True Knowledge | Faith in Christ | Godly Character
17th Edition/2010
contents Editorial Team PUBLISHER Yayasan Pendidikan Pelita Harapan
17th Edition/2010 3 Saved to Serve By Brian Cox 4 Saved to Serve By Pastor David Althorpe 5 A Servant of God By Allison Pierce
ADVISOR Brian Cox
6 Vision Day
MANAGING DIRECTOR Hana Herawati
7 Being A Channel of God's Love and Blessings By Elisabeth Ho
EDITOR & TRANSLATOR Budi Alto, Anita Purwanti
10 An Article for Parents of SPH Students By Yunus
GRAPHIC DESIGNER Iwan Werlin PHOTOGRAPHER Hariyanto, Clifford, Andreas, Jonathan Mauer
8 Exploring the School Theme By Amy Jungemann 12 Parents' Participation in Education By Tiurida Hutabarat 13 SPH International Summer Program 2010 14 Calvin Students: Crossing the Border 16 6th World Choir Games in Shaoxing, China By Detty Ariani Kurniasari 18 SPH International Kemang Village Teachers Writing about the School
Address 2500 Bulevar Palem Raya, Lippo Village Tangerang 15811, Banten Phone: (021) 546 0232-33 Fax: (021) 546 9663 www.sph.edu
COVER
: School Activities
LOCATION
: SPH International Lippo Village
19 SPH International Kemang Village Students Writing about the School 22 SPH International Lippo Village Alumni Reunion Year 1996–2000 23 What's On 27 Book Corner
PHOTOGRAPHER : Hariyanto
Farewell Ceremony Class of 2010 SPH International Lippo Village, June 2010
regular Saved to Serve is our SPH International theme for 2010/2011 across all of our schools. Like all short statements this one can be understood on a superficial or a much deeper level. We want our school communities to understand the amazing depth of this statement.
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UR salvation in Christ is not simply that we might have a ticket to heaven and an eternity with God, astounding though this is. Redemption in Christ means that our lives are changed eternally, which includes now! The Biblical picture of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, tenderly washing the feet of His disciples is a monumental event. The God, who creates, redeems and sustains the universe, takes a bowl of water and a towel to wash the dirty, worldly feet of His followers. Oh that we could understand the great grace of this action!
Saved to Serve There is nothing that our hands can do for Him. We cannot help God do His work. We cannot give advice to God. He is not lonely that we can entertain Him by our songs. He is not sad that He created us to make Him happy. He does not lack worshipers that He redeemed us to be His people. He lacks Nothing! We do not serve God’s needs because He simply doesn’t have any ...! It is God who serves our needs because He alone can satisfy us. “For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been His counselor? Or who has given a gift to Him that He might be repaid? For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be glory forever. Amen”3 It is the Trinitarian God who serves. God, the Father serves His Creation; providing beauty in the heavens, seasons, landforms, crops and produce ... Jesus Christ, the Son serves the Father out of utter love; it is the delight of the Son to be obedient in redemption. The Holy Spirit is sent into the world and He comes in obedient love to witness truth to us. It is all service and it is all service TO us. The coming of Christ was intentional, and was a result of holiness, mercy, love and obedience. He chose to suffer, to serve and to die. Only in the light of this background can we begin to see what is expected from us; what “saved to serve” might mean.
The focus for our theme is from the opening chapter of Revelation: “To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father—to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen.”1 We are freed from our sins—saved, so that we might serve our God. But, let’s get something straight right away. Our God is not a powerless, impotent God who cannot get things done without us. In fact as Paul points out: “The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, nor is He served by human hands, as though He needed anything, since He Himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything.”2 Revelation 1:5–6 2 Acts 17:24–25 1
Romans 11:34–36 4 1 Peter 4:10–11 3
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.... In our service, we can truly bring joy and glory and honor to God.
Recently, our 22 month old grandson helped me to wash our car. It was a bit messy, and to be honest, I could have washed the car more efficiently by myself. My delight was not in his contribution but in his relational involvement! We were both delighting in our being together as we worked. God delights in our involvement and our dependency upon Him. We are to serve “as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To Him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.“4 Just doing good works won’t make us Christ’s servants; to be true servants we must have Him as our Master, the One who brings compassion to our hearts, who supplies us with the resources to serve and who receives the glory in our service. Let’s rejoice together in our salvation and express that through joyous and obedient service. Blessings, Brian Cox
Jesus Christ’s perfect obedience and service was achieved through His perfect humanity, thus one of the many things we see in the Incarnation is that perfect humanness involves obedience to the Father and service to all. Christ shows that perfect humanity is expressed through willing obedient service arising from a total love for, and trust in, the Father. Therefore to be truly human requires that same obedience, arising from love and trust, expressed through willing and joyous service. It is the person and Spirit of Christ within us that causes us to be compassionate, loving, trusting and obedient. He provides the motivation and resources to serve, He rejoices in our obedient, trusting, willing participation. We MUST serve Him because He WANTS us to
Brian Cox
Head of School SPH International Lippo Village Coordinator of SPH International Schools
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examples By Pastor David Althorpe
Saved to Serve When the Lord Jesus Christ saved me and came into my life, He made a mess!
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E made a mess of my plans to run my own life, and I’m so glad He did. It was a good mess! Everything had been focused around ME. When the Lord delivered me from my sin, he delivered me from myself! He came in and turned my focus upward and outward. Only when I saw Jesus for who He really is did I see the world around me as it really is. I came to know God as the Father of limitless love. His love flowed to me like rushing water. Knowing Him was like swimming in a mighty river. After a while you learn to let go and be carried along to wherever and whoever the river takes you. God’s plans are beyond my understanding or working out, so I have learnt to trust Him. He knows where He’s going and the best thing I can do is just enjoy the ride. Following the river of God led me into the humbling work of a pastor. Daily I’m having to accept my limits and let God live in me and be strong through me, as He uses me to serve those He brings into my river. One day the river brought my wife across my path and we’ve been holding hands ever since. Children came along; one, two, three, four, five and six! What a wonderful adventure life has been. The places, the people and the challenges we have faced have caused us to hold onto each other even tighter knowing God will never let us ‘drown’ no matter how deep the water or strong the current. Coming to the SPH community in Jakarta has been an amazing journey. I have been swallowed up in the torrent of your love and care as God has shown me more of His amazing power and plan. What a thrill these past ten days have been. My mission was to bring messages to the students, staff, teachers and parents of the four SPH campuses of Lippo Karawaci, Sentul City, Kemang Village and Lippo Cikarang. This was a breathtaking experience for me. Everywhere I went I found both staff and students keen to engage and receive messages all based around this year’s school theme Saved to Serve.
The messages the Lord laid on my heart all tackled this fantastic theme from a variety of angles. We are Called to Serve the Lord Jesus, not to earn our salvation or God’s love. We serve Him as a result of His love and grace in our lives. We are saved to serve; we don’t serve in order to be saved! My Campaign headquarters was the beautiful Hotel Aryaduta in Lippo Village. I felt like a very spoilt servant indeed. It was great to have a place where I could be quiet at the end of the day and pray and prepare messages for the next day. Mr Dan and Mrs Diane, with their children Jordan, Haddon and Josiah entertained me for meals and encouraged me all along the way. At SPH Lippo Village I was able to speak with students from Grade 1 to Grade 12. I shared with the Junior Students about how if we put Jesus first, Others second and Ourselves at the end of the line, we will find true JOY in our lives. At Sentul we enjoyed wonderful hospitality during a brief but memorable visit, sharing in their Saved to Serve launch. I had my eyes opened to Jakarta’s amazing traffic when we visited Kemang Village. Wow! What an exciting location for a school? What a challenge to teach whilst the school is still being built?
I also headed east to SPH Cikarang. After a long drive we were greeted and refreshed by the staff and some parents too. My only disappointment was not being able to stay longer in all these places. I wanted to hear all the stories of what Govd is doing in peoples’ lives. I also shared with Lippo Village teachers and staff some messages from the Scripture, encouraging them as they follow Christ who came to serve. He lives within us, to empower us to serve and to guide us into His plan and purpose for our lives. We had some wonderful times of worship in chapel.
Pastor David Althorpe talking amongst themselves 30 minutes after I’d finished and gone on to another meeting! On the final day of my visit, we celebrated the Lippo Village Launch of Saved to Serve together. Students from Kemang Village joined the celebration and as a choir shared an original song that was written by one of the teachers. Everything ran like clockwork, due to lots of workers preparing and working well together behind the scenes. What creative people God has brought to SPH. In every meeting I shared the gospel as simply and clearly as I could. And who knows what will happen to those seeds, as the Lord draws young ones and parents to Himself in His own time and in His own way. Isn't it great to be partners together with Him? This trip was certainly a very exciting and encouraging journey. Although I was busy, I felt carried along every day in God’s river. People in Burnside Christian church in Adelaide were praying for me and you as were many others. Isn’t it a wonderful thing to experience the oneness we have because we all belong to the Lord Jesus Christ? I have been so enriched through my time in Jakarta. I am deeply grateful to God for everyone’s love, encouragement and amazing generosity. God willing, I hope to see SPH again.
At Kemang, Cikarang and Karawaci campuses we held Parents Seminars where I dealt with ‘The Myth of the Perfect Marriage’. We considered realistic ways to handle the challenges and struggles of married life. Parents were keen to share and to ask questions. At Lippo Village they were still Celebrated the Lippo Village Launch of Saved to Serve
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A Servant of God By Allison Pierce
Serving God is a wonderful thing if we understand what it is and how God does it through us. Warren Wiersbe gives a good definition: Serving takes place when divine resources
Allison Pierce
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S Christians, God calls us to serve others. We must know the divine resources personally, see the human needs compassionately, and become channels of God’s mighty resources so that God alone is glorified. When God is glorified, people see Christ in the heart of those who serve and this is the witness for others to know Him. In reaching one individual, Peter, in Acts 3:1–9, was able to reach many more. We live in a world filled with people who have incredible needs of all kinds. We choose to relate to those needs in several ways. We can be blind to them and live our own lives. But then we wouldn’t be living as Christians are supposed to live. We certainly wouldn’t be living like the Lord Jesus: “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others” (Phil. 2:3–4). We can take advantage of those needs to
meet human needs through loving channels to the glory of God.
benefit ourselves. We can use people to get what we want instead of helping people to get what they need. We can exploit the needs of others to get ourselves recognition, position, titles, honors, and privileges. Selfishness says, “What will I get?” Service says, “What I have, I’ll give to you.” True servants of God help others whether they themselves get anything out of it or not. True servants’ concern is only that God be glorified. Thomas Morton said, “To consider persons and events and situations only in the light of their effect upon myself is to live on the doorstep of hell.” A third way we can relate to the needs of others is to know about them, but do nothing. That is what the priest and the Levite did when they saw the battered Jew on the side of the road (Luke 10:25–37). Both saw the need and “passed by on the other side” instead of stopping to show mercy. We must do something as Jesus would so that He might be glorified. God is as concerned about the servant as He is the service. If all God wanted to do was get the work done, He could send His angels, and they would do it better and faster. But He not only wants to do something through us, He wants to do something in us. God is glorified when people see the Lord and not the servant. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). What are the joys involved in Christian service? First, is the joy of pleasing the Lord because you’re doing what He wants you to do. Pleasing God ought to be your supreme
motive for service. (Eph. 6:6). There’s also the joy of growing more like the Master as you do His will. Every Christian ought to strive to become “conformed to the image of His Son” (Rom. 8:29). A third joy is when you help others come to know Jesus Christ and live for Him. When I die and go to heaven, I want to take as many souls with me as I can. That leads to a fourth joy of knowing that, as you serve the Lord, nothing happens to you except what God ordains. He will do His work through you. Another joy of serving others is the wonderful fellowship you have with other people who are serving God. And yet another joy is knowing that your service for Christ will last eternally. “He who does the will of God abides forever” (1 John 2:17). Jim Elliot says: “He is no fool to give what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” Saved to Serve is the theme for 2010. Start serving today and keep on serving as long as you can. God has been our “dwelling place in all generations” (Ps. 90:1) and He isn’t about to change and desert us. You and I will pass off the scene and probably be forgotten. If we’ve done the will of God and served, the next generation will be prepared to serve, and so on ... the work goes. And through it all God is with us.
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Vision Day Every year, Sekolah Pelita Harapan celebrates its Vision Day. During this time of faithful remembrance, staff, teachers, parents and students are invited to reflect on its founding vision and mission, which is to shape future leaders of Indonesia with true knowledge, faith in Christ, and Godly character.
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OTHING gives us greater joy than to see our students grow to become Christlike, and eventually bless the country within whatever vocation God calls them to be. Recently, three of our alumnus who graduated in 2001 shared where they are today, and some of the ways SPH's vision and mission has shaped their lives. Bella Tirtowaluyo shared how she was once a high school student who was bitter about
Brian Cox
the social, economic and political corruption of Indonesia. As a result, she made it a priority to establish a new life overseas. During her last years at Sekolah Pelita Harapan, however, Christ touched her life through heart-toheart talks with her teachers and the critical questions raised in the theory of knowledge class. As she learnt what it meant to care for others outside of herself. The seeds SPH planted in her heart led her to find her calling in the field of education after she had finished her bachelors degree in Wesleyan University. As Christ is redeeming the world, Bella also believes God wants to use her as His agent to redeem Indonesia. She is currently pursuing her Doctorate degree in education. After being touched with the sight of young children with speech disorders, Sheila decided to pursue her bachelors and masters degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders. Although she married an Indonesian who worked the United States, God has recently opened the door for her to come back to Indonesia. Today, she truly
Head of School SPH International Lippo Village Coordinator of SPH International Schools
James T. Riady
Founder Yayasan Pendidikan Pelita Harapan
August 14th, 2010 believes that it is her turn to give back to society, just as God has given her the precious opportunity of studying abroad. She works as a speech therapist at Siloam Hospital. Liana, also an SPH graduate, was never sure that she would come back to work in this country. Her goal in life as she expressed it was broadly "to change the world" through international relations and science. Having been educated in Sekolah Pelita Harapan, however, Indonesia remains close to her heart, and she hopes that one day she can be a policy maker for the Indonesian government. She is currently pursuing her masters degree at Johns Hopkins University in International Relations. SPH is truly joyful beyond words to hear how God has encouraged and blessed students like Bella, Sheila and Liana, and how Christ has used SPH as His tool to redeem the future. May these testimonies be an encouragement to SPH staff, teachers, parents and students to remain faithful to His plans.
Amy Jungemann
Head of School SPH International Lippo Cikarang
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Saved to Serve
Being A Channel of God's Love and Blessings By Elisabeth Ho
“To say that I am made in the image of God is to say that Love is the reason for my existence, for God is love. Love is my true character. Love is my name.” —Thomas Merton
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E are all familiar with names like Bono, Bob Geldoff and Midge Ure, who are all precursors of the two Live Aid concerts held to raise funds for African nations in poverty. We are also familiar with Henry Ford and Bill Gates, not only for their successes in their respective fields, but also their monetary contributions to global health. We are saved, and therefore we can serve. On the surface it seems like that is the meaning of our school theme. However, any person, saved or unsaved has a common sense on good. The same way God sends down blessings on the good and the wicked, God gives every human being the ability to love and feel compassion, and with this basis, to serve others.
On the other hand, there is another issue on the news recently; the recent G8 summit showed that the economic superpowers of the world agreed to work on the usual smorgasbord of good causes, except foreign aid. The truth is, with the recent economic meltdown, even the wealthiest nations are getting sick of giving money. With so many disasters in this world, we have come far enough to witness the death of generosity and compassion itself. Often times we have goals and aspirations that are far from the truth. We see Bill Gates, Henry Ford, and Bono becoming worldfamous and at the same time helping the poor. The process seemed logical: get rich and famous, then help others. But what we fail to understand is that the power to help, and even the ability to help, comes not from the wealth and fame of this world, but the love and grace of God. We are God's instruments. As much as we like to think, believe, and aim to prove that we are capable of loving and doing good independently, we are sadly very wrong. If we are instruments, without a God to make use of us, we are nothing. Without God's love, one so true and steadfast, we are instruments that are rusted, dusty, and unable to do any good work on Earth. Let us realize the fact that most of our "good deeds", without God's love, come from motivations of attention and social approval. Let us then place God in the center of everything, encompassing all our actions so that they may be truly good, truly from the love that God gives us. It is at this point that we shall see the difference between a non-Christian who serves to be saved, and a Christian who is saved to serve. When we accepted Jesus, who died on the cross for us, we are able to experience a burning crazy love that no
Elisabeth Ho, Grade 12
human can find elsewhere. Through salvation and a growing relationship with Jesus Christ, our hearts are constantly overflowing with love, and through this blessing, we are able to serve others as the response to the love of Christ. Thus, in this way, we are filled to be emptied again. We are showered with love and blessings not for us to hoard for ourselves, but “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms.” (1 Peter 4:9–10) We are not discouraged by the fact that service may be extremely humbling and sometimes painful, especially when we ourselves are falling on hard times, but we are continuously strengthened by the grace of God and the knowledge that “in all things God works for the good of those who love Him.” (Romans 8:28) Even in our school community, we are very blessed to have so many opportunities to serve others. We have chapels where we are constantly given the opportunity to sing and contribute to the worship in many ways. We have many events, such as Friendship Day and Junior Unity Cup where we are able to reach out to less fortunate communities. However, most importantly, in its broadest sense, service in incorporated in every part of our lives. When we are a good friend to others, an obedient child to our parents, with every second that we devote not to our selfish desire, but to glorifying God, we have served, thanks to the virtue of our salvation. In saying this, we go back to the basis of everything we do in Christ. The fact that we were undeservedly and miraculously saved by grace alone. When we, if possible, fathom just how great that love is, we cannot possibly not love him and want to do everything for him. We should be Christians so in love with Christ that we just want to extend our arms and our feet to the unknown and just be the risk-takers we ought to be.
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Exploring the School Theme: "Saved
to Serve"
By Amy Jungemann (Head of School SPH International Lippo Cikarang)
As Head of School at SPH International Lippo Cikarang (SPHI-LC), I am excited about the opportunity for our school family to explore the new school theme “Saved to Serve�. It is my prayer that our teachers, staff, parents and students will savor the salvation that is ours through faith in Jesus Christ and that they will consider how saving faith is reflected in service to others.
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ECENTLY, I talked with Setyo Mahatmo and Park So Young, grade 12 students here at SPHI-LC, about the trip they made in December 2009 to Surabaya to help children affected by the hot mud disaster in Porong, Sidoardjo. As students in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program, Setyo and So Young are required to do service projects as a part of their Creativity, Action, Service or CAS. These students were members of a group of students from grade 11 and 12 who planned a service project for the first days of their Christmas holiday. Even though the idea for the project started as a way for these two students to meet a school requirement, I wanted to know how it impacted their thinking about service in thankful response to their salvation.
Tell me about how you got the idea for this trip.
So Young: In CAS students do one big service project. We must design the whole project without help from teachers. Teachers simply supervise us. In order to come up with a project, grade 11 discussed issues around Indonesia with the previous grade 12. During our discussions we learned about the hot mud near Surabaya. Some of the students contacted people in Surabaya to find places where we could go to serve some of those affected by the hot mud. Once that was settled, we made the schedules for our threeday visit. We bought new books and pencil cases and we collected used books to help the children continue their studies. We also collected clothes to give away.
Hot mud disaster in Porong, Sidoardjo
Setyo: Actually, when we began planning for this service project we considered different areas in Indonesia that might need our help. We knew that the hot mud disaster in Porong, Sidoardjo had been an important national issue in Indonesia for several years. One company made a mistake in drilling in the ground so that it caused mud to flow out of the ground. The mud flow covered several villages. Even though it has been several years the government and scientists have not been able to stop the flow of hot mud. When we learned that the children in that area had lost their homes, schools and playgrounds, we wanted to go there to help the people.
Why did you want to go on this trip?
Setyo: We first started thinking about a service project because it was a requirement for CAS but that was not our only motivation. We are also all Christians and we have to have a heart to serve others. When I saw pictures of what happened in Porong, Sidoardjo, it really triggered something in me to help the people there. So Young: Although this service project met a CAS requirement, we did not have to go on this trip. When we saw the how
serious conditions of the victims of hot mud were from the news, we really wanted to something. When we actually went there we were surprised because the real situation was worse than what we saw from the Internet.
How did you do you prepare?
Setyo: Before we left, we planned everything from the hotel and flight to all of the things that we would bring to donate. Actually at first we planned to visits some schools in the affected area, but we soon realized that it was not possible because the schools were covered by the hot mud. Instead, we visited a community center for people who had lost their homes. We made plans to help them by building a library for children and collecting donations. So Young: We also bought books and we contacted someone in Surabaya who helped us to buy the bookshelves. The bookshelves were not put together so we had to assemble them by ourselves.
What was your expectation about what you would do to help?
Setyo: I knew that what we gave to them would be very useful and helpful to the
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children. I knew the people probably didn’t have enough to fulfill their basic needs, especially the children. We decided to give the children books because even though they lost their school they could still use the books to keep learning. So Young: We really wanted to give the children books rather than other things. We thought that building a library would help them build knowledge that would help open their future.
What was your first reaction when you saw the damage?
So Young: I think all of us were very shocked when saw the villages destroyed by the hot mud. It was very serious because everything was totally covered by the mud. One person told us that the only building you could see was the tallest building in the village. Setyo: My first reaction was that I was pretty shocked. It was even worse than what we saw on television. The first day we only observed the damage caused by the hot mud. We went to a place where they built a temporary dam. The area of mud looked like the ocean. In the middle, we saw that the mud was still flowing. It made me wonder what the government could do to solve this problem. Recently, we have been hearing about oil spill in America and that problem is almost solved now. I wondered why after four years the government still cannot stop the hot mud in Porong, Sidoardjo. I feel that the government needs to take this case seriously.
What were you able to do to help the children there?
So Young: We went to two different places with about 40 children in each place. I think that they were very happy that we visited them. We prepared some gifts and clothes for them. We also prepared games to entertain
the children. We also asked them about their hobbies and what they wanted to do in the future. We wanted to remind them about their talents. Setyo: We were there to entertain them because they had lost their homes and some of the children had lost their families. We also helped remind them of their hopes and dreams. The children were happy to receive our books and gifts. They could not save many books from the hot mud. By giving the children books and a mini-library we hope they can continue to learn more.
How did the people respond to you being there?
Setyo: The people were happy to welcome us. So Young: At first I think they were very surprised to see Koreans and Indonesian people. Because I am Korean, I asked some of my Indonesian friends to help me talk with the children. My friends told me that the children said they were very depressed at first because they lost their homes, families and neighbors. When we visited them, the children were very happy and even some them asked us to come again.
What other needs did this experience make you aware of?
So Young: I saw that the children were not helped by the government. Some of the children could not even get help from parents. I hope the government can help and support the children. Setyo: The children need homes and schools. We were not able to fulfill all of their needs but we were able to give a small contribution. I was happy to help them, but it motivates me to come back with more support and help.
What did you learn from this experience? So Young: I learned something about our school theme “Saved to Serve”. At first when I saw the situation, I was thankful to God that I was saved from that kind of disaster. I thanked God again because He sent me to help the children in Porong, Sidoardjo. God
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used me to help His people so I was glad to be there. Setyo: From this service project, I learned that we should be grateful for what we have. God has blessed us so much and there are people out there who need help. We need to use God’s blessings to us to help other people. Our experience was really like the theme “Saved to Serve.”
What would your advice be to other students about service opportunities?
So Young: I really want to encourage other students to be a part of a service project if they have this kind of opportunity. It might be tiring, but it is really a good opportunity. Students can experience the joy of serving and sharing with others. When you serve, they can also feel the warmth of helping others. I hope other students at my school can continue to help the children in Surabaya. Setyo: I would also motivate other students to join a service project. We are very blessed so we should leave of our comfort zone and help others. I would encourage our grade 11 students to visit Porong, Sidoardjo and also help the children. As a school community, we are just beginning to reflect on the school theme “Saved to Serve.” I was pleased to learn that these two grade 12 students are developing as servant leaders with hearts to serve others. They reflected on the needs of people in Indonesia and took the opportunity help those affected by the hot mud disaster. These students are able to speak about their love and thankfulness to God that motivates them to leave their comfort zones and serve others. Praise be to God for His work in the hearts and lives of our students!
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An Article for Parents of SPH Students
By Yunus Adiprasetya
Regarding the theme “Saved to Serve,� the class of 2010 has a lot to share. A few months ago, a number of students, out of their own initiative, arranged a mission trip. They brainstormed and decided to go to Lampung and they planned the mission trip to be held right after their final exams. They had to do their planning during their final IB exams. But they did it anyway.
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E had a great time at the mission trip. We taught various workshops in the school; IT, architecture, english, art, media, politics, philosophy and theology. We played games with the students of Sekolah Lentera Harapan, we praised the Lord together, we held a spiritual retreat for them, gave them sermons, talked with them in small groups, and got to know them intimately. We had a talent show and a bonfire with them, we spent a few hours praying with them for their school. These SLH students are no different from us, we did not pity them, we had compassion for them, we loved them. We did not go there to be heroes
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or to be saviors, we went there as slaves. Slaves of Christ, we are not greater than the people we serve. And we did this not because we had nothing better to do, but because we are blessed when we became a blessing. A day before the deadline for the registration, we had only four people who signed up for the mission trip. That is four students, who will be going to a school, holding a retreat for 180 students. We panicked, we prayed of course, but we made a commitment, that even if, we had to go with only four people, we would go. We turned to the Bible and saw that God had never had problems using small numbers to do his work. One Moses led a whole nation, one Joshua to bring them to the promise land, one Jesus to redeem the world. We trusted, and God answered. We ended up going with a group of nine students. Now to many people, this is a strange concept, the idea of SPH students going to Lampung on a mission trip. Rich, spoiled, SPH students, arranging a mission trip out of their own initiative. Why leave the comforts of home? Why sacrifice your holiday? Why spend money to go on a mission trip? God has no needs right? So why go on a mission trip? I cannot give you the answer of each individual that went on the mission trip. But I believe I speak for the whole group when I say that we went on the mission trip, if for no other reason, because we enjoy serving. Perhaps it’s the benefit of doing so many community service projects while we were in school, we do it so much that we eventually learn to like it. Besides, we just finished our exams, why not take the chance while we still can? But still this begs the question, “How can a mission trip be enjoyable?” Well there is really only one way to find out; go on a mission trip. Now, God has no needs, we cannot give to God anything that He does not already
own. Therefore, when we serve God, we are always on the receiving end. Think of it this way, when we went on the mission trip, God was saying to us, “I am going to Lampung to bring a revival there. Do you want to come or not? Do you want to see me work?” Imagine that, God to this day is at work in all parts of the world, and by going on the mission trip, we get to watch God work. We got front row tickets to the show. A student who went on the first trip said that he has never felt more joyful than when he was in the mission trip. Both on the first and the second mission trip, we had students who really wanted to come to the mission trip. They wanted to serve God, to live out Christ’s love, to be a salt and light, to be a blessing to the students of SLH. But their parents would not let them come. Now SPH’s vision is to nurture students in a way that they would develop Godly character. However, I fear that most people do not understand what Godly character entails. It sounds awesome when you define it as a list of character traits (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control, etc.) but when those traits dwell in a person, especially in their child, parents often freak out. What would you do as a parent if your child says, “mom, I want to be an evangelist”? Is this not Godly character? Is not Godly character that which causes us to live a life of obedience?
you are now. It will be a waste if they end up working as a teacher or a pastor or perhaps a missionary. Parents, remember that if your child is called to a fulltime service of the Lord, they will be rich. They will be collecting a treasure far more valuable than anything the world can offer. They will have a treasure in a place where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. It is called, “the heavenly treasure.” Parents, I hereby represent your child to ask for your permission to let them go on a mission trip, if there be one next year, and if your child wants to come. I know of no better way to know God than to obey him. Therefore, I ask of you to not come between God and your child. There are few blessings greater than the blessing in being a blessing. Do not settle for earthly treasures, but seek heavenly treasures. Again I plead, be a blessing!
I beg of you−parents−that if we have another mission trip next year, do not prevent your child from going. Do not deny them the joy of serving. Do not prevent them from watching the awesome work of the Lord. Do not let them miss the chance to be a blessing. I mean, if you are going to stop them from going, then you have sent your kid to the wrong school. Again, SPH’s vision is to nurture students in a way that they would develop Godly character. So please, don’t complain if SPH succeeds. You should be rejoicing if your child wants to go on a mission trip. You should be jumping up and down, you should be celebrating. Why send your kid to SPH if you don’t want them to be like Christ? Why send them to church? Why buy them a Bible? If I may guess, a lot of parents have this idea that you have sent your child to SPH, a significant investment, and it will be a waste if your child does not end up twice as rich as
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Yunus Adiprasetya
SPH Internatonal Lippo Village Alumni
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Parents' Participation in Education quality time is more attractive than the old idea of quantity time. The school is expected to be the new “parent”. The outcome is clear, we are losing our children, they are liable to be like a ship without a compass, and therefore lack both a sense of direction and the capacity to direct themselves.
Parents can easily become confused about education and schooling. We hear about declining achievement scores, rising educational costs, bureaucracies that frustrate educational leaders and worsening student behavior. We can not understand how this has happened. We thought we had already done our job as a parent; we provided the home, food and clothing and sent them to the best school that we could afford for their education.
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OOD education is built on a broad base which must include the widest possible understanding and participation of all parts of the community. We seem to like having children but do not want to be active and responsible parents. Many parents spend minimal time with their children. The notion of
The home is the first and most important school our child will ever have. Depending upon the quality of early and most basic learning, the school will either find it easy or difficult to build upon and supplement the family input. Parent involvement is critical in facilitating children's development and achievement and in preventing and remedying educational and developmental problems. Research supports such observations, indicating that increased parent involvement enables students to achieve higher grades and test scores, improves student attendance, improves student conduct and attitude and increases the chances of a child going on to higher education. In addition, the child nurtured in the family is less likely to be a discipline problem at school or in society. The idea that parents and family can positively influence their children’s education does not need research backing; it’s plain common sense. Children spend more time at home than they do at school, and parents have more chance for large numbers of interactions with their children in one-on-one situations. In addition, the home environment provides for more ‘teachable’ moment between parents and child. Stay in touch with your child's teacher, assignments, tests and ongoing projects. Set aside time each day to offer help. Be available and enthusiastic; your child needs to feel like you want to be there and that helping them isn't a chore. Connect with their teachers regularly to keep up with how things are going in the classroom. If we find our child needs extra help, be active in getting it, or better yet, work with them. Tutoring your own children can be rewarding for both of you. There is some research that says we need to control the three simple things in our home,
amount of time watching television, variety of reading material in the home and attendance at school. During the school years, the most important sets of adults in the child’s life are parents and their teachers, and the two influences are blended, not separate, in their consciousness. Therefore it is especially important that these adults, to be most effective, work together on behalf of the child. Just as conflict between parents can inhibit or misdirect a child’s growth toward full maturity, so a lack of understanding between school and home will have the same undesirable results. What should schools do to increase participation and involvement of parents? Well it’s not a brand new idea ... it is simply keeping lines of communication open! The school should set a tone that make themselves inviting, always looking for ways to involve parents, and helping parents to have a feeling that they are partners with them in education. Parents should always be looking for ways to encourage and support teachers. So my simple conclusion is that at the heart of the best education is a happy and harmonious relationship between the parents, the children and the school.
By: Tiurida Hutabarat Parent of SPH International Lippo Village
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Calvin Students:
CROSSING THE BORDER There is no limit in education, as long as we keep learning and improving ourselves. There is always a way to learn about new things, as long as we dare to get out from our comfort zone and face the world that full with opportunities and possibilities.
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LYING through continents, crossing the countries’ border, meeting new people, learn about new culture, share the knowledge and passion about education. That was what Kait Botma, Katy Carlson, Kevin Van Harn and Ben Shoemaker did. Coming from the Calvin College that is located in USA, these four students were very excited to teach some courses in the SPH International Lippo Village Summer Program 2010 and ready for the adventurous journey in Indonesia. Going to Lampung During their first week, the Calvin College Students (CCS) visited Sekolah Lentera Harapan (SLH) in Lampung. On June 15−16, Kevin, Kait, Katy and Ben came to share their knowledge to the SLH students. First, they came to SLH Sekampung where they were welcome warmly by the students. In there, the CCS taught three subjects: English, Mathematics and Public Speaking. The teachers and students were really enthusiastic and actively participated in the class. They have prepared some questions for the CCS previously and competed to be the fastest in answering math problems. SLH students were very excited especially because it was the first time they were taught by foreign instructors. Beside class activities, the CCS and SLH Sekampung students also played volleyball and basketball together. The visitation was ended by song and dance performance by SLH Sekampung students. Besides visiting SLH Sekampung, the CCS team also visited two SLH foster children;
Maria Rahayu and Witasari and gave moral support to them. Although they face a lot of challenges and difficulties, they never give up in pursuing their education. The support they received from the Foster Parents (Orang Tua Asuh—OTA) gives them strength and spirit to reach their dreams. Not only Maria and Wita who were strengthen and encouraged, the CCS also learned from these two young women to always give thanks in every condition. The following day, Kait, Kevin, Ben and Cathy went to the SLH Banjar Agung (BA). Similar with SLH Sekampung, it was first time experience for the students to be visited by foreign instructors. They were so excited that students who were on holiday came to school on purpose to enjoy the sessions that were taught by the CCS. The session was started by a song “You Raise Me up” that was sung by SLH BA students. The performance deeply impressed the guests. “It was awesome,” said Kevin Van Harn, one of the Calvin students. After that, the CCS team invited all SLH students to participate in playing skill games in the courtyard. The game was really fun and enjoyable. The CCS team also taught the SLH BA students Mathematics, Public Speaking and English. Despite their tiredness, the students remained cheerful and full of spirit. The CCS team admired the spirit shown by the SLH
L-R: Kevin, Kait, Ben and Katy
students. The two-day visit to SLH was an unforgettable experience for Kait, Kevin, Ben and Katy. Teaching at SPH International Lippo Village Summer Program 2010 After going to Lampung, the CCS team went back to Lippo Village and did some preparations to teach some courses at Summer Program 2010. Although all of them come from Calvin College, each of them has a different background and major. Ben Shoemaker is finishing his fourth year and majoring in Psychology, International Relations, and Spanish. In the Summer Program 2010, he taught three courses: Leadership Development (grade 7−9), Learn and Go (grade 7−9), Learn and Lead (grade 10−12), which reflected his passion in leadership aspects. Ben has worked as a camp counselor in Croatia and in the US. He has mentored high school students through Young life and in being a library tutor for Hispanic children. Ben has also been involved in a variety of leadership roles while at Calvin. He is the current student body president at Calvin. Another male member of the team is Kevin Van Harn. He has had a wide variety of experiences working with children and youth, including working as a summer camp counselor in Colorado, leading outdoor trips,
Ben Shoemaker with Leadership Development summer course participants
special report time include language skills divided by different age group.
SPH International Lippo Village Summer Program 2010
as well as mentoring high schoolers through Young Life. Kevin is finishing his fourth year at Calvin, majoring in secondary education (specifically math) with a minor in recreation. During the Summer Program 2010, he taught Learn and Grow (grade 1−3) and Learn and Care (grade 4−6). The 2 courses are combination of academic (Math, Geography, English), sports, games whilst at the same
One of the female members of this team is Katy Carlson. She is majoring in Art History with a minor in Recreation (emphasis in youth development) and her fourth year at Calvin. Katy has been a student athlete, playing on the women’s lacrosse team for all four years and during her final season she served as a co-captain of the team. In Summer Program 2010, she taught Learn and Grow (grade 1−3), Art (grade 1−3), World Cooperative Games (grade 4−6) and Learn and Lead (gr 10−12). Katy has had a wide variety of experiences working with children and youth in summer day camps in California, tutoring college students at Calvin as well as leading wilderness orientation trips for the College. Being the youngest person in the team, Kait Botma had so much energy in many courses that she ran. She taught Rhythm and Games (grade 1−3) together with the Suzuki
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Institute kids (Strings Camp), Learn and Care (grade 4−6) and Learn and Go (grade 7−9). She also taught Gymnastic and World Games together with Katy. Kait is finishing her third year in secondary education (specifically English and Linguistics) major with a minor in Youth Ministry. She has worked as a camp counselor for high school students as well as served as a small group leader for high school girls. The four of them shared their knowledge with the Summer Program 2010 participants and learned about the Indonesian language and culture at the same time. Based on the evaluation of their performances, the Summer Program participants said that they were enjoying their courses since the Calvin Students combined the academic courses with various activities such as indoor, outdoor games and group activities. They are enthusiastic, caring and create a lot of fun! (SLH News & SPH LV PRP)
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SPH Sentul City Children and Youth Choir th (SPHSC-CYC) Participating at the 6 World Choir Games in Shaoxing, China By Detty Ariani Kurniasari
“All that hath life and breath praise Ye the Lord …, shout to the Lord alleluia!” A group of children and youth in Balinese costumes eagerly shared their joy and shouted praise to the Lord, touching and moving not only ears and eyes, but also hearts of the audience in Theatre of Shaoxing Opera Arts Center.
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EKOLAH Pelita Harapan Sentul City Children and Youth Choir has been blessed to be able to participate in the World Choir Games one more time, this year in the ancient city of Shaoxing, China which is also popularly known as the Venice of the East from July 15th to 26th 2010. The 6th World
Choir Games, which was also known as “Choir Olympics”, was the fourth Choir Games in which SPHSC-CYC has taken part. The Choir has actively participated in the competition since 2004 in Bremen, Germany; then in Xiamen, China (2006); Graz, Austria (2008) and just recently in Shaoxing, China. With the theme “Taking part is the highest honour”, the biennial World Choir Games links people from different ethnic groups, nationalities and countries through singing. It was such a delightful and prestigious opportunity to be able to share what we have with the rest of the world. SPHSC-CYC learned one more time to engage in a global environment and community by proudly presenting the rich and beautiful culture of Indonesia and joyfully sharing the faith in Jesus Christ through the music and songs
we sang in the competitions and friendship concert. Not only were we were able to share what we had, we also respected and appreciated others as we watched different choirs from all over the world perform on stage. Made up of 27 Senior School students from grade 7 to 12, 2 supporting teachers and led by choir master Bapak Daniel Dasalak, the Choir performed their best and was able to achieve three silver medals from three
special report categories in which we competed; Youth with Equal Voices, Gospel and Spiritual and Sacred Music. Twelve compositions, ranging from Renaissance era to traditional and contemporary music were prepared by the Choir in a year. The preparation involved twice-a-week practices on Mondays and Thursdays and five three-day-training-centers throughout the year, and a-three-week-extra rehearsal during the summer holiday. It was a lot of work for everyone involved that took more than commitment to work together to make it happen. Dedication and willingness to work extra hours despite every member’s busy schedule as students and teachers in SPH were also key aspects to the Choir’s success. We had a wonderful opportunity to share with the world what and who we are and what and who we have. Preparation and performances were hard work. God does use hardships to bring us hope. That way we were able to comprehend fully last year’s school theme through the process we went through. Moreover, with 2011 theme “Saved2Serve”, we also received a confirmation that the salvation we receive in Jesus Christ is not to be kept for ourselves, but to be shared with the rest of the world through many ways of service, one of which is through singing. SPHSC-CYC with its 30 members, including the conductor, has the greatest support system choir could possibly have. With the ever-encouraging parents and school’s full support, the Choir’s way to the 6th World Choir Games was made possible and smooth. Parents’ involvement was recognized and fully appreciated by the Choir from encouraging the students to practice, helping the students with the make-up and costumes during performances, meeting deadlines of payment, accompanying the students during the performances and competitions, to unceasingly praying for them and giving words of support. The school has also done its best to support its feather in the school’s cap by organizing the fundraising concert and pre-competition concert along with many other things it did throughout the preparation and the trip itself. The Choir’s involvement in the 6th World Choir Games was truly a community project which involved a lot of hands, recorded or unrecorded, and we are so thankful for that. We wish to extend our gratitude to those who continuously support us throughout the journey. We hope that through our contribution in the 6th World Choir Games, we’ve made ourselves, our family, our friends, our school, our country, and ultimately our God pleased and proud. Let our hearts and lives sing to the glory of the Lord.
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SPH International Kemang Village
Teachers Writing about the School IT is so nice to start fresh. Everything is new and often times you don’t know what to expect. The challenge is indeed very exciting! Knowing that you are working with new students and staff gives me the delight to contribute in different ways. I am also challenged to become flexible in different ways and in different situations. [ Bless Osia ]
EXCITING to be part of growing/extending the vision and mission of SPH here in Kemang. Starting fresh—building community seeking daily God’s blessing at work in this place. There are challenges, frustrations, many joyful moments with colleagues, supporting one another, growing/learning together. [ Johanna Wielengga ]
I enjoy being able to walk down the halls as a Grade 4 teacher and be able to call the Senior School students by name. The small class sizes make it possible to cultivate a warm family feel in the midst of a big city. [ Leah Rawdon ]
IT'S exciting to be working in Kemang Village because of wonderful staff. We are all here teaching at a new school learning together. This means that we are able to set the standard of this school and for our students. [ Chaney Rosti ]
WORKING at Kemang Village excites me because I know we will and we are bringing more of Christ to the Kemang area. Our building is seen from all over Kemang and I love that we are known for our strong beliefs. Working at a new school is great because you as a staff member get to set the bar high with expectations. You influence and are involved with almost every process and procedure. The team work we have is phenomenal! [ Kaitlyn McLaughlin ]
A new school puts learning on the cutting edge. When both teachers and students are on the same side, fully experiencing the boundary of the known and unknown. It is rare opportunity for collaborative participation in the Lord’s work on earth. Being in a brand new community students gain deep knowledge of human relationship as they help establish a culture. [ Sam Cheesman ] WORKING at Kemang Village is an experience like none other. It is a true blessing, as a new teacher, to be working with all “new” teachers a new school. We are creating the foundation and living out the mission of SPH. The intimidating part of coming to a new school is the challenge of the unknown. [ Lindsey Cooper ]
I am incredibly excited about working with a Christian staff, being united by a shared vision, a communal understanding of true knowledge. I have been teaching a long time and with great staff members and lots of students, but this is a new and exciting freedom for me as a Christian educator. [ Susan Nickel ]
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SPH International Kemang Village
Students Writing about the School GOOD TEACHERS, GOD PROTECTION AT SPH, I’m excited about using the smart board in the class. The smart board is really helpful for studying. All the teachers are comfortable teaching students in the class so students can concentrate during the class. I enjoy being in a Christian school because whenever the teachers pray during the class or after class; I feel that God is protecting us. [ Lee Seo Bin, Grade 7 ]
ON August 2nd, 2010, I came to SPH Kemang Village. I am very excited to move to this school because I can improve my English. This school is a second home in my life. Thank you SPH and the Principal. I am very excited to study the Bible at a new Christian school. I’m a Christian. Also I like Jesus. SPH is teaching about Jesus and the Bible, the teacher is Mrs. Susan. It is very unique to learn Bible at school but I really like it. Also every morning my homeroom teacher prays for us and SPH. I go to church every Saturday. I know about Jesus just a little bit but I usually forget about Jesus but when I go to school (SPH Kemang Village) I can’t forget Jesus. I want to invite new friends to this school, and I want to say to people this school is fantastic and very good place to study. [ Jung Koo Min, Grade 7 ]
MUSIC I am interested about having a great education at SPH Kemang Village. I studied many useful lessons here already. The best part is always music. Music is such an exciting lesson. Besides that, the teachers and friends are helpful and friendly. It’s just awesome to be at SPH Kemang Village! I enjoyed studying at a new Christian school because I had the opportunity to study both knowledge and faith in God. We’re not just learning about the knowledge, but we also learn to have the faith in God, to be thankful for all the things we have. [ Olivia, Grade 7 ]
SCIENCE LAB AND LEARN ABOUT JESUS I am excited about the laboratory because I have never done a science experiment in a laboratory. It is exciting going to school here because the school is new and we are also able to learn about God, and believe in God and Jesus. [ Anthony, Grade 7 ]
BEING in a Christian school is new for me and being here is great. I can learn about the Bible and how to recognize the bad things and good things in my life. Being here makes me learn about my path in life. [ Dina, Grade 7 ]
I’M so happy my parents sent me here. Learning about God isn’t boring at all; instead, it is so fun and exciting. You can’t wait for what’s going to happen next! [ Ye Eun, Grdae 7 ]
Teach My Children about God I enjoy studying in a new school because I can learn more about God and get closer to Him and I can make new good friends and study the Bible. So when I grow up I can teach my children. Studying at SPH Kemang Village is like having a new life with great friends in a new Christian school. [ Joshua, Grade 7 ]
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SPH International Kemang Village
Students Writing about the School I have so much fun during the break playing ping pong with my friends. I am also excited about the teachers here, they teach very well and are not mean. I’m not a Christian but I believe God is real and not just some kind of myth. So I like to study in this new Christian school. [ Richard, Grade 7 ]
WHAT excites me about SPH Kemang Village is the technology available to us. The smart boards have all kinds of things, like calculators and it is fully a touch sensitive screen. And I also like that in the school time table, It has physical education three times a week. In my old school, there was only one time of physical education per week. I love the celebration we held on 18th August for Indonesian Independence Day. It was the best celebration in my entire life. We had games, treats, and a lot more. I think this will be my best school year. [ Chai Won, Grade 8 ]
SECURE, ENCOURAGED THIS school is more disciplined and caring to students. SPH excites me because the teachers are always caring to the students. For example, if a student doesn’t do his homework, then the teacher focuses attention on him because the teacher might think he needs help or something. Because the school is well disciplined and caring, there is nothing to be afraid of bullying, fighting, or stealing. Therefore anyone who goes to this school will feel secure. A new Christian school is like a new disciplined life serving, God only. As students do their work and learn more about Christian ways, we will be better students and better Christians. Going to this school means a lot to me because the school gives a lot of care and encouragements. It makes students comfortable to ask questions. [ Jason Chung, Grade 8 ]
CHRIST-CENTERED
WELCOMING
THERE are actually a lot of different things that have made me very excited about attending SPH. One of the things that excites me the most is the structure and the building of the school. To me this school is amazing because the interior is classy; the school looks very modern and high-tech, and also it is very comfortable. Besides the building, I like the fact that this school is a brand new school with many wonderful new teachers and students. I also am interested in the way we are learning and the program we are following. The food that they have at our canteen is also quite good. Most important, we are learning more about Christ.
WHEN I first saw the SPH Kemang Village campus, I was very excited and I was very interested! There are many things that excite me about attending SPH Kemang Village, such as the facilities, classrooms, and the whole campus. When I first met the teachers during the school orientation day, I was thrilled to be their student. All the teachers are fun and very enjoyable. I was and still am excited and very glad to have new classes and schoolmates at SPH Kemang Village. Everyone at SPH Kemang Village is welcoming, and they make me more excited each and every day at school. I am glad that I can be a part of the SPH Kemang Village family. [ Risa, Grade 9 ]
To me, it means a lot that I am studying in this new Christian school. I feel very fortunate and blessed. I feel so lucky that I can learn more about Christ and I feel blessed because I am aware that there are many people, most of all children, who cannot have the opportunity to go to a wonderful new Christian school and get as good education as we do. So since God has given me easier life, I know that He expects more from me. So I hope I can achieve my goals with the help of SPH Kemang Village. [ Jasmine, Grade 8 ]
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SPH International Kemang Village
Students Writing about the School SPH Kemang Village is my first international school, and friends who are attending this school are my first foreign friends too. So when I first came to this school and took classes, I was very nervous and I couldn’t talk to somebody else except my Korean friends. However other friends come to me and talked to me first. They tried to understand my poor English, and I started to have confidence to talk to foreign friends in English. Today, I am very excited to talk to others in English, and I always expect to have conversations with them. In short, friends excite me about attending this school. [ Hyung Chui Kim, Grade 9 ]
ONE of the things I really enjoy at SPH Kemang Village is the PE class. In my old school we never had PE. So when I got to this school, I was delighted to hear that a gym was being constructed near the top floor of the building. Right now, we are learning how to play table tennis, or ping pong as it’s more commonly called. One of the best things in PE is that our teachers, Mr. Karl Osia, makes everything fun. Last week he assigned us to do some researches on different aspect of ping pong in groups, but instead of doing a paper, he asked us to do power point presentation. Also, he is a pretty good ping pong player, so it is invigorating to see him battling some of my classmates. Because of this and other things, I am starting to feel at home at SPH Kemang Village. [ Alvin, Grade 9 ]
THE people in SPH Kemang Village are very nice. They are also kind. We are all new in SPH KV; and people are welcome here. I feel happy here because the environment at SPH KV is warm and welcoming. During red and white day (August 18th, 2010), I understand that in only three weeks, we have already built a team. We played tug of war, pencil in a bottle, and many more fun games. It shows that the community at SPH KV is very close. We didn’t see any differences among us. We are in SPH KV now, and we are united, so we will never judge a person because of differences. Everything is new here and we making friendships that will last. It is the best experience because we all are new. We play together and we have great team spirit. [ Putri, Grade 9 ]
STUDYING in a new Christian school is practically learning in a regular school, but being in a Christian environment makes it better for a Christian student to be in. All the teachers believe in One True God (Jesus). They cannot only help a student with his or her academic needs but also with his or her Christian walk in life. [ Saskya, Grade 9 ]
I am a Christian and yet never attended a Christian school before. Every day we pray and we read the Bible during our devotions. It makes me feel closer to God, and I believe that attending this school is one of God’s ways to make me become a better person, not only for myself but also for people around me. [ Obed, Grade 9 ]
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Comments from
Alumni Class of 2000
"As an alumni and member of the reunion comittee, it was truly a wonderful idea for the school to host this event. It is going to be the 1st SPH official reunion and we are hoping it will be the base of the upcoming SPH Alumni Association. May the event gather most, if not all, alumni in a cheerful and happy nostalgic moment where we can catch up and reconnect. Bravo SPH" [ Fitri Tanjung ]
Lippo Village, 24 July 2010—It is hard to imagine that more than fourteen years have passed since SPH Lippo Village saw its first graduating class of high school students. So many changes have taken place in each of their lives, as well as in the life of the school.
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N July, an Alumni Reunion for students graduating between the years 1996 and 2000 gave a special opportunity for those who were involved in the SPH community through those years to catch up with each other, and for some, to renew friendships from over a decade ago. As we gathered around the pool to share a light meal and each other’s company, it quickly became apparent which friendships had continued on strongly by the ease and familiarity between people.
their friends and classmates, it was special to watch the flickers of recognition grow into flames of remembrance with joyful smiles and hugs. Besides entering new fields of education and employment, there are a significant number of our alumni who are now married and have children of their own. It was special to have spouses and children at this event as well. The initiative and efforts of alumni from the Class of 2000 are very much appreciated, as they brought the idea of this event forward and helped with the planning. Hopefully, this will be a good beginning to building an Alumni Association which will further strengthen the ties between past SPH students, as well as between alumni and the school. In such a community we can provide mutual support for each other.
It is wonderful that friends from high school can still play such significant roles in each other’s lives, even years after leaving that school. For those that had lost touch with Please find out more about Homecoming Rate for SPH alumni’s children. (*)
Info: Admission office 5460233
(*) Passed grade 12 with minimum 3 years of study in SPH
Judie Comrie
SPH International Lippo Village Teacher
"The Alumni Reunion was a great experience for us as alumni. It surely did jog my memories of wonderful years in SPH, years of learning, unforgettable, 'life foundation' forming period of my life. Hopefully this can be a start for SPH and the rest of the alumni to rebuild the lost connection we once had." [ Gilda C. Chang ]
“I'm so glad to hear that finally Pelita Harapan School hosted a reunion this year. I and my husband are the members of alumni 2000. We had blast meeting with our teachers and friends, even friends from abroad came just to see this event. I'm also impressed with the decoration and setting in the swimming pool that was looked like for romantic dinner. They also had the kids corner. I'm very pleased with the reunion this year.” [ Yena Y. Setiasih ]
book corner
HOW TO HELP YOUR HURTING FRIEND Clear Guidance for Messy Problems By Susie Shellenberger Zondervan, 2004 When a friend is hurting, all you want to do is HELP. But what do you say when your best friend doesn’t eat, or her parents are splitting up, or you see the cutting scars on your friend’s arm? There’s just No Script for this stuff. That’s where this book comes in. It’s for concerned friends who know that the Best Way to help is stepping in with Love and authentic Support. Whether you know someone who is dealing with sexual abuse, drug addiction, or depression, this book HOW TO HELP YOUR HURTING FRIEND offeres Practical Advice on how you can be a true friend by tapping into the Wisdom of The Bible, the heart of Jesus, and the Advice of Councelors who know what they’re talking about. Just One Man—The Son of God, Jesus Our Saviour, the Greatest gift of all, offers eternal life to you and me and your friends who are battling deep hurt.
IT'S EASY BEING GREEN One Student's Guide to Serving Planet and Saving the Planet By Emma Sleeth Zondervan, 2008 You’ve probably heard the story of the Garden of Eden, the paradise that God created for humans to live in. There were trees and flowers, plenty of food, and room enough for everyone, when you look out your window today, you don’t see the paradise God intended for us. This world is crowded, polluted and headed for trouble. But it’s not hopeless. The author of this book, is working hard to save our planet. She believes that we’re called by God to protect the resources that He gave us, and she wants to help you learn how to live a sustainable lifestyle. She’s speaking our to her generation in the hopes that you will be the ones who can end global warming and restore our world to the paradise that God desires for us. In this book, we’ll learn how to honor God in the choices we make, and we’ll begin to understand the impact those choices have on the environment. So, join the author on the quest to serve God by saving the planet.
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