Quick Start Guide 2012-13

SINGAPORE AMERICAN SCHOOL

2012-13 quick start guide

editor's note important dates AUG 11 - SAS OPEN HOUSE AUG 13 - FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL JAN 14 - LATE START DAY FOR STUDENTS Classes begin at 10:00 a.m.

JUN 4 - LAST DAY FOR STUDENTS Dismissal at 11:30 a.m.

JUN 5 - LAST DAY FOR FACULTY

holidays & school vacations Welcome Home Tamara Black

Associate Director of Communications

Did you go home over the summer? You know. Home.

The place where the heart is. The place there’s no place like. The place so nice we say it twice: home sweet home.

This past summer my daughter and I went home to Longview, the small town in Texas where I grew up.

As we drove around visiting family and friends, my daughter was impressed by my seemingly innate sense of direction. “Mom, how do you know where everything is? We don’t even have a GPS.” I explained that not much had changed in the last 30 years.

Some familly members disagreed. One cousin asked, “Haven’t you noticed how different everything is?”

When I asserted that the town looked as it always had, my cousin quickly corrected me. “But the Target has moved! It’s not near the Walmart anymore. And what about all of those new traffic lights on the loop?”

Yes, changes had taken place within my hometown, but bigger changes had taken place within me. I realized that home isn’t the familiar place that resides in my memories, just as it’s not the house where I currently live. While some say that home is where you hang your hat, I believe that home is where you hang your heart.

It’s where you know that you belong.

For the 2012-13 school year, we welcome almost 800 new students to Singapore American School. Many of these families recently left their homes to move to Singapore. For some, their time on the little red dot may only be a year or two. For others, the adventure will be longer and might even become permanent.

The great thing about the SAS community is that— whether the new families realize it or not—we have a support system waiting for them. We understand what it means to leave behind the known comforts of home to face the unknown realities of life in a new country. And we know what it means to create a new sense of home for ourselves and our families.

My daughter and I noticed that our return from the States and arrival at Changi Airport felt different this time around. Perhaps it's because by the end of our visit to Texas, after we were stuffed with all of the TexMex food and sweet tea that we could hold, we were ready to be home. You know. Singapore.

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Aug 9 - National Day Aug 19 & 20 - Hari Raya Puasa Oct 22-26 - Fall Break Oct 26 - Hari Raya Haji Nov 13 - Deepavali Nov 22 & 23 - Thanksgiving Dec 24-Jan 11 - Winter Break Dec 25 - Christmas Day Jan 1 - New Year's day Feb 11 & 12 - Chinese New Year (Chinese New Year falls on Sunday, February 10, and Monday, February 11. The next day, Tuesday, February 12, will be a public holiday.)

Mar 23-31 - Spring Break Mar 29 - Good Friday May 1 - Labor Day May 24 - Vesak Day

table of contents OPEN HOUSE ESSENTIALS

PaGe 4

OPEN HOUSE MAP

PaGe 10

PTA

PaGe 15

BOOSTER CLUB

PaGe 16

editorial EDITOR Tamara Black Associate Director of Communications DESIGN Lina Wee Communications and Media Specialist

GENERAL INQUIRIES 40 Woodlands Street 41, Singapore 738547 communications@sas.edu.sg +65 6363 3403 Singapore American School CPE Registration Number: 196400340R Registration Period: 22 June 2011 to 21 June 2017 Accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)

from the superintendent

Welcome to an exciting year of learning at Singapore American School, one of the finest educational institutions in the world.

The information in this Quick Start Guide is designed for you, helping each SAS family navigate the school at our annual Open House and prepare for a successful start to the year.

As a large school we are committed to ensuring that you have the information you need, when you need it, and that each and every day your student receives the extraordinary care that is the hallmark of Singapore American School. We are here to help!

As you work through your day, look for SAS team members with red ask me! badges, like the one that you see to the right, when you need directions and help. As you visit classes, purchase uniforms, and enjoy the PTA ice cream social, the team members with the ask me! badges will be happy to guide you to the location you are looking for. And if there is anything that you need, please ask any SAS faculty or staff member or just say “hello.� We are all happy to help.

Have a great day and welcome to Singapore American School.

Dr. Chip Kimball

Superintendent of Schools

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open house essentials directions to sas By mrt

The MRT station nearest to SAS is Marsiling (NS8). The campus is a brisk 10-minute walk away or you can take the free shuttle bus provided during Open House by Yeap Transport. The shuttle bus will run at 20-minute intervals from 8:40 a.m. to 1:20 p.m. Just look for the big yellow bus outside the MRT station at the curb.

By BUS

Public bus 912 stops at bus stop number 46369, which is about a 5-minute walk from the SAS main gate.

By Car

Driving Directions • Take Bukit Timah Expressway (BKE) north to exit 10A. Turn right to Woodlands Avenue 1.

Turn right to Woodlands Street 41. Continue to SAS main entrance. OR • Take Seletar Expressway (SLE) north to exit 10. Turn slight left at Woodlands Avenue 1.

Turn left to Woodlands Street 41. Continue to SAS main entrance.

For detailed driving directions, visit http://www.gothere.com.sg.

Parking Information (MORE INFO ON PAGE 9) • During Open House, vehicular access will be from the front gate only. Parking will be available in front of the PS/IS, in the elementary covered car park, in the basement car park, and along the Middle and High School driveway. Once campus parking is full, a “Car Park Full Sign” will be displayed at the front gate. You will find additional parking at the HDB Car Park at Block 426A. If parking in the HDB Car Park, please display hourly parking coupons. From the HDB car park you can access the campus via the Middle School pedestrian gate. See the map on page 9 for more information regarding parking.

THINGS TO DO AT OPEN HOUSE log on to the sas campus wi-fi Username: wifiguest Password: saswifi purchase Uniforms Uniform Pre-Sales and Open House Sales (MORE INFO ON PAGE 7) Opening dates: August 8, 10, 11 (Closed August 9 for Public Holiday) Opening hours: 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Payment: Accepted methods of payment include SASCard, cash, and Singapore bank check. Credit cards will not be accepted for payment but may be used to top up SASCards online. In addition, a DBS bank ATM is located on the second floor of the High School.

PS/IS/MS (PreSchool-Grade 8) Venue: Elementary Gyms C and D

HS (Grades 9-12) Venue: Booster Booth on the HS second floor

learn YOUR WAY AROUND campus SAS Campus Map (PAGE 9) open house map (PAGE 10) locate your Class assignments Class assignments will be posted by the divisions beginning at the following dates and times at the locations listed below and will remain posted for the duration of Open House.

ECC Venue: Lobby in front of ECC office

August 10 Friday

3:00 p.m.

PS Venue: Lobby in front of PS office

August 10 Friday

3:00 p.m.

IS Venue: Lobby in front of IS office

August 10 Friday

3:00 p.m.

MS Venue: Outside MS office

August 11 Saturday

9:00 a.m.

HS Venue: Outside HS office

August 11 Saturday

9:00 a.m.

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Enjoy the PTA Ice Cream Social IS/MS Cafeteria GET YOUR sascard READY new and replacement SASCards (MORE INFO ON PAGE 12) SASCards for New Students

Replacement SASCards for Returning Students

• New PS families should visit the SASCard Help Kiosk located in the IS Lobby to receive important information regarding SASCard registration, low balance reminder set up, and SASCard top up options.

• Returning IS students without an SASCard should visit the IS Office to receive a replacement card.

• New IS/MS/HS students should have received their SASCard at the new student orientation. If your child does not have an SASCard, please visit the IS Office or SASCard Office (A109).

• The fee for replacement cards is $20 with a $10 refund if the original card is found and returned.

• Returning MS/HS students without an SASCard should visit the SASCard Office (A109) to receive a replacement card.

SASCard Top Up Stations PS

IS

MS

HS

Online with a Credit Card • webcard.sas.edu.sg

IS

•

•

MS

HS

Cash •

•

•

•

Singapore Bank Check • Student Store (M103)

PS

• IS Lobby • IS/MS Cateteria

•

•

•

•

•

• •

• HS Atrium • Student Store (M103)

•

•

•

Parent SASCARDS and Vehicle Passes (MORE INFO ON PAGE 13) For security reasons, all parents, family members, and household help who plan to visit the SAS campus on a regular basis will need a SASCard. In addition, a vehicle pass will be required of all vehicles entering campus. More information as well as an SASCard and Vehicle Pass application can be found beginning on page 12.

LEARN MORE ABOUT COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS Visit with representatives from the following organizations.

Venue: Elementary Theater, Second Floor, IS • American Association of Singapore • American Chamber of Commerce • American Club • Boy Scouts Troop 07 • Cub Scouts • Caring for Cambodia • Democrats Abroad • Elementary After School Activities (EASA)

• Fast Break Basketball • SAS Booster Club • Singapore Oilwomen’s Club (SOC) • Tabitha • USA Girl Scouts Overseas • US Embassy • Young Life Singapore • Temple University

Venue: Elementary Gym B, Second Floor, IS • SACAC • Savitar Tennis • Speed Institute

FOOD and BEVERAGE outlets You may purchase food and beverages during Open House at the following locations: IS/MS Cafeteria: Hoe Brothers Catering HS Cafeteria: Hoe Brothers Catering, Subway, Food Haven Other Locations in HS: Eagle Zone, Crepes de France

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open house essentials TIPS and more information about open house 2012 CHANGES FROM LAST YEAR’S OPEN HOUSE Uniform Sales • PTA and Booster Club will sell both uniform tops and bottoms as well as PE uniforms. Lim’s Department Store will not be on campus during Open House.

• Uniform sales will take place at two locations for Open House. PTA will sell uniforms for students in PreSchool through Grade 8 in Elementary Gyms C and D located on the second floor at the back of the Intermediate School. The Booster Club will sell uniforms for students in Grades 9 through12 at the Booster Booth located on the High School second floor outside the HS office.

• Accepted methods of payment for uniforms will be SASCards, cash, and Singapore bank checks. Please note that credit cards will not be accepted for payment of uniforms. However, credit cards may be used to top up SASCards online. A DBS bank ATM is located on the second floor outside the High School office.

New Locations • Community organizations will be located in the Elementary Theater on the second floor of the IS. • SACAC (Singapore American Community Action Council) will be located in Elementary Gym B (the one with the rock climbing wall) on the second floor of IS. Dress Comfortably The SAS campus spans 37 acres. This means that families—and especially those with students in more than one school division—will be traveling over a large area. Please dress comfortably for the tropical weather.

High School Technology New High School Students All new students must take their laptops and stop by the HS Tech Help Center (H308) on Open House or during the first two days of school so that they can: • Get configured to the SAS wifi • Set a SAS password • Set a Gmail password Returning High School Students • Returning students with new laptops must take the computers to H308 to get configured to the SAS wifi.

• Passwords for returning students have not changed. If a student cannot remember his/her password or need to have a password reset, please stop by H308 Tech Help Center.

Want more information about High School technology including purchasing information? Go to http://www.sas.edu.sg/page.cfm?p=594.

Insurance Coverage The school maintains commercial insurance coverage for customary risks, including comprehensive liability, loss of school-owned property and fire insurance. The school does not maintain medical or accident insurance for students, parents or guests or for theft or loss of personal property, such as laptops and mobile phones. You are encouraged to arrange coverage with one of the many Singapore carriers.

UPDATING YOUR CONTACT INFORMAtion If you moved over the summer and need to update your contact information, please complete the online form at https://www.sas.edu.sg/page.cfm?p=676. If you have any questions about the form or would like to contact us directly with your updated contact information, please email sasinfo@ sas.edu.sg.

Visiting Teachers and Classrooms Class lists will be posted at the foyer of each division. We hope you enjoy meeting your children’s teachers and visiting various classrooms, libraries, and other facilities. If you wish to discuss your child’s individual needs with a teacher or counselor, we ask that you schedule a time to do so outside of Open House.

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sas student uniforms Uniform Pre-Sales and Open House Sales Dates: August 8,10,11 (Closed August 9 for public holiday) Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

PS/IS/MS (PreSchool - Grade 8) Venue: Elementary Gyms C and D, Second Floor in Intermediate School

HS (Grades 9 - 12) Venue: Booster Booth, Second Floor in High School See map on page 10

See map on page 9

The SAS student uniform consists of a white polo shirt with an embroidered logo and navy bottoms. The shirts for preschool through Grade 8 have a specific logo while the shirts for Grades 9 to 12 have a different logo. In addition, the navy bottoms have an embroidered SAS logo, usually at the bottom hem.

A Sampling of Uniform Options • Uniform Polo Shirts

• Uniform Shorts

• Uniform Trousers

• Uniform Yoga Pants

• PE Shirts

• PE Shorts

• Sweatshirts

(Preschool through Grade 8)

• Uniform Skorts

(Preschool through Grade 8)

SINGAPORE

AMERICAN SCHOOL

Front

SINGAPORE

AMERICAN SCHOOL

Front

SINGAPORE

SINGAPORE

AMERICAN

AMERICAN

SCHOOL

SCHOOL

Methods of Payment Accepted at PTA Sales and Booster Booth SASCard, cash, and Singapore bank checks *Credit cards will not be accepted for payment of uniforms. However, you may use your credit card to top up your SASCard online at webcard.sas.edu.sg and then use your SASCard to pay for uniforms. In addition, a DBS bank ATM is located on the second floor outside the High School office.

Uniform Sales During the School Year Beginning Monday, August 13, you may purchase uniforms at the venues listed below.

ECC/PS/IS/MS (PreSchool–Grade 8) Venue: PTA Office (See Map) Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Days: Monday through Friday on regularly scheduled school days HS (Grades 9–12) Venue: Booster Booth on the second floor (See Map) Hours: 7:45 a.m. - 3:15 p.m.

Days: Monday through Friday on regularly scheduled school days

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sas student uniforms STUDENT UNIFORMS A new student dress code goes into effect in August 2012. The modified dress code will read as follows: • In order to better enforce our current dress code, all uniform bottoms will have the SAS logo embroidered on the hem, and the logo must be visible at all times. Starting in August 2012, students will be required to wear these new uniform bottoms.

• Students are to remain in school uniform for the entire school day. The SAS uniform consists of navy blue bottoms with the embroidered SAS logo and a white SAS polo shirt. Uniforms are available from PTA Sales (for preschool through eighth grade), Booster Booth (for ninth grade through twelfth grade), and Lim Meng Keng Department Store in Holland Village (all grades). You may order the uniform bottoms only through Lands’ End Uniform division.

• Please note the following additional uniform guidelines: - School uniforms must to be worn as purchased and may not be altered in any way. This includes no rolling-up shorts and rolling-down skirts.

- The embroidered school logo (on the bottom hem) must be visible at all times.

- A white or blue SINGAPORE AMERICAN SCHOOL sweatshirt (purchased at the Booster Booth) or a solid navy blue or white sweater or sweatshirt may be worn over an SAS uniform shirt. No commercial logos, stripes, or designs are permitted.

- Uniforms must fit appropriately and be clean with no holes, tears, or frays.

- Underwear may not be visible at any time.

- A solid white t-shirt or white SAS t-shirt may be worn under the SAS uniform shirt.

Please note: To allow time for local vendors to receive inventory and to allow transition time to the new dress code guidelines, the new SAS-embroidered uniform bottoms will not be required for Middle School and High School until January 2013.

Since younger students at the ECC/Primary School and Intermediate School sometimes wear hand-me-downs from older siblings, these two divisions will be flexible about requiring students to wear the new embroidered uniforms. We realize as parents replace these uniforms they will come in line with the new dress code guidelines.

PE UNIFORMS Primary School/Intermediate School/Middle School (PreSchool through Grade 8) Participating in PE often results in students getting hot and sweaty. SAS piloted a moisture-wicking uniform option for students. Using focus groups to generate feedback from Middle School parents, students, and teachers, we decided on the new fabric, design, and logo. Consideration was given for the comfort, breatheability, coolness, wear, speed of drying, and design of the uniforms.

Last year, selected Middle School classes from grades 6, 7, and 8 piloted the uniforms. The students’ feedback was overwhelmingly positive, and sales began in January 2012 for all MS students. Based on the success of this pilot, the Primary and Intermediate School administration and PE departments have decided that a change in uniform would be offered for the 2012-13 school year. The improved uniforms will include the moisture-wicking shirts and shorts. They will also have a designated decal area to write the child’s name.

To ensure a smooth transition period, and to allow returning students to get complete use of the uniforms they currently own, PS, IS and MS PE departments will allow both cotton and moisture-wicking shirts and shorts to be worn throughout the 2012-13 academic year.

High School (Grades 9 through 12) Dry-fit PE uniforms will be available for high school students at the Booster Booth beginning in August. PE shirts will be offered in both the current cotton material and a new dry-fit material. PE shorts will be transitioned to a dry-fit material as the current nylon stock is depleted. Also beginning in August, PE shorts will be available in “basketball” style (which is the current style) or “running” style, (which is a short version) also in dry-fit fabric. We’re excited to offer these new options to our high school students. The other divisions will offer a different PE option and high school students will be required to purchase their uniforms from the Booster Booth only.

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campus open house maps singapore american school campus map

SINGAPORE AMERICAN SCHOOL Go to http://bit.ly/sasflow or scan this QR code for parking and traffic flow schematics

N

Parking at sas Vehicular access will be from the front gate only. Parking will be available at the following locations: • In front of the Primary School • In front of the Intermediate School • In the elementary covered car park located behind the PTA office • Basement car park at the High School • Along the Middle and High School driveway

STADIUM

FIELDS

Once campus parking is full, a "Car Park Full Sign" will be displayed at the Front Gate. You will find additional parking at the HDB Car Park at Block 426A. If parking in the HDB Car Park, please display hourly parking coupons. You may then access the school via the Middle School (MS) pedestrian gate.

MS

BASEMENT CAR PARK: 170 LOTS + 1 HANDICAP LOT

HS

COVERED CAR PARK: 40 LOTS + 1 HANDICAP LOT OPEN AREA: 90 LOTS

PS

IS

STRICTLY NO PARKING AREA

HDB CAR PARK BLOCK 426A

OPEN AREA: 130 LOTS

Hourly parking coupons are required.

MAIN SECURITY POST

Car park Parking spaces

FRONT GATE

REAR GATE

WOODLANDS STREET 41

Pedestrian crossing

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open house 2012 map

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sascard and vehicle pass

All SAS students are required to have an SASCard for identification purposes.

The SASCard, however, is much more than just an ID card. In fact, it offers many conveniences to SAS students and their families including: • • • • • • • •

Cashless purchases at campus food and beverage outlets Cashless vending machine purchases PTA Sales purchases Booster Booth purchases Student Store purchases Check out of materials from libraries Yeap Transportation bus access for Grades 3 and up Printing and copying on campus

NETS FlashPay Features of your SAScard In addition to campus-based features, the SASCard can also serve as a NETS FlashPay card with a separate account that allows cardholders to use their SASCard off campus with NETS FlashPay merchants on the MRT, LRT, public buses, in many taxis, and at more than 8,000 merchants island-wide.

The NETS FlashPay account can be topped up at the iNETS Kiosk in the High School atrium or at off-campus top up points such as 7-Eleven, Cheers, and bank ATMs. However, the NETS funds, unlike the SASCard funds, are stored directly on the card. Therefore, if the card is lost, the NETS money is also lost and cannot be recovered.

Register and Top Up Your SASCard Once you receive your SASCard, you can add funds to your account and begin using your card on campus.

Create an Online SASCard Account •

Visit webcard.sas.edu.sg and complete the simple form.

If you have already set up an SASCard account, you can log into your account using the same link. If you have multiple children at the school, you may use this login and password to register each SASCard holder in your family. Simply complete an online form for each child, using the same login (email address) and password for each individual.

Set a Low Balance Email Reminder • •

Once you have created and logged in to your SASCard account, you must click the Preferences link to the right of the card balance amount in order to activate the low-balance email reminder feature.

From there, enter the email address at which you wish to receive the low-balance reminder.

If you wish to change your low-balance amount, you may customize it to your preference. All student accounts have an automatic default low-balance amount of $20.

important points to note • • •

Even if you have an existing SASCard account, you must manually activate the low balance email reminder feature by selecting the Preferences link.

If you have multiple accounts under a single login, you must set a low-balance email reminder for each account individually.

If you are using an iPad or another type of tablet to access your SASCard account, you must click on the Full Site link in order to login, top up using a credit card, and update your preferences.

SASCards and Vehicle Passes for Parents, Family Members, and Household Help For security reasons, all parents, family members, and household help who plan to visit the SAS campus on a regular basis will need a SASCard. In addition, a vehicle pass will be required of all vehicles entering campus.

You will receive an email from the SASCard Office notifying you when your SASCard and/or vehicle pass is ready. When your pass is ready, you may collect it from the SASCard Office (A109). If you have not yet completed an application for your SASCards and/or vehicle passes, you may pick up an application or drop off a completed application (found on the following page) at the SASCard Office (A109). Please note that applications submitted at Open House will take three weeks to process.

For more information, visit www.sas.edu.sg/SASCard or contact the SASCard Office at sascard@sas.edu.sg or 6360 6075.

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A.

Provide a copy of the following required documents for each applicant:

 Valid Passport (page showing the applicant’s information)  Current passport‐sized photo (digital or scanned photo should have a minimum resolution of 300 dpi and measures 400x514)  Work permit / dependent pass / NRIC (front and back)

A.

Return by email Step 1) Verify and/or Complete the application form Step 2) Prepare soft copies of the required documents Step 3) Email both the updated form and soft copies of the required documents to SASCard@sas.edu.sg

OR B.

Alternatively, you may return by post or by hand. You may mail in your completed application form together with the required documents and passport‐sized pictures to: SASCard Office Singapore American School 40 Woodlands Street 41 Singapore 738547 Should you find it more convenient to return the documents by hand, please use the drop‐off box located at the main entrance Guardhouse.

More information on the SASCard can be found at the FAQs section at www.sas.edu.sg.

For record matching purposes please provide the following:

Name of child enrolled at SAS. If more than one child is enrolled at SAS, please provide details for your youngest child.

Child’s Full Legal Name: ________________________________ Child’s Student ID / Current Grade: ____________________

4. SASCard Office Use

Checked by: ____________________

Amount collected: ________________

Date: ______________ Date: ______________

Processed by: ____________________________

pta Welcome to the new school year. To those of you who have just joined SAS, I’d especially like to extend a warm welcome to our community. I hope you and your family will enjoy a rewarding experience throughout the time you are with us. By having your child enrolled at SAS, you are automatically a member of the PTA. We are fortunate to be part of a community where effective parental involvement in our school enriches the day-to-day educational experiences of our children. You are an important partner in the success of SAS, and I hope you will consider volunteering in one of the many PTA service or event committees. Aside from raising funds that go toward supporting numerous academic, athletic and extracurricular programs, the PTA also focuses on supporting and organizing events that bring the SAS community together. Becoming active as a PTA volunteer will enable you to establish yourself within a network of information, and will afford you the opportunity to be meaningfully involved in your child’s school life.

PTA at OPEN HOUSE August 11, 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

To kick off the year, I would like to invite you to attend the PTA Ice Cream Social during Open House on Saturday, August 11 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the Intermediate School/ Middle School cafeteria. You can enjoy FREE sundaes and popsicles. Coffee and tea will also be served.

If you are new to SAS, please also stop by the PTA Office during Open House to pick up your Welcome Pack and meet some PTA board members. Our office is located just after the main entrance to the school in the glassedin half-moon office on the ground floor. We will be on hand to answer questions or just say hello. Included in the packet is last year’s SAS directory along with other information to help you settle in.

PTA New Parent Welcome Coffees We will host divisional New Parent Welcome Coffees during the first week of school in the PTA office. At these sessions you will have the opportunity to meet other new parents and get to know the school and PTA better.

• ECC & Primary School: Thursday, August 16, 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

• Intermediate School: Thursday, August 16, 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.

• Middle School: Wednesday, August 15, 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

PTA Welcome Back Coffee and General Meeting August 29, 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., Drama Theater I would also like to invite all of you to the PTA Welcome Back Coffee and General Meeting, which will be held from 9:30 a.m. till 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 29 at the SAS Drama Theater. At this event, Superintendent Dr. Chip Kimball will introduce the SAS administration team. There will also be an overview of plans for the school year, and you will have the opportunity to sign up for various volunteer opportunities in your child’s classroom and with PTA events and services. The following organizations will also have sign-ups at the event: Boosters, Community Library, Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Tabitha and Caring for Cambodia.

I would like to offer you our assistance in addressing any concerns or answering questions you might have about the school or community. During the first few weeks of school, you’ll see many members of the PTA board wearing badges. Please feel free to stop any of us to introduce yourself or ask questions. You can also contact us at pta@sas.edu.sg or call any member of the board. PTA information and contacts can be found at our website: http://www.sas.edu.sg/pta.

I look forward to seeing you around campus, and I wish everyone a happy and healthy school year.

Arathi Nilakantan PTA President arathi.neel@gmail.com For more information, please visit the PTA website at http://pta.sas.edu.sg.

To contact the PTA, please email us at pta@sas.edu.sg. We’d love to hear from you!

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booster club The Booster Club would like to extend a warm welcome back to SAS. The Booster Club is a volunteer organization for all high school parents.

We are involved with the school and student body in numerous ways throughout the year. Our main goal is to support extra-curricular programs as well as provide opportunities to bring our community together.

We raise money throughout the year with sales at our Booster Booth, our BBQs, and several social events. In the past, these events have included a Trivia Night, Home Tour, Singapore Art in Transit, and Race Night but we are always looking for new ideas. All the funds raised by the Booster Club go entirely to our Athletic department, our Visual and Performing Arts department, the campus clubs, hospitality, and Interim scholarships.

Our volunteers are the backbone of this organization. Not only are they putting in hours behind the scenes, you will see many parents working on campus during the school events. We are particularly busy during our tournaments and academic competitions as we welcome athletes, students, and many visiting parents to our campus. The Booster Club meetings are once a month and are open to all high school parents. It’s a great way to know what is going on in the high school as well as an opportunity to get involved. booster club Welcome Coffee We will be hosting a Welcome Coffee on September 5 at 10:00 a.m. in room H301, please mark your calendars and we hope to see you there. If you have any questions, please feel free to stop by the Booster Booth or email me at gmcrema@aol.com.

Best wishes for a great start to the school year!

Maria Crema Booster Club President

High School Activities and Athletics During the First Week of School Date/Day

Time

Venue

Activity

August 13 Monday

3:15 p.m - 6:00 p.m.

Auditorium

Musical informational meeting for Students interested in participating in the 2012 October musical production.

August 14 Tuesday

3:15 p.m - 6:00 p.m.

Auditorium

Musical auditions continue

August 15 Wednesday

3:15 p.m - 6:00 p.m.

Auditorium

Musical auditions continue

4:15 p.m - 6:00 p.m.

Please read HS bulletin for information regarding where Cross Country, Soccer and Volleyball teams will meet to begin their respective try-outs.

First Season Sports try-outs begin

August 16 Thursday

3:15 p.m - 6:00 p.m.

Auditorium

Musical Auditions continue

4:15 p.m - 6:00 p.m.

Please read HS bulletin for information regarding where Cross Country, Soccer and Volleyball teams will meet to begin their respective try-outs.

Cross Country, Soccer and Volleyball try-outs continue

August 17 Friday

3:15 p.m - 6:00 p.m.

Room H301

Model United Nations informational meeting.

4:15 p.m - 6:00 p.m.

Please read HS bulletin for information regarding where Cross Country, Soccer and Volleyball teams will meet to begin their respective try-outs.

Cross Country, Soccer and Volleyball try-outs continue

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S.A.S. Sports & Dance Camps Events:

4-­‐Day Dance, Soccer or Volleyball Camps

Coaches:

Led by SAS Varsity Coaches and Faculty Dance Instructors

Eligibility:

Open to all students going into grade 6-­‐12; Limited spaces available

Dates and Time: August 6, 7, 8, 10; 4:00 PM – 6:30 PM Registra)on:

Forms in HS Office, MS Office, Ac3vi3es Office

Fee:

$120.00

Camp Loca)on and Contact Informa)on:

Dance

HS and MS Dance Studios

Soccer

Stadium, Turf and North Fields

Volleyball

HS and MS Gyms

Tracy Van Der Linden, tvdlinden@sas.edu.sg Tico Oms, toms@sas.edu.sg Kim Criens, kcriens@sas.edu.sg

quick start guide / singapore american school 17

Singapore American Community Action Council Overview of SACAC Sports

SACAC is a non-profit organization that serves its membership by providing a variety of services and programs which promote a healthy and balanced lifestyle.

SACAC Sports provides extensive and varied sports programs to athletes of all skill levels. We offer over 15 sports throughout a 4-season year. Our core programs include Baseball/Softball, Gymnastics, Soccer, Swimming (The Fighting Fish), and the only American football league in Singapore, SAFL (the Singapore American Football League).

Membership is required for participation in SACAC Sports. The annual family membership fee is $190 and additional fees are applied per sport. There are three sports seasons during t he year and registrations are scheduled about two to three weeks prior to the start of any season.

For more information please contact SACAC Sports SACAC Sports Office (Singapore American School), H216 T: +65 6363 6454 F: +65 6368 9757 E: sports@sacac.com 40 Woodlands Street 41, Singapore 738547

W: www.sacac.com

Season 1

Season 2

Season 3

GYMNASTICS (18mo-12th) TENNIS (K-12th) SWIMMING (K-12th) SPEED (5th-12th) SCUBA (10-Adult) BASKETBALL (K-8th) SOCCER (1st-6th) BASEBALL Pre-Season (5th-8th) FLAG FOOTBALL (2nd-4th) FOOTBALL (5th-12th) CHEERLEADING (K-8th) SOFTBALL Pre-Season (5th-8th)

GYMNASTICS (18mo-12th) TENNIS (K-12th) SWIMMING (K-12th) SPEED (5th-12th) SCUBA (10 –Adult) BASKETBALL (K-8th) SOCCER PEE WEE (PreK-K) BASEBALL (5th-12th) SOFTBALL (1st-4th)

GYMNASTICS (18mo-12th) TENNIS (K-12th) SWIMMING (K-12th) SPEED (5th-12th) SCUBA (10 –Adult) BASKETBALL (K-8th) BASEBALL (1st-4th) TBALL (PreK-K)

Season 4: Summer Programs to be determined.

SACAC Counselling offers a wide variety of resources including: counselling and psychological support for individuals, children, adolescents and adults; couples and families; workshops; adoption services - adoption home studies and adoption support group; psycho-educational assessment; career assistance & guidance; a comprehensive mental health library and community liaison groups.

SACAC Counselling’s main focus is to help people gain a better perspective on life’s problems and identify alternative solutions.

SACAC Counsellors have a wide range of academic and professional backgrounds. Our team includes Clinical Psychologists, Social Workers, Counsellors, and Marriage and Family Therapists. SACAC Counselling’s high standard of professionalism has been a trusted resource in Singapore for nearly

Areas in which counselling is offered include: Low Mood/Depression Anxiety Reduction Relationship/Marital Concerns Parent/Child Relationships School/Academic Problems Stress Management Anger Management Adoption/Home Studies

Cultural Adjustment Children/Adolescents Issues Divorce/Separation Grief/Loss Substance Issues Trauma Eating Disorders Conflict Resolution

40 years.

For Appointments please call 6733-9249 10 Claymore Hill, Singapore 229573 Tel +65 6733 9249 Fax +65 6733 9321 Email admin@sacac.sg Web

18 quick start guide / singapore american school

www.sacac.sg

SIGN UPS:

SAS Open House

August 11 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Elementary Gym

Enquiries: publicity@bsatroop07.com www.bsatroop07.com

SUBSTITUTE TEACHERS

SAS welcomes your application

for substitute teaching positions.

• Teaching credential and several years professional teaching experience in a Western educational environment (Preschool through Grade 12) • No teaching credential but teacher certification courses with several years professional teaching experience in a Western educational environment (Preschool through Grade 12) • No teaching credential but several years professional teaching experience in a Western educational environment (Preschool through Grade 12)

The above criteria provide the greatest opportunity for the best match between our classroom needs and our substitute teachers in order to be able to deliver an exemplary educational program for all students. If you find that your qualifications and experience do not match well with the above requirements but you still have an interest in being a part of an SAS classroom, we encourage you to consider applying as a substitute for our instructional assistant positions (please see main "Working at SAS" web page for this position.)

Visit our website www.sas.edu.sg/careers to learn more.

Singapore American School

CPE Registration Number: 196400340R • Registration Period: 22 June 2011 to 21 June 2017 Accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)

quick start guide / singapore american school 19

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30 PUBLIC HOLIDAYS Aug 9 - National Day Aug 19 - Hari Raya Puasa Oct 26 - Hari Raya Haji Nov 13 - Deepavali Dec 25 - Christmas Day Jan 1 - New Year Feb 10-12 - Chinese New Year Mar 29 - Good Friday May 1 - Labor Day May 24 - Vesak Day QUARTER DATES Quarter 1: 42 days Aug 13 - Oct 12 Quarter 2: 42 days Oct 15 - Dec 21

• • • • • • • • • •

IMPORTANT DATES Jul 18-27 - New Faculty Arrival & Settling-In Jul 30-Aug 3 - New Faculty Orientation Aug 6 - First Day for all Faculty Aug 11 - SAS Open House Aug 13 - First Day for Students Sep 20 & 21 - In-service Days

SCHOOL VACATION (No school for students and all staff) Aug 9 - National Day Aug 19 & 20 - Hari Raya Puasa Oct 22-26 - Fall Break (No school for students, faculty & instructional assistants)

Oct 17 - PLAN/PSAT, 12:15 p.m.

Oct 26 - Hari Raya Haji Nov 13 - Deepavali Nov 22 & 23 - Thanksgiving Dec 24-Jan 11 - Winter Break

Jan 14 - 10:00 a.m. Late Start for All Students Jun 4 - Last Day for Students (11:30 a.m. Dismissal) Jun 5 - Last Day for Faculty

Dec 25 - Christmas Day Jan 1 - New Year Feb 11 & 12 - Chinese New Year

(No school for students)

(Early Release for High School students only)

•

• Quarter 3: 48 days

•

•

Jan 14 - Mar 22 Quarter 4: 45 days Apr 1 - Jun 4

(No school for students, faculty & instructional assistants)

(Chinese New Year falls on February 10, Sunday and February 11, Monday. The next day, February 12, Tuesday will be a public holiday.)

Mar 23-31 - Spring Break

(No school for students, faculty & instructional assistants)

Mar 29 - Good Friday May 1 - Labor Day May 24 - Vesak Day