PrincipallySpeakingTimWaley,Principal
LastweekagroupofourstudentstravelledtoHanoifortheWorldScholars’Cup.This is aprestigiouseventandAISMhastraditionallyacquitteditselfverywell.Thisyearwasnoexception.Intotal,ourstudentswereawarded268medalsand 21 trophies. All 33 studentswhoparticipatedwon atleast onemedal and all students qualified for the GlobalRoundevent in Kuala Lumpurnextmonth. The list of thestudents achievements will appear elsewhere in thispublication but I would also like to addmy thanks toMrBroadbent,alongwithMrandMrsStaggfortheirsupportofthe group leading up to and during last weekend’scompetition. Well done to all our WSC students on anoutstandingsetofperformances!Itwasgreattoseesomanyofourstudents,alongwithparentsandstaffenjoyingcompetingintheAISMTriathlonacoupleofweekendsago.Thespiritofcompetitionwasclearlyevidentbetweenmanyparticipantsbuttherewerealsomanywhoinvolvedthemselvestoquitesimplyenjoytheexperienceaswell.CongratulationstoIvanYoongandhisbandofvolunteerswhoworkedsohardinpreparationfor(andafterwards!)thishighlysuccessfulevent.ItisnodoubtahighlightoftheAISMcalendar.Inrelationtotheevent,IwasslightlyamusedbyapastparentoftheschoolwhoinwantingtointroducehimselftothenewPrincipal,suggestedthathehadearlierthoughtthatIwasagrandparentsupportingyoungermembersofmyfamilyatthisevent(maybeduetotheslightlygreyinghair)!
AlsolastweekwesawthefirstpracticerunsofourYear8F1carsand presentations. Anyone whomissed this will would be welladvisedtoattendthecompetitiononSaturday19MayatGardenschool.TheworkthesestudentshavedoneundertheguidanceofMsMorleyissimplymesmerizing.Agreateffortfromallofthem!Congratulations toour JuniorSchool studentswhocompeted inthe KL Novel Knockout this week. Competing against 16 otherschoolsanddespitebeingtwoyearsyoungerthanthosefromtheotherschools,ourPrimarySchoolteamwontheevent.Thiswasyet another tremendous effort from our young representatives
andthankyoutoMrsMcLeanandMsBarnesfortheirorganisation.ThefinalrepresentationstocomenextweekendistheKLJuniorMathematicsCompetitionandISACAthletics.Wehaveanumberofstudentsattendingtheseeventsandobviouslywishthemwellwiththeirendeavours.
Lastbutcertainlynotleast,thankyoutoallthosemumswhoonbehalfofthePAranahighlysuccessfulMothers’DaystallforouryoungerstudentslastMonday.Ofcourse,throughnofaultof their own, this was delayed a couple of days due to theelectionresult,butIhavenodoubtthegiftswereappreciatedjustasmuchbythosemumswhoreceivedthem.
WholeSchool
WorldScholar’sCupHanoiRegionalRound‘Artisbetterthanmusicinpreservingmemories’,‘Studentswithbettermemoriesshouldbegivenmorechallengingexams’, ‘Weshouldbeable to tradebodieswithpeoplewho loveus’ - theseare the fewstatements thatweredebateduponintheWorldScholar’sCup.AISM’s scholarooshadbeenhardatwork;practisingand training in countless lunchtimesandCCAs, aswell asattendingadebatecamp.Onthe11May,33scholaroosembarkedona4-daytriptoHanoitoattendtheWorldScholar’sCup.TheWorldScholar’sCupisa‘non-violentprogramme’thatencouragesstudentstoexpandtheirknowledgebeyondtheconventionaltopicstaughtinclassrooms.Scholarsaregivensixsubjectstostudy,thisyearbeing:
• BravingtheDistanceinArtandMusic,• VoicesoftheInseparableinLiterature,• BlackmarketsandCryptocurrencyinSocialStudies,• HistoryofDiplomacy,• ScienceofMemory,• HumanRelationships.
Throughout the two day tournament, scholars competed anddemonstrated their skills in team debate, collaborative writing,challenge, and the scholar’s bowl. The programme not onlystrengthens scholars’ persuasive skills and confidence, creativity tothink outside the box, a wider range of expertise, but mostimportantlyitemphasisesthatteamworkisessential.However, theWSCexperience isnot justaboutacademics, it’salsoaboutintertwininginnewcultures,openingupyourselftoothers,andbraving the crowd.We took a dip into the wonderful Vietnameseculture-sightseeingacrossthebeautifulcityofHanoi,crossingthemotorbike-filledstreetshurriedly,andenjoyingdeliciousmealsthatfueledscholarsforthedaysuchaspho,friedspring rolls, lemongrass chicken and much more. New bonds were formed, and more were strengthenedthroughoutthetrip-assimilaritybegetsfriendshipsandpropinquitydeepensrelationships.Oneoftheeventsatthetournament,thescholar’sshow,encouragesscholarstoshowcasetheirincredibletalents.TheAISMdelegationwas commended for being the largest group of performancewith the students performing theAustralian andMalaysiannationalanthemtorepresentourentanglementofculture;andthe‘Oreos’performedacrowd-favouritedancemedley.
‘...and from the Australian International School of Malaysia…’AISM stood out from the rest not just because of ouraccomplishments, but alsobecauseofour spirit in support forour schoolmates,andsportsmanship towardsoutcompetitors.ThecheersandshoutsfromtheScholaroosresoundedresolutelythroughoutthehall-nomatterwhowastheonewhotookhomeamedal.OureffortswerepaidoffasweallperformedspectacularlyattheHanoiregionals,withallteamsqualifyingfortheGlobals.AISMbagged21trophiesand268medals.NotableachievementswereMeganYap andAlexanderKam receiving theAsimov trophies;
XuanLinTanfortopwriter;AshlynAhmadShazli,NicholeOng,andAnnaHuggelscoringasthetopdebateteam;JoeCheun,EthanLee,andJeremyLaucollectivelyasthetopChallengeteam.Evidently,suchachievementsandamazingexperiencescouldnotbewithoutMrBroadbent,MrStagg,andMrsStagg,whosawandpulledoutthebestinus.Allscholaroosaredeeplythankfulforthetimeandenergytheyputintoeverythingtheyhaddone,andwecouldnotaskformorethantheencouragementandtrusttheyhadinus.WelookforwardtotheGlobalsroundsetinthelastweekofTerm2!XuanLinTan,Year11
“AnotefromMrsStagg,MrStaggandMrBroadbent”
Overtwolongdaysofcompetition,ourstudentscompetedinfourdifferenteventsandperformedspectacularlywell.AsmentionedinthePrincipal’smessage,intotalourstudentswalkedawaywith268medalsand21trophies. All 33 students won at least onemedal and allstudents qualified for the Global Round event in KualaLumpurnextmonth.Someofownsuccessesinclude:
IndividualAwards
MeganYapwasthewinneroftheScholar’sChallenge(JuniorDivision)acrossallsubjectsandwasChampionScholar(JuniorDivision)forthewholecompetition.
AlexanderKamwasthewinneroftheScholar’sChallenge(SeniorDivision)acrossallsubjects.
XuanLinTanwasawardedthetrophyfortheSecondPlaceScholar(SeniorDivision)acrossallsubjects,wasfirstplaceinCollaborativeWriting(SeniorDivision),andwasthesecondplaceScholar(SeniorDivision)forthewholecompetitionAshlynAhmadShazliwasChampionDebaterinJuniorDivisionKaylaHensenwassecondplaceinDebate(SeniorDivision)RitishaShankarwassecondplaceinCollaborativeWriting(JuniorDivision)
TeamAwards
FirstPlaceScholar'sChallenge(Junior‘Skittles’Division)-EthanLee,JoeCheun&JeremyLauFirstPlaceScholar'sChallenge(JuniorDivision)-YuinYieWong,EmilyTan&MeganYapFirstPlaceDebateTeam(JuniorDivision)-NicholeOng,AshlynAhmadShazli&AnnaHuggelSecondPlaceDebateTeam(SeniorDivision)-LharanyaSomasundaram,VeenaaLogenthiran&PriyankaKrishna5thPlaceChampionTeam(Junior‘Skittles’Division)-EthanLee,JoeCheun&JeremyLau4thPlaceChampionTeam(SeniorDivision)-XuanLinTan,GhaziAbdulHakem&JoonYangTooSecondPlaceChampionTeam(SeniorDivision)-AlexKam,TaiitsuMasunaga&ErjaMohdSuhaimyFirstPlaceChampionTeam(JuniorDivision)-YuinYieWong,EmilyTan&MeganYap
These excellent results were a product of hard work. Thestudents have been training for this event since February andhavebeenattendingthreetrainingsessionsaweek.Wewouldliketothankallparentsandguardiansfortheirongoingsupportoftheprogram.TheScholaroosrepresentedourschoolwithprideandtheywerewonderfulambassadorsforAISM.
KLNovelKnockout–JuniorTeamWinsFirstPlaceAngelaBarnes,HeadofLibraryServicesDianneMcLean,EarlyLearningCentre-HeadTeacher Thisyear’sKLNovelKnockoutprovedtobeastandout!Held at BSKL on Tuesday 15 May, 140 studentsrepresenting11 international schoolsbattled itout toprovetheirexpertisewhenitcametotheirknowledgeofbooks!16studentsfromAISMformedtwoteamsintheJuniorSchool category, and one in the Middle School.Answering 160 questions on eight prescribed texts inthree minute rounds, preparation and teamworkprovedintegraltostudentsunderpressure.
AISM students not only did themselvesproud, but for thefirsttimeinKLNKhistory,theJuniorSchoolteamcompetingagainst 16 other teams, took out first place in the JuniorSchoolcategory.AtremendouseffortandcongratulationstoAISM’swinningteam: Ethan Lee (4W), Sophie Lau (3G), Levi Chandra (3G)andHugoTan(3G)!Specialthankstotheparentcommunitywhosesupportwasinvaluable.
KLNovelKnockoutstudents:
• HugoTan(3G)• LeviChandra(3G)• ChongYongHo(3G)• SophieLau(3G)• ChloeTai(3G)
• AbelHongXiLee(4W)• EthanLee(4W)• EdithHickson(4W)
• IsabelleRyan(5G)• SzeJiaHor(5W)• JaneHeng(5G)• LilianWagoner(5G)
• YaoMingLee(7G)• EthanLee(7M)• ToshimiSawada(7W)• ReeseKam(7W)
AISMGreenWeek2018-Monday4thJune-Friday8thJuneGetreadytogogreen!WewillbecelebratingGreenWeekinWeek8,witharangeofactivitiestopromotesustainability.Ourthemeis“BeatPlasticPollution”,tomatchWorldEnvironmentDayon5June.Students,staffandparentsareallinvitedtogetinvolved.We’llhavestalls,workshops,talks,displays,competitionsandperformances.StaffandstudentswilljoinforcesinTheBigCleanUp,collectinglitterwithintheschoolgroundsandthetworoadsoutsideourgates.We’llsortandanalysethelitterwecollect,thenprovideafinalreport.Everythingwecollectisanimprovement;itmaynotbeourrubbish,butifwedontpickitup,whowill?Let’sinterceptthislitterbeforeitiseatenbyananimalorescapesintostreams,lakesandeventuallytheocean.Helpustoreducesingle-useplasticatAISMduringGreenWeek-
• Bringyourowncoffeemug• Packlunchinalunchbox;bringwrap-freelunch;• Buyinbulkandputservesinreusablecontainersratherthanbuyingsingleportionsinevenmoreplastic
bags• Say‘taknak,nothanks’toplasticstraws,containersandplasticbags• BringareusableshoppingbagwhenyoushopattheAISMUniformstore
You’llbeabletodropoffoldmobilephones,cables,andsimilartechnologywasteinourMobileeWasterecyclingboxintheBreezeway.AfullprogramforGreenWeekwillbeannouncedshortly.LookoutformoredetailsondisplayboardsandinthenextNewsletter.Pleasecontactsusanskinner@aism.edu.myifyouhavesuggestions.
AISMGreenWeek2018-‘BeatPlasticPollution’Competitions
Students,staffandparentsofallagesandexperienceareinvitedtoentertwocompetitionsforAISMGreenWeek.Getbusy-entriesdueinjustover2weeks!
1. RaiseAwareness!-Designaposter,video,animation,song,dance,storybookthatpromotesthe
message“BeatPlasticPollution”.Suggestions:Includeyourownphotographsorartwork,addaclevertitle;Recordashortmoviewithfriendsorfamilytomotivatepeople;Performanewsongordancetoeducatepeople.
2. Upcycle!-Designandbuildsomethingusefuloutofrecycledplasticto‘BeatPlasticPollution’.Youmustuserecycledmaterialsforthiscompetition-weareinterestedin‘upcycling’trash-pleasedonotbuyorusenewplastic.Suggestions:Makeagamefromrecycleddrinkbottlelids.Createaherbgarden,amusicalinstrument,atimer,oranoveltymoneyboxfromrecycledplasticcontainers.
Rules1. AnymemberoftheAISMCommunitycanenter.2. Entriesmusthavebeencreatedbyyou.3. Allentriestobesubmittedby5pmFriday1June2018.
a) RaiseAwarenesscompetition:Submityourentry,yournameandashortdescriptiononline(seebelow)b) GreatIdeacompetition:Submitaphotoofyourentry,yournameandashortdescriptiononline(see
below).ANDbringyouractualentrytodisplayintheBreezewayareabeforeschoolonMonday4June.
4) Enteronline-a)ParentsandJuniorSchoolstudentspleasesendyourentriestosusanskinner@aism.edu.myPlease
include“GreenWeekCompetition”inthesubjectoftheemail.b)MSSstudents-submityourentryinthe“GreenWeekCompetitions”GoogleClassroom.Thecodefortheclassisttewgm1.
5) JudgeswillincludeMsSkinner(SustainabilityCoordinator),MrsMcFarlane(SchoolNurse),(Photography),MrsWood(Photography)andMsBarnes(Library),JordanRedstone(JuniorSchool)
6) TheAISMcommunitywillbeinvitedtovoteonlineforthe‘MostPopular’entriesineachcategory.Prizes,tobeannouncedsoon.Winningentrieswillbedisplayed.SubmittedimagesmaybeusedinfutureAISMSustainabilitycampaigns.
JuniorSchool GraemeNaftel,HeadofJuniorSchool
THEDIFFERENCEOF17SECONDSThefollowingarticlebyAlissaMarquess,canbefoundontheBounceBackParentingwebsite.Thisisanexcellentsite that containsmany tips that can help us with themost challenging and rewarding job of all - parenting.https://bouncebackparenting.com/the-difference-of-17-seconds/Areyouevergoingtoletmefinishasentence!?Mom!Icandoitmyself!WhyarethepeopleIlovegettingmadatme?I’mjusttryingtohelp,andhey,I’mnotinterrupting,Ijustthoughttheyweredonetalking!
The17SecondDifferenceIreallydidn’twanttoadmitthatI’maninterrupter.ThenIreadintheThe5LoveLanguage(Amazonaffiliate)thattheaveragepersondoesn’tgomorethan17secondsbeforeinterruptingthepersontalking.17measlyseconds?Really?Icertainlywasn’tthatbad….SoIstartedtotryitwithmyhusbandandmykids…andohdear.IwasshockathowoftenIwasreadytotalkduringthat17seconds.The17secondsstartedtobemywaitingtimebeforeIjumpedintotryandfixsomethingorgiveasuggestion.Howcoulditbepossiblethatinonly17secondssomuchcouldhappen?Forinstance,thefollowingNONinterruption:Onedayweweresittingtogetherdoingourownartprojectsandoneofmykidsgotreallyfrustratedaboutamistake.Mybraindesperatelywantedmetosay:Wouldyoulikesomehelp?ButIrememberedmy17secondsplanandmymouthwasquiet1.2.3.4…Hestartedtogetmoreloudandfrustratedabouthistask,buthekeptatit.Ikeptcounting…8.9.10…MyurgetorescuehimwascalmingdownasIrealizedmychildneededthistimetostrugglewithdifficultiesandtoproblemsolve.14.15.16….“Mama–IthinkIcanchangethis.Ithoughtthiswastrash,butIfoundasolution!”Oh.WOW.IfIhadstartedinwithasuggestionafewsecondsearlieritwouldhaverobbedhimofthatmoment!
AndI’vetrieditwithconversations(yes,it’sabitodd,andnotperfectlisteningtocountinmyhead,butit’sjustgettingthehabitstartedofwaiting.)I’vefoundthatfrequentlywhenIthinkoneofmyfamilymembersisdonetalking,they’reactuallyjusttakingabreath.
Yup–17measlysecondsmakesabigdifference.Iamnotcuredofinterrupting,notbyalongshot.I’matalker,that’sforsure.But17secondsisgivingthepeoplearoundmeachancetotalk,andit’sgivingmeachancenotonlytohearthem,buttoletthemshowmehowcapabletheyreallyare.
MOTHER’SDAYHappyMother’sDaytoallmothersforlastSunday.Thefact that Mother’s Day had already passed during therecent long, long weekend, did nothing to curb theenthusiasm of the Junior School children as theypurchased gifts for their mothers at the Parents’Association Mother’s Day stall on Monday. Thank youverymuch toall of themotherswhovolunteered theirtimetorunthisstall,andespeciallytoTanyaVanDammeforleadingthiswonderfulproject.
Formorephotos,clickhere:MothersDay
TheELCandLower JuniorSchool children shared somespecial timewith theirmothers (and a few fathers) onTuesdayafternoon,whenmotherswereinvitedintotheclassrooms to work on some craft activities. Eachclassroomwasfulltooverflowing,asparentsandchildrenenjoyedspendingtimetogether.ThesconeswithjamandcreamattheELCpicnicwasmypersonalfavourite.
ELCandLowerJuniorSchoolMUSICALThankyoutothoseparentswhohavebeensupportingMrGredigwithpreparationsfortheupcomingMusical.Ifyoudohavesomefreetimeandwouldbeavailabletohelpwithpreparingcostumes,pleasecontactMrGredigatanthonyg@aism.edu.myortouchbasewithyourclassparent.
GRADEOFTHEWEEK-YEAR1MathematicsVisibleLearningisattheheartofhowtheYear1childrenlearn.Theyhaveprogressedfromunderstandingthatgoodlearnersmakemistakestoseekoutwhattheycandotoimprove.Theyhavebeenvocalabouthowtheywouldliketoaccessthesestepsandasaresult,thechildrenarenowbecomingreflectivelearnersbyusingachecklistfortheirWILFs(WhatI’mLookingFor-SuccessCriteria).ThisisparticularlyevidentintheirMathematicslearning.Thechildrenarealsodevelopinganunderstandingofhoweachpersonintheclassisworkingtowardsthesameoutcomebutindifferentways.
ThischecklistwasusedforthechildrenintheMathematicsunit; ‘Patterns’. Inthisunitofwork,childrenhadtoevaluateandprovetheirunderstanding,inordertocheckofftheirWILFs.Asaresult,theyhavebeendevelopinghigher levels of mathematical language along with building upon their questioning techniques. They feelcomfortablenottickingoneoftheirWILFpointsiftheyhavenotachieveditastheyseeitasaformoffeedbackandawaytodevelopnexttime.TheIsland-InquiryYear1arefortunateenoughtohavetheopportunitytodesignanislandforthemiddleofTheMineslake.Therearemanyfacetstothisisland.Eachislandmusthave:
• atallbuilding;• aminimumof3animals;• aminimumof3plants;and• anythingthatmightbringvisitorstotheisland.
The children have been doing extensive fieldresearch,observationsandplanningtogettheislandreadyforsubmissiontotheappropriateauthorities. They have done this by visiting‘FarmintheCity’tofindanimalsappropriateforan island habitat and the Malaysian climate,beenforawalkalongthelaketoidentifyflorathatwillgrow,andlearntfromguestarchitectsand engineers, which has helped them toconsiderhowtheycouldcreate3Dmodels fortheirtallbuildings.All of this has been an opportunity for thechildren towork towardsmanyof theScienceandGeographyoutcomesforYear1,alongwithexploring sustainability and human impact ontheenvironment.Theycontinuallyrefinetheirdesignsastheydiscovernewinformationandapplyittotheirwork.ThechildrenareconstantlyrefiningtheVisibleLearningskillsofasking,listening,lookingandthinking.
• Theyarelisteningtotheirpartner,sharingideasandmakingcompromises.• Theyareaskingquestionsaboutchoicesandhowtheycanfurthertheirunderstandingof
plants,animals,theenvironmentandbuildingmaterials.• Theyaredevelopingtheirconceptoffeedbackastheyfindnewinformation,applyitto
whattheyalreadyknowandmodifyerrorsormisconceptions.• Theyarethinkingabouthowtheirislandcouldimprovesustainablyanddemonstratingtheir
knowledge.
VisittoFarmintheCity
MiddleandSeniorSchoolIvanMcLean,HeadofMiddleandSeniorSchools
We have been rapidly progressing towardsexaminations inMiddle and Senior School. Year 12reportswere releasedon theportal and interviewswith parents/teachers and students have alreadytakenplace.Allotherstudentshavecompletedtheirtopicsinpreparationforexaminationsnextweek.Thiswillbeachallengingtimeforourstudents(andfamilies). All Year 6 to Year 11 students will haveexaminationsthroughoutthecomingfortnight.TherearemanyexaminationstudytipsIsharedinthelastnewsletter.Incaseyoumissedthem:Beforetheexamination:
• Beactive,takea20minutewalkpriortoanexamination.Scientificevidenceexiststhat
showsthatexerciseincreasesbrainactivityandhelpsstudentsconcentrate.• Re-writesomeofyourcrucialnotesoutinbulletpoints;it'seasiertorememberrather
thanreadingabigparagraph.• Readaloudwithfullconcentration,thatwillhelpyoutolearnfaster.• Takestudybreaksasithelpsyourbrainrelaxandabsorbanyinformationthatyouhave
studied.• Don'tstudylayingontopofyourbedasitenablesyoutobecometoorelaxed.Forsome
students,infact,doingsomethingactivewhilestudyingactuallyhelps!• Writekeycards/flashcardsandusethesetotestyourself.• Don'tletsocialmediadistractyou.• Getplentyofrestthenightbefore.Adolescentstypicallyrequireatleast10+hours.• Don'tconsumecaffeineoranyotherstimulatingsubstancewithin4-5hourspriorto
sleepingandturnoffanyscreensatleastanhourbeforegoingtosleep.Thisinterruptsyoursleeppattern-meaningthatevenwithsufficientsleeptime,youmaynotfeelwellresteduponwaking.
Onthedayofanexamination:
• Eatahealthyandfulfillingbreakfast.Yourbrainneedsfoodtoconcentrate.• Makesureyouareattheexamroomwithtimetospare.Thiswayyoucansettleyour
thoughtsandprepareyourself.• Dothequestionsyouknowfirst.Ifyoudon'tknowtheanswertothequestion,dothe
nextoneandcomebacktoitattheend.Strugglingandconcentratingonaquestionyoudon'tknowtheanswertocanbetimeconsuming,whichmakesyoulosevaluablemarks.
Lastweek’selectionwascertainlyhistoricforMalaysia.WeareworkingtowardsasolutionforwhenandwheretoconducttheCrossCountryInter-Housecompetition...detailswillbereleasedinthecomingweeks.Mybestwishestoallstudentsfortheupcomingexaminations.RememberthatYOUarenotdefinedbyyourexaminationresult;itisareflectionofyoureffortandability.JustmakesurethatYOUfeelyoudidyourbest!!!Thereisstilltimetoaskteachersforhelpandpreparealittlebitmoreinthefewdaysahead.
HSCMINIMUMSTANDARDS
WeareenrollingYear10studentsinthisTerm’sminimumstandardonlinetests.ThetestsallowourstudentstodemonstratetheymeettheHSCminimumstandard,whichisrequiredtoreceivetheHigherSchoolCertificatefrom2020.TherearethreeteststhestudentsmustpasstoachievetheHSCminimumstandard–reading,writingandnumeracy.Studentshavetwoopportunitiesayeartomeetthestandardineachoftheseareas,fromYear10untilafewyearsafterYear12.GototheNESAwebsite(www.educationstandards.nsw.edu.au/HSCminimumstandard)to:
• understandwhattoexpectinthesetests;• seesamplequestionsandanswers;• takeademonstrationtest.
F1inschoolsSimonMatheson,HeadofScienceandTechnology
“F1 in Schools” is a global multi-disciplinary challenge whereteamsofstudentsaged9to19deployComputerAidedDesign(CAD) software to collaborate, design, analyse, manufacture,test, and then race miniature compressed carbon dioxide gaspoweredcarsmodelledaftertheFormula1.Teamsmustraisesponsorship and manage budgets to fund research, design,displays, production and development. The challenge inspiresstudentstouseInformationTechnologytolearnaboutphysics,aerodynamics, design, manufacture, branding, graphics,sponsorship,marketing, leadership/teamwork,mediaskillsandfinancialstrategy.
In2018MrsSamMorleychallengedourYear8DesignandTechnology students to band together and tackle thisinnovative yet mammoth task. Our AISM representativestrulyrelishedtheopportunitytoworkwithcompaniesbothin logistics of sponsorship and production of displays andmarketing, all the while striving to design a F1 inspiredmodel. On the morning of Monday May 7, eager Year 8students donned their team colours, logos and sponsorswhiledelivering toAISMavarietyofmerchandise,posters,modelracecars,portfoliosandbanners.Displayswerejudged,finalpreparationsweremadetothecarsandracingbegan,withteam“FlyingFish”clockingthefastestrunofthedayatablisteringaveragespeedof58.5km/hr.“SonicStreaks”and“SpeedingHarimau”bothgetanhonourablementionfordevelopinganexceptionalportfolioandpitlanedisplayfullofdepth,progressofthedesignprocessandteamidentity.
The explosive sound and heart pumpingthrilloftheracecaptivatedtheteamsandaudience. “F1 in Schools” at AISM isdefinitelyofferingaway to learnScience,Technology,EngineeringandMathematics(STEM)relatedsubjectsinsuchanexciting,imaginativeandcollaborativeway.
Formorephotos,clickhere:F1inSchools
YEAR6TO10CAMPSTORIESYEAR6-TAMANNEGARA
At camp I liked thepancakes, itwas a yummybreakfast. Thedinner and lunchwere greatwith some surprisedessertsthatincludedicecream,andthefrieswereamazingandreally,reallygood.Ievenfoundareallycoolmoth,stickinsects,lizards,andaKatydid.Ilikedrapidshootingbecauseweallgotwet.Ilikedswimmingintheriveritwasniceandrefreshingafterthelongtrek.Ilikedthemidnightwalk,seeinganimalsandinsectslikespidersandscorpions.Itwasreallyfascinatingandcool,andagoodlearningexperience.Inmyroomtherewerenobugs.Theroomswerenice,simpleandcozyandthebedswerecomfy.Ilikedhangingoutwithfriendsandknowingmoreaboutothers.Overallcampwasfun!NadirahMohdHusaini6G,ZoeClacher6GandCahayaThomas6G
On19March,wewenttoaschoolcampinTamanNegara.Westayedinaresortawayfromurbanareas.ThereweremanyofMalaysia’sfloraandfaunathere.OneoftheactivitiesIenjoyedmostwasrapidshootingbecauseIneverthoughtthatitwouldbethateasytoaimatthemiddle.I’velearntalotthatbeingatthewildlifewasnotthathardafterall.Despitethefactthattherewerelotsofmosquitoesandbugsthere,Ihaveneverhadsomuchfuninthewildlifebefore.ThebestpartofcampwaswhenwewereonthespeedboattotheOrangAslivillage.I’veneverbeensowetinaboatride.Ithoughtwewouldjustbesplashedalittlebutinsteadourwholebody,fromthetipofourheadtotheedgeofourtoes,werejustcompletelysoakedwithlakewater.Atonepoint,theboatseemedlikeitwasabouttocapsize,butitdidn't.Duringtheforestwalk,ourtourguideexplainedallthosedifferenttypesofinsects.Therewerebig,small,somethatfliesandsomethatstaysstill.Ihavelearntalotmoreaboutinsectsnow!Wealsoviewedatreeover80metersofheight!Atourresort,therewerestuffedanimaltigerlyingoutsidealongthedoors.IwasverycuriouswhysoIaskedthetourguideandhetoldmethattheywereplacedtheresoastoscarethemonkeysawayfromcominginthecabins.Ithoughtthatitwasabrilliantidea.I was super excited when MsLindsay came because shemadecampmuchmorefun!WeplayedDrama games which I wasoutrageouslyenthusiastictoplay.Honestly,I’veneverhadmuchfuninmy lifebefore.Although someofusweresickincludingme,Istillmademycamp funbynotgivinguponwhatIdoandtryingmybestoneverythingbecauseIknowthatIcouldfinishit.Ijustwishedthatcamp would have extended thedays. Camp was AMAZING and Ihave no words to describe howmuch fun I had in camp. I amlookingforwardtothenextcamp!MadelaineLee6G,YunaTakasaki6GandAshleyOh6G
YEAR7-TELUKBATIK,LUMUT,PERAK
We had the opportunity to kayak down the briny,coolingwatersoffthecoastofTelukBatik,towardsanotherbeachnearbywherewerestedforaboutanhour, frolicking on the beach, picking out seashellsandplaying inthesea.Everyonewaseagertostartkayaking,butfirstwehadtogetintopairs,learnthecorrect paddling techniques, and in case ofemergenciessuchasifthekayakcapsized.Then we made sure our life jackets were fittedproperly before heading towards the sea with ourpaddles.Wecarriedourtandemkayaksonebyonenearertothewater.Soonwepushedofftheshoreandpaddledtowardsthesafetyboatandthenalongthecoast.Occasionalwavesmadeourkayaksbobupanddown,whichmadeourhearts race,but I realisedthatwithmyfriends’company,itreallymadethisactivitymorefunandnotasscaryasIinitiallythoughtitwouldbe.Oneofthemostexcitingpartsformewaswhenwereachedthebeach,asitwasintenseandwehadtobereallyquicktogetoffthekayakandtodragituptheshorewithallourmight.Thiswasundoubtedlyanamazingexperienceforus(excludingtheblazingsun)andthisactivityrequiredagreatskill:teamwork!ZaraYap7WTheObstacleCourserequiredteamwork,encouragement,staminaandproblemsolvingskills.Webeganwithasimplechallenge,toclimbupandoverawoodbarrierusingarope.Althoughthetaskwaseasy,climbingovertotheothersidewasachallengeforpeoplewithshortlegs!Thenexttaskwasmuchhigherwithwidegapstoclimbover;luckilywewerewearingsafetyharnesses.Thethirdandfourthtasksrequiredustoworkasteams.Firstwehadtoliftandcarryeachotherthroughaholeinthemiddleofatunnelofsuspendedcartyres-weallworkedtogetherandmanagedtoliftandguideeveryonethrough, even Ms Skinner! Next we had to standuprightlikeapole,whileeveryoneelseliftedusupandontoahighplank, then trusteveryoneagainas theyliftedusdowngentlytotheground.Itwasasthoughwefloatedupanddown.Thefinalchallengewasagametocarryeveryoneinourgroupfromonesideacrosstoan‘Island’ofchairs.Wehad to fit everyone (12 in my group, including MsFinlaysonandMrBroadbent)ontoeightchairs,whichwasnoteasy.Wehadseveralattempts,triallingnewtechniques. With cooperation and trial/error, wemanagedtosucceed!Inmyopinion,thisactivitysumsupthesortsofskillswewillneedforproblemsolvingin the future. We felt very pleased when we goteveryonesafelyontotheisland!RanceWong7G
AhighlightformewasIslandHopping.Wetooka20minuteboattriptoPangkorIsland,thencaughthotpinktaxistothebeachandtransferredintospeedboats.WespedaroundPangkorIslandandsomeofthebeaches,stoppingtoseeabattree,seaurchin,seacucumber(whichwasreallyslimytotouch)andsomehugerockformationsintheshapesofwhales,turtlesandcrocodiles.Mostpeoplelovedthewindintheirhairandthesharpturnswemade,whichcausedmanypeopletoscream.Finallywearrivedatabeautifulbeachandwereabletoswim,explorethebeachandbuildsandcastles.IfoundsomereallycoolshellswhilstwalkingalongthebeachandahermitcrabwhileIwasswimming.Weateourpicniclunchlayinginhammocks,relaxedandplayed,thenreturnedtothemainland.IslandHoppingwasmyfavouriteactivityandIenjoyedbeingabletorelaxatthebeachwithmyfriends.OpheliaBurchell7W
WehadaBonfireonthelastnight.LaciandOpheliawereourhostsandafterawelcomespeechtheylittheBonfire.Nexteachgroupperformedourskits-someperformedashortplay,songordance.Mygroupperformedaskitabouta‘disastermarriage’whichwecreatedearlierintheweek.Bythetimewehadallperformed,thebonfirehadburnttoembersanditwastimetotoastmarshmallowsoverthehotcoals.Wewereonlymeanttohaveaboutthreebutsomepeoplehad10andtookawhiletogettosleepthatnight!ThomasWagoner7M YEAR8-GOPENGMyeyelidsflutterclosedasIinhalethecrisp,freshair.Icanheartherushofthewater,gushingdownthewaterfallandpeople’sstunnedwordsbeingmutteredtooneanother.MyfingerstightenaroundthecoarseropesasIlookdown,downintothewaterfall’sdepths,watching,waiting.
MybreathhitchesasIrealiseitismyturn.One,two,three.Isilentlyscream.Theice-coldwaterrushestowardsmeasIslowlystepback.Left.Right.Left.Right.MyheartskipsabeatasItakeinmysurroundings.Thewatercascadingdowntherockyledges.Thesunglisteninginthepalebluesky.
Everythingissilent.Perfect.Thetrees-withtheirslenderbranchesandlusciousleaves-swayelegantlyinthesoftbreeze.Iamatpeace.Iamtrulyhappy.Swishes of colour swim before my eyes.Rainbows, dancing across the sky. This ispurebliss.TimeseemstostandstillasItakelong breaths, treasuring thismoment.MyfeetlandontotherocksbelowasIlookupatthewaterfallonelasttime.I exhale slowly, letting go of the fear,holdingontothehappiness.“Wow,”Ibreatheandthenitisallover.MiaTan8G
Thewhitewatercascadesdownaroundme,obscuringmyvisionalmostcompletely.Myhandstightenoverthebrightredcordinfrontofme,desperatelyhopingthatitwillbeabletoholdmyweight,holdmylife.Againstmybetterjudgement,Ilookdown.Isigh.Stillsuchalongwaytogo.Tremblingslightly,Ilowermylegintothesmalldentintherockwallbelowme.Andthenthegrounddisappearsbeneathme.Iscream.Tooloudly.Toolong.Oops.MyarmsandlegsflailoutasIstruggletofindmybalance.Theroarofthewaterseemstogrowlouderandfaster,therocksseemtobesmoother,moreslippery.Okay.Breathe.Istretchtogripthemossyrocksinfrontofme,myfeetfinallyfindsomethingtoholdonto.Good.Crisisaverted.BreathingoutahugesighofreliefIlookdown.Onlyanotherthousandmetrestogo!
NicholeOng8W
YEAR9-VIETNAMThe Year 9 camp trip to Vietnam was truly an exciting andunforgettable adventure. Itwas an enjoyable experience to bondwiththeclassmates,teachersandfriends.ThetripwaswellplannedbythestaffasweusedthefivedayswehadinVietnamtoourfulladvantage.Firstofall,therewasachangeinthetraditionalcampsceneryastheactivitiesweren’tbasedaroundabeach,butinthecityinstead.WewereabletovisitthetragichistoryofVietnamattheWarremnantsmuseuminHoChiMinh,aswellasexperiencethelocallifestyleaswecycled50kmthroughtheMekongDelta.However,thesorenessfromthecontinuouscyclingwasovershadowedbythefunactivitiesthatweengagedin,suchasthelocalfarmingandcookingexperience,andvisitingthechildren’shome.Weallfeltblessedtotakesometimefromschoolacademiaandspendqualitytimewithourfriendsandteachers.IwouldsayitwasdefinitelyaneventfulandentertainingtripandIbelieveIspeakforalltheparticipantsintheyear9campbysayingthatitisahighlyrecommendedtriptobeorganisedagaininthefuture.AllthestaffandpeopleinVietnamwhowereinvolvedinthiscampshouldbethoroughlythankedandpraisedforsuchafantasticandwell-plannedtrip.JeromeWilliam9W
Campwasagreatexperienceforallofus,includingteachersandtheguides.Igottobondwithmyfriendsandlearnnewskills,suchasbikeridingandfarming.ItwasagreatopportunityforusasweallgottoexperienceVietnam’scultureandlearnaboutthehistoryinthewarmuseumsandCuChiTunnels.WealsogottomakeVietnamese spring rolls and papaya salad with wok fried chicken taught by aVietnameseMasterchef.Onourlastday,manyofusweretouchedwhenwevisiteddisabled children’s home/school. A few of us befriended them, others playedgameswiththembutweallgottosharesomethingwiththem.Besidestheactualgiftswegavethem,wesharedsomethingmoreimportant.Wesharedhappinesswitheachotherandthatwasthepointoftrip.Themosttiringactivityduringthistripwasdefinitelybikeridingaswerode50kmintotal.WeenjoyedthisactivitysincewewereabletoexperiencethedifferentsceneriesVietnamhadtooffer,notjustinthebusbutalsoonthebike.Intheend,weweresadtoleaveitallbehind
butwehavememoriesthatwillstaywithusforabout,therestofourlivesmaybe.CherylLim9W
YEAR10-WESTERNAUSTRALIAPerth,aplacemanywoulddescribeasplain,dull,boring;well Year 10 Camp removed all the doubts aboutwhatpeopleweresayingaboutPerth.Firstofall,ErnHallidayRecreationCamplooked likeadodgyplaceat first,withtrees,sandanddust.However,theyhadoneofthebestshowersandbedIhadeverexperiencedonanycamp.The activities challenged my abilities and skills, fromindoor rock climbing to kayaking on the open sea. Wethen took a 2 hours journey to Boshack Outback. Firstimpression and opinions ofmany peoplewe ‘there aregoing to be somanybugs, howarewe going to sleep’,‘therewillbenoservice’,‘nochargingport’.However,afterallthewhingingandwhining,thestay,waswonderful.Thedifferentactivitieshelpedusadmiretheoutbackinawholenewperspective,fromculturalstorytellingtoafarmtour.Toendboththetiresomedays intheblazingheatwesatdownonthedust/grassandstargazed.Anexperiencewhichcouldhaveonlybeenwitnessedintheoutback,withanamazing‘view’ofthegalaxyandfewspottingsofasatelliteandsomeshootingstars.Justtofinishthefunandknowledge-filledcamp,atalentshowwasarrangedforthemarvellousYear10studentstoshowofftheirsocalledtallents.Thereweresomewhatenjoyableshows,rangingfromaKoreanclassicalsongtoarapbattle.Thelastdaywaswhenwereturnedtoournormalhabitat,intheoneandonlyPerthCBD.Everyonewentcrazyovertheshoppingoutletsandsomeshoppedtilltheydropped.Imanagedtotalktoeverysinglepersononcamp.Overall,thiswasamagnificentandboisterousexperience,anditcouldnothavebeenanybetterformyfirstevercampinAISM.Thankyoutoalltheteachersandfriendswhomadethistripthewayitwas.Icouldn’thaveaskedformore.RiyaChaure10WItwasacamplikenoother,andnoamountofwordswouldbeabletodescribetheexperienceswehadanddothemjustice.AskanyonewhowenttoPerth,andthey’llprobablytellyouthattheywanttogoback.Wewereallfilledwithenergy, always eager to wake up early to watch the sunrise or too busyreminiscingabout theday’sexperiences tosleep.ErnHallidayandBoshackOutback,besidesAustraliaitself,wereundoubtedlybeautiful.Thepeoplewerekind, the foodwasdelicious, and theactivitieswereveryenjoyable(tiring,butenjoyable).Andnottomentionthebeautifulweather,whichdefinitelysetusuptohaveanamazingtimeregardless.Theamountoffreetimewehadatthecamp,aswellasthetypeofactivitieswedidwithothers,allowedustofocusonbuildingourselves.Havingfreetimeallowedustohavetimeforourselves,awayfromotherssowecouldreflectupontheday’seventsandcreateself-awareness.Theactivitieswecompletedwithourhomeroomandotherstudents intheyeargrouppushedustodothingsthatweweren’tnecessarilycomfortablewith.Westrengthenedourteam-workingskills,ourcommunicationskillswithourpeersandmostofall,webuiltuponourselfconfidence.ErjaMohdSuhaimy10W
CareersCornerChrisBroadbent,CareersandPathwaysAdvisor
StudyinIreland?
OngoinguncertaintiesconcerningBrexit intheUKhaveresultedinmorestudentslookingatIrelandasanalternativedestinationforhighereducation.WhentheUKleavestheEuropeanUnion,IrelandwillbetheonlyofficialEnglishspeakingcountryintheEU.Therearecurrentlyover35,000internationalstudentsstudyinginIrelandandthereare over 5000 qualifications on offer. Ireland also promises to be a countrywithgrowingcareeropportunitiesasmanyglobalcompaniesarechoosingIrelandastheirregional headquarters. At the moment Amazon, Google, Facebook, Paypal andMicrosoftallhavetheirEuropeanheadquartersinIreland.Traditionally, studying in Ireland has focused primarily on medicine, but Irishuniversitiesarenowinthetop1%ofresearchinstitutions intheworld intermsofresearchimpact in19fields,spanningnaturalsciences,socialsciencesandthehumanities.AccordingtotheWorldUniversityRankings,thetopuniversitiesinIrelandare:TrinityCollegeDublin
NationalUniversityofIreland,Galway RoyalCollegeofSurgeonsinIreland
UniversityCollegeDublin(UCD) UniversityCollegeCork
IfyouwouldliketofindoutmoreaboutstudyinginIreland,pleasevisitwww.educationinireland.com/en/.
AVisitfromPenangMedicalCollege
OnFriday20April,wewelcomedPenangMedicalCollege(PMC)toAISM.PMCisownedandestablishedbytheRoyalCollegeofSurgeonsinIreland(RCSI)andUniversityCollegeDublin(UCD).PMCisanexcellentoptionforstudentsfromAISMinterestedinmedicinebecauseitisrecognisedbytheMalaysianMedicalCouncil(MMC)andIrishMedical Council (IMC) providing graduating doctors with many jobopportunities within Malaysia and the EU. PMC also provides plenty ofopportunitiesforbiomedicalresearch
PMCisaverycosteffectiveoption,beingaround60%cheaperthanthefullmedicaldegreeinIreland.Inaddition,PMCoffersscholarshipsthatamountsto100%ofthetuitionfees.Toapplyforthescholarship,studentsneedtowriteessaysandproducereferenceletters.ThebestresponsesareshortlistedandstudentsarethencalleduptoPenangforaninterview.In201714studentswereshortlistedand6receivedafullscholarship.IfyouwouldliketoknowmoreaboutPMC,pleasevisitthematwww.pmc.edu.my.
Year12PlanningInterviewsInterviewswill be conductedduringWeek6with each Year 12 student to assist in planning for next year andbeyond.InmostcasesthiswillbeanintroductiontotheTertiaryEntranceproceduresandsomeinitialordevelopingthoughtsonwhereandwhattostudy.TheinterviewswillbeconductedbymyselfintheMSSReceptiononMonday21,Tuesday22andWednesday23May2018.
SportsCornerKimBradley,CCACoordinator(MSS)
SilentKnightJuniorKarateChampionship–AISMStudentsWinGoldMedalsShusuke(4G)andTsubaki(1G)AgariwereawardedGoldmedalsattheir“SilentKnightJuniorKarateChampionship”Karatecompetition.ShusukewontwoGoldsintheKata(PerformanceDemonstration)andatKumite(Sparring).TsubakiwonGoldintheKatacompetition.
MalaysianNationalFencingChampionshipJooHannOh(10G)wonBronzeintheCadetMen’sFoilIndividualandJuniorMen’sFoilIndividualCategories.
UpcomingSportEvents:
Saturday26May2018-U15GirlsISACTouchFootball,KLASSEPCampus,3pmto5:30pm
Monday4June2018-U16Netball,AISM,3:30pmto5pm
Thursday7June2018-U16BoysSoccer,AISM,3:30pmto5pm
Monday11June2018-U16Netball,AISM,3:30pmto5pm
Thursday14June2018-U16BoysSoccer,AISM,3:30pmto5pm
AISA(AustralianInternationalSchoolsAssociation)Games,Sharjah,UnitedArabEmirates,14to18November2018PreparationsareunderwayfortheAustralianInternationalSchoolsAssociation(AISA)Games,whichwillbeheldatAustralianInternationalSchool(AIS)SharjahintheUnitedArabEmirates(UAE)fromWednesday14toSunday18November2018.Clickthelinkbelowforfulldetailsonhowyourchildcanparticipate.
LetterandFormAISAGames2018
Others
CoveredWalkway
Wearepleasedtoinformyouthatthenewcoveredwalkwayfromthe main car park into the School has been completed and willbecomeactivefromMonday,21May.Allstudentsandparentswillnowenterusingthecardbarriersnextto the guard house at Gate A. Everyone will require ID/securitypassesforaccessfromthistime.Themainsteelgateatthisentrywillremainclosedandbikeridersshould dismount and enter through the barrier gate next to the
guardhouse.OncetheyhaveenteredtheSchool,theyarerequiredtowalktheirbikesalongthedesignatedpathorcoveredfootpath(fromCafe)toparktheirbikesatGateD.
TheschoolbuseswillcontinuetoenterandexittheSchoolashasbeenoccurringsinceworkcommencedonthecoveredentry.GateCwillcontinuetomaintainthesystemofclosureandaccessthathasalreadybeenannounced,i.e.closedfrom3.15pm-3.45pmandalsofrom4.15pmuntil4.45pm.CASHLESS-Countingdowntocashlessfrom1June2018Parents,studentsandstaffcanstartusingtheirIDcardattheCafe,CafeteriaandUniformShoptopurchaseitems.Youcanreloadortop-upcardattheFinancedepartmentorviaonlineGIRO.TherewillbeanautomaticremainderemailedtoyouifyourcardbalanceisbelowRM10.ThereisaCardBalancecheckerlocatedoutsidethegymentrance,whereyoucancheckyourcardtransactionhistory.
Mother'sDayStall2018
Originally planned for 11 May, then postponedunexpectedlytothefollowingMondayduetotheelectionrelatedpublicholidays, theMother'sDayStallwasstillagreatsuccess.Manychildrenstillcameandpurchasedgiftsfortheirmum.ThankyoutoTanyaVanDammeandSamSaduralfortheirorganisationManygiftswereselectedandpurchasedinAustralia,thenmadetheirwaytoMalaysiainTanya'spersonalsuitcasestolandonthetablesfortheJuniorSchoolchildrentomaketheirpurchases.AbigthankyoualsogoestoallthestallhelperswhoassistedonMonday:
KarleneBanfield,RosBurchell, JennyChandra,Katie Jones,YenKneisz,KimRitchie,GeorginaScambler,ToktamSeyedi,LieslTan,KathleenTaylorandChristineWilliams.
Formorephotos,clickhere:MothersDay