Bringing Home the Gold!
From L-R (top row): Head Coach Laney Rweyemamu, Lubna Ghanem, Mayar Elbaz, Naomi Bakken, Lama Fairaq, Hiba AbuKhalaf, Lana Fairaq, Aya Alshareef, Blessing Smith, Assistant Coach Andrew Wright. From L-R (bottom row): Tayla Martin, Matilde Gomes, Kenzy Dawood, Reena Lauguico, Dana AlMohammdi, Duha Hussain.
After countless games, two major tournaments and a huge come-from-behind victory, the U19 Girls Football team brought home gold at the 2017 Saudi Arabia Inter Kingdom Athletic Conference (SAIKAC) championship in Dammam, Saudi Arabia the weekend of December 8, 2018. The two-day culminating SAIKAC tournament of the fall football season was hard fought: tough weather conditions, opposing teams with a deep bench, nagging injuries. But nothing could combat ďŹ erce camaraderie and a tightly-knit football team, treating each other more like family members than players. Congratulations U19 Girls on this incredible achievement! By Laney Rweyemamu, Head Coach U19 Girls Football
February 1, 2018
From the Director It is difficult to believe that Semester 1 of the school year has been completed and that already Semester 2 is well under way. By now you will have received your children's report cards covering the first semester. Over the past few weeks teachers have devoted a great deal of time into their preparation. Our reports are the result of a collaborative effort from all the teachers who work with each child. The comments reflect your child’s academic and social and emotional development, the learning that has taken place and which areas will be focused on in the near future. Please contact your child’s teacher if you have any questions about a report. TKS students were very enthusiastic about their involvement in WEP’s Human Machine Future this year. Several different robots came to the school and both elementary and secondary students were able to interact with them. The robots stimulated many conversations, both inside and outside of the classroom. Several keynote speakers also visited the school and many students attended sessions at the University. Some of the highlights included learning about the Cassini mission to Saturn, cyber security and new security threats, how art and the brain interact, the science fair and chess exhibition. Other students visited the ‘maker space’ exhibition, used the google tilt brush or were amazed at the Lego robots. We are very fortunate to be able to access such a rich learning environment. Here is a link to a report Rebecca Mileham, one of the WEP presenters, wrote about her visit to KAUST including her http://rebecca.mileham.net/proects/why-we-must-share-scence-stories-speaking-in-saudi-arabia time at The KAUST school. At our mid-year Whole School PAC meeting we looked at the role of the TKS Board of Education. Mrs Erica du Toit, who is both a PAC member and a Board Member, talked about the Board’s Principles of Practice. The divisional principals and the leaders for the academic support areas, gave updates on their yearly action plans. We thank all participants for their contributions to on-going school improvement.
We are excited about our TKS Facebook Page: TKS Sharks https://www.facebook.com/TheKAUSTSchool/ To follow us on Facebook, just click here; then click “Like” at the top of the Page.
In a nutshell: December’s PAC meetings Kindergarten PAC: • TKS Communications Coordinator presented overview of the school’s e-communication with parents including WAVE, website, Facebook page (TKS Sharks), emails and text messages • Agreed that Partners for Learning agenda needs to be circulated earlier and to clarify that sessions are different each time • Noted that detailed information embedded in Blogs can get lost and info concering upcomming events may need to be flagged somehow. • Noted parents find text messages and shared calendars very useful • Suggestions for KG Parent Breakfast events were noted • Concerns about swimming in winter were addressed and will be revisited for 2018/19 planning
Caring
Elementary PAC: • Review of Mathematics MAP data • Discussed strategic plans for development of teaching and assessment of mathematics • Noted Mathematics Consultant, Ellen Alquist will offer a parent information session in February • Review of report card format and feedback of samples from other international schools
Secondary PAC: • Discussed the need for feedback channel between Board and divisional PAC Teams • Principal outlined process for contacting coaches through the Athletics and Activities Director and information available in the Parent Portal and shared in Google classroom • Discussion about student use of social media and school technology • Agreed that information session for parents on digital safety awareness would be helpful • Noted that Peer Support program for younger students is being considered
from Justin Somerville, KG Principal Dear parents,
Shukran! On behalf of the Kindergarten Parent Advisory Committee, I would like to thank everyone who attended the KG breakfasts held in East and West this week. It was a wonderful turnout and the children were so excited to have you here with them. Semester one reports were shared with you on https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1n0fjpqFg0zUjd4i5lyTOLLLRfk4Fhg94mJSV-JBpqDQ/edit?usp=sharing February 1. Learning is a journey and in this respect we should not always be focused on the ďŹ nal outcome. It has been incredible to see the social and emotional development of the children in the Kindergarten this semester, as well as their continual growth as inquirers and learners. As parents I am sure you will have observed this too.
We are Artists! As part of our How We Express Ourselves unit of inquiry we created a class canvas. This canvas took four sessions to complete. We worked together using some of our favorite art techniques. We started with finger and hand painting. Next, we used rollers to add more paint. After this we did some action painting with spray bottles and glue bottles. Then we finished our artwork by adding some collage materials. We all love the finished product. We had a great deal of fun creating this collaborative artwork. Rebecca Somerville, K1 Teacher
Emotional and Social Competence in Young Children Young children are social creatures, generally very interested in other children and quick to notice and adopt social norms. They're becoming more able to control themselves, and more able to verbalize their feelings, opening up a host of options beyond hitting and screaming. It's a perfect opportunity to teach them social habits that will help them throughout childhood. Learning how to navigate social situations and building good relationships with others is an essential part of their social and emotional development.
Children who are emotionally and socially competent can:
• Listen, share, cooperate, and help others. • Are able to control their behaviors in an age-appropriate way. • Are better able to successfully establish relationships with their peers. • Perform better academically and behaviorally in school settings.
Children who are underdeveloped emotionally and socially may:
• Have difficulty in peer relationships, as well as with interpreting the emotions of others. • Have lower levels of confidence and motivation, especially at school. • Find it challenging to focus or to stay on task. • Struggle with controlling their feelings and behaviors.
If you are interested in learning more about building social competence in your young child, please join us for our Partners for Learning session coming this February 21, 2018. By: Yasmeen Ghunaim, School Counselor ; Aisha B. Oliver, School Counselor and Psychologist
from Jeff Woodcock, GES Principal Assemblies at GES Starting in February, we will begin mixed grade level assemblies which our students endearingly named the Shark Share. These assemblies will provide a regular forum for our GES Sharks to share and celebrate their learning amongst their elementary school peers. We believe it is important to foster a culture of learning where students demonstrate the essential elements of the Primary Years Program. Shark Shares will provide a space where we learn from and with one another in a caring and low-stress environment. We believe that through this sharing, students will inspire and be inspired. Prior to starting Shark Shares, we had grade level assemblies this month. Highlights included G1 students singing a class song “Count on Me” by Bruno Mars and reciting poems, G3 students storytelling an adaptation of Mo Willems’ story “My New Friend Is So Fun!” and performing original songs, and G3-5 students learning what it means to be a responsible digital citizen and reminding ourselves to THINK when engaging with others online. When we THINK we ask ourselves the questions you see in the image below. We look forward to welcoming parents to a Shark Share when their children are presenting.
Author Nick Arnold visits GES
During Book Week the author of the Horrible Sciences series - Nick Arnold - visited our elementary school. As well as his presentations to each grade level, Nick also spend a lunch time talking to students from the Science Fair Club, and giving small workshops in individual classrooms, and signing books. Hansun Choi in G3 said he was very excited to meet Nick Arnold “He told us about his life as an author, and a kid. We shared our science projects with him and he gave us feedback. NIck Arnold also answered questions about his science experiments - some of which are in his books.” The students were reminded by Nick to observe, and ask questions about the world around them, to “not stop thinking about science because it is a part of everything.” By: Vivienne Sewell, Librarian
Developing Motor Skills for Learning A collaborative program between the ILP and GES Learning Support Department, has ‘kicked off’ the second semester with energy and enthusiasm for some of our G1 students! Beginning this week, selected students have taken part in the second rotation of a specialist program, focusing on developing Motor Skills. The program aims to enhance fine motor skills, develop sensory awareness through a range of activities that will practice and build confidence with activities that require both fine and gross motor skills. Motor skills are essential for learning. According to Gill Connell, author and child development expert ‘all learning begins with the body as the body is the brain’s first teacher.’ Movement is considered to be the fundamental beginnings of how children learn, emotionally, intellectually, socially and physically. Connell believes that through movement, children develop physical capabilities as well as an understanding of sensory awareness. The more young children move, the more stimulation the brain receives and the more it requires in order to develop new capabilities. Our program aims to provide a range of activities to develop physical skills, which require whole body movement as well as fine motor skills associated with hand-eye coordination, essential for handwriting. Additionally, the Program works collaboratively with homeroom teachers to build learning capacity for developing these skills in the classroom. The children who have attended the sessions have given ‘the thumbs up’ and said: ‘’Can we go back tomorrow?’’ ‘’Can I have another go next time?’’ ‘’I like it.’’ The Motor Skills Program, led by a Specialist Teaching Assistant, Giulia Lallo who has a background in sports education, will continue to be rolled out to students across G1 and into G2 during this Semester. Let the fun and exercise continue! By: Lindsay Wright Specialist Teacher, Individualized Learning Program (ILP) Leader
GES Field Day
On December 29-30, Field Day was held in GES for G1-G5. Always a hit with students, ďŹ eld day included lots of fun activities like Rope jumping, Don't drop your egg, Water balls, Tug of War, Basketball, and many teaching and entertaining activities. Field day is a great outdoor event to engage students in physical and mental challenges as well as developing and growing their social skills. By Safanah Kadi, Communications Assistant
GES Sharks Football News Over the past two months students at the Gardens Elementary School have attended not one but two football tournaments in Jeddah at the British International School. The first was on Saturday 9th of December when twenty boys and girls from G5 went to play in the annual Festival of Football. The players were split into sixteen teams representing famous club sides and, with team-mates from all over the western region international schools, competed in both plate and cup football competitions. Al-Ittihad with Selena Fayad from TKS won the plate competition while Al-Ahli with Rohail Hashmi from TKS won the cup competition. In addition, on Thursday January 25th, thirteen Grade 5 boys went back to BISJ to compete in a mini-tournament against both BISJ and Jeddah Knowledge School football teams. The Sharks won one game and lost two to finish third in their group, with Mazin AlHalafi among the goal-scorers, Nathan Bowes a creative presence in midfield and Ahsan Jamil playing well as goal-keeper. Hopefully the next tournament will be for the Grade 5 girls team! By Andrew Wright
Book Week
The KAUST School celebrated Book week during the ďŹ rst week of December. The activities of the book week varied across the divisions based on what would be of interest to each age group. Knowing that today's reader is tomorrow's leader TKS is always eager to encourage students to read and reinforce the importance and the power of books. Among the Book Week activities were visits from world-renowned children's books authors: Nick Arnold and Bill Cotter. They read some of their books with the students, practiced some scientiďŹ c experiments and did a book signing meet and greet. By Safanah Khadi, Communications Assistant
from David Tigchelaar, GSS Principal During the month of December and January students, teachers and parents participated in many events. n The musical Alice through the IPhone was performed on 2, 3 and 4 December in the Auditorium of Building 20 n Spirit Week took place from 3 - 7 December n TKS football teams participated in several more tournaments. We hosted a tournament on 6, 7 and 8 December n We organised two parent information sessions on course selection n Grade 10 students on 10 December n Grade 8 students and parents on 12 December n The GSS PAC met on 13 December n WEP week took place from 21 to 25 January n A group of students participated in a MUN conference in Udhailyah n The WInter Concert will take place on 31 January at 5 pm in the GSS Auditorium n GSS School Photos will be taken on 31 January and 1 February n We hosted the RSAC U14 football tournament on 1 & 2 February n G6 -G11 reports were published on 1 February We are looking forward to the following events in the following weeks. n A groups of G6 - 8 students will go on a trip to Bangkok from 1 - 5 February to participate in a festival organised by The International Schools Theatre Association n Mock Exams for G12 will take place from 4 - 12 February n The G10 Personal Project will be showcased at school on 14 February from 6 to 8 pm n The GSS Sports day will take place on 15 February n G12 reports will be published on 20 February n Partners for Learning will take place on 21 February and start at 5:40 n International Week will take place from 25 February - 1 March n Parade of Nations will take place on 1 March
YMGE Conference
Before winter break, a group of 29 students travelled to Budapest Hungry for the 2017-2018 annual Yale Model Government Europe Conference (YMGE). With experience under our belt from the TKS organised MUN 2nd Annual Invitational Conference, our students felt confident at representing a wide range of countries and ministries. The Yale Model Government Europe is a simulation of the European Union’s various ministries and specialised bodies. Our delegates were spread across panels such as the Ministry of Immigration and Refugees for the European Union, the European Central Bank and NATO. To perform well in these committees, we first had to research our designated countries stances, resolutions and history with global issues to be discussed in the councils. After acquainting ourselves with our assigned country, we now had to act as a spokesperson and emulate their viewpoints. Throughout the conference, each ministry and specialised body developed resolutions to various global challenges. For example, the Ministry of Education pledged a sum of money to schools in refugee camps of Turkey. Furthermore, to make the simulation more realistic, there was also a “crisis”. A “crisis” is a sudden event unscripted even which each body had to react to. This year, multiple terrorist attacks had everyone thinking on their feet as we all attempted to resolve the problem as quickly and effectively as possible. While the format of the conference was professional, it was also an eye-opening experience in making new friends and debating with others. New friendships were forged and promises were made to see each other again for the next conference. In addition, to the conference, cultural activities were squeezed in around and between the full days of long committee sessions to explore the rich and beautiful sights of Budapest. Students enjoyed the local winter markets with handmade traditional goods and foods, went ice-skating and ate dinner aboard a lovely cruise down the river Danube. Despite the rigor of the conference, the experience as a whole is unforgettable as YMGE remains a highlight of 2017. By: Hanna and Nabiha Khan (G10 and 11)
Alice through the iPhone Much excitement greeted the annual TKS musical in December 2017. While last year took us deep “Into the Woods”, this year ALICE led the audience on a journey through – an iPhone! The story of Alice in Wonderland was recreated with a totally modern, never before seen twist, featuring over 90 Secondary school students in the cast and live band. The story included all the delightful characters of the original story: Mad Hatter, Queen of Hearts, Caterpillar, Cheshire Cat and White Rabbit - in their cyber-version of course! The piece was brought to life on stage with dazzling costumes, a live band, originally composed music, re-arranged classics and a good dose of fun. Months were spent...practicing, practicing, practicing and practicing again to get it right – not just lines and notes but also how to move boxes on and off stage, how to bow and how to behave professionally off stage! Collaborating, sharing, negotiating and managing time pressure when a deadline looms or commitments clash. Communicating with each other even when we are tired, make mistakes, when tempers fray. Performance skills. How microphones work (and how they don’t). Understanding how every single person in this process is vital, from the smallest supporting role to the largest lead. Students were engaged in every step of the process: (re-)writing the script, designing, sound, lighting, special effects and projections, building and painting sets and props –including huge glow-in-the dark Cheshire Cat masks – running the show backstage and showcasing their talents in all areas of the performing arts. For all involved, it was not just about the final product, but also about the learning that we all engage in when we become involved in such a complex process. Such hard work, and in the end, when it all came together, such a fantastic sense of accomplishment. Bravo TKS students! Now… what will we do next year?
TKS helps out with Thuwal & Qadimah Schools’ visit to WEP 2018
TKS students from G11 and G12 once again volunteered to welcome and work with students and teachers from schools in the neighboring villages of Thuwal and Qadimah on their visit to this year’s Winter Enrichment Program. Social Responsibility, working with the WEP Team, created a two day schedule enabling 230 G4-G12 students and teachers from 11 local boys’ and girls’ schools to explore many of the hands-on activities and exhibitions related to this year’s theme, “Human-Machine Future.” Highlights included a Lego Workshop, where students could work with small robots built from the brightly colored bricks, gaining an understanding of how technology works through a highly accessible medium. Students could also experience the power of virtual reality with the Google Tilt Brush, which allows users to draw life-size 3D objects with the help of hand-held tools and a VR headset. Other activities included a Science Fair and a tour of the KAUST Museum of Science and Technology in Islam, which celebrates the contributions of Muslim scholars to science and technology and their impact on the modern world. The TKS students served as guides, supported translation and assisted with science activities. Many of the TKS students have volunteered previously and looked forward to reconnecting with students they have worked with before, either at previous Enrichment Programs or on the sports field as part of the Sports Program. One of the guest schools, Thuwal Secondary School for Girls, tweeted: “In a fine example of community partnership, today’s visit to the Winter Enrichment Program at KAUST was well-organized and rich with knowledge, information and enjoyment. Heartfelt thanks.” Social Responsibility and the visiting schools are very grateful to all the TKS students that volunteered. Their assistance was much appreciated as the peer interaction really enhanced the Thuwal and Qadimah students’ enjoyment of WEP 2018. By: Virginia Sealey, Communications | Social Responsibility
WEP 2018
Sharks U16 SAIKAC Girls Football The KAUST School sent two Sharks teams to the SAIKAC U16 Girls football tournament at Jeddah Prep & Grammar School on Thursday, November 30th. Over two days both teams scored goals, won games, and battled hard against the best teams in Saudi Arabia, finishing 4th at SAIKAC. Abby Lauguico, Cielo Balagtas, Pearl Wright and Hibah Nawal all scored goals for the Sharks, while both teams had tireless midfield generals in Alfia Abdulsalam and Omamah Jamil. Coaches Wright and De Levay are very proud of both teams and all their amazing efforts. By Andrew Wright
SAIKAC U19 Girls Volleyball When dealing with setbacks, players often fall back on old habits of defeat and despair. The U19 Girl’s Volleyball team defied that stereotype and let their setback become their comeback. After a slow and precarious start to a 12-team U19 SAIKAC tournament in Dhahran, the team battled back from miscommunication, strategy hiccups and consecutive losses to climb their way back up in the brackets and find themselves in the finals of the tournament against a tough host team. With their backs against the wall, the team gave Dhahran High School a run for their money, but came up short, placing 2nd overall. While the end result sounds like a defeat, the ultimate success was what they achieved in the end: a team that showed that despite positioning in a tournament, heart, teamwork and dedication can surpass all aspects of play and lead you to the top. Opposing players, coaches and spectators were overtly congratulatory about the level of technique, rigor of play and courage exhibited by the players. Captain Franchesca Cadiz explained further that, “initially, it was a struggle to keep the team spirit positive as we were not playing our best. But, we supported each other in concentrating on each other and the game at hand. We started the second day with optimistic thoughts and throughout the sequence of the matches, the captains and team members, whether they were on the bench or not, were cheering each other on and celebrating every play. As captain of the U19 Volleyball team, I am proud to say that we came together and proved our worthiness.” By Laney Rweyemamu, U19 Girl’s Volleyball Head Coach
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