IGBIS Newsletter, Issue 352.

IGBIS Phoenix Talks 2023: Exploring the IB Journey with Insight and Inspiration

October 12, 2023

IGBIS Newsletter, Issue 353.

October 27, 2023

October 14, 2023

From the Head of School

By Dr Gregory Brunton

Dear IGBIS Parents,

We hope this message reaches you in good health. We wish to apprise you of some significant updates to our school's terms and conditions. These updates have been introduced to enhance clarity, transparency, and to provide the most enriching experience for our students and their families.

Key updates comprise:

Section 4.9: A late payment penalty of 1.5% per month will be imposed on all
outstanding fees that are not settled by the specified payment due date indicated on the school fee invoice.
Section 4.15: To be eligible for a full refund of the Deposit, it is crucial to provide written notice to the Admissions Office a minimum of 90 calendar days prior the last day of attendance. To facilitate a student's withdrawal from IGBIS, please complete the IGBIS Withdrawal Form and submit it in writing to the Admissions Office. This form should indicate the student's intention to withdraw from IGBIS, adhering to the stipulated minimum notification period.
Removed: New students who have not commenced for any reason need to inform
the school/admission in writing at least 3 months in advance for the enrolment fee to be 100% refunded.
Section 5: Applicants who have previously withdrawn from the school but reapply within 3 years from the date of withdrawal will incur a re-enrolment fee of RM 2,000.
Section 16: General requirements.

These updates are intended to enhance your experience as parents within the IGBIS community. We kindly encourage you to thoroughly review the revised terms and conditions provided in this Terms & Conditions Link.

If you have any questions, need further clarification, or would like to discuss these updates, please do not hesitate to contact our admissions team. Our admissions team is readily available to address any concerns you may have.

We sincerely value your unwavering support and eagerly look forward to another successful academic year at IGBIS. Thank you for being an integral part of our educational community.

From the Elementary Principal

By Simon Millward

It has been a hive of activity in the library this week as students were engaged in ‘Book Week’ activities. They have been making their own wands, hearing stories and appreciating and loving books. The culmination of the week was our ‘book character’ dress-up day. We all met in the music room to ‘showcase’ our wonderful outfits and appreciate the creativity of everyone.

This week also saw our U9 Boys and Girls involved in their KLSL benchball tournament. This is a great opportunity for our students to experience playing against other schools and applying their learning from their training sessions. I am sure our students learned a lot and can feel proud of their performance and consider how they can do even better next time. A big thanks to our coaches, Ms Young, Mr Wilson, Mr Ihsan and Mr Magner, as well as our Secondary students, who assisted and helped with the smooth running of the event.

On Friday, 13 October 2023, we had our Parent Teacher conferences for our Early Years to Grade 1 families and 3 Way conferences for our Grade 2 to Grade 5 students. It was great talking to parents on the day and seeing our learners advocating for themselves in the 3 Way conferences. I hope you all learned a lot about how the students are settling in this year and growing as learners.

Just a reminder that we now have our October holiday. Students will be back in school on Tuesday, 24 October 2023.

I hope you have a wonderful break

Parents Activities, Events & Workshops Schedule

Date	Time	Activity/Event/Workshop	Venue
24 Oct 2023 Tuesday	8:15 am - 9:15 am	IGBIS Language pathways	PVO Room
25 Oct 2023 Wednesday	8:15 am - 9:15 am	What’s Next? Wednesday Session: Welcome to Unifrog	PVO Room
25 Oct 2023 Wednesday	9:30 am - 10:00 am	Introduction to Extended Essay (DP) and Reflective Project (CP)	PVO Room
27 Oct 2023 Friday	8:15 am - 9:15 am	Coffee with the Counselors: Authenticity	PVO Room
TBC	TBC	PW: A Guide to MYP Assessment	TBC
01 Nov 2023, Wednesday	8:15 am	Coffee Catch Up with HoS and Principals	PVO Room
06 Nov 2023, Monday	8:15 am - 9:15 am	Parent Session: Preparing of Exam Success	PVO Room
07 Nov 2023, Tuesday	8:15 am - 9:15 am	PW: MYP Service as Action: Service & Student Agency	PVO Room
16 Nov 2023, Thursday	8:15 am - 9:15 am	ManageBac - Drop-in Help Session (no appointment necessary, all questions welcome)	TBC
17 Nov 2023, Friday	8:15 am - 9:15 am	November Coffee with the Counsellors	PVO Room
24 Nov 2023, Friday	8:15 am - 9:15 am	Parent Session: Introduction to SUMAS (Sustainability and Business Management Uni in Switzerland)	PVO Room
29 Nov 2023, Wednesday	8:15 am - 9:15 am	November What's Next Parent Session	PVO Room

From the Counselling Team

It is hard to believe that we are at the point in the academic year where we can say we are a quarter of the way DONE! The first part of any year is spent connecting; reestablishing old relationships, and building new ones. We are especially thankful to all families for helping to make this process one of the best parts of our job. A very big thank you to parents, students, staff, and community members for working and collaborating with us to make IGBIS a community that is supportive, inclusive, and caring.

It has been another busy week for everyone, with World Mental Health Day, Book Week Celebrations, University Visits, in-class counselling lessons and 3 Way Conferences.

The counselling and wellbeing teams worked together to provide some fantastic activities to help raise awareness and promote mental health strategies on World Mental Health Day (Tuesday). Watching Parent and Student Ambassadors working together to welcome students and present them with celebratory wristbands shining light on their personal strength was a highlight.

In Middle School, Ms Leanne worked with grade 6 to delve into authenticity and appreciate that ‘We are enough’...’I am enough’.

Ms Amanda worked with Grades 9, 10, and 11 to recognise and celebrate “masks we wear.”

To see more detail (and photos) of the activities we have been facilitating both in and out of the classroom, please check out our Instagram:- igbiscounselling

As we head into Autumn Break, a friendly reminder that we have TWO parent sessions the week we return:

What’s Next? Session with Ms Amanda on the Unifrog Platform
Coffee with the Counsellors Session on Authenticity

Have the break that you need and take care.

U9 Bench Ball Tournament at IGBIS

IGBIS hosted the first of many Sports Tournaments to come this year. On Wednesday, we hosted the KLSL U9 Bench Ball Tournament. A total of 16 teams took to the court, split into girls and boys divisions. The gymnasium was packed with energetic 2nd and 3rd graders, supportive coaches, and excited parents. While the IGBIS teams did not bring home any trophies or medals, they showed great resilience and determination through 4 matches. It was a great afternoon for everyone involved. Here are some pics from the action that took place on Wednesday:

A huge thanks to our Secondary School Phoenix Club that handled the scorekeeping and officiating on the day. The Phoenix Club is a student-led club whose goal is to promote and support the IGBIS Sports Programme.

Want to get a taste of the action? Here is a list of tournaments (in addition to friendly fixtures) that will be hosted here at IGBIS during this first season.

03 November 2023, 8:00 am to 1:00 pm: KLSL ES Swim Meet
07 November 2023, 2:00 pm to 5:30 pm: AIMS U11 boys and girls Basketball
16 November 2023, 8:00 am to 2:00 pm: AIMS SS Swim Meet
17 November 2023, 8:00 am to 1:00 pm: AIMS ES Swim Meet
21 November 2023, 8:00 am to 2:00 pm: KLSL SS Swim Meet
22 November 2023, 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm: KLSL U18 Boys Football
23 November 2023, 2:00 pm to 5:30 pm: KLSL U11 Boys and Girls Basketball (Bowl)

*KLSL and AIMS are the two KL conferences IGBIS is affiliated with

Save the Date: Coffee Catch-Up with HoS and Principals on 01 November 2023, Wednesday @ 8:15 am at PVO Room

Join us for an opportunity to meet and chat with our Head of School and Principals over a cup of coffee on Wednesday, 01 November 2023 starting 8:15 am at the PVO Room. Take this chance to share your thoughts, discuss your child’s educational journey, and connect with the leadership team. You will also get to know all about what is happening at school and what we have in plan for the future. Our community liaison will be on hand to assist and address questions or concerns you may have.

Register for the Coffee Catch-Up HERE. Mark your calendars, as there will be much happening! We cannot wait to see you there!

Student Withdrawal and Deposit Refund Policy for Semester 1 of 2023/24 Academic Year

A gentle reminder to please submit the completed Withdrawal Form and Refund - Bank Details Form to our Admissions Department by Sunday, 22nd October 2023, if you plan to withdraw your child by the end of this semester. Please ensure you adhere to this deadline to guarantee a full refund of your deposit.

Thank you.

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.

Meet the Artists Behind the ISTA Workshop: Their Stories and Creativity.

Anoop Mohandas

Anoop is an Actor-Musician hailing from Kerala, India, with over 15 years of experience.

He has over 10 years of experience in the field of theatre as an actor, singer, percussionist, and composer, having performed in a wide range of venues, including the International Theatre Festival of Kerala (ITFOK). He is a co-founder of the FOKIT THEATRE AND DANCE FESTIVAL, which had its first edition in March 2023.

In the field of music, he is a classically trained vocalist, and self-taught percussionist (hand percussion). He is the lead vocalist of kerala based folk-electronic band called VIDWAN (active till 2018) and also part of a vocal and percussion ensemble called ASIMA. He has had the privilege to perform at prestigious venues like the Woodford Folk Festival (AUS), Alchemy Festival(UK), and Mad Festival (IND) with Vidwan and Asima. He is active in the field of Film, as an actor and music composer. He has been a part of feature films and short films that have found its place in a lot of festivals across the globe, like the New York International Film Festival, International Documentary and Shortfilm Festival of Kerala.

Illya Sumanto

llya has produced theatre, spoken word, and Wayang Kulit shows with young people in Asia, Africa, and Europe. An author of one academic book and two graphic novels, she is the founder of Empathy For Youth Academy, a virtual school that teaches emotional literacy and empathy through therapeutic arts. She is currently teaching performing arts in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Jess Thorpe - Creative Lead

Jess is a Director, Lecturer and Author based in Dundee and is currently in post as Associate Director at Dundee Rep and Scottish Dance Theatre. Jess is also Co-Executive Producer and Co-Artistic Director of Glass Performance, a theatre company that makes biographical performance work inspired by people and place. She was Co-Artistic Director of the award-winning young people’s theatre collective Junction 25 between 2006 -2020 and currently leads the first-ever youth theatre in a Scottish prison; Polmont Youth Theatre.

In 2015, Jess Thorpe and collaborators were awarded the prestigious CATS Whiskers Award from theatre critics in Scotland for an outstanding contribution to theatre by young people. In 2019 Bloomsbury published her book A Beginners Guide to Devising Theatre, which she co-wrote with Tashi Gore about creating new theatre with young people.

Dear Parents and Guardians,

As the school year 2023/24 is now underway, our upcoming ISTA festival planning is in full swing. This coming November 23rd to 26th, we will be hosting the International Schools Theatre Association (ISTA) Inter-Arts Festival. This prestigious event celebrates the power of the arts and offers our students an incredible platform to explore their talents, creativity, and passion.

The ISTA Inter Arts MYP Festival is an immersive experience that combines the magical realms of music, drama, and visual arts for Grade 6, 7 & 8 students. It brings together students from schools across Asia, fostering collaboration, cultural exchange, and personal growth. We are proud to be hosting this event and providing our students with the chance to engage with a diverse group of talented individuals.

As part of the festival, we have arranged a captivating excursion for our students. They will have the opportunity to explore and appreciate different forms of traditional and contemporary arts, enriching their understanding of artistic expression. This excursion will serve as a source of inspiration, empowering our students to push their boundaries and explore their own creative potential.

One of the highlights of the ISTA Inter-Arts Festival is the presence of visiting artists and performers. These experts in their respective fields will conduct workshops, mentor our students, and share their insights. This interaction will be invaluable for our students as they gain exposure to new techniques, perspectives, and ideas. These experiences will not only enhance their artistic abilities but also broaden their horizons.

We are delighted that three other esteemed schools from across Asia have already signed up to join us for this event. The collaboration will create a vibrant atmosphere of cultural diversity, fostering connections among our students and their peers from different backgrounds.

We strongly encourage you to support your child's participation in the ISTA Inter-Arts Festival. This event offers a unique platform for them to showcase their talents, gain confidence, and develop skills such as teamwork, adaptability, and creative problem-solving. We strongly believe that their involvement in this festival will contribute to their overall personal and artistic growth.

In addition, the visiting students will require homestay. So we would ask that you please consider hosting two or more students. Homestay is a wonderful and integral part of the international school experience that we hope to reestablish as part of our school traditions. It is a wonderful opportunity to learn about and showcase our cultures too.

Thank you for your continued support of our school's commitment to fostering artistic expression and igniting the creative minds of our students. We look forward to working with you to make the ISTA Inter-Arts Festival a resounding success.

More details can be found at https://ista.co.uk/event/kuala-lumpur-ms-inter-arts-festival/

What does it cost?

The festival will cost RM1200 per student.

The fee is used to bring the visiting international and local artists to IGBIS and accommodate them throughout the Festival.

Transport and costs involved in the Out and About excursion.

All meals at IGBIS and other festival costs, including a social event and dinner.

Festival t-shirt.

How do you sign up?

Complete the ISTA 2023 Sign Up form https://forms.gle/RvVSZ9Gjn6m5MNtS6

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)

IGBIS Open Day

What role does innovation play in education?

Innovation in education has a vital role in enhancing learning experiences, fostering critical thinking, and preparing students for the challenges of a rapidly changing world.

IGBIS will be having an OPEN DAY on:

28 October 2023, Saturday from 10:00 am to 12:30 pm

It would be great if you could share this Open Day information with your friends and family members who are looking for an international school for their children.

On this open day, prospective families will be able to meet our Head of School, Dr Gregory Brunton and the leadership team to engage in a talk on How Innovation Transforms Education. They will get to discover how our dynamic curriculum, innovative teaching methods, and cutting-edge learning environment empower students for an ever-evolving world. There will be a school tour for prospective families to explore our state-of-the-art facilities and a counselling session for them to gain deeper insights into our educational offerings.

At IGBIS, we boast a 92% expatriate teaching staff and embrace students from 35 different nationalities, creating a diverse and globally-minded educational environment.

All attendees receive up to *RM 26,000 rebate and waiver upon enrolment at IGBIS.

*T&Cs apply

You may share this link, https://igbis.edu.my/admissions/openday/, with your friends or family members to know more about IGBIS Open Day and to register.

Future Planning Weekly Update

Highlights of the Week

It has been a BUSY week!

Monday - Grade 9 Wellbeing Authenticity lesson and activity.
Tuesday - World Mental Health Day.
Wednesday - University Visit from I.E. University & Personal Statement Writing Workshop hosted by UKEC.
Thursday - Book Week Celebration and Combined Grades 10 & 11 AMP Authenticity lesson and activities.

Upcoming Parent Counselling Sessions

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

25 October 2023 - What’s Next? Wednesday Sessions: Unifrog
27 October 2023 - Coffee with the Counsellors: Authenticity

For Grade 12s

IMPORTANT DATES:

Wednesday, 25 October 2023 - Deadline for 01 November & 15 November Applications
Monday, 27 November 2023 - Deadline for 01 December - 15 January Applications
Monday, 22 January 2023 - Absolute deadline for UCAS Regular Decision

Uni App Help Sessions

As grade 12s do not have a common Study Block, Uni Help Sessions will be offered via 3 Study Blocks and Lunch. HERE is the schedule.

Info, Opportunities, & Resources

EducationUSA Fair

Engage with 25 U.S. colleges and universities to explore your study abroad options at the EducationUSA Fair, supported by U.S. Embassy Kuala Lumpur.

14 October 2023 at The Grey Box, GMBB • 2:30 pm - 5:30 pm

Bocconi Open Classes for High School Students

Get a Taste of Bocconi - Over the coming months, students will have the chance to attend several live online lectures hosted by our expert faculty, focusing on a variety of trending topics.

Look at Course Offerings and Register HERE

InvestIN Resources

Summer Career Experiences in London

We are delighted to announce the launch of our 2024 Summer Experiences in London; registration is now open! Based on-campus at the prestigious University College London (UCL), InvestIN provides teenagers with both an experience of life beyond school, as well as unparalleled career preparation in central London

Our Summer Experiences, which last up to 2 weeks, include:

Working with world-class industry professionals across 15 top careers
Participating in hands-on career simulations
Visiting exclusive professional venues
Personalised industry reference letters and certificates to showcase on university and job applications
Meeting likeminded and ambitious students from over 100 countries

For a limited time only, students can use the early bird discount code SUMMER15A to receive 15% off programme fees. More information HERE.

The Young Photographer Challenge

Top Tips for Applying to University

Thinking about applying to university can be daunting, with so much to think about. Here are our top tips for applying!

Do your research! The university application process is all about matching you up to your dream course, so make sure you take an in-depth look into the details of the course before you apply. Subjects can be very different at university to what you will have studied so far, so think specifically about what you like and don’t like. Try writing yourself a list of your dream requirements from a course and seeing how that matches up with the course modules! This will also help you with writing your Personal Statement, so you can be more specific in talking about your interests.
It is not just about the subject... Your university will be your home for the time you’re studying, so think about what sort of environment you want to live in. Do you prefer a campus university, with the faculty on your doorstep, or a city university where things are more spread out? Do you prefer a quieter town, or city-centre living? Thinking about the location, style and reputation of the university will help you with finding your perfect match.
How can you demonstrate your passion? It’s the classic ‘show, don’t tell’ rule – your Personal Statement will be much more convincing if you have evidence to back up what you’re saying. Work experience, projects, or reading around your subject all count as ‘super-curricular activities’ which show that not only do you have a genuine interest in your course, but you’ve gone out and done something to extend your knowledge outside of the classroom. Attending an InvestIN programme is a great example of this!

InvestIN is listed as an official activity provider on the UCAS application form, whilst our Summer Experiences qualify as a Duke of Edinburgh Approved Activity Provider for the Gold Residential section.

We also have a range of blog posts available to support students in applying to university:

Is Oxbridge right for me? A Comprehensive Guide

Choose Your University: The Complete Guide

How to Answer Medical School Interview Questions

Choosing the United States for your University Education

Rutgers University Virtual Information Session

17 October 2023 | 8:00 am ET

Please join us on October 17 for a Rutgers University–New Brunswick information session hosted by the International Undergraduate Admissions Team.

You will learn about:

what makes Rutgers a Top 15 Public National University in the United States
campus life
application requirements
application due dates . . . and more!

Stony Brook University AMS Math Competition

At Stony Brook University, we believe in fostering a love for mathematics and providing opportunities for students to challenge themselves and excel in this field. The AMS Math Competition is an excellent platform for students to showcase their mathematical talents, problem-solving skills, and passion for mathematics.

Here are some key details about the competition:

Date: 11 November 2023
Location: SUNY Korea Campus
Competition Levels: Algebra, Trigonometry, Geometry, Probability (Excluding Calculus)
Registration Deadline: 05 November 2023
Registration Fee: Free

To register or to learn more about the Stony Brook University AMS Math Competition, please contact younju.baek@stonybrook.edu ((032) 626-1353) for detailed information and registration instructions.

IUMC Seminar 2023: Discover Medical Schools in Ireland

Please join us at the IUMC Seminar 2023: Discover Medical Schools in Ireland.

This event is tailored for students aspiring to pursue medicine, their dedicated parents, and insightful advisors. Students who register and attend will receive a participation e-certificate after the event.

Date: 28 October 2023 (2:00 pm - 5:00 pm)
Venue: Four Seasons Hotel Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur.

This event is free, however, registration is mandatory as space is limited. To register, click on the link here.

For further information, please email office@iumcireland.com or WhatsApp +60 10406 2302.

Upcoming STEM Webinar for Students

The Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) is offering an exciting webinar at the end of the month for students: STEM Education in the USA, 25 October 2023 at 8:00 am CT

In this webinar, students will learn more about STEM majors, university selection in the USA, how to complete an application, financial aid, and more! Information about the Milwaukee School of Engineering will also be shared, highlighting top job outcomes (99% average), top starting salaries ($71,000+ average), hands-on learning, opportunities for paid internships, student life, and more.

Information and Registration: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/4195500410883270237

From the College Essay Guy

Webinar: 10 Ways to Uplevel Your College Application Before You Click "Submit"

A live webinar for high school seniors and their parents.

18 October 2023, 4:00 - 5:00 pm PT (7:00 - 8:00 pm ET)

On this session, Tom Campbell (former Assistant Dean/Director of Admissions at Pomona College) and I will cover (count 'em down with me):

Four ways to know if your application is doing its job (and what that actually is)

Three ways to improve your activities list

Two qualities your supplemental essays should demonstrate

One analysis of an outstanding application

... and then we'll rock the Q&A 'til the clock runs out

Virtual Presentation: Geography and Sustainability @ York

Date: Thursday, 26 October 2023
Time: 4:00 pm UK (BST)
Registration link for zoom: https://rb.gy/hq2r3

We have invited two academics to discuss more about the Programmes, Potential Careers and tips for Personal Statement.

University of the Week

Edmonds College

Why Edmonds College?

Our tuition is ⅓ the cost of traditional four-year institutions, with scholarships and tuition discounts available for international students.
International students 18 years and over can enrol in tuition payment plans.
Our campus prides itself on personalised student attention with smaller class sizes.
Edmonds has a dedicated international student office to support your academic and personal goals.
Edmonds has over 30 areas of study to choose from, including STEM, Business, Cybersecurity, and more
We have two on-campus residence halls and a college-run homestay program.
There’s always something going on campus with our 9 collegiate sports, over 20 student clubs, a full calendar of events, volunteer opportunities, internships, workshops, and more.

Watch the video to see the student experience at Edmonds College

Reach out to us at oip_desk@edmonds.edu with any questions

Edmonds College is offering new tuition discounts for international students.

International Student Tuition Discount ($1,500)
First-time international students admitted into our College or High School program are automatically qualified for a $500 tuition discount for a maximum of 3 quarters until Spring 2025. This amounts to a tuition savings of $1,500 for students!

New Student Scholarship ($1,000)
First-time international students admitted into our College or High School program can apply for our New Student Scholarship with an award of $1,000! Students must be full-time enrolled and submit an unofficial transcript along with the application.

President’s Enrollment Initiative ($1,000)
Coming Winter Quarter 2024! This new tuition discount is exclusively available to international students. Through an application, the President’s Enrollment Initiative recognises academic excellence and provides financial assistance and distinction to deserving students enrolling at Edmonds College. Details coming soon!

Summer Quarter Tuition Discount
Coming Summer Quarter 2024! We are excited to announce a substantial tuition discount for new international students enrolling in Summer Quarter. Students enrolled in 15 credits will pay the domestic tuition rate, almost a cost savings of up to $2,000!

Worth a Read…

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

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

It is 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.