7th December 2015 - Newsletter # Issue 9

Tenby Schools Penang
Newsletter # Issue 9
Date: 7th December 2015
Contact us:
General Line: +604 892 7777
Primary Office: (TIPS)+604 892 7703
Secondary Office: +604 892 7717
Fax: +604 899 8826
E-mail: [email protected]
(STPS): +604 892 7707
From the Campus Principal
Welcome to the Tenby Schools Penang newsletter.
I would like to wish every member of the Tenby Schools Penang community a safe and rejuvinating Christmas break,
and wish each and all a very happy and prosperous 2016.
Changes to the 2016 Academic Calendar
The Government has announced that the celebration of Thaipusam is to move to Sunday 24 th January 2016 and a
public holiday has been declared for;
School Closed for Thaipusam : Monday 25th January 2016
As this additional non-school day was unexpected, it is necessary to open the School for an additional day in order to
meet the requirements of 180 attendance days for the international school and 190 days for the national school.
It has been decided that the school will be open to staff and students on;
School Open : Monday 4th April 2016
Please note these changes in your diary.
Withdrawal of Students
Parents are reminded that in the instance of a student being withdrawn from the School it is a requirement that the
School is notified One Term in advance of the withdrawal. Should the School not be provided with one term‘s notice
of withdrawal it is Tenby policy not to refund the deposit.
The notification of withdrawal must be done in writing (email or letter) and either submitted in person to Admissions
or to a relevant school secretary, or sent by email to [email protected]
It is essential that the receipt of the letter is acknowledged by the School with a chop and copy, or that the email is
responded to by a member of the School Administration team. Should this not happen, parents are asked to inform
their Head of School immediately.
Gregory C Mowday
Campus Principal
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From The Head of STPS
As this is the last newsletter of the year, I would like to thank everyone; students, staff and parents for a very
eventful and successful year. We have implemented all the programmes that we have planned. After an active
year I am sure everyone is looking forward to a well-deserved break.
The Standard 6 students see the end of their primary schooling at Sri Tenby Primary School this week. The year 6
students leaving us this year have developed into fine teenagers while with us and I am proud of their personal and
collective achievements. They have worked hard to achieve personal goals and importantly have each contributed
to the rich fabric of life at Sri Tenby Primary School. They have been willing and confident to express their talents
and work together in common commitment to the values of our school. For that, I congratulate them and wish them
success as they begin a new chapter in their school life.
I would also like to say goodbye to some parents whose direct connection to the school also concludes with a son
or daughter finishing with the school. On behalf of the school I would like to thank these parents for their
contribution to the school over the years.
Finally I would like to wish everyone a great holiday and the season greetings. I am looking forward to spending
time with my family and trekking the Milford Sounds in the South Island of New Zealand.
Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
God Bless
Cheah Sin Hock
Head of STPS
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Key Dates for
December
Thursday 31st Dec.
Annual Concert
The Annual Concert 2015 was a smashing success. The students put up a fantastic
show. The music was entertaining and the lighting effects, dazzling.
Thanks to parents who helped before and after the concert.
Orientation for new
students
9.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m
January
Tuesday 5th Jan.
Term 1 starts
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5
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Bird Park
The Tahun 1, 2 and 3 had an enjoyable excursion to the
bird park. The students travelled by 3 tour buses
together with their teachers to the Penang Bird Park. The
students had the chance to walk through the aviary, feed
the birds and treated to a bird show. They also had
encounters with a variety of birds like flamingos, swans,
storks, herons and the Hornbill for the first time. It was
definitely an enriching experience for these students to
enjoy the flora and fauna of the park.
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Deepavali Open House
Open House is a tradition of Sri Tenby Schools. The ―Deepavali Open day‖
was late but nevertheless festive. Students presented dances and songs to add
to the authenticity of the event. Thanks to everyone who brought a plate to
share. We had such a variety of spread and definitely more than enough for
everyone.
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From The Head of STSS
Dear Parents,
It is the end of the academic year for Sri Tenby Schools .‘
It has been a really hectic but exciting year, filled with challenges and ends on a really positive note.
We look forward to welcoming students who will be joining Form 1 in the new academic year, 2016.
There will be an Orientation Day for the new students on 31st December 2015 from 9am.to 11.15 am. at the library.
Teachers and the Head of Secondary School will welcome students and parents .
A programme has been drawn up to help Form 1 students familiarize themselves with the curriculum. Students will
also be taken on a tour around the school.
Students would want to purchase text books and be prepared well ahead for the new academic year, 2016.
The book list for Sri Tenby Secondary School, is already posted on the school website.
Books can be purchased from 15 December 2015.
Book shop opening hours are from 9am—3pm (Monday to Friday).
I would like to thank all teachers of STSS for their dedication and perseverance in helping our students achieve to
the best of their abilities.
Thank you teachers.
A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
Thum Lin Chee
(Head of STSS)
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Key Dates for
December
Thursday 31st Dec.
Orientation for new
students
9.00 a.m. to 11.15 a.m
Fund raising for Child Protection Society
Perhaps one of the most satisfying activities
was the fund-raising effort in conjunction with
Anti-bullying Week. Form three students sold
wrist bands inscribed with ‗Stop Bullying‖ and
collected a total of RM1,486.50,which was
donated to the Child Protection Society,
Penang.
Well done Mr. Tan Beng Chuan and Form three
students.
January
Tuesday 5th Jan.
First day back at school
Mr. Tan Beng Chuan presenting a cheque to
the Child Protection Society.
Form 3 students who worked
hard for a worthy cause.
Visit to the Childs Protection Society to present collection from the sale of wrist bands
in conjunction with ‗Anti-Bullying Week‘
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Transition Day
Transition Day was on 25 November. Tahun 6 students joined
the Form 1 students in all the classroom activities and were
able to experience curriculum and social differences between
the primary and secondary schools. They were made
welcome and comfortable through the fun activities.
Murals on exterior walls of the music room
Hey! Lollipop leaves won‘t do!
As part of the Post PT3 Programme, Form 3 students completed a mural on the exterior wall of the Music Room.
Artists hard
at work
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F1 Mathematics PBS Project: Geometric Robot
The students under the tutelage of their mathematics teacher, Ms. Teh Xing
Yee put their understanding of geometry to the test by creating interesting
Geometric robots. These could be made from recycled, purchased, or
hand-made figurines.
The students had to explore combinations of different geometric solids to
create the robots .
Prizes were awarded for the most creative robots
Hmmmm… This isn‘t as easy as it
looks. Lots of research to do
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Trip to the Escape Adventure Theme Park
Students from Forms 1 to 4 had a fun and challenging day at the
Escape Adventure Theme Park on 20th November. They were
accompanied by six teachers.
It was an opportunity for students to attempt various challenging
activities at the park. They climbed ropes, the ‗flying lemur‘, ‗coco
climb‘, ‗tubby race‘, ‗monkey business‘ and a host of other activities
Many were pleasantly surprised that they could successfully complete
physically challenging activities which they had previously thought of
as beyond their league. They emerged with new confidence to face
challenges.
It was also a time when students bonded with teachers and friends,
away from the school room. Special thanks to Cikgu Fareezzah for
organising this trip.
- by Thaarini Muneswaran (Form 3)
Hula-Hoop challenge : Kim Tae Woo break the record and now the
new record is 4 minutes. Congratulation and good job.
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The sports Carnival
This was organized by Mr. Tan Beng Chuan, Mr. Osman and Mr. Hakimi and held on 27
and 30 November. The games were opened to all STSS students and new talents have
been ‗discovered‘ in the different sports.
Mr. Tan will undoubtedly train and groom the students to attain better performance.
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Awards Day
We ended the year with a celebration of the successes as students received recognition for academic excellence
and for talents and prowess in sports, performing arts, fund raising efforts and positive personal character qualities
on Awards Day. It was held on 1 December.
We thank all the parents who attended the event. It was the first time that parents were invited to give away the
awards to their child.
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From the Head of TISS
Dear Parents,
As we approach the end of the term I would like to thank everyone for their continued support during what has
been a very exciting, eventful and vibrant term for teachers, parents and students.
Its included a range of events, celebrations and opportunities for everyone to get involved in and we have finished
the term by awarding a selection of certificates, postcards and rewards for our students. We are very proud of
what our students have achieved this term and we appreciate the hard work of the staff at school.
I have included more images of the Tenbys Got Talent event inside as promised last week and we have uploaded
more to our social media areas.
Have a fantastic break, a relaxing time and I look forward to seeing you refreshed and recharged in 2016.
Warm regards,
Mr Paul Walton
Head of TISS
[email protected]
Parents can follow our Twitter @tisspenang
Theme of the Week
Hour of Code
To encourage people to code
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Key Dates for
Tenby International Secondary School
House Events
January
Tuesday 5th Jan.
First day back at school
Thursday 14th Jan.
Year 11 Mentoring
evening in preparation for
exams
All parents and students of
Year 11 welcome
Thursday 28th Jan.
Parents evening Year
11+13
House events that have taken place this week have included, Basketball, Student
Leader themed quizzes, house photo competition and Tutor time quizzes. All house
events for this year:
Jerai 267
Kinabalu 242
Ledang 218
Tahan 219
Key Stage 3 grade guidance
Several parents requested further information about Key Stage 3 grades and what
expected progress should be. Tests and assessments, taken at the end of each key
stage, give a snapshot of a pupil's attainment in the subjects. A student will receive a
grade (E.g. 3c) in each of the subjects showing where they currently are.
Each year a student is expected to progress 2 sub-levels in each subject. An example
would be (from 3c to 3a). I have included a table to show the boundaries and where
students should generally be.
For more subject specific advice, please speak to the teacher or Head of Faculty for a
more detailed explanation.
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A Student View...
My name is Joongho.Kang (강중호), I am the ordinary typical Korean of
the year group, that never had plastic surgery (which means I am
naturally handsome). I am 18 years old this year (but I don‘t tell that to
people, *wink*).
My final year of secondary school was filled with unforgettable
memories that were shared with my dear fellow students and best
friends, stressful time with my text books (as my newest best friends)
and the joys of graduating from secondary school. The stressful time has
come and gone and along came my dreamy holiday that seems like it
would never come. 12th of August, the worst and best day ever, it‘s the
day that I received my long awaited IGCSE results.
I do love music so much, in fact I know how to play the guitar, bass,
drum and piano, ever since I was born. Music inspired my life. I also
enjoy playing badminton, in fact I was in the school badminton team for
a year, due to my skills. I love cooking food for others, and I love learning other skills. Next time you see me, ask me out for some Korean
BBQ. Still learning how to drive but I‘ll get it one day. I want to end with
saying my favourite quote ―No giving up in my life‖ and ―Enjoy the present moment‖
JOONGHO.KANG 강중호
Sports in TISS
Tenby Tiger Basketball
Tenby played more sporting fixtures this week and sent a basketball
team for boys and girls in the PSAC U15 matches which were held
in Dalat school. For the boys team and girls team, this was held in
Uplands school. Our boys team were runners up from 5 teams
participated. The Girls team also came second from 4 teams
participated
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Tenbys Got Talent
Everyone has a talent. Whether it‘s singing, dancing or even cup stacking, we all have one. On Thursday night
(26th November) the students of Tenby got to showcase these amazing talents.
We, as performers, got the view of how things worked backstage. People were panicking, rehearsing, and
watching others perform. Since we were in CCAs we actually only got around 5 practices instead of 5 weeks to
practice.
The judges were Mr. Alan, Ms. Fay and Mr. Paul, and only on Thursday night we found out we had our very own
horrible Simon Cowell… The very nice – Mr. Paul.
The prizes for the winners in the primary school performance were tickets for their whole family to Disney On Ice in
March 2016, which was very kindly donated by a parent, Mr. Para of ‗PR Worldwide Live.‘ For secondary, they had
two prizes for best dance act and best music act.
Elleyna from Primary won 3rd place – she played the piano and sang ‗Castle in the Clouds‘ from Les Miserables.
2nd place went to The Singing Angels – they sang ‗Skyscraper‘ by Demi Levato. And on top in first place were Kai
and Ethan who sang Postcards by James Blunt with one of them even playing the ukulele. There were lots of other
really good acts as well from primary, like the speed stacking which looked VERY impressive.
After the primary performance the Parent and Staff band face off battle took place. The Staff performed ‗I wish it
could be Christmas everyday‘, and they had a Russian Santa Claus and an ―Evil‖ Santa (Mr. Tim needs to work on
the evil face though). The Parent band had dancing and lip syncing to a Christmas Medley which had us all fooled
for a moment. In the end the Parent band got their much deserved win (sorry teachers!).
Next was the secondary school competition. There were lots of different acts. We saw dancing, singing, bands,
and even a cheerleader dance. In dance we had tap dances, street dances, a waltz dance and a Latin dance. For
singing there were lots of bands and one choir. The Best dance went to Desi from the National School who
performed a street dance. The Best Music went to ‗All Chewed up‘ – a family performance (by the Chews) of Fix
you by Coldplay. We performed in the ‗We Dance CCA‘ and Nitride – the Rock and Pop Choir CCA.
We think Tenby‘s Got Talent was a fantastic event. It was fun for those watching as well as everyone performing,
although it was a bit nerve-racking for the performers. None the less it was still loads of fun and we are looking
forward to the next one, let‘s see if it can top this one. See you at next year‘s Tenby‘s Got Talent, you‘ll regret it if
you don‘t!
- By Riona Lee and Grace Tan (8I)
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The winners for Best Dance act, ‘Desi’ and Best
Music act, ‘All Chewed Up’.
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I would include a picture of the TSPA and staff. Both were great acts on
stage and really entertained everyone during the night. It was fantastic to
see the whole community involved in the Tenbys Got Talent evening.I also
thought the judges made some very intelligent comments about the
performers as you would expect from such all round entertainment experts.
We were very impressed with the quality of all of the students who took
part and also the hosts who were fantastic.
Join us next year…
Year 11 Music Students’ Outing at
Hits Recording Studio
dio
Hits recording stu
On the 24th of November 2015, Year 11 music students were given
the opportunity to have a professional recording of their ensemble
piece required for their music IGCSE coursework. This took place at
Hits Recording Studio, located at Jalan Fettes, Tanjung Tokong,
which is owned and run by the fantastic Mr. Fong.
Being a music student, words pale in comparison when describing
the experience of this outing. The passion was evident in the playing
of all the students. The recording studio was superb; the equipment firstrate, and many of us stared in awe, finding our jaws left ajar. Of course,
the main purpose was to record and perform, this motive did not falter as
the students finished at an ungodly speed. All were with their utmost
decorum and professionalism, which resulted in an earlier ending of the
outing than what Mr. Nick had expected.
Many of us were very nervous (I was a total wreck!), but somehow we
managed to pull through. I was the second to last to record my piece. By the time it was my turn, my clothes were
drenched in perspiration. Hearing my friends‘ playing only exacerbated my anxiety. But, in the end, even though
there were some slips in my playing, it ended well. I would not say it was my very best, but being a good musician
requires both music theory and performance skills. I just have to work even harder to improve on the things I lack.
The funny thing is, I had doubts whether music was a good option to take as one of my subjects for IGCSE at the
very beginning. But after the two years of study, and this outing, I think – ‗maybe this was not such a bad choice.‘
So, to the students out there, never be afraid to try and take risks, some choices might just be the best you ever
make.
- By Li Ying Tan
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Outstanding Cambridge Learner Awards Ceremony, Malaysia
Congratulations to our winners at the Cambridge
Learner awards and a huge thank you to our
languages faculty who had 2 students celebrated
during the event.
Our 2 winners were:

Chin Bing Yao

Khoo Mae-Ing
The award was for ‗Top in World‘ for Foreign
Language Mandarin Chinese. For the Cambridge
Exam board.
Last year more than one million students sat
Cambridge examinations in more than 10,000
schools in countries around the world, including
United Kingdom, United States, China, India, and
Singapore, as well as throughout Europe, South
America and the Middle East.
We are very proud of students and very happy
that Ms Yee Ling was able to attend this
wonderful event and support our students.
We look forward to more awards in the future.
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Literacy Festival
George Town Literary Festival 2015
On Saturday morning, six English Literature students from
Years 11 and 13 gave up their time to take part in the George
Town Literary Festival 2015.
After an early start, they met, listened to and discussed literary
issues with both Malaysian and international writers on the
important topic of ‗Are We Who We Are?‘, a theme that gained
some interesting (and occasionally controversial!) responses.
The students were impressive in their confidence and ideas as they questioned notable panellists such as Penang
novelist Tan Tweng Eng and director and publisher Amir Muhammad. The two discussion panels that they
attended were a rare and fascinating insight into the world of writing, national identity and Malaysian creativity that
allowed the students to explore their own ideas of what it means to be ‗who we are‘.
1st photo – ―The Play‘s the Thing … Dutch writer Robin Ruizendaal
discussing his work‖
2nd photo – ―Year 11 and 13 students Lee Shu Shan, Rhea Goh, Sarah
Reffitt, Lee Wen Lynn, Stefany Soh, Wilson Cheah‖
3rd photo – ―Tenby students discussing ‗identity‘ with KL-based director
and publisher Amir Muhammad‖.
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p...
Events coming u
Study in the UK open day
11th -13th of December
11th December - 1pm-5pm KSL Hotel, Johor Bahru
12th December - 1pm-5pm One World Hotel, Petaling Jaya
13th December - 1pm-5pm Jen Hotel, Penang
Check the IDP website for more information
www.idp.com/malaysia
Annual International School Basketball Tournament
Come along and support our team from 2.30pm on Friday, 9-6 on Saturday and
Sunday.
Back to school on January 5th 2016...
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From The Head of TIPS
Dear Parents,
As we reach the end of Term 1, I would like to thank the whole TIPS community for their great effort , support and
commitment in making this first term such a success. We have ended with a very busy week, with a Disco with
over 100 children attending, our Christmas Concert and finally today, our end of year assembly with the Secondary
School. Everyone now needs a well earned rest to relax and recharge their batteries ready for next term.
I wish everyone who celebrates it a Merry Christmas and to all our families a very Happy New Year. We look
forward to seeing you all on Tuesday 5th January 2016.
Regards
Ms Marian
Head of International Primary
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Key Dates for
Tenby’s Got Talent Winners 2015
January
Tuesday 5th Jan.
Term 2 Starts
Thursday 21st Jan.
Open afternoon
Monday 25th Jan.
Public Holiday Thaipusam
February
Friday 5th Feb.
Chinese New Assembly
We were joined in our assembly today by our Music Teacher, Mr Nick, who awarded
prizes of tickets to the Disney on Ice Magical Ice Festival to the top 3 acts of the
Primary Tenby‘s Got Talent Competition.
March
Friday 11th Feb.
Term 2 Reports out
Tuesday & Wednesday
15th & 16th Feb.
Parent Consultations
Wednesday 23rd
Spring Concert
Thursday 24th
Primary Sports Day
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Recorders CCA
This morning in our Celebration Assembly, we were treated to some wonderful recorder playing from the children
who attend the recorder CCA. They played some quite difficult music including Walking In The Air and the Theme
from Titanic. These songs have taken them many weeks to perfect. All the children in the CCA have made very
good progress with their recorder playing.
Well done everyone !
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Space Explorers Year 5
Year 5 have been learning about Space for their IPC Unit this Term. They
have produced fantastic posters and models that show interesting facts and
information about the Planets. These models and further examples of quality
work are on display outside the Year 5 classroom please come and see their
work.
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Pen Licenses
The children above have all received their Pen Licenses. They have all
shown a consistent joined style of handwriting. Their high standard of
presentation can be seen in all their work. Keep up the good work !
Disco Delights!
Thank you to all the Parent helpers from TSPA
who provided food and drinks for everyone.
End of Term Disco!
DJ Donovan
with his
fabulous
music!
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Congratulation to the following children from
Year 1 who received their Bronze Certificate; Ben,
Sophia, Thomas, Botond, Mari, Alex, Jae Hwan,
Rayna, Alice and Sheyna.
Well done (from
left) Elyshia and
Suzi from Year 2
Well done (from left) Ethan, Tian Tian, Xin Jo,
Afiq, and Elleyna from Year 5
Congratulation to the following children from Year 1 who
have achieved their Bronze Certificate; Christina, Kang
Xuen, Jinan, Jein, Vivienne, Lainey and Xena.
Well done to Kang Sheng
from Year 6 on achieving
his Bronze Certificate.
Sayako, Alice, Zacchaeus and Darshen from Year 2
have also managed to achieve 20 merits– Well done!
Year 4 Bronze Certificates were received by Patricia,
Marisa, Manuela, Yen Jun, Emily & Lucy.
Keep up the great effort .
The children below all received their Karate certificate
following a recent grading.
Keep up the good work !
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Stars of the week
Year 4
Year 5
Year 6
23rd to 27th
November
2015
Well Done!
Year 3
Year 2
Year 1
Reception
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Stars of the week
Year 4
Year 6
Year 5
30th November
to
04th December
2015
Well Done!
Year 3
Year 2
Year 1
Reception
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