING. Rousing songs can be used to inspire participation from moral owners to raise funds. After an extensive period of one or two minutes in the studio, a proposed KISC song has been composed (to the tune of “Land of Hope and Glory.” If you don’t know it Angus will be happy to sing it for you.): *Please note: No raisins were harmed in the research. Copies of ‘Fun – Raisin – Sing’ can be found in nearby bins or trash cans.
Verse 1/6 Do you have loads of money, that you want to give away? Are you really loaded, then we’ll make your day We’ll spend all of your money on a new school for KISC If you have so much wonga, $10m won’t go a miss Laughter is the best medicine, especially during exams.
A glimpse into the Leadership Training recently held at ECEC in partnership with KISC. Can you fill in the balloons?
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before we can ‘clothe ourselves with love’. We performed a sketch for the staff and then for the secondary students where God was trying to give us His love but our hurt, fears, feelings of unworthiness or pride prevented us from receiving God’s love. Then God sent Jesus to die and rise again so that Jesus can take our hurt, fears, feelings of unworthiness and pride so we can receive God’s love. Having received God’s love we then can give God’s love away to others. Laura Beth Webster (Primary Principal) started the term with two primary assemblies initially helping staff and students realize we need to be filled with God’s love and then introducing ‘random acts of kindness’ where we share God’s love with others. I have loved seeing the primary students love on staff and secondary students this last week.
Thank you Everyone who participated in the Christmas programme last term. It was a beautiful evening and truly required the helpe of many in our community. To the Kitchen Staff for a delicious lunch to kick off the term last Monday. Thanks! We appreciate all your hard work. All staff who worked over the Christmas break to make the site a beautiful place to work and learn. ECEC for hosting the Leadership Training this week. We appreciate your partnership. Arpan Yonzon for getting the ICT up and going, again and again. We love you!
May we be known at KISC as a place where each person comes onto campus and experiences love.
Farewell
Because of His great love for us,
Praise the Lord we have no farewells! In a community of constant change and many goodbyes, it’s nice to not have to.
Judith Ellis KISC CEO
PRAYER POINTS • Pray for Khim Kandel & Sher Gurung as they work with the various ministries to ensure we are doing all we need to do to maintain our positive relationship with the government of Nepal as we work as guests in Nepal. • Pray for those students taking exams this week. • Pray for peace in their hearts, the ability to concentrate and do the exams to the best of their ability. • Pray for health; there are a number of people facing health issues. Pray for healing and wisdom. • Pray for the workers making the fussball court; for safety as they work and good results. • Pray for the Hayes family as they settle back into Australia. Thank the Lord for all he has done through this family. “TO BE LIVING WITNESSES OF CHRIST’S LOVE THROUGH EXCELLENT EDUCATION”
CONTACT US!
Kathmandu
International
PO Box 2714
Dhobighat Kathmandu Nepal
WE ARE ALWAYS HAPPY TO HEAR FROM YOU, OR IF YOU ARE IN NEPAL, PLEASE COME VISIT!
+977 (1) 553 8720
Centre
www.facebook.com/kisc1987
admin@kisc.edu.np Project of HDCS
Study
www.kisc.edu.np
Human Development & Community Services
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