IGBIS Newsletter, Issue 323.

January 20, 2023

From the Elementary Principal

By Simon Millward

It has been a wonderful week that has brought a buzz of excitement from many of our Elementary students. In the first instance, our Grade 5 students took the opportunity to complete a group Mini X. A small research project undertaken in groups to gain experience with many of the component parts of the PYP Exhibition that will be launched very soon.

The students have been researching different ecosystems, creating interactive visuals before and after dioramas, exploring tech tools that could be used later, but also gaining valuable experience talking to and presenting to adults and students. As I was talking to some Grade 5 students afterwards, they highlighted that they really needed to know what ecosystems were and think about how they were going to explain them to the younger students using language that they would understand. This was a valuable lesson for later in semester 2, when they present their PYP Exhibition learning.

The other buzz has been around the Lunar New Year assembly. The students have been enthusiastic about their performances and as you will see from the video of their performances, these practices were worthwhile. The assembly was a real team effort between both our Elementary and Secondary Schools ably led by our Chinese departments with significant input from our Performing Arts team.

The Secondary Orchestra set the tone for the assembly, performing the Malaysian National Anthem, the popular Korean folk song Doraji followed by “Butter” from BTS. Our Elementary students chipped in with singing and dance performances from Grade 2, Grade 5, and our EY students performed a sign language dance which brought a smile to my face. Grade 4 performed a Vietnamese song, Xúc xắc xúc xẻ with the Grade 1 students rounding out the assembly with a fashion show number with the IGBIS staff. With our Secondary students’ rock band and dance group performing, it was an assembly to remember. A big thanks to all those involved in making it a success.

In the Secondary Principal’s section, Ms Sandy has shared some information about the upcoming sports fixtures. If your child in ES is taking part in any IGBIS sports teams, there is a consent form to be completed that you can access in that newsletter section.

I wish you all a safe and enjoyable Lunar New Year holiday. I look forward to seeing you all on Thursday, 26 January 2023. Please remember to administer an RTK test before you return next Thursday.

This Week in Secondary

By Sandy van Nooten

Service Day

After several COVID years, thanks to Sophie in Grade 10, we are re-introducing our Service Day. This year, it will happen on Friday, 3 February 2023. All students from Grades 6 to 11 will be off-schedule on this day so that they can engage in some direct service activities. There is a range of activities, including working with orphans, stray animals, environmental groups, refugees, aged care, etc. Students will be able to choose their preferred service activity via a sign-up form.

Students will have two opportunities to sign up for their preferred service activity.

Sign-up 1 – Between 6:30 pm and 8:30 pm on Thursday, 26 January 2023
Sign-up 2 – During lunch (12:45 pm to 1:40 pm) on Friday, 27 January 2023
We will allocate any students who miss both of these sign-up opportunities.

Students will come in free dress (appropriate to their chosen activity) and will need to bring a water bottle and lunch. Here’s a link to a Service Day slide deck that outlines the service opportunities available on the day. More information to follow.

Trips Update

As you know, we are in a holding pattern with our Grades 6 to 11 residential trips due to a recent memo from the Selangor branch of the MOE. The memo tells us that there can be no overnight trips with outdoor activities until further notice. This is no doubt a reaction to the devastating landslides in December. We’ve spoken to the MOE and we’ve written to see if we can get approval for our trips as we are not in tents, flood or landslide-prone areas. We have our fingers and toes crossed that we hear back quickly. For now, you don’t need to do anything. Once we hear back from the MOE, we’ll be back in contact. If we do get approval, we may need to move quickly to get payment from some of you (or to return your payment if the trips get cancelled). Our trips are currently scheduled for Monday, 27 February 2023 to Friday, 3 March 2023. Grades 6 & 7 to Lumut, Grades 8 & 9 to Gopeng (a new location – more info to follow if we are given permission to travel), and Grades 10 & 11 to Cherating.

NOTE: The Grade 12 trip to Penang (1 March 2023 to 3 March 2023) will go ahead as planned.

Lunar New Year

Today (Friday), we have lots of students and teachers dressed up for LNY. We’ll have the assembly this afternoon and then a 5-day break to celebrate the beginning of the “Year of the Rabbit.” On Thursday, 2 February 2023, we will be treated to an LNY lion dance on the field during the break (9:35 am to 10:00 am). The whole school will be out on the field at that time if you would like to join us.

ES and SS Sports (Season 2)

from Mr Craig Wilson

Our Season 2 sports are underway, with sporting fixtures right around the corner. The schedule can be found below. There may be some additional fixtures pop up, and we will communicate those with athletes and their families. We ask that all parents of our athletes complete the Parent Information/Consent form HERE.

We are excited to see more tournaments and fixtures scheduled for this season. We had good support from our teams during Season 1, and we hope to see more of you soon cheering on our Phoenix squads!

Yearbook Photos

We will be taking Yearbook photos of students during the week of Tuesday, 7 February 2023 to Friday, 10 February 2023. (Remember that Monday, 6 February 2023 is now a public holiday). Secondary students will get their photos taken on Tuesday, 7 February 2023 and Wednesday, 8 February 2023 with catch-up photos possible on Friday, 10 February 2023 (detailed schedule to follow). Hopefully, we will be able to take group photos this year as well as individual photos.

Community Project

Our MYP and DP design teacher and I have met with all the Grade 8 community project groups this week. There are some fabulous project ideas, with some groups much further down the track than others. We will send some feedback and the next steps to each group (and cc parents). A reminder that we are running a Grade 8 parent CP meeting on Friday, 27 January 2023 (8:15 am to 9:15 am in the PVO). Hope to see lots of Grade 8 parents there.

Upcoming events in Secondary

(between now and the March break)

Friday, 20 January 2023 – LNY Assembly (2:00 pm to 3:00 pm)
Saturday, 21 January to Wednesday, 25 January 2023 – LNY HOLIDAY
Thursday, 26 January 2023 – Student sign-up for Service Day (from 6:30 pm)
Friday, 27 January 2023 – Community Project meeting with Grade 8 parents
Friday, 27 January 2023 & Monday, 30 January 2023 – Grade 12 Eng L&L IOCs
Saturday, 28 January 2023 – Open Day
Thursday, 2 February 2023 – Lion Dance (on the field at break)
Friday, 3 February 2023 – Service Day (Grade 6 to 11 students off schedule to work with service providers)
Monday, 6 February 2023 – HOLIDAY
Tuesday, 7 February to Friday, 10 February 2023 – Yearbook Photos
Saturday, 11 February 2023 – AIMS Track & Field Meet
Wednesday, 15 February 2023 – Grade 10 off schedule to visit Grade 11 and 12 classes
Thursday, 16 February 2023 – Grade 10 Option Fair
Sunday, 19 February 2023 – Terry Fox Run (a Grade 8 Community Project)
Monday, 20 February 2023 – This day was a holiday, now it is Day 7 (replacement for 6 February 2023)
Tuesday, 21 February to Tuesday, 28 February – Grade 12 Mocks
Monday, 27 February to Friday, 3 March 2023 – Grades 6 to 11 trips. Grade 6 & 7 to Lumut, Grade 8 & 9 to Gopeng, Grade 10 & 11 to Cherating.
Wednesday, 1 March to Friday, 3 March 2023 – Grade 12 trip to Penang
Monday, 13 March 2023 – HOLIDAY
Tuesday, 14 March 2023 – PD day (no school for students)
Parent Session Overview (for the year) – Here’s a link to all the parent workshops in Secondary.
Sports Fixtures Overview – Here’s a link to all the sports fixtures for season 2. Some ‘friendly’ games might pop up from time to time. Mr Wilson will keep us posted.
Useful links for parents
Student LaunchPad (this is the place to go to find out what’s happening in school on a day-to-day basis). It also has a ‘quick links’ section where you can find lots of important documents.
Secondary Assessment Procedures – A 4-page document outlining our assessment expectations and procedures. (Also available from Student LaunchPad & Splash)
A to Z Secondary Handbook – This gives an overview of all our policies, expectations and procedures. (Also available from Student LaunchPad & Splash)

Have a wonderful LNY break

Regards
Sandy

Future Planning Weekly Update

By Amanda Lopez

Upcoming Information Sessions

What’s Next? Sessions: Gap Year

Wednesday, 1 February 2023
8:15 Parents, PVO
3:15 Students, DP/CP Lounge

What’s Next? Sessions: Applying for Australia

Wednesday, 8 February 2023
8:15 Parents, PVO
3:15 Students, DP/CP Lounge

Access the previous What’s Next? sessions HERE.

Grade 12 Applications

Congratulations to everyone who has completed an application thus far! October – January is when a majority of application deadlines occur, and the Grade 12 students have done a wonderful job completing applications. As of today, our students have applied to a total of 164 colleges and universities throughout the world.

For students continuing to apply –

Please keep in mind that I do NOT have access to your applications; thus, if you want me to look over your application, you need to make an appointment with me. Our next round of holidays runs from Saturday, 4 March 2023 – Monday, 13 March 2023, please plan accordingly.

Grade 11 College/University Information

***UPDATED due to COVID

The second semester means an increased focus on planning for life after IGBIS. Please take note of the following dates that I will be in AMP working with students –

Friday, 27 January 2023
Tuesday, 18 April 2023
Wednesday, 3 May 2023
Friday, 12 May 2023
Friday, 2 June 2023

*Students and parents, PLEASE make sure you can access Cialfo, as this will be a very important tool

Grade 10 Course Selection Support

***UPDATED due to COVID

From January – April, Grade 10 students (and parents) will work through selecting courses for Grades 11 and 12. IGBIS will have multiple events taking place through various outlets to support students and parents in this process – from the Counselling Office specifically, please take note of the following dates:

Tuesday, 7 February 2023 AMP
Tuesday, 28 February 2023 AMP (due to postponed overnight trips)
Friday, 17 March 2023 Study Hall
Tuesday, 28 March 2023 Study Hall
Thursday, 6 April 2023 Study Hall

*Students and parents, PLEASE make sure you can access Cialfo, as this will be a very important tool

The University of the Week

Resources & Opportunities

From the College Essay Guy (US based) – January Resources

9th-graders

5 Ways to Spend Your High School Summer: Think about your summer in the context of how your choices can help you to lead a happier life (really!).
Activity Log: Remember to update your spreadsheet at the start of each new semester.
Micro-scholarships: It’s never too early to start thinking about how to pay for college. Begin building your RaiseMe profile now.

10th-graders

80 Extracurricular Activity Examples: Wondering what other students listed on their applications? These examples may inspire you.
Activity Log: Remember to update your log so you don’t forget what you’ve done. And this is a great time to inventory your extracurricular activities. Where do you want to deepen your involvement? And what do you want to let go?
5 ways to Spend Your High School Summer: Think about your summer in the context of how your choices can help you to lead a happier life (really!).

11th-graders

How to Create a College List (with spreadsheet tracker): If you haven’t already, begin to create your list with this guide.
Identify high-value colleges: As you work on developing your college list, identify schools that’ll meet 100% of your financial need, institutions with generous merit-aid programmes, and regional tuition agreements like WUE.
Essential Advice for Low-Income/First-Generation Students: Get key tips and resources, including learning about the chance to visit college campuses for free.
AP practice resources: If you’re taking AP exams in May, here’s how to prepare.

12th-graders

Check your applicant portals and emails: If you miss a request for more information or an additional document, it could jeopardise your admission chances, so check regularly.
What to do if you’re deferred or waitlisted: Review your application and determine whether you want to write a letter of continued interest. And if you’re confused about the purpose of a waitlist, read this blog post by an admission director.
Keep searching for scholarships.

University of Denver Virtual Experiences

Virtual Open House | Register
Hear from specific academic departments and student programmes to learn about the unique opportunities offered to DU students.
Offered 23 – 26 January 2023 and 30 January – 2 February 2023 throughout the evening
Virtual Tour | View
Click through campus, hear from students, and learn something new about DU and our offerings.
Virtual Information Session | Register
Admitted student info session on 23 January 2023 at 6:00 pm, 26 January 2023 at 2:00 pm, and 27 March 2023 at 6:00 pm (MT)
General info session on 6 February 2023, 6 March 2023, 24 April 2023, and 8 May 2023 at 6:00 pm (MT)
Disability Services Program Information Session | Register
Offered 22 February 2023, 22 March 2023, and 19 April 2023 at 6:00 pm (MT)

GoToCollegeFairs PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATES VIRTUAL FAIR

Thursday, 2 February 2023
12:00 pm – 2:00 pm (ET)
6:30 pm – 8:30 pm (ET)

Why attend?

Certificates are often much more affordable than four-year degrees.
Certificate programmes take less time than a full degree programme.
These programmes provide specific skill sets needed for existing jobs and get you to employment faster.
The increasing popularity of online offerings allows you to earn your certificate from just about anywhere.
The virtual college fair booths are loaded with resources, educational sessions, and live representatives.
College Matchmaking™ provides you with a list of participating institutions that match your needs.

GoToCollegeFairs is invested in equity and opportunity for all students. Professional Certificates Virtual Fair is free to attendees. Registration will open on 18 January 2023.

InvestIN Spring Term Career Opportunities

For Ages 12-18 at UCL or Live Online

You can now register for spring term career opportunities, which are available in 19 cutting-edge industries. You will learn directly from some of the UK’s best professionals – doctors, forensic scientists, architects, MPs, filmmakers, engineers and more – through a series of live, interactive simulations which provide tailor-made, professional experience to ages 12-18.

You can choose to attend either at UCL or live online. The feedback on our autumn term programmes was outstanding: we welcomed 3,000+ students, and the average student feedback score was 8.6/10.

More information HERE.

Kent State’s Global Scholarship

For the international student who has a dream of studying in the United States, the Global Scholarship makes a Kent State Education “A Whole Lot Closer than You Think!”

Kent State established the Global Scholarship because it values diversity among its student population and, as a result, seeks to attract a greater number of high-quality international students to its campuses. The Global Scholarship is available to all incoming international undergraduate degree-seeking students who have been admitted to Kent State.

More information HERE.

Ritsumeikan University How to Apply Webinar on 28 January 2023

How to Apply to our English-medium Undergraduate Programs

Description

When and how do I submit documents? Where can I find information on the application process? What documents should I prepare? We will walk you through each step of your application to Ritsumeikan University’s English-medium programmes.

In this session, you can…

get a practical application guide and admission tips
ask questions directly to the admissions officer
This webinar is for students applying through AO Admissions (English Basis).
This session will last approximately one hour.
The recording will be offered to those registered.

28 January 2023 01:00 pm in Osaka, Sapporo, Tokyo.

More information and register HERE.

IGBIS Newsletter, Issue 323.

From the Elementary Principal