PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE Dear Parents and Guardians, In January 2017, Sunway International School is scheduled to launch the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). The IBDP at SIS will feature a new academically rich and stimulating 2 year programme for Grades 11 and 12. SIS Students will have the option after their Grade 10 year to:‐ I) Continue to work towards the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) which would mean completing Grade 11 at SIS, and then enrolling in the Grade 12 Canadian International Matriculation Programme (CIMP) at Sunway College. II) Remain at SIS for both Grade 11 and 12 to complete the International Baccalaureate Diploma. Both the OSSD and IBDP are designed to educate the “whole person,” are academically challenging and provide students with the opportunity to master 21st century learning skills. Let’s look at the rigorous similarities between these two world class educational programmes.

In preparation for the IBDP at Sunway International School, our campus will annex the East Building of Sunway College. Once renovations are completed to this building, SIS will have an additional 13 classrooms, an instrumental music room, large drama space, and a new Library Resource Centre. As a new IB World School, SIS will become a proud member of a global community of over 3,600 schools in 146 countries. For more information about IBDP, please contact the SIS Academic Office.

Principal John Mackle  

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International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)

Mission/Vision IB aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect. The profile of an IB learner would include:

Inquirer Knowledgeable Thinker Communicator Principled Open‐minded Caring Risk‐taker Balanced Reflective

The Ontario education system vision is that the learner of today will gain high‐order skills such as critical thinking and problem‐solving, and knowledge that will lead them to become motivated innovators, entrepreneurs, global citizens and leaders of tomorrow. All Ontario curriculum has a focus on the six C’s.

Collaboration Creativity Critical Thinking Communication Citizenship Character

Subject Choices

During Grade 11-12, students would have the opportunity for a well rounded education by taking 6 subjects ‐ one from each of the following subject groups. At least 3 courses are at the Higher level (240 hours) and 3 at the Standard level (150 hours). Group 1 English Group 2 Second Language (French/Mandarin) Group 3 Individuals & Societies (History, Geography, Economics, Business, Information Technology, Sociology) Group 4 Experimental Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Exercise Science) Group 5 Mathematics Group 6 Arts (Visual, Music, Theatre, Film) OR a second subject from Group 1-5. Total teaching hours over 2 years = 1,170 hours.

During Grade 11-12, students must select 14 credits from the 29 courses offered. This allows students the flexibility to bundle or specialize in certain subject disciplines. Courses can be selected from the following subjects: English (Grade 11/12 English, Grade 12 Writers Craft) Foreign Language (Grade 11/12 French, Mandarin) Business Studies (Grade 11/12 Accounting, Marketing, Economics) Computer Studies (Grade 11/12 Communication Technology) Social Sciences (Grade 11/12 History, Geography, Sociology) Mathematics (Grade 11/12 Functions, Grade 12 Calculus) Science (Grade 11/12 Biology, Physics, Chemistry) Total teaching hours over 2 years = 1,540 hours.

Student Research

Extended Essay provides students opportunity to engage in an in‐depth study of a question of interest culminating in a 4,000‐word paper.

A minimum 15 hour Independent Study Unit is required in all Grade 11-12 courses. Students plan, explore, organize and communicate a topic of interest. The ISU makes students active participants in the learning process.

Reflective Inquiry

Theory of Knowledge seminar is a unique approach to learning that allows students to explore and express different perspectives on knowledge issues, while encouraging the appreciation of other cultural viewpoints. (100 hours over 2 years)

Character Education permeates the life of SIS. Each month students examine a virtue/attribute that provides a standard for behaviour against which we hold ourselves accountable. These virtues bind us together across lines that often divide us in society. They form the basis of our relationships and of responsible citizenship.

Co‐curricular & Community Service

Creativity, Action & Service involves students in activities alongside academics. Creativity encourages students to engage in arts and creative thinking. Action seeks to develop healthy lifestyle through physical activity. Service encourages students to volunteer in the community – 150 hours required.

All students must complete a minimum of 40 hours of community service. SIS students also have access to over 40 clubs, sports and student government after school and on weekends. Co‐curricular recognition awards are distributed to all students accumulating 200 points (equivalent to over 400 hours of participation).

Assessment Most formal assessment is external and includes examinations at the end of two years or work completed. Some formal assessment is internal, requiring the teacher to mark the work before it is moderated by an external moderator.

The prime objective of assessment is to provide feedback to student/parent on the learning process. Assessment and evaluation is all internal, and based on 70% continuous assessment and 30% final examination.

SIS SPOTLIGHT

The Guidance Office’s Positivity Week set the tone for good vibes this semester, with feel‐good activities to foster team spirit, unity and stronger student relations. The School also collaborated with Right To Play (RTP), in support of its mission of using play to educate and empower children and youth to overcome the effects of poverty, conflict and disease. Positivity Week will be the stepping stone to many more activities to cultivate a positive culture and community at school.

“We hope that students will adopt this sense of togetherness, leading to lifelong healthy behaviour, attitude and respect for others”

Nathan Shier, Guidance Counsellor

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Na onal History Bee & Bowl

SIS SPOTLIGHT

On 8th March, the SIS team ‘buzzed’ their way to commendable finishes at the 2015 Malaysian History Bee and Bowl, organized by the International History Bee and Bowl Organization‐Asia Division. Along with Nexus International School, Dalat International School and Kolej Yayasan Saad Melaka teams, contestants competed for history glory in the Bee (Individual) and Bowl (Team) rounds.

Grade 7 Too Joon Yang won the Middle School Bee champion, while Grade 11 Glenn Chew emerged runner‐up against 20 other opponents in the fiercely contested Junior Varsity Bee. For the Bowls, Team SIS conceded to Dalat International School to place second.

International History Bee and Bowl’s Executive Director, Ms. Nolwenn Leon Madden said, “I was very impressed with the level of competition, and could tell that your students had been studying hard to prepare.”

Winners automatically qualify for the Asian Championships that will be held in Thailand this June.

On 27th March, Grade 10 and Grade 11 students had an introduction to their possible professions with Progression Day.

Organized together with Sunway University, the vocational workshops were held for students who had previously passed their OSSLT.

Students were submerged in ‘mock’ tasks by lecturers from Monash University Malaysia, Sunway University and Le Cordon Bleu, and directly experienced the on‐the‐job requirements of these careers.

 

 

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Progression Day  

SIS SPOTLIGHT

The 21st March Parents Info Session was a tour de force of higher‐study options. Guests consulted with experts from IDP Education, and Sunway Education’s University Placement Office for progression pathways abroad. Malaysia‐Canada Business Council (MCBC) Education Manager, Ms. Chan Soo‐Lynn offered her valuable insight on studying in Canada, while University of Cambridge and Yale University alumni, Ms. Grace Chieng and Ms. Joyce Tagal also related their personal

experience studying at some of the world’s best universities.

Parents Info Session

Reported by Juri Sasaki, Grade 11 student (second from right)

An Intern’s Lifestyle I had a great start to 2015, as I had the opportunity to “work” at Expatriate Lifestyle, a lifestyle magazine during my semester break. Previously, I was interviewed for an article and the magazine’s editor offered me the internship after he learnt that I was the SIS Student Council’s newsletter editor during my first year in high school.

In the short span of three weeks, I was amazed at how up‐close I got to experience things that were going on behind the scenes. It was fascinating to observe photo shoots, sit‐in on interviews conducted on the field and to be exposed to topics I would never have dealt with. I was trusted to update event information on the magazine’s website, wrote several articles from column‐length to as long as three pages, and even went for food reviews! Also, as I had to request for information from external sources to write articles, I derived how to communicate better with professionals and clients.

Working with a small team meant that everyone worked on several different things at the same time. This made me step out of my comfort zone and I was constantly on my feet multi‐tasking. Despite all that, I would still love to go back to the bustling office, run around meeting people and listening to life experiences from my seniors over lunch.

The most important skills I obtained throughout this internship were time management and multi‐tasking. I finally understood why my elders advise me to “Follow your dreams and do what you like.” I was surrounded by hardworking people who were passionate about their careers, and the experience opened my eyes to what a job in journalism is like.

 

SIS academics shared first‐hand knowledge about studying in Canada

 

 

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SIS Special

“I found the students very participative, especially in sharing their views! I was impressed with their sense of respect for each other ‐ listening to each

other’s views, and waiting for their turns patiently. They were very attentive; even quoting some lines from the presentation slides and video – very

insightful. It really reflects their ability to think openly, critically and verbalize their thoughts with clarity. I mean, they are only in Grade 8!

We laughed a lot! What I liked most was that students came up to greet and chat with me when I was in the hallway a few days later! Such simple gestures reflect the friendly environment and culture the school has

developed!” Dr. Sia

Aimed at instilling and cultivating good values in the students, this workshop series help bolster students’ development and ease their progression through school. Dr Sia is among the line‐up of speakers that will be featured in this initiative, which will also be extended to include other values and grades later in the semester.

Integrity at our Core Grade 8 students were the privileged first to get up‐close and personal with motivational speaker Dr Sia Ah Hiok. Dr Sia’s presentation commenced the Personal Excellence series initiative by the School, under the ongoing Character Education programme.

Dr Sia’s energetic presentation on “Integrity” had the students contemplating concepts like trust, respect and honesty, and absorbing the values through interactive activities that included game play, group collaboration and personal reflection.

 

 

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Sport Stars Shine!

SIS SPOTLIGHT

SIS fielded its brightest sports stars for the district, state and country levels of the Schools Sports Council season recently to spectacular results.

Middle schoolers Choo Chun Chen, Grade 8 and Chow Guang Yeou, Grade 7 made it all the way to the quarter finals in the Under‐15 table tennis competition of the Petaling Perdana District Schools Sports Council (MSSD). Chun Chen trounced the competition with a 4-0 score to win the gold. While both players qualified for the state’s try‐outs, they were not selected this time.

SIS’ swim team comprising Sean Goh Min Chang, Bryan Goh Min Wei, Tan Kai Thong, Marcus Yeo Jien Wei, James Tan Sheng Yi and Hinano Mori, participated at the Selangor Schools Sports Council (MSSS) competition from 10th – 13th February at the Shah Alam Aquatic Centre. Sean bagged two gold medals in the 100m and 200m breaststroke, and a bronze medal for the 50m breaststroke. Sean went on to add to his medal tally at the Malaysia School Sports Council (MSSM) competition on 15th – 19th March, sweeping all three gold medals in the 100m breaststroke, 200m breaststroke and the 400m medley relay, and a bronze medal in the 400m freestyle relay category.

Heartiest congratulations and well done athletes!

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Sean Goh

“I’ve been

training very

hard and

sacrificed

a lot;

it has been

worth it!

“my biggest

supporters

are my

friends,

coach and

parents

Choo Chun Chen

 

 

ACADEMIC UPDATES

After an enjoyable Chinese New Year school holiday, the SIS academic programme resumed in March, full steam ahead! Aside from the rigorous demands of coursework, students have been busy participating in over 40 extra‐curricular clubs and sporting teams, History Bee and Bowl Competitions, Waterloo Math Contests, and preparing for the Ontario Secondary Schools Literacy Test.

The school is abuzz with activity, and we have reached our Mid‐Term point for the first semester of 2015 very quickly. Below are a few academic updates that detail past and upcoming events at SIS.

Indonesian Students School Visit

This February, SIS was pleased to host a group of eight students from Santa Maria High School Surabaya, Indonesia. SIS House hosted a BBQ to welcome the students, and the evening was enjoyed by all. The visiting students audited various lessons including Accounting, Communications Technology, Biology and Geography. A big thank you to the SIS community for the hospitality and warmth extended to our guests.

At‐Risk Communications

Personalized email communications have been sent to the parent(s)/guardian(s) of students who are experiencing learning difficulties in their respective courses. These communications are designed to identify specific barriers to learning, suggest targeted actions for intervention, and overall engage parent(s)/guardian(s) to become partners in supporting improved learning outcomes.

My Blueprint

Also in February, SIS students began the use of myBlueprint Education Planner (www.myBlueprint.ca). This planner allows students to create an engaging and interactive Education Plan, by building customized course selections, instantly identify the post‐secondary options available and explore valuable information about apprenticeships, college and university programmes. Parents are encouraged to explore this new programme with their students.

Ontario Secondary Schools Literacy Test

On 27th March, 163 students wrote the Ontario Secondary Schools Literacy Test (OSSLT). After months of planning, preparation, workshops, and targeted literacy instruction, we are confident that our results will exceed a 70% pass rate. Results will be released by the Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) in June 2015.

Southeast Asian Studies Symposium 2015

On 20th ‐ 24th March, Sunway University hosted The Southeast Asian Studies Symposium 2015, in conjunction with Oxford University. The conference provided a platform for emerging and established scholars to demonstrate their latest research on the region. SIS teachers Mr. Blake Watters, Mr. Evan Long and Ms. Shannon Walsh presented their action research on Technology in the South East Asian Classroom. SIS is proud to have dedicated teachers who continue to engage the wider education community to share best practices.

 

Marcus Brims Academic Coordinator

marcusb@sunway.edu.my

 

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Student Updates

As we get back to an uninterrupted stretch for the next few months, there are several activities gaining momentum and focus.

First of these is our first Battle of the Books (BOB) competition. Our library staff has done a great job building interest in the library, and now they are helping to promote reading and literacy with the BOB competition. There are five teams of students, each led by a student leader, who has been assigned several books to read. There will be three rounds starting 10th April, where students will be challenged with questions based on the assigned readings. All participating students will be given BOB T‐shirts, and we have collected a number of prizes to reward the participants.

With our upcoming field trips that many teachers have begun planning, we are trying to focus on an experience which is connected to the curriculum in several ways and will benefit the students as a Class Without Walls. Some of the trips that we are investigating involve volunteer service in Cambodia, climbing Mt. Kinabalu in Sabah, and Ms. Gauthier has recently arranged a trip to the National Planetarium, for those interested in something that has never been done before.

We hope that you view these trips, as we do, as genuine learning opportunities and as another way that SIS, its staff and students stand out from other schools. We hope to continue this Class Without Walls emphasis going forward. We are excited to present these and many other opportunities to your children here at SIS.

 

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HEATH KONDRO, Deputy Principal

heathk@sunway.edu.my

 

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