IGBIS Newsletter, Issue 366.

IGBIS Newsletter, Issue 365.

February 16, 2024

IGBIS Newsletter, Issue 367.

March 1, 2024

February 23, 2024

From the Elementary Principal

By Simon Millward

One of the IB learner profile attributes is ‘Caring’. This week our Elementary Social council embarked on one of their initiatives by organising a ‘Kindness Week’. The social council had created a number of activities that homerooms could engage with. They shared these with the Elementary homeroom teachers and they have been taking part in these activities at various times through the week. Whilst this has been a focus for this week, we hope that these will become a natural everyday occurrence both inside and outside of school. Earlier in the week as I was accompanying students from their morning start on the field a Grade 3 student approached me and asked if she could hold the door instead of me doing it. How very kind and thoughtful that was. A small act of kindness can make a world of difference and in this particular case, it brought a smile to my face.

As is traditional the school invited a Lion dance troupe into school as part of the Lunar New Year celebrations. The students thoroughly enjoyed their performance as they visited different parts of the school.

On Friday we had 9 ES students who presented their ideas as part of the IGBIS TEDx Youth event. The students have worked extremely hard since November to research, write and present their ‘ideas worth knowing’. The students presented knowledgeably, confidently and I am sure inspired many of the audience sitting in the theatre.

The students presented the following ideas.

Kelly: How art can positively impact mental health. I was left with the idea that artwork is for you, not others. It's not about being the best artist. It is the feeling that you experience while you are doing it that counts.

Jayden: Why Kids Need More Recess
He made the point that there are many benefits to having recess: play allows you to develop your creativity, imagination, social, cognitive and emotional strength. It can also raise your level of physical activity which can only be a good thing.

Jinseo: How Reading Habits Can Change Our Lives
He shared several quotes from famous people. I took note of Barack Obama’s assertion, ‘If you know how to read, the whole world opens up to you’.

Emma: How Dance Can Help Your Physical, Mental and Social Health
She shared that dance is for everyone, you just need to ask yourself, What makes you dance? It can reduce stress and improve mood. It can be more effective than meditation and increase your social circle and communication skills. As there are many forms of dance you just need to find what you are connected to.

Alex: The importance of Good Sportsmanship
It is all about respecting the other team, before and after, playing fair and allowing everyone to play. Win or lose you can show good sportsmanship.

Shakira: How Exercise Can Help Your Physical Health
She talked about unleashing your superhero inside. Exercising feels incredible and gives you super energy every day. It can release happy chemicals. Make it something you love.

Suhyeon: How Increases in Human Population Can Lead to Reduction in Resources.
He shared about the importance of renewable energy sources and asked us to consider, what our responsibility is and how can we use energy wisely.

Regina: Why it's Important to Believe in/be True to Yourself
She highlighted the possibility that individuals will encounter peer pressure, but you should resist it and just be you. Ignore negativity, accept yourself, discover who you are and what you are passionate about

Clarisse: The Power of Reading and its Benefits
She honed in on how reading helps brain connectivity and can reduce stress. It is a way for people to discover their passions, and it can help you live for longer. Reading opens your mind and offers possibilities of what is around you.

A huge congratulations to all of these students and to the teachers and support staff who worked behind the scenes to make this event such a success, in particular, Ms Nicola and Ms Stacey for guiding the students in the process

Next week there will be the annual school photos. The schedule has been shared with everyone as a Toddle announcement.

Also next week we have Angela Smith from Stoke City in school talking to parents and students about their programme and how they can benefit our students in the future.

The student talks are:

Tuesday, 27 February 2024, Presentation to Grade 4 & Grade 5 students about the Stoke City FC Academy at IGBIS in the ES Library 12:45 pm - 1:00 pm.
Wednesday, 28 February 2024, Presentation to Grade 2 & Grade 3 and Secondary Students about Stoke City FC Academy at IGBIS in the ES Library 1:10 pm -1:30 pm/1:40 pm.

I hope you have a great week and I will see you all on Saturday, 02 March 2024 for International Day.

Parents Activities, Events & Workshops Schedule

Parents-Activities-Events-Workshops-Schedule-1-3

From the Counselling Team

As we stop and reflect on another week in a month where Healthy Relationships were our focus, it is clear that so much of what we do here at IGBIS helps us to build and develop healthy relationships. As we have shared in previous newsletter articles, it is when we learn and develop the IB ATL Social Skills that we are growing in our ability to form, build and maintain healthy relationships.

These skills do not necessarily develop just by having social experiences. They need to be embedded and taught in all subjects, contexts and environments. It is, however, the way we reflect on what we learn about ourselves and how we interact with others during these additional opportunities and experiences that allow our Social Skills to continually grow and develop.

During the week, the Secondary Performing Arts Committee helped to lead a calligraphy workshop. While the focus of this was calligraphy, it was a wonderful opportunity for the students to participate in an activity that can help with wellbeing and self-regulation (elements of Intrapersonal Skills). When we engage in activities that make us feel calm we can regulate our emotions leading to a greater sense of self-control and helping us to maintain healthy relationships.

The Terry Fox run last Friday was another great opportunity for building community and supporting the development of healthy relationships. Whether it was just walking or running with our buddies or connecting with people who we would not usually mix with, it was a fantastic event. The way the whole community came together to help and support Maloe and Wen Yi to succeed demonstrated excellent commitment to the social skill of supporting others. When we do this well, the result is the formation of healthy relationships.

The Service Trips on Tuesday resulted in a great number of benefits for so many, both in our IGBIS community and beyond. From working with the elderly at Minty Green Retirement Home, planting trees at Free Tree Society, helping the dogs at KC Valley Dog Shelter, or supporting the students from YCK, back here at school, to name just a few of the many activities, every one of our students was developing social skills and building positive relationships.

Today was the culmination of months of training and practice where teachers and students worked together to prepare the most amazing TEDx presentations. From the younger ones in ES right up to the biggest kids in HS everyone did a magnificent job. These students would not have achieved what they did today without integrating every one of the social skills they learned in the IB. While the TEDx experience has ensured that they are now highly effective communicators I am certain that it has also helped them develop some new healthy relationships while at the same time enhancing existing ones.

What an amazing week. Have the best weekend and week ahead.

Best Regards

The Counseling 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

Stoke City FC Meet and Greet at IGBIS

Dear Parents,

Get ready to cheer because we have got some exhilarating news to share. The Stoke City FC Academy is heading our way, and we are thrilled to announce that it is a whopping 95% done deal! We have lined up a series of fantastic sessions and activities to give you a front-row seat into the world of Stoke City including a presentation from Angela Smith, Ambassador of Stoke City FC and Ryu Yamaguchi, a Professional Football Player who attended the Stoke City FC Academy at WISS with Dr. Brunton.

Mark your calendars! Here's your VIP pass to the action-packed schedule:

Some Thrilling Highlights About Stoke City FC Academy at IGBIS
Stoke City FC Academy at IGB International School (IGBIS) aims to be the premier football destination in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor, offering quality coaching for players of all ages and abilities. We strive to develop skills, ignite passion for the game, and create opportunities for those pursuing football professionally.

Meet Angela Smith - The Dynamo Behind Stoke City FC
Angela Smith, Stoke City FC Ambassador and Women’s Team General Manager is a pioneer in sports. As the world’s first women’s professional squash player, former world champion, and Olympian for England, her expertise enriches our team.

Meet Ryu Yamaguchi - The Rising Football Star
Ryu Yamaguchi began his football journey in 2013 with Stoke City Football in Shanghai, China. With Malaysian-Japanese heritage, he later trained at Penang Wanderers Academy and pursued opportunities in England and Spain, including stints at Brooke House College Football Academy and CD Almunecar City.

At the "Becoming a Professional Football Player" session at IGBIS, Ryu will share insights into his career pathway and experiences as a professional player, supported by Stoke City FC. In addition, Ryu's mother will participate in the session, shedding light on her role in supporting his aspirations in professional football.

Get ready for these exciting sessions with Stoke City FC at IGBIS! Don't miss out on this chance to explore football with guidance and inspiring stories!

Terry Fox Run 2024

Maloé Bourquenez and Wen Yi Tan, both Grade 9 students, have once again spearheaded the organisation of the Terry Fox Run this year on Friday, 03 February 2024. They felt it was important to continue the tradition after the success of last year's event during their Community Project. Witnessing how it brought the entire community together for a noble cause inspired them to keep the momentum going.

This year marked a departure from the previous one, with the IGBIS community getting to know each other better through the involvement of various groups such as the Parent Volunteers Organisation (PVO), student-led organisations, student ambassadors, student council, and the eco club, all setting up booths. It provided a wonderful opportunity for everyone to engage in conversations, interact, and foster camaraderie. One of the highlights of the event was the chance for participants to enjoy the breathtaking sunset while contributing to such a meaningful cause.

Thanks to the dedication and collaborative efforts of all involved, the event has raised approximately RM 11,000 for Cancer Research Malaysia (as of the time of writing).

Future Planning Weekly Update

Highlights of the Week

SAVE THE DATE: Wednesday, 28 February 2024
Parents - What’s Next? Wednesday Session: The Declared
8:15 am - 9:15 am, PVO

Do your students know exactly what they want to study? Is your student ready to get on with their education? We will highlight locations around the world that love students who know exactly what they want to study.

Parents & Students - University of Central Lancaster Visit

9:35 am - 10:00 am, MYP Lounge

We have the University of Central Lancaster coming to visit during break, BUT what makes this a special visit, is that they're bringing 7 different representatives to showcase each of their specific schools!

School of Medicine and Dentistry
School of Business
School of Psychology and Humanities
School of Health, Social Work & Sport
School of Law and Policing
School of Arts and Media
School of Engineering and Computing.

Past Presentations & Coffee Mornings

Parents and students can access all past information sessions and coffee mornings HERE.

For Grade 12s

University Decisions Rolling In!

Students, as you receive university decisions, PLEASE let me know!

And PLEASE UPDATE YOUR UNIFROG

Whether the decisions are a decline, deferral or acceptance, I would like to celebrate you for all of your bravery and hard work.

Grades 9, 10 and 11 Future Planning Sessions

Grade 9 - Our Unifrog onboarding session will take place on Tuesday, 05 March 2024 during Study Hall.
Grade 10 - Our next lesson will be on Tuesday, 27 February 2024 during Study Hall. Ms. Amanda will be available to answer questions regarding pathway and course choice selections.
Grade 11 - We had our 5th lesson on Wednesday, 07 February 2024 during AMP. You can find the slides HERE.

Our next lesson was scheduled to run through Study Block on 15, 16 20 February 2024, but due to the re-scheduled Service Day, those sessions have been moved to 26, 27, and 29 February 2024.

Grade 10 Transition into Grade 11/12 - Next Steps

22 - 28 February 2024: STUDENTS AND PARENTS TOGETHER - Students will discuss their options and complete a second option form to indicate what pathway and subjects they select. Please note that the result of this option form is used to decide which courses are offered and which are not (depending on student numbers). It is also used to make next year's timetable. So students are able to change their subjects later on, but only if the subject is offered and the timetable permits the change.

To help you in this transition process please see this transition booklet as a reference guide.

Worth a Read

Redefining the Gap Year

Unifrog Stuff

Unifrog Parent Access - From the What's Next? session last Wednesday, a couple of parents asked for the Unifrog Parent Access. If you would like to have a parent account on Unifrog, please follow the steps below:

Go to www.unifrog.org/code
On the right side of the page look for the grey box that says "Been given a Sign-up Code" - click on that
The Sign-up Code is IGBIS_parent
Then complete the remaining information
Accept the Terms and Agreements
Choose if you want to sign up to receive the Parent Newsletter (I suggest you do, it's always has good stuff). If you do select yes, you will then indicate the grade level(s) of your student(s)
You are in!

Soft Skills Webinar Series

It is important for students to start building their employability skills while studying, to give them the best chance when applying for work experience, internships, and other opportunities.

In this series of webinars, experts from employers including Deloitte and KMPG will offer advice on how students can build and demonstrate the soft skills they need to stand out in the recruitment process.

> Access the webinar series in your UF account (04 – 06 March)

Unifrog University Fair: sign up now!

We are excited to welcome your students to our first virtual university fair exclusively for students in Asia and Australasia to connect with top international universities and learn how to find and apply successfully to their dream courses.

Date: Wednesday, 24 April 2024
Time: 6:00 pm –08:30 pm (Hong Kong Time, HKT)
Get students to sign up here.

What's on the agenda

Students can join live sessions with university experts on topics such as:

What it's like to study computer science and technology
Everything you need to know about scholarships
Study in US and Canada
Everything you need to know about visa applications

They will also have the opportunity to visit virtual booths and chat directly to global universities including Breda University of Applied Sciences (Netherlands), University College Cork (Ireland), Lancaster University Leipzig (Germany), and Concord University (the US).

Upcoming opportunities

Global Citizen Year - For students who want to do a gap year with a purpose after school. Global Citizen Year is looking for young people who are excited to be part of a deliberately diverse global community and to deeply learn from changemakers and experts in host countries.

Learn more in your Unifrog platform.

KdG University of Applied Sciences and Arts - Students can join a webinar and online info sessions to learn about their English-taught bachelor's degrees. See why more career-focused students are heading to Belgium, a European hotspot for industry and entrepreneurship. Offering affordable, accessible, and high-quality education, KdG University of Applied Sciences and Arts could be a great match for students who want a practical, results-oriented study path.

Share the webinar (28 February)

EHL Hospitality Business School - Your students are invited to join over 250 others in Switzerland or Singapore for EHL Hospitality Business School's Summer Camps! They will discover more about hospitality management, luxury brand management, or culinary arts. Students need to apply by 18 March 2024.

More about EHL's summer camps

University College Roosevelt - If you have any students considering studying at UCR in the Netherlands, they can attend an open day to attend student/parent Q&As, masterclasses, and campus tours.

See upcoming open days in March and April

Van Hall Larenstein University of Applied Sciences - Join VHL's virtual open day to learn about their English-taught BSc programmes with a practical approach! Students can pursue sustainable degrees in areas such as food technology, international development, and animal studies with business.

Info, Opportunities, & Resources

Toronto Metropolitan University International student webinar series

Picturing your future at TMU? As you get closer to starting your post-secondary studies, we have got you covered with our international student webinar series starting 27 February 2024!

Get honest perspectives on what it's like to be an international student in Toronto and study at Toronto Metropolitan University. These engaging virtual events will be led by current international TMU students, who were once thinking about starting their future in Toronto just like you.

This is your opportunity to learn why international students are choosing TMU.

More information and registration HERE.

Shoreline Community College is THE option for students wanting to study in the US, but don’t meet direct entry requirements

Shoreline Community College is among the top 15 community colleges in the U.S. for international student enrollment (IIE Open Doors data) with a strong commitment to serving a global student body.

Located in the beautiful Great Seattle area, Shoreline has a vibrant campus offering 2+2 University Transfer, High School Completion programme, English as a Second Language courses, Professional/Technical programs, Overseas Online Learning, and our own Honours College programme!

Recently about 60 university reps came to Shoreline’s winter quarter university transfer fair. It is a great opportunity for international students to get first-hand information about admissions requirements, programmes/majors, and scholarships. View Instagram Reel at shoreline_international.

Learn more and apply at shoreline.edu/international/ to join us in the Spring, Summer, Fall, or Winter quarter!

Bocconi Open Classes for High School Students

Don’t miss the chance to attend new live online lectures hosted by our expert faculty! For the third year of this project, we have planned six open classes: designed specifically for high school students, these classes focus on a variety of trending topics.

DISCOVER OUR OPEN CLASSES
4th EVENT: LAW CLASS
Tuesday, 19 March 2024 4:00 pm CET

What will be the impact of AI and merging digital technologies on the law?

The lesson will delve into how the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence and digital innovations is transforming the legal landscape. It will explore the multifaceted ways in which these technologies challenge existing legal norms, from privacy and data protection to intellectual property and ethical considerations. The aim of the lesson is to equip listeners with a first understanding of the current and potential legal implications of the digital age.

InvestIn Free Career Tasters for Students

We are delighted to announce that we will be hosting a series of free career tasters for students aged 12-18. Join us to gain an introduction to a range of careers and receive advice from professionals on what you can be doing now to support your future career.

These interactive workshops will be held in 6 of our most popular careers and are all led by an industry professional. Feel free to bring any questions you may have – we're here to help you every step of the way.

We recommend attending live so you can participate, however, if you are unable to attend live, please sign up to receive a recording of the events and our follow-up resources.

Is the Future AI? Pennsylvania University offers a new programme!

With all of the discussions surrounding artificial intelligence, your students may be considering how AI will impact their futures and careers. What will work look like as generative AI gets more advanced? How do you prepare for careers that don't exist yet?

Well, we have good news—Penn's School of Engineering and Applied Science just announced the launch of a Bachelor of Science in Engineering in Artificial Intelligence (AI) degree, the first undergraduate major of its kind among Ivy League universities and one of the very first AI undergraduate engineering programmes in the U.S.

Penn is committed to developing innovative, leading-edge AI engineers who understand the principles of AI and how to apply them responsibly and ethically.

Is the student who will lead the way to a future where AI works in service to society sitting in a classroom at your school? This degree could be the perfect opportunity for them. The best part is they don't have to be sure just yet. At Penn, students applying to the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences don't have to declare a major until the end of their first year at Penn. We encourage you to share this exciting news with the budding engineers you know!

This Saturday, 24 February 2024: ESSEC Global BBA Experience Day webinar

Warm greetings from ESSEC Business School.

We invite you to the ESSEC Global BBA Experience Day happening this Saturday. We have students and parents from across the world including Singapore, Morocco and France who have signed up for the event.

If your school community have not signed up for it yet, they can still do so at https://essec.zoom.us/webinar/register/9517065935926/WN_RfHfgjg4Q_Wipeamu4EgBg

ESSEC Global BBA Experience Day

Saturday, 24 February 2024 | 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm (Singapore time) I 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm (ICT) I Time zone converter
For Grade 10 - 12 students globally, and their parents
Online via Zoom
Register at https://essec.zoom.us/webinar/register/9517065935926/WN_RfHfgjg4Q_Wipeamu4EgBg

What will your students learn?

What does ESSEC Global BBA offer?
- opportunity to pursue a business degree in Singapore while also studying overseas for some semesters, via our exchange program with prestigious universities worldwide and the intercampus mobility to France and Morocco (in English)
- learning-by-doing pedagogy via the integrated internships in the curriculum
Living in Singapore

From the College Essay Guy

What do colleges want in 2024? That is the main question I am exploring in my latest—and most epic—podcast series yet.

Quick context: Toward the end of last year, the National Association of College Admission Counseling (NACAC) released their updated State of College Admission report, which details how much colleges care about things like grades, course rigour, extracurricular activities, and essays. The entire report isn’t available to non-NACAC members, but here’s a screenshot I have permission to share:

What Colleges Want: A 9-Part Podcast Series on the Factors Colleges Deem Important

In this 9-episode podcast series, you will learn:

Which factors in admission decisions are most important to colleges?
What are the main things for students to keep in mind when planning high school courses?
What exactly are "positive character attributes” and how do students show them in their application?
How has the emphasis on essays changed and how can students stand out in 2024?
Demonstrated Interest: What is it, which colleges care about it, and how do you show it?
Crash courses on recommendation letters, extracurricular activities, and more

Listen to the First Two Episodes Right Now

The Career of the Week:

Career Spotlight: Hydrographer

Dive into the fascinating world of Hydrography, a lesser-known yet crucial career at the intersection of science and exploration!

Overview: Hydrographers map the world beneath the water's surface, studying the ocean floor, riverbeds, and lake bottoms. They play a pivotal role in maritime safety, environmental protection, and resource management.

Skills Needed:

Proficiency in surveying and mapping techniques
Nautical knowledge and navigation skills
Data analysis and interpretation
Technological skills for using sonar and remote sensing equipment

Universities Offering Related Programmes:

University of New Hampshire (USA): Hydrography and Ocean Mapping Programme
University of Southern Mississippi (USA): Marine Science with a focus on Hydrography
Hochschule für Technik, Wirtschaft und Kultur Leipzig (Germany): Geoinformation and Surveying Engineering

Why Hydrography?

Contribute to maritime safety and environmental conservation
Unique blend of fieldwork and cutting-edge technology
Dive into a career that combines science, geography, and adventure

University of the Week:

University of Tübingen, Germany

Uncover the academic excellence of the University of Tübingen, a hidden gem in the heart of Germany!

University Overview: Founded in 1477, the University of Tübingen is one of Germany's oldest and most prestigious universities. Despite its historic significance, it remains lesser-known globally, offering a blend of tradition and innovation.

Key Features:

Rich Academic Tradition: Home to Nobel laureates, the university maintains a strong commitment to research and academic excellence.
International Community: A diverse student body and numerous international programs create a global and inclusive learning environment.
Cutting-Edge Research Centers: Engage in groundbreaking research across various disciplines, from humanities to natural sciences.

Why Tübingen?

Explore a wide range of programmes with a focus on research and critical thinking.
Benefit from the university's strong emphasis on interdisciplinary studies.
Experience life in a charming, historic town with a vibrant cultural scene.

Notable Programmes:

Master in International Economics and Public Policy
Bachelor in Cognitive Science
PhD in Life Sciences

And last but not least -

We are still looking for a forever home for Milo.

If you are interested in adopting, please reach out to Amanda (amanda.lopez@igbis.edu.my)

If you cannot adopt, please share.

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’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.