5th May 2016 - Newsletter # Issue 18

Tenby Schools Penang
Newsletter # Issue 18
Date: 25th April 2016
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
Message from the Corporate Office
We are delighted to announce the appointment of Mark Parkinson as Tenby Schools‘ new Chief
Executive Officer.
Mark has substantial experience in education management and has been contributing to scholastic
development for more than 18 years. With the Tenby Schools now part of ILMU Education Group, Mark
steps in at an excellent time to further the Schools‘ growth journey.
A big believer in harnessing IT as an integral part of education and its management, Mark is dedicated
to providing an all-round education integrating the use of innovative international best practices. He is
also an active writer and researcher covering a broad range of topics related to the theory and practice
of education. Mark brings strong interpersonal skills and people management, which will no doubt
strengthen relationships with students and parents.
Please join us in extending a very warm welcome to Mark. Together with ILMU Education Group‘s
support, students, parents as well as the global community that has been built by Tenby Schools, can
look forward to a sustainable, stronger future of achievement and success.
2
From the Campus Principal
Welcome to the latest edition of the Tenby Schools, Penang newsletter.
Traffic Flow Outside Tenby Campus
We all expect there to be some traffic congestion within the Tenby campus at drop-off and pick-up times, and this
has been addressed through this Newsletter and through TSPA meetings regularly. As previously stated, we are
able to regulate the movement of vehicles within the campus but have no authority on the roads surrounding the
School.
The TSPA, with the agreement of the School, has produced a schematic that should assist in alleviating the more
severe bottlenecks for vehicles entering Jl Lembah Permai from the slip road opposite Gate 4 and Gate 2.
Parents and drivers are asked particularly to ONLY TURN LEFT onto Jl Lembah Permai when leaving from Gate 4
(STS drop-off and pick-up). There have been accidents and near misses with vehicles attempting to turn right, plus it
leads to serious congestion.
With patience and consideration we can make drop-off and pick-up safer and more efficient for all.
3
Staff of Tenby Schools, Penang
4
5
Weekly Information (25th – 29th April 2016)
This Week
SEC IGCSE & A Level Exam starts 3rd May 2016 till 10th June 2016.
Monday
ALL Labour Day Public Holiday —School closed.
PRI
SEC
TISS 4.00pm-5.00pm—MVP/Tenby Basketball U15 Invitational Tournament in Sports Hall & Basketball
Court by Coach Tan and Adrian assisting in boy‘s team, Y8-10. (12 from our school & 19 from other school
Tuesday
SEC
TISS 8.15am-3.00pm – IGCSE & A Level Exams in Library [IGCSE Geography 0460/13; Malay (writing)
0546/43; 1st Language English (Reading-22); AS Biology 9700/22]
Wednesday
PRI
TIPS, Year 2 Batik Factory Trip
TISS 8.15am-3.00pm – IGCSE & A Level Exams in Library [IGCSE Math (Core) 0580/13; Math (Ext)
SEC 0580/23; AS Math (Pure) 9709/13 (room 521); Biology (Practical Group 1); Biology (Practical) Group 2 (room
521); Biology (Alt to Practical 0610/62; AS Chemistry 9701/22; English Language 9093/12]
Thursday
SEC TISS 8.15am-3.00pm – IGCSE & A Level Exams in Library [AS History 9389/13; AS Physics 9702/22]
Friday
PRI STP, 3.45pm–4.00pm, 6th May & 7th May—Motivation Camp at Tenby School. (S6 - 20 students attending).
STSS 8.00am-8.20am - Assembly in basketball court.
TISS & STSS, Saturday 14th May—Open Day.
SEC
TISS—Options Hand In for Year 9 IGCSE by today, 6th May 2016.
TISS 8.15am-3.00pm – IGCSE & A Level Exams in Library [IGCSE Geogrphy 0460/23; AS Economics
9708/22; IGCSE 1st Lang English (writing & composition) 0500/32-private candidate]
STSS 8.30am-10.30am — Bahasa Malaysia Day.
Upcoming Events
ALL Saturday, 14th May—Tenby Open Day
PRI
TIPS, 18th May - Parents Information Meeting (Y5 & Y6)- 8.20am at TISS - Led by Mr. Paul Walton
Saturday, 7th-9th May-‖Tenby in Harmony‖ Performance in Malaysian Philharmonic Concert Hall at
Petronas Twin Towers Kuala Lumpur (Trip Leader: Mr Nick).
SEC
TISS Tuesday & Wednesday, 19th & 20th July—Tenby Annual Production.
TISS Saturday, 16th July—Tenby Summer Fair.
6
From The Head of STPS
In the previous newsletter, I mentioned having growth mindset as a tip for surviving primary school for parents and
also a good attribute to cultivate in our children. A Growth Mindset means that a person believes that he/she or
others can progress and improve their skills, knowledge and abilities or whatever they set out to do. It means that it
is alright to say 'I can't do it…Yet' or 'I will keep trying and I will get better‘. It is having a positive approach when we
are trying to learn or achieve what we are set on doing. Having such a mindset is important to us as parents,
teachers and students.
The experts have agreed that people with growth mindset have certain traits which are listed below:
They do not waste time feeling sorry for themselves. Self-pity is a destructive component of the human
psyche and will create a negative approach to most things that happen to you in life. You see, the goal is
replaced by self-pity with a sense of relief.

They do not shy away from change. In today‘s context ―Change is inevitable, change is constant‖ – Benjamin
Disraeli. We tend to resist change due to the risk associated with it. I will be the first to admit that making
changes can be a frightening thing to do, but shying away from the suggested change prevents growth and
allows others to pass you by. We as adults and students must embrace changes lest we are left behind and
stagnate.

They stand up for themselves. You need to keep a track of your goals and always work towards them.
Steven Covey – ―Begin with the end in mind‖

They do not focus on things that they can‘t control. Act from your circle of influence. Better to focus on what
you can do, and do it well. Do your job! Trying to be in control of everything is a response to anxiety.

They do not worry about pleasing everyone. You will be stronger and more confident if you stop judging
yourself by what you believe other people think of you.

They do not spend time dwelling on the past. To quote Mother Teresa ―Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has yet
to come. We have only today. Let us begin‖ Enjoy the present and look to the future.
When students, educators and parents have a growth mindset, they understand that intelligence can be
developed. Students focus on improvement instead of worrying about how smart they are. They work hard to learn
more and get smarter. As a result they have better motivation in school, score better grades and higher test
scores.
Parents will realise that they need to support their children‘s learning inside and outside the classrooms.
Collaborate with the teachers and school to ensure that children are challenged and given the opportunity to grow.
Teachers will see that students can be nurtured – can learn and succeed and strive to provide the platform for the
students to do and show it.
I hope the idea of a growth mindset will make us view things differently.
Kind Regards,
Mr. Cheah Sin Hock
Head of Sri Tenby Schools
7
Key Dates for
May
Fri. - Sat
At the Assembly
Students are encouraged to present
items either in a group or individually
during assembly. This is one activity that
we do to encourage our students to be
confident and have good self-esteem.
6th - 7th May
Motivation Camp for
Junior 6 pupils only.
Check in - 6th at 3.45pm
Check out - 7th at 4pm
The photographs showed students in
Tahun One, Tahun Two presenting their
items.
Thank you and Keep up the good work.
Fri. 27th May
Primary Sports Day
Junior Explorer Swimming Program
Congratulations to all our students who completed the Junior Explorer Swimming
Program Level 1 in collaboration with Life Saving Society of Malaysia , Penang.
Photographs show them proudly displaying their certificates.
8
Bahasa Malaysia – Language Arts
Permainan Tradisional Bermain Congkak dan Batu Seremban.
Bermain dan berbicara untuk menyampaikan maklumat tentang
permainan Congkak dan Batu Seremban.
Traditional Games -― Congkak‖ and ―Batu Seremban‖
As part of the Language Arts component of the Bahasa Malaysia
syllabus students play Malay traditional games ―Congkak‖ and ―
Batu Seremban‖. During this session they will train their oral skills
of discussing with their fellow classmates, hold a conversation
with correct language usage and presenting information about
what they were doing.
Kishwer the story-teller
Kishwer telling the first part of a story which he wrote
himself. It is a very interesting story. He captivated the
attention of all the students during his presentation as
they listened eagerly to follow the story. He ended the
first part the story at a point when the students wanted
more. The last episode will be presented next week.
Well done Kishwer!!
9
From The Head of STSS
Dear Parents,
We had a very successful ‗Sweets Day‘celebration last week. It was a whole school event . Everyone had a lot of fun
learning about the cultural event and watching performances put up by students from all four Tenby schools. Thank
you for the support from everyone, including parents.
Activities and events like ‗Sweets Day‘ show that school is not just about teaching and learning concepts. It is the
place where the foundation for character- building can be set. It is through such planned actions and activities that
that students learn values, virtues and skills
In STSS, many programmes such as, fund-raising for the ‗Protection of Children Society‘ or for a school graduation
dinner and competitions, not only help in the attainment of academic goals, but also teach a whole range of skills and
values necessary for building character.
Students get to practice collaboration, planning, organising. In addition they learn that to do something successfully,
they need to hear others out, to be sincere and honest, take responsibility and to be persistent. It is character
education that lasts beyond the classroom and these are virtues that help students become better people and hence,
contribute to make a better world.
In the month of May, there are plenty of opportunities for character education through two activities, that is the
Bahasa Malaysia Day and Teachers‘ Day Celebration.
Bahasa Malaysia Day, which falls on 6 May, will offer students, a chance to participate in a ―Deklamasi Sajak &
Syair‖ competition, that is a Poetry Recitation Competition.
The competition promises to be an exciting event as poetry recitation in Bahasa Malaysia requires specific skills and
including the special element of ‗dramatisation‘ in the delivery of their poem in a competition. When well delivered
the poem can be a feast for the eyes and ears, let alone touching the hearts of the spectators.
So the academic content is fulfilled. How then does character education come into the picture in a Bahasa Malaysia
Poetry Recitation Competition?
First, the activity requires of the competitor, diligence, patience and perseverance, as he trains to present the poem
in the competition. He learns that he needs his teachers‘ guidance and the constructive feedback of his peers to
steer him on the path to success. There is also development of relationships among students. Many students rally
round to organise the event. There are master of ceremony, the programme planner, the student who sees to the
seating arrangements – all of these forge a bond among students and teachers. Social and emotional learning is
hence emphasised besides academic learning.
In conclusion, in STSS we believe that every student can be guided to realise his best potential academically. Even
more important, every student can cultivate and put into practice values and virtues that are learnt in the course of
their particiption in school activities. They are smart, intelligent and well-equipped with positive character traits to
face challenges in life.
Best regards,
Thum Lin Chee
Head of Sri Tenby Secondary School
10
Key Dates for
May
Fri. 6th May
Bahasa Malaysia Day
Sweets day
Sweets Day is a celebration of the Tamil New Year.
In Tenby Schools, Penang. This is celebrated in a
big way. On 22 April, at 8.30 a.m. students and staff
were all gathered under the canopies, eagerly
waiting for the celebration to begin. Many were
dressed in colourful, traditional Indian attire and
there was a sense of vibrancy of colours coming
alive from the ‗rangoli‘ created with coloured rice, the
backdrop
of flowers, the
mystical, chromatic
suspended clay pot to the lively Indian music. The energy was electric.
The campus Principal,
Mr. Gregory and all
Heads
of
schools
graced the event. There
were speeches by Mr.
Gregory, Mr. Cheah and
Mdm. Thum . Then the
‗Lighting of the Lamps‘
ceremony (―kuttu vilaku
villa‖)
began.
The
Principal and Heads of
Schools
lighted
the
wicks of the oil lamps to
symbolise the triumph of
good over evil and the
creation
of
positive
energy
Next, was the pot- breaking event, known as ―uri adithal‖ in tamil (―uri‖ means pot;
―adithal‖ means hit) The colourful clay pot, filled with sweets and candies was
suspended from a metal frame. To usher in good luck for the New Year , the pot
must be hit with a stick until it breaks, releasing all the sweets that symbolise good
luck, health and wealth. However , there is a catch to this seemingly easy act of
breaking the pot- it must be done blindfolded!
Our Principal has always professed this to be his favourite activity during ‗Sweets
Day‘ and so, he was duly blindfolded, spun around a couple of times and then he
took aim. Yes, he broke the pot... after a lot of loud prompting from the crowd! Kudos
to a very sporting Mr. Gregory! Everyone had so much fun
From then on, it was one exciting and energising performance after another. Cute
and talented primary students from TIPS and STPS showed their prowess in dances
and songs while students from STSS and TISS wowed the crowd with mesmerising
presentations of Indian classical dances and the ‗tabla‘.
We are happy that the event was a huge success, gauging from the loud applause
and cheers and positive feedback. However, what is most important is the
participation of all 4 schools in the event and the support given by students and staff
so that every one had a smashing time!
Thank you and we look forward to ‗Sweets Day‘ in 2017.
The Sweets Day Committee.
11
12
Scouts - learning to pitch a tent
The scouts learnt how to pitch a tent. However, before that, they
needed to be aware that checking the condition of tents for safety
reasons is imperative. Hence the scouts checked all the six A-frame
tents. They were guided each step of the way by the teacher advisor,
Ms. Chang, to ensure that all the parts of the tents were intact.
In general, the tents are safe to be used except for one which had
missing nails and screws. These will be replaced. It is hoped that in
time, the dome-shaped tents will be added as the present A-frame
tents have their limitations. Finally the scouts pitched the tents and
looked at their handy work with pride. They are all set to go camping!
13
A Form 5 Literature lesson
―Prove to me that the Head Abbot isn‘t biased against girls furthering their education! ― says Desy.
―Well, actually he is not. His views are not just meant for girls. He is merely stating that anyone can be ‗educated‘
if the tenets of religion is adhered to…‖ explained Kimberley.
That led to a very lively discussion in the literature component lesson. The students presented their views in
groups. Indeed many brought fresh perspectives to the topic. Ideas were interesting and relevant and they made
themselves proud in the very organised, thought-provoking presentations. It also engaged them all in deep and
meaningful reflection about issues in society.
14
We have set a target
for him and we believe
he can make it.
He enjoys his lesson
very much.
How is he doing
in your lesson?
Please write your feedback. It helps us to help
the students .
15
MSSPP Competition’ 2016
STSS students represented the Kelawai Zone for the
MSSPP. Congratulations to Daniel Tai, for coming in
fourth 4th place. We look forward to even better results in 2017. As for the other competitors– thumbs
up for your sporting spirit and do persevere. Success
will go your way! .
Congratulations to Lee Ming Jian for winning silver
medals in the javelin and the shot putt events. Well
done! We are really proud of you! Work hard towards
winning the gold medal next year!
16
From the Head of TISS
Dear Parents,
Our week started off with a dance as our students and staff celebrated our International Dance theme this week.
We had a very well attended Year 9 options event and I would like to thank all staff, parents and students in
making it a very informative, organised and useful evening. Hopefully, everyone has gathered enough information
about the option subjects and the event has contributed to helping our students make good choices with their
IGCSE subjects. I`d like to say a warm welcome to students and parents who will join us from other schools, I hope
you had a good introduction to the staff at school and look forward to seeing you again as you join our school.
The exam window starts this week for IGCSE/AS and A2 exams. Thank you to everyone who is involved
supporting our students and helping them remain focused on their exams.
As mentioned last week, we have further good news about the constant improvement to our facilities at school.
We have now received our swimming starter blocks and these will offer access to a higher quality of learning when
they attend swimming lessons. We look forward to our students competing in more competitions and at a higher
standard.
Warm regards,
Mr Paul Walton
Head of TISS
[email protected]
Parents can follow our Twitter@tisspenang
Theme of the Week
International Dance Day
To celebrate International Dance
17
Key Dates for
April
Tenby International Secondary School
House Points
The current standings in our house points competition:
Jerai – 472
Kinabalu – 395
Thurs 28th April
Ledang – 373
Year 9 Options evening
for Year 10
5.00pm—6.30pm
May
Tahan – 401
Basketball improvements
Check out our new banners on the basketball court. Students are in the process of
designing their own to place around the court.
Mon. 2nd May
Public Holiday
Student Awards
Jewel (Y10S) competed in and won a gold medal in the
MSSPP girls‘ U15 doubles. She qualified for the national
circuit U16 girls‘ doubles and her and her partner won the
Bronze medal. It is a fantastic achievement to compete
and win medals at the National level of sport.
Well done Jewel.
The Boys‘ U13 basketball team
who have proved themselves to be
the best team in Penang by
winning the league they competed
in and also winning a tournament.
Congratulations.
18
Tenby Schools Performs Carmina Burana
There are now less than two weeks remaining before our ‗Tenby in Harmony‘ choir take to the stage in
the Malaysian Philharmonic Concert Hall, Petronas Towers, to perform the epic Carmina Burana!
Students from Tenby Schools Penang will be joining a full orchestra, dancers, and a 150 voice strong
chorus, with students from all the Tenby Schools across Malaysia.
The conductor of the performance, Mr Andrew Auster (principal of Tenby Schools, Setia Eco Park)
appeared on BFM 89.9 last week to be interviewed about the performance. You can hear a recording of
it at http://www.bfm.my/tenby-schools-carmina-burana.html.
Less than 100 tickets are now remaining for this performance on Sunday 8th May, so please contact
Mandy Cheong on 03-3342 1535 to book your seat. Tickets from the MPO website are now sold out.
Hope to see you there!
Mr Nick
Year 9 Maths
Learning about algebraic expressions with Ms Sarah
19
Year 8 Geography
In Geography lessons in
coasts. We have been
created at the coast. 8T
erosional features such
stumps.
Year 8 we have been studying
looking at erosional landforms
made a 3D headland to show
as caves, arches, stacks and
These are some of the students in 8T with their models: This is
Kaivan Wai Anaraki
This is Justin Lee with his work
Tawan Teekaariyapak also had his picture taken with his 3D
headland
We have also
studied the uses
of the coast. The
students in 8T
made postcards
about a trip – real
or imaginary that
they had taken to
the coast. Thank
you to Justin, Yon
Kin, Shao Wen,
Elvis, Yun Xi, Kris,
Bryan, Keshika, Ji
Woo, Sajif and
Carmen for your
work.
Ms Hannah.
20
DT Coursework
A selection of our wonderful IGCSE Design Technology
Coursework from the students in Mr Tim‘s class.
21
International Award
Penang National park Bronze practice in March and beach cleanup at Teluk Kampi
Cameron Highlands Bronze qualifying expedition last weekend
History:
2013/14
8 students completed a Bronze canoe qualifying expedition on Lake Kenyir
2014/15
9 students completed a Bronze qualifying expedition hike up Mount Ledang
35 students completed Bronze and Silver practice expeditions in the Penang National park and
forestry park.
2015/16
12 students completed Bronze qualifying expedition hike in Belum national park
13 students completed Bronze qualifying expedition hike in Cameron Highlands
We also have a bronze group planning their qualifying hiking expedition, Silver group planning their qualifying
hiking expedition and another silver group preparing for their practice canoeing trip in Belum. All of these we hope
to complete by the end of the year.
For more pictures from the Cameron Highlands, visit our Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/tenbypenang/
22
Under 13 Boys and Girls Football—Student report
On the 18th of April 2016, the U13 boys team when to Uplands after school to play a football match against
Uplands. In the first half, William tackled the ball, pass it to Shim and he scored the first goal for the match at that
day!
The next goal was made by William he controlled the ball, dribbled the ball and scored a goal. The score was 2:0
and Shim scored another goal which changed the score to 3:0. But sadly, Uplands scored a goal against the team,
and the score became 3:1. But Shim scored another goal by shooting a goal using William‘s corner kick.
The first half ended by the score 4:1. After a few minutes, the second half started. This time Uplands scored the
goal first. Then Shim scored another goal and the score became 5:2. Our defenders, Samuel, Ken, and Jeremy did
a very good job by not making them even have a chance to score. Unfortunately, at the last few minutes Uplands
scored a goal and became 5:3. And at the last minute, Uplands got a penalty kick. Happily, they missed the
penalty and the U13 boys won Uplands by 5:3. Everyone did a very good job especially Samuel who was the main
defender and played the full match and helped the goalkeeper a lot and the two attackers, Shim and William who
scored all the 5 goals together. And finally the goalkeeper, Shaun saved more than five goals and helped Tenby to
win against Uplands.
On the same day, U13 girls also played a football match against Uplands. In the first half, Gurudevi dribbled the
ball and scored a goal. Later, Tenby scored another goal by a free kick. The score became 2:0 and the first half
was over. At the second half, sadly Uplands scored a goal and the score became 2:1. But Tenby did not let any
more goals and Tenby won Uplands at a score of 2:1. U 13 girls also did a very good job. The defenders defended
well, the strikers scored the goals, the midfielder supported the striker and finally, the goalkeeper saved the goals.
Good job Tenby!
23
Tuesday 3rd May—Exams
Start of IGCSE/AS and A2 Exam window
Friday 6th May—Options Hand in
Year 9 IGCSE options deadline
Open Day– Saturday 14th May
A chance to visit our school during the day, to meet our
teachers and to see exactly why Tenby is a great school to
go to.
Tenby Annual Production—Tuesday & Wednesday 19th & 20th July
Advanced notice of our end of term whole school event
Summer Fair—Saturday 16th July
24
From The Head of TIPS
Dear Parents,
Thank you to all the parents and family members who attended our Early Years & Year 1 Sports day this week. All
the children had a wonderful time in the varied events that tested their skills, speed and accuracy.
All children were very proud of their medals that they received after the event.
Regards
Ms Marian
Head of International Primary School
25
Key Dates for
May
Year 5 Myths & Legends
Wed. 4th May
Year 2 Batik Factory
Trip
Mon - Fri
9th - 20th May.
3 visiting Australian
Teachers from Darwin
University
Sat. 14th May
Tenby Schools Open
Day
Wed. 18th May
PIM for parents of Year
5 & Year 6 children on
KS3 (Year 7-9)
curriculum
Fri. 27th May
Primary Sports Day
Mon - Fri.
30th May - 3rd June
Half Term Break
June
Thurs. 9th June
Year 6 Transition Day
Mon - Fri
13th - 17th June
Horizons Week
Wed. 22nd June
Public Holiday
Thurs. - Fri.
30th June - 1st July
Go For Gold TIPS
Production
Mr Greg joined all the children as they arrived at school dressed ready for their
special day.
If you were going to be a famous character from a Myth or Legend who would you
be?
26
Entry Point
Year
5
have
been
busy
learning all about the different
characters in a wide range of Myths
& Legends.
For their Entry Point
dressed up as a
they all
They all looked amazing and had
thought in great detail about how
the characters looked and behaved.
We are looking forward to seeing
how their writing will now improve
with this thorough understanding of
character.
27
Early Years & Year 1 Sports Day
28
29
Bronze Certificates
Congratulations to the children shown here who have all earned their Bronz Certificate:
(from Left) Rui Jian Year 2, Jaycee Year 6, Navya Year 5, Susan Year 6, Kabir Year 2, Freddie & Roy Year 3.
WELL DONE!
tes
ca
rtifi
e
er C
v
l
i
S
The children above have all received their Silver Merit certificates after they earned 40 merits.
Congratulations to:
Afiq Year 5, Emily Year 2, Xin Jo Year 5, Elyshia Year 2 and Zacchaues Year 2.
We look forward to seeing these children work toward their Gold certificate over the next term.
30
Stars of the Week
Year 4
Year 6
Year 5
25th To 29th
April
2016
Well Done!
Year 3
Year 1
Year 2
Reception
Nursery
31