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April 2015 Vol 7 Issue 1
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.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP)
Mission/Vision
Subject
Choices
Student
Research
Reflective
Inquiry
Co‐curricular &
Community
Service
Assessment
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
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.
Extended Essay provides students opportunity to engage in an in‐
depth study of a question of interest culminating in a 4,000‐word
paper.
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)
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.
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.
Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)
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
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 CommunicationTechnology)
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
John Mackle Principal
April 2015 Vol 7 Issue 1
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
April 2015 Vol 7 Issue 1
SIS SPOTLIGHT
NaƟonal History Bee & Bowl
th
On 8 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.
Progression Day
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.
April 2015 Vol 7 Issue 1
SIS SPOTLIGHT
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
Reported by Juri Sasaki, Grade 11 student
(second from right)
opened my eyes to what a job in journalism is like.
Parents Info Session
The
st
21 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.
SIS academics shared first‐hand knowledge about studying in Canada
April 2015 Vol 7 Issue 1
SIS Special
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.
“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.
April 2015 Vol 7 Issue 1
SIS SPOTLIGHT
Sport Stars Shine!
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!
“my biggest
supporters
are my
friends,
coach and
parents
“I’ve been
training very
hard and
sacrificed
a lot;
it has been
worth it!
Sean Goh
Choo Chun Chen
April 2015 Vol 7 Issue 1
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.
Academic Coordinator
Marcus Brims
[email protected]
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.
April 2015 Vol 7 Issue 1
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.
HEATH KONDRO, Deputy Principal
[email protected]
Upcoming Events