By Simon Millward
This week has been about proactively preparing for emergencies. At the beginning of the week, we had our first ‘Shelter in Place’ drill, where students shelter in place if, for example, an intruder were to enter the school. It was pleasing that the students took this seriously and were quickly sheltering and keeping quiet until the all-clear was sounded.
A group of our Elementary and Secondary teachers, associate teachers and business and support staff were also preparing for emergencies this week by engaging in a first-aid course. Many teachers were previously qualified but, through the pandemic, were unable to update their certification. Throughout the year, we will continue to offer these kinds of courses for teachers so they can be equipped to provide a first response should the need arise.
During the vacation, I was lucky enough to return home to Australia and spend time with my family. We were also able to spend time with our older son, who graduated from IGBIS a few years ago and has now completed his degree. Many of you are in a similar situation where you have spent family time with your College-based teens who have returned to visit, or you have been to visit them for vacation. Others of you are in the daunting phase whereby you have sent off your teens to college for the first time. While this is challenging for us as parents, we sometimes forget about the impact that this has on the siblings who are left behind.
We spend so much time preparing the one who is leaving that we forget about the impact on the siblings who are left behind. With one less person in the house, many things change. It most certainly changes the dynamic and how everyone relates to each other.
Here are some ideas, that have been recommended to smooth the transition for younger siblings:
Remember, every family is different and interacts in different ways. Think about communicating in ways that work best for keeping your own unique family connected.
Stay tuned over the coming weeks as we share a glimpse into the lives of our Phoenix Alumni and their families as they reconnect or say goodbye.
Recently, Nic (Grade 9), Maddalena and Riccardo farewelled Matteo, who was in our most recent graduating class. We trust that Matteo has had a smooth transition into his new life away from home and that Nic and the rest of the family are able to implement some of the strategies above to support everyone.
The Phoenix Squad t-shirts are open for orders. This year, a special 10-year anniversary logo will be added to the Phoenix Squad design. Wear your shirt with pride on IGBIS event days. Shirt sizes are comparable to IGBIS school uniform and adult sizes. All preorders are RM 30 and must be made by Friday, 15 September 2023, through the ordering form. A limited quantity will be available at future events for RM 40.
Thank you in advance for supporting our IGBIS student community!
Join us in shaping the future of IGBIS! Your referrals can open new doors for eager learners while fostering a stronger community.
IGBIS parents who refer new students to IGBIS will be entitled to RM2,000 per student or *RM3,000 per family (where there are two or more students in K – 12) through the *Referral Incentives Programme.
*T&Cs apply
Click HERE to access and download the IGBIS Referral Incentive Application form.
Your participation could illuminate new paths for young learners and enrich the tapestry of our educational journey. Together, we illuminate minds and enrich lives. Get started today!
“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.
Stay tuned! An email with the details for the sign-up will be available soon. Visit HERE for more information.
By Amanda Lopez
IGBIS University Visits, Fairs & Events
See the calendar and visiting universities HERE (and it is always available on the Counselling Website). Make sure to check it often, as new dates and visits are added regularly.
]All university visits and fairs will begin at 9:30 am and will typically last until 10:00 am+. Visits and Fairs will be held in the MYP and DP/CP Lounges, unless otherwise noted. Parents are welcome to attend.
Grade 10 and 11 PSAT Registration Ends TODAY!
On Thursday, 26 October 2023, the PSAT Test will take place at IGBIS.
Registration will close on Friday, 01 September 2023, 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. 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.
To register, please click HERE. (Access is only available through IGBIS Gmail)
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.
The only resource I recommend for both PSAT and SAT prep 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.
The timeline for the PSAT and SAT for students in Grade 11:
The timeline for the PSAT and SAT for students in Grade 10:
As we get closer to the actual test date I will send out specifics for test day procedures.
Completed Student Sessions -
*All information and resources will be shared with parents via email after each session
Completed Parent Sessions -
Letter of Recommendation (LOR) Information
Today (01 September 2023), I held 3 sessions - Lunch, and 3rd and 4th Study Blocks, to go over the procedures for requesting Letters of Recommendation. HERE is the information.
Application Workshops and Support
After Camp Week, I will begin running regular help sessions during Study Halls, so you do not need to make appointments to see me (unless you just want to have a closed conversation in the office). Sessions will be held on the following days/blocks - this ensures all grade 12s students will be able to attend.
From the College Essay Guy
5 College Application Resources Seniors Can Use Right Now:
Over four weekly live sessions starting next week (and on-demand video content), I will walk students through everything they need to brainstorm, outline, draft, revise, and refine an outstanding personal statement for college. Register Here.
The Early Session to apply for Bocconi bachelor programmes for the academic year 2024/25 is still open!
Students interested in getting a spot at Bocconi, have time until 22 September 2023 (3:00 pm, Italian time) to submit their application for Bocconi Bachelor programmes.
Join us for a webinar on 7 September 2023, 4:00 pm Italian Time, where we will focus on Bocconi Bachelor programmes and on the application process for this Early Session. We will discuss the application timeline and requirements, together with our academic offer and student life. Registration HERE.
Applications Now Open for September 2024 Intake at the Irish Universities & Medical Schools Consortium
We hope this message finds you well and excited for the opportunities ahead. We are thrilled to announce that applications for the September 2024 intake at the Irish Universities & Medical Schools Consortium are now open!
For years, the IUMC has been committed to providing exceptional educational experiences that shape the future of aspiring medical and dental professionals. As experts in medical education, the consortium brings together Ireland's top universities, offering world-class Medicine and Dentistry programmes that are renowned for their academic excellence and practical relevance.
Why Choose the Irish Universities & Medical Schools Consortium?
Important Application Details - For those eager to embark on this exciting journey, please note the following key information:
Studying 101: Study Smarter Not Harder from UNC-Chapel Hill
Study in the USA - INTERNATIONAL STUDENT STORIES PODCAST
Listen and learn from students already studying in the USA HERE.
Harvard Model Congress Leadership Winter Camp
We are absolutely thrilled to announce the launch of The Harvard Model Congress Leadership Winter Camp at Harvard University in collaboration with Learn with Leaders. This exceptional opportunity is designed to unlock your students' potential and provide them with a once-in-a-lifetime experience within the prestigious halls of Harvard University.
The Harvard Model Congress Leadership Winter Camp:
Immerse your students in a transformative 6-day experiential programme meticulously crafted to empower young minds, encourage impactful initiatives, and tackle real-world issues head-on. Participants will have the privilege of embracing the unparalleled academic environment of Harvard University while witnessing the living legacy that has shaped countless leaders throughout history. Guided by experienced mentors from Harvard Model Congress, your students will develop practical skills in decision-making, problem-solving, and communication, setting them apart as exceptional leaders in their future endeavours.
What Will Students Gain?
Here are a few highlights of student experiences at The Harvard Model Congress Leadership Winter Camp:
Programme Details:
Please Find the Detailed Brochure for The Harvard Model Congress Leadership Winter Camp here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Wyp6yhL9oyf6kZsSpujCtC4yBGIj3E7E/view?usp=drive_link
For undergraduate and postgraduate applicants (ages 12 - 25):
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. Follow us on Instagram and/or Facebook - @igbiscounselling and on our in-house Google webpage.