Author: Cebu International School

Middle & High School Principal

by Mr. Benjamin Martin, Middle and High School Principal

Community Matters

As we have just completed our first House Activity Day and our whole school community was involved in our accreditation visits from WASC, CIS, and the IB, we are reminded of the strength of the CIS community.

In Sam Redding’s essay for the Academic Development Institute, he points out that “Geography does not make a community, nor does membership nor does casual affiliation. When the school functions as a community rather than in a community, its constituents associate with one another and share common values about the education of children. At the root, members of the school community assume responsibility for one another.”

As Cebu International School celebrates 100 years, it has shown the ability to take care of each other through the good times and the challenging ones. Our purpose statement and core beliefs deliberately focus on words like “caring”, “nurturing”, and “belonging”. While we might not alway agree on everything, we align ourselves with the key components of the IB mission statement that encourages our community to become “active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right.”

Schoolbox Education believes that there are six real benefits of a connected school community and we believe our educators, families, and students are able to demonstrate all six characteristics in all that we do.

1. We encourage making connections within our community.
2. We promote learning goals and collaboration.
3. We increase opportunities to learn.
4. We support the journey of learning.
5. We create inclusive opportunities to demonstrate academic and non-academic learning.
6. We encourage shared responsibility.

As we continue to bring others into our school community this year by hosting the ISAC volleyball tournament, celebrating International Day and Sinulog, and various activities to recognize the rich history of 100 years, we are proud of our community and know that the strength of CIS will always be a result of the strength of our community.

Upcoming events of note

• Tue 7:30am, Oct. 15: Parent Coffee Morning
• Fri, Oct 4:  End of Quarter 1
• Oct. 7 – 11: Mid-Semester Break
• Mon, Oct. 14: Start of Quarter 2
• Oct. 17 – 19: ISAC Season 1 Volleyball @ CIS
• Oct. 21 – 25: Culture Week
• Sat, Oct. 26: International Day (half day)

Please refer to the CIS Event Calendar for the complete calendar of school events.

Early Years Celebrating Their Unique Characteristics

by Ms. Ann Codoy, Class B Early Years Homeroom Teacher

The Early Years explored the unit under the transdisciplinary theme “Who We Are,” centered on the idea that a person’s characteristics make them unique. The young learners began by unpacking key vocabulary words such as “characteristics” and “unique.” They engaged in their first line of inquiry by using their thinking skills to identify their similarities and differences based on their basic characteristics. Each student drew their self-portraits as they looked at themselves in the mirror. They also shared their favorites—ranging from toys and animals to colors, hobbies, sports, and body parts—along with what they liked and disliked.

To deepen their understanding of themselves, they compared baby photos with recent ones, participating in a fun guessing game to identify their friends in the pictures. This activity helped them notice small details that revealed changes in their interest and physical appearance, such as their teeth, hair, and height. They also expressed their aspirations for the future, sharing what they hope to become when they grow up.

The unit also emphasized the development of social and self-management skills, focusing on balance and open-mindedness. Through role-play, the Early Years practiced showing empathy toward friends when they experience hurt, reinforcing the importance of recognizing and celebrating individuality.

Our unit concluded with two sessions where students celebrated their learning with their families and Kinder/Grade 1 students. In collaboration with our Music, Philippine Language and Culture, and Media Literacy class, the Early Years performed the Radetzky March using glow sticks, role-played family members and explained how to care for books. Our young learners also created their ‘All About Me’ books, reflecting on what they had shared in class over the past weeks, which they proudly presented to their friends and families. Not only that – our young learners also received a TAG Feedback from their friends and families to help them grow and improve their work next time. Through these activities, the students shared what they had learned and discovered about themselves and their friends throughout the unit.

Reflecting on their experience, students remarked, ‘I loved sharing my book with my mom and dad!’ and ‘I loved the part where we shared our timeline and the members of our family”.

Parents also provided their feedback, with remarks such as, “I love to see more of this celebration,” “I like how my child expressed himself through his book and saw his outputs,” and they even added suggestions for their child and their book, such as holding the pencil properly and adding more colors to their work.

Throughout the unit “Who We Are,” the Early Years learners engaged in activities that helped them explore their unique characteristics and celebrate individuality. By sharing their favorites, comparing baby photos, and practicing empathy, they developed a deeper understanding of themselves and their peers. The culmination of their learning involved a joyful celebration with families, highlighting the valuable insights gained during the unit.

Grade 7 & 9: Individual and Societies

by Ms. Joy Pierra, Individual & Societies Teacher

Let’s PEEAL it!

One key focus in this quarter’s Individuals and Societies (I&S) classes is enhancing students’ essay writing skills. Both Grade 7 and Grade 9 students are working on structuring their paragraphs using the PEEAL format (Point, Evidence, Explanation, Analysis, and Link), helping them craft coherent arguments on different topics.

In I&S 7, students participated in a PEEAL activity to improve their essay-writing skills. This exercise helps them organize their ideas while learning about democracy and its functions. As part of the PEEAL activity, students discuss how fairness is shown in democratic systems like Switzerland, Japan, Canada, the UK, and the USA. They focus on key aspects such as the different institutions, how leaders are chosen, and the significance of the citizen’s role in each system, and how fairness is manifested in these systems.

Meanwhile, I&S 9 students are delving deeper into mastering the expectations of command terms like describe, discuss, evaluate, and to what extent in their PEEAL essays. Using this format, they analyze how technological breakthroughs, from the Industrial Revolution to the present, have transformed people’s lives. This focus on clear structure and critical thinking is helping students develop stronger, more compelling arguments in their writing.

Here are some of the students’ thoughts and preparation to prepare them with PEEAL writing.

In I&S 7, students explored various democratic states by creating a mind map to visualize key ideas. 

I&S 9 students are working on creating PEEAL outlines, focusing on different command terms such as describe, discuss, and evaluate to structure their responses effectively.

Grade 9 & 10: Health and Fitness

by Ms. Joy Pierra, Health & Fitness Teacher

This year’s Health and Fitness class is all about empowering our students to take charge of their well-being and boost their socio-emotional development in exciting, hands-on ways!

With a focus on student agency, learners get to explore activities that align with their personal goals. Whether it’s spiking a volleyball, mastering a badminton rally, or busting out moves on the dance floor, the choices are theirs to make! While there are no grades in this course, students are encouraged to set clear objectives and create something that showcases their progress.

Most of our energetic Grade 9 and 10 students have chosen to dive into volleyball and dance. For the dance component, the goal is to promote fitness through movement, with the students tasked with creating performances for CIS International Day on October 26th. This performance will serve as their service action for the semester. The students have decided to perform two dances: the Tinikling, a traditional Filipino folk dance, and Tamasha, an African dance.

Since the class follows a student agency model, students are responsible for planning and rehearsing their performances independently.

Grade 11: DP History

by Ms. Joy Pierra, DP History Teacher

Sweet Success: History Students Explore Command Terms with Chocolate!

This quarter, DP History 11 students were focusing on mastering command terms, a crucial skill for success in their exams—and it’s something everyone can begin to understand. To make it relatable, they have to use an object popular with everyone—chocolate! This fun and relatable activity helps students understand how to tackle exam questions effectively. For instance, when the command term is describe, students simply explain what chocolate is— a sweet treat made from cocoa beans. If the term is explain, they go deeper, discussing how cocoa beans are harvested and processed into the chocolate we enjoy.

To challenge themselves further, DP History 11 students tackle more complex terms like discuss, evaluate, and to what extent. When asked to discuss chocolate, they might explore its benefits, such as boosting mood, versus its drawbacks, like high sugar content. To evaluate, they assess whether the positives of eating chocolate outweigh the negatives. The command term to what extent prompts students to consider the degree to which a particular statement or viewpoint is valid, encouraging them to analyze various factors and perspectives. 

Through this engaging activity, DP History 11 students are mastering command terms and learning how to apply them to analyze historical events and build strong, well-supported arguments.

College & Careers Counselor Corner

by Ms. Jenny Basa, College Counselor

Upcoming Student Webinars for interested students/parents

Registration is still open for the next student webinars of our 2024 series which are running next week, Tuesday 8th October 2024 and Thursday 10th October.

Register for the Thursday sessions:

SAT Update

SAT 2024 – 2025 Test Dates

August 2024–June 2025 SAT Registration Is Now Open

*Additional Fees apply

To register for the SAT, you may click on this link.  If you need assistance or have any questions, please feel free to email Ms. Jenny Basa at jbasa@cis.edu.ph.

Accreditation Update

by Ms. Justine Condor, Marketing Manager & Accreditation Steering Committee Member

What an incredible week of growth and collaboration! We are proud to have successfully completed our joint accreditation week with the International Baccalaureate (IB) Verification and Council of International Schools (CIS)/Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Visiting Teams.

Our sincerest gratitude to the IB/CIS/WASC team members (see photo above with our Superintendent Dr. Underwood), most of whom are also experienced educators from international schools in the East Asia region. Their insights and expertise have been valuable to verify and guide us on our journey of continuous improvement. (For more information on the accreditation process, please read last week’s Sept. 20 Newsflash for details!)

We’re pleased to share that the Visiting Teams noted the strength of our program and community. They appreciated being around our welcoming environment and how everyone participates and contributes to our positive school culture. It’s encouraging that they noticed that our environment truly reflects our school’s purpose statement. This success is thanks to the amazing community of students, families, teachers, staff, and administration who continuously support and strengthen our school.

We look forward to receiving their official report in a few weeks, so we can reflect on their feedback as we continue our journey of high quality teaching and learning. Here’s to implementing positive changes and continuous improvement in our next accreditation cycle.

Upcoming events of note

• Sept. 27 – 28: MUN Manila
• Tue 7:30am, Oct. 15: Parent Coffee Morning
• Fri, Oct 4:  End of Quarter 1
• Oct. 7 – 11: Mid-Semester Break
• Mon, Oct. 14: Start of Quarter 2
• Oct. 17 – 19: ISAC Season 1 Volleyball @ CIS
• Oct. 21 – 25: Culture Week
• Sat, Oct. 26: International Day (half day)

Please refer to the CIS Event Calendar for the complete calendar of school events.

Grade 5: PYP Learners Engaging Beyond the Classroom

by Mrs. Aimee Underwood (Asst PYP Coordinator / Grade 5 Co-Homeroom Teacher) Ms. MJ Cordova (Grade 5 Co-Homeroom Teacher / Media Literacy Teacher)

At the heart of the Primary Years Programme (PYP) is the belief that learning extends beyond the classroom, connecting students to real-world experiences and meaningful community engagement. Over the past six weeks, our Grade 4/5 students embraced this philosophy in their unit of inquiry, “How We Organize Ourselves”—focused on government, citizenship, and responsibility. Through hands-on learning and interactions with local and global communities, students applied essential Approaches to Learning (ATL) skills and developed key Learner Profile attributes, linking classroom learning to broader, real-world contexts.

Exploring Local Governance: Bacayan Barangay Hall
A key highlight of this unit was the field trip to Bacayan Barangay Hall and Elementary School, where students observed local governance in action. They had the opportunity to interview Barangay Captain Mr. Winston Pepito, the Barangay Tanod, and other barangay officials, learning how local government systems maintain order and address community needs. This experience allowed students to apply their Research Skills, where they practiced asking meaningful questions, gathering information, and organizing their findings.

Reflecting on the experience, Fiona shared: “I used to just randomly Google information. Now I know how to ask Thick and Thin questions, use different MISO (Media, Interview, Survey, Observation) research methods, and take Cornell Notes to record important ideas.”

Evan connected his learning about government structures: “It was cool to realize that barangays actually have similar systems to national governments. There are executive, legislative, and judicial branches, and they work together to keep things fair and balanced.”

This field trip also strengthened students’ sense of community. They participated in buddy reading and sports activities with Bacayan Elementary students, reinforcing the importance of collaboration and connection. Overall, these experiences helped our learners understand their roles and responsibilities within their community, fostering a sense of active citizenship.

Global Perspectives: Visit from the Canadian Honorary Consul

Students further expanded their understanding of governance to the global stage through a visit from Ms. Katherine Rivera, the Honorary Consul of Canada. Ms. Rivera explained the rights and responsibilities of citizens overseas and how embassies and consulates provide essential support for citizens living abroad. This inspired students to investigate further what citizenship and global citizenship mean in today’s world.

This session prompted students to use their Thinking Skills to analyze how governments work locally and internationally to ensure stability and meet citizens’ needs. The visit deepened their understanding of how governance operates on both levels, enriching their perspective on what it means to be active, responsible citizens.

Elise shared: “I realized that not all citizens have the same rights and responsibilities depending on where they live. If you’re in a constitutional monarchy like Canada or New Zealand, or a democratic republic like the Philippines or the USA, you have more chances to be involved in government. But in dictatorships or absolute monarchies, that’s not true. We should be thankful for our opportunities and make sure we act as responsible citizens.”

Taking Action: Preparing for the Gallery
Having explored both local and global governance, students were inspired to take action and make a positive impact in their communities. Their understanding of Responsibility led them to create a public gallery to showcase the knowledge, understanding, and skills they gained and practiced throughout the unit, specifically focusing on the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

In collaboration with the art class, students learned to use the elements and principles of art to create visual representations of the global challenges they researched. This interdisciplinary approach allowed them to blend creativity with advocacy, using their artwork to raise awareness and inspire action.

The gallery, set to open soon for the school community, serves as both a demonstration of their learning over the past six weeks and an opportunity for students to take meaningful action. As they prepared, students practiced their Social Skills—collaborating, negotiating, and sharing responsibilities—while embracing their roles as Principled citizens. They reflected on how their actions can positively impact both their local and global communities.

Maxine and Ellaine shared: “We used to think being a citizen just meant being a part of a country. Now we understand it’s also about being Knowledgeable about what’s happening in your country and around the world, and having rights and the responsibility to help make our community better. We should be Principled.”

Expanding the Classroom Environment
This unit exemplifies the PYP philosophy that learning extends beyond the classroom. Through field trips, global guest speakers, and preparations for their upcoming gallery, students connected their learning to real-world issues and civic responsibilities. At CIS, learning is joyful and dynamic, involving inquiry, reflection, and action—empowering students to become engaged, principled citizens capable of making meaningful contributions to their communities.

MYP Music Class

by Ms. Marie Vic R. Briones, PYP and MYP Music Teacher

Roots, Rhythms, and (12-Bar) Blues

This week, the Grade 9 and 10 music students just concluded their Unit 1. Framed by the Statement of Inquiry, “Changes in musical genre, play, and structure is reflective of historical and cultural shifts across time and place,” the unit looked into the 12-bar blues.  

Anchored on the concept of Change within the global context of Orientation in Place and Time, the students began by putting their Research Skills into practice, delving into the rich roots and origins of the 12-bar blues, examining early recordings, prevalent themes, and the social contexts that birthed the genre. They also analyzed the different structures and types of 12-bar blues, considering their modern relevance in today’s music scene.

The learners were given the agency to choose between major or minor pentatonic blues scales and their type of 12-bar blues for their compositions. This creative freedom allowed them to engage deeply with the material, promoting a personal connection to their work. 

Here are some of their compositions and what they have to share about the experience of composing and performing their own works:

College & Careers Counselor Corner

by Ms. Jenny Basa, College Counselor

What is the difference between a UK Personal Statement 
and a US College Essay?

SAT Update

SAT 2024-2025 Test Dates

August 2024–June 2025 SAT Registration Is Now Open

*Additional Fees apply

To register for the SAT, you may click on this link.  If you need assistance or have any questions, please feel free to email Ms. Jenny Basa at jbasa@cis.edu.ph.

Admin News

by Dr. Gwyn Underwood, Superintendent

Congratulations Student Council for a successful HAD (House Activity Day) today!

Joint Accreditation Visit at CIS

This coming week, we welcome visiting teams from three organizations that we are accredited with and authorized by: The International Baccalaureate (IB), The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), and the Council of International Schools (CIS, but to avoid confusion with CebuIS we will use CoIS!). Why are we doing this, you may be asking? I am glad you asked!

Accreditation is…

Firstly, let’s define what accreditation is in schools! In their book “Connecting the Dots of Accreditation: Leadership, Coherence, and Continuous Improvement”, Dr. Barry R. Groves and Dr. Marilyn S. George write:

“Accreditation is a process of continuous school improvement that examines all aspects of the school program and operations in relation to the impact on high-quality student learning. 

It can be explained as a quality assurance process that involves the school in evaluating and monitoring its program and operations based on quality standards to ensure these are being met.”

The Accreditation Process is as follows:

Process adapted from “Connecting the Dots of Accreditation: Leadership, Coherence, and Continuous Improvement” by Dr. Barry R. Groves and Dr. Marilyn S. George 

Step 1: Self-study
A comprehensive self-study is carried out by the school using CoIS standards and IB Programme Standards and Practices, and a report is submitted to the accreditation agencies and IB.

Step 2: School Visit by Educators
A committee of professional educators visits the school to assess the effectiveness of the school’s programs and operations and their impact on student learning. 

Step 3: Assessment Against Standards/Criteria
 The school is assessed on the degree to which it is meeting standards/criteria that emphasize the important aspects of ongoing improvement.

Step 4: Review of Visiting Committee Report & Accreditation Status Granted
The accrediting organization reviews the visiting committee report and grants an accreditation status if they reach the required standards. 

Step 5: Visiting Team Report on Student Achievement and School Capacity
A Visiting Team report indicates the degree to which “high achievement by all students is occurring; the capacity of the school to implement, monitor and accomplish an action plan aligned to the areas of greatest need impacting student achievement.” 

Step 6: School Implements Continuous Improvement Plan
  The school uses the report to create action plans and consider how to develop the school in the specific areas noted.

→ Back to Step 1: The process repeats in a cycle of improvement.

The process is rigorous, covering all aspects of operating a school, from operations and governance to learning and resources, and includes stakeholder input to ensure authentic data is used to drive improvements.  

Thanks to all who have participated in this process over the past two years, and those who will be meeting the various visiting team members over the coming week. We look forward to the outcomes, which we are confident will highlight what a unique and caring school CIS is, and provide us guidance on the areas we can further develop to ensure we continue to provide a quality program that enables our students to develop their unique potential and confidently face future challenges, contributing to creating a better world.

Upcoming events of note

• Sept. 21-27: CIS/WASC Accreditation Visit
• Sept. 22-25: IB Evaluation Visit
• Tue, Sept. 24: Parent Coffee Morning (PTA)
• Fri, Oct 4:  End of Quarter 1
• Oct. 7 – 11: Mid-Semester Break
• Mon, Oct. 14: Start of Quarter 2
• Oct. 14 – 18: Digital Citizenship Week

Please refer to the CIS Event Calendar for the complete calendar of school events.

Mid-Autumn Festival in the Mandarin Classes

by: Ivy Guo, Mandarin ES/Mandarin ab initio and Elaine Jin, Mandarin MYP/Mandarin B 

The Mid-Autumn Festival, known as 中秋节 (Zhōngqiū Jié) in Mandarin, is one of the most significant traditional Chinese festivals, celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth month of the lunar calendar with a full moon at night. It is also known as the Moon Festival or the Mooncake Festival, a time for family reunions and moon gazing. 

The festival dates back over 3,000 years and is rooted in moon worship, marking the end of the autumn harvest. The celebration is famed for its mooncakes, round pastries that symbolize completeness and reunion, and is also associated with various legends, most notably the story of Chang’e, the moon goddess. 

The Mid-Autumn Festival is a time of joy and festivity, observed not only in China but also in other parts of East and Southeast Asia, each region bringing its own customs and interpretations to the celebration.

ES Mandarin class

ES language learners enjoyed a special storytelling session where they learned about the heroic archer Hou Yi ，the moon goddess Chang’e and her Jade rabbit. The legend, rich with adventure and romance, captivated our students and provided a deep cultural context to the festival’s celebration.

Following the stories, students had the opportunity to taste different flavors of mooncakes. Additionally, they engaged in hands-on craft activities, creating a range of items from mooncake designs to lanterns.

MHS Mandarin class

At MHS, Mandarin students have gained a comprehensive understanding of the Mid-Autumn Festival, known as **中秋节** (Zhōngqiū Jié). This important Chinese celebration occurs on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, a time when families come together to admire the full moon and share traditional mooncakes. The students have explored the festival’s rich cultural and culinary traditions, delving into the legendary stories associated with this special occasion, including “Hou Yi shoots the sun” (后羿射日 Hòu yì shè rì), “Chang’e flies to the moon” (嫦娥奔月 Cháng’é bēn yuè), “Jade Rabbit makes medicine” (玉兔捣药 Yùtù dǎo yào), and “Wu Gang cuts down the laurel tree” (吴刚伐树 Wúgāng fá shù). A key part of their learning experience involved creating vibrant artwork inspired by these legends while enjoying traditional mooncakes. This immersive cultural journey has allowed students to embrace the essence of Chinese culture and the spirit of unity that the Mid-Autumn Festival celebrates.

Grade 11/12 Mandarin ab initio – Deepening Cultural Connections

During the Mid-Autumn Festival, Grades 11 and 12 Mandarin ab initio learners deepened their understanding of this significant Chinese holiday through a comprehensive lesson on 中秋节 (Zhōngqiū Jié). They explored traditional activities and realia associated with the festival and watched a video on the process of making mooncakes. To personalize their learning experience, each student hand wrote a greeting card to send to a family member or friend, extending wishes for a joyful Mid-Autumn Festival and a reunion with loved ones. 

DP Mandarin B 

The DP Mandarin B class created artwork inspired by the Mid-Autumn Festival, incorporating elements such as the rabbit, moon, mooncake, and Kongming lanterns. Demonstrating their creativity, the students also crafted beautiful lanterns using paper, glue guns, and popsicle sticks to create Mid-Autumn Festival lanterns. No celebration of the Mid-Autumn Festival would be complete without enjoying mooncakes, and both the DP Mandarin B and Mandarin Ab Initio classes came together for a comprehensive exploration of the festival. As part of their immersive experience, the students participated in the traditional dice game, a popular Mid-Autumn Festival activity that added excitement while deepening their understanding of the holiday’s customs. This collaboration between the two classes offered students not only the opportunity to learn about the Mid-Autumn Festival but also to experience its traditions firsthand, fostering a stronger connection to Chinese culture and language.

The Mid-Autumn Festival‘s most famous food is the Mooncake. The students tried four different flavors of the mooncake this year: jujube paste with salted egg yolk (枣蓉蛋黄), lotus seed paste with salted egg yolk (莲蓉蛋黄), red bean paste (豆沙), and pineapple (凤梨). 

College & Careers Counselor Corner

by Ms. Jenny Basa, College Counselor

Tips from Axelle – from the Alumni Chat this week

Invitation from Brown, Columbia and Penn

Join us to learn more about Brown University, Columbia University and the University of Pennsylvania!
Admissions representatives will hold a public information session for students and families about their respective universities and the highly selective college admissions process.
Topics will include: academic programs, campus activities, admissions policies, financial aid and international student life.

Manila
Joint Presentation with Brown, Columbia and Penn Friday, October 11 at 4:30 – 6:00 p.m.
International School Manila, Little Theater
University Parkway, Fort Bonifacio
Enter campus through GATE 3
RSVP by October 10 by clicking here

• Space is limited and registration is REQUIRED.
•  In order to provide this opportunity to as many students as possible, each student is permitted to bring a maximum of only one guest.
• On the registration form, you will be required to provide your car license plate number in case you intend to drive to ISM’s campus. If you drive to campus and this information is not provided at the time of registration, you will be unable to access campus.
• If you have questions about the information session, please email ugrad ask@columbia.edu.
• If you have signed up to be on the mailing lists of multiple institutions, you may receive more than one copy of this invitation.

SAT Update

SAT 2024-2025 Test Dates

August 2024–June 2025 SAT Registration Is Now Open

*Additional Fees apply

To register for the SAT, you may click on this link.  If you need assistance or have any questions, please feel free to email Ms. Jenny Basa at jbasa@cis.edu.ph.

MHS Principal’s Corner

by Mr. Benjamin Martin, Middle & High School Principal

The Power of Self-Efficacy

This year, our grade 9 students started off their year by learning the lyrics of the popular song, “This is Me” from the Greatest Showman. This was part of their first social and emotional learning unit centered on building self awareness through self-efficacy.

What exactly is self-efficacy? Cambridge dictionary defines self-efficacy as a person’s belief that they can be successful when carrying out a particular task. I think the key word here is belief and specifically the ability to believe in ourselves.

In her article for verwellmind.com, “Self Efficacy and Why Believing in Yourself Matters”, author Kendra Cherry explains that how you feel about yourself is a big determiner in how successful you will be at achieving your goals. This is because people with a high self-efficacy tend to recover from set-backs and welcome challenges while those who have a low self-efficacy often avoid challenges or focus on the idea of “failure” versus the idea of “growth”.

Cognitive psychologist Albert Bandura also wrote about the necessity of having a strong self-efficacy in his book, “Self Efficacy in Changing Societies” and summarized that because our beliefs help shape our thoughts and actions, naturally starting with a belief in ourselves and our abilities to meet our goals is more advantageous than when we feel we aren’t good enough or strong enough to eventually meet our goals before we even start.

So how can we build a stronger sense of self-efficacy? There are many ways such as celebrating our small victories, observing others, and transforming our negative self-talk.

One activity that might be a good place to start comes from Big Life Journal:

Divide a sheet of paper into three columns. 

In the middle, we list negative self-talk we find themselves using. Examples might include, “I can’t do this,” “I’m not smart/cool/funny enough,” or, “I’m just too shy/boring/bad at school.”

In the column on the left, we list situations or thoughts that trigger the negative self-talk we wrote in the middle column. For example, thoughts about being “dumb” or bad at school may be triggered by earning a bad grade or comparing their own performance in school to their peers.

Finally, we write a positive statement in the right column to replace the negative statement on the left. We could simply reverse the statement on the left (e.g., “I can do this,” or, “I’m good enough”). Alternatively, We can use a growth mindset statement, such as, “I can improve my grades and get better at school if I study more and ask for help when I need it.”

Starting with self-efficacy and then following that up by showing resilience and reflection undoubtedly will have a positive impact on our eventual successes in life. Even Sesame Street and Micheal Buble know that!

Upcoming events of note

• Tue, Sept. 17: CIS Corporation Annual General Meeting
• Fri, Sept. 20: HAD 1 (AM only-no classes/PM Faculty in-service)
• Sept. 21-27: CIS/WASC Accreditation Visit
• Sept. 22-25: IB Evaluation Visit
• Tue, Sept. 24: Parent Coffee Morning (PTA)
• Fri, Sept. 27: Grade 12 DP Recommitment
• Fri, Oct 4:  End of Quarter 1

Please refer to the CIS Event Calendar for the complete calendar of school events.

Exploring Rhythm and Beat in the Early Years Music

by: Ms. Marie Vic Briones, PYP and MYP Music Teacher

In the Early Years’ first unit entitled Moving to Beat and Rhythm, and under the transdisciplinary theme “Who We Are,” students have begun exploring rhythm and beat. The unit’s central idea is, “Exploring beat and rhythm helps us understand their form, adapt our movements to changes in tempo and volume, and encourages responsible use and care of musical instruments to enhance our performance and musicianship.” Through this exploration, students begin to see how rhythm shapes their musical experiences and personal expression.

Form, Change, and Responsibility

The first Line of Inquiry focuses on Form. Here, our Early Years students are introduced to the basics of reading and interpreting stick notation. This rudimentary skill allows them to visually represent sound patterns, helping them understand how rhythmic patterns are constructed and, later, how to translate them into sound.

In the second Line of Inquiry, the focus shifts to Change. Students discover how the same rhythmic patterns can be expressed differently depending on the musician’s intention. Using stick notation, they explore how rhythms can be played slow or fast, loud or soft, and how these changes affect the emotional and expressive quality of the music. This inquiry helps them understand how rhythm can be adapted to reflect various moods and expressions.

The third Line of Inquiry emphasizes Responsibility. Students develop essential skills in using musical instruments mindfully and carefully. Through explorations and learning engagements on musical instruments, they learn to respect them by handling these instruments properly, showing awareness of how their actions affect the sound and long-term function of the instrument, and fostering an early sense of respect for learning and the learning environment.

Translating Visuals to Sound: Developing Communication Skills

Since our young musicians have been learning how rhythm is visually represented, they are now slowly gaining confidence in interpreting these rhythmic symbols and translating these visuals into sound through their instruments. As they bring these symbols to life, they gain a deeper understanding of how images, sound, and language interact to convey musical ideas, thereby strengthening their Thinking and Communication Skills. Through these engagements, they begin to understand basic music theory and notation.

The Five CIS Respects, Social Skills, and IB Learner Profile in the Classroom

Throughout the unit, the CIS Five Respects, particularly Respect for the Learning Environment and Respect for Others, are emphasized. Our EY musicians demonstrate these values by handling instruments with care and by listening to and valuing each peer’s contribution. This reflects the development of Social Skills and the IB Learner Profile, Caring. Highlighting the importance- and the joy- of learning in a group and setting the tone for the rest of the year, the unit helps build a sense of community and identity (Who We Are) for our Early Years learners in the classroom. 

Grade 8: MYP Science

by Ms. Christine Enrile, MYP Science Teacher

The concept of energy and its varied applications is being explored in the unit, “On the go!”.  The students are engaged in several learning activities to learn the different forms of energy, modes of energy transfer, and their transformation in different natural and manmade systems.  Several applications of kinetic energy, gravitational potential energy, heat, and specific heat capacity are also covered. 

The students showcase their understanding by making innovations and improvements in the design of parachutes.  In teams, they experiment with one variable to increase the drop time of the parachute, reducing the impact of the fall.  These variables include length and type of string, and size, material and orientation of the canopy.

Grade 11 & 12: DP Mathematics

by Ms. Maria Victoria Bacus, G11/12 Math Applications and Interpretation (AI) SL Teacher

Exploring Sequences and Series and Investigating Correlation

Year 1: Exploring Sequences and Series – The “Calculator Challenge”

The IB DP Math students have begun their journey in the Applications and Interpretation Standard Level course. This course is designed to allow students to apply mathematics in real-world contexts, with an emphasis on modeling with functions, statistics, and the use of technology. As students delve into the concepts of Sequences and Series, they are learning to recognize patterns and examine various applications of arithmetic and geometric sequences and series in real-life situations. They have explored topics such as calculating salary increases, price changes, inflation, and population growth or decline. Through these activities, students deepen their understanding and develop their skills in utilizing graphic display calculators. They have practiced efficiently computing the sums of various sequences, both by substituting values into specific formulas and by effectively using the applications on their TI-84 calculators. 

Additionally, they have started setting SMART goals for themselves as they continue to familiarize themselves with the IB DP Math course and summarize their action plans.

Year 2: Math Exploration and Correlation Investigation

The IB DP Math AI SL students engaged in activities that demonstrated their understanding of the statistical tests of Pearson’s correlation coefficient and Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient. They reviewed scatter plots to check for linear relationships between two variables related to sports statistics, social media trends, and environmental and health data.

The Correlation Challenge

The students then analyzed the results and interpreted the calculated values based on the given contexts. 

They reflected on the effects of outliers on the correlation between two variables and considered which correlation coefficient would be most effective in each situation. This activity provided valuable insights and led to thought-provoking discussions on the implications of their findings, particularly the distinction between correlation and causation. It not only enhanced the students’ understanding of correlation but also developed their critical thinking and analytical skills, preparing them for future statistical studies. The students were able to connect mathematical concepts to real-world situations and explore the practical applications of these statistical tests in various fields, such as psychology, biology, and economics.

College & Careers Counselor Corner

by Ms. Jenny Basa, College Counselor

Thank you to all those who attended and supported the very successful Cebu World University Fair 2024!

As part of our Centennial celebration, CIS hosted its first university fair today.  We welcomed representatives from 52 institutions across 12 different countries, including those from North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. Our heartfelt thanks go to the parents and students of CIS, as well as from other schools in Cebu City, for their active participation in making this event a success. A huge shoutout to EducationUSA of the U.S. Embassy in Manila for delivering an insightful session on “Study in the USA.” Your support added immense value to the event, providing students and parents with valuable information about pursuing higher education opportunities in the United States.

This event provided an excellent opportunity for students and parents to engage with university representatives and explore a wide range of options for studying abroad.

Alumni Chats – Centennial Edition

SAT Update

August 2024–June 2025 SAT Registration Is Now Open

*Additional Fees apply

To register for the SAT, you may click on this link.  If you need assistance or have any questions, please feel free to email Ms. Jenny Basa at jbasa@cis.edu.ph.

Elementary Principal News

by Ms. Maureen Juanson, Elementary School Principal, PYP Coordinator, & Accreditation Officer

As we wrap up our first month of school, it’s incredible to see how quickly our students have settled into their learning journeys. Over the past weeks, they’ve been actively involved in assessing their current learning levels and identifying the next steps with the guidance of their teachers. This reflective process is vital in shaping their learning pathways and building the skills and confidence they need to grow as learners.

So, how can we, as educators and parents, support our students in bridging the gap between where they are now and where they aspire to be?

According to the article of the Midwest Comprehensive Center at the American Institute of Research entitled “Student Goal Setting: An Evidence-based Practice,” student goal setting is a key educational practice that enhances learning-to-learn skills like agency, intrinsic motivation, and self-regulation. Research shows that setting goals improves students’ academic performance and self-efficacy across various subjects. Effective goal setting involves specific, challenging, and mastery-oriented goals, supported by planning, self-evaluation, and feedback. The U.S. Department of Education classifies goal setting as a “promising” evidence-based practice (Tier III), meaning it has shown positive outcomes in studies.

Furthermore, the Everfi article “The Importance of Goal Setting in Education” highlights that goal setting not only enhances academic performance but also develops critical life skills. It emphasizes that setting clear, actionable goals helps students stay focused and motivated, fostering a growth mindset. By setting goals, students learn to manage their time effectively, prioritize tasks, and persevere through challenges. The blog also underscores the importance of involving students in the goal-setting process, as it encourages them to take ownership of their learning and builds self-efficacy.

A crucial aspect of goal setting is regularly checking in and reflecting on progress. This practice helps students stay on track and make necessary adjustments to their goals and strategies. Here are some prompts that teachers and parents can use to engage students in this reflective process:

• What actions have you taken this week toward achieving your goal?
• Are you closer to reaching your goal than you were one week ago?
• As you work towards your goal, do you still feel it’s important to you? Is there anything you want to change about your goal?

By regularly reflecting on their progress, students can gain insights into their learning process, identify obstacles, and celebrate their achievements. This ongoing reflection helps them remain motivated and committed to their goals.

By engaging in goal setting, we help our students become agentic learners who can influence and direct their own learning, make informed choices, and express their ideas. This process also nurtures them as assessment-capable learners, enabling them to reflect, assess, monitor, and adjust their learning strategies.

Next week, our CIS students will take part in goal-setting discussions with their teachers and parents, identifying their strengths and areas for growth. Together, they will outline the strategies, resources, and support needed to achieve their goals. Let’s encourage our students—both at home and in school—to set SMART goals for the year ahead, ensuring their continued progress and success.

School Counselor Updates

by Ms. Abigail Gorgonio, Guidance Counselor

Fostering Well-being and Academic Success

The Guidance Office at Cebu International School has been actively working to support students’ overall well-being and academic success. In August, a variety of activities were organized to promote these goals.

• Dorm Team Cohesion Activity: The Office partnered with the Residence Management Team to host an event aimed at fostering camaraderie among dorm residents.
• SEL Goal-Setting Session: Students were guided by counselors to set personal goals for the academic year. These goals were displayed on an interactive bulletin board to serve as a constant reminder and motivation.
• New Students Check-in: To ensure a smooth transition into the school environment, new students participated in intake interviews to assess their needs and challenges.

These activities are just a few examples of the Guidance Office’s commitment to providing holistic support to students. By focusing on both academic and personal well-being, the office aims to create a positive and supportive learning environment for all.

Kinder and Grade 1 Readers and Writers

by Ms. Maffy Ocleasa, K/G1 Teacher

Read Like Writers
Our Kinder and Grade 1 readers have been immersing themselves in different mentor texts and exploring the world of fiction this week. Building upon their narrative writing skills, they’ve been crafting imaginative stories using the essential elements of storytelling.

The Writing Process
After investigating the elements of a story, our Kinder and Grade 1 writers have been learning about the different steps of the writing process, starting with prewriting, where they build and plan their stories using materials and a story planner.

Next, they write their rough drafts, letting their creativity flow and putting their ideas on paper.

Once they’ve completed their rough drafts, it’s time for revision and editing. To help improve their writing, they learn about the ARMS (Add, Remove, Move, Substitute) and the CUPS (Capitalization, Usage, Punctuation, Spelling) techniques, focusing on adding adjectives and using correct punctuation marks.

Peer Feedback and Growth
One of the most valuable learning experiences is receiving feedback from peers. Our writers have been participating in peer reflections, sharing their work with classmates, and providing constructive feedback using the TAG (Tell something you like, Ask a question, Give suggestions) method.

IB Learner Profile attributes and ATL skills 
Throughout this week’s activities, our students have developed important IB Learner Profile attributes. 

• They have demonstrated what it means to be balanced by managing their time effectively and completing their narratives on time. 
• They have demonstrated open-mindedness by exploring and embracing new ideas in their stories.
• Their caring nature has been evident in their willingness to help and support their classmates. 

Moreover, they have also been practicing ATL skills such as thinking (analyzing their work), self-management (organizing their time and materials), and social skills (collaborating with peers and providing constructive feedback).

College & Careers Counselor Corner

by Ms. Jenny Basa, College Counselor

College  Visit – September 11 Wednesday

Alumni Chats – Centennial Edition

Cebu World University Fair

To all Parents:

If you are interested in attending the Cebu World University Fair on Friday Sept 13 at 8:30-11:30am in CIS, please register here.

Invitation from Brown, Columbia and Penn

Join us to learn more about Brown University, Columbia University and the University of Pennsylvania!
Admissions representatives will hold a public information session for students and families about their respective universities and the highly selective college admissions process.
Topics will include: academic programs, campus activities, admissions policies, financial aid and international student life.

Manila
Joint Presentation with Brown, Columbia and Penn Friday, October 11 at 4:30 – 6:00 p.m.
International School Manila, Little Theater
University Parkway, Fort Bonifacio
Enter campus through GATE 3
RSVP by October 10 by clicking here

• Space is limited and registration is REQUIRED.
•  In order to provide this opportunity to as many students as possible, each student is permitted to bring a maximum of only one guest.
• On the registration form, you will be required to provide your car license plate number in case you intend to drive to ISM’s campus. If you drive to campus and this information is not provided at the time of registration, you will be unable to access campus.
• If you have questions about the information session, please email ugrad ask@columbia.edu.
• If you have signed up to be on the mailing lists of multiple institutions, you may receive more than one copy of this invitation.

SAT Update

August 2024–June 2025 SAT Registration Is Now Open

*Additional Fees apply

To register for the SAT, you may click on this link.  If you need assistance or have any questions, please feel free to email Ms. Jenny Basa at jbasa@cis.edu.ph.

Admin News

by Dr. Gwyn Underwood, Superintendent

It was great to see everyone back refreshed after our long weekend last week. It is reassuring to see evidence that our school year starting well. For example in the MHS, it was great to celebrate with our grade 12 students this morning as almost all of our grade 12 submitted the first draft of their extended essays today, demonstrating good self-management skills and respect for learning. Then in the first ES Assembly this morning, I enjoyed seeing the new ES Student Council take on the leadership role of running the assembly, and wow, I was very impressed at so many articulate and thoughtful answers detailing some of what students have learned in class over the past 3 weeks! Please see the articles below for more specific examples of what learning is occurring in various classrooms.

On Tuesday 27th of August, we held our first Parent Coffee Meeting of the 2024-25 School Year. It was wonderful to greet new parents and have our acting PTA Board Chair, Mrs. Paula Junker, give us an overview of the CIS PTA. I also took a little time to introduce our new Purpose Statement and Core Principles (outlined in the Aug. 9 Newsflash post) through an exercise where groups discussed what their “Ideal School” looked like and depicted their ideas on a poster.

Here are five critical areas we discussed that we have well-established in CIS, that not every school has. These are key areas that make CIS stand out as a high-quality education provider. Parents, please come to our future Parent Coffee meetings (every last Tuesday of the month – see the calendar for specific days), as in addition to a variety of PTA  activities, we will occasionally explore these areas in more detail, as some may not know what they are (such as the IB ATL and LP in the slide below) if they have not been in an IB World School before!

Have a great weekend, and we look forward to another week of joyful learning next week! 

Upcoming events of note

• Thu, Sept. 5: IBDP G12 Recommitment Meeting
• Mon, Sept. 9: No School (Public Holiday)
• Wed, Sept. 11: ES Parent/Student Goal Setting Conferences (online)
• Wed, Sept. 11: Grade 11 IBDP Values Meeting
• Fri, Sept. 13: Cebu World University Fair
• Tue, Sept. 17: CIS Corporation Annual General Meeting
• Fri, Sept. 20: HAD 1 (AM only-no classes/PM Faculty in-service)
• Sept. 21-27: CIS/WASC Accreditation Visit
• Sept. 22-25: IB Evaluation Visit
• Thu, Sept. 26: Coffee Morning: International Mindedness/Culture
• Fri, Sept. 27: Grade 12 DP Recommitment
• Fri, Oct 4:  End of Quarter 1

Please refer to the CIS Event Calendar for the complete calendar of school events.

Literacy Month Celebration

by Literacy Month Committee

As we kick off the new year, we’re thrilled to celebrate Literacy Month with the theme “Unlocking Imagination: The Magic of Reading.” From August 12th to September 6th, we invite the entire CIS community to join us in a series of exciting events and activities designed to spark creativity, celebrate the joy of storytelling, and deepen our love for reading. Explore our Literacy Month website at CISLiteracyMonth2024 for all the details, and let’s embark on this captivating journey together, discovering the endless wonders of books and storytelling!

Language and Literature Class

by Mr. Adom Thorne, Language & Literature Teacher

CIS the school of literary scholars! This month we commenced the year with a focus on Language & Literature with Literacy month! The school community has placed a focus on Literacy and participated in several events, including but not limited to Drop Everything And Read (D.E.A.R.), Reading Buddies, Extreme Readers & Book cover makeover. 

Continuing with the theme of Literacy month, we are off to the races in Language & Literature.  Grade 6 is currently exploring “How art can share impactful messages” through their exploration of Poetry.  The Grade 7 class is exploring how effectively a writer can capture the self-expression of their subject through interviewing.  The Grade 9s are currently exploring how stories can connect people to the social history of countries through the exploration of short stories from around the world with a focus on The Philippines. 

As we continue the school year keep an eye out for the exciting explorations we’ll be making from the Language & Literature as we encourage the students and the school community at large to have a love of READING. 

“For me, literacy means freedom, for the individual & for society.” – Levar Burton

College & Careers Counselor Corner

by Ms. Jenny Basa, College Counselor

Cebu World University Fair

To all Parents:

If you are interested in attending the Cebu World University Fair on Friday Sept 13 at 8:30-11:30am in CIS, please register here.

Invitation from Brown, Columbia and Penn

Join us to learn more about Brown University, Columbia University and the  University of Pennsylvania! 

Admissions representatives will hold a public information session for students and  families about their respective universities and the highly selective college  admissions process. 

Topics will include: academic programs, campus activities, admissions policies,  financial aid and international student life. 

Manila 
Joint Presentation with Brown, Columbia and Penn Friday, October 11 at 4:30 – 6:00 p.m. 
International School Manila, Little Theater 
University Parkway, Fort Bonifacio 
Enter campus through GATE 3 
RSVP by October 10 by clicking here 

• Space is limited and registration is REQUIRED.  
•  In order to provide this opportunity to as many students as possible, each  student is permitted to bring a maximum of only one guest. 
• On the registration form, you will be required to provide your car license  plate number in case you intend to drive to ISM’s campus. If you drive to  campus and this information is not provided at the time of registration, you  will be unable to access campus. 
• If you have questions about the information session, please email ugrad ask@columbia.edu.  
•  If you have signed up to be on the mailing lists of multiple institutions, you  may receive more than one copy of this invitation.

SAT Update

SAT 2024-2025 Test Dates

August 2024–June 2025 SAT Registration Is Now Open

*Additional Fees apply

To register for the SAT, you may click on this link.  If you need assistance or have any questions, please feel free to email Ms. Jenny Basa at jbasa@cis.edu.ph.

Principal’s Corner

by Mr. Ben Martin, Middle & High School Principal

I Can Tell That We Are Going to Be Friends!

Thanks to our wonderful Advisory Teachers in Grade 11 and 12, our DP students went off campus for some team building activities for a bit of fun before returning to the rigors of the Diploma program. They know that this journey won’t always be easy but they know overcoming these challenges will be worth it. And as I observed these students connecting and reconnecting with each other, I was reminded of the sweet song lyrics from Jack White of the “White Stripes”:

Upcoming events of note

• Aug 7-31: CIS Literacy Month
• Fri, Aug 23: No School (Public Holiday)
• Mon, Aug. 26: No School (Public Holiday)
• Tue, Aug. 27: PTA Coffee Morning (7:30 am) – Welcome to the PTA!

Please refer to the CIS Event Calendar for the complete calendar of school events.

Physical and Health Education (PHE) News

by Ms. Demelyn Dargantes, PYP/MYP PHE Teacher

We are thrilled to share how our elementary students are off to an incredible start in their second week of school! In Physical and Health Education (PHE), our young athletes have been fully engaged in their Invasion Games unit, and they are having a blast! 

In this unit, students are learning about teamwork, cooperation, and communication while playing fun and exciting games. Each student has been assigned different roles during the activities, and they are doing an amazing job working together to achieve their goals. 

Whether they are playing as attackers, defenders, or goalkeepers, our students are showing great effort and enthusiasm. It’s wonderful to see them support each other, share ideas, and celebrate every success as a team. Their teamwork skills are growing stronger every day! 

We are so proud of our active and lovely young athletes for their dedication and energy. They have truly made the first few weeks of PHE enjoyable and inspiring. We can’t wait to see how they continue to develop their skills throughout the year.

College & Careers Counselor Corner

by Ms. Jenny Basa, College Counselor

Ask the Counselor

Q: Do I need to take the SAT to apply to college?

A: It depends on where you are applying. If you are applying with an IB Diploma, you generally do not need to submit an SAT score. Most universities in the USA are now test-optional, meaning you are not required to include an SAT score with your application. However, some selective colleges and universities have reinstated SAT requirements. In most cases, universities in the UK, Europe, and Asia do not require an SAT score if you are applying with an IB Diploma.

For further information, please contact Ms. Basa at jbasa@cis.edu.ph.

Cebu World University Fair

To all Parents:

If you are interested in attending the Cebu World University Fair on Friday Sept 13 at 8:30-11:30am in CIS, please register here.

SAT Update

SAT 2024-2025 Test Dates

August 2024–June 2025 SAT Registration Is Now Open

*Additional Fees apply

To register for the SAT, you may click on this link.  If you need assistance or have any questions, please feel free to email Ms. Jenny Basa at jbasa@cis.edu.ph.

Elementary Principal News

Ms. Maureen Juanson, Elementary School Principal, PYP Coordinator, & Accreditation Officer

Student Leadership at CIS

Last Friday, the Middle and High School (MHS) Executive Student Council led a high-energy whole school assembly to kick off the new academic year. This event ignited school spirit and set an enthusiastic tone for the year ahead, uniting the entire CIS community in anticipation of the exciting activities and initiatives to come.

This week, leadership opportunities extended to our youngest students as the Elementary School (ES) held elections for class representatives. These newly elected leaders will form the ES Student Council, tasked with being the voice of their peers, promoting positive communication, and initiating inclusive projects that ensure every student feels valued and safe. The ES Student Council will also play a key role in raising awareness of the school’s purpose, while modeling the IB Learner Profile and the Five Respects, which are essential components of our school culture.

Simultaneously, MHS students are electing House Captains who will serve as leaders during House Activities Days (HADs) and assist in planning these spirited events. In addition to their roles in HADs, House Captains will contribute to the broader student council efforts, including school activity planning and committee work.

CIS continues to foster leadership through various avenues, including student-led after-school activities, service initiatives, and outdoor education programs. These opportunities are designed to develop the teamwork and leadership skills essential for our students’ growth.

At CIS, we are committed to empowering lifelong learners in a caring environment that promotes intercultural understanding and respect. Together, we adapt, innovate, and proactively contribute to a changing world, embodying our core beliefs and living out our mission each day.

We look forward to a year of growth, learning, and leadership as our students rise to meet the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Upcoming events of note

• Aug 7-31: CIS Literacy Month
• Mon, Aug 19: ASAs Start
• Fri, Aug 23: No School (Public Holiday)
• Mon, Aug. 26: No School (Public Holiday)
• Thu, Aug. 29: PTA Coffee Morning (7:30 am) – Welcome to the PTA!

Please refer to the CIS Event Calendar for the complete calendar of school events.

MHS Principal News

by Mr. Ben Martin, Middle & High School Principal

ManageBac to School at the MHS!

Welcome back to school! A big congratulations to our executive Student Council on a very engaging first assembly! This week Mr. Ace and a few CAS students also kicked off our After School Activities Fair and the Media Center was buzzing with excitement with the beginning of Literacy Awareness Month.

As we start the year, it is important to remember that while we use Google Workspace (including Google Classroom, Drive, Mail, and other programs) for daily tasks at the MHS, much of our learning platform needs can be found on ManageBac .

Cebu International School adopted the ManageBac platform at the beginning of the 2021 academic year and MHS families were given full access to their child’s learning at the beginning of the 2023 academic year.

At the MHS, our educators use ManageBac for most of the planning, assessing, and tracking of student learning. Our students are expected to log into ManagBac everyday to see their calendar, learning units, and gradebooks. With ManageBac, our families also now have a holistic view of their child’s learning. Whatever we are looking for at the MHS can usually be found on ManageBac!

We (thanks Ms. Julie Sykes!)  have created a simple, informative document for our families to better understand and better use ManageBac to view their child’s learning. Click here to view this document!

As we begin this school, please make sure that you are aware of how to log into ManageBac to follow your child’s learning journey. Using ManageBac, help them plan and prepare for upcoming tasks and reflect on their performance. If you have any questions on how to best view this platform, don’t hesitate to contact us.

Grade 5 Class

by Mrs. Aimee Underwood,  Asst. PYP Coordinator / Grade 5 Co-Homeroom Teacher and Ms. MJ Cordova, Grade 5 Co-Homeroom Teacher / Media Literacy Teacher

As we start this new school year, our Elementary School has been inspired by the message from the picture book You Will Do Great Things. This theme is more than just a story—it’s a belief that every child has the potential to achieve remarkable things. How do we help every student realize this potential, both in the classroom and as part of our larger school community?

Dreaming Big in Grade 5
To kick off the year, our Grade 5 class delved into You Will Do Great Things, sparking conversations about their hopes and aspirations. Each student reflected on what they want to achieve, both personally and as a class. These discussions helped students identify shared goals, setting the stage for a year of collaboration and growth.

Aligning Goals with Our Core Beliefs
Next, students explored how their personal goals align with our school’s new CIS Purpose Statement and updated Core Beliefs. After immediately nodding and identifying with the statements, they discussed what each belief would look like, sound like, and feel like in their daily lives. In the process, they practiced fostering a culture of collaboration, active listening, and mutual respect.

From these discussions, students also identified specific actions they could take to embody these beliefs every day. For example, they explored strategies and tools to overcome challenges and learn to collaborate effectively (see our article on Approaching The Learning Pit with IB Learner Profile Attributes). This ensured that students moved from understanding to action, making these values a living part of our classroom culture.

From Reflection to Action: Creating Our Essential Agreement
Finally, the actions identified during these discussions naturally led to the creation of our Grade 5 Essential Agreement. This is more than just a list of rules—it’s a living document that reflects our class’s values and goals, crafted through the collaborative efforts of the students themselves. By taking ownership of this agreement, students have a vital role in shaping the environment in which they learn and grow.

Building Leadership and Community
As the year progresses, our Grade 5 students will continue to explore what it means to work together toward common goals. They’re discovering that leadership is not just about taking charge but about empowering the entire group to move forward. This understanding is central to our first unit of inquiry under the theme “How We Organize Ourselves,” where students will investigate different systems of governance and how communities address human needs, rights, and responsibilities. These explorations are essential for their growth as global citizens.

A School-Wide Commitment to Growth
While these activities are specific to our Grade 5 class, the principles and goals we’re working toward reflect a larger, school-wide commitment to fostering growth, collaboration, and meaningful achievement. 

We invite the entire school community—parents, teachers, and students alike—to reflect on how these principles can apply to your daily lives. How might you actively contribute to living out our Purpose Statement and Core Beliefs in your own classroom, home, or workplace? What concrete steps will you take to embody these values in your interactions and decisions? Together, we can make this a year of significant growth and accomplishment. We’re excited to see how we can all work together to achieve great things!

College & Careers Counselor Corner

by Ms. Jenny Basa, College Counselor

World University Fair

To all Parents:

If you are interested in attending the Cebu World University Fair on Friday Sept 13 at 8:30-11:30am in CIS, please register here.

Class of 1994 celebrates 30th Year Reunion

The Class of 1994 reunited for a weekend of fun and reminiscing about their CIS days with their families.

SAT Update

SAT 2024-2025 Test Dates

August 2024–June 2025 SAT Registration Is Now Open

*Additional Fees apply

To register for the SAT, you may click on this link.  If you need assistance or have any questions, please feel free to email Ms. Jenny Basa at jbasa@cis.edu.ph.

Admin News

by Dr. Gwyn Underwood, Superintendent

Welcome to our first Newsflash blog post as a 100-year-old school! We have had a smooth start to the new school year, and it has been a pleasure welcoming new and returning students, teachers, and family members onto campus to commence the year.

I would like to begin by urging all CIS community members to take the time to review our weekly Newsflash post to ensure they are aware of what is going on at school. In addition to general announcements, each week we also provide a rotating selection of examples of learning happening in different classes and grades, and an article from one of our admin team members highlighting a topical area to do with CIS and the education we provide.

Another reason this year is special is that it is our joint re-accreditation visit year through two International Accreditation agencies, the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), along with our verification visit by the International Baccalaureate (IB) Organization for all three of our IB programs (PYP, MYP, DP).

As part of the accreditation self-study process, various representatives from the CIS community have been reviewing our Guiding Statements over the past two years, and we are excited to now roll out our new CIS Purpose Statement (replacing the old vision and mission statements), as well as a revised outline of our “Core Beliefs”. We invite you to think deeply about these statements and let us know if you have any feedback. Do they make sense to you? If not, why not, and how could we consider changing them to help? If so, what, in particular, do you like?

Over the coming months, we will provide opportunities for you to explore the statements in more detail so keep an eye out for those events! I would like to thank you in advance for your support in working together to empower our students to be life-long learners in a caring environment that promotes intercultural understanding and respect, so that together, we can adapt, innovate, and proactively contribute to a changing world!

Upcoming events of note

• June 7-31: CIS Literacy Month
• Aug. 12 – 16: Semester 1 After School Activities (ASA) Registration
• Aug. 19: ASAs Start
• Aug [21 ] moved to Aug 23 by presidential proclamation: No School (Public Holiday)
• Aug. 26: No School (Public Holiday)
• Aug. 29: PTA Coffee Morning

Please refer to the CIS Event Calendar for the complete calendar of school events.

College & Careers Counselor Corner

by Ms. Jenny Basa, College Counselor

As part of our centennial celebration, , the school is proud to host the first Cebu World University Fair on September 13, 2024. This event will bring together representatives from over 60 universities across the globe, including institutions from the USA, Canada, UK, Europe, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand.

The fair offers a unique opportunity for students and parents to engage directly with university representatives, explore a wide range of higher education options, and gather valuable information on programs, admissions, and scholarships.

SAT Update

SAT 2024-2025 Test Dates

August 2024–June 2025 SAT Registration Is Now Open

*Additional Fees apply

To register for the SAT, you may click on this link.  If you need assistance or have any questions, please feel free to email Ms. Jenny Basa at jbasa@cis.edu.ph.

Upcoming events of note

• June 10-21: Summer School Activities
• Aug. 5: New Family Orientation
• Aug. 6: Public Holiday (Cebu Provincial Charter Day)
• Aug 7: Classes Start SY 2024-2025
• Aug. 7-31: CIS Literacy Month

Please refer to the CIS Event Calendar for the complete calendar of school events.

Grade 3: How We Express Ourselves

by Katrina del Mar, Grade 3 Homeroom Teacher

The Grade 3 inquirers, delved into our last unit, under the transdisciplinary theme, How We Express Ourselves, with music in their ears! They kicked off their exploration of sound with a listening game. Their challenge? Guessing the sounds of clapping, snapping, and stomping! They were amazing at it! Inspired by the game, the students suggested a quieter activity: listening to the world around them. Once they settled in, they were surprised by how many sounds they could hear! From birds chirping to the opening and closing doors, and even the pitter-patter of footsteps, their ears picked up on it all.

Using the scientific method, the Grade scientists conducted workshops to investigate the function of sounds. In one experiment, they saw how different parts of our body work together to produce sound. They inflated balloons to represent lungs. By manipulating the balloon’s opening, they discovered how different sounds are created, just like when we speak with our voice boxes!

The Grade 3 Thinkers reflected on how their understanding of sound has transformed using the “I used to think, Now I know” thinking routine. 

Their journey didn’t stop at the classroom. They ventured into the community to learn from radio hosts, DJs, and voice actors at Love Radio and DYHP. The students were amazed by how sound is manipulated, both with manual and digital tools. They discovered how these professionals can transform their voices, bringing characters to life with just tone and volume! Emotions danced in their hearts and pictures were painted on their minds only through the power of sounds! To top it all off, the students even got to interview them, learning what inspires them to bring voices to life every day.

The Grade 3 students embarked on a hunt for their own inspirations too. This journey allowed them to brainstorm many ideas. They meticulously planned their projects using checklists, and then transformed their ideas into action! They improved their initial plan and were inspired to make it better. Just like a cycle! They discovered that their inspiration caused them to creatively express themselves.

The Grade 3 communicators had a podcast listening party. They shared their feedback, surprised by the diverse perspectives on the same audio. Taking their classmates’ opinions about sounds into consideration, each student created their very own podcast, showcasing the best poem they wrote for this unit.

The culmination of their sound exploration came when the Grade 3 students launched their podcasts for the community. This wasn’t just about sharing their poems – it was about applying everything they learned throughout the unit. They even hoped to spark a creative fire in their communities, inspiring them to express themselves through their own voices!

College & Careers Counselor Corner

by Ms. Jenny Basa, College Counselor

An event to look forward to next school year 2024-2025

In line with the school’s Centennial celebration, CIS is hosting a university fair with over 60 colleges and universities from all over the world.  This event is open to all.  CIS parents and students are invited as well as other schools in Cebu City.  For more information, you may refer to the website.

SAT Update

SAT 2024-2025 Test Dates
August 2024–June 2025 SAT Registration Is Now Open

*Additional Fees apply

To register for the SAT, you may click on this link.  If you need assistance or have any questions, please feel free to email Ms. Jenny Basa at jbasa@cis.edu.ph.