IGBIS Newsletter, Issue 352.
October 14, 2023
IGBIS Newsletter, Issue 354.
November 3, 2023
From the Elementary Principal
By Simon Millward
I hope you all had a relaxing and enjoyable holiday.
Although it was a short week for students, teachers had professional development courses over the weekend and Monday as they turned into students for a few days. Being lifelong learners, the teachers had the opportunity to learn from each other in teacher-led workshops, were engaged in a two-day first aid course or were fortunate enough to learn all about track and field events from Martin Brockman, a former Commonwealth Decathlete. These were enjoyable and valuable learning experiences.
Our Grade 1 students headed to ‘The Curve’ on a field trip to tune in to their new unit of inquiry, all about how we organise ourselves using maps. They had a great time, and I look forward to seeing how their learning develops over the course of the next few weeks.
On Wednesday, our Grade 5 students had guests visit school and teach them the technique of making a batik. In collaboration with Ms Meena and her Host Nation class, the students were able to get hands-on and appreciate the techniques involved in making batiks.
Finally on Friday the Grade 3 students started our day in fine fashion by sharing their learning in assembly. They shared the kinds of learning they had been engaged in their How We Express Ourselves unit. Some of the photos were fabulous, and I hope we will be able to have these displayed around school in the near future. The Grade 3 students also reminded us of the importance of the Malaysian National Anthem, how we show respect to the nation in how we stand and sing and how it is one way to appreciate Malaysia as a country. Finally, they shared their ish-poems, inspired by the book ‘Ish’ by Peter H Reynolds.
The rest of Friday, the students were engaged in our STEAM day (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths). The students had to be thinkers and problem solvers and work together in teams, communicating with each other, making group decisions and managing their time. A fun time was had by all. A big thanks to Ms Natasha for all her organisation of the day and everyone who made it a success.
On Friday, 03 November 2023, IGBIS will be hosting the KLSL Elementary Swimming Gala. Parents can come along and support. If you have bought a Phoenix cheer squad shirt, please wear it on this day and make sure your children do too!
From the Counselling Team
While it is only been a short week with students, we have been busy: two parent sessions, a university visit, PSATs, visiting classes, and working with our Ambassadors to prepare for this weekend’s Open House.
Each week there are exciting and engaging activities and events that we plan for, and these make up just a fraction of what we do. But none of this matters if we aren’t connected.
In order for us to be approachable and accessible, parents and students have to be comfortable with us. You will see us at the level 2 entry (turnstiles) almost every morning, welcoming students, connecting, building relationships and helping the community know that we are there for them. At this time, we are also making very specific observations that give us clues as to the overall personal and social well-being of the community. It is almost like a ‘temperature check’ of the whole campus.
This is also a time where we get to know and connect with parents, so please don’t be a stranger if you are dropping off (or picking up). If you see us come and say hi! We have made some amazing connections AND friendships with our extended IGBIS community based entirely on our interactions at the turnstiles. Oh, and if you like to dance, come and join us at the gate on a Friday morning!
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!
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)
