IGBIS Newsletter, Issue 357.
November 24, 2023
IGBIS Newsletter, Issue 359.
December 8, 2023
From the Elementary Principal
By Simon Millward
The Grade 1 students and teachers decided that they would like to move some of their dramatic play areas to the L1 playground. They have designed the space and currently, it has a winter holiday feel to it. Students are free to engage in dramatic play or, if they choose, can colour and have some quiet time.
This week we had our KG student leading the Elementary assembly. The theatre can be an intimidating place when you stand on stage and look out to the audience. You have to show risk-taking behaviour to project your voice and share your learning. The KG students did extremely well as they tried to project their voices and share their learning.
There was a lot to share. Some of the highlights are below:
The KG students have been asking lots of questions as they are very curious about how the world works.
They have been hypothesising, and predicting.
They tested and then discussed what they found out.
The KG students were very proud of their counting skills, and they sang their counting by ten song and we all moved along to the music, singing as we needed to stretch to help us focus.
A big well done to our KG students who did a marvellous job, thank you to all the parents who attended too.
Learner Profile Feature
As an IB school, we teach the children about the learner profile attributes. These have been identified as traits that everyone should be demonstrating in school and in the world at large in order to help create a better and more peaceful world.
As we have new families joining our IGBIS community, I would like to feature and share these attributes over time. There is no ranking of importance, they are all of equal importance, however, today I would like to start with ‘Principled’.
We are teaching our students that they are aware/know what our expectations are, and they need to take responsibility and make good choices (principled decisions). For example, as students are moving between classes, we expect that they walk and interact positively with their classmates. This is because we want them to be safe as they move around the building, and we want them to form positive relationships.
Learner profile Artwork by Lucy Wang (IGBIS alumni)
Parents Activities, Events & Workshops Schedule
- PW: Be Mindful of Wellbeing [Registration Link]
- Parent Session: DP/CP Subject Selection Group 6 Options - The ARTS [Registration Link]
From the Counselling Team
Welcome to December and a new theme or topic. As we move towards the break, this is a time when some in our community will be celebrating together and giving thanks to and for the amazing people and things in their lives. Because of this, it is a great time to focus on gratitude or being thankful. One of the most significant ways to show gratitude is the simple action of saying thank you. Thanking people for the small things, the things that should just automatically happen, is still important. As we frequently point out in our sessions and in our newsletter articles, it is important to celebrate and shine light on what is important to us and what we want to see more of. Saying thank you is your way of highlighting the positive. This week I loved hearing thank you for the simplest things; when I held the door open, a student said thank you (I said thank you for saying thank you, because those words made me happy), when I helped a little person put their backpack on their back they said thank you, when a student left my class they said thank you, when I helped a teacher they said thank you, when I helped a student who was having a bad day their parent emailed me and said thank you. All of these very simple expressions of gratitude made my day better. It is a belief held by researchers and psychologists that gratitude helps us feel more positive, improves our health, allows us to deal with adversity, and builds stronger relationships. Over the weekend and in the week ahead, just practise saying thank you more, even if someone is doing what it is that you expect them to do.
Do not forget to save the date for our next Coffee with the Counsellors next Friday, 08 December 2023 at 8:15 am. Our topic is gratitude and we want to not only spend time sharing about this topic, but we want to simply spend time chatting, having coffee/tea and snacks and getting to know you better. We want to use this as a gratitude session…A time to say thank you for always being at our sessions and supporting The Counselling Team. This session is directly before the Holiday Bazaar. Come in for the meeting and stay for some extra fun.
Have a great weekend!
Best Regards
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
Winter Carnival 2023
Hey IGBIS Community,
Mark your calendars for a joy-packed carnival at IGBIS!
We are gearing up for an exciting Winter Carnival on Friday, 08 December 2023 running from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Get ready to dive into a day filled with games, activities, dazzling performances, and a chance to meet Santa Claus! Explore a variety of booths showcasing food & beverages, fashion, gifts, arts & crafts, charities, and more.
A heads up, that this event is a coupon-only event. Show your support by grabbing some coupons available at RM 30 or RM 50 per set available at Level 2 - PVO Room or Level 5 - Finance Counter. Besides that, we will also be selling coupons during the carnival day at the event entrance.
Do not miss the enchanting atmosphere and delightful surprises awaiting you at the Winter Carnival 2023! We hope to see you there!
Zomi Education Centre Drive 2023
All shoeboxes for the children at The Zomi Education Centre have been filled!
Thanks to everyone that has sponsored a kid as well as to those that are making a financial contribution.
We have 18 ‘elves’ that will be delivering the goods and presents to ZEC on Saturday, 09 December 2023. That gives us one more week to make contributions. Thank you to all that have dropped off items, and the table above looks good, but we can do WAY BETTER! When you come by the school next week, be sure to drop off any of the items listed below. Every little bit helps!
*One last request
There are two young men at the ZOMI Centre that are in need of mobile phones. If you have an unused mobile at home with the charger (and possibly the original box), please contact Craig Wilson at craig.wilson@igbis.edu.my. We would love to assist these individuals as they pursue a life here in Malaysia.
Thanks again to everyone that has ‘shared their love’ with the students from the Zomi Education Centre this holiday season.
Referral Incentives Programme
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 RM 2,000 per student or *RM 3,000 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!
Future Planning Weekly Update
Highlights of the Week
What’s Next? Wednesday Session - The DP/CP/HSD - Pathway, Options and University Planning
This past Wednesday, Mr Drechsler and Ms Amanda presented to parents about the multiple pathway options available at IGBIS, as well as how those options lead to future planning and university plans.
HERE are the slides from the session.
Future Planning Session #3 with Grade 10s - Pathways & Choices
Just as we presented to parents, the grade 10 students had their 3rd Future Planning Session this week. This session focused on the multiple pathway options available at IGBIS, as well as how those options lead to future planning and university plans. HERE are the slides from the session with Grade 10s.
A more detailed discussion about the coursework and choices within each pathway will be covered by Mr. Drechsler next week.
SAVE THE DATES: Upcoming Parent Sessions
*All information and resources will be shared with parents via email after each session
- Friday, 08 December: Coffee with the Counsellors - Gratitude join us as we express our gratitude to you and help us ring in the holidays and kick off the Holiday Bazaar, 8:15 am, PVO
- Wednesday, 13 December: What’s Next? Wednesday Session: GPA, Anticipated Grades, Exams, Tests…what actually matters? Find out what your student actually needs when it comes to applying around the world and university admissions, 8:15,
Ms Amanda Out of Office - 03 December - 10 December 2023
I will be out of the office attending a university information counsellor tour from Sunday, 03 December 2023 - Sunday, 10 December 2023. As part of this learning experience, I will be in different time zones and unavailable. Once I return to campus on 12 November 2023, I will return to communication. You can follow my learning on our Counsellor’s Instagram @igbiscounselling. Thank you for your patience and support as we continue to grow and learn in an effort to better serve our students and community.
For Grade 12s
IMPORTANT DATES:
- Wednesday, 13 December - Absolute deadline to pay and submit applications for all university applications with January deadline.
Info, Opportunities, & Resources
Huron University's Virtual Expo: Saturday, 02 December 2023
While there will be many exciting sessions with Huron international students, professors, the highlight of this event will be our scholarship session where registrants will receive a complete guide with open Q&A on how to submit a competitive application to Huron's International Presidential Scholarship. Worth up to $100,000+, this merit-based scholarship is one of Canada’s most prestigious scholarships for international students!
Additionally, this session will explain the Huron International Financial Aid Form (HIFAF), the first program of its kind for international students in Canada, that offers any admissible international student up to 50% of tuition coverage annually, based purely on financial need rather than merit alone.
Students and parents will also get the chance to talk to current Huron students about their experiences studying in Canada at Huron in our session "The Huron Experience - a Session Run by Students for Students!". This session will cover topics like life in London, ON is like, clubs and campus activities, Huron's famous International Welcome Week, and more! Our students are here to offer future students insight into what studying in Canada is like and to help them prepare.
Register here.
Recordings of the sessions will be sent to all registrants afterwards.
WebiFair Virtual Fair - Saturday, 09 December 2023
WebiFair virtual fairs allow your students to meet universities from around the world. It is also interactive, making it easy for you and your students to learn about various universities, type your questions in the live chat, and get answers immediately. You and your students can also hop on video and speak directly to admissions officers. See attending universities & register HERE.
UBC Virtual Information Session (07 December 2023, 8:00 pm)
UBC will be offering a Virtual Information Session (via Zoom) for students in Asia. This may be of interest to any students or parents who would like to learn more about The University of British Columbia. UBC advisors will be highlighting what makes us a top post-secondary destination as well as walk you through the application process.
Thursday, 07 December 2023, 8:00 pm- 9:00 pm (SGT/MYT, UTC+8)
Register to attend: https://ubc.zoom.us/meeting/register/u5EscOiqqDsqEtOrNXkjjxEpelum65PM6MWB#/registration.
i.e. University (Spain) Pre-College Programmes
University of the Week: University of Groningen, Netherlands
Ever heard of the vibrant University of Groningen?
Situated in the Netherlands, it's a hidden gem in the world of academia. Known for its innovative approach to education and research, this university offers a diverse range of programmes in various fields.
Key Features:
- Multicultural Environment: Embrace a welcoming community with students and faculty from over 120 different nationalities.
- Cutting-Edge Research: Dive into pioneering research initiatives in fields like Energy, Health, Sustainable Society, and more.
- Unique Programs: Explore specialised programs in Arts, Sciences, Economics, Business, and Technology.
Location: Nestled in Groningen, a vibrant and historic city in the Netherlands. Experience the perfect blend of rich cultural heritage and modern urban living.
Notable Programmes:
- Bachelor in International Relations and International Organization
- Master in Nanoscience
- Master in Sustainable Entrepreneurship
Why Consider Groningen?
- Internationally acclaimed faculty and research opportunities
- Embrace a dynamic, multicultural learning environment
- Engage in hands-on learning and innovation
Career of the Week: Ethical Hacker
Have you ever considered being an Ethical Hacker?
It is an exciting and lesser-known career path with significant importance in today's digital world!
Overview: Ethical Hackers, also known as White-Hat Hackers, are cybersecurity experts who use their skills to find and fix vulnerabilities in systems and networks. Their mission? Protecting against cyber threats by anticipating and preventing security breaches.
Skills Needed:
- Deep understanding of computer systems and networks
- Proficiency in cybersecurity tools and techniques
- Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
- Continuous learning to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving field
Universities Offering Related Programmes:
- De Montfort University (UK): BSc in Cyber Security
- University of South Wales (UK): MSc in Ethical Hacking and Cybersecurity
- Asia Pacific University (Malaysia): Bachelor in Cyber Security Forensic
Why Ethical Hacking?
- Be at the forefront of defending against cyber threats
- Fulfilling career with continuous learning and problem-solving
- High demand in industries for cybersecurity experts
Learn More About Related Careers in Unifrog
Popular Resources and FAQs
- Counselling Website
- 2023-2024 Future Planning Handbook
- Class of 2024 Future Planning Timelines
- 2023-2024 Anticipated Grades Process
- Unifrog
Questions, Support, and Help
- Amanda Lopez
Grades 9 - 12 Universities Counseling & Social/Personal Counseling
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.
Follow us on Instagram and/or Facebook - @igbiscounselling and on our in-house Google webpage.
