IGBIS Newsletter, Issue 377.

IGBIS Newsletter, Issue 376.

May 17, 2024

IGBIS Newsletter, Issue 378.

May 31, 2024

May 24, 2024

From the Elementary Principal

By Simon Millward

Once again it has been an enjoyable week. In school, it has been quiet for much of the week with our Grade 5 students attending camp from Tuesday to Friday. They have enjoyed Mountain school and River school as well as sifting for tin in the river, going on nature walks and building their own independence serving food to each other and preparing their own beds.

On Thursday, our Fireflies and Early Years students had a field trip to help in their understanding of animals. They had a wonderful time petting them and generally interacting with them.

Also on Thursday, our Elementary students wanted to wish our Grade 12 graduates well on their next adventure. They created posters that had messages for them and they formed a ‘cheer line’ for them as they processed along the level 3 corridor, up the stairs and past the reception to the theatre. Our Early Years students managed to visit the Grade 12s before they headed to their field trip. They enjoyed giving them their posters and wishing them well. This was a wonderful moment as they had played alongside each other during the ‘Day of Play’ activities in January.

Career Day by Student Council

Greetings everyone from StuCo!

We are all so excited about the success of our career day this week on Wednesday. First started last year by Brinda and the Student Council team, we are so happy to continue the tradition this year with our new council. All secondary students spent their AMP period on Wednesday listening to guest speakers of their choice, getting inspired and excited about all that the future holds.

We are eternally grateful to our guest speakers who came to school and spoke about their careers in education, chemical engineering, the fashion industry, multinational companies, psychology and software development. Students had the opportunity to choose to attend the talks that most interested them, and we were so proud to see the engagement and awe on students' faces while listening to our guest speakers talk about their experiences.

Here are some pictures from Wednesday. Student Council really loves to see the impact that our events have on our school community, so stay tuned for what’s next.

Special thanks to our guest speakers Ms Leanne Harvey, Ms Yuri Kim, Mr Sayf Ismael, Mr Paul Ellis, Mr Felix, Ms Olga Polovolkin, Ms Kalpana Singh and Ms Nazwani Shahar for their wonderful talks.

Student Council Executives

IGB International School - Multi-Sports Camp for 6-14 Year Olds

Dear Parents,

We are thrilled to announce our inaugural Multi-Sports Camp at IGB International School, designed for 6 - 14-year-olds and scheduled over 6 exciting days from 18 June to 25 June 2024. Active Learning Academy, a trusted provider of holiday activities, CCAs, and tuition services in Malaysia proudly present this camp.

About the Camp

Located conveniently at IGB International School, our Multi-Sports Camp offers a dynamic and familiar setting for young participants to immerse themselves in various sports activities. From football and volleyball to parkour, skateboarding, dodgeball, and basketball, there's a diverse range of activities tailored to cater to all interests and skill levels.

Open to children aged 6 to 14, our camp promises an exhilarating experience filled with fun and learning. Whether your child is a sports enthusiast or looking to explore new activities, our camp offers something special for everyone.

Special Enrolment Offer

To celebrate the launch of our camp, we are pleased to offer an exclusive 20% discount for the first 50 bookings using the code 'FIRST50IGB'. Seize this opportunity to secure your child's spot at a reduced rate!

Learn More and Register

For further details about the camp activities and registration process, please refer to the attached brochure or visit the Active Learning Academy website at www.activelearningacademy.net.

We are confident that our Multi-Sports Camp will provide a memorable and enriching experience for your child during the summer break. Thank you for your support, and we eagerly anticipate welcoming your child to our camp!

Best Regards,

Alistair Lee
Managing Director
Active Learning Academy

Parents Activities, Events & Workshops Schedule

Parents-Activities-Events-Workshops-Schedule-1-2

IGBIS Open Day @ 07 June 2024, Friday

An unparalleled education establishes a solid foundation, sparking a lifelong enthusiasm for learning while providing learners with vital skills and knowledge for future triumphs. This robust base fosters academic excellence, adaptability, and resilience, empowering individuals to make positive contributions to society and flourish in an ever-evolving environment.

Explore more about igniting a lifelong passion for learning during our OPEN DAY on:

07 June 2024, Friday from 1:30 pm to 4:00 pm (Onsite)

During the Open Day, attendees will come together with our Head of School, Dr Gregory Brunton, and the leadership team to explore the impact of lifelong learning on shaping a prosperous future. Embark on a guided tour of our state-of-the-art facilities led by our school leaders and delve deeper into our educational offerings in a counselling session.

Attendees get a *100% application fee rebate + *100% enrolment fee waiver for new students aged 3 - 7!

*Terms and conditions apply

Future Planning Weekly Update

Highlights of the Week

Congratulations, Class of 2024, on your graduation! We are so proud of you!

Save the Dates for Upcoming Counsellor Events!

Past Presentations & Coffee Mornings

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

Future Planning Information

Grade 10 - Upcoming Future Planning Sessions:
- 28 May 2024 - Designing the Perfect University Cancelled due to Grade 10 MYP Ceremony Practice
- 07 June 2024 - Designing the Perfect University

Grade 11 - Our last Future Planning Study Hall Session of the year will take place 27, 28, 30 May 2024 (next week!)
- How to Apply/Setting up Application Accounts

Students and parents can access all of our previous sessions HERE.

The Anticipated Grades Process

This document explains how, when, and why anticipated grades are used for university applications. The end of Grade 11 Anticipated Grades are the grades that should be used to determine where students plan to apply.

Teachers have been asked to have conversations with their classes regarding how Anticipated Grades are determined, as well as the impact End of Year exams will have on anticipated grades. If you have any questions about how AGs are determined or end-of-year exams, please reach out to your teachers.

NEW SCHEDULE!!! Below is the schedule for Anticipated Grades -

Monday, 20 May 2024: Student Self-Anticipation Google Form opens.
Friday, 24 May 2024: Student Self-Anticipation Google Form closes; Amanda shares with teachers.
Monday, 10 June 2024: Teacher deadline to input their anticipated grades into the IB Data spreadsheet (will be shared soon) & have conversations with students as needed.
Tuesday, 11 June 2024: Anticipated grades available in Unifrog.

Here are very important resources that will help you. These will be uploaded in

your Unifrog Locker for your convenience -

Unifrog Stuff

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 is always got good stuff). If you do select yes, you will then indicate the grade level(s) of your student(s)
You are in!

Meet 45 universities from around the globe at the Unifrog University Fair!

Your students are invited to our International University Fair to chat directly to 45 universities from the US, Europe, UK, Asia, and beyond.

It's taking place virtually on Thursday 13 June, so it's the perfect event to motivate your students to be productive and give them actions to take during the holidays.

Live sessions with experts will help them write their university application essays, inspire them with subject highlights, and explore post-graduate opportunities in different parts of the world. Parents and caregivers are also welcome to sign up!

From the College Essay Guy

Webinar: Summer College Essay Kick-off for Juniors

I am leading a two-part webinar series for juniors next week, packed with tips on how to create an outstanding personal statement and college application. Why? Because summer is a great time to start writing—you will have time to dig deep, get creative, and save yourself a whole bunch of potential stress during the fall of senior year. Register HERE FOR FREE.

Join me and Tom Campbell (former Pomona College admissions officer and CEG's Community Manager) for two practical, action-packed sessions:

Part 1: How to Write an Outstanding Personal Statement

28 May 2024, 4:00 - 5:00 pm PT (7:00 - 8:00 pm ET)

In this session, we will cover:

The Purpose of the Personal Statement (i.e., What Colleges Are Looking for)
Two Fun Ways to Find Your Personal Statement Topic
How (and Why) to Show Your Core Values
Two Successful Personal Statement Examples
Topics to Potentially Avoid
Q&A (We Will Answer Pretty Much Any Question You Have)

Part 2: How to Create a Compelling College Application

04 June 2024, 4:00 - 5:00 pm PT (7:00 - 8:00 pm ET)

In this session, we will cover:

What Colleges Are Looking For in 2024
The Other Essential Parts of Your College Application
Writing Great Supplemental Essays
Tips for Creating a Great Activities List
How to Make Use of the Additional Info Section
A Sample Successful College Application
Q&A (Bring those questions!)

NACAC Annual College Openings Update

Grade 12s, still looking for a place this fall? Here is a listing of NACAC-member postsecondary institutions still accepting applications from prospective first-year and/or transfer students for the upcoming fall term.

Core Misunderstandings of the College Admissions Process (Blog post)

Our resident program advisor, Stephanie Metruk, breaks down some of the most common misconceptions surrounding the admissions process, providing some potential solutions for each. Read the post HERE.

Podcast #506: What Colleges Want (Part 7A): Recommendation Letter Crash Course for Students & Families

Tom Campbell (CEG’s Community Manager) is joined by Ayesha King (Director of College Counseling at the International School of Los Angeles) to talk about letters of recommendation. Listen HERE.

From the Sunny Jain Newsletter

Young Economist of the Year Competition: This competition does exactly what it says on the tin. Sponsored by KPMG, this event provides the opportunity for students to flex their economic muscles by doing advanced analysis on some of the world’s most pressing economic issues. The competition is sponsored by KPMG and the Financial Times, giving it extra credibility and the opportunity for students to show that they know their stuff to some world experts. Fear not for those who worry about solo work or are not confident in their writing ability do not worry! The competition allows students to work in groups of up to 5. In addition to this, students do not have to write. In what is a relatively unique situation, the competition allows students to design a podcast, video or presentation instead of writing. So there really is no excuse. You can learn more and sign up here. Deadline 12 July 2024.

Cambridge Arts and Humanities Summer Residential: Cambridge is hosting a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for those who are from an underrepresented background and have an interest in studying the Arts or Humanities. This residential is designed to help students understand the Cambridge Application Process. This inside information could be vital for helping a student gain a competitive advantage over others. The summer school lasts four days, giving students ample time to understand and ask whatever questions they want. Applications are due on the 29th of May, and students have to meet relatively strict criteria. 01 - 04 July 2024.

The Big Bang Fair: For those interested in STEM, this Fair is the perfect thing to do this June! With a litany of events, live talks and interactive activities, there is bound to be something that will pique your child’s interest. Another great thing about this event is that many companies, including Johnson and Johnson, Jaguar and the National Grid, are participating. Students can not only be informed more about STEM but also ask questions related to career paths. Tickets are free. 19 - 21 June 2024.

From MABECS

University of the Week

University of Eastern Finland

Discover the University of Eastern Finland (UEF), a hidden gem that blends academic excellence with a commitment to sustainability and innovation, nestled in the beautiful landscapes of Finland!

About the University of Eastern Finland:

Location: Joensuu and Kuopio, Finland
Distinctive Features: UEF is known for its interdisciplinary approach, cutting-edge research, and emphasis on sustainable development.
Academic Excellence: Offering a wide range of programs across diverse fields such as health sciences, environmental science, forestry, and social sciences, UEF prepares students for the challenges of the modern world.
Global Connections: UEF fosters international collaborations and welcomes students from all over the globe, creating a dynamic and multicultural academic environment.

Key Highlights:

Research and Innovation: UEF is a leader in research areas like environmental sciences, health sciences, and education, contributing to significant advancements and knowledge.
Sustainability Focus: The university is deeply committed to sustainability, with initiatives in renewable energy, climate change research, and sustainable resource management.
Student Experience: UEF offers a supportive and vibrant campus life with modern facilities, student organisations, and a wide array of extracurricular activities.

Why the University of Eastern Finland?

Experience high-quality education in one of the world’s most innovative countries.
Benefit from a holistic and interdisciplinary approach to learning, ensuring a well-rounded education.
Engage with cutting-edge research and sustainability initiatives that make a global impact.
Enjoy the stunning natural beauty of Finland, with opportunities for outdoor activities and cultural experiences.

Ready to embark on a unique academic adventure? Discover the transformative educational journey at the University of Eastern Finland and unlock your potential in a supportive, innovative, and sustainable environment!

#UniversitySpotlight #UniversityofEasternFinland #StudyinFinland

Career of the Week

Career Spotlight: Urban Farmer

This week, let us explore the exciting and impactful world of urban farming, where sustainability meets innovation in the heart of the city!

About Urban Farming:

Urban farmers cultivate, process, and distribute food within urban areas, transforming vacant lots, rooftops, and other spaces into productive agricultural sites. This career blends agriculture with urban development, focusing on sustainable practices to provide fresh, local produce to city dwellers.

Key Responsibilities:

Cultivation: Growing a variety of crops using techniques suited for urban environments, such as vertical farming, hydroponics, and aquaponics.
Community Engagement: Educating and involving the local community in urban farming projects to promote healthy eating and sustainable living.
Business Management: Managing the business aspects of urban farming, including marketing, sales, and distribution of produce.
Sustainability Practices: Implementing eco-friendly practices such as composting, rainwater harvesting, and integrated pest management to minimise environmental impact.

Why Urban Farming?

Sustainability Impact: Contribute to sustainable food systems and reduce the carbon footprint associated with food transportation.
Community Building: Strengthen community ties by creating green spaces and providing access to fresh, healthy produce.
Innovative Practices: Utilise cutting-edge agricultural techniques and technologies tailored for urban settings.
Health and Nutrition: Promote healthy eating habits and food security in urban areas.

Lesser Known Universities Offering Related Courses:

Wageningen University & Research (Netherlands): MSc Urban Environmental Management
City University of Hong Kong (Hong Kong): MSc Sustainable Urban Development
University of Illinois at Chicago (USA): BA Urban Agriculture
Royal Agricultural University (UK): MSc Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security

Ready to transform urban landscapes and foster sustainable communities? Dive into the dynamic field of urban farming and make a positive impact on cities and their inhabitants!

#CareerSpotlight #UrbanFarming #Sustainability

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

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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.