Author: Cebu International School

Principal’s Corner

by Mr. Benjamin Martin, Middle & High School Principal

Waiting for that Second Marshmallow

Most of us have heard about one of the most famous psychological experiments that took place in 1970 at Stanford. In the experiment, a child had to choose between eating the one marshmallow placed in front of them or until a second marshmallow arrived so they could eat two marshmallows.Ten years later, they tracked these students and found that the children who waited ended up performing better academically than their peers who had chosen the eat marshmallow before the second one came. While further studies showed that economic and family background also play an important factor in eating or waiting, overall the results still show us the importance of resisting the temptation of seeking instant gratification (link).

We all know that self determination and self discipline are important for our long term success but controlling our impulses is no easy feat. How can we actually control the impulse to skip exercise when we know we need it or to the impulse to lose ourselves down a rabbit hole of screen time? In 2020, Positivepsychology.com published 16 strategies to delay gratification (link). Here are two that you can use right now:

1. If-Then~ If I want an extra snack, then I will do 20 squats and drink a glass of water first.
2. Instead of~ Instead of going to bed watching Netflix, I will read for 30–45 minutes instead.

Finding success in different aspects of our life is one of the most difficult challenges of being human. For some of us, it might be achieving our physical goals. For others, it may be that achieving relationship or spiritual goals are where we struggle the most. For our students, it is often getting them to realize that studying is a long journey and that consistency is the key if they want to achieve their learning goals. However, we all know that delaying gratification through self-determination and self-discipline holds the key to finding more permanent success for the goals we set. While we should not restrain ourselves from gratification, we should seek balance. In the words of American publisher Willian Feather: “If we don’t discipline ourselves, the world will do it for us”.

Upcoming events of note

• May 18-19 & May 25-26: MFC x CIS Friendship Cup
• May 23: Last day of ASAs (After School Activities)
• May 24: G12 Graduation (no classes in PM)
• May 28: Parent Coffee Morning (last meeting for SY)
• June 6: Moving-Up Ceremonies (students on half day) / Last day of School
• June 10-21: Summer School Activities

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

CIS is offering on-campus Summer Activities and Sports Programs for 2 weeks this June! Our programs are open to everyone.

Elementary Art & Arts Week

by Ms. Kres Jorgiet Bajamonde, PYP Art and PHE Teacher

As part of our current unit focused on the transdisciplinary theme, ‘How The World Works,’ the students have been inquiring into how light and shadows enable people to express themselves in artistic ways. The Early Years have been exploring and discovering the captivating interplay of light and shadows as avenues for artistic expression. With giggles and curiosity, they delve into the world of sand art and printmaking, using lightboxes and sand, paint, and foam to evoke the essence of light and color in their creations. Through our engaging learning activity, each little artist learns to harness the power of contrast and texture, as they imprint their imaginations onto paper, revealing intricate patterns and vibrant hues that dance in the play of light and shadow. Together, we celebrate the joy of discovery and the boundless potential of artistic expression, as our budding creatives illuminate the world with their unique visions and radiant spirits.

In the Kindergarten and Grade 1 Art class, our young artists explored the world of shapes through inquiry and boundless creativity. With eager hands and curious minds, they dove into the essence of art, understanding that shapes are not just lines and curves but the building blocks of endless possibilities. Through our engaging learning activity, “Build a Robot,” our young artists seamlessly blended the 2D and 3D shapes, crafting their robotic masterpieces. Each twist and turn of paper and each color celebrated their unique artistic expression, as they learned to see the world through the lens of shape, color, and innovation.

Our Grade 2 and Grade 3 artists delved into grid drawing. Inspired by the ingenious methods of artists past and present, our young artists explored and discovered the power of grids as tools for precision and expression. Through our engaging learning activity, each student meticulously crafted their self-portrait, navigating the intricate web of lines and shapes with skillful precision. They not only honed their artistic technique but also cultivated a deeper understanding of composition, proportion, and perspective. Together, we celebrated the transformative potential of grids in art.

The Grade 4 artists embarked on the exploration of the dynamic relationship between art and energy. With boundless enthusiasm and a commitment to sustainability, they inquired into the power of radial symmetry to breathe new life into recycled materials, transforming everyday objects into vibrant expressions of creativity. Through our engaging learning activity, students weaved together threads of innovation and environmental stewardship, as they repurposed materials like toilet paper rolls to craft works of art. The Grade 4s expressed their unique artistic voices and reflected on the interconnectedness of creativity and sustainability in shaping a brighter, more vibrant world.

The Grade 5 artists embarked on a transformative journey of self-expression and community engagement, exploring the profound intersection of passion, advocacy, and artistic expression. With nimble hands and keen minds, they delved into the intricate art of wire sculpture, unravelling the nuanced language of the body and its emotive power in figurative work. Through this learning experience, students honed their technical skills and also delved deep into their passions, channeling the essence of their PYPX projects into human poses that speak volumes. As they breathe life into their creations, each twist and curve of wire becomes a testament to their unwavering dedication and fervent advocacy, raising awareness about issues close to their hearts and sparking meaningful dialogue within our community.

Grade 11: Mathematics AA SL

by Ms. Maria Rosandee Tabada, IB DP Physics & Mathematics Teacher

Calculus is the focus of this fourth quarter’s Grade 11 Mathematics AA SL class. Students were introduced to the concepts and techniques of differential and integral calculus and their applications. One application is the use of calculus in kinematics, a branch of physics that deals with the analysis of the motion of objects without taking into account the forces causing the motion. 

Students learned about position, velocity, and acceleration graphs using the Moving Man PhET simulation. This is an example of how technology played a complementary role throughout the unit to expand and apply their calculus knowledge. 

Students also had the opportunity to consider the nature of mathematics. They were asked about who determines what mathematics is, whether culture has an impact on it, and why physics concepts are covered in a mathematics course.

These photos were taken when the group analyzed the graphs and presented their responses.

College & Careers Counselor Corner

by Ms. Jenny Basa, College Counselor

May 28 Tuesday
1:00 – 1:30pm JST
LINK to register – a recording will be sent to registrants.

Kyushu University:  Do you want to study Bioresource and Bioenvironment?
Lecture Series: How to form a piece of meat in the laboratory

SAT Update

2023–24 School Year Test Dates

Test Date	Deadline for Registration, Changes and Regular Cancellation
June 1, 2024	May 16, 2024

SAT 2024-2025 Test Dates

August 2024–June 2025 SAT Registration Is Now Open

Test Dates	Registration Deadlines	Late Registration Deadlines*
August 24,2024	August 9, 2024	August 13, 2024
October 5, 2024	September 20, 2024	September 24, 2024
November 2, 2024	October 18, 2024	October 22, 2024
December 7, 2024	November 22, 2024	November 26, 2024
March 8, 2025	February 21, 2025	February 25, 2025
May 3, 2025	April 18, 2025	April 22, 2025
June 7, 2025	May 22, 2025	May 27, 2025

*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

With just four weeks remaining in the 2023/24 school year, many of you are likely thinking about the upcoming changes in your lives. Teachers are wrapping up the academic year, students are getting ready to advance a grade or graduate, and some families are preparing to leave CIS and Cebu. During this transitional period, it’s important to acknowledge the impact these changes can have on us and our families. I’d like to share an adapted article that I find particularly useful at this time of year, to help us all prepare for what’s ahead.

Building your transition RAFT

David Pollock and Ruth Van Reken1 outline the transition process as a normal process that uses the following associated feelings:

As we navigate transitions, it’s crucial to address the emotions involved to manage any related stress effectively. Unaddressed, these emotions can lead to an unhappy transition and poor reintegration into new environments. This is especially true for students, as it can significantly impact their social and academic achievements.

Dr. Pollock2 also developed the acronym and visual image “RAFT” to help explain pre-departure processes needed for successful transitions. Here is a summary for your reference:

Reconciliation – Begin building your raft by asking yourself if you have any relationships that need mending. Is there any unfinished business between you and someone you are in a relationship with? This is the time to give and receive forgiveness. Bitterness and regret stemming from lack of closure and resolution inhibit good grief and adjustment to a new location.

Affirmation – This is the time to thank the people who have been involved in your life. Affirm the relationships you have made and what they have meant to you. Take the time to tell people what you have learned from them and how grateful you are for them. Try to leave as little unsaid as possible when you leave a place.

Farewells – Say goodbyes to people, places, pets, and possessions that have mattered to you. Take lots of pictures. Take the time to say culturally appropriate goodbyes. Some cultures require a lengthy departure process. Particularly difficult farewells are the ones that are generally rushed or put off, so plan ahead and give the farewell due attention.

Think destination – Think and dream about where you are going and what it will be like. Be very honest about the expectations you have for the people and situations that you are going to. Be honest with yourself about how you feel about this transition. Think ahead to what scares you or excites you about where you are going. Research the realities of your destination. If at all possible, put concrete plans in place.

These last few weeks will pass quickly. Please take time to build a RAFT for your transition, and go out of your way to help your friends build theirs. Consider how change may impact the feelings of all of our students whether they are leaving or not, as the process will help them face new situations as they move into a new grade, and as some of their friends and teachers leave.

References & Credits:
Third Culture Kids: The experience of growing up among worlds by David C. Pollock and Ruth E. Van Reken
Adapted from: http://theirrationalseason.blogspot.com/2008/04/raft.html
Raft Photo: Joshua Earle on Unsplash.com

Upcoming events of note

• Apr 24 – May 16: IBDP Exams
• May 11: Touch Rugby Tournament
• May 18-19 & May 25-26: MFC x CIS Friendship Cup
• May 23: Last day of ASAs (After School Activities)
• May 24: G12 Graduation (no classes in PM)
• May 28: Parent Coffee Morning (last meeting for SY)
• June 6: Moving-Up Ceremonies (students on half day) / Last day of School
• June 10-21: Summer School Activities

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

CIS is offering on-campus Summer Activities and Sports Programs for 2 weeks this June! Our programs are open to everyone.

📅 Dates: June 10-21, 2024
📍 Location: Cebu International School, Pit-os
➡️ Registration form: https://go.cis.edu.ph/summer2024

Have fun while learning new skills and making new friends in a safe and nurturing environment!

ℹ️ More information: https://go.cis.edu.ph/summer2024info

Kinder/Grade 1A Class

by Ms. Tara B. Alagao, K/G1A Homeroom Teacher

Moving and Grooving with Storytelling!

Have you ever tried telling a story with more than just words? Our Kindergarten and Grade 1 students are discovering the magic of using music and movement to bring stories to life! Last week, they began an exciting journey to explore how music and movement can be used to tell stories.

We kicked things off by encouraging our budding storytellers to unleash their creative thinking skills. Students had the chance to share different ways they like to express themselves. 

To get their bodies and minds moving, we set up a series of interactive stations that explored the wonderful connection between music and movement. The students then reflected on and shared how these various activities made them feel.

Through these engaging activities, our young storytellers are developing their understanding of how music and movement can be used to tell stories. We also introduced the concept of interpretation. Through fun games, lively music, and engaging stories, we’ve been practicing different ways to interpret stories.

The excitement is building as our young learners are now taking their first steps towards creating their own stories. We can’t wait to share the amazing stories our Kindergarten and Grade 1 students create through music and movement!

Grade 11: Physics

by Ms. Maria Rosandee Tabada, IBDP Physics and Mathematics Teacher

This fourth quarter, Grade 11 Physics students completed a practice Internal Assessment (IA) investigation on the thermal properties of coffee and tea. The goal is to allow students to select variables and design a method to investigate the relationship. This practical experience should help students prepare for the formal Internal Assessment (IA) in Grade 12.

The opportunity to conduct a practice IA will help students further develop essential scientific investigation skills. There was an emphasis on conducting pre-trials to refine their approaches so they are efficient and produce minimal waste. Thus, students understood that being open to adapting their plans based on the limitations of their method is a crucial aspect of the scientific process.

Student reflections on what they should keep in mind when working on the IA next school year are as follows:

College & Careers Counselor Corner

by Ms. Jenny Basa, College Counselor

DATE

May 11, 2024
Saturday
8:30AM – 7:00 PM
Golden Prince Hotel
Facebook Link for more details on the event.

EVENT

CHEF: Cebu Higher Education Fair 2024
Are you interested in going to Europe for university?The fair is a new initiative of France, Germany, Italy, Spain, together with the European Union in the Philippines. We’ll be organizing panel talks and information booths from these EU countries to raise awareness of the academic opportunities and funding options that the EU has to offer to young students, researchers, and academicians.

There will be a panel talk at 4:30 p.m. on the theme
“International cooperation as the Gateway to Endless Opportunities: Student Mobility,Research Cooperation and University Partnerships”

May 15, 2024
Wednesday
7:00 – 7:45 PM
(PH Standard Time)
Link to register
Teaser

Careers and Employability in a Post-Pandemic AI-Driven World
The world is changing rapidly, and in an AI-driven world, many jobs of the 20th Century will not exist by 2025. Students and parents are invited to join Professor Shanton Chang to learn how the University of Melbourne applies future focused thinking to its curriculum design ensuring that along with opportunities outside of the classroom, graduates are highly sought after by employers and prepared for a career in the 21st century.

SAT Update

2023–24 School Year Test Dates

Test Date	Deadline for Registration, Changes and Regular Cancellation
May 4, 2024	April 19, 2024
June 1, 2024	May 16, 2024

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.

SAT 2024-2025 Test Dates

August 2024–June 2025 SAT Registration Is Now Open

Test Dates	Registration Deadlines	Late Registration Deadlines*
August 24,2024	August 9, 2024	August 13, 2024
October 5, 2024	September 20, 2024	September 24, 2024
November 2, 2024	October 18, 2024	October 22, 2024
December 7, 2024	November 22, 2024	November 26, 2024
March 8, 2025	February 21, 2025	February 25, 2025
May 3, 2025	April 18, 2025	April 22, 2025
June 7, 2025	May 22, 2025	May 27, 2025

*Additional Fees apply

Principal’s Corner

by Ms. Maureen Juanson, Elementary  School Principal

PYP Exhibition Showcase

This morning, the Grade 5 PYP Exhibition culminated with a special assembly and in-person showcase, delving into a range of passions and issues they’ve explored over the past eight weeks. From reading, coding, and gaming to fashion, art, and sports, these students demonstrated not only growth in their research, thinking, and communication skills but also development in their character as they became more resilient, empathetic, responsible, and collaborative throughout the process. 

Each student presented their journey, connecting their interests to global and local issues. They articulated causes and effects and proposed responsible actions, inspiring others to take part.

As they conclude their showcase, let’s remember the messages from the song “Paraiso” and “Fight Song.” Just as they sang about flying high and reclaiming their life song, let’s embrace change and stand together in making a positive impact.

The Grade 5 PYP Exhibition marks not just an end of their PYP journey but a beginning of greater opportunities to becoming empowered citizens who can make a difference wherever they go. 

Congratulations, Grade 5s!

Upcoming events of note

• Apr 24 – May 16: IBDP Exams
• May 6-10: Arts Week
• May 11: Touch Rugby
• May 18-19 & May 25-26: MFC x CIS Friendship Cup
• May 23: Last of ASAs (After School Activities)
• May 24: G12 Graduation (no classes in PM)
• May 28: Parent Coffee Morning (last meeting for SY)
• June 6: Moving-Up Ceremonies (students on half day) / Last day of School
• June 10-21: Summer School Activities

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

Elementary: Media Literacy

by Ms. Mary Jean Cordova, Media Literacy Teacher & Media Center Coordinator

As the Grade 5s concluded their 8-week PYP Exhibition journey, they demonstrated strong research skills by delving deeper into their passions. Students began their inquiry by identifying possible questions they wanted to investigate about each of their passions. These inquiry questions guided their PYPx journey as they explored the issues and opportunities related to their passions and took action to make a difference in their community. To gather information relevant to their research questions, Grade 5 students utilized the MISO (Media, Interview, Survey, Observation) method.

Students put their research skills into practice by utilizing lateral reading to find reliable sources online. They also leveraged AI to curate multiple sources of information beneficial to their research. With this approach, they effectively analyzed and synthesized the information they gathered, gaining a deeper understanding of their chosen topics. To ensure the accuracy of the information collated by AI, students critically examine each source and utilize the information they find there. They also ensure proper acknowledgment of the information’s creators by citing their sources in MLA format.

To delve deeper into their passions, students conducted interviews with individuals to gain perspectives and insights into the real-world applications of their chosen passion. They had the opportunity to interview reliable experts within their field of passion, asking specific questions to enhance their understanding. Not only did students interview individuals within the school community, but they also reached out to people beyond the school, ranging from family friends to the General Manager of Zara. This experience helped them bridge classroom learning with real-world applications, fostering a deeper appreciation for their passions and their significance beyond academic settings. Moreover, interacting with individuals from diverse backgrounds helped improve their communication skills and critical thinking skills, preparing them to navigate complex challenges and opportunities within their chosen fields.

The grade 5 students delved deeper into understanding their passions by actively seeking the perspectives of their fellow students in school. They created a survey and sent it throughout the school, gathering a wealth of information about what their peers knew about their passions. As they analyzed their survey results, they were able to gain more information and identify some challenges that students experienced. Through this process, students were able to identify opportunities to take action and promote their passions within the learning community.

To learn more about the Grade 5s’ passions and their learning journey, watch their Virtual Showcase on Monday, May 6, 2024. The PYPx Website will be live starting next week. Take some time to explore their websites and see how the Grade 5 students took action through their passions!

DP Biology Class

by Ms. Rebecca Devadoss, DP Biology Teacher

During STEM week, both the grade 11 and grade 12 biology students had the opportunity to have elementary students as their lab partners. The experiments done were simple, colorful, and engaging. It helped even the younger ones understand some biological concepts.

Grade 11 students experimented with the concept of surface area to volume. Using agar cubes infused with phenolphthalein indicator (pink dye), they witnessed a captivating transformation as the cubes immersed themselves in acetic acid. Through keen observation, the students were able to visualize that the smaller cubes discolored faster than the larger ones. This hands-on exploration reinforced the understanding that smaller cells are more efficient in transporting materials both into and out of the cells.

Set-up

Experiment in progress

The outcome of the experiment

Student’s with their lab partners

Grade 12 students, did an experiment on paper chromatography. Photosynthetic pigments play an important role in the process of photosynthesis by capturing different wavelengths of light. Separating the pigments in the leaves was done with the early years students as lab partners.

Grade 12 students have chosen various biological processes for their internal assessment investigation. Most of them experimented on various factors influencing plant growth

Here are some graphs generated by the students after they completed their investigations. The trends seen were helpful for them to arrive at a conclusion for their research questions.

College & Careers Counselor Corner

by Ms. Jenny Basa, College Counselor

What is the Group of 8 (Go8)?
In prominent world rankings Go8 universities are consistently the highest ranked of all Australian Universities. For more information, you may refer to the Go8 Facts of Distinction.

Are you interested in applying for a full scholarship at the University of Sydney?  Here’s a link to the U of Sydney International Undergraduate Academic Excellence Scholarship which outlines the application process, eligibility and requirements

Australian Student Visa Update
As part of the recent migration review, the Australian Government has replaced the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement with a Genuine Student (GS) requirement when applying for a student visa, effective for student visa applications lodged on or after 23 March 2024.  Refer to this link for more information.

SAT Update

2023–24 School Year Test Dates

Test Date	Deadline for Registration, Changes and Regular Cancellation
May 4, 2024	April 19, 2024
June 1, 2024	May 16, 2024

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. Benjamin Martin, Middle & High School Principal

Operation Smile and Feeling Grateful at CIS

The MHS Student Council and the Operation Smile Club collaborated to pull off a wonderful month of gratitude in April!

StuCo first presented a gratitude matrix where students filled in the boxes by answering prompts related to gratitude. Students were able to share with each other and remind themselves of all of the blessings in their lives.

Next, Operation Smile ran a series of fundraising activities through donations and selling flowers gifts to show our gratitude for others. All proceeds will be given to  our friends at Operation Smile Philippines.

Finally, StuCo took colored post-its and asked students to use pictures, words, and sentences to talk about what they were thankful for. Then they put all of these post-its together to create a mural for all to see!

As we close out the month of April, I hope we can remember the words of Oprah Winfrey in remembering to be grateful all the time!

Upcoming events of note

• Apr 24 – May 16: IBDP Exams
• Apr 30: PTA Coffee Morning
• May 1: Public Holiday (Labor Day)
• May 3: PYPx
• May 6-10: Arts Week
• May 11: Touch Rugby
• May 18-19 & May 25-26: MFC x CIS Friendship Cup
• May 24: G12 Graduation (no classes in PM)

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

Grade 5: Action and Engagement in the PYP

by Mrs. Aimee Underwood, Grade 5 Homeroom Teacher/Asst. PYP Coordinator 

Central to the Primary Years Programme (PYP) is the concept of “action,” which arises both as a direct response by students to meaningful learning experiences and from intentionally designed activities that honor their voice, choice, and ownership. Our campus has recently been buzzing with action, from Early Years students showcasing their musical composition skills to Grade 3 students creating skits about exploration, and Grade 5 students initiating environmental and literary projects outside of class. These student-driven initiatives not only extend learning beyond the confines of the classroom but also ensure that it has a tangible impact on the world around them, reflecting the PYP’s emphasis on meaningful action. 

The PYP defines five types of action: Participation, Advocacy, Social Justice, Social Entrepreneurship, and Lifestyle Choices. This framework encourages students to cultivate a proactive mindset, nurturing responsibility and autonomy from an early age. At CIS, we further enrich this framework by integrating learning experiences with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), empowering students to see themselves as active agents of change. By aligning the development of Approaches to Learning (ATL) skills and IB Learner Profile attributes with the SDGs, we prepare students for informed, ethical decision-making and equip them for meaningful change. This approach not only resonates with the IB Mission but also reflects CIS’s commitment to nurturing the unique potential of all students to contribute to a better world.

Celebrating the PYP Exhibition: A Community of Inquiry and Impact

The PYP learning journey culminates with the PYP Exhibition (PYPx) —an 8-week collaborative community inquiry that encapsulates students’ learning and action under the Central Idea, “Through inquiry into our personal passions, we can discover responsible ways to influence change in the world around us.” The Grade 5 students have been inspired to explore local and global perspectives and experiences, driving them toward innovative, sustainable solutions.

Notably, this year’s PYP Exhibition saw significant enhancements in collaborative community involvement. These changes reflect the positive impact of our community’s involvement in student learning and development:

• Increased Parental Engagement: Nearly 90% of parents engaged in interactive, hands-on workshops with the students on campus this year, strengthening our foundational home-school partnership.
• Expanded Mentorship: Staff members from various roles served as PYPx mentors this year, alongside PYP, MYP, and DP teachers. They met regularly with students on a four-day cycle to provide a wide range of insights and guidance, thereby enriching project depth and diversity.
• Deeper Interdisciplinary Support: Subject teachers and community members across disciplines shared their expertise, offering students a diverse set of information, perspectives, and skills.
• Wider Community Engagement: Students actively engaged the broader CIS community through surveys and interviews, both on-campus and off-campus. This helped students enhance their research and the overall impact of their actions, as well as provided real-life opportunities for them to practice skills such as composing emails to request interviews, sending calendar invitations, following up, and practicing interview etiquette.

As the final PYP Exhibition showcase date approaches, we extend a warm invitation to the CIS community to witness our students’ inspiring journeys on Friday, May 3, 2024. PYPx is not merely a celebration of the Grade 5 students’ growth but also an acknowledgment of our school-wide dedication to fostering a community committed to making a difference.

MYP – English-Language Acquisition 

by Ms. Angelica Campos, English MYP G6-10/ Mary Rose Tudio, MYP EA

The end of the year is approaching, and with that the time for our students to work hard on their formative assessments to be ready to do their best on their summative. As an IB school, at CIS, we remind our students of the importance of the ATL Skills. One of the Social Skills we have been promoting during the past weeks in the English-Language Acquisition class is Help others to succeed. For that reason, our students in grades 6-9, were given the time and space to work on their formative assessments helping and being helped by their peers. Allowing students to help each other, helps us break paradigms about traditional testing, as well as remind them how together we can always achieve more. 

Grade 6/7 Purpose of communication assessment

Students in grade six and seven, are working on Advertisement analysis, they have learned about camera shot types, camera angles and camera movement, as well as how these tools help us achieve our purpose for communication. These topics are preparation for their summative assessment next month, where they will have to show their knowledge on author’s purpose, camera usage, and of course their English writing and speaking skills!

Grade 8/9 Empathy and relationships assessment 

Students in grade eight and nine are reading the book The Housekeeper and the Professor by Yoko Ogawa, a book published in 2003. Told from the perspective of the housekeeper, is a lovely story that has kept our students interested and engaged with each character. We have been reading together in class, while our students are practicing annotating skills chapter by chapter. Their formative assessment challenged them not just to remember the facts from the story, but to interpret the characters’ attitudes, and to predict how their actions will impact their relationships.

College & Careers Counselor Corner

by Ms. Jenny Basa, College Counselor

Ask the Counselor

Question: As an 11th grader, may I start applying to universities to get a head start on my college applications?

Answer: If you are applying abroad, you cannot apply to college yet.  Applications open in August 2024.  However, you may start writing your college essay(s) to get a headstart.  In the Philippines, the University of the Philippines has opened applications in order to take the UPCAT (UP College Admissions Test) last April 15th, Part 1 of the application has to be completed by May 15.  

SAT Update

2023–24 School Year Test Dates

Test Date	Deadline for Registration, Changes and Regular Cancellation
May 4, 2024	April 19, 2024
June 1, 2024	May 16, 2024

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

We have started the last quarter of our 2023-24 school year, and it is great to visibly observe evidence of our students learning after building up their knowledge and skills over the first three quarters of the year, plus drawing on their prior knowledge. 

Upcoming events of note

• Apr 23 : PTA Coffee Morning
• Apr 24 – May 16: IBDP Exams
• Apr 30: PTA Coffee Morning
• May 1: Public Holiday (Labor Day)
• May 3: PYPx
• May 6-10: Arts Week
• May 11: Touch Rugby
• May 18-19 & May 25-26: MFC x CIS Friendship Cup
• May 24: G12 Graduation (no classes in PM)

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

Grade 4: Sharing the Planet

by Mr. Sten Coppin, Grade Homeroom Teacher

For our unit Sharing the Planet, Grade 4 students learned all about energy, where it comes from and how the way we use it affects our lives. It culminated in a summative project that showed off their learning, creativity, writing skills, and communication skills. Our class reporters Robeen and Maxine wrote an article about their experiences.

Windmill Project

by Maxine and Robeen

In G4 UOI, we are learning about energy. We’re almost done with our unit and we are working on our final project. We are making windmills that make real electricity and models of other power plants too. Our common materials are fans, Legos, generators, cables, blades and rotors, and finally, light bulbs. The reason we are making this project is to share what we learned with other students and parents in a fun and interesting way.

You could be wondering, “What is Energy?” Well, energy has different types of meanings, like energy in the human body that you get from eating and drinking. We didn’t focus on that though, we are learning about how we create electricity. We all designed power plant models to help us explain how electricity works. Even cooler, our windmills are working models that actually create electricity!

The project was really interesting and fun. We all built windmills and each group also added a model of a different type of energy. One group did a hydropower presentation with a big dam. Other groups built geothermal, nuclear or coal power plants. Our models were really beautiful and the groups created short interactive activities to help the audience test if objects were a conductor or insulator. Even though it was sometimes challenging, especially writing the essays and doing research, we really enjoyed making the project, and we also loved that we could have our parents and other grades come to see all of our projects. It made us feel happy and proud! 

Grade 7: Science Class

by Ms. Rebecca Devadoss, Science Teacher

In their physics unit, the grade 7 students are currently studying forces and the laws of Newton. An engaging activity they recently undertook is the “Toy Car Ramp Race.” The class was organized into six groups. Each group was equipped with a ramp, a toy car, a protractor, and a measuring tape, and they ventured out into the corridors of the third floor. They eagerly set up their ramps at various angles, embarking on a dynamic exploration of how the incline (angle) of the ramp influences the distance traversed by the toy car. The air was abuzz with excitement as students meticulously observed and recorded their findings, immersing themselves in the hands-on application of physics principles.

After the activity, students successfully made connections to Newton’s Laws of Motion, solidifying their understanding of the fundamental principles governing motion and forces.

College & Careers Counselor Corner

by Ms. Jenny Basa, College Counselor

Ask the Counselor

Question:  Does a student need to take the TOEFL or the IELTS to apply to universities abroad?

Answer: Most universities abroad do not require the TOEFL or IELTS if the student is an IB Diploma candidate, or, if the student’s high school can certify that the last 4 years of school was taught in English.  CIS issues a certification for students.  In addition, as a WASC/CIS accredited school, most universities recognize this accreditation and therefore, do not require the TOEFL or IELTS.  However, if the program applied for requires clinical practice (i.e. Heatlh Sciences), the IELTS or TOEFL is a requirement to obtain a student visa.  Some universities are recognize the Duolingo test to satisfy the English proficiency requirement.

SAT Update

2023–24 School Year Test Dates

Test Date	Deadline for Registration, Changes and Regular Cancellation
May 4, 2024	April 19, 2024
June 1, 2024	May 16, 2024

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

Our society continues to change on multiple fronts at a rapid rate. We know change can be a major source of stress, and constant pressure is tiring at the best of times and can be overwhelming at others. As we head into the final months of this school year, then, it’s a good time to be reminded to take care of ourselves, look out for each other, and continue to strive to create the safest learning environment for our students that we can, both at home and at school.

Quote Credit: Christopher in Winnie the Pooh by A. A. Milne (Design by wallpapercave.com) 

Over the past year, we’ve been reviewing our Guiding Statements – our mission, vision, and core beliefs. These help us stay focused on what’s most important, and I particularly like core belief numbers one and six when considering what we can do to boost our well-being!

Core Belief #1: Learning is a joyful, creative, and open-ended exploration. In a well-being context, this means instead of getting bogged down by stress, let’s rediscover the joy of learning and find ways to nurture our creativity and curiosity.

Core Belief #6: As an IB World School, the Learner Profile Attributes and Approaches to Learning are embedded in all that we think, say, and do. In a well-being context, focusing on positive LP attributes such as being caring and open-minded, and consciously seeking ways to develop our approaches to learning (ATL) skills will help us manage life’s challenges and build resilience.

As we face difficulties, think of these core beliefs. They can guide us in staying positive, curious, and compassionate towards ourselves and others. Keep pushing forward, and remember, you have the strength and abilities to overcome obstacles!

Congratulations to the Grade 10 class on successfully completing the IB Middle Years Programme Personal Project! 

See last week’s article by Mr Martin for more details

Your displays and the accompanying explanation of your projects at school over the last couple of days were interesting and thought-provoking. Most importantly, your accounts of your learning journey were evidence that the project was of great value to prepare you for the rigors of the IB Diploma Programme next year!

Upcoming events of note

• Apr 12: MYP Personal Project Exhibition
• Apr 19: DP TOK Exhibition
• Apr 24 – May 16: IBDP Exams
• May 1: Public Holiday (Labor Day)
• May 3: PYPx
• May 6-10: Arts Week
• May 11: Touch Rugby
• May 18-19 & May 25-26: MFC x CIS Friendship Cup
• May 24: G12 Graduation (no classes in PM)

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

Elementary: Language Acquisition-English

by Ms. Evangeline Belono-ac, K-5 LA-English Teacher / Ms. Jessa Luntayao, K-5 LA- English Educational Assistant

In Language Acquisition-English classes, students actively participate in interactive learning experiences designed to cultivate proficiency across the four language domains: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Through engaging activities, students delve into the exploration and acquisition of new vocabulary directly relevant to their units of inquiry. These linguistic connections not only deepen their understanding of subject-specific concepts and themes but also foster the expansion of their overall vocabulary repertoire and enhancement of comprehension abilities.

MYP Mathematics

by Ms. Maria Bacus, MYP Mathematics Teacher

The student explored the concept of Trigonometry. This unit started with an investigation into the properties of right-angled triangles and the theorem of Pythagoras. The students discovered that the square of the longest side of the triangle is equal to the sum of the squares of the other two sides. They then applied these concepts to solve lengths in two and three-dimensional shapes. 

To further challenge the students’ understanding of the applications of Pythagoras’ Theorem and the trigonometric ratios, they worked in pairs to solve the Trigonometry Pile Up challenge by William Emeny. This task allowed students to apply their knowledge and foster collaboration and problem-solving skills as students tackled the complex geometric problems together.

Here are some photos and work of students as they completed this class activity:

Throughout the task, students engage in a multifaceted approach that includes clear communication, precision in rounding answers, and effective utilization of their technology. Specifically, students were asked to communicate their thought processes, methodologies and solutions in a clear manner. Rounding their answers to the appropriate number of significant figures is another skill that was practiced in this task. This practice fostered their attention to detail and reinforced the importance of accuracy in mathematical computations. Lastly, they further enhanced their experience by maximizing their calculators to verify solutions and improve their problem-solving proficiency. 

Here are some of the students’ reflections on their challenges and collaborations:

What did you learn from a mathematical discussion today?

College & Careers Counselor Corner

by Ms. Jenny Basa, College Counselor

Admission 101

Bentley University has created some resources that include the best tips from their admission team on making the most out of the college application process.  

You may click on the links below to access the resources which have been designed to be insightful and easy to understand.

• Building your College List
• Building your Resume’
• Letters of Recommendation
• Writing a College Essay
• Making the Most out of a College Fair
• Campus Visit Tips

DATE

EVENT

April 18 Thursday
9:00 – 9:40 AM
Canteen Annex
All HS students invited to attend

Study Gold Coast – Mini College Fair

Participating Institutions:

1. Bond University
2. Griffith University
3. Southern Cross University
4. New York Film Academy Australia
5. Australian International Student Tours

SAT Update

2023–24 School Year Test Dates

Test Date	Deadline for Registration, Changes and Regular Cancellation
May 4, 2024	April 19, 2024
June 1, 2024	May 16, 2024

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. Benjamin Martin, Middle & High School Principal

Let’s Get Personal: The Benefits of the MYP Personal Project

The MYP personal project is the culminating project for MYP students in the final year of the MYP in Grade 10. As our Grade 10 students learn on the CIS Personal Project website, The Personal Project is a significant milestone in their journey as an IB learner. It serves as both the culmination of their MYP studies and as a stepping stone towards future academic work, and the DP core, including the extended essay.

The Personal Project is a unique opportunity for students to undertake an independent and age-appropriate exploration into an area of personal interest. Through the process of inquiry, action and reflection, students will be encouraged to demonstrate and strengthen their approaches to learning skills.

The personal nature of the project is important; the project allows students to explore an area that motivates and interests them. They will choose what they want to focus on (which can be an existing or a new interest), choose how to achieve their goal, and create their own success criteria for their product. The project provides an excellent opportunity for them to produce a truly personal and creative product and to demonstrate a consolidation of their learning in the MYP.

Next Thursday and Friday, our Grade 10 students will be presenting their finished products and we look forward to seeing how their passion, planning, and perseverance have paid off!

Upcoming events of note

• Apr 9: Public Holiday (Day of Valor)
• Apr 10: Public Holiday (Eid-al-Fitr)
• Apr 12: MYP Personal Project Exhibition
• Apr 18: DP TOK Exhibition
• Apr 24 – May 16: IBDP Exams
• May 1: Public Holiday (Labor Day)
• May 3: PYPx
• May 6-10: Arts Week

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

PYP Spanish

by Ms. Dina Melwani, PYP Spanish Teacher

“¡Noticias al Día!” “News up to date!”

Grade 6: Design Class

by Mr. Jessie Saclo, MYP Design Teacher

Let There Be Light (Design Project)

The grade 6 Design class presented their lamp designs on March 22 to celebrate the end of their unit, “Let There Be Light.” During the first phase of that unit, the grade 6 students learned to make simple electric circuits to power a bulb. Through weeks of hands-on learning, the students acquired the skills of splicing and connecting wires, adding a plug, installing a bulb socket, measuring and cutting wood materials using carpentry tools, and assembling parts to create a functional product. With the objective of using locally manufactured products made of natural materials, the grade 6 students began planning their lamp designs, gathering inspiration from world-class designers such as Cebuano designer Kenneth Cobonpue, CIS alumnus Vito Selma, and world-renowned driftwood sculptor James Doran-Webb.

Using the Design criteria, students went through a remarkable process of innovation and creativity, reflecting on their learning, and developing their design-making skills. Several changes and improvements were made to allow for the best design possibility based on available materials.

Click on the image above to take you to a website where you can look at the innovation of our grade 6 Design students, and marvel at their creativity and cool ideas!

College & Careers Counselor Corner

by Ms. Jenny Basa, College Counselor

How many colleges should a student apply to?

There is no magic number.  It all depends on the factors that are of major importance to you and your conversations with family when you choose a college. Take time to read this article (How may colleges should you apply to? ) from the Harvard Business Review.

DATE

EVENT

April 18 Thursday
9:00 – 9:40 AM
Canteen Annex
All HS students invited to attend

Study Gold Coast – Mini College Fair

Participating Institutions:

• Bond University
• Griffith University
• Southern Cross University
• New York Film Academy Australia
• Australian International Student Tours

SAT Update

2023–24 School Year Test Dates

Test Date	Deadline for Registration, Changes and Regular Cancellation
May 4, 2024	April 19, 2024
June 1, 2024	May 16, 2024

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 Ms. Maureen Juanson, Elementary School Principal

Building Resilience

In the journey of education, we often speak of preparing our students not just for academic success, but for life beyond the classroom. A huge part of this preparation is to build resilience. When faced with academic challenges, social conflicts, or personal struggles, resilience helps them navigate these difficulties, learn from them, and come back even stronger. 

Insights from educational research highlight the crucial role parents and teachers play in fostering resilience in our young learners. When students encounter obstacles or conflicts, they naturally turn to their trusted adults for guidance and support. As caring educators and parents, our immediate instinct is often to step in and alleviate their difficulties. However, this well-intentioned response, while comforting in the short term, may inadvertently hinder the development of resilience.

Resilience is the capacity to bounce back from adversity, persevere in the face of challenges, and thrive despite setbacks. It is not an innate trait determined solely by genetics, but rather a skill that can be nurtured and strengthened through intentional practice and experience. It’s like a muscle – the more we use it, the stronger it gets.

At CIS, we recognize the connection between resilience and academic performance. Students who possess resilience are better equipped to manage stress, adapt to change, and persist in their learning endeavors. They demonstrate greater focus, determination, and problem-solving abilities, which are essential for success in the rigorous IB program and beyond.

As an IB World School, we are committed to cultivating resilience in our students by emphasizing the development of Approaches to Learning (ATL) skills, particularly self-management skills. Through inquiry-based learning experiences, collaborative projects, and reflective practices, students learn to set goals, manage their time effectively, organize their work, regulate their emotions, and persevere in the face of challenges. 

Furthermore, we understand that building resilience is a partnership between home and school. Parents play a vital role in supporting their children’s resilience development. The American Psychological Association (APA) offers valuable guidance for promoting resilience in children.

Let’s continue to actively cultivate resilience in our students, empowering them to flourish in all aspects of their lives.

Upcoming events of note

• Mar 18 – Apr 1: IB Art Exhibition
• Mar 25 – Apr 1: Spring/Easter Break
• Apr 9: Public Holiday (Day of Valor)
• Apr 10: Public Holiday (Eid-al-Fitr)
• Apr 12: MYP Personal Project Exhibition
• Apr 18: DP TOK Exhibition
• Apr 24 – May 16: IBDP Exams

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

Early Years: Celebration of Learning

by Ms. Ann Codoy, Early Years Teacher

Celebrating Music and Emotions!

The Early Years put on a heartwarming performance this week, culminating their unit under the transdisciplinary theme “How We Express Ourselves” with a conceptual focus on music! Parents were treated to a special showcase where their little ones sang “Little Peter Rabbit” and showcased their moves with an energetic “Roar and Handclap.” This delightful performance, a true team effort between homeroom, music, and PE classes, explored how music can influence our feelings.

But the learning didn’t stop there! The Early Years went digital, creating interactive stories using Book Creator. They showcased their artwork, written stories, and even added their own voice-overs and sound effects! This engaging project demonstrates their communication and storytelling skills in a fun way.

After the delightful stories, the fun continued with engaging station rotations. Students, alongside their proud parents, were grouped into three teams and embarked on an interactive learning adventure!

This celebration of learning was a fantastic display of teamwork, creativity, and the joy of early childhood education!

MYP Science

by Ms. Haydee Montero, MYP Science Teacher

Grade 6: IDU – Empowering Innovation: A Makey-Makey Journey Through Interactive Music and Beyond

The Grade 6 students eagerly delved into the world of interdisciplinary learning through a unique Integration of Disciplines Unit (IDU) in Science and Music. Armed with creativity, curiosity, and a Makey-Makey device, they embark on a journey where science meets melody, and innovation harmonizes with artistic expression.

The focal point of this innovative project lies in the creation of their chosen musical instruments from scratch, using the Makey-Makey device. The Makey-Makey is a simple circuit board that turns everyday objects into touchpads for music creation, letting students play science while making music.

Here are some thoughts of students when asked to explain what each discipline (Science & Music) has done to develop the theme of creativity and innovation or development:

Grade 9: Every chemical reaction has a transition state

In the realm of science, the study of chemistry stands out as a captivating journey into the intricate dance of atoms and molecules. At the core of this exploration lies the concept that “every chemical reaction has a transition state,” a theme that has ignited the curiosity and creativity of Grade 9 students in their scientific inquiry, showcasing their chosen AHA-mazing scientific exploration.

Guided by the fundamental principle of the law of conservation of mass, students strive to demonstrate the unyielding balance that governs chemical reactions. Armed with a diverse array of representations and models, including words and simple balanced chemical equations, they endeavor to unravel the intricacies of molecular rearrangements.

Here are a few of the students’ AHA-MAZING Scientific Chemical Reactions:

Grade 12:  IB DP Visual Arts Exhibition

by Mr. Jessie Saclo, DP Visual Arts Teacher

This is a glimpse of this year’s IB DP Visual Arts Exhibition, the culmination of two years of hard work, inquiry and creativity, showcasing the diverse skills and achievements of students in visual arts. It is a unique opportunity for students to demonstrate their mastery of various art-making forms. The IB DP Exhibition serves as a cumulative assessment, showcasing students’ knowledge and understanding of IB principles across various disciplines. In this exhibition, viewers are exposed to art revolving around various, disciplines, themes, and issues, wrought through the process of exploration, experimentation, critical thinking, and creativity.

Visit the IB DP Exhibition, open during school hours from March 19 to April 1 in the studio.

MYP Math Class

by Mr. Daniel Monfre, MYP Math Teacher

Last week was STEM Week at CIS and the school was full of activities for all students. We had students designing and flying paper planes, trivia games, puzzles, scavenger hunts, and cryptography challenges! 

In math classes, students got to explore a variety of math games and applications. In grade 6 we investigated what logic is and how math helps us with solving problems in a logical manner. Students applied their logic skills to solve puzzles (like the one below) on Logic.PuzzleBaron.com which allows them to check their work and compare their solution times to others around the world.

In grade 7 we took a look at the 2024 Pi Day Challenge, a webpage that publishes a different set of pi themed problems every March 14 (3-14!). We worked as a class to see how many of the puzzles we could solve together. The students solved the puzzles by applying logic, algebra, geometry, and probability. Feel free to check it out yourself at pidaychallenge.com.

Grade 10 focused on a math-themed challenge focusing on equations and the order of operations. Similar to the game Wordle, students had a chance to play the math version called Nerdle. In Nerdle students have to come up with an equation using the digits 0 to 9 and the four basic operations. Each guess lets them know if the numbers and operations are in the correct order, the right operation in the wrong place, or not included in the equation. Through the process of elimination, they had 6 chances to guess the correct answer. Then they really put their skills to the test with the MaxiNerdle which includes exponents, brackets, and roots as part of the solution!

College & Careers Counselor Corner

by Ms. Jenny Basa, College Counselor

If you are wondering if the SAT will be required again for college admission, please read this article: The SAT is coming back at some colleges…

DATE

EVENT

April 18 Thursday
9:00 – 9:40 AM
Canteen Annex
All HS students invited to attend

Study Gold Coast – Mini College Fair

SAT Update

2023–24 School Year Test Dates

Test Date	Deadline for Registration, Changes and Regular Cancellation
May 4, 2024	April 19, 2024
June 1, 2024	May 16, 2024

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

Learning to Fail Well

When asked what failure means to them, most people initially associate it with not being able to reach some sort of objective. It is perceived to be a negative occurrence and something to be avoided.

However, there is another side to failure that is often ignored or forgotten, and that is failure is a natural and integral process for learning! In fact, failure acts as a form of feedback that we use to consider what is not working, and inform our options of what to do to make it happen next time!

Therefore when a student fails (and they should expect that to happen frequently!), they should reflect on what went wrong, consider what they can do to improve on, and then act accordingly. By addressing each failure in this manner, over time students can become successful in their actions and continuously refine their skills. That is, they will learn to learn!

Students, here is some helpful advice on how to fail well and how to fail badly by a specialist in this field, Mr. Lance King, who was integral in developing the ATLs we use in our IB programs.

Parents, here is some helpful advice on what you can do to help your child fail well and learn, and how to avoid actions that will cause your child to fail badly and negatively impact their learning, as well as their resilience in life skills.

As we approach our Spring/Easter break, I encourage you to reflect on the above suggestions and consider a few areas you can try to help you fail well (or help your child fail well). Have a relaxing weekend!

Upcoming events of note

• Mar 14 – 16: ISAC 3 @ BISB
• Mar 18 – Apr 1: IB Art Exhibition
• Mar 25 – Apr 1: Spring/Easter Break
• Apr 9: Public Holiday (Day of Valor)
• Apr 10: Public Holiday (Eid-al-Fitr)
• Apr 12: MYP Personal Project Exhibition
• Apr 18: DP TOK Exhibition
• Apr 24 – May 16: IBDP Exams

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

STEM Week Activities

by Ms. Haydee Montero, MYP Science Teacher

CIS once again electrified the entire campus with the buzz of STEM Week, a thrilling celebration of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. From captivating challenges to mind-bending HAD-like competitions, the week-long festivities showcased the ingenuity and creativity of CIS students across all grade levels.

Tower of Hanoi Challenge

The excitement kicked off with a flurry of activities, including the Mischievous Dragon challenge, where students put their problem-solving skills to the test. In the 4pics1 Science word challenge, students exercised their scientific vocabulary muscles to decipher challenging puzzles. Meanwhile, the Periodic Table Challenge challenged students’ knowledge of the elements, while the Digits of Pi challenge pushed their mathematical limits.

One of the highlights of the week was the Exploratory Laboratory, where early years students immersed themselves in hands-on experiments and scientific inquiry. From chemistry to physics, biology to engineering, students explored a wide array of STEM topics, sparking their curiosity and inspiring a love for discovery.

Not to be outdone, students also showcased their dancing skills as mathematicians, led by talented Grade 11 students and dedicated Science and Math teachers. Through creative choreography and synchronized movements, they celebrated the beauty of mathematics and the joy of interdisciplinary collaboration.

As the week progressed, students faced a series of mind-bending challenges designed to test their knowledge and teamwork. The “Organs of the Body Scavenger Hunt” put their understanding of human anatomy to the ultimate test, as they raced against the clock to locate hidden organs and put them together in a human body-outlined cardboard. Then, shifting gears, students tackled the problem-solving puzzle of the “Tower of Hanoi,” where strategic thinking and mathematical reasoning were essential for success.

With each activity and challenge, STEM Week at CIS embodied the spirit of exploration, collaboration, and innovation. It was a week filled with excitement, learning, and unforgettable moments that showcased the boundless potential of CIS students in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. As the week came to a close, students left inspired and empowered, ready to take on the challenges of the future with confidence and creativity.

Elementary: Media Literacy

by Ms. Mary Jean Cordova, Media Literacy Teacher/Media Center Coordinator

In our ongoing unit centered around the transdisciplinary theme, ‘How The World Works,’ students have been actively applying their Media Literacy skills. During our class, we’ve delved into various concepts being explored in their inquiry in homeroom. Throughout this process, students have embraced technology as a valuable tool for learning, gaining insights into how to navigate the online world safely.

DP Mathematics: Math Explorations

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

Math Exploration (Year 1 – Choosing their Topics and Finding their Ways)

Before the end of their first year of Mathematics Applications and Interpretations Standard Level class, students had the opportunity to brainstorm ideas for their possible Math exploration topics. In pairs, they answered questions about their hobbies, interests, future plans, and qualities that make them unique. They then chose the area in which they were most interested and passionate about to explore it further and demonstrate their understanding of that specific area of mathematics.

Math Exploration (Year 2 – Working with Data and Discovering New Things)

In Year 2, students were tasked with challenging themselves by investigating various areas of mathematics and demonstrating their understanding by working with the data gathered and analyzing it. Their topics varied, ranging from examining relationships between two variables, testing for independence, and utilizing Voronoi diagrams to identify the nearest evacuation centers in case of emergencies. 

Below are some photos from the students’ Internal Assessments and their reflections on their journey of completing them.

College & Careers Counselor Corner

by Ms. Jenny Basa, College Counselor

CommonApp Essay Prompts for 2024-2025 (at least 250 words and maximum of 650 words)

How to Approach the Essay

DATE

EVENT

March 16 Saturday
EducationUSA events:
Parent Conference at 9:00AM – 12:00PM
Link to register for Parent Conference

Grade 11/12 Student Bootcamp 
2:00 – 6:00PM
Link to register for Student Bootcamp

Venue: Holiday Inn, Cebu City

SAT Update

2023–24 School Year Test Dates

Test Date	Deadline for Registration, Changes and Regular Cancellation
May 4, 2024	April 19, 2024
June 1, 2024	May 16, 2024

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. Benjamin Martin, Middle & High School Principal

The Importance of Setting Short Term and Long Term Goals

During the Week Without Walls trips a few weeks ago, one of the most impactful activities for me was going on a hike with the grade 11 students. I had grown up in the rocky mountains so I was very surprised to learn that there were quite a few students who were going on a hike for the first time. Though there were some challenges along the way, the students were able to help each other through the rocky bits, the exhaustion, and the muscle cramps to make it to the top where they could share some food and an incredible view.

The next week, I met with grade 8s to talk about goal setting and I spotted one of the grade 11s at the back of the room. “Why did we need to stop along the way?” I asked him. He replied that it was because we needed to pace ourselves because there was no way we could do it all at once.

This strategy could be applied to all aspects of our life. As explained in an article on goal setting exercises on positivepsychology.com, “The author Annie Dillard once said in her book The Writing Life, ‘How we spend our days is how we spend our life’ and I think this is a great quote to contemplate in the theme of goal setting. How we spend our life – the things we want to do – is made up of all the smaller days in-between, and the same is true of achieving a goal. It’s the small steps in the middle that create success.”

The article continues by referencing Dr. Edwin Locke’s Goal Setting Theory, where it seems for goal setting exercises to work they need two key things:

1. To be small, achievable and measurable over time

2. Set specific and clear outcomes

It is helpful for us to make long-term goals and then set shorter, achievable daily and weekly goals. If we are looking to achieve increased physical strength, it is about making sure that we have an exercise plan for at least a couple days a week. If we are trying to learn a new language, we should at least memorize a short list of words and a couple of phrases every week. It is not about making it to the top from start to finish but about making it to each of the stops along the way. As we push through our challenges to meet our short-terms goals, eventually we will reach our long-term goal at the top!

Upcoming events of note

• Mar 11: Start of 4th quarter
• Mar 11 – 15: STEM Week
• Mar 12: Regular CIS Corporation Meeting
• Mar 14 – 16: ISAC 3 @ BISB
• Mar 18 – Apr 1: IB Art Exhibition
• Mar 25 – Apr 1: Spring/Easter Break

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

SAIS Educators Visit CIS

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

This week, CIS welcomed a team of educators from Stockbridge American International School (SAIS) Davao. SAIS is currently in the candidacy phase of the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP) and is seeking ways to effectively implement and integrate the PYP framework into its curriculum. Our connection with SAIS was first established when Mrs. Aimee Underwood (Assistant PYP Coordinator and Grade 5 Homeroom teacher) led an IB workshop at their school in her capacity as an IBEN workshop leader in November 2023. During their two-day visit to our school, SAIS educators observed the different PYP classes and engaged in discussions with our PYP teachers and leadership team. These opportunities have provided the SAIS educators a chance to see the PYP in action and gain insight into how the IB Standards and Practices are implemented. The SAIS educators have expressed their sincere admiration for the impressive work that CIS has done in implementing the IB PYP, the dedication of our PYP teachers in preserving the integrity of the program by employing best teaching practices, and the way our PYP students demonstrate the IB learner profile attributes and ATL skills. They also expressed their appreciation to the CIS community for their warm welcome and hospitality.

This visit exemplifies CIS’ commitment to fostering connections beyond our school walls. This exchange of knowledge and experiences enriched both the CIS and SAIS faculty and has allowed us to contribute to the wider educational landscape within the IB network of schools. We look forward to the opportunity to build upon this connection and possible collaborations in the future not only with SAIS but also with other IB schools in the region.

HAD 3

by Ms. Demelyn Dargantes, PHE Teacher

Cebu International School Buzzes with House Activities Day Excitement!

The energy is electric at Cebu International School as the third house day unfolds! Teams Narra, Mahogany, Molave, and Acacia are all fired up, ready to compete and showcase their school spirit.

From the cheers echoing across the grounds to the vibrant team colors, the atmosphere is one of pure excitement. Whether it’s during academic competitions, creative challenges, or athletic events, every student is eager to contribute to their house’s success.

While there will be only one winner, the true spirit of the day lies in the camaraderie and sportsmanship displayed by all participants. It’s a day to celebrate individual talents, teamwork, and the joy of being part of a vibrant school community.

The competition may be fierce, but one thing’s for sure: everyone is looking forward to a fun-filled day with unforgettable moments!

Stop Press: HAD 3 winners were Molave!

Grade 9: Individuals and Societies Class

by Ms. Joy Pierra, Individuals & Societies Teacher

The I&S 9 class has been diving deep into their Unit 3 topic, “Exploring Global Interactions through Cultural Choices.”

They’ve embarked on a journey, learning how societies from all over the world connect and influence each other through their unique cultures. To end the unit, they hosted a spectacular Culture Fair last Tuesday, March 5, 2024, at the Media Center! 

This activity aimed to help them understand how global interactions shape personal and cultural expressions. It was also an opportunity for them to celebrate and understand how connected we all are in today’s globalized world. 

Huge thanks to the PLC 5 class and their amazing teacher, Ms. Jessa Luntayao, for joining in and making the fair a success. We hope that they can apply the things that they’ve learned as they continue to explore how the Philippines connects to the world.

#CultureFair #GlobalInteractions #I&S9Journey 

Here are some of the I&S 9 students’ thoughts about the fair.

Here’s the feedback from the Grade 5 PLC students.

Grade 11: Extended Essay

by Mr. Steve Duba-Maack, IB Extended Essay Teacher

To ensure that IB students have the opportunity to broaden their study in an area of interest to them, and to embed research (one of our ATL skills) in that study, all CIS students are required to complete a crucial part of the IB curriculum, the Extended Essay.

The Extended Essay (usually called the “EE” at school) is a 4000-word essay on a topic chosen by each student, and that topic must fit into one of the established IB subject areas. Students are encouraged to select a subject area and topic that is of interest to them, and then to shape that into a research question that will guide their research process. It is best if students choose a topic in which they are not already experts so that they actually must research their topics. Their topic might be an extension of something they are passionate about, but it should be something that requires them to complete academic research and to synthesize information from multiple and varied sources.

A complete draft of the Extended Essay is expected in August just after the students, newly Grade 12s, return from their June/July break. Our challenge is to make sure that students have the knowledge and resources they need to complete that draft over the break. To help students meet that challenge, they are working with a faculty or staff supervisor who will help direct their research process and serve as a sounding board for their ideas and concerns.

While Business Management is the most popular EE subject area, we also have students working on EEs in Psychology, Language and Literature, History, Film, Biology, Mathematics, and Global Politics.

Here is what some current Grade 11s are saying about how the research process on their EEs is shaping up:

Student Achievement

Congratulations to Cameron from Grade 4, for winning the 2024 ASJJF Cebu Open International Jiu Jitsu Championship in his division!

College & Careers Counselor Corner

by Ms. Jenny Basa, College Counselor

DATE

EVENT

March 11
Monday
3:30 – 4:15pm
Canteen Annex
Link to sign up

University of British Columbia) – face to face chat with  the recruitment rep of UBC and learn about the application process, programs and scholarship offered.

March 16 Saturday
EducationUSA events:
Parent Conference at 9:00AM – 12:00PM
Link to register for Parent Conference

Grade 11/12 Student Bootcamp
2:00 – 6:00PM
Link to register for Student Bootcamp

Venue: Holiday Inn, Cebu City

Education USA Events in March

SAT Update

2023–24 School Year Test Dates

Test Date	Deadline for Registration, Changes and Regular Cancellation
May 4, 2024	April 19, 2024
June 1, 2024	May 16, 2024

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.