Issue 20 - Australian International School Malaysia

Issue 20 Week 10B 14th December 2012 For internal circulation only
AISM NEWSLETTER
The Fortnightly Community Newsletter of the Australian International School Malaysia
Main Senior Middle Junior Performing Arts Sports Others Parent Assoc.
Principal’s Message
As the year draws to a close I
would like to thank our talented
and committed staff for all their
efforts in ensuring another great
year for our school. Our students
achieved many outstanding
results in their academic programs as well as in
other areas.
Our school motto Extend, Explore, Excel has
taken hold this year with all students embracing
the opportunities that the school has to offer. Our
students have tried new activities and have found
their places to excel. The entire school community
has embraced our desire to educate the ‘whole
child’ within an environment where academic
achievement is at the forefront of everything we
do.
International schools are complex organisations
and more than just a place of learning. For most,
it’s the centre of students’ social, recreational
and emotional life. Within the similar complex
environment at AISM, the thing that makes our
students develop and grow in strength is the
simple fact that our teachers show a genuine
concern for each and every individual student
whom they teach.
Our teachers know their students’ strengths,
weaknesses, their fears and their aspirations.
You simply can’t teach the whole child unless you
know the whole child. It is this dedication of our
teachers to know and support their students that
leads to our significant student success and the
strong sense of belonging that our students feel
at AISM.
We have a number of teachers departing at the
end of the week, many of whom have been at
the school for four or more years. We thank our
departing teachers for all that they have done for
the school and for their students and wish them
the very best in their future careers.
To the families departing, all the best for the
future and please drop us a line from time to time
to let us know how you are getting on.
To all remaining staff, parents and students, 2012
has been a great year, thanks to you and I look
forward to working with you again in 2013.
Happy Holidays to All!
David Kilpatrick, Principal
Model United Nations
The past few weeks have been a very busy time for the school’s
Model United Nations program.
This year AISM was very fortunate
to be selected to attend the
prestigious The Hague International
Model United Nation (THIMUN)
Singapore conference and twelve
of our students made the trip
down, representing the nations of
Tonga and the Czech Republic.
The Hague International Model
United Nations (THIMUN) is
one of the biggest, student-led
conferences in the world. Students
from all around the world come
together to role-play the General
Assembly of the United Nations.
THIMUN has grown so big now that
in recent years it has run regional
conferences in both Qatar and Singapore. This was THIMUN
Singapore’s eighth annual conference, hosted at the sprawling
HWA Chong Institution campus.
AISM has never attended such a
large MUN conference before, and
our students rose to the occasion,
passionately representing their
nations and speaking eloquently
on the conference’s many topics,
which ranged from the threat of
rising sea levels to international
piracy. The conference ran for four days and was an immense
success. We hope that this is the start of a new tradition at AISM.
Mr. Unsworth and myself would like to thank Mrs. Annabelle
Woods for stepping in and assisting us with the trip.
Speaking of AISM traditions, December 4th saw AISM’s own
mini MUN conference. Over the past few weeks, all our Year 8
and 9 students have been using their English and HSIE lessons
to prepare for our annual AISM-MUN conference. This year,
Kevin Kam, our Secretary General (and THIMUN Singapore
veteran), opened proceedings and then Year 8 and 9 students,
representing over 50 nations, spent the day debating. Again,
I would like to thank the English and HSIE teachers for their
fantastic support.
Although not all of our students will go on to represent the
school at a large international conference, it is important to
expose all our students to this quite remarkable project in the
hope that we might inspire our students to take their places as
future leaders of the global community.
Chris Broadbent & James Unsworth,
AISM’s Model United Nation Directors
Australian International School Malaysia, No 22, Jalan Anggerik, The Mines Resort City, 43300 Seri Kembangan, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia.
14th December 2012 Page 1
Phone: (603) 8943 0622, Fax: (603) 8948 4522, Email: admin@aism.edu.my, Website: www.aism.edu.my
© 2012 Australian International School Malaysia

Main Senior Middle Junior Performing Arts Sports Others Parent Assoc.
Senior School News
End of Another Year
As another year draws to a close it is time to reflect on
what has been and to look forward at what will be. On a
personal note I have just completed my first, three year
contract and have ‘signed on’ for another stint. That has
given me an opportunity to reflect on what remains to
be done in my role as Head of Senior School.
At Monday’s awards assembly we celebrated a range
of different student achievements with subject awards,
Bronze Medallion and International Awards, World
Scholars Cup presentations and feedback from the
Matilda Project not to mention the Year 12 dance. If
anyone needed a glimpse into what makes AISM so
special, they should have been at that assembly. It is
about breadth and depth.
So what about the future? We know what it is that defines
an AISM student and we have started work on describing
what that looks like. Over the coming 12 months we plan
to develop a framework that guides students through
experiences that will help them develop the attributes
that they will need in the wider community. These
experiences are woven into the fabric of the school year
with Camps, Home Room sessions, Sports, Performing
Arts and, of course, Classroom teaching.
To support these experiences we are developing an AISM
passport that recognizes achievements. We started in
a small way this year with the Year 12 Exit Statement
that identified any and all student participation and
achievement whilst a student at AISM.
Student Results
Our HSC results are usually available before the end of
year. This year the release date is later (Wednesday,
19th December). We are extremely confident that AISM
students have performed well and would like to share
the results with you. I will endeavour to write a report
for the first e-news of the new year.
Ian Martineau,
Head of Senior School
Mr B’s Careers Corner
For the final Careers Corner of the year, I would like
to report on the recent Year 10 Careers Research
Project (CRP), which ran for one week, starting on
Monday, 26th November.
The CRP involves students spending a few days in
companies around Kuala Lumpur, finding out more
about the world of work in the hope that it might
give them some insight into their own future subject
selection choices and eventual career paths.
As always, my role during the week was to visit
as many of the students I could; to see how they
were getting on and supervise the overall project.
I have been running the CRP for six years now
and I am always so very impressed with the
mature and conscientious attitude of our students
and the enthusiasm of the provider companies to
accommodate them.
This year we had students working in hospitality,
engineering, medicine, investment, IT, media and
retail to name but a few. We also had a couple of
students who took part in volunteer work at the
SPCA and the Community Centre for the Deaf in KL.
The project finished on the 5th of December with
a full day careers workshop back at school that
was designed to allow students to reflect on their
experiences and to identify personal strengths and
skills that might assist them in their research and
preparation for the future.
As always, I would like to thank the family and
friends of Year 10 who gave so much of their time in
assisting students with these placements. Without
the continued support of the AISM community, the
Careers Research Project would not be possible.
Wishing you all a joyful and peaceful holiday!
Chris Broadbent,
Careers and Pathways Coordinator
Equestrian Success, Vere Michiels (8W)
A big congratulations to Vere Michiels (8W) for competing
at the National Horse Show in Penang last week. This was
Vere’s first competition, competing in both jumping and
dressage events. She placed 3rd in the Junior Cup for
Jumping and 5th in the Dressage. These are impressive
results, considering the time and training that is required
for the sport of Equestrian. Well done, Vere!
Sarah Cox,
Teacher - Middle School
Page 2 14th December 2012

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Middle School News
On reflection what a wonderful year 2012 has been for the Middle School! In my second year, I can honestly say
I have embraced the change of culture and pace that Malaysia has offered. I have also enjoyed getting to know
all of the Middle School students throughout the year. Whilst the Middle School has enjoyed significant growth
this year, and indeed will in 2013 with the introduction of the third Year 7 class, we continue to maintain a strong
pastoral care emphasis to meet the unique and individual needs of all our students.
I congratulate all of the students who have received awards this week. To those students who did not receive
awards, what is most important is for you to embrace all the opportunities presented and to work towards
reaching your potential.
The academic program has gone from strength to strength with the introduction of three new subjects Outdoor
Education, French and Spanish. The Performing Arts program has certainly demonstrated its presence with some
outstanding performances.
I feel that as a community we have achieved a great deal and I look forward to building the partnership with
teachers, parents and their children to continue this success into 2013. I thank you all for your support.
The students this week received both their reports and class placements for 2013. Some students may also have
received uniform reminders for 2013. These letters were intended to reinforce our school expectations regarding
appropriate uniform, particularly in regard to school shoes.
Middle School Captains for 2013
It is with much delight that I announce the captains/vice captains for
the Middle School in 2013.
Female Captain, Ain Azuddin
Female Vice Captain, Urangani Mudua
Male Captain, Muhammad Naufal
Male Vice Captain, Gabriel Robertson
The Peer Mentor Leaders will be announced in our first official
assembly on return in 2013 where our captains will also be presented
with their badges.
I wish to also take this opportunity to farewell some of my fabulous staff who have been of incredible support
throughout the year: Mark Ellis, Gauthier Bouchaedeau and Anna Wood.
I wish you all a wonderful Christmas if indeed you celebrate it and if not, a safe and restful holiday!
Kylie Booker, Head of Middle School
The Giving Tree Assembly
On Wednesday, 5th December Student Representative
Committee members hosted an assembly to celebrate the
wonderful efforts by students, their families and staff in
donating gifts to the Shepherd Centre Foundation. It was
a fun filled and relaxed assembly with some entertaining
musical and drama acts by students and staff as well as
an impromptu sing-a-long.
Pastor Jacop from the orphanage joined us and spoke of
the number of children for whom his centre cares and of
his gratitude for the overwhelming number of gifts that
were collected this year. It is so encouraging and pleasing
to see that the message of generosity and helping others
who are not as fortunate as ourselves is firm in the
students’ hearts. Thank you.
Annabelle Woods
14th December 2012 Page 3

Main Senior Middle Junior Performing Arts Sports Others Parent Assoc.
Junior School News
As 2012 draws to an end it is timely to think about the
year that has been. Students have been achieving high
levels of academic success in their classrooms and striving
to achieve their best in all that they do. The Junior School
students have excelled in sport across each of our carnivals
and many have represented the school in interschool
competitions. The children have been involved in charity
fundraising to raise money for our sister school in Sabah
through our Matilda project. The Junior School has also
successfully run a number of competitions, such as, the
spelling bee, the dance competition, the art prize and the
poetry competition again this year. All in all, it has been
a very successful and rewarding year for the students in
Junior School.
As with every year there are a number of families leaving
and on behalf of the Junior School team I would like to
wish them all the best for their next adventure. Four Junior
School teachers will be leaving us and I would like to
acknowledge them and thank them for their efforts: Jodi
Wilkins, Liz Ward, Harriet Fearon and Leah Mather, each
of whom have made significant contributions to the Junior
School and we wish them well for the future. This is also
my last year as Head of Junior School and I would like to
thank all of the Junior School staff, parents and students
for your support over the last six years. I am very much
looking forward to getting back into the classroom next
year as a classroom teacher.
I wish everyone a restful break and I look forward to
seeing you all again in the New Year.
Damian Baynes, Head of Junior School
Junior Music Notes
What a year it has been for the Junior School in the Arts.
2012 was an exciting adventure in performing in many places
in the community and at school. From a Dawn Service – to
a shopping Mall – to our in situ Junior School Production, the
Junior School are now very aware that Dance, Music and Song
can be performed just about anywhere.
Thanks very much to our Choir parents who have given so
much support in providing transport to various destinations
and supporting the Choir Camp this year.
Thanks very much to our wonderful community of parents
who helped for the Junior School Production – it was one of
the highlights of the year.
Thanks to the Service Masters and our teacher assistants
too – who quietly worked behind the scenes to make all our
performances look professional and seamless.
Library News
In 2012, AISM moved
into our modern, flexible
& stimulating library
which is very conducive
to effective learning. It
has been a pleasure to
observe how our AISM
students have been
thoroughly enjoying this wonderful new space.
The library resources have continued to expand with
a strong focus on graphic books & developing our
languages other than English collection. Numerous
French and Spanish books have been purchased to
support the introduction of these subjects at AISM.
Our Malay & Mandarin resources have also grown
with a strong focus on the cultures as well as the
language.
Electronic resources continue to be a strong focus in
our library. We have purchased a number of Kindle
Readers and we are selecting eBooks to be read on
them. These will be available for loan during 2013.
Special guests this year have included Australian
authors Coral Tulloch and Ken Spillman and also
British poet and performer, Ian Billings. Ms Tulloch
particularly captivated the students with her
presentations on her travel adventures to Antarctica.
Activities have included Poetry week, Book Week,
Read-a-Thon and The Great KL Knovel Knockout. All
of these activities support our strong commitment
to exposing students to a variety of literature to
continually improve their literacy skills.
We are a member of a dynamic network of 10 Kuala
Lumpur International Schools’ libraries. This continues
to be a very professionally supportive group, sharing
innovative ideas for 21st Century libraries.
Thank you to all the parents who helped with library
related activities this year. Your assistance is very
much appreciated. Also a huge thank you to our very
capable assistant, Ms Umi.
Happy holiday reading with your book or reading
device.
And finally, I would like to say a special farewell to a wonderful
colleague who has made my work at AISM achievable. We are
a great team of three and it has been a pleasure working
closely with you. I wish Jon, all the best for his next adventure.
We all shall miss you very much.
I wish all our students and parents a safe and happy holiday
season.
Susan Bal-Short, Junior Performing Arts Teacher
Denise Miller and Rod Gardiner
Page 4 14th December 2012

Main Senior Middle Junior Performing Arts Sports Others Parent Assoc.
Performing Arts News
As I am writing my final newsletter article at AISM after five intense and exciting years, I look
back on how far the Arts department has progressed from that time. I have made many friends
with students, parents and staff and have travelled far and wide throughout Asia. Professionally
I have steered the development of Drama to include students achieving outstanding results in
the HSC; being involved in inter-school workshops and programs with industry professionals, and
providing an increasing number of performance opportunities for our students. The Senior and
Middle School Productions have been a joy to direct and/or write and I am very proud of the standard and variety of
shows that I have produced during this time.
The development of the new school facilities including the AISM Theatre has been five years in the waiting. As the school
continues to grow, however, these facilities will have a major impact on the future development of the Performing Arts.
The expansion of Music, under the leadership of Mr. McCormick over the past two years, has been a staggering
achievement for one person to undertake. Under the leadership of Mrs. Bal-Short, the Junior Performing Arts program
continues to provide students the opportunity to explore their world through music, drama and dance. I will miss
working with both Mr. McCormick and Mrs. Bal-Short very much and wish them the best for the future.
Finally I would like to thank the teaching staff for their ongoing support of the Arts and the many friendships that I
have made. I wish colleagues returning to Australia or moving on to other locations health and happiness in the years
to come. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to everyone.
Jon Suffolk, Coordinator Performances and Events
From The Music Room
AISM Music Academy
There will be some noticeable changes to the Music Academy in terms of organization next year.
Each of the tutors will continue and we are pleased to welcome Mr Jared Cheow as our new drum
teacher. Following are some of the changes:
• Schedules for the entire term will be sent to parents at the beginning of each term
• Invoicing and payments will be managed by the AISM Accounts Department
• Students and teachers will use a practice journal, which will alert parents to the goals, content
of each lesson and expected weekly practice to be completed.
Next week I will be sending out information and enrolment forms to parents of existing Music Academy students.
Continuing students must complete an enrolment form. Those parents wishing to enrol their son/daughter for the first
time can find the form on the website under ‘Calendar and Events’ and under ‘Student Life’. Otherwise, please email
me on malcolmmccormick@aism.edu.my and I will send a form to you. Please ensure the form is completed promptly
to enable us to formulate the schedules for next year.
Year 5 Band
The year has drawn to a close for the Year 5 Band. Instruments should be returned in person to me (Mr McCormick).
Please do not just leave them in the practice suites as I need to check them off. I am hoping that many students will
continue to play in Band or Orchestra as a Co-Curricular activity next year. Please ask me about opportunities for next
year and I also can arrange instruments for purchase. There will be only a limited amount of instruments available as
the new Year 5 will be using the current stock.
Happy Holidays!
Just a word of thanks to all students who have participated and performed in the many music activities this year.
Some of the highlights include the recent AISM Rocks!; Year 8 students preparing World Music for International day;
the String Quartet performing at the Malaysian Australian Business Council annual dinner; the 50 strong Year 5 Band
performing at Showcase; the Orchestra performing at assemblies and concerts; every student in the Middle School
performing at the Middle School music afternoon; our superb Year 10 vocalists in the Music Showcase Concert and our
new ‘Smooth’ Jazz Ensemble.
I would like to acknowledge the work of our Music tutors, Miss Poh (piano), Mr Albert (sax, guitar and flute), Mr Boey
(strings), Miss Audrey (Voice) and also the late Mr Victor (drums).
I would also to thank Mr Warren for his help with the Co-Curricular Programme organization, Jazz Ensemble, and also
his hard work at all Music events this year, and Mr Suffolk for his wonderful support for Music here at AISM throughout
the year. I wish them all the best in their future journeys.
Lastly, thanks to the parents for your support throughout the year in attending concerts, monitoring home practice and
encouraging student participation in Music at AISM. Happy Holidays.
Malcolm McCormick, Music Teacher
14th December 2012 Page 5

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International Schools Athletic Conference
(ISAC) of Kuala Lumpur
2012 Swimming Championships
On Saturday, 1st December, the AISM Swim Team of
44 swimmers set off to the Aquatic Centre at Shah
Alam. There they competed against the 7 ISAC
Schools and two invited schools from Penang.
These were our results:
• Alysha Bender – BRONZE – U9 Girls 50m Freestyle
• U9 Girls Freestyle Relay – BRONZE (Alysha Bender,
Ariana Eimer, Alana Gallagher, Tania Thong)
• Brenna Maconaghie – BRONZE – O15 Girls 100m
Butterfly
• Alex McLaws – BRONZE – O15 Boys 100 Freestyle
• Melissa McLaughlin – SILVER – U13 Girls 50m
Butterfly
• Melissa McLaughlin – SILVER – U13 Girls 50m
Freestyle
• Maiku Nakajima – SILVER – U13 Boys 50m
Freestyle
• O15 Girls Freestyle Relay – BRONZE (Amelia
Kortum, Brenna Maconaghie, Atsuko Sunaga
and Brooke Turner)
• O15 Boys Freestyle Relay – BRONZE (Mitch
Booker, Stefan Domanski, Alex McLaws, Nathan
Pearsall)
Many of our swimmers
were unlucky to be just
beaten into fourth place
and it was fantastic to
see the large number
of personal best times
recorded. Our overall result of 5th place amongst the
KL based International Schools which equaled our
efforts of 2011.
At this point I would
like to acknowledge the
fantastic job that our Head
Coach Chan Jun Xiong,
affectionately known to
the swimmers as “JX”,
has done in preparing these students over the last
three years. JX has worked
tirelessly with his team
of coaches and is held
in high regard by all the
Barracuda team. I would
like to wish him all the
best as he moves on with
his coaching career.
Phil Wilkins,
Sports Coordinator
AISM Wins Basketball Division 2
ISAC Competition
Over the last few weeks the Senior Boys Basketball Team
had participated in the division 2 International Schools
Athletics Conference (ISAC)competition. Over three weeks
we played 10 games and were undefeated throughout the
tournament.
On Tuesday night we had the finals. We came across
Garden International School in our semi-final. After a good
game by the boys, we beat them 33-11. This got us a spot
in the grand final. After Alice Smith beat ISKL by only
two points in the other semi-final, we had our Grand Final
against Alice Smith who had been our strongest opponent
over the last few weeks. After a well-fought game we won
by 15 points. This was a great outcome especially without
key players Tom Tranter and Josh Edmonston. All the boys
played very well throughout the competition and deserved
the Grand Final win.
Joe Tranter
AISM Take Back to Back Touch Title
AISM Touch Girls have once again displayed their
dominance of the International Schools Athletics
Conference (ISAC) Touch Competitions taking out the
Division 2 Championship. The second year in a row has
seen the girls go through the competition undefeated,
providing some skilful and entertaining Touch along the
way. Ten of the girls have backed up from last year’s
premiership win and were joined by this year’s captain,
Brook Turner, and a number of rookies to the game, who
gained valuable experience.
Taking on Mont Kiara
International School in the
Semi Final, the scores were
locked at 1 – 1 at half time.
However, after the break the
nerves seemed to disappear
and the team posted five
unanswered tries, winning
6 – 1. This placed us in a good position to take on the
International School of Kuala Lumpur (ISKL) for the
Championship.
This game saw a much more disciplined approach as the
girls set about the basics and ran in three early tries,
taking a commanding lead into half time. ISKL weren’t
done and continued to pepper our line but the defense
held strong which opened opportunities for us to run in
another three tries, taking out the game 6 – 0.
It has been a great effort by
the girls over the last couple
of years and combining
the expert coaching ability
of Kasie Wilkins with their
commitment to learn the
game has taken this team to
great heights.
Congratulations on your efforts and I hope to see the
Division 1 Trophy held high next year.
Phil Wilkins,
Sports Coordinator
Page 6 14th December 2012

Main Senior Middle Junior Performing Arts Sports Others Parent Assoc.
Junior School Dance Competition
2012
Thank you and well done
to all of the students who
participated in the Junior
School Dance Competition.
It was wonderful to see so
many students involved.
Science Week 2012
We had a great time during Science Week, 2012. Thanks
for taking your time out and joining us in science activities
through the week. See you during Science Week 2013,
next year!
Thank you to all of the
fabulous judges: Ms Helen Toner, Ms
Kylie Booker, Ms Wendy Benner, Mrs
Annabelle Woods and Ms Elizabeth
Ward as well as the talented DJ Miss
Stephanie along with Mr Suffolk
and Mr Malcolm McCormick for their
assistance with the music.
The Dance Competition concluded
with an exciting showcase of
performances on Friday.
Well done everyone.
Prep - Year 2 Solo
1st = Aaryan, 2nd = Addemeir , 3rd
= Ru En
Year 3 & 4 Solo
1st = Soraya, 2nd = Jessica H , 3rd
= Nathan R
Prep - Year 2 Group
1st = Aaryan and Kasra
2nd = Charlotte, Taylor and Katie F
3rd = Katie T, Alana and Tania
Year 3 & 4 Group
1st = Aletheia and Lharanya
2nd = Gilbert and Dragon
3rd = Phomella, Lashini, Emma and
Danae
Harriet Fearon,
Year 4 Teacher
Sheila Martineau, Science Teacher
Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi (HSK) Chinese
Proficiency Test
This October, a group of Intermediate and Advanced
students (from Years 3 to 7) worked hard during Mandarin
class and were given the opportunity to take an external
Chinese exam, the Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi (HSK) Chinese
Proficiency Test. I would like to congratulate the following
students for achieving outstanding results for their test:
HSK Level 1: Lee Jia Quan, Ennis Wong and Chuah Kah Hoe
HSK Level 2: Tan Jing Hui, Au Yan Yi and Lee Jia Yi
HSK Level 3: Miyo Qin, Tan Jing Yi, Naomi Wong, Dustin
Bainon and Camen Loh
Johen Lu achieved a credit at Level 3.
The HSK Chinese Proficiency Test is a test which provides
information for students about their Chinese literacy.
This informs students so they can work independently to
improve their level.
I am glad to have a chance to work with this group of
fantastic students and I am really pleased that they were
able to achieve so well in our first AISM enrolment in the
HSK Chinese Proficiency Test. I hope next year we can
send more students to participate in this test and I am
anticipating even greater success in the future.
Any parents who would like to find out more information
about the HSK Chinese Proficiency Test, please visit their
website: http://www.chinesetesting.cn or email me if
you have further queries.
Lim Chwee Ping, Mandarin Teacher
14th December 2012 Page 7

Main Senior Middle Junior Performing Arts Sports Others Parent Assoc.
AISM Scholaroos Compete at Yale
University
On the 26th November the AISM Scholaroos embarked
on an epic trip to compete at the World Scholar’s Cup
(WSC) Tournament of Champions hosted by Yale
University.
This trip provided an excellent
educational opportunity for our
students. The Tournament of
Champions brought together
the champion competitors from
the WSC World Finals and a
number of the best teams from
the US Academic Decathlon, for
a ‘Super Bowl’ style event. The
competition therefore provided
opportunities for 19 select Scholaroos to foster their
debating, multiple-choice and essay writing skills in a
‘best-of-the-best’ environment.
The trip was about more than
the competition, however. As a
coach, my proudest moments
were when members of the
public went out of their way to
compliment me on the team’s
behaviour and by the end of
the trip, the group became
self sufficient and the student
leaders emerged. The trip was also about the journey:
We visited the Islamic Art Museum and Souk Waqif
in Doha, the Empire State Building, United Nations,
Broadway, Time Square, Rockefeller Centre, WTC
Memorial, Wall St and Statue of Liberty in New York,
as well as the White House, WWII Memorial, Reflecting
Pool, Lincoln Memorial, Obelisk and Smithsonian in
Washington DC. We ate
wonderful food together,
took in some beautiful
architecture and travelled
on trains, planes, buses and
subways, as well as doing a
lot of walking!
All of that being said, the team did achieve some
spectacular results in the competition. All of the 19
Scholaroos involved fully applied themselves and did
us proud with their efforts. Two of our teams (J1 & S1)
finished in the Top 10 Overall and one of our students
(Emma McLaughlin) finished in the top 10 individuals
overall.
One of our debate teams (J1)
made it through the competition
undefeated and two of our members
were selected to feature in the
Debate Showcase. In total, the team
won a staggering 30 honours against
the best of the best from around the
globe.
The biggest highlight of the
competition was the Gold Medal won
by Tzeyi Koay in the Senior Division
Debate Competition.
Debating proved to be a
really strong point for the
Scholaroos in this event,
as top eleven individual
places were also won by
Ashwen Parthiban, Emma
McLaughlin, Cassandra
Tan, Joshua Edmondston, Brendina Maku and Jit Haw
Lim, in their respective divisions. The team of Ashwen
Parthiban, Joshua Edmondston and Tzeyi Koay won the
Silver Medal in the Senior Division. Further, the team
of Emma McLaughlin, Brendina Maku and Eleanor
Cooper were judged as the 6th best team in the Junior
Division.
Another strength for the AISM Scholaroos was to be
found in the Essay Writing Competition. The highlight
of this competition was the Bronze Medal awarded
to Daweena Motwany. Top 6 finishes in this event
were also had by Emma McLaughlin, Tzeyi Koay,
Dayna Pereira and Cassandra Tan, in their respective
divisions. In addition, the team of Daweena Motwany,
Thung Xuan Lim and Jaan Joseph were adjudged to be
the 6th best essay writing team in the Junior Division.
Lastly, in the Multiple Choice Competition, many great
achievements were also recorded. The highlights were
Silver Medals by Eleanor
Cooper in History and Emma
McLaughlin in Science.
Bronze Medals were won
by Emma McLaughlin in
Literature and Ashwen
Parthiban in Science. AISM
students finished in the
top 4 in 5 out of the 6 subjects tested. In addition to
the Silver and Bronze awards listed above, 4th place
(or Honourable Mentions) were received by Eleanor
Cooper (x2), Dayna Pereira, Tzeyi Koay and Joshua
Edmondston. In addition, Eleanor Cooper was ranked
as the 6th best individual overall in the multiple-choice
test and together with her team (Emma McLaughlin
and Brendina Maku) was ranked 6th best team in the
multiple-choice test.
Overall, this represents a fabulous set of results! This
trip was a huge undertaking by all involved and the
process of working towards the trip and then the
journey itself were the real areas of reward expected
and achieved. These more tangible awards are just the
‘cherry on the top’. It is important to recognise these
awards, however, as they represent the largest haul
thus far by the Scholaroos in an international event.
Well done to all involved – students, parents, teachers
and administrators. A special mention to Emma
McLaughlin for being an amazing Captain, to Mrs
Wendy Gardiner for being an excellent chaperone on
the trip and to Ms Mimie Yong for making all of the
logistical arrangements for the trip.
James Unsworth,
World Scholar’s Cup Coach
Page 8 14th December 2012

Main Senior Middle Junior Performing Arts Sports Others Parent Assoc.
Tournament Subject Awards of Champions List of Results
The Arts (JD & SD)
Eleanor Cooper – 4th
Dayna Pereira – 4th
Tzeyi Koay – 4th
Current Affairs (JD & SD)
Eleanor Cooper – 4th
Joshua Edmondston – 4th
History (JD)
Eleanor Cooper – Silver
Literature (JD)
Emma McLaughlin – Bronze
Eleanor Cooper – 4th
Science (JD & SD)
Emma McLaughlin – Silver
Ashwen Partiban – Bronze
Overall Individual (JD)
Eleanor Cooper – 6th
Overall Team (JD)
AISM J1 (Emma, Eleanor & Brendina) – 6th
Essay Writing
Individual (JD & SD)
Daweena Motwany – Bronze
Emma McLaughlin – 5th
Tzeyi Koay – 6th
Dayna Pereira – 6th
Cassie Tan – 6th
Team (JD)
AISM J2 (Daweena, Thung Xuan Lim & Jaan Joseph)
– 6th
Debating
Individual (JD & SD)
Emma McLaughlin – 7th
Brendina Maku – 11th
Tzeyi Koay – Gold
Ashwen Parthiban – 5th
Jit Haw Lin – 11th
Joshua Edmondston – 11th
Cassandra Tan – 11th
Team (JD & SD)
AISM J1 (Emma, Eleanor & Brendina) – 6th
AISM S1 (Ashwen, Tzeyi, Joshua) – Silver
Overall (Combined Score)
Individual (JD)
Emma McLaughlin – 10th
Team (JD & SD)
AISM J1 (Emma, Eleanor
& Brendina) – 10th
AISM S1 (Ashwen, Tzeyi,
Joshua) – 10th
14th December 2012 Page 9

Main Senior Middle Junior Performing Arts Sports Others Parent Assoc.
Parent Association (PA) and Class
Parents 2013
A proposal to Strengthen School Community
Interactions
The following is a proposal that was discussed at
the recent Parent Association meeting, that after
consultation with the PA Executive and other parents
and staff we plan to implement in 2013.
Further Aligning the Business of the PA with
School Objectives
1. The core purpose of the AISM Parents Association
include:
a) The objects:
i. To promote the interests of the school by bringing
parents, citizens, students and teaching staff into close
co-operation; and
ii. To assist in providing facilities and equipment for the
school and in promoting the recreation and welfare of
the students at the school
b) The functions:
i. To report, when requested by the Chairman of the
Board, on the material requirements of the school and
to advise on the subject of maintenance of the school,
alternations and additions to school facilities, and the
selection of new sites;
ii. To assist and co-operate with the teaching staff in
public functions associated with the school;
iii. To be responsible for the election of parent
representatives to any school council or Board of
Governors constituted at the school in consultation
with the Principal of the school to ensure consistency
with any guidelines (if issued) for elections issued by
the Chairman of the Board;
iv. To assist in any matters in which the Chairman of the
Board may seek the co-operation of the Association.
(Australian International School Malaysia, Parents
Association Constitution)
As such the primary objective at the PA is to arrange
events and support activities that promote strong
school community interactions and to provide input
into major school decisions and reviews as requested.
The proposal is that the PA continues in its current
form and continues to focus its business around the
key objectives relating to building community and
where requested, to provide membership to school
review and school development committees.
Re - instating the Role of Class Parents Across all
Sections of the School
In 2013 we will re-invigorate the role of Class Parents
across all year levels. The primary objective of Class
Parents is to assist new families transitioning to the
school, to build contacts within the school community
and to assist new parents to feel connected with
other parents of the school. Class Parents also serve
to support homeroom teachers in class events and
excursions. In 2013 Class Parents will be provided
with a clear role description and will undergo training/
briefing sessions prior to undertaking their volunteer
duties. Class parents will be recruited during week 1
and week 2 of term 1 each year.
Since the core objectives of the Class Parents and the
PA are aligned to some degree, it is proposed that all
class parents will be encouraged to be active members
of the PA. The PA will comprise of those Class Parents
who want to extend their role to assisting the activities
of the PA as well as other interested parents.
It is proposed that the PA Meeting will be followed by
a Class Parents meeting at which the Heads of School
will brief Class Parents of upcoming school events
and where appropriate, will seek feedback on recent
events, or new ideas and plans.
The Role of the PA Executive
The PA Executive will be appointed from the members
in the same manner, as is current practice. The PA
Executive will continue to manage the affairs of the
PA and will continue to meet once each term with the
School Principal, to provide feedback on the operations
of the school and to provide input into areas of
development.
Parent Reference Groups and Committees
From time to time, as the need arises, the Principal
will call on the PA to nominate parent representatives
to contribute to committee work, where school reviews
or development plans are being deliberated. In recent
times such group have been formed to: undertake a
review of our modern languages program; provide
input into CIS accreditation; inform a review of school
support and counselling services, conduct a review of
canteen operations and; in a range of other areas. In
all cases the input has led to significant improvements
for our students.
Implementation
The business of the PA will continue in its’ current form
but with the agendas being restricted to the objectives
as outlined in the constitution.
Class Parents will be recruited via expression of interest
prior to week 3 of term one each year. During week 3
a training /briefing session will be provide to all class
parents regarding the role and support provided by the
school. Regular review of the role tasks and support
required will be undertaken during the Class Parent
meetings with Heads of School.
David Kilpatrick, Principal
Page 10 14th December 2012