IGBIS Newsletter, Issue 345.

IGBIS Newsletter, Issue 344.

August 11, 2023

IGBIS Newsletter, Issue 346.

August 25, 2023

August 18, 2023

From the Head of School

By Dr Gregory Brunton

Dear IGBIS Community,

I hope all is well with you and your families. If you had the chance to participate in our recent Coffee Morning, I am sure you were excited to learn about some new and extraordinary opportunities for IGBIS students. As the only IB school in Malaysia with all four IB programmes, I am incredibly proud to announce the expansion of our IB Career-related Programme to include two new pathways. First is our dual enrolment pathway with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) for those highly motivated students aspiring for careers in Aeronautics, Aviation, and Engineering. Founded in 1926, ERAU is the world’s oldest, largest, fully accredited university specializing in aviation and aerospace. Second is our dual enrolment pathway with the Sustainability Management School (SUMAS) in Switzerland with their Career-related Studies (CrS) “Business and Sustainability” pathway, which is available for highly motivated students with a clear career path in the field of sustainability leadership. We will provide more details about these exciting opportunities through school communications and presentations soon. These extraordinary programmes are found here in Malaysia, only at IGBIS! Nowhere else in Malaysia will you find these and other innovative and unique opportunities for students empowering them to forge their paths and reach their aspirations.

If you ever miss a Coffee Morning, workshop, or presentation, please look on the parent Splash page on our website to see the PowerPoint slides for details of what you missed. Thank you to those who completed the short survey at the Coffee Morning. We are currently reviewing your feedback, and I will share a summary of the results and the improvements we will make because of that feedback at the next Coffee Morning.

As a solid collaboration with parents significantly contributes to a school’s success, we are looking to fill a new, full-time Community Liaison position. This opportunity is a paid position open to current IGBIS parents. Details about the position can be found on the Coffee Morning PowerPoint slides mentioned above. I invite interested applicants to send a cover letter and CV/Resume to Ben Hor, Manager of HR at IGBIS. We hope to find the ideal candidate very soon.

As always, please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions.

Take care,

Dr Gregory Brunton

From the Secondary Principal

By Sandy van Nooten

We have had a great start to the year. Thanks to everyone for being flexible, enthusiastic and fun to be with.

A special shout-out to all our new teachers and students for surviving their first cycle of the timetable. Being new is tough! I hope that all our new Phoenixes feel included, appreciated and welcome… feeling ‘normal’ and ‘part of the furniture’ tends to take a bit longer. Hang in there.

Secondary Trips - Thank you to Magnus and the Grade Level Coordinators for all their work getting our Secondary trips off the ground. Thanks also, to all the parents who came along to the meetings. Having the trips so early is challenging (logistically) but perfect for team building and expanding friendship groups. The trips run from Monday, 04 September 2023 to Friday, 08 September 2023 (except for Grade 6, who come back on Thursday, 07 September 2023). I will be the emergency contact for parents during this week. I will be in contact closer to the time to clarify communication channels.

Back to School Afternoon - We will be holding the secondary Back to School Afternoon on Thursday, 24 August 2023. All parents are invited to school from 1:30 pm to 4:00 pm. We will start together in the Theatre, then parents will meet with each of their child’s teachers. Here is a link to the schedule. Remember to wear comfortable shoes as you will cover some ground moving between classrooms. Refreshments will be provided.

Here are some happy snaps from around the school (courtesy of Mr Aherne, Ms Harriet and Ms Leanne)

Upcoming events

Back to School Afternoon (for Secondary) - Thursday, 24 August 2023
Coffee with the Counselors - Tuesday, 29 August 2023
Ms Rosalinda will be scheduling two MYP sessions soon, one for Grade 6 parents and one for Grade 10 parents. More information to follow.
The 24-Hour Race - Saturday, 02 September 2023 and Sunday, 03 September 2023
Secondary trips
- Monday, 04 September 2023 to Thursday, 07 September 2023 (Grade 6)
- Monday, 04 September 2023 to Friday, 08 September 2023 (Grade 7 to 12)

Have a great weekend!

Regards

Sandy

Transitions and Change

‘This is a new year. A new beginning. And things will change’. (Taylor Swift)

As a school, transitions or changes are something, we spend a lot of time focusing on at the start of the year. As parents, you will also notice that the start of the year is about helping your young people with the many changes that are happening around them. Our counselling team at IGBIS has also been placing an emphasis on supporting students in transition. It is particularly valuable to spend time supporting transitions and developing strategies to help students and parents understand that change is a normal part of our lives. The quality time spent doing this results in a more connected, successful, calm and inclusive community.

We are so fortunate to have a wonderful student body who are supportive, inclusive and accommodating. Because of this, our 75+ new students across the school have all transitioned very smoothly. Comments from both teachers and parents are a strong indicator of this.

The secondary counselling team (Ms Leanne and Ms Amanda) have connected with new students at break times and in classes. This week they organised a number of Cookies with the Counsellors Socials for new students to come together and debrief their experience of being new at IGBIS. This was definitely a fun way to welcome and support our new friends. The amazing feedback (see the photograph) that they shared about what makes them love IGBIS already was incredibly reaffirming.

In Elementary, Mr John is seeing the new students and checking in with their teachers and will continue to check in on them to make sure they feel comfortable and are fitting in.

And in the spirit of transition, newness and change, the counselling team has launched our *NEW* social media accounts on Instagram and Facebook.

And as a reminder, you can always find us on our webpage.

The counselling team will share our very first coffee morning with parents on 29 August 2023 from 8:15 am - 9:15 am. Come along to meet and socialise with your counsellors, Mr John, Ms Leanne, and Ms Amanda, and learn more about the counselling programme at IGBIS and how we help support and strengthen our community.

We look forward to continuing the year in the amazingly positive way that it has begun. Have a wonderful weekend, and know that the counselling team is available to both students and parents.

The Counselling Team

John Schuster (ES)
john.schuster@igbis.edu.my
Leanne Harvey (MS)
leanne.harvey@igbis.edu.my
Amanda Lopez (HS)
amanda.lopez@igbis.edu.my

IGBIS Open Day

What is the significance of IB Approaches to Learning skills for students?

These skills empower students to develop their critical thinking, effective communication, research proficiency, self-management abilities, and strong social skills.

To know more, join our OPEN DAY on: 26 August 2023, Saturday from 10.00 am to 12.30 pm

Meet our leadership team and engage in a talk about how the IB Approaches to Learning skills, together with the IB education approach, could support lifelong learning and prepare students for their university journey and beyond. There will also be a school tour for you to explore our state-of-the-art facilities and a counselling session for your better understanding of the school.

All attendees receive a *waiver worth up to RM26,000 upon enrolment to IGBIS.

*T&Cs apply

ISTA Inter-Arts Festival

“Celebrating our ability to tune in and connect through the arts.”

IGBIS will be hosting this coming November's ISTA Inter-Arts Festival for Music, Drama and Visual Arts. This time, we will host visiting schools and need families to host these students.

Event Details:

Starts on Thursday, 23 November 2023, at 3:00 pm
Finishes on Sunday, 26 November 2023, at 1:30 pm
Age range: Middle School (Ages 10 - 14)
Total Participants: 35 - 55
Host School Participants: Approximately 20 (first 15 host students get host discount rates, and after that, students pay member rates)

Stay tuned! An email with the details for the sign-up will be available soon. Visit HERE for more information.

Future Planning Weekly Update

Amanda Lopez

Highlights of the Week

Follow Us on Instagram, Facebook and our In-house Counselling Website

It’s about time we joined Social Media, so please follow us!

The IGBIS Counselling Team is now on social media, and we will highlight all things counselling, which includes future planning information, resources, and events coverage.

Save the Dates - IGBIS University Fairs

All university fairs will begin at 9:30 am and will typically last until 10:00 am+. Fairs will be held in the MYP and DP/CP Lounges unless otherwise noted. Parents are welcome to attend. More information will come out soon.

18 September 2023
20 September 2023
03 October 2023
05 October 2023

Grade 10 and 11 PSAT Registration and Information

On Thursday, 26 October 2023, the PSAT Test will take place at IGBIS.

The PSAT is a “trial run” for the SAT, which is a common standardised entrance exam for colleges and universities in North America. PSAT results will provide useful information about student writing, mathematics, and reading comprehension abilities, and help students prepare for the SAT. For US citizens in the 11th grade, the PSAT also serves as a qualifying test for National Merit Scholarships.

Due to COVID, many North American colleges/universities no longer require students to take the SAT as part of their admission process, however, as the world returns to “normal”, we are unsure if the SAT will return as a requirement. Thus, for students who plan to apply to colleges/universities in North America, it may be to your advantage to take the PSAT in preparation for the SAT.

Testing space for the PSAT at IGBIS is limited and is open to grade 10 and 11 students only. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration will close on Friday, September 1, and you will receive a confirmation email from me by Friday, 15 September 2023. Please note that the cost of the test is roughly RM 140, and you will be billed directly from IGBIS.

To register, please click HERE. (Access is only available through IGBIS Gmail)

To help students get prepared:

The only resource I recommend for both PSAT and SAT preparation is Khan Academy, as the CollegeBoard specifically partnered with the platform as part of their redesign to end testing inequality in 2016. The data supports that students spend at least 30 minutes per week studying on Khan.

Testing Timelines:

The timeline for the PSAT and SAT for students in Grade 11:

October Grade 11 - Students take the PSAT
December/January Grade 11- Students receive their test scores
March - June Grade 11- Students should take at least 1 of the SATs
August/October Grade 12- Students can take the SAT if wanted/needed

The timeline for the PSAT and SAT for students in Grade 10:

October Grade 10 - Students take the PSAT
December/January Grade 10 - Students receive their test scores
Spring/Summer Grade 10 into Grade 11 - continue to study/prep
Grade 11 -
- October Grade 11- Students take the PSAT again
- December/January Grade 11 - Students receive their test scores
- March - June Grade 11 - Students should take at least 1 of the SATs
- August/October Grade 12 - Students can take the SAT if wanted/needed

As we get closer to the actual test date, I will send out specifics for test day procedures.

Upcoming Student Counselling Sessions

*All information and resources will be shared with both students and parents via email after each session

Friday, 25 August 2023 - Grade 10 Study Hall: Getting to Graduation (credits, grades, transcripts)
Wednesday, 30 August 2023 - Grade 12 AMP: Letters of Recommendation
Wednesday, 13 September 2023 - Grade 9 Study Hall: Getting to Graduation (credits, grades, transcripts) & How to Work a Uni Fair
Friday, 15 September 2023 - Grade 10 Study Hall: How to Work a University Fair

Upcoming Parent Counselling Sessions

*All information and resources will be shared with parents via email after each session

Tuesday, 29 August 2023 - Coffee with the Counsellors: Meet & Greet - (K- 12 Parents) Come meet and socialise with your counsellors, Mr John, Ms Leanne, and Ms Amanda, and learn more about the counselling programme at IGBIS and how we help support students and parents.
Friday, 15 September 2023 - Coffee with the Counsellors: Pathways and Supports for All Students (K- 12 parents)
Friday, 27 September 2023 - What’s Next? Wednesday Sessions: Getting to Graduation and Beyond - Overview and exploration of the future planning programme at IGBIS, graduation requirements, credits, grades, and transcripts. Learn how IGBIS supports students and parents in successfully getting to graduation and planning for life after high school.

Worth a Read - A guide to using AI and ChatGPT with your Personal Statement

Info, Opportunities, & Resources

EdUSA Upcoming Events

Art Degrees & Creative Careers of the 21st Century with SCAD | 18 August 2023 (This Friday!) - Link (bit.ly/scad_kl23)
Finding Your Fit in the USA: The US Undergraduate Application with NYU Process | 15 September 2023
Funding Your Undergraduate Studies in the US and the Benefits of a Liberal Arts Education with Linfield University | 3 October 2023
EducationUSA Fall Fair 2023 (Kuala Lumpur) | 14 October 2023

For those interested in University of Pennsylvania (updates to the 2024 application)

Penn will continue to be test-optional for the 2023-24 cycle and will accept the digital SAT.
Our school-specific essays are changing! Students will now answer a prompt based on the Penn school or program to which they are applying.
So long interviews! Penn will now offer non-evaluative Alumni Conversations.
Updated guidelines for our Letters of Recommendation.

Only students applying to the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences will be asked to declare an intended major this year.

From the College Essay Guy - Fall Resources

9th-graders

College App & Admissions Timeline: This timeline and set of resources track the college search and application process from 9th through 12th grade.
Activity Log: Get involved in a couple of clubs, sports or other extracurricular activities either at your school or in your local community. Keep track of your engagement over time on this simple spreadsheet.
How do I learn best? Take this quick quiz, and get study tips based on your learning style.
Challenge yourself academically: Take advantage of the course offerings, and do not be afraid to ask about higher-level classes if you are not feeling challenged.
How to study effectively: Improve your study skills and build new habits with this low-cost video course from Udemy.
Be careful with your social media use: Any words or pictures you post are part of your permanent online record. If it is something you would not want your grandparent to see, maybe do not post it.

10th-graders

College App & Admissions Timeline: This timeline and set of resources track the college search and application process from 9th through 12th grade.
Study schedule: If you do not have a plan in place, now is a great time to create one. Use a paper or online tool like The Shovel Study Planner to stay organized and help manage your time.
Sign up for the PSAT and/or PreACT if your school is offering them this year. These practice tests are a great way to get experience with the content and timing of standardised exams.
Start exploring possible careers: There are so many possibilities out there. What sounds interesting to you? Start with your interests and see where your research takes you.

11th-graders

College App & Admissions Timeline: This timeline and set of resources track the college search and application process from 9th through 12th grade.
The Shovel Study Planner: Get ready for a very busy fall with this simple, low-cost app for building an effective study plan and developing strong study skills.
Corsava: Check out this awesome resource that helps you figure out what you want (and don’t want) from your college experience.
PSAT: Sign up to take the exam this fall, even if you took the test as a sophomore. Strong test scores as a junior may qualify you for academic honours, including National Merit as well as programs and recruitment for Black, Latinx, Indigenous, rural, first-generation and low-income students.
Compass Guide to Admissions Testing: Start mapping out a standardised testing plan with the goal of taking the SAT or ACT at least once before the end of the school year.
Connect with college admission representatives: Sign up for a few sessions with college representatives when they visit your high school this fall. Also, check their websites for information on virtual information sessions and local events.

12th-graders

This is a critical time for seniors. By this point, you should (we hope) have a close-to-final college list and be working on your college applications.

Letters of recommendation: This is a good time to check in with your recommenders to make sure they know your deadlines. And if you have not already, read this guide and then ask your teacher(s) if they will write a letter on your behalf.
College applications are live: Start familiarising yourself with the information you need to gather. Some of the most popular applications include The Common Application, Coalition Application, University of California, Cal State University, SUNY, and/or UCAS.
How to Write a College Essay: Wondering how to get started on your college essays? This step-by-step guide and this video will walk you through the process.
Do you identify as undocumented or a member of the LGBTQ+ community? If you are wondering how much to disclose in your personal statement, these guides might help you map out your content.
How to Decide Whether to Apply Early Decision or Early Action: Get answers to the most common questions and make sure you understand the limitations and the financial implications. ED/EA deadlines fall as early as 15 October 2023.
FAFSA + CSS PROFILE: These two forms are critical to your financial aid process. All schools require the FAFSA; the CSS PROFILE is only required by some schools and scholarships. Submission windows open on 01 October 2023.
EOP Application Guide: Educational Opportunity Programs offer extra resources and support to help under-resourced students succeed in college. If you’re applying to Cal State Universities, this guide is a must-read.
Connect with college admission representatives, either at your school, online or in your community. These sessions are important opportunities to let colleges know you’re considering attending their institution, which, in some cases, can help your chances.
QuestBridge and Posse Foundation: See if you qualify for these great opportunities to win a full ride to college.
Create a spreadsheet of requirements and deadlines: Keep track of application deadlines, number of required recommendation letters, scholarship deadlines, portfolio requirements, etc., all in one organised spot.

Careers Corner

Popular Resources and FAQs

Questions, Support, and Help

Amanda Lopez (Grades 9 - 12 Universities Counselling & Social/Personal Counselling)

To schedule an appointment -

Parents - https://calendly.com/lopez-igbis/parent-community-meeting
Students - https://bit.ly/IGBHSCounselor
Email - amanda.lopez@igbis.edu.my

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