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Issue 12 - Australian International School Malaysia

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<strong>Issue</strong> <strong>12</strong> Week 3A 3rd August 20<strong>12</strong> For internal circulation only<br />

AISM NEWSLETTER<br />

The Fortnightly Community Newsletter of the <strong>Australian</strong> <strong>International</strong> <strong>School</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong><br />

Main Senior Middle Junior Performing Arts Sports Others<br />

Principal’s Message<br />

Our student numbers have reached over<br />

590 compared to 550 when I commenced<br />

at the school in January last year. Next<br />

year, we will open an additional Year 7<br />

class and we expect our enrolment to<br />

grow to above 620. The growth will likely<br />

include higher numbers in our Year 11<br />

class as students are increasingly seeing<br />

our school as a strong option for achieving high university<br />

entrance scores. We are now getting to the stage where<br />

classes are full for 2013 in most year groups.<br />

Our Board has also approved a slight change to the<br />

organisational structure of our school to move away from<br />

three sub schools to two. Our new structure in 2013 will<br />

see the bringing together of Middle and Senior <strong>School</strong><br />

to establish the Middle Senior <strong>School</strong>. In doing this we<br />

will maintain the identity and specific programs for our<br />

Middle <strong>School</strong> students, but under an administrative<br />

structure to be led by Wendy Gardiner, and supported<br />

by Kylie Booker and Ian Martineau continuing in their<br />

current roles. There is quite a bit of detail of how this<br />

will be implemented, which I will share with the school<br />

community over the next few weeks.<br />

In our endeavours to further improve student learning,<br />

as part of our new organisational structure, our Board of<br />

Governors has approved several new leadership positions<br />

to create Heads of Departments in English, Mathematics,<br />

Science, Modern Languages, the Arts, Humanities,<br />

Physical and Health Education and Service Learning.<br />

In the Junior <strong>School</strong>, we have created positions to lead<br />

and coach teachers for continuous development, a new<br />

role to coordinate sport and co-curricular activities and<br />

to operate as a second in charge (to the Head of Junior<br />

<strong>School</strong>).<br />

Next year, students in Junior <strong>School</strong> will move into the<br />

new building and we will open our new Senior Study<br />

Centre (for Year 11 and <strong>12</strong> students) on the top floor<br />

of the new building. All students across all year levels<br />

will use the drama, art, science, food technology, ICT lab<br />

and music facilities in the new building.<br />

Damian Baynes, has requested to step down<br />

from his role as Head of Junior <strong>School</strong> in 2013.<br />

Damian has a desire to return to regular classroom<br />

teaching. He will teach an upper junior class next<br />

year. I have asked Damian to remain on our Senior<br />

Leadership team in 2013 as an advisor, to assist<br />

with the transition of a new Head of Junior <strong>School</strong><br />

who we are currently recruiting. Damian has been<br />

a great support to me over the past 18 months and<br />

his leadership is highly valued and I know he will be<br />

spectacular class teacher next year.<br />

We are in the process of confirming teaching staff<br />

wishing to continue with the school in 2013 and<br />

recruiting new staff. I anticipate that all details<br />

about this will be finalised by the beginning of<br />

Term 4 at which time I will advise all students and<br />

parents of staffing for 2013.<br />

We are currently in the midst of planning the fine<br />

details for 2013 as the new building project nears<br />

completion. Plans to construct a new car park are<br />

almost finalised and works should commence soon.<br />

Details of fees for 2013 have been determined by<br />

the board and will be communicated to parents via<br />

E-news and on the website from Tuesday evening<br />

of next week.<br />

David Kilpatrick, Principal<br />

Diary<br />

Monday, 6th August 20<strong>12</strong><br />

• Public Holiday - Nuzul Quran<br />

Sunday, <strong>12</strong>th August 20<strong>12</strong><br />

- Friday, 17th August 20<strong>12</strong><br />

• Year 8 - 11 Sabah Trip<br />

Friday, 17th August 20<strong>12</strong><br />

• Junior <strong>School</strong> Assembly, 2.15pm, Auditorium<br />

<strong>Australian</strong> <strong>International</strong> <strong>School</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>, No 22, Jalan Anggerik, The Mines Resort City, 43300 Seri Kembangan, Selangor Darul Ehsan, <strong>Malaysia</strong>.<br />

Phone: (603) 8943 0622, Fax: (603) 8948 4522, Email: admin@aism.edu.my, Website: www.aism.edu.my<br />

3rd August 20<strong>12</strong> Page 1<br />

© 20<strong>12</strong> <strong>Australian</strong> <strong>International</strong> <strong>School</strong> <strong>Malaysia</strong>


Main Senior Middle Junior Performing Arts Sports Others<br />

Senior <strong>School</strong> News<br />

Semester One Academic Awards<br />

At Thursday’s Senior <strong>School</strong> Assembly we presented<br />

academic awards from Semester One. In each subject,<br />

at each year level, an outstanding achievement award<br />

was presented to the student who was top of the<br />

class and an encouragement award presented to the<br />

student who put in the greatest effort and performed<br />

well but did not top the class.<br />

ICAS Awards<br />

We have recently received results for the ICAS tests in<br />

both Computer Skills and Science. Whilst we have the<br />

results, we are still awaiting arrival of the certificates.<br />

Awards will be presented at assemblies when they<br />

arrive.<br />

Science Awards (56 entries, 28 awards)<br />

High Distinction: Claire Willemse (Year 6)<br />

Distinctions: Kevin Lee (Year 11), Kah Ann Ho (Year<br />

<strong>12</strong>), Shao Qi Lim (Year <strong>12</strong>), Alex Wong (Year <strong>12</strong>),<br />

Eliza Chew (Year 10), Vighnaa Kunendran (Year<br />

10), Ashwen Parthiban (Year 10), Liam Clark (Year<br />

9), Chantelle Machado (Year 6), Javier Tan (Year 6),<br />

Alexander Kam (Year 4)<br />

Credits: Sally Peh (Year 11), Kevin Kam (Year 10),<br />

Harusora Takahira (Year 10), Thung Xuan Lim (Year<br />

9), Jaan Joseph (Year 8), Christian Bartley (Year 7),<br />

Clarita Chua (Year 7), Ken Jie Chee (Year 6), Joshua<br />

Hughes (Year 6), Sophie Low (Year 6), Timothy Millar<br />

(Year 6), Pei Xien Yeoh (Year 6), Yi Tao Sim (Year 6),<br />

Yan Yi Au (Year 4), Gilbert Sutisna (Year 3), Dragon<br />

Tan (Year 3)<br />

Computer Skills Awards (36 entries, 21 awards)<br />

High Distinction: Lisha Ling (Year 4)<br />

Distinctions: Valentyn Santhara (Year 5), Benjamin<br />

Christy (Year 7)<br />

Credit: Costanza Conidi (Year 3), Dragon Tan (Year<br />

3), Shane Yeow (Year 3), Syamel Greatorex (Year 4),<br />

Lharanya Somasundaram (Year 4), Chantelle Machado<br />

(Year 6), Maiku Nakajima (Year 6), Kaveen Parthiban<br />

(Year 6), Javier Tan (Year 6), Rhiannon Ward (Year<br />

6), Christian Bartley (Year 7), Clarita Chua (Year 7),<br />

Thung Xuan Lim (Year 9), Vighnaa Kunendran (Year<br />

10), Harusora Takahira (Year 10)<br />

Parent Survey<br />

Here it is another reminder regarding the parent<br />

survey!! Remember your feedback will form the<br />

basis for our school improvement plan as part of CIS<br />

accreditation. For those of you who somehow have<br />

missed the previous instructions:<br />

Copy this URL into your browser:<br />

www.endicottresearchcenter.net<br />

When you reach the home page, type in your survey<br />

code: CNP<strong>12</strong>9152<br />

The survey should take you about 15 minutes.<br />

Ian Martineau, Head of Senior <strong>School</strong><br />

Mr B’s Careers Corner<br />

With our Year 10s currently looking for careers research<br />

project placements, I thought it would be a great<br />

opportunity to share some advice from Futurewise’s<br />

careers magazine on how to conduct yourself on work<br />

experience.<br />

Do’s and Don’ts for Work Experience<br />

Get there on time<br />

Yes, the silly bus driver got lost and you fell down an<br />

uncovered manhole but the hard fact is, most people<br />

aren’t interested in excuses. No matter how brilliant<br />

you are, if you’re regularly late, it will get noticed.<br />

Dress the part<br />

Model yourself on the smartest person in the office.<br />

Avoid comedy ties, white socks and other naff faux<br />

pas. In a TV production or fashion company people<br />

might dress a little more “street”. However, generally<br />

ask yourself: do I look smart, clean and appropriate<br />

Explore<br />

What do people in your department do Where could<br />

someone like you be in a few years time What do<br />

people in other departments do What are the<br />

skills in different jobs – is it about creativity, using<br />

spreadsheets, selling, analysing, a mixture of these<br />

or quite focused on a few key skills How do you get<br />

into this industry and different roles (eg. is a degree<br />

necessary, a particular degree)<br />

Ask questions and listen<br />

Ask questions but at appropriate times. People may<br />

be busy so perhaps ask when would be a good time to<br />

talk. Remember to listen to answers – it’s how you’ll<br />

find out things and listening properly is a good way to<br />

make people like you!<br />

Loose the attitude!<br />

You may be given boring things to do, you may get<br />

nothing to do. Whatever you’re asked to do, do it<br />

with a smile and enthusiasm. If you’re asked to make<br />

tea, make it the best tea you’ve ever made. Carry a<br />

notepad with you to note down tasks, however basic,<br />

so you get them right first time. The important thing<br />

is you’re getting an idea about the world of work and<br />

different jobs – you won’t be making tea in ten years<br />

time (unless you’re snooty on work experience, that<br />

is!).<br />

Chris Broadbent,<br />

Careers and Pathways Coordinator<br />

Page 2 3rd August 20<strong>12</strong>


Main Senior Middle Junior Performing Arts Sports Others<br />

Middle <strong>School</strong> News<br />

ICT-rich Learning<br />

This fortnight I have focussed on visiting classes and<br />

interacting with the students and observing their<br />

learning. It has been extremely enjoyable to see<br />

the rich and varied learning experiences that are<br />

occurring throughout the school. I moved between<br />

three different classrooms where they were speaking<br />

French, Spanish, Bahasa and Mandarin. I was shown<br />

a student’s maths assignment that integrated ICT<br />

which was extremely innovative and creative. I wish<br />

to acknowledge the Middle <strong>School</strong> teachers for their<br />

commitment in integrating ICT into the students’<br />

learning experiences. At times using ICT can be<br />

challenging, daunting and frustrating, but their efforts<br />

are certainly appreciated especially by the students.<br />

Students benefit from being presented with authentic<br />

learning experiences in all learning areas.<br />

Outdoor Education Camp<br />

Last Friday evening I was given the opportunity to<br />

attend the Year 8 Outdoor Education camp which I<br />

thoroughly enjoyed. Outdoor Education is new this<br />

year and has been another example of the diverse<br />

learning opportunities available to the students. Mr<br />

Colbey’s report is included on this same page.<br />

Kylie Booker, Head of Middle <strong>School</strong><br />

Gold Medal for Claire Willemse,<br />

Year 6 in ICAS Science Competition<br />

Claire Willemse (Year<br />

6) has been awarded a<br />

Gold Medal in the ICAS<br />

Science Competition.<br />

The Gold Medal is<br />

awarded to student(s)<br />

who score the top mark<br />

in the test.<br />

This is the third Gold Medal that AISM students have<br />

received which is an outstanding achievement. Claire<br />

will be presented with her medal at a special ceremony<br />

later in the year.<br />

Year 8 Outdoor Education Camp<br />

On Friday, the 27th of<br />

July, 16 students from<br />

Year 8 plus 3 teachers<br />

braved the wild, rugged<br />

terrain at MARDI<br />

(<strong>Malaysia</strong>n Agricultural<br />

Research Division). Mr.<br />

Colbey, Ms. Cox and Ms.Booker were able to ensure<br />

that all 16 students were transported safely to the<br />

venue by 5:00pm and ready to partake in a cross<br />

country/orienteering run approximately 4 km long.<br />

The running groups were<br />

led home by the team<br />

of Henry, Will and Shae.<br />

They were followed by<br />

Callum and Joe, Jancis<br />

and Juri, Chris, Ethan,<br />

Robert and Hezekiah,<br />

Theo, Phoebe and<br />

Maddy, Kahlia and Eleanor with Mr.Colbey and Ms.Cox<br />

left to the sweeping duties.<br />

Protest flags were waved when<br />

Juri and Jancis were left with the<br />

wrong directions at one marker<br />

which saw them lose time and<br />

places, but enjoy a pleasant stroll<br />

through the jungle.<br />

A quick shower and clean - up<br />

was followed by dinner where a<br />

variety of dishes were on offer.<br />

Some were even edible. The ever<br />

popular marshmallow desert meant that all campers<br />

were left with fond memories.<br />

After dinner activities<br />

included a 2 hour<br />

spotlight/running game,<br />

a firefly catch and a<br />

release program and<br />

general relaxation.<br />

Campers then settled in to a cosy, some would say even<br />

chilly night with the usual late night antics concluding<br />

at around 1:30am.<br />

Well done to all Year 8’s who participated and behaved<br />

in a manner becoming AISM students. Thank you also<br />

to Ms.Cox and Ms. Booker for giving up their time to<br />

assist with our camp.<br />

Andrew Colbey<br />

3rd August 20<strong>12</strong> Page 3


Main Senior Middle Junior Performing Arts Sports Others<br />

Junior <strong>School</strong> News<br />

We have had a very positive start to the term and all<br />

of the children have settled well. Our new composite<br />

classes in Preparation and Kindergarten are doing<br />

extremely well and this has been a very positive<br />

experience for all. Our new teacher, Miss Stephanie,<br />

is doing a wonderful job working with Miss Wendy and<br />

Mrs Goves to ensure the educational needs of these<br />

students are being met.<br />

Term overviews and updated timetables should have<br />

been sent home by now indicating the topics of study<br />

for the term and any changes that may have occurred<br />

with the timetable. If you haven’t received these<br />

documents yet please contact your class teachers.<br />

Library News<br />

The students, staff & parents are enjoying our wonderful<br />

new learning space. The various library areas allow<br />

for a variety of activities.<br />

These include table &<br />

chairs for formal classes,<br />

benches for computer use,<br />

lounge furniture & “Doof”<br />

bags for laptops and leisure<br />

reading.<br />

At the beginning of the term it is always important<br />

that the students have a positive experience. If you<br />

have any questions about what is happening in the<br />

class, please make an appointment to see your child’s<br />

class teacher as soon as possible.<br />

Our Annual Readathon has begun and the students<br />

have the opportunity to read and raise money for<br />

our school library. Please support your children<br />

with this initiative as the focus on reading is always<br />

important for the students. I encourage you to take<br />

the opportunity to pick up a book and read with<br />

your children. If children believe their parents are<br />

passionate about literature and reading, they too<br />

develop a similar outlook to reading.<br />

Damian Baynes, Head of Junior <strong>School</strong><br />

Walkathon Update<br />

We have still had some money coming in from the<br />

walkathon and will have an accurate update available<br />

very soon, but it looks like we have raised close to<br />

RM60,000 which is an amazing effort. Congratulations<br />

to the students who made the effort to raise money<br />

for our Matilda Project.<br />

Our prize winners from Walkathon are:<br />

Lunch with the Principal (Thursday 9/8/<strong>12</strong>) -<br />

Katie Tranter 2W, Amelia Ward 7W, Shahirrah Shaziman<br />

9G, Kane Dyer 7G, Jessica Sheppard 3W, Jayden Yew<br />

KG, Sally Peh 11G, Nikhil Rao KG, Daweena Motwany<br />

9G, Washington Chao 4G.<br />

New Resources<br />

Recent additions to our library include a selection of<br />

Olympic related books and a wide range of graphic<br />

novels.<br />

Read-a Thon<br />

Thank you to the parent helpers who are organizing it<br />

this year.<br />

Book Donations<br />

Leo Landridge, 5G has kindly donated the very popular<br />

Geronimo Stilton books.<br />

Outstanding Loans<br />

Students with long-term outstanding loans have<br />

recently received a notice. Parents, please assist the<br />

library with this by encouraging students to return<br />

them as soon as possible<br />

Denise Miller and Rod Gardiner<br />

Kidzania Tickets - Tung Xuan Lim 9W, Zak 11G, Aaron 8G, Soraya Meor 3W, Wei Ren Goh 1G, Ben Pols KG,<br />

Dashveen Jose 9G<br />

Lego Land Tickets - Sally Peh 11G, Eliza Chew 10W, Madyson Pietsch 8W<br />

The Winner of the Grand Prize of a Samsung Galaxy Tab was Ford Sutcliffe.<br />

Well done everyone on a fantastic effort with this charity fund raising event.<br />

Damian Baynes<br />

Page 4 3rd August 20<strong>12</strong>


Main Senior Middle Junior Performing Arts Sports Others<br />

Performing Arts News<br />

From the Music Room<br />

HSC Drama Showcase, Thursday 16th August<br />

The 20<strong>12</strong> HSC Drama Showcase<br />

will be held in conjunction with<br />

the Visual Arts and Design<br />

and Technology Exhibition on<br />

Thursday, 16th August. The<br />

four students will present their<br />

Group Performance Project and<br />

then each student will present<br />

their Individual Projects. Two students will present<br />

Individual Performances and two will screen and<br />

talk about their Video Projects. These students will<br />

travel to Singapore in early September for the HSC<br />

Practical Examinations and the Video Projects will<br />

be sent to Sydney for marking at the same time.<br />

The performances will commence at 5.30pm in the<br />

Theatre.<br />

<strong>International</strong> Day, Thursday 30th August<br />

The annual <strong>International</strong> Day is fast approaching and<br />

many students are involved in preparing performances<br />

for the assembly that will start the day. Please put<br />

Thursday, 30th August in your diary and come along<br />

and join us on this wonderful day of celebration. A<br />

reminder that there will be no Co-Curricular<br />

Activities that afternoon.<br />

The program for <strong>International</strong> Day will be published in<br />

the next newsletter.<br />

Jon Suffolk,<br />

Coordinator Performances and Events<br />

Junior Music Notes<br />

Junior <strong>School</strong> Production,<br />

Wednesday 5th September<br />

The Junior <strong>School</strong> is now in recycling mode – collecting<br />

plastic bottles and plastic bags and cardboard boxes<br />

for their installations and props for “The Project”. This<br />

year’s Junior <strong>School</strong> Production of sound, light and<br />

movement is an evening performance set around<br />

the site specific venue of the pool and surrounding<br />

verandas.<br />

Parents, please do not go out and purchase the plastics<br />

required. The intention is to ask your neighbours, Malcolm McCormick, Music Teacher<br />

friends and families to collect used bottles etc. for our<br />

Artist –in- Residence, Ms. Lisa Foo to come and help<br />

coordinate the construction which will begin very soon. Please mark the Production time and date on your<br />

calendars: Wednesday, 5 September, 7.00 – 8.00pm.<br />

The Young Voices Choir is now in preparation for a performance at the up-coming <strong>International</strong> Day (30th<br />

August) and will also be performing at the Showcase evening on Thursday, 13 September.<br />

Japanese Drumming Group, KLCC 24th & 25th August<br />

What’s on in KL An interesting Japanese Drumming group called ‘Drum Tao’ is performing at the Plenary<br />

Hall, KLCC Convention Centre on 24th and 25th August. This performance will be a mix of Taiko drums and<br />

contemporary Japanese percussion.<br />

Susan Bal-Short, Junior Performing Arts Teacher<br />

Music Showcase Concert,<br />

Thursday 13th September<br />

The annual Music Showcase<br />

Concert will take place on<br />

Thursday, September 13th in the<br />

evening. Auditions will take place<br />

in week 5. Students need to sign<br />

up with Mr McCormick. Please<br />

make sure you can attend this<br />

event which will feature solo and small group, studentdirected<br />

items as well as items from the performing<br />

ensembles here at AISM.<br />

Orchestra Tour Vietnam 20<strong>12</strong>, 7-11th November<br />

This exciting tour is scheduled to take place from 7-11<br />

November, 20<strong>12</strong>. I am still waiting on a few expressions<br />

of interest letters before going ahead with the final<br />

arrangements. If your son/daughter is in the orchestra<br />

and you have not returned this letter of interest please<br />

do so. Letters are available from myself and can be<br />

found on Studywiz. Alternatively, please email me<br />

your intentions regarding this activity.<br />

Instrumental Music Academy Lessons<br />

Lessons for term 3 are underway this week with<br />

record numbers of student enrolments in the program.<br />

Invoices have been sent out last week and payment<br />

is requested by August 7. Thank you for your prompt<br />

payments in advance. The standard cost of the 8<br />

lessons over the term is RM 320.00. As teachers<br />

have a tight schedule due to the large amount of<br />

enrolments, please notify the teacher if your son/<br />

daughter is unable to make a lesson previous to, or on<br />

the morning of, the lesson. Make –up lessons are often<br />

difficult to schedule.<br />

Year 5 Band Fees<br />

The exciting Year 5 Band program is gaining<br />

momentum and we look forward to their performance<br />

at the Music Showcase Concert. Please encourage your<br />

son/daughter to practice daily as we are at the stage of<br />

rapid skill and music reading development. This week<br />

I will send out invoices for instrument rental fees for<br />

semester 2. This fee can be paid at the accounts office.<br />

3rd August 20<strong>12</strong> Page 5


Main Senior Middle Junior Performing Arts Sports Others<br />

Aussie Rules at AISM<br />

The time honoured<br />

tradition of ‘Saturday<br />

arvo footy’ was<br />

celebrated<br />

last<br />

weekend, the 28th of<br />

July with a Staff/Parent<br />

team taking on the<br />

students.<br />

The age difference between the teams was offset by<br />

the corresponding difference in abilities which allowed<br />

for a most entertaining match. The crowd of around<br />

50 were treated to an enthralling spectacle which<br />

gave those present a rollercoaster ride of emotions<br />

and excitement.<br />

The staff/parents were<br />

pushed to their limits<br />

as the students’ run<br />

and enthusiasm had<br />

many questioning if 4,<br />

15 minute quarters may<br />

have been 10 minutes<br />

per quarter too long.<br />

Steve Wall proved to be the difference up front for<br />

the oldies (experienced) team with a fine example of<br />

how the position of full forward should be played. The<br />

forward pockets (one notable senior staff member<br />

in particular) were heard to have been chanting the<br />

usual forward pocket mantra, “I’m free, kick it to me…<br />

….I’m free, kick it to me”. Rugby converts Coombes,<br />

Unsworth and Martineau were handy all day especially<br />

in the later stages with Mr. Martineaus’ all important<br />

touch finders and Mr. Unsworths’ slick pass in the<br />

middle that was deemed to have been backwards in a<br />

forwards motion.<br />

The students had many good players. McLaws and<br />

Booker gathered plenty of touches out of the middle;<br />

Uruguayan utility, Santiago Prato, slotted in well in<br />

the back line as did Pearsall. Sprite and Dash were<br />

full of run, the Tranter boys threw down the gauntlet<br />

only to have dad place a couple of well - timed tackles<br />

and bumps just to let the boys know who the boss is.<br />

‘Apples’ Kilpatrick took some good marks up front and<br />

Maynard combined well with newcomer, Will Thorpe<br />

across half back.<br />

The real winner on the day was footy (and the oldies<br />

by 16 points).<br />

There are already whispers of a rematch which the<br />

staff/parents are seriously considering. Allowing for<br />

recovery, the senior team should be back into training<br />

by early August……….2016.<br />

This was a “pilot” activity, generated by students and<br />

could well become a whole school community event in<br />

the future - watch this space.<br />

Andrew Colbey<br />

MATILDA EXPEDITION 20<strong>12</strong><br />

Our Service Learning Group<br />

is off to Sabah to work in<br />

our Matilda Project at the<br />

Asrama Desa Pukak hostel<br />

in week 5 and would like<br />

to ask for any last minute<br />

donations. We have limited<br />

luggage allowance but if you have any of the following,<br />

we would be happy to deliver them to the 30 students<br />

and Dora, their house mother.<br />

Toothpaste/ toothbrushes,<br />

soap / face towel, coloured<br />

pencils, postage stamps,<br />

clothing for 5-11 year<br />

olds, other good ideas (eg;<br />

skipping ropes), board<br />

games / colouring-in books,<br />

playing cards, hair clippers, seeds (flowers or vegies),<br />

trowel, colourful posters (educational or decorative).<br />

We will collect it from the<br />

box in Junior <strong>School</strong> Office.<br />

Many Thanks.<br />

Alex MClaws, Tom Tranter,<br />

Sabah Team and Service<br />

Learning Committee.<br />

Sheila Martineau<br />

Page 6 3rd August 20<strong>12</strong>


Main Senior Middle Junior Performing Arts Sports Others<br />

Message From Health Services<br />

There has been Head lice in Year<br />

2 and Kindergarten Parents with<br />

girls are requested to keep their<br />

hair tied back and if it is very<br />

long, it is better to keep the hair<br />

in a pleat. Hair strands should be<br />

neatly tied back with a clip well<br />

off the face. Please be vigilant and check your child<br />

every week before school on Monday and at the start of<br />

every term. Please inform the school nurse if your child<br />

has Head lice so that we can keep it under control.<br />

Parents are able to buy Head lice shampoo and<br />

comb from the Nurse Office at RM 20. Payment<br />

and receipt should be handed to the accounts<br />

department.<br />

Please see this website for more information on how to<br />

treat Head lice:<br />

http://www.health.wa.gov.au/docreg/<br />

Education/Diseases/Communicable/Parasitic/<br />

HP0149_head_lice_FS.pdf<br />

Tetanus Injection<br />

If your child is going away on a school excursion or<br />

camps, it is always good to up-date your child’s tetanus<br />

injection.<br />

• The vaccine is given along with other childhood vaccines.<br />

It is combined with the diphtheria and pertussis vaccine<br />

for early childhood immunization (DPT) and is usually<br />

only combined with diphtheria (ADT) or given by itself<br />

(Tetox) in adulthood. The DPT vaccine is given at 2, 4<br />

and 6 months of age. Boosters are given at 18 months,<br />

5 years, and after 10 years of age. The immunization<br />

schedule is constantly changing and it is wise to discuss<br />

with your doctor what the current regime is.<br />

• A booster tetanus injection is recommended every 10<br />

years, throughout life. Usually it is combined with the<br />

diphtheria booster.<br />

A person who gets a deep puncture wound more than 5<br />

years after the last tetanus booster may be advised to<br />

get a tetanus booster.<br />

Denise MacFarlane, <strong>School</strong> Nurse<br />

<strong>International</strong> Student Assessment<br />

(ISA) in Term 4<br />

This year we will facilitate the <strong>International</strong> Student<br />

Assessment (ISA) program in Term 4. The ISA<br />

assessment program is designed especially for<br />

students in international schools in Grades 3 to 10. It<br />

is based on the internationally endorsed reading and<br />

mathematical literacy frameworks for <strong>International</strong><br />

Student Assessment (ISA).<br />

What does the ISA Measure<br />

• Reading<br />

• Mathematical Literacy<br />

• Writing<br />

The assessments will<br />

be spread over three<br />

days and will include 5<br />

sub-tests. There is no<br />

preparation required<br />

for these assessments<br />

by the students.<br />

The ISA assessment provides:<br />

• An assessment with a broad cultural base;<br />

• A combination of multiple-choice and open-ended<br />

questions and prompts;<br />

• Student-level information about what individuals<br />

know and can do;<br />

• Class-level and school-level information that can<br />

inform instructional programs;<br />

• Information about sub-groups’ performance; for<br />

example, gender, language group;<br />

• Relevant comparisons between like schools;<br />

• <strong>International</strong> normative information and<br />

• Information about growth over time of our<br />

students<br />

Further information<br />

will be provided closer<br />

to the assessment.<br />

Please do not hesitate<br />

to contact me if you<br />

have any questions at<br />

kyliebooker@aism.<br />

edu.my.<br />

Kylie Booker<br />

3rd August 20<strong>12</strong> Page 7


Main Senior Middle Junior Performing Arts Sports Others<br />

20<strong>12</strong> ICT Highlights<br />

During this year there have been many improvements and enhancements to our ICT facilities and resources.<br />

Below is a summary of some of the initiatives that have undertaken and that are directed towards improving<br />

student learning.<br />

• Whole <strong>School</strong>:<br />

▪ Purchasing underway for 50 additional MacBooks for students , to bring<br />

the total to 100.<br />

▪ Increased Internet bandwidth 500% from 8GB to 44GB<br />

▪ 6 New Multifunction printers (Scan, Copy, Print) and 7 New High<br />

Performance desktops<br />

› 50% of which are dedicated to student use<br />

› Each lab now has a high performance printer<br />

› Smart card Authentication system to support follow-me printing<br />

▪ Upgraded all netbooks, laptops and PCs to 4GB memory or higher to<br />

improve performance<br />

▪ Improved Wi-fi coverage by increasing access points and additional controller<br />

▪ 18 New iPads bringing total to 30 with close to 200 apps installed<br />

▪ Installed Control panels in all classrooms and learning areas to support full<br />

integration of laptops into learning<br />

▪ Commissioning under way for remote access to our “Clickview” Video<br />

Resource database for all students<br />

▪ Deployment of Digital Signage in Swimming pool area, Admin Office and<br />

Library<br />

▪ Purchase under way for 2 new High Spec servers to support future<br />

demand and upgrade existing services<br />

• The revamped Library now has<br />

▪ New collaborative working space with 6 new HD TV’s complete with PC<br />

connectivity<br />

▪ 6 New multimedia learning areas complete with projectors and Smartboards<br />

▪ 5 new computers for Library resources access<br />

▪ 1 New Multifunction printers (Scan, Copy, Print) and High performance<br />

desktop printers<br />

▪ <strong>12</strong> New iPad 3’s dedicated for Library access bring total to 24.<br />

• Junior <strong>School</strong><br />

▪ Allocated an additional 50 netbooks to Junior school to support a 3:1 student to computer access<br />

ratio for all students<br />

• Admissions department has received 4 new laptops to conduct online entrance tests<br />

• Learning Support Department - 3 New PCs<br />

2013 ICT Initiatives<br />

Although not finalized below is a summary of key initiatives under way for 2013.<br />

• Replacement of the current Student Management System is a major undertaking which will provide several<br />

benefits including:<br />

▪ Improved data accuracy and turnaround time<br />

▪ Increased flexibility in capturing student and parent data<br />

▪ Increased electronic communication - including providing a parent portal<br />

▪ Reduced paper based data collection and manual entry<br />

▪ Improved integration with other school systems including library, virtual learning environment and<br />

financial systems<br />

• Upgrading/Refreshing 25 Portable Devices in the Library<br />

• Upgrading/Refreshing 100 Portable Devices in Junior <strong>School</strong><br />

• Deploying 20 Wireless Access Points to provide Wi-Fi coverage in the new building<br />

• Rolling out a new specialized ICT lab with iMac to support Multimedia content production.<br />

• Increasing Digital Signage coverage in cafeteria and new building<br />

• Printer store and release system complete with Smart Card system for students.<br />

• Improving remote access to school resources including Library systems.<br />

• Parent access to single login for Studywiz (Virtual Learning Environment).<br />

• Revamped web site<br />

Charles Mutinda, ICT Manager<br />

Page 8 3rd August 20<strong>12</strong>

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