PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE
Dear Parents and Guardians,
As we complete the January 2012 semester, we can look back at the past five months with a great deal of satisfaction and with some nostalgia.
During the past semester, our Grade 7 and 8 programme grew significantly and our Grades 9 ‐ 11 programme progressed very well. Since the last “SIS Matters”, several significant events occurred at SIS – the very successful Field Trip Day, the Performance Night and the Final Assembly – highlights of these events will be chronicled in this edition. As we prepare for the final examinations at the end of the semester, we can look back and appreciate the many good things which occurred during the term. However, these thoughts will be tinged with a little nostalgia, knowing that these events have occurred for the last time at the present location.
As we bid goodbye to the ‘old’ SIS building with fond memories, we are eagerly anticipating the move to the new building at the same time. We will occupy the new building as of 1st July 2012 and all classes next semester will take place therein. As this is being written, plans are underway for the move – preparations for the workmen to complete the building are going all out; new furniture is being delivered; teachers are packing their personal and professional materials to be moved; and all other preparations are in the ready stage to be implemented when required. To be sure, there may be some glitches when we move, as are always the case when such moves are made; however, we have tried to anticipate any possible issues and will be ready to deal with them as required.
For some of students, this will be their last semester with us. To our graduates (and their parents/guardians), we would like to thank everyone for trusting SIS with the care and education of the students. We hope we have met your expectations and prepared the students for the next step in their academic journey. We wish our graduating students and their parents all the best in the future.
As with the graduating students, we also have some teachers who will be leaving SIS at the end of the semester. Mr. Steve Anderson and Mr. Chris Prior will be returning to Canada to take up teaching positions, while Mr. Terry Reich will be moving to the Grade 12 program at CIMP. Ms. Subatra and Ms. Nur Ezza will be on maternity leave and will join us as new mothers later in the semester. To these people taking their leave, we wish them nothing but happiness and success in the future.
We would also like to welcome new additions assisting in our operations. Ms. Low Fun Fun will be the Manager of Admissions and Administration, overseeing the smooth running of this office while Mr. Steven Tan joins us as Coordinator of Operations, looking into students’ security and safety, and supporting the School’s operating functions. If you have any questions related to these areas, please do not hesitate to contact these capable individuals.
On behalf of Ms. Annie Lim, Mr. Manny Avila, the teaching and the support staff, I wish you a safe and restful semester break and look forward to seeing you in July 2012 from our new SIS Building.
Principal
John Futa
Vol 5 Issue 2 28 May 2012
SIS SPECIALS ‐ STUDENT AWARDS
We congratulate the recipients of our Student Achievement Awards ‐ we’re proud of you!
GRADE 7 SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD GRADE 8 SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD Female Maryam Bahadori Nejad Female Sara Keshavari Male Kh’ng Zhi Jia Male Soh Zhen Yang
MOST IMPROVED STUDENT AWARD HELPING HANDS AWARD Grade 7 Amirmohammad Adabjou Grade 7 Cheong Ziqing
Grade 8 Grade 8 Sohrab Momen Yeo Chelsea
PARTICIPATION AWARD ARTS AWARD
Grade 7 Zohra Ng Binti Abdullah Grade 7 Lee Wei Chee
Grade 8 Grade 8 Pavithran Estelle Siow Devanathan Zhi Qian
LEADERSHIP AWARD CITIZENSHIP AWARD
Rueben Ong Ming Siong Rozalya Rayceal Ramlin
ARTS AWARD MOST IMPROVED STUDENT AWARD
Radhanath Dasa A/L Thialan Mohammad Ali Haji Moradkhani
MALE ATHLETE OF FEMALE ATHLETE OF
THE SEMESTER THE SEMESTER
Johann Gerber Nur Aina Suliana Binti Shahrin
Vol 5 Issue 2 28 May 2012
Grades 9, 10 and 11
SIS SPECIALS
On 27th April, 23 boarders went on a weekend trip to Cameron Highlands, a popular hillside destination. Highlights included a stopover at Kuala Woh Hot Springs, where boarders enjoyed the natural hot waters ‘spa’; the famed Brinchang Night Market for local delicacies like ayam golek (broiled chicken) and grilled sweet corn; and a visit to the Mardi Agro‐Technology Park, for its farms of temperate flowers, vegetable, fruits like grapes, strawberries and oranges, and tea plantations.
The boarders also engaged in outdoor adventures including a trek to the Robinson Waterfall and spelunking at Gua Tempurung. The waterfall trek was a test of team‐building and leadership when the group ventured into rough terrain. Our boarders passed with flying colours when they helped each other overcome obstacles such as fallen trees, muddy trails and overgrown bushes.
The cave exploration was a 2½ hour exhilarating adventure – our boarders glided down a gradual decline before confronting a shallow underground river. Crawling on all fours, it was good workout besides a thrilling experience in discovering their stamina and bravery.
The boarders returned to SIS House exhausted but brimming with stories of their adventures and the sights they beheld.
On 9th May, SIS successfully pulled off another well received Performance Night with 19 groups of artistic students who showcased their talent and skills in performance arts. The acts ranged from acoustic music to dance styles and band performances. Moreover, SIS teachers also happily participated by performing together with the students, reflecting the positive solidarity and spirit between students and teachers. Audiences that came out in full support of the Performance Night included SIS graduates, current students and also parents and family. We are grateful
to Mr. Brendan Narancsik and Ms. Olivia Frei for putting the show together and our principal Mr. John Futa for taking the time to acknowledge the performers. Last but not least, special thanks to the coterie of talented and hardworking students who convoked and contributed in the making of SIS’ Performance Night.
HAPPENINGS @ SIS HOUSE
Sojourn to Cameron
Vol 5 Issue 2 28 May 2012
Performance Night
Reported by Lee Sharon, Grade 11 student
SIS SPOTLIGHT ‐ FIELD TRIP DAY
Vol 5 Issue 2 28 May 2012
The Royal Gallery featured the King’s former possessions, all the pendants and badges each king of every state received, and my personal favourite, the Queen’s jewels and many interesting facts. At the Orang Asli village, we saw chickens and wood carvings, and some of us even had the opportunity to try our hand at aboriginal arts and crafts like weaving and wood carving. What a day!”
Andrea Lashini Selvarajah, Grade 7A, visited the Carey Island ‘Mah Meri’ Orang Asli Village and Sultan Abdul Aziz Royal Gallery, Klang.
The purpose of the trip was to learn more about nature with our teachers and friends. Our guide took us through the forest and showed us many amazing sights such as the many different species of trees and their uses. Our walk took us through a canopy of trees, where the leaves made beautiful patterns above us. We learned survival tips too, like knocking on empty tree trunks to communicate with others if we got lost, which could also be a hiding place from wild animals. The trip was very interesting and we really enjoyed it.
Dhaanyah Thanabalasingam and Park Soo Jung, Grade 8A, visited the Forest Research Institute of Malaysia (FRIM), Kepong.
I was nervous to see the wild elephants but I learnt that they’re actually quite cute, especially when they wave their trunks for more ripe bananas. It was fun to see the elephant keeper and visitors showering the elephants; it looked like they were riding a roller coaster! On the trip, I experienced new things that I’ve never experienced in Korea. I could walk on the road where the elephants walked, feed them and touch them up close. We're having a great experience in SIS through learning from classroom activities, field trips and the foreign culture and lifestyle.
(Kelly) Kang Ju Eun and (Leila) Um Hye Rin, Grade 11, Korean exchange students, visited the Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary & Lentang Forest Recreational Park, Pahang.
Vol 5 Issue 2 28 May 2012
Bad weather and a burst river bank derailed our white water rafting and caving intentions. Fortunately Nomad Adventures had alternative activities planned. Within no time at all, the students were dangling along cliff edges, becoming expert rock climbers and balancing on fine wires between rainforest canopy trees for a high ropes course. Indeed the trip was a great success and displayed the positive spirit and inspirational nature of SIS.
Marcus Brims, teacher, on the Nomad Adventure trip to Gopeng, Perak.
We were excited to see the much anticipated Broadway musical, Wicked. We couldn’t stop raving about the music composition, vocal quality and dramatic portrayal of characters. The actors were incredibly expressive and made the emotions and message believable. Yuvitra Jeyaraman, Grade 10, watched “Wicked” in Marina Bay Sands, Singapore.
The SkyTrex Adventure was unbelievable! We equipped ourselves with safety gear such as harness and carabiner. When we were flying among the trees, some screamed in fear while the braver ones flew across like it’s no big deal. We enjoyed the trip
because it was something new and outdoors.
Nicholas Chai Ming Jie, Grade 9, camped at Bukit Cahaya Sri Alam and experienced the SkyTrex Adventure Park, Shah Alam.
We saw military memorabilia such as vehicles, weaponry and uniforms. The best part was walking the underground tunnel where we saw how injured people were treated during the war. We made the beach clean‐up fun by racing to see the different kinds and quantity of rubbish we can collect ‐ 10 bags full!
Caitanya Dasa Thialan, Grade 9, visited the Army Museum and cleaned up Port Dickson Beach, Negeri Sembilan.
SIS SPOTLIGHT ‐ FIELD TRIP DAY
SIS & THE COMMUNITY
On 8th April, SIS staff and students lent their wholehearted support to the “A Child at a Time" 5KM Run for Education event organised by Sunway College's Monash University Foundation Year. They were joined by approximately 400 runners of all ages in support of this worthy cause despite an early Sunday morning start time.
The purpose was to raise RM50,000 to provide tuition payments for underprivileged children in the Klang Valley. SIS was well represented from both students and staff alike, with the youngest runner of the race Lee Wei Hau impressing a lot of participants as he sprinted passed them.
SIS participants did the School proud and deserve special recognition for their accomplishments. Grade 10 student Lydia Cheah finished in 14th place, while Grade 7 teacher Ms. Virginia Chow and French teacher Mrs. Marie‐Josée Talbot tied for 1st place in the Women’s category. Students were also delighted to see their Canadian Principal Mr. John Futa and Chief Executive Ms. Cheng Mien Wee participating in the race.
Running for a charity such as this one is a great way to interact with the community and to promote fitness. Most importantly, everyone involved in the event have contributed to a cause that assists needy students. Everyone’s participation and effort has proved that together we can make a difference!
SIS Mathletes
Run For Education
Vol 5 Issue 2 28 May 2012
Reported by Mrs. Talbot ([email protected])
Mrs. Talbot & Ms. Chow with their trophies.
Math competitions are a great way for students to challenge themselves. This semester SIS students had many opportunities to whet their math prowess through
a variety of multilevel competitions, namely, the Waterloo Math Contests (in February and April), Sunway A‐Level Math and Logic Challenge (in April), the online
World Math Day (in March) and the Asia Math Challenge (in May).
Muhammad Saleh Bin Raghib, Malaysian
The experience exposed me to some of the most challenging questions of my math career. The thrill of
solving the questions motivated me to never quit and enjoy participating in the competition.
Seo Jinyoung, South Korea
This competition was a great experience that helped to build my capabilities in solving logic questions and
also provided the opportunity to challenge myself by competing with students from different schools and levels.
Daulet Talakaliyev, Kazakhstan
The most difficult part of the competition was the logic questions. It wasn’t just about how good you are
with numbers, but also how fast you can analyse and understand the problems to find the correct answer.
Nguyen Hoang Nam, Vietnam
By participating, I’ve gained more confidence and feel less pressure for tests and other competitions.
Reported by Ms. Data ([email protected])
Lydia Cheah with Ms. Elizabeth Lee
SIS ADMINISTRATION
Vol 5 Issue 2 28 May 2012
New Semester, New Times Thank you to our SIS parents who participated in the recent survey on school times. In light of the unanimous feedback; we will be adhering to new school times from the July 2012 semester, commencing 6th July 2012 for new students, while returning students will start classes on 9th July 2012.
Important Notice Final Reports Copies of the Final Report will be mailed beginning 29th June 2012. Original reports should be collected in person from the Academic Office when the July 2012 semester resumes.
Fee Payment
All fee payments for the July 2012 semester are to be settled in full by 29th June 2012. The School reminds all parents / guardians to settle outstanding payments by this date to avoid service disruptions to the Library, wi‐fi internet connection, eLearn access and other facilities.
Safety & Security Enforcement
With immediate effect, SIS will exercise more stringent measures to uphold students’ safety and security. Students are required to:‐
Comply with the School’s Code of Conduct.
Strictly adhere to the Uniform Policy.
Have their student ID card with them at all times for access and verification.
Graduates
Graduates are required to complete the Course Completion Form and submit them to the Admin Office by 8th June 2012. Adherence to this deadline will ensure that your deposit is paid out / transferred promptly.
SCHOOL HOURS
Monday ‐ Thursday : 8.00a.m. to 3.15p.m.
Friday : 8.00a.m. to 12.00p.m.
STRUCTURE
5 periods a day; consisting 4 academic subjects and 1 study period.
Mondays ‐ Thursdays : 80 minutes per period Fridays : 45 minutes per period.
Daily homeroom.
40 minute lunch break.
Extra‐curricular activities occur after school.
Grades 9, 10 and 11
SCHOOL HOURS
Monday ‐ Thursday : 8.00a.m. to 3.00p.m.
Friday : 8.00a.m. to 12.00p.m.
STRUCTURE
Core subjects: Language Arts, Mathematics, Science & Technology.
Rotary subjects: History/Geography, Physical education, Arts, Drama, French.
Compulsory subject: Bahasa Malaysia.
40 minute lunch break.
Extra‐curricular activities occur after school.
Grades 7 and 8
We’re 30… and Growing!
MANAGER ‐ ADMISSIONS & ADMINISTRATION
COORDINATOR ‐ OPERATIONS
Vol 5 Issue 2 28 May 2012
“I am really happy and grateful to be part of the SIS team. I would like to make a difference in the lives of the people that I touch. I am excited at the opportunities ahead, as I see incredible potential for SIS to grow and develop. I believe with the great team we have in place, we will bring SIS to new heights and achievements.”
Ms. Low Fun Fun joined SIS on 2nd April 2012, impressed and inspired by the academic quality and uniqueness of the Ontario curriculum. She has been quickly and warmly accepted for her congenial manner and quiet efficiency.
Ms. Fun Fun, as she prefers to be called, brings a wealth of experience from having served in the sales, public relations and marketing sector for 11 years. In that time, Ms. Fun Fun honed her customer service skills managing and fulfilling customer expectations. She is motivated by being attentive to customer needs, equating the highest levels of quality service for a healthy long term relationship.
30 amazing individuals that make up the SIS family, that is! As we continue to welcome more students and parents into our SIS community, we are also expanding to ensure our resources are sufficient to support our growing needs.
So come the July 2012 semester, we will welcome a Nurse, Librarian, a Guidance Counselor and more additions that will contribute just as diligently to the School as our current staff. We begin by introducing our two new Coordinators that have already joined our team.
“I am excited to face the new challenges that this role will bring. I’m amazed to see how SIS has grown; from when the School first started to where it is now with the new
building. I would like to instill positive energy and teamwork among the next generation of SIS students and contribute to their development as
responsible members of the society.”
Mr. Steven Tan has been a member of the Sunway Education Group for close to 13 years. He was first employed in Sunway College as a lecturer in the Canadian International Matriculation Programme (CIMP). He eventually moved to the Administration team in 2006, where he served as Coordinator for 3 years before flexing his management skills in Sun‐U Residences as Assistant Manager for Hostel Operations.
In his capacity as Coordinator of Operations, Mr. Steven will be responsible for the safety of students’ disciplinary matters, safety and welfare. He will also support the Administration in the day‐to‐day operation and efficacious running of the school.
Mr. Steven is an avid skate enthusiast, and coaches ice hockey at Sunway Pyramid Ice Rink during his free time. He is currently the head coach for Malaysia’s Inline Speed Skating Team.
We are privileged to have these capable individuals onboard, and are confident that with their leadership, SIS will scale greater heights of achievement and success.