From the Elementary Principal
By Simon Millward
From the school day of 08 - 09 April and 12 April
Before the Raya break the school was abuzz with the Hari Raya assembly. The students performed their full dress rehearsal for parents on Monday, 08 April 2024 in the afternoon and this was followed by the whole school assembly on Tuesday, 09 April 2024 in the afternoon. A huge thank you to Ms Farah who led the team of teachers and associate teachers to guide their students for a successful and uplifting assembly.
In the Elementary school, our Grade 1, Grade 3 and Grade 4 students were very busy preparing two items each for their performances. The Grade 1 students got the assembly underway with their song Raya, Raya, Raya guided by Mr Alex, they would later perform a dance ‘Dikir Barat’ which brought smiles to everyone’s faces thanks to the choreography skills of Ms Meena.
Our Grade 3 students wrote poetry that they shared and they also brought a smile to our faces as they re-wrote well-known children’s songs to share a Raya message with us all.
Not only did our Grade 4 students MC the assembly (well done Amy, Chloe Oh, Mia and Jadzia) a group of students sang ‘Hari Raya’ by IamNeeta and they created an interactive dance for the audience to participate in. It was all very entertaining. Thank you to Ms Farah for guiding these students who were all very dedicated to practising at every opportunity.
Our Secondary students also performed some wonderful pieces. They were guided by Ms Liyana and Mr Rasyid. Nina and SzuZenn performed a contemporary dance performance to the cover of Anak Ayak by Hamzah Dolmat and our other Grade 6 performers sang Acapella (a very difficult skill to perform) to the song Suasana Hari Raya. In addition, the Grade 6 students also performed a modern Raya dance to the song Raya, Raya, Raya by Dolla.
Our Grade 7 students shared their modern-style clothes designs that fused inspiration from different cultures. This demonstrated the creativity and talent of our students and how they considered culture and style for their creations.
To round out the performances, it was wonderful to see some of our parents being risk takers by performing the song Cindai by Siti Nurhaliza, there were even guest contributions from Dr Brunton our Head of School and Mr Simon our Elementary Principal.
Congratulations to all of our performers and teachers who made this such a wonderful Raya celebration, we even had a glimpse into the culinary lives and skills of Ms Lin, Ms Yaya, Ms Auni and Ms Syanaz.
On a separate, but equally important note, I would like to extend my congratulations to Jaymond Ng in Grade 5 for finishing second in an art competition based in China. Jaymond is a keen artist and attends additional classes after school. His teacher encouraged him to enter the "Dream Light" Drawing Competition for primary school students, held as part of the Bird's Nest Cup in Beijing, China. Students had to use their imagination to create an art piece whose theme was healthy and uplifting in content. Jaymond’s theme was ‘Help the World’ he focused on peace and safety within countries and between nations of the world.
From the school day of 15 April to 19 April
What a wonderful week it has been as we prepare for the student-led conferences coming up on Saturday, 20 April 2024. I look forward to seeing everyone on Saturday morning. The Grade 5 students have been working at full speed on their PYP Exhibition as well and they will be in school on Saturday too making some of their final touches. They will be working on their learning experiences and decorating their sharing boards, so it is full steam ahead.
We have also had Coach Tyler, who was a coach in Dr Brunton’s Stoke City FC Academy in Shanghai, running football sessions with our students in PE classes, fun after school and elite coaching after 4:15 pm. From what I have seen and heard these have been positively received by our students.
Some of our youngest learners were risk-takers this week. Our EY students shared their learning and performed for the Elementary school in our ES assembly. Both EY1 and EY2 sang their medley of songs to entertain us. We had a behind-the-scenes look at the EY2s as they wrote the story that they performed for us.
The EY1s shared their behind-the-scenes preparation for their ‘adventure’. They were inspired by seeing animals lay eggs and some have live births and went on their own investigation. They then created their own learning journey. This led to them making props and costumes to perform which was videoed and shared.
They also shared some of what they have been learning from a mathematical perspective as well as how they have been showing kindness towards their classmates.
The whole assembly had a big smile moment.
On Thursday our parents showed their appreciation to the staff at the school by organising a thank you lunch for all staff at the school. I would like to extend our thanks to you as parents, the thought behind it was very much appreciated, the food was amazing and the atmospheric music was calming.
Finally, I would like to congratulate Mr Alex, one of our ES performing arts teachers. He was accepted and successfully completed the IB PYP Workshop leader training recently. He can now help teach and inspire other educators in the region to develop their own teaching and learning practices.
IGBIS Partners with FirstPoint USA to Offer Scholarship Opportunities
We are proud to announce our partnership with FirstPoint USA, a scholarship agency renowned globally for its dedication to supporting student-athletes across the nation! To mark this partnership, FirstPoint USA representatives will visit our school from 07 May to 10 May 2024 offering football trials and insightful presentations on sports scholarships to students aged 15 and above.
Visit our website for more information about our partnership with FirstPoint USA.
Tentative Visit Schedule:
MSSS Update
After much waiting, Gombak District has now released their tentative schedule for this year. Unfortunately, it seems their registration process has been changed. We were informed by the MSSS Head Office that individual registration can only be done at a meeting. A date for this meeting has not been decided. We are trying to stay on top of the situation as best as possible. To possibly help with this process, we ask that any students that are planning on attending any MSSS events to fill out this FORM. The tentative schedule can be found on this FORM. Hopefully, this can help expedite the process once more information is shared by the Head office.
Please be assured IGBIS is successfully registered, and making every effort to help provide information to our Malaysian community. If there is any assistance parents can provide we would greatly appreciate their help. Contact Mr Wilson with any information you may have.
Player Registration Workflow: MCF - IGBIS National Inter School Team Chess Championship 2024
The MCF - IGBIS National Inter School Team Chess Championship 2024, set to take place at IGBIS, is drawing near on Saturday, 11 May 2024 and Sunday, 12 May 2024.
The school have received numerous expressions of interest and it is now time to finalise decisions regarding the teams representing IGBIS. Interested students have until Sunday, 21 April 2024 to register for an MCF ID to participate as part of the IGBIS team.
Here are a few important points to consider:
- There can be a Secondary and an Elementary team
- Each team requires 4 - 6 players
- One player in each team must be of the opposite gender
- If there is more than one team interested in representing IGBIS, player selection will be conducted
- All players must commit to participating for the entire duration of both tournament days (Saturday, 11 May 2024 and Sunday, 12 May 2024)
Staff Appreciation Lunch 2024
A big thank you to all parents for having the Staff Appreciation Lunch! It was heartwarming to see such support and recognition for the hard work and dedication of the staff.
The thoughtful gestures and warm atmosphere at the event made it truly memorable. Your efforts are deeply appreciated, and the school is grateful for the kindness and generosity shown to the entire school staff. Your commitment to fostering a positive school environment is commendable, and we are thankful for your ongoing support.
Parents Activities, Events & Workshops Schedule
Future Planning Weekly Update
Highlights of the Week
Goodbye, Grade 12! Go get that study on, and see you next week for the start of your exams!
Exam Stress Series is On!
It is officially time for our Exam Stress Series! Our first episode focused on SLEEP. The 2nd lesson, held in AMP, focused on getting out of your head. And our 3rd episode, from this week, focused on Nutrition.
Good luck as you head into exams!
Grades 9, 10 and 11 Future Planning Sessions:
- Grade 9 - Our 3rd and final session, Unpacking Your Skills, took place on Monday, 15 April during core/study hall. Access the slides HERE.
- Grade 10 - Course selections are done! Our next session will be on 8 May and we will begin planning for Grade 11!!!
- Grade 11 - On Wednesday, UKEC was on campus hosting a Personal Statement Writing Workshop for all grade 11s interested in applying to the UK. Our next Future Planning session will take place in AMP on Monday, 22 April 2024.
Save the Dates for April Counselor Events
- Wednesday, 24 April 2024 - What’s Next? Sessions: How to Apply to University
8:15 am - 9:15 am, PVO - Past Presentations & Coffee Mornings
Parents and students can access all past information sessions and coffee mornings HERE.
Worth a Read
The rise of micro-credentials: The end of universities?
Sports Scholarships with US Universities through FirstPoint USA (held at IGBIS!)
If your child is interested in sports and going to university then this is a fantastic opportunity to learn a bit about the US system and sports scholarships. Students can attend a trial or go to one of the talks to find out more.
IGB is proud to announce our partnership with FirstPoint USA, a scholarship agency renowned globally for its dedication to supporting student-athletes across the nation!
To mark this partnership, FirstPoint USA representatives will visit our school from 06 May to 10 May 2024 offering football trials, rugby trials and insightful presentations on sports scholarships (including other sports) to students aged 15 and above. More information HERE.
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 got good stuff). If you do select yes, you will then indicate the grade level(s) of your student(s)
- You arre in!
Unifrog University Fair
A free virtual event taking place on Wednesday 24 April 2024, 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm Hong Kong Time, exclusively for students in Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands, here's a reminder of what to expect at this virtual event.
What they will learn
- How to choose the right university - Attend live sessions on studying in the US, Canada or UK, scholarship opportunities, and societies and extracurricular activities.
- How to choose the right subject - Panellists will share what it's really like to study subjects including computer science, engineering, and business.
- How to apply successfully - Expert tips on Common App essays for US colleges, personal statements for UK universities, and how to get into selective universities.
Who they will meet
Your students can connect directly with international universities including Imperial College London (UK), Breda University of Applied Sciences (Netherlands), John Cabot University (Italy), University of Illinois, Springfield (USA), Middlesex University (Dubai), and Hong Kong Polytechnic University.
Info, Opportunities, & Resources
UKEC Malaysia University Tour
Join us for a fun-filled adventure as we visit 5 UK universities in Malaysia! This UK transnational university tour promises to be an insightful journey for students to discover the wide array of courses and study locations available to them.
We will also host game nights and quiz sessions to allow students to mingle with each other throughout the trip. Due to limited spaces left, do encourage your students to register as soon as possible to not miss out on this exciting trip!
Upcoming Johns Hopkins University Event in Malaysia
- Telling Your Story in the U.S. Application Process: Kuala Lumpur (Students, Families, and Counselors)
- Tuesday, 30 April 2024 | 5:00 pm–7:00 pm MYT
- EducationUSA Advising Centre | Me.Reka
This is a public information session on Johns Hopkins University. It is a great way for you, your students, and their families to learn about the student experience at the universities and how we set our students up for success in the real world. We will also cover college admissions process and provide application tips for highly selective universities in the U.S.
Both counsellors and students/families can sign up here.
Hidden Gem Colleges (via IvyWise)
While a handful of U.S. schools get most of the attention from rankings and sports, there are plenty of other worthwhile colleges and universities waiting to be discovered and added to your school list. IvyWise Counselor Christine shares some of her favourites.
Luxury Business Summer Program for high school students
Due to growing demand for our Bachelor’s in Luxury Business, we are delighted to announce that we have created a new Summer Program variant for 2024, aimed at 15 to 17-year-olds seeking an introduction to the universe of luxury. From its inauguration in 1962, our Glion campus has evolved into an established international focal point of hospitality and luxury business education and is the perfect setting for this new offering.
- Dates: 28 July-4 August
- Location: Glion/Montreux Switzerland
- Invitation to an online information session for LLB Global Law at the University of Edinburgh
Hosted by Dr Gail Lythgoe, Lecturer in Global Law, the online webinars will provide an overview of the programme and its key features. There will also be an opportunity to ask questions at the end of the session.
About the LLB Global Law
This new LLB degree is designed for students who are interested in studying law and gaining the skills to adapt, innovate and succeed in a globally oriented legal career.
Studying at one of the world's top 20 Law Schools and drawing on Edinburgh Law School's unique position at the crossroads of common and civil law, and its unparalleled expertise in global legal issues, students will learn to think about legal frameworks, structures and problems beyond the boundaries of any particular legal system, and focus on solving global legal problems. They will also benefit from a compulsory third year abroad at one of our partner Law Schools that span six continents.
Online session dates and times
These online sessions will take place on Zoom and will be recorded. Please note the 2nd and 3rd webinars are repeats of the 1st one.
- Tuesday, 23 April 2024, 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm (GMT+1) - Register
- Tuesday, 23 April 2024, 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm (GMT+1) - Register
- Wednesday, 24th April 2024, 10:00 am - 11:00 am (GMT+1) - Register
SAIC Early College Programme Comes to Korea
The School of the Art Institute of Chicago is pleased to bring our esteemed Early College Programme Summer Institute (ECPSI) to the world-class city of Seoul! Visit saic.edu/ecpkorea for more information.
Early College Programme
- Summer Institute 2024 Seoul
- Monday, 17 June 2024 - Friday, 28 June 2024
Taught by our SAIC school faculty, and held in the incredible art classrooms and studios of Seoul Foreign School, this summer two-week intensive program is designed to educate, engage, and inspire secondary school students who are passionate about art and design in the 21st century.
Course Options:
Drawing/Painting/Comics & Graphic Novels
Work in a variety of media- wet and dry media, ink, pencil, charcoal, collage, observational drawing, storyboarding, or a combination. Engage in discussions and critiques with your peers, create portfolio-quality work, and receive comprehensive guidance on developing competitive applications for college admissions.
Develop design ideas, research, draft, and craft individualized projects and proposals. Learn about contemporary designers and build skills from drawing, researching, and ideation. The course will include demonstrations geared to your passions, as well as time for self-directed work and comprehensive faculty advising.
CU>Summer Camp
Greetings from Bremen, Germany. I am writing to you to inform you of our summer camp application closing soon (end of April, mid-May – depending on the need for a visa).
Here are the 2024 Summer Camps details:
- Natural Science Camp: 18 June — 29 June 2024
- Computer Science Camp: 06 July — 17 July 2024
- Economics and Finances Camp: 24 July — 04 August 2024
Key details:
- For high school students aged 16 — 19 years old
- Language of instruction: English
- Option to learn German language
- Fee (room, board, instruction, excursions, and social activities): 2950 € (if the application is school-supported, feel free to use the code CONSTRUTOR_COUNSELOR for a 400 € discount on the fee).
More information about the camp can be found on the webpage: https://constructor.university/summer-camp-2024.
Update to Harvard's standardised testing policy - Official Statment
Harvard, like other colleges and universities across the country, paused the requirement of standardized test scores at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic when students no longer had reliable access to testing sites. As testing again became available, Harvard continued to use standardized test scores as an optional part of the admissions application, with the guidance that this practice was expected to continue through the admissions cycle for the Class of 2030.
Today, we are announcing that starting with students applying to the Harvard Class of 2029, Harvard College will require the submission of standardized test scores from applicants for admission as part of the whole-person application review process that takes a whole-student approach.
Harvard will accept the SAT or ACT to meet the standardized testing requirement. In exceptional cases, when those are not accessible for a student, one of the following can meet the requirement:
- AP exam results
- IB Actual or Predicted Scores
- GCSE/A-Level Actual or Predicted Results
- National Leaving Exams Results or Predictions
The decision to return to requiring testing was motivated by a number of important new insights, including research led by Harvard faculty members that confirm the role of standardized testing to help predict college and post-college success for students, including those from less-resourced backgrounds, particularly when considered together with other academic credentials. We also know that, when given the choice, many applicants choose not to submit scores. This can disadvantage some students, including low-income and minority applicants, who also may be disadvantaged in other aspects of their application because of lack of academic opportunity.
More information about an applicant, especially such strongly predictive information, can be valuable. Reinstating a testing requirement will bring important and consistent information back into the admissions process. In Harvard’s whole-person review process, testing is just one data point among many considered carefully with the expertise of the admissions committee.
We recognise that this requirement brings certain challenges. Access to testing should never prevent a student from applying to Harvard. In addition to providing alternative test options for those who cannot access the SAT or ACT, our website provides information on sources for no-cost tutoring and test preparation.
EHL ONLINE TASTER CLASSES - Choose between Crisis Communication and Finance, or join both!
Join us to discover the thrilling courses offered at EHL! During these webinars, we will provide you with a glimpse into the experience of joining our Bachelor programme.
- Explore the basics of Crisis Communication with Dr Zizka
15 May 2024, 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm (UTC+2)
Register HERE - Discover the captivating world of finance with Dr Aoun
29 May 2024, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm (UTC+2)
Register HERE
Virtual Alumni Talk Session: "An Insider's Tale - Life as a Medical Student in Dublin and Penang"
Greetings from RCSI & UCD Malaysia Campus (RUMC). We are excited to announce an upcoming virtual alumni talk session featuring Dr Fatin Harisfadilah, a distinguished alumna of RUMC.
Dr. Fatin Harisfadilah, currently practising medicine at Warwick Hospital in the UK, will be sharing her inspiring journey of becoming a doctor, her study experience at RUMC, insights into student life in Dublin and Penang, and valuable advice on applying for internships in the UK.
27 April 2024 at 4:00 pm
From the Sunny Jain Newsletter - Essay Competitions, NATO and Viruses??
The John Locke Essay Competition: If you are interested in the social sciences or humanities and want to go to one of the elite universities, not doing the John Locke Essay Competition is your own goal. This worldwide competition features various thought-provoking essay questions that students can select from. The essay style is supposed to reflect an Oxford Tutorial style of teaching, which is great for those who want to get a taste of that before applying. Getting shortlisted as a finalist is highly impressive. Even if this doesn’t happen, participating is enough to motivate research-conscious students. Sign-ups are taking place now, but the final date of the competition is 30 June 2024, with the signup deadline of 31 May 2024.
A journey through the virosphere: Turning to a More Scientific Outlook, this panel discusses the virosphere, a framework for understanding more about viruses. Many universities ask students to demonstrate knowledge and interest in specific parts of the field they want to study. This sort of event is the perfect way to do this. I would highly recommend for Biology, Chemistry and Medicine students to attend. Another essential thing to note here is the annual Croonian Prize Lecture by the Royal Society. This means the lecture is expected to be a cut above the rest, which is saying a lot, given the Royal Society is known for its high-quality research 02 May 2024.
From the College Essay Guy
New CEG Podcast Episodes 506: What Colleges Want (Part 6): Demonstrated Interest: What is it, why is it important, and how do you show it?
In this episode, Ethan is joined by Christine Bowman, Assistant VP for Admission at Southwestern University. Ethan and Christine get into:
What is demonstrated interest and how do colleges track it?
How important is demonstrated interest to a student’s chance of getting in?
How might students find out if a particular school considers demonstrated interest in their admission review?
What are some practical ways you can demonstrate your interest to colleges?
University of the Week: Earth Day Edition
University Spotlight: University of Iceland
Let us turn our attention to the University of Iceland, a lesser-known gem recognised for its commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship!
About University of Iceland:
- Location: Reykjavík, Iceland
- Sustainability Focus: The University of Iceland is dedicated to environmental sustainability, with initiatives aimed at reducing carbon emissions, promoting renewable energy, and fostering ecological awareness.
Key Sustainability Initiatives:
- Renewable Energy Research: The university is at the forefront of renewable energy research, harnessing Iceland's abundant geothermal and hydroelectric resources.
- Green Campus Practices: From energy-efficient buildings to waste reduction programs, the university prioritizes sustainability in its campus operations.
- Environmental Education: Offering programs and courses in environmental science, sustainability studies, and renewable energy, the university prepares students to tackle pressing environmental challenges.
Why University of Iceland?
- Immerse yourself in Iceland's breathtaking natural landscapes while studying at a university committed to environmental sustainability.
- Engage in cutting-edge research and hands-on projects aimed at addressing global environmental issues.
- Join a vibrant international community and contribute to positive change on a local and global scale.
Career of the Week: Earth Day Edition
Career Spotlight: Sustainable Tourism Manager
Let us explore the captivating world of Sustainable Tourism Management, where you can combine your passion for travel with a commitment to preserving our planet's natural wonders!
Overview:
Sustainable Tourism Managers are professionals who oversee and promote tourism activities that minimize negative impacts on the environment, culture, and local communities. They strive to create authentic and responsible travel experiences while preserving natural and cultural resources.
Skills Needed:
- Environmental conservation and sustainability knowledge
- Stakeholder engagement and community development skills
- Sustainable tourism planning and management expertise
- Cross-cultural communication and awareness
Universities Offering Related Programs:
- Bangor University (UK): MSc in Sustainable Tourism Management
- University of Technology Sydney (Australia): Bachelor of Sustainable Tourism Management
- University of Stavanger (Norway): Master's in Tourism Management with a focus on Sustainable Tourism
Why Sustainable Tourism Management?
- Combine your love for travel with a desire to make a positive impact on the world.
- Play a pivotal role in promoting responsible tourism practices and preserving cultural heritage.
- Enjoy diverse career opportunities in eco-tourism, adventure travel, and destination management.
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 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.
Follow us on Instagram and/or Facebook - @igbiscounselling and on our in-house Google webpage.
