IGBIS Newsletter : February 2025
February 6, 2025
February Highlights
Upcoming Events
Important Announcement
February Highlight
From the Elementary School Principal
By Simon Millward
It’s been an incredible few weeks at our school, filled with energy, learning, and community spirit! Here are some highlights:
Grade 5 Camp - 4 Feb to 7 Feb
Our Grade 5 students had an unforgettable experience at camp from February 4-7, embracing challenges and strengthening their teamwork along the way. Over four days, they learned to harvest food, build fires, and cook desserts from scratch. They also hiked through the rainforest, cooked their own meals outdoors, tackled the high ropes course, scaled rock walls, and braved the rapids while white water rafting. The camp pushed them to step outside their comfort zones, whether it was conquering a fear of heights, navigating the rushing waters, or supporting their peers through each challenge. The uphill hikes were tough, but the breathtaking views made it all worthwhile. River day was a blast with swimming, team-building activities, and rafting, while the low and high ropes courses pushed students to new heights (literally!).
It was an incredible opportunity for growth, resilience, and plenty of fun!
John Magner
Sports Success at the AIMS Primary Athletics - 12 Feb
Our teams shone brightly in AIMS and KLSL tournaments, showcasing their skills in track and field and football. IGBIS proudly hosted the AIMS Primary Track and Field Meet on Wednesday, February 12. Our elementary athletes showcased their speed, strength, and perseverance throughout the day’s events. They supported one another, cheered from the sidelines, and pushed through challenges with a positive attitude.
A special thank you to everyone who came to support the athletes and make the event a success. We live, learn, and love playing for our school - what a fantastic representation of our community spirit!
Helen Young
Kindness Week - 17 Feb to 21 Feb
The Social Council led a heartwarming Kindness Week on 17 - 21 February in PYP, which was planned and led by the Grades 3 & 4 Social Council, who had devised a theme or activity for each day of the week. The event emphasised compassion for each other and the animals we share the planet with.
The week started with kindness trees in both PYP and IEAP. Classes and individual students were invited to write kindness messages on paper leaves, which Social Council members then attached to the trees. Tuesday resulted in nearly 40 kg of cat food (42 packets of dry food, 26 cans of cat food & 106 pouches of wet food) being donated by IGBIS families to support Pads and Paws, a local organisation that helps street cats and organizes foster (temporary) families for cats until permanent homes can be found. Social Council members delivered the cat food to Pads and Paws on 25 February. Wednesday, the children thanked the unsung heroes of the school, namely the security guards, cafeteria staff, cleaners, gardeners, etc. All the people that keep a school running who students often don’t think of. Thursday was a scavenger hunt in classes across the school, where students had to find pieces of a puzzle in their classroom and then put it together into a kindness message. And rounding the week off on Friday, the Social Council put together a video featuring a kindness message in 11 different languages, which was shared with all classes.
Anna Laird
TEDx IGBIS Youth
Our Elementary students captivated the community with inspiring presentations on topics like the benefits of swimming, balancing screen time, the dangers of energy drinks, the love of reading, and more. For more on their calls to action, check out the boards near the Level 2 turnstiles.
Here’s to celebrating our achievements and looking forward to the next chapter of our journey!
From the Secondary School Principal
By Sandy van Nooten
What a busy couple of months we’ve had in Secondary! In addition to the projects and events (highlighted below), our teachers and students have also engaged in lots of teaching, learning, assessing, performing, experimenting, growing, and reflecting within our MYP/DP/CP classes. Hats off to everyone for a superb semester (so far).
Dragons’ Den - 8 Feb
On February 8th, five Grade 11 business management students from IGBIS participated in the Dragon’s Den Business Competition, where they presented innovative solutions to a real-world challenge faced by the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC). The competition tasked students with answering the question: “How can KLCC increase revenue from its restaurants and operations?” It provided students with a unique opportunity to step into the role of business analysts, tackling genuine challenges while preparing for future careers in the field.
Applying established business tools, the IGBIS team developed a well-researched proposal and delivered a confident presentation. The presentations were evaluated by senior KLCC management, who were eager to see the creative solutions offered by these young minds. Despite strong competition from eight teams, our team narrowly missed a top-three placement. However, the experience proved invaluable, equipping them with critical thinking, problem-solving, and real-world business consulting skills. Reflecting on the competition, one student shared: “We gained a lot in terms of business theory knowledge and tools, as well as real-world experience, which highlighted the differences between theoretical business concepts and actual business consulting.
Congratulations to the team, and thank you to Mr. Sanjay and Ms. Naina for chaperoning and supporting the students.
G10-12 Field Trips - 13 Feb
On February 13th, 20 students and 2 teachers from Grades 10 to 12 went to Din Tai Fung at Pavilion Damansara to experience the process of making xiaolongbao.
As soon as we entered the restaurant, the staff warmly greeted us. Through the glass windows of the open kitchen, we watched the chefs skillfully make xiaolongbao, their movements graceful and rhythmic. After the manager had briefed us on the history of Din Tai Fung, we began our hands-on experience of making xiaolongbao. We thought it would be easy, but wrapping the delicate dough around the filling and creating evenly shaped pleats was more difficult than we imagined! Since we were all beginners, the staff thoughtfully provided red bean paste as the filling, making it easier for us to practice. Although our xiaolongbao came in various shapes, the whole process was filled with laughter and joy, and we all had a great time.
After the experience, we enjoyed a hearty lunch at Din Tai Fung, which included chicken fried rice, authentic xiaolongbao, and chocolate buns, perfectly concluding our culinary adventure. Before lunch started, the 11th-grade students briefly introduced Chinese dining etiquette.
This one-day trip not only taught us the skills of making xiaolongbao but also gave us a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship behind the food. With a sense of reluctance, we left Din Tai Fung, cherishing the unforgettable experience. Thanks to Ms. Ting and Ms. Jane for arranging and chaperoning the trip.
Ms Cheu, Sandy van Nooten
Community Project MYP - 18 Feb
This year’s Community Project Exhibition was a chance for Grade 8 students to share their experiences with the IGB community. After nearly 6 months of Investigation, Planning and Action, they presented to parents, teachers and students from Elementary and Secondary school. The community project is done in small groups where students choose what and how they will make a positive impact within their community. This is one of the key projects that IB students embark on. Through the school, the projects are: PYPx (Gr.5), Community Project (Gr.8), Personal Project (Gr.10), Extended Essay (DP) and Reflective Project (for CP students). We even had a group of students and teachers from Aspiration International School as invited guests, excited to learn more about the MYP as a candidate school (as they have only recently started the MYP).
Our Grade 8s shared with confidence and pride, highlighting their projects’ Research Question, Global Context, and Goals. The two main priorities of this year’s projects were to explore areas that connected to their passions and skills and also to embrace the ups and downs of the learning journey. Firstly, many groups chose to engage in service that was meaningful to themselves as well as those they were serving, ensuring a reciprocal exchange. Additionally, the focus on the process over the product helped them to understand that goals may need to be reviewed, revised and reimagined many times along the way.
Students were exhausted and nearly voiceless afterwards, but they reflected that sharing with such a variety of different people helped them to see many perspectives on their own actions and to get feedback about how they might carry on these projects in the future.
Nilan Asanka Senaratna, Sandy van Nooten
TEDx IGBIS Youth
On Wed, 19th Feb, 9 courageous and committed students delivered their TEDx talks. It takes months to prepare for a talk like this. From the initial idea through the research phase to the writing, editing, practicing, and finally delivering the speech itself to an audience of their peers. We are so proud of everyone who put themselves out there, and I know they learned an incredible amount through the process. Huge thanks to Ms. Jenny Wencl and Ms. Jill for everything they did to support the students.
Congratulations to Ira, Zoe, Nina, Szu Zenn, Tiana, Lukas, Caina, Jolene and Klarissa.
Mock Exams
Grade 12 students have just completed a full set of mock exams in preparation for their finals (in late April and May). All Gr.10 students will do mock exams from the 10th to the 12th of March. These mock exams give students a realistic idea of their current performance while allowing time for them to learn or re-learn content and skills before the finals. Congratulations, Grade 12, you survived, and good luck to Grade 10!
MRISA
In the last month, we have participated in 3 MRISA events. MRISA Arts Xchange to VIS (Vientiane, Laos), MRISA HS Basketball at KIS (Bangkok, Thailand), and MRISA MS Football at ISPP (Phnom Penh, Cambodia). Our students have made us so proud with their performance and their growth, their support for each other and their sportsmanship. Huge thanks to the Arts teachers and the coaches for preparing and chaperoning our teams. Some pics are below.
KLSL & AIMS
We’ve had an incredible local sports season in the KLSL and AIMS leagues. Here are some of the highlights below.
Upcoming Events in Secondary
- 3WCs - 3-way conferences for secondary students (Fri 7th Mar). No school for Gr.6 to 11, regular classes for Gr.12 (and ES students)
- Season 3 ASAs start Mon, 10th Mar
- Eco week (powered by Eco council) - 17th to 21st March
- SASMO Maths competition - 20th March
- Holidays - Sat 29th March to Sun 9th April
- Gr.12 DP Art Exhibition opens - Fri 11th Apr
- Last day for Gr.12 - Fri 18th Apr
- Student-Led Conferences - Sat 19th Apr
- MRISA MS Volleyball - 23 to 27 Apr
Phoenix Post - Here’s a link to the 2nd and the 3rd editions of the Phoenix Post (an online newspaper written and edited by students).
Until next time.
Regards.
International Day - 22 Feb
International Day has always been a cherished tradition at IGBIS, and this year’s event on 22 February 2025 was no different. To celebrate the cultures that make up our IGBIS family, students, parents, and teachers came together in our Parade of Nations, proudly celebrating their identities and heritage. The festivities continued at our International Bazaar, where we shared food, performances, and conversations that reflected the beauty of our diverse community.
As IGBIS grows, so does the richness of our cultural tapestry. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this special day. Here's to many more years of learning and celebrating together.
Marketing Department
EY to G1: Making Fruit Juice, Smoothies, and Fruit Faces
On February 28th, our EY1 students had the experience of making fruit juice using oranges and watermelon, while our EY2 students made smoothies. Students became true inquirers to explore themselves with the unit “fruits and drinks”. This activity not only allowed the students to name and taste the fruits but also helped them make connections using the Chinese language and apply it in real-life situations.
Students from KG and Grade 1 also experienced making fun faces using fruits, vegetables, and bread in their Chinese classes. Based on their unit inquiry, they explored and learned about fruits, vegetables, and food. Besides helping them to understand that learning Chinese can be very fun, this activity also reinforces their use of vocabulary. Students demonstrated their creativity and ability to describe it in Chinese by naming the items, cutting, and then arranging the items neatly to create cute faces. After the activity, they learned how to describe the faces in Chinese sentences and wrote the sentences down with, referring to a guided template.
Joanne Ng
Terry Fox - 28 Feb
On February 28, 2025, the IGBIS community came once again for the Terry Fox Run, held for the third time. This annual event continues to honour Terry Fox's legacy, spreading awareness and raising funds for cancer research. This year, we have raised approximately RM12,000!
Despite the last-minute change of venue due to the thunder, the IGBIS community has adapted with patience and support. We appreciate everyone for making it a joyful time regardless of this. This event included booths with face painting, henna, delicious food, and sweet treats, all run by student-led organisations and volunteers.
A huge thank you to everyone who participated, donated, and helped make this event a huge success. We hope you all have a great time, and we look forward to the next one.
Maloe & Wen Yi
Upcoming Events
March Parent Workshops
Our March Parent Sessions are here. ☕️
These sessions are designed to equip you with practical tips and valuable insights to support your child’s growth and learning. It’s also a great chance to connect with other parents in our community!
👉 Register here: https://sites.google.com/igbis.edu.my/pvo/workshops-events?authuser=0
2025 IGBIS Summer School and Everton Summer Camp
Get ready for an unforgettable summer at IGBIS! This year, we’re bringing you not one but two exciting camps — IGBIS Summer School 2025 and the Everton Summer Camp, packed with even more opportunities to learn, grow, and have fun in a vibrant, inspiring environment.
Enrol in either camps, or both, and enjoy a 10% discount exclusively for IGBIS students. Scan the QR code to learn more and secure your spot today!
Marketing Department
Eco Club Invites You to Earth Week!
This year, the Eco Club, in collaboration with the Design Department, is transforming HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) plastic waste into golf tees using shredding and injection molding. These tees will be sold for charity, combining sustainability with social impact.
How can you help?
Donate clean HDPE plastic (such as detergent containers, plastic bottles, and water piping) at the Level 2 Turnstile. Please ensure you’re donating the correct type of plastic, as other materials cannot be processed.
The recycling drive runs until March 14, so don’t miss this chance to contribute!
From March 17 to 21, the Eco Club also invites you to take part in Earth Week, a celebration of sustainability and environmental awareness. Throughout the week, engage in activities designed to inspire eco-friendly habits and drive positive change in our school community. Whether you're passionate about conservation or simply want to make a difference, there’s something for everyone!
✅ Connect with friends over a shared cause
✅ Learn new ways to protect the planet
✅ Take meaningful action towards sustainability
Stay tuned for the full event schedule, and feel free to reach out to the Eco Club with any ideas or questions. Let’s work together to keep our school and planet thriving!
IGBIS Eco Club
We hope you’ve enjoyed this month’s highlights. Stay tuned for more exciting stories and updates in April!
Important Announcements
Withdrawal Notice
Dear Parents,
I hope you and your family are well. While we value having you in our community, we understand that families sometimes move on. If you plan to withdraw your child at the end of Semester 2, 2024/25, please submit the completed Withdrawal Form and Refund - Bank Details Form to our Admissions Department by Monday, 17th March 2025. This deadline is essential for a smooth withdrawal process and ensures you receive a full refund of your deposit.
If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact our Admissions Team at admissions@igbis.edu.my.
Best regards,
Dr. Gregory Brunton
