Singapore American School Newsflash, December 2010

A Singapore American School community service publication

MICA (P)107/09/2010

December 2010 Volume 13, Issue 3-10/11

Varsity Volleyball Page 22

Distinguished Principal Page 4

Every Child is a Poet Page 8

Cross-Country Gold Page 21

December 2010 Volume 13, Issue 3-10/11

Editor’s Note

Linked Interdependency

By Tamara Black Associate Director of Communications

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couple of days ago I received my weekly LinkedIn Updates email, the social networking equivalent of a Christmas letter that details professional connections and activities among the people to whom I am linked. In this email I discovered that Markus is now connected to David and Gill, Ranjitha is connected to Nick, and Jonathan is presenting a workshop on privacy concerns.

Yes, I actually read these weekly updates. I read them because I’m intrigued by the number of friends and colleagues who regularly make new connections, join professional groups, and post grand (and not-so-grand) accomplishments. But I also read them because I want to remain connected to these people, even though many of them live halfway around the world.

Tracy, a dear friend and one of my favorite LinkedIn connections, once told me, “Even though we don’t see each other every day, that doesn’t mean I won’t be there when you need me. Just give me a call and I’ll be on the next plane.” To me, that’s what makes life meaningful—knowing that we can depend on others, that we’re connected, that we have an innate need for the interdependency that ties us all together.

As you read this month’s NewsFlash, you’ll notice the theme of interdependency throughout the stories. On page 6, student teaching intern Monica San Jose explains how collaboration among teachers promotes cohesion and makes for a stronger teaching team. Author Georgia Heard recently led poetry workshops for seventh graders (page 16) where she connected with young writers by sharing her own experiences and learning more about theirs.

Beginning on page 21 you can read about the synergy of the SAS athletic teams and discover how teamwork contributed to their successes during season play and IASAS championship games. You’ll also learn more about David Hoss, Primary School principal and recipient of the 2010 National Distinguished Principals Award (page 4), and his commitment to the entire SAS community.

Now, I know what you’re probably thinking. Am I really interested in a recent blog post by Sondra, one of my LinkedIn connections, that details the process she went through to design her holiday cards? Absolutely.

Contents Regular Features 3

From the Superintendent’s Office

13

From the SAS PTA

18

Booster Club News

27

The Eye

Highlights 5

Kindergarten Sets Standard of Excellence

6

Classroom Without Walls

9

PreK Experiences World Cultures

11

A Math Cornucopia of Pumpkins

12

Asia Region Art Educators Conference

16

Computer Training for Migrant Workers

21

Varsity Cross Country

24

Varsity Soccer

NewsFlash is published monthly during the academic year except September and January by the communications office of Singapore American School.

It is distributed free of charge to the parents, faculty members and organizations served by the school. We welcome input from the community associated with Singapore American School.

Editor: Tamara Black, Associate Director of Communications Layout Design: Alfi Dino Photography: Karen Cortezano

Contacts General Inquiries and Comments communications@sas.edu.sg NewsFlash Submissions Tamara Black, tblack@sas.edu.sg Deadline for submissions is the first of the month prior to the proposed month of publication.

Singapore American School, 40 Woodlands Street 41, Singapore 738547 Tel: 6360-6303 www.sas.edu.sg

From the Superintendent’s Office

By Brent Mutsch, Ed.D. Superintendent

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he impending vote of the General Assembly loomed as delegates worked feverishly to meet the deadlines for developing and presenting arguments both for and against pressing international issues. They discussed, negotiated and debated solutions to various world problems. While this may sound like just another day at the United Nations, this is actually a description of a recent meeting of 160 students representing 15 different schools from across Southeast Asia who came together on the SAS campus for a Model United Nations event.

The Model UN experience provided high school students with powerful insights into the interdependent nature of our world. Students experienced firsthand the challenges associated with charting a course of action among nations of the global community who have different interests and sometimes directly competing values. They also came to realize that the global interdependence embedded in our world today enables both individuals and companies to network, communicate, coordinate and collaborate across a planet increasingly less defined by physical and political boundaries.

Many of our SAS families have found their way to Singapore for reasons that are directly related to the global interdependence now reflected in our world. This intersection of families has contributed to the creation of the SAS learning community and has set the stage for students to learn with and from those of diverse backgrounds, amazing cultural differences and various religious persuasions. The natural interaction that students experience daily with one another contributes to the development of a global perspective that we know is further nurtured at school and at home.

The mission of the Singapore American School is to provide each student with an exemplary American educational experience with an international perspective.

More than 50 different nationalities are currently represented in the SAS student population. This wonderful mosaic of cultures enables us to have the opportunity to develop friendships with people from literally all across the world. In doing so, students and adults alike develop a deeper appreciation and understanding of those things in life that serve to make us different, and in so many ways, the same.

As the first half of the 2010-11 school year rapidly comes to a successful

conclusion, thank you for the manner in which so many of you have contributed to the interdependent experience of Singapore American School. Although our coming together is but the beginning, it is our working together that is contributing daily to our creating the environment in which our students can develop the knowledge, skills and understandings necessary to be successful in a globally interdependent world.

Photos on this page by Bryan Quah, Grade 10 Student

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David Hoss, 2010 National Distinguished Principal

By Brent Mutsch, Ed.D. Superintendent

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n October 14 and 15, David Hoss was recognized in Washington, D.C. by the National Association of Elementary School Principals for the outstanding leadership he has provided the SAS Primary Division for more than two decades. David was one of 62 principals from across the United States and abroad who were honored with the 2010 National Distinguished Principals Award for their commitment to assuring that students acquire a strong foundation for a lifetime of learning and achievement.

Those of us who have had the privilege of working and interacting directly with David know of his dedication and abiding commitment to making the Primary Division a special place for students, parents, faculty and staff. He daily combines high expectations for performance for himself and others, a genuine interest in students, parents, faculty and staff, and a vision for excellence in learning in a manner that translates into wonderful leadership.

David models the importance of remaining current through his commitment to professional growth and development. His knowledge of curriculum, assessment and best instructional practices enables him to coach and mentor other members of the Primary Division team in ways that contribute to their success with students.

David has earned the respect and admiration of faculty and leadership team peers as one who has not allowed longevity to compromise his enthusiasm, commitment or dedication. David has been a consistent source of inspiration to those who work most closely with him. He daily works to ensure that primary age students come into a school environment that is welcoming, caring and committed to creating a culture in which both a love for learning and coming to school is developed and nurtured.

Deputy Principal Ken Schunk and students from the Primary School prepare to give a lively hip-hip-hooray.

David Hoss receives an engraved school bell from Robert L. Monson, President-elect of NAESP (National Association of Elementary School Principals).

Thank you, David, for your gift of leadership and for the commitment you have made to creating an environment at the Primary Division that reflects the SAS Core Values. Your consistent demonstration of compassion, fairness, honesty, respect and responsibility has served as a model to each of us. We can’t imagine a more deserving recipient of the 2010 National Distinguished Principals Award. This award is but one symbol of the appreciation that exists within the SAS community for the manner in which your professional efforts have had an impact on the lives of so many children, parents and colleagues.

Dr. Brent Mutsch, SAS Superintendent, joined SAS faculty and staff in celebrating with David upon his return from Washington, D.C.

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Kindergarten Sets Standard of Excellence

By Monica San Jose Kindergarten Student Teacher

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hat makes SAS special?

As a trailing spouse for 18 years, I have moved my children to six different schools and have experienced different education systems (U.S. public schools, private schools, Japanese preschools, Department of Defense military schools and home schooling) as a parent, volunteer, substitute and full time teacher. By the time our family came to Singapore, I knew enough to realize that SAS is an extraordinary school. Like other schools, SAS has qualified caring teachers and outstanding resources, but it stands above other great schools because of its ability to inspire a passion for learning, to encourage emotional and intellectual vitality and to empower students with confidence. The proof of SAS’s success in achieving its vision is evident as early as kindergarten.

As a student teacher in the kindergarten, I have witnessed passionate teachers who are excited about sharing ideas to create the best educational experience for each student. Collaborative planning takes place among various teachers in an efficient manner, each sharing valuable experiences to enrich overall unit plans. Ms. Shave says, “Working

together promotes cohesion between the teachers and helps to keep us on the same page at the same time. By sharing ideas with others, I feel like a valuable part of the team.”

Ms. Hevey said she was excited about the new things she was trying in her Writer’s Workshop and about the children’s enthusiastic and intellectual responses. Specialists and teachers alike devote many hours to assessment to ensure that each child gets what he or she needs and are within the “zone of proximal development” throughout the year. Because of this passion and support, parents remark how their children not only love to go to school but also does not want to miss a single day. “Madeleine was not feeling well but still wanted to go to school!” remarked one parent. Many parents shared similar observations. One day, a child randomly said to me, “I LOVE kindergarten!” This great desire to be at school is proof that kindergarten teachers and specialists are instilling children with a passion for learning.

I am responsible for studying the latest teaching methodologies and comparing them with what is in place at the school where I am working.

In one project, I researched the U.S. National Reading Panel (NRP)’s guidelines and the International Reading Association’s standards for developing literacy in the classroom.

The NRP recommended model for

kindergarten curriculum is already in place at SAS, and in typical SAS fashion, it is an expanded and improved model. Just ask any child in Mr. Hinton’s class what it means to be “King” or “Queen” for the day. He will explain that this program gives the child confidence at the start of the year, as well as developing pre-reading and writing skills. As for the established guidelines, SAS meets every criteria with great breadth and exceeds in areas where other schools are not able to conform. SAS promotes intellectual vitality in kindergarten and sets the standard of excellence for other schools to follow.

SAS is special because it empowers kindergarten students with confidence.

How does this happen at such a young age? The answer lies in teachers’ expert ability to give students responsibility in the classroom through personal choices, to give students the ability to abide by a common core set of values and the opportunity to selfregulate their behavior, and to give students strategies that allow them to have ownership of their work and learning.

Monica San Jose is completing a student teaching internship in the kindergarten. As of November 30, she completed all requirements for an International Teaching License as well as a New Jersey State License for Elementary Education and Middle School Mathematics through a global program at The College of New Jersey.

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Classroom Without Walls

By Gordon Cyr, Peter Cuthbert, Jackie Haas, Jim Haas, Philip Meehan, Jamie McDougald and Chris Raymaakers - CWW Coordinators

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he Middle School Classroom Without Walls (CWW) program extends student learning beyond experiences they can gain at school.

The primary goal is for students to build positive relationships, trust, and cooperation with their peers and teachers by facing unique challenges and experiences outside of the classroom. Through these challenges

and experiences, students have opportunities to grow as individuals and to build self-esteem. Students further develop environmental awareness and cultural sensitivity by participating in activities specific to each trip. Once they return to the classroom, the lessons learned at CWW support and enhance student learning throughout the school year.

6 Grade Grade 6 Students Stretch Beyond Their Comfort Zones “Stretching Beyond Your Comfort Zone” was the theme of the grade 6 trip to the tiny fishing village of Sedili Besar, Malaysia. Students participated in a variety of activities aimed at increasing their awareness of the environment and developing an appreciation for the local culture.

Students conducted a survey of the rocky seashore, visited a palm oil plantation, hiked through primary rain forest and strolled through a kampong. They designed traditional Malay kites, prepared a Malay dessert and performed skits.

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In September, each grade traveled to a nearby location that offered opportunities to explore the seashore, village life, wetlands and the rain forest. Each homebase of 12-13 students and their teacher were led by a biologist from Eco Field Trips. More photos are available online at www.bit.ly/sascww.

7 Grade Seventh Graders Face New Challenges Grade 7 students traveled to Loola Adventure Resort on Bintan, Indonesia, which provided a great opportunity for students to challenge themselves and get to know their peers and teachers better. Whether it was getting big air off the boat while boom-netting, raft building, kayaking, hill trekking or just hanging out on the beach or around the campfire, there was plenty to do. Students were also involved in a community service project, painting local villagers’ houses and providing them with new mosquito nets.

No One is an Island in Grade 8

8 Grade

The grade 8 CWW experience focused on communication, problem solving and teamwork skills, as well as stepping outside the students’ comfort zones. Whether it was overcoming heights, getting to know new students, eating Indonesian cuisine or acting in the student created melodramas, opportunities for growth and personal challenge were in abundance.

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Every Child is a Poet

By Stephanie Herdrich MS RLA Teacher

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s the students settled down to writing, a lithe, graceful woman stepped quietly off the stage. She sat down on the ground next to a student and gently whispered, “What are you working on?” Nearby, 110 grade 7 students furiously wrote in their notebooks, inspired by the teaching of poet and writer Georgia Heard. Natural, affirming and insightful, Heard moved from student to student, conferring with them individually.

All grade 7 RLA students had the great pleasure of participating in two-day poetry workshops with Georgia Heard on October 25 and 26. The students, already mid-way through a poetry unit of study in Writing Workshop, were well versed in Heard’s poetry and ideas, and were excited and ready to work alongside the poet.

Well-known as both a poet and an author of books about teaching poetry, Heard certainly lives what she preaches —that poetry truly is an art form for everyone, and that every child is a poet waiting to be set free.

Her authenticity as both a teacher and writer really spoke to the grade 7 students at her workshops. “What is special about Georgia Heard is that 8

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she teaches us to write poetry exactly how a real person who writes poetry would do it,” remarked one student.

“She didn’t really advise me on what to write, instead she asked me lots of questions that helped me think about my own writing,” commented another student who had the opportunity to confer one- on-one with Heard.

Students listened intently as Heard took them through two days of ideagenerating activities. After the minilessons, students worked in their own notebooks, and then Heard gave them opportunities to share their work.

Sam’s Deli is just one example of the amazing work produced during these hour-long sessions. (See sidebar) Heard spent an entire week at SAS, working with students ranging from preschoolers to high school students.

She gave teacher workshops and parent sessions. Her schedule was grueling, yet through it all she exuded serenity and enthusiasm. I asked her about working with such a wide range of ages. “I love working with all ages.

With the kindergarteners yesterday I had them acting out bear poems on stage, and with the seventh graders I had them sharing their own poetry.

But the message is the same–poetry December 2010

is for everyone.” Her message was welcomed by young SAS writers who will continue to write poetry, personal narratives, expository pieces and fiction with enthusiasm and expertise in their classroom Writing Workshops.

Author workshops, like Heard’s visit, as well as upcoming visits by Candace Fleming (in January) and Linda Sue Park (In March) are just one of the many ways that SAS creates a rich culture of literacy for our students.

Pre-K Experiences World Cultures

By Pre-Kindergarten Team ECC

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he annual UN Day assembly, held in October and involving the entire Primary School and ECC, kick-started a week full of rich learning experiences for the students in pre-kindergarten. We spent the week honoring the cultures represented by the students in our classes. Having such a diverse group of students made our learning and virtual travels easy.

We visited many countries around the world and learned about what makes them special.

We began with USA Day and went camping in our make believe forest in the group room where we slept in tents under the stars. We made s’mores and took part in American-style dancing.

From there we went to the Native American Reservation, where Ms. Harvey (Anya’s mom and the HS art teacher) talked about life on the Seneca reservation. All classes were divided into clans and were invited into a

longhouse, where Ms Harvey told stories about Native American culture.

Over the subsequent week we invited parents to share information about their countries of origin. We traveled to Germany, Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, Saudi Arabia, Iran and New Zealand.

We cooked and ate pretzels from Germany, sampled Korean snacks, ate Japanese treats using chopsticks, ate kiwi bird cookies from New Zealand, and learned to say hello and thank you in different languages. Mrs. Johnson told us a story from Saudi Arabia

and Ms. Kaye and Mrs. Shaw taught a traditional Maori song from New Zealand. We made piu pius (traditional Maori skirts) to wear as we gathered to sing in the ABC Hall.

After a week of fabulous travel, we can truly say Singapore American School is an international school with an American perspective. Our children have gained much through these hands-on experiences, and we are truly one global family where everyone is valued in pre-kindergarten.

Middle School UN Day

By Kurt Johnson, Craig Derksen, Sarah Becker Grade 7 Social Studies Teachers

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rade 7 at SAS recently devoted a day to celebrating the United Nations. Through a variety of school activities and events, students developed deeper insights into the organization and its work on issues that are of regional and international concern.

UN Day kicked off with a presentation by math teacher Mark Forgeron in the drama theater. With a large map of the world taped to the stage he used student volunteers, each representing five percent of the world’s population, to highlight development indicators in wealth, poverty, education, literacy and economic production, which presented students with a meaningful visual representation of existing global inequalities.

Within classrooms, core teachers explored particular issues in which the UN is involved. Examples of their activities include:

• Exploring the UN Convention on the Rights of a Child, with special focus on the memoir A Long Way Gone by former child soldier Ismeal Beah • Learning about water-specific UN Millennium Development Goals and experiencing the burden of

many women in the developing world by carrying 20 liters of water for one kilometer

• Simulating the difficulty in coming to a consensus, a challenge common to the UN Security Council • Inviting the local drumming outfit, Lila Drums, to campus so that each student could thump an African beat on the djembe (drum) in appreciation of the UN’s promotion of intercultural respect UN Day culminated in an extravaganza of international food and dress, with many parents providing tasty foods from all corners of the globe. Wearing cultural garb, students and teachers embraced UN Day as an opportunity to enjoy diversity, consider different perspectives, learn about global issues and have fun—all in the name of the UN, an international organization helping to make the world a better place.

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Spanish and French Summer Immersion

By Tico Oms and Laurence Patrick HS Teachers

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ome ways of learning a language are more effective than others. You might immerse yourself in the language or you might learn to speak the language while pursuing a passion. This summer, middle and high school students will have the opportunity to do both during the Summer 2011 Barcelona and Paris Language Immersion Trips. Students might learn Spanish while touring the Picasso Museum or visiting Los Ramblas in Barcelona.

Or perhaps they would like to enhance their French language skills while touring Mont St. Michel or sketching masterpieces as they lounge along the Seine in Paris.

The SAS summer language immersion programs provide students with the opportunity to enjoy activities such as these.

The Barcelona Spanish Immersion Trip will run from June 5-18 and is open to SAS high school students and middle school students who have completed Spanish 8b or 8c.

The program packs a variety of activities daily. Students participate in more than three hours of intensive language training in the morning, with three options (soccer camp, tennis camp, or cultural excursion) for afternoon activities.

Some of the cultural activities include guided tours of Barcelona’s best museums such as the Picasso Museum and the Miro Museum, visits to historic old Barcelona and Las Ramblas, and visits to the seaside village of Sitges and the ancient Roman city of Tarragona. For more information on this trip, contact Tico Oms, course sponsor and HS teacher, at toms@sas.edu.sg.

The French Language Immersion Trip will take place June 5-17 and is open to SAS high school students and middle school students who have completed French 8b or 8c.

This program offers a set of experiences in Paris and the

surrounding areas. Mornings will be devoted to language lessons with afternoons reserved for cultural explorations throughout the city. Cultural explorations include exploring sights and museums of Paris, visiting Monet’s house, traveling to Normandy and the D Day landing beaches, and experiencing French cuisine. The weekend includes visits to the surrounding countryside. For more information, contact Laurence Patrick, course sponsor and HS teacher, at lpatrick@sas.edu.sg.

Student Essay Honored

By Kelly Nash HS Teacher

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unior Oliver Kim’s essay on the Maginot Line, “Fighting the Last War: How Strategy Failed France in 1940,” will be published in this year’s fall issue of The Concord Review. This would be a major feat in itself, considering the fact that The Concord Review only publishes about seven percent of all the high school essays they receive. What’s more impressive, however, is the fact that Oliver wrote the essay as a freshman. Oliver describes the news of his publication as “at once joyous and humbling.”

Crafting a 4,000 word research essay is a daunting task for most freshmen in high school, but Oliver sees the merit in maintaining a rigorous curriculum in the humanities. In a letter to Mr. Will Fitzhugh, the editor of the journal, Oliver writes, From the rise of the standardized test as a measure of academic success, to the subordination and disappearance of the long-form essay in the high school curriculum, the humanities appear to be losing ground in education. In light of the numerous competitions and accolades available to students of math and the hard sciences, options for students of the humanities, especially history, are comparatively few. . . . The Concord Review is employed as a standard of quality and academic rigor. Though I cannot speak for my whole school, I can say that, anecdotally, this project has sparked historical curiosity and illuminated unexplored talents in my classmates.

Oliver Kim’s and other prize-winning essays are available online at www.tcr.org.

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A Math Cornucopia of Pumpkins

By Susan Shaw IS GATE teacher

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n the spirit of the autumn season, students in the GATE math classes were busy with pumpkin activities during Halloween week.

Students in grades 3 and 4 focused on gathering data for several large pumpkins by estimating the weight and circumference of each pumpkin before measuring each large pumpkin. Grade 3 students worked together on a BIG pumpkin project. Did you know that the largest pumpkin grown in the world is a massive 821.23kg (1,810lb 8oz)? This pumpkin, grown by Chris Stevens, set a new Guinness World Record in New York City on October 9, 2010.

Grade 5 students measured the equatorial circumference and the diameter as well as the polar circumferences and height of the pumpkins, and then used spreadsheet formulas to calculate the ratio of each. The circumference of a circle is approximately three times its diameter so students were encouraged to have their measurements as close to a ratio of 3:1 as possible.

Grade 5 students also used Archimedes laws of buoyancy and density to find the volume of small pumpkins. They finished the week by estimating how many seeds were in each pumpkin and pondering whether larger pumpkins had more seeds than smaller pumpkins. Their conclusion, based on the data, was that larger pumpkins do not necessarily have more seeds than smaller pumpkins. A lucky draw was held to see who would take the pumpkins home for Halloween.

Summer 2011 Youth Internship Program

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he Youth Internship Program (YIP or Yippee!, as some call it) run by the American Association of Singapore (AAS) gave students an unparalleled opportunity over the 2010 summer vacation to work in real jobs, find out about the employment market and add to their resumes.

Nearly 50 students applied for paid and unpaid jobs in industries ranging from restaurants and design to health care and environmentalism. The students learned a lot, and many wrote about their experiences afterward. “It was a great experience,” said one. And, in a comment that many parents would appreciate, another intern said “even trivial things, like feeling sore from sitting down all day, I only had to do for a month but my dad has to do it

every day.” Employers said that hiring interns was valuable. The intern “acted more responsibly than most college graduates I know,” said one, and another said that they “bring a youthful energy to the office and all my colleagues like having them around.”

Not everything was positive, as one might expect. A handful of jobs fell through at the last minute, and some interns didn’t show up on time or weren’t overly motivated. Overall, though, impressions were quite good.

Early as it may seem, the AAS is already planning YIP for next year.

YIP is critically dependent on finding internships for the students, and needs your help in identifying opportunities.

If your company would be willing to host interns for 4-8 weeks during the

June through early-August summer vacation in 2011, or if you know about an opportunity somewhere else, please contact crce.manager@ aasingapore.com or AAS board member Richard Hartung at 9695- 8210 or hartung@starhub.net.sg.

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Asia Region Art Educators Conference

By Kelly McFadzen PS/IS Art Teacher

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he SAS Visual Arts Department welcomed art teachers from 18 different schools from across Asia to the third annual ARARTE (Asia Region Art Educators) Conference on October 8-10.

Teachers from Bombay to Beijing gathered for a weekend of inspiration, creativity and learning. ARARTE was created by Kendra Farrell from the International School of Beijing to be “a creative community of art educators living, working, or interested in Asia.”

The ARARTE Ning social network that Kendra created gives teachers a place online to respond, collaborate and share using new technology. Working together on the Ning led teachers to organize face-to-face meetings in the form of conferences and learn from one another. After conferences in Beijing and then India, the teachers at SAS were happy to extend an invitation for ARARTE to come to Singapore.

The weekend started with a gathering at the Painted Bridge in Robertson Quay to see the inspiring work of Filipina artist Pacita Abad. From there, guests toured the Singapore Tyler Print Institute and saw its world class studio, print and paper making facilities. After lunch, guests then visited the Singapore Contemporary Art Fair at the Suntec Conference

Center. Established and up-and-coming artists were present and available to speak with the teachers. The evening closed when ReDot Gallery, known for its contemporary Aboriginal art, hosted a talk and reception. Teachers learned about several historically important and iconic works of Aboriginal art and did some painting of their own.

Sixteen workshops offered the next day were presented by teachers from Singapore American School, Tanglin Trust, ISKL and New International School of Thailand. Topics ranged from glass fusion and pinhole cameras

Japanese School Art Exchange

By Kelly McFadzen PS/IS Art Teacher

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ach year the Japanese School in Singapore invites schools from across the island to participate in an art exchange. This year, two works from each grade level from K-5 were selected to represent Singapore American School at two exhibitions that were held at the Japanese School’s Clementi campus from October 6-17 and at its Changi campus October 18-29. Artwork from the Japanese School was also sent to SAS where it was displayed in the elementary art hallway.

This year the artists whose work was chosen are:

• • • • • • 12

Kindergarten: Dharma Shaw & Akira Murakami Grade 1: Ella Van der Velde & Zara Komo Grade 2: Joshua Goh & Olivia Moody Grade 3: Emily Price & Jenny Seo Grade 4: Joanna Effendy & Emily Koncki Grade 5: Alexandre Chauvel & Hannah Javens SINGAPORE AMERICAN SCHOOL

December 2010

to drawing with light and batik. These workshops were hands-on projects that could be used in the classroom.

The next day teachers gathered for a cartooning workshop presented by local cartoonist Iskander Walen.

Teachers then broke into smaller focus groups to discuss topics such as “how to use a classroom art blog” or “a forum on IB and AP art.”

This opportunity was both inspiring and practically applicable for the art teachers. What an enormous reward it was to be at SAS where continuous learning is encouraged and supported.

From the SAS PTA

By Mae Anderson PTA President

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s I write this, Orchard Road is festooned with holiday decorations and many of us are neck deep in preparations for the upcoming festivities. It is hard to believe that we are halfway through the school year. Even as we make plans for the holidays, the PTA is abuzz with the next functions on its calendar. Please save the dates for two of our most anticipated events, the Gala Dinner Dance and the County Fair.

The PTA Gala Dinner Dance is a sparkling evening of wine, food and friends at the Meritus Mandarin Hotel on Orchard Road on Saturday, February 19. This year’s event will again feature a fun Bollywood theme, a fourcourse gourmet dinner, a live band and both live and silent auctions. Please contact co-chairs Kim Rowe and Deb Christian for tickets. You can contact Kim at rowest3@gmail.com and Deb at dmhchristian@yahoo.com.

The annual County Fair will be on Saturday, February 26 and will bring all of SAS together for a day of fun. Fair highlights include the Used Book Sale, which features over 15,000 books for all ages, dozens of game booths and rides, and a boggling array of food and treats. Look for lots more information from County Fair Chair Jodie Stone. Please consider lending a hand at the fair. To volunteer, email Jodie at jnjstone88@yahoo.com.

On behalf of the PTA Board, I wish everyone at SAS safe and happy holidays.

Your Used Books Are Needed Are you moving? Do you need to make space on your shelves? Please consider donating your used books to the PTA Used Books Sale that will take place at the County Fair on February 26. All proceeds benefit SAS. We are looking for books, recent issues of monthly magazines, DVDs, CDs and computer games (not pirated, please!) We no longer accept video tapes. For your convenience, a yellow KC Dat used books donation box is located outside the PTA Office. You are welcome to drop off donations at anytime, including weekends. Volunteers are also needed!

For more information or to volunteer, contact Linda Fortmann at 9625 2767 or fortmann503@msn.com.

Thank you for your donations and help.

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Kavya Kalathur Kindergarten

Dhilan Patel 1st Grade

Yeonju Lee 2nd Grade

Anjali Patel 3rd Grade

Jamie JiHo Song 4th Grade

Janita Luanpolcharoenchai 5th Grade

The month of October found students in grades K-5 busy creating their own unique bookmark designs according to this year’s Book Fair theme:

...Discover the Riches of Reading 278 students chose to participate in the annual contest. Following the difficult process of judging, 1 Winner along with 2 Honorable Mentions per grade were chosen. All bookmark contest entries were displayed at the Book Fair and printed copies of the winning bookmarks were available to all Book Fair customers. A big THANK YOU! goes to Julie Allen for her excellent coordination of the Bookmark Contest again this year!

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l, Primary School Principa Principal, Tim Stuart & t Mutsch, High School Bren ent, tend pa. erin Zam l Sup SAS Mr Michae nsors: Mr Ron Widdows and & Kasie Widdows.

David Hoss, with APL Spo dows with Reagan, Jitlada Wid n awa Ladd Mrs : Also pictured

Continuing a tradition that began many years ago, SAS students of all ages excitedly awaited the annual APL Pumpkin Shipment, signaling the arrival of the fall season in tropical Singapore. For the past eleven years, APL, a generous supporter of the SAS PTA, has purchased and shipped a 40 foot container worth of American pumpkins and gourds to SAS. With the help of APL employees, high school students and other SAS volunteers, the pumpkins from the container were unloaded, cleaned and stored in the PTA Office in anticipation of a week of activities centered around Pumpkin Patch!

The Kindergarten group room was transformed into the Pumpkin Patch by a dedicated group of talented SAS parents led

by Joany Perrotta. For several days, students from Pre-school through 2nd Grade visited the Pumpkin Patch where they were treated to a delightful interactive story-telling session by volunteer parents, faculty and administrators. Each child also got to pick their own mini-pumpkin or gourd to take home. As added treats, the students were given Halloween tops, plastic spiders and pop-up Halloween characters, courtesy of the PTA. The week culminated in the PTA Pumpkin Sale at the Middle School fountain area. On Saturday, October 24th, another enthusiastic group of high school students and volunteers arrived at 7:30a.m. to carry all of the pumpkins for sale from the PTA Office to the sales area. Two of APL’s Chief Executive Ron Widdow’s children, Kasie and Reagan, joined Dr. Mutsch to cut the ribbon to officially open the Pumpkin Sale. Several parents and children were already in line, anxious to begin their search for the perfect pumpkin to take home.

The Pumpkin Sale proceeds of over $30,000 are donated in full to the SAS High School Community Service Clubs, some of which work with Singapore charities. Many thanks go to the PTA parent volunteers, faculty, administration, high school student volunteers, security and maintenance staff, who helped make this year’s Pumpkin Patch a huge success.

Very special thanks goes to APL for their continued support and generosity. We thank them for making this treasured tradition possible at SAS. Submitted by: Kim Hamby, PTA High School Representative SINGAPORE AMERICAN SCHOOL

December 2010

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Lost in Translation: Part 2

By Jeff Devens, Ph.D. HS Psychologist

T

he way in which we ask questions of our sons is important. Instead of, “How was your day?” try, “Tell me about some of the questions on the biology test that you were studying for last night?” Connect your questions with something specific (concrete) related to his day. Sometimes posing questions without expecting immediate replies is a good way of sparking future conversation (i.e., “I want to talk with you later tonight when dad gets home about your rationale for extending your curfew. I sure hope you have been thinking hard about why we should allow this.”) It’s not simply our words that cultivate conversations; rather, it’s how we use them that determines the type(s) of response we receive.

Anger. The emotion most readily visible among adolescent males is anger. It’s not that males don’t possess other emotions; in my experience most adolescent anger is masked to cope (albeit in a maladaptive way) with depression, fear, contempt, remorse and a general sense of a lack of control over their lives. Anger, however, is deemed

socially acceptable because the cause can be externalized. Teens rationalize, “I am not the cause of this emotional outburst… you are!” Anger is a means to an end, a way to get parents to disengage, leave them alone and allow them to continue in their growing parental isolation. As long as the finger of accusation can be pointed outward, the emotional response is justified.

This can only go on so long, however, before the anger begins to turn inward.

When channeled in healthy ways, anger can serve as a catalyst to promote change. The difficulty with anger is that it can become contagious.

For example, when parents become angry with their teen’s angry outbursts and resort to yelling, the teen turns this on them and uses the emotion of anger (i.e., you’re being mean) as the central issue instead of what precipitated the anger (his poor choice(s)).

Helping teens process anger is of vital importance. Parents do this by validating the emotion their teen is experiencing, and then directing this anger toward productive actions

Computer Training for Migrant Workers

By Vanessa Hardinge EASA Director

A

s we all know, computers play a vital role in today’s society.

In Singapore, the community that could benefit most from this technology does not have easy access to appropriate training. Knowing how vital technology is and the positive impact of the work that Linda Clark (former High School teacher) was doing with migrant workers at SAS, the EASA (Elementary After School Activities) department decided to continue to offer the popular Migrant Workers Computer Program (MWC).

EASA, together with the High School’s Migrant Workers Club and a team of dedicated SAS teacher volunteers, offered classes this past October and November. The first term started with

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almost 100 eager work permit holders and offered four levels to cater to the variety of abilities. Each of the four Sunday sessions provided two and a half hours of computer training that ranged from basic typing, Google docs, apps, email and—for the advanced students—social networking and Skype. Attendance was near perfect, and the term ended with a great luncheon provided by the migrant workers.

This fantastic community program will be offered again during the school year when classes start in February 2011.

Registration forms and information will be emailed via What’s Happening in January 2011.

December 2010

and outcomes. Further, being angry does not justify yelling, swearing or breaking items. Nor does being angry give a teen license to be disrespectful.

Much of what our children learn regarding the managing of emotions comes from us. How do our kids see us respond to disappointment, being wronged and dealing with anger? How we answer these questions may provide clues to how and why teens respond as they do.

With the above noted, it’s important to emphasize that teens experiment with emotions that may have nothing directly to do with parents. Being an ear, providing insights if invited, and validating their emotions are all good strategies for addressing adolescent anger. Where direct instruction may be needed is when a teen repeatedly resorts to anger as a means to manage others and himself. Eliminating anger is not the answer to dealing with anger.

Rather, by helping our sons understand how to direct their emotions toward positive outcomes, we move them, and life, back into balance.

Healthier Eating at SAS

By Tamara Black Associate Director of Communications

“Just wait until you try Mr. Hoe’s food!” is a refrain heard often by students and families new to SAS. Mr. Hoe Juan Jok, who operates the intermediate/middle school cafeteria, has experienced a lot of changes during his tenure at Singapore American School. In 1965, his kitchen prepared meals for 280 students on the King’s Road campus with only one oven and one refrigerator. Today he serves more than 1,700 students on the Woodlands campus.

A relatively recent change that has been taking place over the past few years is the move to make meals healthier as part of an effort to promote a healthier lifestyle among students.

Mr. Hoe worked with a dietician to find ways to reduce the amount of oil and salt in favorite dishes while retaining the great flavors that SAS students have come to enjoy.

Mr. Hoe believes that introducing students to healthier options and new flavors can have a positive effect over time. As students move through the food lines, servers encourage them to try new items such as black rice by telling them that it’s flavorful and healthier than other alternatives. In addition, vegetables are served as part of the lunch packet. For example, if a student selects pizza as an entree, a side salad is included. According to Mr. Hoe, “They will pick up more vegetables over time and come to accept them more and more.”

strong. “I’m happy at the school and all of my customers come from the school. And eating healthier can begin at school.”

Mr. Hoe’s passion for food and his commitment to providing healthy meals for the SAS community are

Another way the cafeteria makes its offerings healthier is by providing more choices of vegetables and rice to entice children to eat a wider variety of food. “We now have black rice.

Black rice is very nutritious and full of antioxidants. It has the same amount of antioxidants as blueberries but less sugar,” says Mr. Hoe.

Thank You, SAVE Club

By Xu Qiaoling Marine Biologist, Project Development

T

hank you so much for the donation of $827 from SAVE Club. I must say I am impressed with its fund-raising efforts. And we all think the beautiful card from the students deserves a place of honor on the wall of our Ecofieldtrips Educenter in Melina Beach!

This money really comes in handy this year as the Turtle Hatchery team is in the midst of writing and illustrating a bilingual coloring/storybook for Malaysian primary school children.

The storyline is about a baby turtle’s adventures in the sea and brings to light the threats faced by turtles in

Malaysia. We are planning an outreach program with schools in Tioman, Sedili Besar and Mersing, and the coloring/storybook will be an essential educational tool. Your donation covers the cost of printing the books perfectly!

If it is agreeable with SAVE students, I would love to make the SAVE Club the official sponsor for the book and have a logo of the SAVE Club or SAS on the book’s cover.

In the meantime, enclosed is a certificate of donation for those amazing students. Please extend my gratitude to Anjuli, Sarah and the rest

of the students and co-advisors of SAVE Club. Thank you!

Xu Qiaoling Marine Biologist, Project Development Turtle Hatchery Coordinator

SINGAPORE AMERICAN SCHOOL

December 2010

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Booster Club

Booster Club

Booster Club

Booster Club

Booster Club

From the President As you receive this NewsFlash we have just finished the first half of the school year.

We hope you had an opportunity to take part in some of the Booster Club’s activities or do some holiday shopping at the Booster Booth.

We held two social lunches to offer opportunities to get to know other high school parents. Bake Sales and our Mentor for a Day program helped in raising funds to give back to the high school.

Please join us in the second half as we continue to offer social opportunities with a fundraising component. We will be putting on our Home Tour and the first fashion show we’ve done. If you would like to help in the planning of any of these please contact us.

If you are leaving Singapore and SAS, all the best in your future postings.

From the Booster Club we wish you all a safe and happy holiday season.

Susan Fay Booster President

2nd Bake Sale featuring Indian food Friday, December 3 9 am-12:30 pm HS Cafe

As a bonus to our students during the week before exams, the Booster Club provides free popcorn to our HS students. They are often surprised to find that the popcorn is compliments of the Booster Club! If you are interested in helping pop, scoop and meet some of your child’s classmates please consider volunteering.

Contact Anna leonardsinsingapore@hotmail.com.

Booster Club

Part of our fund raising is achieved through regular bake sales. Along with the standard baked goods, this sale will include delicious Indian food, prepared and sold by a team of moms who do a wonderful job! Donations of individually wrapped baked goods or Indian food can be left in the Booster Booth on the morning of the sale. If you have any questions or you are interested in helping at the sale, please contact Cynthia at fulcynbea@yahoo.com.

Free Popcorn Day Friday, December 10th 7:45 am-2pm near the Booster Booth

SAS BOOSTER CLUB

THE SECOND QUARTER HONOR ROLL RECOGNITION LUNCHEON

(entry by valid ticket)

Let’s celebrate their achievements!

Monthly Meeting Tuesday, January 18th 10:00 am H301 Monthly Meeting Tuesday, February 15th 10:00 am H301

Booster Club 18

SINGAPORE AMERICAN SCHOOL

December 2010

Booster Club

Booster Club

will be held on Tuesday, February 1 11:25am-12:05pm in the Auxiliary Gym A

Upcoming Events

Booster Club

is proud to announce

Booster Club

Keep the Booster Booth in mind when getting ready for Christmas

Handmade and glass ornaments

Booster Club

Christmas Wrap, Christmas and Chinese New Year Cards designed by SAS Students Kate Penniall, Claudia Vesga, Allison Davis, Yun Jee Nam Joo Yeon Oh, Nallie Yue

Other New Gift Items Sweatpants Pencil cases Navy and Red blankets

Navy gym towels Earphones

Booster Club

Booster Club

Booster Club

Booster Club

Booster Club

Booster Club

SINGAPORE AMERICAN SCHOOL

December 2010

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IS Marathon Club

By Laura Schuster PE Teacher

O

ver 190 Intermediate School students are more committed runners after their 7th Annual Marathon Club efforts at SAS. This is one way the elementary physical education team encourages fitness activity outside of regular physical education class.

Students signed up and took to the school track for a morning mile run or fit it into their busy schedules at home in supervised situations. Many students began jog/walking or jogging quite slowly but by the end of the first week they proudly proclaimed that the runs got easier.

to run one or two miles a day until they have run the total of a marathon.

To celebrate and honor the record high of 190 Marathon Club finishers, we presented them with certificates and T-shirts, which they can wear in lieu of their PE uniform on PE days.

Families commented to teachers in passing that they participated with sons or daughters as a family effort. What a great, affordable family activity to promote healthy lifelong habits.

Marian Graham, IS Principal, congratulated the efforts of all 190 runners on October 22 at the end of a busy Friday at the ceremony in the elementary SAS gymnasium.

This is exactly why we offer this fiveweek-long Marathon Club for students

Two additional marathon mornings have been added in response to the

overwhelming question asked by students and parents, “Does it have to end?” The PE staff responded with an emphatic, “No, there are many fun runs sponsored in Singapore for children and families.” To give our marathoners that extra boost, they had a T-shirt-wearing run on Friday, October 29 at the regular marathon morning time.

The PE department urges all students to stay active, keep jogging and congratulates the 190 grades 3, 4 and 5 Marathon Club finishers. We are proud of you!

Attention Parents of Graduating Seniors Parent Ads Ryan Chan

Ryan, You have always been a boy who follows his dreams and figures out how to make them happen. We are so proud of you for listening to your heart and for never being afraid to ask yourself who you are and where you want to go in life. We admire you for your adventurous spirit and passionate determination and for always giving your absolute best in whatever you do. We are grateful to be blessed with your warmth and laughter and your ever-present smile. We love and support you 100% in whatever journey this great life takes you on.

Love always Mom & Dad.

Senior Portraits

Jason Chang Dear Sweet Cheeks, You brought us great joy from day one and we have been very proud of you ever since! From your toddler years you amused us with an independent streak and wonderful capacity for laughter. There were unexpected turns of precociousness along the way – we’ll never forget “The monkey on the fence” episode! – but those just made the journey more fun. Watching you develop into a young man and high school graduate has been a fantastic... evolution.

As you begin life’s next adventure be confident in the strengths that you have developed as a child of a global community, multi-cultural awareness, versatility, tolerance and a deep well of creativity inside. Wherever your path leads, our love and support are within easy reach.

We Love You Always, Mom and Dad

It’s time to start thinking about your child’s senior portrait!

Please check the Islander website for information on possible photographers and instructions on how to submit your child’s photo.

Parent Ads offer you the chance to give your graduate a personal send off in the yearbook. Each ad consists of one photo along with a personal message written by you. Check out the Islander website for more details.

The deadline for submitting both Senior Portraits and Parent Ads is:

January 30, 2011

For more information check out our website: http://islander.saseagles.edu.sg/

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December 2010

Girls XC: Seven-in-a-Row

By Radhika Agarwal, Linda Kim and Becky Kreutter Varsity Cross-Country Captains

athletes ran a 2.12 km race starting at one minute intervals. Officials added the finishing times of the top six runners from each school to determine each team’s placing. In total, the girls’ cumulative racing distance more than doubled this year because of the modifications. But while the format changed, the result did not—the girls finished with their seventh consecutive gold medal.

Runner-Up Radhika Agarwal and winner Ruby Hohensee in the girls 5K.

S

ince the inaugural cross country IASAS meet held in Taipei in 1996, the boys have run 5 kilometers and the girls only 3.2. This year both teams ran 5K. This race counts for half of the team score with the top five individual places added together. As in golf, the lowest team score wins.

IASAS also featured a new team time trial for both the boys and girls teams, which counted for the other half of the team score. During the time trial,

International School Bangkok hosted IASAS Cross Country October 2-6.

The 5 km race took place around ISB’s campus and attracted many onlookers.

The SAS girls started off cautiously but quickly passed most competitors.

By the first kilometer mark all seven runners were in the top ten places.

They held the lead and edged out the competitors in spite of the muddy terrain that made every corner a slip and slide.

Setting the pace for almost the whole race, junior Ruby Hohensee won the gold with a time of 20 minutes and 27 seconds. Senior captain Radhika Agarwal secured second about 50 seconds after Hohensee. Fellow senior captain Linda Kim raced past a Taipei

Gold for Cross-Country Boys

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he first day was spent examining the 5K and time trial courses. Bangkok’s 5K course was entirely on the grass and roads of the campus and was familiar to most of the team because it was nearly identical to the one we ran last year during an exchange. One difference was that it started and finished on their brand new bright blue track. Rain the day before and the tight turns, however, caused the course to be on the slow side.

On Monday morning at 9:15am, the boys race started. Peter Hunt initially led the race alongside Alex Wang from TAS. The next pack of runners consisted of three ISKL runners, two SAS runners and two TAS runners.

At three kilometers, the order changed when an ISKL runner and a TAS runner fell behind, making way for a JIS and SAS runner.

competitor in the last 100 meters to clinch bronze, finishing 2 seconds after Agarwal.

Senior Katie Keefe, in sixth place, and junior Solange Majewska, who finished eighth, were the final runners who helped secure the SAS victory by a margin of 45 points. Senior Therese Vainius and senior captain Becky Kreutter finished ninth and tenth, respectively. Hohensee, Agarwal, Kim and Keefe made the IASAS all-tournament team based on their strong finishes during the 5K race. The girls had to follow up their impressive showing on Monday with an equally strong performance during Tuesday’s time trial. The team finished this race with a cumulative time of 48 minutes and 46 seconds, a full three minutes faster than the second place team.

Overall, the girls preferred the new format to the one from last year as it allowed them to show their weeks of hard work in two races instead of one.

The new format also allowed the girls to work as a team during the time trial.

Photos on this page by the Agarwal and Kreutter families

By Dan Bourgeois and Peter Hunt Varsity Cross-Country Captains

Dan Bourgeois came in second with a time of 18.30, 26 seconds behind Alex Wang. Bryce McConville redeemed himself after finishing 32nd last year with a remarkable fourth place and Peter Hunt got sixth. Aditya Raikar managed tenth place after missing two weeks of practice due to injury.

Rounding up the point scoring boys was Zach Nelson in 15th place.

Even though we had a commanding lead, the time trial was crucial in order to maintain first place. All seven Eagles finished within 30 seconds of the leader, while the whole field of 42 runners was stretched out by a minute and a half. On the track and around Singapore, our 2010 Cross Country team worked hard to prepare for IASAS championships. Everyone raced well and bonded well with other IASAS athletes. Well done, Eagles!

The boys 5K race start on the new blue track at ISB.

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Boys Volleyball Played Tough PP-TPW is the acronym the SAS Varsity Boys Volleyball team lived by for the seven weeks of its season: Players Play—Tough Players Win. We practiced toughness and played tough.

Every day we practiced hard, doing drills and challenging ourselves with the infamous Gym Criens. During the regular season we only played three teams our age; the rest were against college students and adults with many years of experience. We still ended up winning quite a few matches, showing that we were willing to leave everything we had on the court whenever we played.

As a team, not only did we get progressively better at volleyball but evolved as young men with the help of our two amazing coaches, Mr. and Mrs. Criens. These two individuals pushed us until we could not be pushed

By Matt Crema Varsity Volleyball Captain

anymore, making us try to reach our full potential toward the end goal of bringing home hardware from IASAS. IASAS was an exciting experience.

We didn’t start off as well as we planned in the round robin, going 2-3.

However, when it came down to the elimination we made it happen, getting full body massages before playing JIS in the quarter-finals. We beat them 3 sets to nil, pumping us up for the next day’s games. In the morning we played a big semi-final game against International School Bangkok, who had the home court advantage. We managed to block out the blaring crowd and win 3 to 1. This win brought us to the championship game with the International School of Kuala Lumpur.

To prepare and loosen up we got more massages and hung out in a nearby gym, but ISKL beat us in an intense

Girls Volleyball Power

By Monica Scieszka Team Captain

the highs: listening to Maddy recite Pirates of the Caribbean, hearing Sam go on about her stories (our personal favorite involving a plane), and watching Amanda skip onto the court.

Then there were the lows: not knowing if Lesty could play anymore, hearing the news that Kerry’s ankle was more than just a sprain and learning that although Coach Friend offered to take plane, train, boat or any other form of transportation to get to IASAS, there was no way she could see us play in Bangkok with twins on the way.

Instead of letting these obstacles bring us down, we brought more power and fire into the exchange and IASAS.

L

adies, ladies, ladies. We did it, and we did it big. This year, the varsity Eagles proved to be more than just a team; they became a family. And just like any family, we had our ups and downs that made it a rollercoaster of a season. There were

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game. Overall IASAS was a fun experience and a great success as we came home with silver medals around our necks and holding our heads high.

Go Eagles!

This season started out as a big question mark. We had lost tons of seniors and other players, but after the first week of practice we were pretty confident. From singing A Whole New World on repeat, to continually mocking Katy’s push-ups we bonded instantly both on and off the court.

There was a common theme in this year’s season—trust. Anyone could pass to anyone and not fear the outcome. We trusted the power of Kerry’s and Sam’s serves, Emily’s December 2010

perfectly placed tips, that our new sophomores Jess, Maggie and Alex would step up at anytime, and that Amanda would come through with a big hit. We knew Katy and Maddy would pound hits down the line or cross-court and that Lesty was always the rock.

After realizing the power we truly had, IASAS became everyone’s main focus and excitement. We all knew our main competitor, Bangkok, and we were ready to show them what the Eagles had. The championship game against them went point for point, serve for serve, and was the most exciting volleyball game that most of the spectators had ever seen. Although we didn’t bring home the gold medal this year, placing second did nothing but strengthen the bond that we have.

We can still count on one another for a smile, hug and laugh in the hallway, proving that this is truly a team that will be forever missed. Seniors, you held us together like glue. Thinking about not having Sam, Kerry, Emily and Celeste on the court makes us all sad, but we will all be thinking of them next year as we go for the gold.

Asia Bowl in Seoul

By Phil Morris

T

he Singapore American Football League (SAFL) has an annual tradition of playing in the Asia Bowl, which pits the Singapore Falcons against a high school football opponent from Korea or Japan.

This year’s Asia Bowl was held between two Falcons teams—the Singapore Falcons and the Seoul American High School (SAHS) Falcons. Both junior varsity and varsity games were held on Saturday, October 23 at Sims Field on the Yongsan Army Garrison in Seoul.

Approximately 49 Singapore Falcons and seven coaches made the trip to Seoul, Korea. Roy Tomlinson was the head coach of the varsity team and Mike Little was head coach of the junior varsity squad. Other members of the coaching staff included Gerry Smith, Michael Petrosino, Kevin Shoff, Harold Vickers and Christopher Bok. The junior varsity game was held on Saturday afternoon in cool, crisp football weather, and the Singapore Falcons emerged victorious with a score of 30 to 0.

Highlights of the game were touchdown runs by Corey Burkett and Neil Smith, with a 2-point conversion by Erik Vantilburg. Additional points were added by the defense on plays by Sam Woo and Alex DiBiagio.

Next, the varsity squad took the field as the sun went down. Under the lights, both teams fought hard for superiority, and the score was tied at 8 apiece by halftime. The second half, however, belonged completely to the Singapore Falcons, who added 16 unanswered points to the board for a 24 to 8 victory.

Jake Walker, Hayes Kimball and Matt Conklin all scored touchdowns or 2-point conversions.

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Girls Soccer Is Pure Magic

By Don Adams HS Teacher & Coach

U

nusual weather threatened this year’s IASAS tournament with torrential rain and wind.

The Eagles opened the tournament on a soggy pitch against old rivals from Bangkok. Winning the coin toss, the Eagles chose to attack the relatively dry end in the first half, and it seemed to pay off with Stephanie Slaven’s goal in the 29th minute after a barrage of shots following Alyssa Rhodes’ well struck effort. A defensive lapse saw ISB equalize two minutes later, and the score ended SAS 1, ISB 1.

With the rain delays, the 2:00pm match began at 6:00pm, with halves reduced to 25 minutes. ISM was the opponent, and the Eagles were in no mood to dither. In a completely onesided match, Manila barely managed to cross midfield. Heather Erdmann’s 19th minute strike was all that was necessary to dash Manila’s hopes— SAS 1, ISM 0.

On the second day, SAS started brightly against ISKL, with Erdmann scoring twice in the opening 9 minutes.

Courtney Chambers and Bywater combined well in midfield, and SAS had a solid defense. KL never had a chance—SAS 3, ISKL 0.

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In the afternoon, the tie with Jakarta loomed large. This was a crucial match for both teams. It didn’t take long to discover JIS’s game plan. Bang it up field and pressure the Eagles in their own third. But the SAS backline of Kylee Southwell, Hannah L’Heureux, Isabella Shaulis and Kelsey LaBranche were up to the task, and although Rachel Fulton was called on to make a save, the defense held firm. It was Rhodes’ first half strike off a short corner that made the difference—SAS 1, JIS 0.

Guaranteed a place in the final, SAS’s match on the third day with Taipei was a chance to work on a few things and rest as many people as possible before the final. Both teams labored under the hot sun and the match ended scoreless—SAS 0, TAS 0.

Except for Chamber’s shot from eight yards out, the chances were few and far between in the championship game.

The possession battle was near even at the half, but the second half was a wild roller coaster ride. Bangkok scored in the 50th minute when the defense failed to clear a corner kick. The Eagles looked for the vital equalizer, and with 12 minutes to play and trailing, sweeper Southwell December 2010

pushed up into a third striker role, and SAS began to apply the heat. Rhodes struck a shot that hit the underside of the crossbar and bounced in the six yard box where Donna Bywater neatly headed home. The goal came with just three minutes to play, and the match, like so many Eagle finals, was destined for overtime.

From the restart, the Panthers swept forward and the Eagles were lucky to escape as ISB missed a clear chance.

Slaven’s alert clearance prevented a second attempt, and the Eagles attacked. Slaven’s cross into the box found Alicia Elms with a little space, and her first time shot curled to the far post and crashed back into play. The Panthers failed to clear the danger, and Rhodes, with her back to the goal, looped a shot that left the keeper with no chance. It was pure magic.

Kudos to defensive backline LaBranche, Shaulis, L’Heureux, Weller and Southwell, as well as keeper Fulton. And seniors Bywater, Rhodes, Erdmann and Conklin finished their HS careers in glorious fashion. Named to the All-IASAS Squad: Erdmann, L’Heureux, Southwell and Rhodes.

Boys Soccer Enjoys Fantastic Season

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oach Zitur, Coach Rodocker and the Boys Varsity Soccer Eagles knew they had a good team, but to have nine different players scoring 14 goals in six games was outstanding.

In the end, the SAS defensive domination was also unbelievable.

The amazing part of our team was that we got stronger each time that we played. We played our first game against Taipei American School in heavy rain, scoring one goal against a scrappy TAS team. In the second half, we scored three more goals.

Our defense rarely let them get close.

Sebastian Carral, Kaden Phillips, Philip Van Zadelhoff and Mateo Villegas were the goal scorers.

By Tim Zitur Soccer Head Coach

The final day saw many interesting twists and turns. Our first game was against the host, Jakarta International School. Both SAS and JIS had already secured places in the final. It is difficult to get up for a game that doesn’t really matter and the teams seemed to be going through the motions. As coaches, we tried to get our players fired up, but it didn’t work.

What did work was our unintentional hand ball in the penalty area, which let JIS score. SAS was down for the first time in the tournament with its first goal conceded. The Eagles reacted by going after JIS and scored in the last minutes of the game with a goal by senior Alex Amstrup.

In the evening final, the boys got another boost by watching the girls win their championship in overtime.

At the start of their game, the JIS Dragons came out fast. They had two early shots on net that were handled by our outstanding goalkeeper, Ta Wei Lin. As the game went on, the physical presence of the Eagles wore JIS down for a comfortable win 2-0 and the IASAS gold. The first goal was a beautiful layoff from Villegas to Nick Devine for a 25 yard shot into the lower corner. In the second half, Maayan Misra scored as he pounced on a loose ball in the box and pounded it home to seal the victory.

The second game was a rematch of last year’s final against International School of Kuala Lumpur. The script ended much the same as the first game, with a dominant defense and a couple of nice goals for a 2-0 win. Carral and Owen Sperling were the goal scorers.

International School Bangkok was our third opponent, and we dispatched them 3-0. Goal scorers were Sperling, Villegas and Andrew Milne. The fourth game against the International School of Manila was close, a 1-0 win against a good team. Carral notched his third goal, which made him the leading scorer in the tournament.

SAS dancers perform in a professional show in Malaysia

By Tracy Van Der Linden HS Dance Teacher

A

s part of the Dance Box series in Kuala Lumpur during October, seven high school dance students performed a dance work under the direction of Tracy van der Linden and Heather Rodocker.

The students performed alongside professionals from Germany, Australia and Malaysia. The dance piece, titled Mixed Tape, was beautifully performed

by Alistair Chew, Brittney Dimond, Kendall Covington, Jem Magbanua, Avery Lim, Tasha Benfield and Taylor Chapman. You can view the performance on YouTube at: www.bit. ly/sasdancekl SINGAPORE AMERICAN SCHOOL

December 2010

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December 2010

the eye

For more news, visit www.saseye.com

Singapore American School

The effect of college rankings: U.S. News and Forbes rankings too often limit instead of inform

By Ash Oberoi College ranking is controversial, and not just because of the criteria used, but because of the vast number of U.S. colleges that have to be ranked - 4,146. Some SAS students locate their “dream college” using ranking systems devised by “Forbes” and “U.S. News and World Report.” But are these tools as accurate as they claim to be?

“Forbes” entered the college ranking scrimmage in 2008, while “U.S. News and World Report” began ranking colleges in the late 199 0’s.

Both rank colleges using different categories of measurement.

While “U.S. News” focuses on criteria such as admission rates, class rank and percentage of faculty members who work full time, “Forbes” instead focuses on three main aspects: student evaluations of the institution, graduation rates and prestigious awards given to students.

High school counselor Frieda Dietrich estimates that only about 10 percent of her students even know about the “Forbes” or

“U.S. News” reports. Parents, however, may be more attentive. Dietrich said that some families do come into her office with ranked lists of colleges based on ratings from the two magazines.

“There’s this presumption that because something is labeled 13, that it’s somehow a little better than 14,” Dietrich said, “It’s such a hazy abstract kind of methodology that some of these groups are using. You might as well just put a name in a hat.”

Instead, Dietrich said the best way for students to pick a college is to look at the kind

FORBES #1 (University & Colleges)

Williams College

US NEWS #1 (National University)

Harvard University

US NEWS #1 (World)

of enviroment where they want to live and study.

“There are days when I wonder whether SAS students have any idea that there are more than eight colleges in America,” Dietrich said, “It’s extremely unfortunate that our students aren’t willing to take off their blinders.”

Dietrich did say, though, that students should use “Forbes” as one of their multiple sources while searching for a college because “Forbes” focuses on the correlation between colleges and the jobs that students

This article is excerpted from The EYE, a student-written and edited high school newspaper that is produced by the journalism students of Mark Clemens.

Cambridge University get after graduating.

Counselor Trevor Sturgeon agrees that “Forbes” criteria is the most accurate of the two magazines. He said that “U.S. News” rankings are simply based on prestige and other irrelevant concepts.

“All colleges have strengths and weaknesses in different areas,” he said. “No one college can be the best at everything.”

SINGAPORE AMERICAN SCHOOL

December 2010

27

SAS Sports