Inspiration
Integrity
Achievement
TKS Ambassadors support the KAUST Commencement
Risk taker IB learner characteristic for the month
For the 5th year, TKS students played an important part in the University Commencement. Select members of the TKS Ambassadors Club served as the welcome team for students, families and visitors attending the Ceremony on December 19th. Their task was to meet, greet and engage graduates and their families as they joined them for the 200 meter walk to the ceremony entrance. in hand)
Photograph by TKS student Colin Herrington
29 January 2016
the.wave@kaust.edu.sa
K3 chickens hatch and grow The day before winter break, the building was buzzing with energy. Not the energy that comes in anticipation of a vacation, but with the excitement of watching many of the ninety eggs we were incubating start to hatch. The eggs were given to us by a farmer and long time resident of Thuwal. By the end of the day, the K3 building was home to 30 new chicks. K3 has a thriving garden and small animal program, and children take responsibility for feeding the chicks with scraps from the cafeteria everyday, ensuring they have water and feed, and collecting the eggs every morning. Visit the school yard now and you might ďŹ nd a child drawing a chicken that they have been observing over the last two weeks as it grows and changes, adding new feathers as the chicks molt and mature. As part of our unit on the life cycles of living things, K3 students worked to solve the problem of chicks who would squeeze through the coop fence, being resourceful and ďŹ nding pieces of construction fencing to cover the holes. The K3 school will continue to care for the chicks through the year, diverting all of our food waste toward the chickens, and be able to observe most of the life cycle of these beautiful birds. By: Eric Bakkens K3
K2 explore Forces and Motion
K2 has begun thinking about the forces we use in our work and play. How do things move? What forces do we use everyday? What helps things to have motion? To start off we have been working with the forces of push and pull. We use these forces all the time and can think of a lot of big and small things we can push and pull.
Mongolion Throat Singers visit K2 K2 studends attended an Assembly given by the Mongolian Throat Singer group, KHUSUGTUN, which was visiting as part of WEP. The group demonstrated playing several Mongolian instruments. One was a horsehead fiddle (Morin khuur). It sounds similar to a violin, has two strings, and is played with a horsehair bow. They also played a Mongolian flute, using circular breathing, which allowed for pitches to be sustained for a very long time. In addition, the children heard a shudraga, similar to a banjo, and a zither, an instrument with 21 strings, played by plucking. The singers demonstrated “long” singing and two of the many types of Mongolian throat singing. The assembly ended with the full ensemble playing a piece. The children really enjoyed seeing the instruments and hearing the singing from Mongolia. By: Katie Riker
Note from the GES Principals As many of you will be aware your will soon be receiving your child’s mid year progress report. For those of you new to KAUST or who have been to other schools you will be aware that progress reports differ from school to school. Some schools use letter grades where others use terms like “proficient” or “needs improvement” to describe progress. Before you read your child’s report, preferably with them, take some time to understand what the various terms mean within the TKS report. As you read your child’s progress report consider the following: • • • •
Be supportive of your child. Support the good grades. If there is need for improvement, help your child determine what their next steps may be. Most children have strengths and weaknesses so there may be report some highs and lows. Discuss how their strengths can help improve their areas of need. • Read teacher comments and consider carefully what is being said. Often their is a great deal of detail contained in these comments. Remember that a progress report is a chance to learn more about what your child is doing. Together you and your child’s teachers can work together to maximize your child’s potential. If you have any questions please schedule a conference with the teacher at a time that allows you both to be fully focused on your conversation. Kyle Brewerton Elementary Principal
Creative Writing - Conversations with a Professor During WEP we were fortunate to have a visiting Professor - Carolina Sanin from Columbia- who ran the creative writing workshops - spend some time with Grade 4. The discussion was very interactive, with Carolina inviting lots of questions and conversation with the students. The following reflections are from two of the students in this session: Hamin enjoyed hearing about the process of writing. “Carolina said that as writer can get ideas at any moment, so it is always important for writers to carry a small note-book or pad. Different writers like to write in different conditions/environments. For example: Carolina liked to write in a quiet and peaceful environment, while her friend could stay focused on writing a story even with little kids playing around her.” “Once, Carolina wrote a story based on her real life experience - it was about her dog, Dalia. “ Carolina also has an agent. An agent is someone who finds a good publisher for the writer. Paolo remembered what Caroline said about the publishing process. If you are a writer it is very hard because after writing your story and reviewing it - you may not like it. It is not like you thought, so you have to rewrite your story. When you are happy with your story you still have to find somebody to publish it. Some publishers will give you just $3 but if you find a good publisher they might offer 25 to 50 Dollars for publishing the book. Then you can sell your story and get money. For Hamin, this was the first time she had seen a writer in person. “I was happy to meet Carolina because she understood the hard writing process.” Both Paolo and Hamin enjoyed the insights to the world of a writer. They appreciated the opportunity to learn first hand from Carolina. by Hamin Choi and Paolo Castellani and Vivien Sewell
Vijay Shah - Polar Explorer visits GES
On January 14, Mr. Shah came to GES to talk about his adventure to the Arctic. Mr. Shah says that the Arctic is in grave danger. He claims that if you compare photographs taken five years apart, the Arctic is now much smaller. Mr. Shah showed us a number of photographs, “The ice is getting too thin for the polar bear to stand. Did you see how the bear’s foot got stuck under the ice?” said Mr.Shah. He says that polar bears are struggling and we have to take action in order to save them. He showed us a video about how a snow mobile scared a mother polar bear and her cubs. The cub got confused about which way to go because the cub’s mother was running faster than him. They had to decide whether to let the cub wander or capture it and lead it the same way as his mother. Vijay also tried to convey the extremities of the polar region and the dangers that the he faced on the expedition. He told the students that he had to cover his whole body with really thick clothing including his face or it would freeze. He also said that it was easy to get tired because it took a lot of effort to travel against the wind dragging heavy packs. When he got to the Arctic at the beginning it was -10 degrees. While they were getting closer the end of the expedition, it was getting colder and there was a white-out blizzard. On the last day of the expedition, one of Vijay’s friend fell in the ocean because he couldn’t see where he was going and the ice was not thick so it cracked, but they managed to save him from the water. We learned through further research that Vijay Shah has been to many different places and experienced different cultures and traditions. He’s been to Africa where he swam in a river that was a hundred meters deep. He swam in the Indian Ocean with sharks. He has been inspired to take on challenges, and been a risk taker, visiting so many different places, and seeing the impact that we as humans have on our planet! by Varshini Chandrasekaran and Yahya Hammad http://www.vijayshah.info/photos/uvmvc9mz5qkaaa134vso4fca5a7542
In celebration of the Winter Enrichment Program and all activities that promote courage and risk-taking. The author of the famous Harry Potter series J.K. Rowling writes, “It is impossible to live without failing, unless you live so cautiously that you might as well not have lived at all—in which case you fail by default.” This quotation illustrates the value of the I.B. Learner trait, Risk Taking.
Reflections
from the Director of TKS
At TKS we encourage students to take risks, and to approach unfamiliar situations with courage. We support students in exploring new territory, new roles, new ideas and new strategies. WEP offered many ways for our students to discover new territory. New Territory: A 4th grade student asked his Mother if he could see The Globe's production of Hamlet, saying “It may be hard to understand, but I’ve never seen one of Shakepeare's plays.” New Roles: At Discovery Square learners of all ages stepped up to receive Conductor Eduardo Regulia’s baton, and to practice conducting the community orchestra. New Ideas: MYP Students produced an original mixed media performance focused on sustaining the earth. All drama, music and visual art pieces were produced by the students themselves, and the performance occurred in the Theatre foyer, preceding the culminating TKS WEP 2016 Assembly. New Strategies: Nigerian drummers who came to the Flag Pavilion offered the microphone for a 9th grader to mimic his singing, and the 9th grader did mimic his singing. These are but a few examples that illustrate the ways KAUST provides enrichment and discovery for all learners. The I.B. learner trait that best allows student learners to practice courage (and triumph over fear) is Risk Taking. As Nelson Mandela stated: “I learnt that courage was not the absence of fear but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not fear, but he who conquers that fear.”
Maddy
Note from the GSS Principals We began 2016 at warp speed. We have already experienced a phenomenal TKS WEP Week as you can see from this edition, begun Semester 2, had Middle School students travel to Riyadh for Model United Nations, and had the largest number of students ever, participate in our regional Cross Country race at the Safaa Gardens Golf Course. As mentioned previously, Semester 1 reports for grades 6-11 will be shared on February 2. The grade 12 students will be in mock exams at this time so they will receive their reports February 16. Parents are encouraged to consult the hard copy Art calendar to ensure they are updated on the number of February events. The Parent Advisory Council will be in touch with you soon regarding the Teacher Appreciation lunch scheduled for February 25th. In partnership, Jennifer Lees Secondary Principal
Citizens of the World Walking Together How can you join in the fun for the International Week Picnic and Parade of Nations March 3th? Here are some ideas: 1. CONTRIBUTE TO YOUR COUNTRY TABLE – There will be a table for every country that wants to march. We provide the table, full sized flag and country placard. Community members may choose to display crafts, foods, country dress, art, and other cultural artifacts. Tour the World without even leaving KAUST! Contact Ms. Annette Burgess at the Secondary School if you would like to serve as a country captain or help in any way. 808 6867 or annette.burgess@kaust.edu.sa 2. CELEBRATE INTERNATIONAL FOODS - at home and at school. For example Secondary School parents are invited to bring sweet or savory finger foods the morning of Wednesday, March 2nd for a celebration of International snacks. Each school will share International Week events as we get closer. 3. JOIN THE PARADE AND PICNIC: Thursday, March 3rd. An informal trademark of this event is ‘Everybody Walks’. We are united. EVERYONE is in the parade! You are invited to wear country colors and country dress if you have them. We gather at 5:00 PM in Discovery Square and parade to Harbor Sports Club field where we find a circle of 100 international flags, and tables representing the cultures of many countries. Feel free to drop off your blanket and picnic basket at the field before meeting in Discovery Square. There will be music and performances for all to enjoy.
WEP - Meeting Professor Kip Thorne Professor Kip Thorne visited TKS on Sunday the 17th of January for a private audience with high school students. The event in the library inspired TKS budding physicists; ‘’Three simple words! It was AWESOME! Very interesting with a lot of new information to learn. I loved it.’’ ‘’What an amazing opportunity to meet with such an experienced, well versed Professor. It was incredibly humbling to be able to converse with Professor Thorne. His work and life are both very fascinating.’’
‘’The best aspect I enjoyed was learning about gravitational waves and the experiments that Professor Thorne cofounded and how near they are in discovering these gravitational waves.’’ ‘’I was intrigued by his knowledge of the movie such as black holes and time travel and I liked the inclusion of random facts like his conversation with Stephen Hawking.’’
By: Euan Riddell
TKS Model United Nations Trip On January 22, 2016, ten chosen middle school students traveled to Riyadh to attend the SAIKAC Middle School Model United Nation. The conference was organized by the American International School of Riyadh. These students were a part of 3 different committees and were chosen to represent a country each. The topics discussed were Genetically Modified Organisms and Pollution, The Syrian Crisis and Security Borders, Freedom of Information and Disease Control. We came together with other schools and debated on solutions for these issues. The delegates representing all the different countries were asked about their country’s perspective on the issue. Delegates collaborated for or against the issue and came up with their own resolutions. TKS students were brilliant delegates during the MS MUN trip bringing back 2 “Most Distinguished Delegate” awards and 3 “Most Honorable Delegate” awards. Our TKS students can say that they were lucky enough to have a great experience in the Middle School MUN conference. They got to meet many people from different schools and countries. The conference helped the students to understand the diverse world that they live in and the many obstacles that political figures must overcome to ensure peace and prosperity around the world. By: Chelsea Lai
MYP Interdisciplinary Learning at TKS
Photo by G10 student - Salman Alghamdi: Between the Surfaces
As we fast forward into this 21st century, the ways we learn and the ways we work are changing rapidly. Even though we focus on strong disciplinary knowledge and skills, our new times also require an education that empowers young people to integrate their discipline learning in innovative ways. The grade 10s developed their critical thinking skills by completing an interdisciplinary unit on light. They inquired into the science of light, and how it can be used to craft an image that gives varied perspectives of the environment. Over an intensive two week period, during Science and English lessons, advisory sessions and three days during TKS WEP, they integrated understandings from English Language and Literature and the Sciences, with Technology Integration Specialist Roger Gribbins teaching the students the finer points of underwater photography. A snorkel trip on the Red Sea gave them the opportunity to capture their wonderful photos. For their final assessment, they selected one of their photos and wrote a scientific rationale that justified the use of light and its properties in their chosen photograph.The action the grade 10s will be taking is an exhibition of their photos and accompanying rationales at the Personal Project Showcase on March 3. Look out for their incredible photos and superb rationales at this special event! In the words of one student, Isha Khurram: "I enjoyed every moment of the Grade 10 IDU! All the work that was put into the unit was extremely helpful when it came to taking the underwater pictures and writing our rationales. These opportunities should be given more often. A huge thank you to Mrs. Rweyemamu for coordinating the unit!” By: Katrina Englart, IB MYP Coordinator
MYP Interdisciplinary Learning at TKS
Photo by G10 student - Naomi Bakken: Closer
Photo by G10 student - Hyegyo Cha: Lavish Waves of Reection
MYP Interdisciplinary Learning at TKS As knowledge and information multiply, critical thinkers must successfully integrate disciplinary perspectives to understand complex issues and ideas. This promotes intellectual rigour and the transfer of understanding that prepares students to be lifelong learners. In the MYP, students study units that are based in disciplinary grounding but require synthesize of understanding across disciplines. The grade 7 students have recently completed an interdisciplinary unit (IDU) that asked the students to synthesize their understandings in Design and the Sciences. The statement of inquiry was ‘the relationship between the healthy choices we make are justifiable through the understanding of how systems work.” The students created an animation or game, to influence their peers to make healthy choices. They used their scientific knowledge to develop their game. The grade 7 students took action and raised awareness of health issues through their games by hosting a games fair for grades 4 and 5 classes during TKS WEP week. The students loved sharing their games with the young students! By: Katrina Englart, IB MYP Coordinator
Grade 10 upcoming course selection - Important Notice AN IMPORTANT NOTICE for GRADE 10 regarding DP Course Selection for the Class of 2018 As the process is about to begin, we would like to invite you and your child to an IB Diploma information session on Wednesday 3rd February from 5:30 to 7:00pm in the GSS Auditorium and Library. 1. 2.
Mrs Thivin-Boutry, Diploma Programme Coordinator, will be giving a presentation about the Diploma, the IB philosophy and the course selection for next year. Mr Zienchuck, University Counselor, will talk about career choices and application requirements. You will meet the DP Teachers in the Library to gather the information required to understand the expectations of each course and help make a pertinent selection of subjects for the Diploma Programme.
It is highly recommended that you and your child attend this presentation. The Diploma Team is looking forward to seeing you and your child at this important meeting. Edwige Thivin-Boutry, TKS Diploma Coordinator
WEP in Pictures Relevant, engaging and unique learning experiences. This was the vision on the 2016 Gardens Secondary School Winter Enrichment Program. This year’s offered students opportunities to engage in a variety of learning activities that allowed students to develop new skills and gain new insight into many global issues. By participating in these interdisciplinary units, workshops and lectures, provided by teachers, staff, and KAUST community members, students have become budding entrepreneurs, cartoonists and programmers and have engaged in cross-curricular learning. In addition to exploring such signiďŹ cant issues as the impacts of our carbon footprints and the future state of Antarctica,they have mastered skills from 3-D modelling to Japanese. As students launch into their second semester of the MYP, these WEP experiences will give them the ability to engage in richer, more meaningful inquiry and exploration. by: John Arunski
Grade 10 - 12 Students get WISE
Have you heard about the brand new internship program called WISE? It stands for Work Internship and Student Experience
What is WISE?
WISE is a new program brought to you by KAUST HR and TKS that is committed to expanding the academic, professional and personal learning of the youth at KAUST. The goal of WISE is to provide students at The KAUST School and dependent visiting university students with work experience in a professional setting.
Do you qualify for WISE?
WISE is open to dependent children of KAUST residents (faculty, staff, postdocs and MS/PhD students)) who are: a. TKS Students entering Grade 11, and 12 at the start of the school year 2016-17 b. Enrolled students (or enrolling at the start of the School year 2016-17) at university/college who are visiting their parents in KAUST for the summer
What are the dates of the program for 2016?
This is a 4-week internship that runs from July 17 to August 11, 2016
How do you apply or ďŹ nd out more? Visit: https://wisekaust.workable.com/ Click here to visit the website
FEBRUARY 2016 EVENTS
TKS - Whole School
Print and stick on the fridge
Date
Mid-Semester break (no school) Partners for Learning
February 21 February 24
ECC – Early Childhood Center ECC Pac Meeting ECC K2 Assembly
Contacting ECC: K1 Receptionist: 808 6320 K1 Health Office: 808-6280 K2 Receptionist: 808 6267 K2 Health Office: 808-6212 K3 Receptionist: 808 6408 K3 Health Office: 808-6312
17 February 24 February
GES – Gardens Elementary School GES PAC Meeting GES Youth Sports Season 3 Ends GES Youth Sports Season 4 Starts
17 February 25 February 28 February
Contacting GES: Reception: 808-6363 Health Office: 808-6412
GSS – Gardens Secondary School GSS Grade 12 Mock Exams GSS G6 - 11 Mid Year Reports GSS G10 Parent and Student DP intro GSS G8 Activity Night GSS G9-12 Activity Night GSS Talent Show GSS G12 Mid Year Reports GSS PAC Meeting GSS House Sports Day GSS - WISE Information Session for Parents GSS PAC Teacher Appreciation Lunch
31 January - 11 February 2 February 3 February 4 February 11 February 16 February 16 February 17 February 18 February 24 February 25 February
Co-Curriculum / Sports
Contacting GSS: Reception: 808-6703 Principles offices: 808-6867 Don’t Miss! Intro to DP for G10 Parents & Students Time: 5:30pm Date: 3 February Place: GSS
Don’t Miss! Information Session for Parents on then new Work Internship and Student Experience Program WISE Time: 5:15pm Date: 24 February Place: GSS
tM n’
4 - 6 February 6 February 19 February 20 February 27 February
Do
SAIKAC HS MUN @ AISR SAIKAC CC @ ARAMCO RSAC U14 Girls FB @ BISJ RSAC U14 Boys FB @ AISJ RSAC U16 B/G BB @ TKS
iss !
For updates on schedules and more info visit: ttps://www.facebook.com/TKS-Sharks-Activities-282668925259824 Click here