NewsFlash
Volume 8, Issue 4-05/06 - November 2005
A Singapore American School community service publication
MICA (P) 234/08/2005
SAS @ 50
News Flash Contents
2 In This Issue 03 04 06 07 08 09 10 12 13 14
Robert Gross Superintentend of Schools
Mark Boyer Asst. Superintendent Curriculum and Staff Development
Rhonda Norris Asst. Superintendent Business
David Hoss Principal Primary School
Marian DeGroot Principal Intermediate School
Robert Godley Principal Middle School
Paul Chmelik Principal High School
We welcome input from the community associated with Singapore American School DECEMBER NEWSFLASH Deadline: November 28, 2005 Publication Date: December 12, 2005 JANUARY/FEBRUARY NEWSFLASH Deadline: January 20, 2006 Publication Date: February 6, 2006 Email Community News Input to bgribbon@sas.edu.sg Email Trading Post Input to trade@sas.edu.sg Trading Post advertising is restricted to non-commercial items only from SAS students, parents and staff
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SAS@50 Board of Governors PTA PTA – SACAC Notices Pumpkin Patch Calendar Highlights Boosters Middle School Drama 50th Anniversary Orchid Volleyball for Cancer Awareness Author Carolyn Han Visits Faculty Highlights IASAS High School Dance High School Drama High School Concerts Community Service Middle School Highlights United Nations Day
Are You Receiving What’s Happening at SAS? We are sending all parents and guardians a regular weekly What’s Happening at SAS newsletter by email. If you have not been receiving the weekly email it probably means that we do not have your correct email address. Send us an email at communications@sas.edu.sg to let us know that you have not been hearing from us. We can add one or both parents emails to our distribution. The weekly What’s Happening at SAS will also be posted on the website at http://www.sas.edu.sg
NEWSFLASH is published monthly by the Communications Office of the Singapore American School. It is distributed free of charge to the parents, faculty members and organizations served by the school.
COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE Singapore American School 40 Woodlands Street 41 Singapore 738547 Tel: 6360-6303 SAS Website: http://www.sas.edu.sg Editor: Beth Gribbon Assistant: Joey Lew
SAS @ 50
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n October 24th, the 50th day of the 50th year of Singapore American School 3,700 students, faculty and staff, representing over 50 countries, gathered on the stadium field for an all school photograph. Wearing shirts in the school colors of red, white and blue, a human version of SAS @ 50 was created with the entire school community. Taking the photo was the climatic moment in a project that has been in the works for more than 6 months and has been an “all school” effort. School historian and alumnus, Jim Baker, says that such a picture has never intentionally been taken before, so after 50 years, this momentous day was a first for SAS!
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Board of Governors
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Annual General Meeting
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ttendees at the October 25th Annual General Meeting and Board of Governors election were treated to entertainment by 5th grade student music group, The Treble Makers, directed by music teachers, Leanne Pepple and Karen Huisman. Presentations were made by Assistant Superintendent for Business, Rhonda Norris and Superintendent, Bob Gross. The accounts and associated reports for the year ending June 30, 2005 were adopted, and auditors were appointed for the 2005-06 school year.
Shelley DeFord
Garth Sheldon
Maya Roll
Bob Comstock
Board of Governors Election
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t the AGM on October 25th, four Governors, Bob Comstock, Shelley DeFord, Maya Roll and Garth Sheldon were elected to serve a three year term. All are incumbents. Shelley DeFord, current Board Chairman has served on the Board of Governors since 1999 and has a daughter in the high school. Garth Sheldon, Board Vice-Chairman, has also served on the Board of Governors since 1999 and has two children in the high school. Bob Comstock has served on the Board since 2002 and has two children in the high school. Maya Roll has served on the Board since 2003 and has three children at SAS, one each in the primary, intermediate and middle school.
Superintendent’s Parent Forum WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16
Parents are invited to a Superintendent’s Parent Forum on Wednesday, November 16 at 1:30 pm. The forum will be held at the high school in room H301 (located on the third floor directly above the high school entrance). Superintendent, Bob Gross, will address a range of topics at the forum. Dr. Thomas Yun, the Regional Medical Officer at the U.S. Embassy will also be there to address the topic of Avian Flu. Plan to join us for an informative presentation followed by time for questions.
PTA
6 From the PTA President
“Explore the Magical World of Books”
t their breaks.
he PTA Annual Book Fair will be held on November 14th to 18th, from 9:00am to 4:00pm daily in the Elementary Gym. Over 10,000 books will be available for purchase, with titles ranging from picture books for the littlest ones to adult self-help books. There will be something for everyone and parents are welcome to come by any time. Children in the Primary and Intermediate School will have the opportunity to visit the Book Fair with their class. Schedules will be coming home soon. You are welcome to join your child during their visit or volunteer to work at that time. Middle and High School students are encouraged to visit the Fair during
In conjunction with the Book Fair, we are holding our second Holiday Vendor Fair on the 14th and 15th of November from 9:00am to 4:00pm. It’s a great chance for parents, teachers and Middle School and High School students to get an early start with holiday shopping. There will be a wonderful selection of jewelry, handicrafts, home décor and much more. One of PTA’s ongoing activities in support of literature in the school, is our Library Enhancement or “Celebration Books” program. The PTA Library Enhancement program provides an opportunity to recognize a special person, occasion or achievement by making a book donation to a school library. Each book donated will have a nameplate inside the book to identify the person or event being honored and the name of the donor. The person honored will receive a certificate indicating the donation made in their name. This is a wonderful way to help enhance the resources for our students in our libraries and to create an everlasting memory. Information on ‘how to donate a book’ and the book list for the Primary School and Intermediate School libraries is available on the PTA website. To access this information, go to the SAS home page at http://www.sas.edu.sg and click the PTA section. You will find all the information you need at the Library Enhancement tab. Please watch for the monthly reminders in the weekly “What’s Happening at SAS” email newsletter. Additionally, when the PTA learns of an adoption, birth or death within our SAS community, the PTA makes a book donation to one of the school libraries. These books will also have a nameplate inside the book to honor the person or event. As the success of this program depends on word of mouth, please contact me if you know of someone for whom a donation can be made. If you have a child in the Primary, Intermediate, or Middle School you recently received an order form for Scholastic Books. Over 950 children placed orders for over 4,600 books. A very dedicated group of volunteers spent hours placing orders, sorting books and delivering them to your child. This program brings back childhood memories of the excitement I had on the day my own Scholastic Books arrived and how excited I was to take them home to show my mom and then run up to my room to start reading. It is a wonderful program that offers PTA the opportunity to help build classroom libraries through teacher points which are accumulated and then returned to the teachers in the form of classroom books. Thanks to everyone who supported this program. I also want to remind everyone of the new Community Library which opened its doors to the SAS community on April 1, 2005. The library is not run by the PTA, but deserves mentioning because it is a resource for all of us on issues we face with growing families. The library’s collection of books is ready for lending, and anyone from the SAS community, including parents and faculty, is welcome to visit and spend some time in the library. Once you find books you would like to borrow, kindly check them out at the Middle School library circulation desk. Your feedback is welcomed as the book collection will expand in response to suggestions from the community. The library exists to support the efforts of our whole community as we raise our children. The collection includes titles related to family values, physical fitness, special needs, grief, alcoholism, addictions as well as many other topics. The Community Library can be found to your immediate left as you enter the MS library. Happy reading! Susan Fay PTA President
PTA – SACAC
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PTA – SACAC Notices PTA CELEBRATION BOOKS – LIBRARY ENHANCEMENT “Celebration Books”, the PTA library enhancement program, provides an opportunity to recognize a special person, occasion or achievement by making a donation to the school library. Each book donated will have a nameplate inside the book to identify the person or event being honored and the name of the donor. The person honored will receive a certificate indicating the donation made in their name. Honor a graduating student! Celebrate a favorite teacher! Provide a lasting memory of your family’s stay in Singapore! A donation form is included in this issue of Newsflash. More information on how to donate books is available on the PTA website at http://www.sas.edu.sg/pta/. PTA WELCOME COMMITTEE – VOLUNTEERS NEEDED The PTA Welcome Committee needs your friendly voice to make calls to SAS families arriving this January. Just a few minutes on the telephone is all it takes to make someone feel welcome in our community. Please call Michelle Suchyta at 6732-7572 or 9010-3557 or e-mail her at suchyta@singnet.com.sg if you would like to help.
PUMPKIN PATCH THANK YOU A heartfelt thank you goes out to Sarah Cunningham and her committee for the fabulous Pumpkin Patch they created for the ECC and PS children! INTERNATIONAL FOOD FEST THANK YOU The International Food Fest was a huge success. Thank you to co-chairs Erma Huston and Katie Hamberlin along with their committee for all their hard work!
INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL GRADE LEVEL PTA COFFEE MORNINGS • •
Mingle in a smaller setting and meet fellow parents from your child’s grade. Discuss specific grade level issues with the IS Principals.
Grade 3: Grade 4: Grade 5: Location:
Friday, November 18, 8:30 – 10:00 a.m. Thursday, November 17, 8:30 – 10:00 a.m. Monday, November 14, 8:30 – 10:00 a.m. Fifth Grade Group Room
SACAC KICKBALL LEAGUE (NEW!!) For Boys and Girls Grades 1 and 2 Games: Every Sunday Session Starts: December 3, 2005 Session Ends: February 25, 2006 Kickball is played in two teams and the way it is played is the same as baseball or softball. The pitcher rolls the ball to the kicker, who kicks it into the field. Base and field players may throw the ball to the base players, tag the runner while carrying the ball or throw it at the runner to get him/her out. For more information go to: http://www.sacac.com/sports/kickball.htm or contact SACAC at 63636454.
PTA
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Pumpkin Patch
By Cindy Leake n a tradition that began many years ago, SAS students of all ages excitedly awaited the “Great Pumpkin Shipment” signaling the arrival of the fall season in tropical Singapore. Again this year, APL, a generous supporter of SAS for many years, purchased and shipped over 6 tons of American grown pumpkins, gourds and decorative corn to SAS. With the help of APL employees, high school students and other SAS family volunteers, an entire container of pumpkins was unloaded, cleaned and placed in the PTA office in anticipation of a week of activities all centered on the Pumpkin Patch! With the temperature lowered and the PTA office decorated (by many talented SAS moms) the transformation to Pumpkin Patch was complete.
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Above - From Left: Xavier Basilla, Derek Lutt, Amanda Lutt and Rafel Basilla
For several days, Primary School classes (Preschool – 2nd Grade) arrived at the Pumpkin Patch where they were treated to a delightful interactive story telling session, led by volunteers from Centre Stage. After story telling, each child picked mini-pumpkins, gourds or decorative corn to bring home. The event was complete as students enjoyed iced pumpkin sugar cookies courtesy of the PTA. The week culminated with the PTA International Food Fest and Pumpkin Sale on Saturday October 29. The pumpkin sale proceeds will be donated to the SAS high school Community Services Clubs, which work with a number of Singapore charities.
Right - Storytelling session led by volunteer from Centre Stage
Many thanks to the PTA parent volunteers, Centre Stage, high school student volunteers and especially to APL, who helped make this year’s Pumpkin Patch a huge success.
From Left: Cindy Leake (PTA Primary Rep), Xavier Basilla, Waldo Basilla (APL), Anna Basilla, Rafel Basilla, Victor Cheah (APL), Ted Fortney (APL), Susan Fay (PTA President), Amanda Lutt, Cronticha Lutt (APL), Bob Gross (SAS Superintendent), Sarah Cunningham (Pumpkin Patch Coordinator), Derek Lutt
Calendar Highlights
9 November 2005
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SAT & Subject Tests with Listening American Community Thanksgiving Charity Run/Walk 8:00am – 10:00am Campus Mosquito Fogging 5:00pm – 7:00pm Early Childhood Center Parent Coffee 8:30am (ECC) MS Parent Coffee 10:00am (M301) PTA Board Meeting 9:30am (PTA Office) ALTERNATE DRESS DAY THIMUN in Singapore (HS) Early Dismissal MS Students 11:30am MS Parent/Teacher Conferences HS Drama Production “Noises Off” 7:00pm (Drama Theater) NO SCHOOL FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS MS Parent/Teacher Conferences Celebrating Our Alumni Series: Art Opening 6:00pm (HS Gallery & Atrium) Hong Kong Honors Band Festival Celebrating Our Alumni Series: ART (HS Gallery & Atrium) SISMC Math Competition 8:00am – 2:00pm (H301) Swimming/Tennis Exchange in Singapore Rugby Exchange in Jakarta Touch Rugby Exchange in Kuala Lumpur Campus Mosquito Fogging 5:00pm – 7:00pm HS PTA Coffee 10:00am (H301) 5th Grade Parent Coffee 8:30am – 10:00am (5th Grade Group Room, I311) Holiday Fair (Elementary Gymnasium) Tabitha Sales (MS) PTA Book Fair (Elementary Gymnasium)
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Booster Club Meeting 9:30am (H301) Superintendent’s Parent Forum 1:30pm (H301) 17 Booster Home Tour 4th Grade Parent Coffee 8:30am – 10:00am (5th Grade Group Room, I311) HS Dance Performance Preview “Mulan” 4:00pm (Auditorium) Celebrating Our Alumni Series: Art Auction 6:30pm (HS Gallery & Atrium) 18 3rd Grade Parent Coffee 8:30am – 10:00am (5th Grade Group Room, I311) HS Dance Performance “Mulan” 4:00pm & 7:00pm (Auditorium) That Dance Thing (7th Grade) 6:30pm – 8:30pm (Hollandse Club) That Dance Thing (8th Grade) 7:30pm – 9:30pm (Hollandse Club) 19 HS Peace Concert 6:00pm – 11:00pm (Stadium) That Dance Thing (6th Grade) 6:00pm – 8:00pm (American Club) 20 Campus Mosquito Fogging 5:00pm – 7:00pm 22 Thespian Inductions 4:00pm (Theater Studio) 23 ALTERNATE DRESS DAY 24-25 THANKSGIVING DAY (NO SCHOOL) 24-26 HS IASAS MUN in Manila HS Basketball Tournament in Hong Kong 26-27 Santa Claus Swim Meet (HS Pool) 27 Campus Mosquito Fogging 5:00pm – 7:00pm 29 MS Strings Concert 7:00pm (Auditorium)
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YULEFEST 5:30pm (Drama Theater) That Dance Thing (7th Grade) 6:30pm – 8:30pm (Hollandse Club) That Dance Thing (8th Grade) 7:30pm – 9:30pm (Hollandse Club) YULEFEST 7:00pm (Drama Theater) HS First Semester Art Show SAT HS Tennis Exchange in Bangkok That Dance Thing (6th Grade) 6:00pm – 8:00pm (Hollandse Club) PS Parent Coffee 8:30am (Staff Lounge) Campus Mosquito Fogging 5:00pm – 7:00pm IS Parent Coffee 8:15am – 9:15am (5th Grade Group Room, I311) MS Parent Coffee 10:00am (M301) Tri-M Induction Ceremony 3:15pm (HS Library)
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MS Musical – Annie 7:00pm (Drama Theater) Grade 3-5 Holiday Sing-A-Long (Elementary Theater) MS Dance Performance 7:00pm (Auditorium) HS Winter Collage Concert 7:00pm (Auditorium) MS Spirit Day 6th Grade Fun Friday 3:05pm – 4:45pm 7th/8th Grade Dance 7:00pm (IS/MS Cafeteria) ACT Campus Mosquito Fogging 5:00pm – 7:00pm HS Semester Finals (Periods 7 & 8) 8:00am – 12:00pm HS Semester Finals (Period 3 & 4) 8:00am – 12:00pm MS Band Concert 7:00pm (Auditorium) PTA Board Meeting 11:00 am
Boosters
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At the PTA Holiday Fair… November 14 & 15 in the elementary gym from 9:00a.m. to 4:00p.m.
At the Home Tour- Shangri-La… November 17
At the Santa Clause Swim Meet… November 26 and 27 Saturday, November 26 from 8:00a.m. to 6:00p.m. and Sunday, November 27 from 8:00a.m. to 1:00p.m. in the high school pool area. For over twenty years, SACAC Fighting Fish have hosted this International Invitational Meet. This year, over 500 swimmers from Beijing, Hong Kong, Manila, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta and Perth will compete.
Booster News HONOR ROLL BRUNCH SPONSORED BY BOOSTERS The Booster Club will recognize all high school students who made the 1st quarter Honor Roll with a brunch on November 18 during their 11:20a.m. break, in the walkway between the high school theaters. If your student made the honor roll and you can help or donate food for the event, please contact Lorna Vainus at 9652-2346, e-mail: tcvtl@pacific.net.sg or Clarissa Bautista at 9637-3780, e-mail: clarissadrbautista@gmail.com.
Boosters
The Luxury of it All
11th Annual Booster Home Tour Thursday November 17, 2005 8:45 & 11:15 departures from Shangri-La Hotel
Featured Homes: Black & White Grandeur… Eclectic living Circa 1930…Luxurious antique French furnishings Architectural Dream…Stunning details inside and out Peranakin Treasure… Historical features Returning to the Shangri-la, guests will enjoy: Tea and light refreshments Raffle and lucky draw Shopping at Charity Vendors and Boosters
Home Tour tickets cost $70 and can be purchased at the Booster Booth or PTA Office. For further information about tickets contact Pat Ho Sang at 9617-8841 or forpat58@aol.com. The Home Tour is Booster Club’s largest fundraiser for the school year. The funds that Boosters earn are then donated to high school students’ activities: Interim Semester Scholarships, costumes for the dance room and Yulefest, math club awards, honor roll brunches, Senior Brunch, popcorn day before exams, IASAS travel bags, travel shirts worn by all students when traveling and representing SAS and much more.
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Middle School Drama
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7th Grade Dramatists: Sharing Stories with Primary School Audiences By Tracy Meyer
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t was magical, fantastic and just a bit chaotic when 29 elementary classes joined four sections of 7th grade drama students earlier this month. The occasion was the sharing of dramatized fairy tales and legends. It all began when 7th grade drama students visited the primary school library to select stories. Having determined the elements which are most appealing to K-2 audiences, they sought stories which reflected them and which would translate well to the stage. With stories selected and groups established, next up was creating scripts and finally, casting – which the students attended to themselves. Rehearsals began and an impressive array of props, costume bits and simple sets were created by the student actors. What was the most challenging aspect of this project for the 7th grade actors? “Deciding the starting points; what to leave in and what to take out!” “Sometimes it was hard to engage the audience because their sense of humor is different.” “Deciding the blocking for our piece.” “Reaching consensus in our group.” What was easy? “Performing, because the faces on the kids were excited and in awe of us.” “We didn’t feel nervous because they were so into it!” “Making transitions between pieces.” Iris & Barbara in Rumplestiltskin
Curtain Call for Hansel & Gretel
Curtain Call for How We Became Pirates
Some insightful comments were overheard in the audience of primary school students. “That’s my sister!” Hugs are given in “Don’t kill her, you 100th Day Worries naughty wolf!” (During Little Red Riding Hood) “They’re going to kiss! If they kiss, my life is over!” (During Rumplestiltskin) No doubt about it, a good time was had by all!
50th Anniversary Orchid
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Rochalie
A Special Orchid for the 50th Anniversary of SAS
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o create a lasting memory of the 50th Anniversary of Singapore American School, a special hybrid orchid has been commissioned by the school. The orchid will be named Rochalie, a name of historical significance to the school. When Singapore American School opened in January 1956, 105 students attended school in a seven bedroom colonial house on Rochalie Drive. It remained there until 1962 when the school moved to a new facility at Kings Road. The hybrid orchid will be brought to SAS from the Mandai Orchid Gardens and placed in our eco-garden in the high school and in our Memory Garden in the area adjacent to the Auditorium and Drama Theater. The Memory Garden will open during the Alumni Reunion week in April 2006.
Mandai Orchid Workshop
Seventh Grade Science Studies Orchid Hybridization
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eventh grade students studied the structure of flowers and explored the intricacies of pollination in orchids while participating in a workshop run by the David Lim and Ann Wan from the Mandai Orchid Garden. Mr. Lim and Ms. Wan are highly qualified in the world of orchids, both in the field of cultivation and tissue culture. They gave the students a brief introduction to orchid hybridization together with some hands on activities during their visit to SAS last month.
Special Highlights
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MS Girls Volleyball Play for Cancer Awareness By coach Tracy Meyer
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n Wednesday, Oct. 12th, you may have noticed an unusual team arriving to play the Girls’ 7th & 8th Grade All-Stars Volleyball Team. Among the team members were doctors, surgeons, nurses and office staff from Susan Lim Surgery and they were all wearing pink T-shirts! This was clearly not the usual middle school competition. When Susan Lim (Christina & Stephanie Tan’s mother) heard the team was looking for more games to round out their season, she offered to bring a team over from her office at Gleneagles Medical Center. Not only did they offer the Girls’ 7th & 8th Grade All-Star Volleyball Team a challenging match, they also brought along beautiful pale pink trophies for each player. What a nice way to commemorate the “Volleyball Friendly” that day. They even provided delicious after-match snacks that were, of course, pink! It was a fabulous day for all the participants. Susan’s words were, “It was a breath of fresh air for us.” From the perspective of the SAS athletes; they will be looking forward to a match with this unlikely group of volleyballers again next year! As a follow-up, Susan Lim Surgery donated 80 pink T-shirts for all MS teachers to wear during October: Breast Cancer Awareness Month. On Wednesday, October 26th, MS teachers could be seen sporting these fine shirts. From her end, Dr. Lim was pleased that awareness of breast cancer and the importance of early screening would be enhanced through our wearing the shirts. Mission accomplished. Thank you, Dr. Lim!
Author Carolyn Han Visits the Intermediate School
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uthor Carolyn Han recently visited Mr. Kimzey’s 5th grade class at SAS to read one of her books, Kalapana. Based on a true story, Kalapana is a children’s story set around Hawaii’s most active volcano, Mt. Kilauea, and the community of Kalapana, which was destroyed by the lava flow during the eruption of the volcano. Carolyn Han loves stories and has a passion for collecting them. For years, she has traveled the silk and incense roads gathering oral tales to share throughout the world. Some of her previous books are Tales from Within the Clouds: Nakhi Stories of China, Why Snails Have Shells: Minority and Han Folktales from China, The Demon King and Other Festival Folktales of China, Koa’s Seed, Pono Pono, and most recently From The Land Of Sheba:Yemeni Folk Tales. Although the outlines or essences of retold stories may remain the same, the settings and characters change as the stories are woven into new cultures. Living in Hawaii for nearly thirty years, Carolyn has also written several Hawaiian books, retelling stories shared through the ages. “What’s important is that old stories, ones heard over and over again, can always be ‘dusted off,’ given new life and set in a new culture, as with Koa’s Seed,” states Ms. Han. She shared with Mr. Kimzey’s class how authors often use real life stories for book ideas and encouraged students to listen to their own inner voice and to write their own story.
Faculty Highlights
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SAS Faculty Team “Takes Manhattan” The JP Morgan Corporate Challenge By Judy Ridgeway The SAS faculty ladies team (Annika Ferrell, Katherine Hallam, Judy Ridgway and previous SAS teacher and alumni Vicki Rameker) proudly represented Singapore at the annual JP Morgan Corporate Championship run along New York’s Park Avenue October 1st. The team qualified for the New York event after winning the Singapore JP Morgan Corporate Challenge as the fastest ladies team. They were accompanied by the winning Singapore men’s and mixed teams, both from the Singapore Police Force. Good security! Winning teams from each of JP Morgan’s 15 Corporate Challenge From Left: Judy Ridgway, Annika Ferrell, Vicki Rameker and Katherine Hallam races were flown to New York for the championship race joined by the fastest 15% of teams from the NY area. The faculty ladies put SAS on the map alongside multinational companies such as Deutsche Bank, General Electric, AT&T and American Airlines to name a few. In the spirit of the SAS 50th Anniversary celebrations, the team joined ten New York based alumni for an enjoyable lunch on Friday. Alumni ranged from a ’76 graduate to several recent college grads. Plenty of stories were shared and a keen interest was expressed by many to attend the 50th celebrations in April. Thank you to Susan Murray and Gillian Han for arranging this. The race day was extremely exciting. The weather was a perfect fresh autumn temperature and the atmosphere at the race start was very international in flavor with flag bearers parading from the represented countries. Nine times NY marathon winner Grete Waitz oversaw the race start proceedings and a moving American anthem was sung by a member of NY’s police department. The 1,400 runners ran a 3.5mile (5.6km) figure of eight around Grand Central Station along Park Avenue. The SAS team finished 24th of the ladies teams with a combined time of 1:42:35, eight minutes faster than the team’s Singapore time. The Singapore men’s Gurkha team finished an impressive 7th with a time of 1:12:15. Everyone agreed it was an unforgettable experience. The team is already training for next year!
Now Available!!!
ALL-SCHOOL SAS @ 50 POSTER Posters of the all-school SAS @ 50 school photo are on sale at the Booster Booth (in the high school lobby) for $5. Complimentary postcard size photos have been ordered for each SAS student. Questions should be directed to Susan Murray at 6360-6302 or smurray@sas.edu.sg.
IASAS
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The Tradition of Excellence
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his year, the 50th Anniversary of SAS, many of us have called on alumni to help remember the school’s history and the roots of our traditions. This has also served to remind us how SAS alumni carry the memories of their years here with them long after they have left. The rich history and traditions of SAS combined with the current students, faculty, administration and parent community, contributes to the unique identity of the school today. Don Adams, the high school girls’ soccer coach, has kept in touch with his alumni players for many years. His weekly updates to the alumni during the soccer season are as much a part of the season as the games themselves. So when he asked his players to write in support of the team as they headed to IASAS, their responses were not a surprise. They certainly were, however, insightful. Their time playing soccer at SAS clearly inspired memories for a lifetime. “You will be amazed what you remember a decade later. It has been 13 years since our team won IASAS and my friends and I still talk about it ‘til this day… I remember the year we lost in overtime just as much as the year we won…of course the stories are very different, but still great memories.” Kelly Goodrich (Benford) Class of 1992 “It seems like just yesterday that we beat Bangkok in the finals… It was the first game I have ever in my life cried after…I’ll never forget the feeling I had being on stage with the most amazing team I have ever been on and receiving a gold medal…It is a feeling that I will remember the rest of my life.” Aubrey #9 “As a member of the SAS winning IASAS Team of 1992 (yikes!), I remember a rainy, wet and humid KL night, when SAS was fighting its bitter rival JIS for the trophy… With our skill and tenacity, we did win... and beat JIS twice in an IASAS tournament. That was heaven, and I still remember that night as if it was yesterday, and I now realize that was more than 10 years ago!” SAS former Captain 1992, Karina Martin “Playing soccer … was one of the best things I did in high school. Tradition. Webster’s defines tradition as “That which is handed down from age to age...” I was there when our winning tradition under Coach Adams was born. I’ll never forget our team, our night, and most of all, our exaltation that came from winning. I was on the ‘88-‘89 team. Our team that year was truly a thing of beauty… It was as if we knew where
IASAS
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The Tradition of Excellence (cont’) a teammate would pass before she did. …It came down to a shoot out. We were tied 0-0. That moment will be with me forever. In front of the home crowd, Jen Foster landed the winning goal. It was as if time stopped. The crowd poured onto the field, fans screaming, flags waving, tears flowing. That was one of the proudest moments of my life. As you enter the tournament this year, know that I am thinking of you. Reach down deep, rely upon your teammates, have faith in your coach (he’s the best!). Win for tradition, win for your school and coach, win for each other. But most of all, win for the memory you will cherish for a lifetime.” Heidi (Peterson) Hill Class of ‘90, Eagle Soccer ‘87-‘88, ‘88-‘89, ‘89-‘90
IASAS Victories
Gold and Silver for SAS Teams Congratulations to the SAS soccer, volleyball and cross-country teams that competed in the IASAS tournament October 13th to 15th. SAS hosted the soccer tournament where both the girls’ and boys’ teams finished in 1st place. Cross-country teams traveled to Bangkok to compete and again both the girls’ and boys’ teams finished in 1st place. The volleyball tournament was also held in Bangkok this year. SAS girls’ team finished 2nd and the boys’ team came in 1st.
IASAS RESULTS Cross-Country SAS Boys Team 1 Place Individual Finish Warren Ho – 4th Alex Lloyd – 5th Kris Danorwagan – 6th
SAS Girls Team 1st Place Individual Finish Renuka Agarwal – 1st Kim McKinney – 5th Deron Hardee – 6th
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Soccer SAS Boys Team 1st Place
SAS Girls Team 1st Place
All-Tournament Boys Marcus Bech Kyohei Morita Tarik Stafford Gonzalo Carral
All-Tournament Girls Kacey Whitaker Natalie Knowlton Kelsey Heiner Sara Calvert
VolleyBall SAS Boys Team 1 Place All-Tournament Boys Clay Crawford David Bywater Adam Schwarz st
SAS Girls 2nd Place All-Tournament Girls Andrea Long Joanna Tu
High School Dance
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High School Dancers to Perform “Mulan”
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n Thursday and Friday, November 17 and 18, High School Dance students will perform the story of “Mulan”. The story of Hua Mu Lan comes from an ancient Chinese ballad written between 5th and 6th century A.D. which has been popular throughout the centuries. The recently released Disney movie adaptation “Mulan” portrays the Chinese heroine Mu Lan who disguised herself as a man to serve in the imperial army in place of her father. It’s a story of discovery, courage, hope and love. As you watch the dances unfold, you will follow Mu Lan and her friends on her life’s journey; at first trying to be the girl she is expected to be and her sadness and confusion in that role, then through the war, on to when she is discovered to be a girl and in the end to the final battle and her return to her family. Since the beginning of the school year eleven student choreographers have worked together to create this dance interpretation of the story of Hua Mu Lan. Their creative input has resulted in a series of dances that communicate the story to the audience. This has included input relating to the choreography, music and costuming, lighting, make up, sets and props.
whole family! Thursday and Friday performances at 4pm make that easy.
There are 80 high school students dancing in “Mulan”. Rehearsals for different sections of the story took place after school and on Saturdays, requiring many hours of dedication and work. As is the case with many events at SAS, parental support for this program has been extensive and is greatly appreciated. Children of all ages will enjoy this show, so plan to bring the
The “Mulan” poster (above), was designed by High School artist Rachel Spencer.
High School Drama Noises Off
By Mariko Thomas “Oh, I thought I heard my voice.” Doug Dugard, in his character of the posh, drunk, burglar named Selsdon, stares wildly around for a whiskey bottle and the cast of “Noises Off “ collapses into laughter; utterly breaking character for the second time that rehearsal. They can’t help it, it’s just too funny. This is just one of the many ridiculous and hilarious lines that Michael Frayn has woven into his classic British farce. “Noises Off” is a show that has been performed and enjoyed by people all over the world, and now, finally, by Singapore American School high school students. The play is full of witty lines, quirky characters and is an amazingly physical comedy. “Noises Off “will be performing on the 10th, 11th, and 12th of November at 7pm in the Drama Theatre at SAS. Admission is free, though donations are gratefully accepted. Bring your kids, neighbors and anyone else who will enjoy a fabulous night of bone-tickling entertainment.
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High School Concerts
20 Peace Concert By Rachel Witt – Peace Initiative Vice President It’s time to rock out at Peace Concert! Peace Initiative, an SAS student led human rights organization, hosts the concert every year to raise money for regional charities in Pakistan, India, Thailand, Cambodia and the Philippines, with a focus on children’s education. Attended by almost 1,000 high school students every year, Peace Concert has become a much-anticipated event during the school year and provides a great opportunity to showcase local musical talent. This year’s concert will feature an awesome variety of musical genres, including popular bands such as Saw Loser, Set for Glory, Ronin, and Rafe. Refreshments will be sold by several SAS clubs. This year’s Peace Concert will be held at the Singapore American School on November 19, 2005. Tickets and t-shirts will be sold for S$10 each at school and at the gate on the night of the concert. Nokia phones, Creative Zen Micro mp3 players and other prizes will be raffled at the concert, with all proceeds going to the Pakistan earthquake victims. Come and join us for an exciting night of great music and fun! Although this is largely a high school event, SAS 8th grade students who wish to attend may also do so.
Yulefest
To Play or Replay... That Is Out Of The Question A wandering troupe of actors is eager to please the king but can not resist poking fun at him, his court, each other and of course the audience. Yulefest is all about music – Singers, Brass and Strings and much, much more…. Cross the drawbridge to the castle courtyard and into the Castle (Drama Theater) on Thursday December 1st at 5:30pm and December 2nd and 3rd at 7:00pm. Tickets on sale from November 9th at the Booster Booth.
Community Service
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Sensory Trail on Pulau Ubin Contributed by Martha Began
Beginning in 1995, the SAVE and ECO Clubs in association with the Nature Society (Singapore), the Singapore Association of the Visually Handicapped (SAVH) and the Singapore National Parks Board initiated a nature trail on Pulau Ubin for the visually impaired. Typical SAS trips to this Sensory Trail include bus transport to the jetty, followed by a short boat trip across the Johore straits to Pulau Ubin. Sighted guides lend a hand with transfers, as well as conducting tours along the trail to help guests explore the smells, sounds, and textures of the natural beauty of the island’s environment. Fourteen permanent plaques in Braille and English with descriptors covering the flora and fauna of the area are posted along the trail. In the nine years since the trail was first instigated, it has gone from a small social service project intended for occasional use, to a permanent trail used weekly by hundreds of sighted and visually impaired people. It has been expanded and developed further by the National Parks Board with the addition of a Sensory Garden. The partnerships between many local environmental and government groups including the training of dozens of natural history guides by the Singapore Environmental Council have truly made this a diverse and community wide project. The first SAS trip of this school year to the Pulau Ubin Sensory Trail took place on Saturday October 22nd. We need your strong adult hands to help our visually handicapped friends. Plan to join us on future trips! Everyone from the SAS community is welcome. Bring your small children and friends. Contact SAS science teachers Martha Began (mbegan@sas,edu.sg), Steve Early (searly@sas,edu.sg) or Kate Thome (kthome@sas.edu. sg) for more information.
Plan Ahead
THE SENSORY TRAIL DATES FOR THE 2005-06 YEAR November 19 February 25 March 18 April 8 May 27
Pulau Ubin Sensory Trail Trip #2 Sensory Trail at Sungei Buloh Trip #3 Pulau Ubin Sensory Trail Trip #4 Sensory Trail at Sembawang Park Trip #5 Pulau Ubin Sensory Trail Trip #6
Middle School Highlights
Freak-Out Friday
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Middle School Spirit Day Dancing to Chic’s 1978 hit Disco song “Le Freak” was such a fun part of the 7th and 8th grade Classroom Without Walls experience in September, that the Middle School Student Council sponsored “Freak-Out Friday” as the October Spirit Day theme. MS students also enjoyed the opportunity to dress-up their homebase teachers. The results were spectacular.
Lunchtime Concert Series Middle School instrumental ensembles played the second in their series of “Lunchtime Concerts” in the MS lobby in October. These impromptu concerts give student musicians a chance to showcase their work in an informal setting. Sharing the culture of fine arts with the student audiences has been a hit!
Special Highlights
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United Nations Day UN Day is celebrated throughout the world in October every year. One of the ways that SAS celebrates the school’s diversity is though assemblies in honor of UN Day. This gives students an opportunity to dress in costumes reflecting their national heritage and to share their customs and culture with their peers. Students at SAS come from over 50 countries bringing a rich diversity of cultures, languages and experiences to the school.
High School Music Concerts On Tuesday evening, October 18th talented High School string and band students performed in their first concert of the year. Also performing that evening was the ever-popular SAS Jazz Ensemble. Later that week, on Friday evening, October 21st the High School Choir presented their concert program “If Music Be the Food of Love.” The SAS Choir, Chanterie and the SAS Singers performed songs about love.