Category: Newsflash

Admin News

by Dr. Gwyn Underwood, Superintendent

As we near the end of our first semester with less the two weeks to go now, it is wonderful to see various projects and events showcasing the learning that has been occurring over the past semester. A few examples of note include:   

• “Honk”, our production for 2023 based on the children’s story “The Ugly Duckling”. What a wonderful performance – congrats to the performers, organizers, stage crew, and audience! 
• Book Week events – what an action-packed week to promote reading and literacy!
• Various end-of-unit projects throughout the school.

These examples are a good reminder for us to be grateful for what we have, and can experience. It is interesting to note the research shows multiple benefits from being grateful, including a positive impact on health, well-being, and relationships. As we approach our mid-year Christmas break, let’s make an effort to be grateful, and share our gratitude with others. Our community will certainly benefit from this! Have a wonderful weekend!

Upcoming events of note

• Dec. 2 (Sat): CIS is hosting a touch rugby tournament organized but the Cebu Dragons Rugby Club
• Dec. 2 (Sat): Digital SAT
• Dec. 9 (Sat): Tree of Giving (off-campus service activity)
• Dec. 13 (Wed): End of Semester Assembly/End of Qtr. 1 (half day)
• Dec. 14 – Jan. 8: Christmas/Semester Break
• Jan. 8 (Mon): Teachers’ In-Service Day (No classes)
• Jan. 9 (Tue): First day of 2nd Semester

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

Book Week Photos

Grade 11 and 12: DP Biology

by Ms. Rebecca Devadoss, DP Biology Teacher

Grade 11 Class
During the various metabolic activities within our cells, hydrogen peroxide is produced as a byproduct. If too much hydrogen peroxide builds up, it can cause damage. The enzyme catalase converts this harmful hydrogen peroxide into harmless water and oxygen, helping to keep our cells safe. Catalase works best at a temperature around our body temperature, which is about 37 degrees Celsius (37°C), and works in a slightly basic or neutral environment. The best pH for catalase activity is around 7.

This quarter, students explored the factors that affect the enzymatic activity of catalase in potato tissue using 3% hydrogen peroxide as the substrate. Students in groups investigated the effect of temperature or pH and measured the enzyme activity by the height of the oxygen bubbles that are produced as a byproduct. 

The results were aligned with established scientific knowledge, validating the reliability of the experiment.

Grade 12 Class
The Earth is a closed ecosystem where energy is transferred but matter is recycled. Energy flows through the trophic levels, sustaining life. Students set up innovative “mesocosms” that were either terrestrial, aquatic, or a combination of both. Mesocosms are closed ecosystems that are sealed to ensure that water, oxygen, carbon dioxide, and other nutrients are recycled. Plants initiate the energy transfer through photosynthesis. Decomposers that would be naturally present in the soil and water break down organic matter, completing the cycle. While the matter remains within the system, energy continually circulates, emphasizing the closed yet dynamic nature of Earth’s ecosystem. The mesocosm experiment exemplifies how, in Earth’s closed system, matter is conserved and energy sustains life.

Students have been making qualitative observations on a regular basis. Images of mesocosm.

Beginning of quarter I

After one semester,  End of quarter II

Touch Rugby

by Mr. Damon Freeman

This Saturday 2 December CIS will participate in the Visayas Youth Rugby Festival as part of the Philippines Sports Commission drive to promote Olympic sports in the Visayas. CIS has entered an u12, u15, u19 and Girls team. The event will take place at CIS from 9:30am – 4pm.

We invite you to bring your family along to witness and experience the thrill of rugby firsthand. The event promises to be a fantastic day filled with sportsmanship, camaraderie, and exciting matches that showcase the skills of talented players in various age categories.

DATE

EVENT

Available online

Maryland Institute College of Art (USA) – If you are a student pursuing an artistic career, here’s an opportunity to seek portfolio advice, take advantage of two options:

Option 1: Connect with a MICA admissions counselor through this LINK

Option 2:  Received feedback through  the Association of  Indepedent Colleges of Art & Design (AICAD) LINK

December 2023 events for Glion, Les Roches & Ecole Ducasse

7 December, 6.30 – 7.30pm (SGT): Discover the Fascinating World of Culinary & Pastry Arts with École Ducasse

Founded by the legendary chef, Alain Ducasse, École Ducasse offers Bachelor programs in culinary and pastry arts at its two campuses in France. Link to register

11 December, 6.30 – 7.30pm (SGT): Learn about Bachelor Program from Les Roches

For interested students & parents who would like to learn more about the Bachelor programs, admission requirements, internships, scholarship & employment opportunities. Link to register

Learn about Bachelor Programs from Glion (Watch-on-demand)

Find out more about Bachelor’s in International Hospitality Business or Bachelor’s in Luxury Business from Glion from the comfort of your home, at any time!  Link to register

January 11
Thursday
11:00 PM (PHT)
Link to register

Bocconi University (Italy) –Join us for a webinar on 11 January where we will focus on Bocconi Bachelor programs and on the application process.

SAT Update

2023–24 School Year Test Dates

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 Principal

A Week of Literary Wonders from Books to the Stage

Celebrating Book Week: “Read, Grow, Inspire”
This year’s Book Week has been a delightful celebration of literature and imagination! Anchored in the theme “Read, Grow, Inspire,” each classroom delved into a world of stories, sparking creativity and a shared love for reading. From engaging activities such as the Living Library, Book Talk, and D.E.A.R. Time to collaborations across the school, such as the heartwarming Buddy Reading and amusing Book Cover Makeover Challenge, our students embraced the magic of storytelling together. The highlight was our vibrant whole school assembly where students and teachers alike transformed into beloved book characters, weaving a tapestry of literary wonder across the campus. Ms. MJ, our Media Center Coordinator, shares more details below.

“Honk!” Takes Center Stage
Anticipation is growing for the much-awaited musical production, “Honk!” by CIS students. The annual musical production is a testament to the school’s dedication to high-quality learning and teaching. This extraordinary showcase of talent reflects our belief in guiding learners toward individual and collective goals while fostering lifelong learning skills and positive action.

The dedication of our students, supported by our exceptional faculty, has culminated in a performance that promises an immersive experience that will be filled with laughter, music, and heartfelt storytelling. This learning experience has allowed our learners to embrace their diverse talents on stage, embodying empathy, care for others, and a commitment to contributing meaningfully to their community. “Honk!” not only showcases the vibrant skills within our community but also stands as a testament to our school’s dedication to fostering engaged, empathetic, and globally minded citizens.

To all our students, teachers, staff, and other community members who are part of this year’s production, we send you our best wishes and a resounding round of applause in advance! Everyone is looking forward to what promises to be a truly magnificent show!

Upcoming events of note

• Nov. 24 – 25: School Production (Honk)
• Nov. 27: School Holiday (official optional date for Nov. 30 Bonifacio Day)
• Nov. 28: PTA Coffee Morning 7:30 am, Canteen annex
• Nov. 30 (Thu): End of most Sem. 1 ASAs (*Note, no ASAs on Friday, Dec 1; some ASAs may extend Dec 4-8)
• Dec. 2 (Sat): Tree of Giving (off-campus service activity)
• Dec. 2 (Sat): CIS is hosting a touch rugby tournament organized but the Cebu Dragons Rugby Club

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

Grade 4 and 5: Philippine Language and Culture

by Ms. Ms. Jessa Luntayao,  Philippine Language and Culture Teacher

In Philippine Language and Culture class, the Grade 4 and 5 students embarked on an exciting adventure through the landscapes of knowledge, where the very essence of a country’s culture is shaped by the hands of geography. As we started our new unit under the transdisciplinary theme Who We Are In Place and Time with a central idea ”A country’s culture is shaped by its geography,” the Grade 4 and 5 explorers delved into the heart of the concept through a mystery box exploration. The mystery box served as a portal to the diverse geography of the Philippines, allowing students to unravel its secrets. Filled with tangible representations of the country’s land and water forms, each object became a key to unlocking the connection between geography and culture.

With eager anticipation, students took turns reaching into the mystery box, relying only on their senses to describe the objects and make predictions about their geographical significance. The air buzzed with excitement as each revelation sparked animated discussions, collaborative efforts, and a shared journey of discovery.

After the exploration, the young learners meticulously recorded their observations, creating a bank of valuable insights. A lot of insightful ideas came up during the big group discussion, showcasing the collaborative effort and open-mindedness of our young explorers. Students shared their diverse perspectives about the geographical significance of each object, helping us all understand things in a way that went beyond just one person’s ideas.

To further understand the relationship between geography and culture, students will dive deeper into the opportunities and challenges presented by the Philippines’ geographical location and how the Philippines connects to the world beyond its shores. 

Grade 11: Visual Arts

by Ms. Gerri Ancajas-Jumao-as, Visual Arts Teachers

Visual Arts plays an integral role in our everyday lives. It is imbued in parts of human creativity, communication, expression, and endeavors. It aids us as we understand our lives, culture, history and experiences. Visual Arts allows us to create forms and images, as well as appreciate and respond to art-making practices.  

Two key features of the IB Visual Arts curriculum are the Process Portfolio and Exhibition. The Process Portfolio is an assessment task that highlights student’s experimentation, exploration, manipulation and refinement of a variety of visual arts activities during the two-year course. The Exhibition looks at students’ technical accomplishments showing evidence of understanding and application of the use of materials, ideas, and practices appropriate to visual communication.

The extracts and artworks below showcase how the students have engaged with their chosen medium and technique, and the development of their ideas.

Book Week 2023

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

As we wrapped up our Book Week celebration, it was incredible to witness the enthusiastic involvement of students, teachers, and parents, transforming our school into a hub of literary exploration and creativity. The vibrant engagement observed during Book Week reflects our school’s established culture of fostering interdisciplinary connections and nurturing a love for reading. Here are some highlights of this week’s celebration of literature! 

We started the week with Buddy Reading where students in MHS read books to the ES students. This fosters a sense of camaraderie and mentorship among our students, creating a supportive environment where older students inspire and guide younger ones through the joy of reading. It not only cultivates a culture of empathy and leadership but also reinforces the importance of literacy as a shared experience, strengthening the bonds within our school community.

Throughout the week, students actively participated in our Drop Everything and Read (DEAR) Time, a dedicated period fostering a culture of uninterrupted, immersive silent reading. This initiative not only encourages a love for literature but also nurtures students’ individual reading preferences, cultivates concentration, and reinforces the habit of lifelong learning through the exploration of diverse genres and narratives.

This year, our guest author, whose literary works are deeply rooted in her formative years within a rural Philippine village, captivated our students with compelling narratives drawn from her personal experiences. Their engagement demonstrated an eagerness to explore diverse cultural perspectives, fostering a profound understanding of different lived experiences. This enriching encounter not only broadened students’ perspectives but also ignited a curiosity to delve deeper into stories that reflect the richness and diversity of human experiences worldwide.

The Living Library has proven to be an exciting platform for our students, offering an immersive experience where parents passionately shared their expertise and passions. This unique opportunity exposed students to a diverse array of disciplines: from delving into yoga as a discipline fostering mindfulness and well-being, exploring the intricacies of rowing as a competitive sport, to unraveling the world of design as a boundless avenue for creative expression. Such engagements not only broaden horizons but also ignite curiosity, encouraging students to explore varied interests and potential paths for their own personal and academic growth.

The Spirit Day celebration provided a unifying platform for our entire school community to immerse themselves in the enchanting world of literature by dressing up as their favorite book characters. Beyond the playful games challenging students to guess characters based on clues, this event fosters a vibrant culture of creativity, imagination, and literary appreciation. It encourages students to delve deeper into character traits, stories, and narratives, fostering a deeper connection with literature while nurturing a sense of camaraderie among peers in a fun and interactive way.

The Book Week Contests, including the Book Cover Makeover, Guess Who’s Reading, and Extreme Readers, provided students with a dynamic platform to unleash their creativity and collaborative spirit. These engaging activities not only allowed students to showcase their innovative flair but also fostered a sense of teamwork, encouraging them to synergize their ideas and talents. As anticipation builds, the winners will be announced next week, celebrating not just individual creativity but also the power of collective effort within our vibrant learning community. Here are some of the entries for this year’s contests. 

College & Careers Counselor Corner

by Ms. Jenny Basa, College Counselor

DATE

December 2023 events for Glion, Les Roches & Ecole Ducasse

EVENT

7 December, 6.30 – 7.30pm (SGT): Discover the Fascinating World of Culinary & Pastry Arts with École Ducasse
Founded by the legendary chef, Alain Ducasse, École Ducasse offers Bachelor programs in culinary and pastry arts at its two campuses in France. Link to register

11 December, 6.30 – 7.30pm (SGT): Learn about Bachelor Program from Les Roches
For interested students & parents who would like to learn more about the Bachelor programs, admission requirements, internships, scholarship & employment opportunities.  Link to register

Learn about Bachelor Programs from Glion (Watch-on-demand)
Find out more about Bachelor’s in International Hospitality Business or Bachelor’s in Luxury Business from Glion from the comfort of your home, at any time! Link to register

January 11
Thursday
11:00 PM (PHT)
Link to register

Bocconi University (Italy) –Join us for a webinar on 11 January where we will focus on Bocconi Bachelor programs and on the application process.

SAT Update

2023–24 School Year Test Dates

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

ManageBac to the Future

ManageBac provides a learning management system for the world’s leading international schools. Founded in 2006, ManageBac serves over 800,000 students and 3,000 schools in 130 countries.

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. Our MHS teachers use Google Classroom as a tool to facilitate delivering lessons, and ManageBac for most of the planning, assessing, and tracking of student learning. With ManageBac, our families now have a holistic view of their child’s learning as they can see the units that they are studying and view the gradebook to see how they are progressing in real-time!

We (thanks to our Assistant Principal-MYP Ms. Julie Sykes!) have created a simple, informative document for our families to better understand and use ManageBac to view their child’s learning on a consistent basis.

Upcoming events of note

• Nov. 20 – 24: Book Week
• Nov. 24 – 25: School Production (Honk)
• Nov. 27: School Holiday (official optional date for Nov. 30 Bonifacio Day)
• Nov. 28: PTA Coffee Morning
• Dec. 1: End of Sem. 1 Clubs
• Dec. 2: Tree of Giving

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

Grade 2 and 3: Philippine Language and Culture Class

by Ms. Jojie Malinao, Grade 2 & 3 Philippine Language and Culture Teacher

Influential People

The Grade 2 and 3 classes delved into the lives of influential figures in the Philippines, exploring their values and beliefs and understanding the impact they had on the community.

In our “Who We Are” unit, the Grade 2 and 3 classes explored the reasons behind the influence of these individuals and how they contributed to the community. The students identified influential people as those who actively contribute to and assist the community. They drew connections between these figures and influential individuals in their own country, while also comparing and contrasting Filipino influential figures with those from their own nation.

To conclude the unit, the Grade 2 and 3 classes created magazine covers featuring themselves as influencers. In these magazines, they described their values and beliefs and envisioned what they would be known for in the future.

Design & Visual Arts Classes

by Ms. Gerri Ancajas Jumao-as, Design & Visual Arts Teacher

The Grade 8 Visual Arts class explored communication as the key concept in their ‘Portraits’ unit.  They investigated the related concepts of style and expression through a series of formative drawing tasks. They planned and created their own portraits to apply their creativity and art skills to communicate who they are through personal expression.

Grade 12: Psychology Class

by Mr. Andrew Powell, Psychology Teacher

The Grade 12 Psychology class is preparing for their Internal Assessment, which requires students to investigate and replicate a published study by conducting an experimental investigation and reporting the findings. The students have selected cognitive activities that draw on theories and models studied in class. 

In order to prepare for the practical nature of this experience the students worked with Grade 4. This connected nicely with their Unit of Inquiry under the transdisciplinary theme of How the World Works, which is a scientific exploration that allows students to understand, explain and respond to the world around them.

Grade 4 students were split into two separate groups and asked to view and rate the painting Fleeting Touch by the Czech artist Vaclav Bláha. One group was told that it took ten hours to complete, while another group was told it took three months to paint. The reason for doing this was to determine if effort heuristics were at play. This is the notion in which the quality or worth of an object is determined from the perceived amount of effort that went into producing that object. This follows a tendency to judge objects that took a longer time to produce to be of higher value. From a theoretical perspective this draws on Dual Process Theory in which moral judgments are the result of two competing processes: a fast, automatic, affect-driven process and a slow, deliberative thinking process.

The Grade 12 students are now working with the data collected from the Grade 4 activity, as well as data from a group of Grade 11 students to learn how to work with descriptive and inferential statistics in the domain of Psychology. They look forward to running their formal experiments during the week of November 28 and are planning to invite parents to be part of this process. Look out for an email from the students some time next week.

Here’s what some of the Grade 4 and Grade 12 students thought about the experience:

Book Week 2023

by Mary Jean Cordova, Media Center Coordinator

Get ready for an amazing Book Week from November 20th to 24th! We’re diving into the magic of stories with activities everyone can enjoy. Imagine a school buzzing with reading excitement during Drop Everything And Read (DEAR) Time, where all of us will be caught up in fantastic tales.

You’ll team up with friends from different grade levels for Buddy Reading, reading stories and having a blast together. Then, discover the excitement of engaging with an inspiring author during Book Talk—a fantastic opportunity to dive deeper into the world of storytelling!

But that’s not all—prepare for the grand return of the Living Library, where stories step off the shelves and come alive in person! Experience the thrill of meeting living books, sharing their journeys, and diving into their narratives. Don’t miss out on Spirit Day on Thursday, November 23, 2023, your chance to transform into your beloved literary characters and walk among the pages.

Get ready to showcase your creativity with our contests! Join the Book Cover Makeover Challenge to reimagine book covers with your unique artistic talent. Test your limits in the Extreme Readers challenge and flaunt your adventurous reading habits. And can you guess who’s lost in the world of books? Engage in the Guess Who’s Reading challenge for a chance to showcase your literary detective skills!

Book Week is about stories, fun, and the magic of reading. It’s a time to enjoy, learn, and have a fantastic adventure through books!

College & Careers Counselor Corner

by Ms. Jenny Basa, College Counselor

DATE

EVENT

November 18
Saturday
8:45am – 3:50pm
Each topic is a 1-hr session, you may choose to register for more than one.
Link to register

National University of Singapore – This event, conducted via Zoom, will be hosted by the NUS Office of Admissions and various faculties. Students will have the chance to hear from professors and students from the different colleges.

SAT Update

2023–24 School Year Test Dates

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 to our student-athletes for their efforts at the recent ISAC Volleyball tournament in Manila. Our boy’s team reached the final and came in second place, while our girls came in fourth. We are all very proud of how well they developed their skills over the season, and how they represented our school in such a responsible and respectful way. We trust the lessons they learned on and off the court will stand them in good stead.

As we approach the final month of our first semester, it is great to see the learning happening at each grade level in so many ways. We know from research and our own experiences that we learn best when we are in a safe, supported environment, so what can we do to promote this? And as students get exposed to the various excessive stress points that typically emerge at this time of the year, how can we help? This includes the various pressures that come from academic and extracurricular activities, but even more importantly as a child, how to self-regulate emotions and deal with relational issues that grow beyond their capacity to cope. Here are a few areas parents can consider to support their children through such challenges, and overall, help you to become the most awesome, supportive parent possible!

In order to supplement my 30 years of experience as an educator with science-based advice, I have chosen three key areas to highlight, and have supplemented these with selected words of advice from Eric Barker, author of “Barking Up the Wrong Tree” and “Plays Well with Others” (italicized when referenced; refer to the links below for a couple of relevant articles below for more details and supporting links).

1. Look after yourself! Just like they remind us in airplane emergency briefings, you can be most helpful when you yourself are in a good state to do so. This also helps them as you are also a key role model (covered further in #3 below!). Barker notes. “Happy parents make for happy kids. As James Baldwin once said: ‘Children have never been very good at listening to their elders, but they have never failed to imitate them.’”

2. Connect! You are your child’s greatest advocate! What you can do if you can connect is powerful – but it is not as easy as it sounds. Some specific advice from Barker to help you includes:

• Connect: Communicate comfort, validate feelings, listen and reflect.
• Reduce Words: Seriously, when have lectures ever worked?
• Embrace Emotions: All feelings are permitted; all behaviors are not.
• Describe, Don’t Preach
• Involve Your Child In The Discipline: “What’s a way to express your anger that doesn’t involve anyone getting 27 stitches?”
• Reframe A “No” Into A Conditional “Yes”: “Yes, you can watch ‘Toy Story’ for the 400th time — after mommy finishes this wonderful blog post she’s reading.”
• Emphasize The Positive: Instead of “No whining,” try, “I like it when you talk in your normal voice. Can you say that again?”
• Creatively Approach The Situation: “I’ll bet I can eat my vegetables faster than you can.”
• Rituals: Have family dinner together. Get superhero Grandmom on Zoom.
• Empower: If you don’t start teaching them to be autonomous at 7 they will be living with you at 37.

3. Instill desirable values. These range from the same Learner Profile Attributes and Approaches to Learning and Five Respects that we teach at school, to Emotional Intelligence, family values, beliefs, and customs, and how to develop a positive growth mindset. Remember

• Awareness is key – for both you and your child/ren. As Barker reminds us, “You can’t improve how you deal with something if you’re not aware of it.”
• Explicitly ensure your children are made aware of, and develop, the areas above from the time they are born. The earlier they learn them, the better they will be able to cope with the pressures of this world!
• Children learn values through observation particularly well, so it is critically important for you to do your best to lead by example in these areas too!

It is easy to list these, but I think we all know it takes a superhuman to really do all of these things! Just do your best and keep trying. Also, encourage those around your children to also help. There is some truth to the saying, “It takes a village to raise a child!”. Finally, please consider your child’s teachers as collaborators in the quest to support your child, and do not hesitate to ask them for advice on any areas you would like help with. Together, we can do it. Go Dragons!

Sources:

• New Neuroscience Reveals 9 Rituals That Will Make You An Amazing Parent by Eric Barker (Nov 2018)
• New Neuroscience Reveals 5 Rituals That Will Make You An Awesome Parent by Eric Barker (Jan 2021)

Have a wonderful long weekend, and remember Monday is a school holiday (it is a compensatory day for our faculty and staff who will be working over the weekend on professional learning tasks!). 

EY/Kinder/Grade 1 Classes

by Mary Alexis “Maya” Mendez, Philippine Language and Culture Teacher

Philippine Language & Culture: You, Me and The Community

The discovery continues as the Early Years and Kinder/Grade One classes explore more about their host country, the Philippines, and more specifically the island of Cebu! Their enthusiasm towards learning new Filipino and Cebuano words, ideas, and concepts is evident as they never fail to find connections with their own language and culture, too. 

During our first unit in the Early Years, we discussed local geography focusing on their own homes. The students were eager to share about their families, the activities they love to do together, and even their routines at home! They were introduced to the bahay kubo, a traditional Filipino house, and were shown the different traditional houses from other countries as well. This made them realize that the materials and structure of the houses may differ, but they still have the same parts, rooms and purpose.

Now, they are working on making their own bahay kubo dollhouse as a class, showing how they can work together despite differences in personal and cultural backgrounds. They have displayed being balanced in making fair decisions and showcased how their uniqueness can impact the community.

On the other hand, the Kinder and Grade One students were introduced to the different influential people who were not only born and raised in Cebu but once studied here in their own school — CIS. This motivated them to be a good influence on the people around them and positively contribute to the community. They were being principled in choosing the influential people they looked up to. It was inspiring to hear that influence was already happening among themselves when they shared about how the people around them, especially their friends, encouraged them to try new things and be open-minded about their similarities and differences.

Both classes are now reflecting on how they can work around their personal and cultural diversity in order to positively impact the community as a whole.

MYP Math Class

by Mr. Daniel Monfre, Mathematics Teacher

Diving into Data with Grade 6 MYP Math

The grade 6 Math class is excited to share their work from the past few weeks diving into the fascinating world of statistics. They have been learning how to collect and analyze data, and have even conducted their own surveys to gather information from their peers.

Students have explored different data representation methods, including bar graphs, box-and-whisker plots, and stem-and-leaf plots. Working in groups the students have been analyzing data and discussing key elements like mean, median, and mode.

The students represented their findings, here are some examples.

The students have engaged greatly with this topic and are happy to share what they have learned.

Playing with Probability in Grade 7 MYP Math

The grade 7 Math class has been playing games and goofing around all in the name of learning. They have spent the last few weeks exploring the world of probability.

Using what they learned about theoretical probability they designed a game and calculated the odds of winning. Then they built the game and played it with their friends. Using the results of their games the students reviewed the experimental probability and compared it with their original calculations.

Here are some pictures from our probability game day. The students had a lot of fun playing the games their classmates created and also learned a lot in the process.

Grade 12: Mathematics AA SL

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

The Grade 12 students are now working on their mathematical exploration, which is the internally assessed component of DP Mathematics courses. This is a report on a topic of the student’s choosing, with a focus on the mathematics of that particular field. The emphasis is on strong mathematical communication and thoughtful reflection.

The exploration is meant to give students chances to deepen their grasp of mathematical concepts and methods, as well as foster a broader appreciation for mathematics.

Before beginning work on the exploration, students completed investigations and modeling activities to practice skills and learn to follow appropriate strategies in a more structured environment before progressing to working independently.

The following are descriptions of the topics explored by the current cohort of Grade 12 AA SL students, with screenshots of their work taken from the draft.

College & Careers Counselor Corner

by Ms. Jenny Basa, College Counselor

DATE

November 13
Monday
8:00 PM
Link to join
Online (Zoom)

EVENT

November 17
Friday
9:00 – 9:45 AM
Venue: Canteen Annex
Link to sign up

Carleton College (USA) Info session with Mr. Steve Duba-Maack about the application process, requirements and scholarships & programs offered.

November 18
Saturday
8:45am – 3:50pm
Each topic is a 1-hr session, you may choose to register for more than one.
Link to register

National University of Singapore – This event, conducted via Zoom, will be hosted by the NUS Office of Admissions and various faculties. Students will have the chance to hear from professors and students from the different colleges.

SAT Update

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.

The Dragon’s Report Card

In this episode, the members talk about interesting food combinations as they offer their opinion and past experiences with them. Hear more from this exciting episode!

Elementary Principal’s Corner

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

Educational Trips that Extend and Enrich Learning

This week many of our students had the opportunity to extend and enrich their learning by visiting places in our local community and participating in athletic activities that helped develop their knowledge, skills, attitudes, and understanding. These learning experiences that were carefully planned and curated by teachers contribute to the high-quality learning and teaching at CIS.

Our Kinder and Grade 1 students went on a field trip to Angel’s Pizza and Verve Point to learn more about goods and services. The Kinder and Grade 1 students learned how to make their own pizza and observed how the staff carried out their roles and responsibilities. This hands-on experience helped students to have a better understanding of how systems work. At Verve Point, students interviewed business owners and staff to learn about the goods and services they offer. It was a chance for them to observe firsthand how businesses operate and contribute to our community. 

Our Grade 4 and 5 students went on a field trip to the newly opened Cebu National Museum to gain a better understanding of history and the value of historical artifacts, as well as observe how museum exhibits are curated as they prepare their own exhibits in their current unit, under the Transdisciplinary Theme of Where We Are in Place and Time. While viewing the collections at the museum, students assessed primary and secondary sources, a skill that they have been learning in their Media Literacy classes. This experience has also allowed students to develop a greater appreciation for art and art history in the local host culture context, enriching the units they have been learning in Art and Philippine Language and Culture classes.

Finally, the CIS Volleyball Team is proudly representing Cebu International School at ISAC Season 1 happening this weekend. Our volleyball team gets to play with students from 7 other international schools in the Philippines. This event is the culmination of the months of hard work and training that has allowed our students to develop not only their volleyball and athletic skills but more importantly their character. Throughout the experience, our students have demonstrated collaboration, resilience, and discipline. We wish them all the best and send them our loudest cheers!

Upcoming events of note

• Oct. 25-29: ISAC1 Volleyball (Manila)
• Oct. 30: No School (Local Election)
• Oct. 31: Remote Learning Day
• Nov. 1 – 3: No School (Public Holidays)
• Nov. 13: School Holiday
• Nov. 20 – 24: Book Week
• Nov. 24 – 25: School Production (Honk)
• Nov. 26: CIS Touch Rugby Series
• Nov. 27: School Holiday (official optional date for Nov. 30 Bonifacio Day)
• Nov. 28: PTA Coffee Morning

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

Elementary Spanish Class

by Ms. Dina Melwani, PYP Spanish Teacher

¡Viva el Español! Exploring the Rich Tapestry of Learning in Spanish Class

Grades Kindergarten and 1
Kindergarten and First-grade students have embarked upon their recent unit on the topic of family. In the cozy corners of our classrooms, these young minds have delved deep into understanding the essence of family bonds and relationships. They discovered the importance of appreciating the little things that families do for us every day. Through creative art projects and heartfelt discussions, our students learned to express their love and gratitude. Through storytelling and interactive activities, our little ones stepped into the shoes of their family members, learning to understand their emotions and experiences. This not only fostered a sense of empathy but also strengthened the bonds between our students, creating a supportive and caring classroom environment.

Grades 2 and 3
In the vibrant Spanish classroom, Grade 2/3 students embarked on an exciting educational adventure, diving deep into the intriguing world of the human body and senses. The unit commenced with an immersive exploration of the human body, The students were captivated by these visuals, sparking their curiosity and setting the stage for an engaging learning experience. One of the highlights of this unit was the array of hands-on activities that brought learning to life. From creating monster character outlines to labeling different body parts, the students actively participated, enhancing their understanding of anatomy. Incorporating creativity into the learning process, students engaged in art projects that reflected their understanding of the human body and senses. From crafting textured sculptures representing various textures to painting vibrant illustrations of sensory experiences, their artwork showcased not only their artistic skills but also their deep comprehension of the subject matter.

Grades 4 and 5
As the unit on nationalities concluded, the Grade 4/5 students of Cebu International School emerged as young ambassadors of tolerance and acceptance. Armed with a deep understanding of different cultures and nationalities, they are better equipped to face the challenges of the future, where global citizenship is not just a concept but a way of life. The impact of this unit was profound. Students not only gained knowledge about different nationalities but also developed an understanding of the different cultures in the Hispanic world. Friendships blossomed across cultural lines, and stereotypes were dispelled, leaving room for acceptance and celebration of differences. Art became a medium through which students expressed their newfound knowledge and appreciation for different nationalities.

MYP Mathematics

by Ms. Maria Victoria Bacus, Grade 8 and 9 Mathematics Teacher

Making Connections Through Collaborations

The theme for Grade 8 has been to view mathematics as a language, with the emphasis being on students learning the precise meaning of symbols and then applying logical reasoning to real-life situations. The students have worked on various activities and investigations that have allowed them to polish their problem-solving and critical-thinking skills. There were also several opportunities for students to engage in their learning by collaborating and communicating to accomplish shared objectives.

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

Grades 11 and 12: Physics

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

The learning that occurs through scientific inquiry is essential to the student experience in a science course. Experimentation in a variety of forms can be used to introduce a topic, address a phenomenon, or allow students to consider and investigate questions and interests. It teaches about the advantages and disadvantages of scientific methodology. Practical activities also aid in the development of scientific skills for the safe and competent use of a variety of tools, techniques, and equipment.

At this stage in the academic year, the Grade 11 students have already completed the following practical activities:

• uncertainties in measurements;
• acceleration of a cart down a slope for different slope angles;
• use of a photogate to determine the time it takes for cards of various lengths to pass through;
• effects of fluid resistance to projectile motion; and
• terminal velocity of coffee filters.

The Grade 12 students are currently finalizing the write-up of their scientific investigations as their Internal Assessment (IA) requirement for IBDP Physics. Students complete their IA by applying the skills and knowledge they have gained throughout the course, including experimenting skills.

The investigations conducted were on the:

• spring constant of springs connected in series;
• frequency of sound and the length of a violin’s string;
• period of a swinging ruler and the location of pivot points;
• change in temperature of different concentrations of salt solutions;
• maximum angle of a pendulum after colliding with various masses;
• magnetic field strength of a solenoid and changes in the thickness of copper wires;
• wavelength of an LED’s light and its threshold voltage to determine Planck’s constant; and
• time to increase the temperature of water when the initial temperature of an immersed copper cube is varied.

PTA News

by Mr. William Belda, Business Development Officer, Data Protection, and CIS PTA Representative

Safeguarding and Child Protection Workshop for Parents

The Parent Workshop on Safeguarding & Child Protection conducted by Mr. Andrew Powell during the recent PTA Coffee Morning on October 24, proved to be very timely.

More than expressed in its mission and vision, CIS embodied this necessity and importance in providing a safe and secure environment in collaborative engagement with the entire community, toward the holistic upbringing of its students.

The session resulted in providing the community members with a clearer lens of understanding and awareness, from the Seven Dimensions of a Child’s Needs, to the internal CIS safeguarding & child protection policies and procedures.

Although the exact origin of the proverb, “It takes a village to raise a child” is attributed to the African and Native American cultures, both very strong communal societies, it truly is quite comforting that the significance of such communal interaction and shared responsibility is actively present within the CIS Community. As an international educational institution, CIS encourages the effective working together of the entire community, recognizing and acknowledging the diverse skills of each individual. Fostering this sense of collective responsibility truly plays a crucial role to ensure the total well-being of the students and develop them to be globally engaged, positive contributors in a competitive changing world.

College & Careers Counselor Corner

by Ms. Jenny Basa, College Counselor

What do our graduates study?

Our graduates pursue various programs after high school.  The graph below presents data from the past 3 years (2020 – 2023) showing the distribution of their chosen fields of study.

DATE

EVENT

November 7
Tuesday
9:00 – 9:45 AM
Venue: Canteen Annex
Link to sign up

Hong Kong Polytechnic University (Hong Kong) Info session with the admissions rep about the application process, requirements and scholarships & programs offered.

November 8
Wednesday
9:00 – 9:45 AM
Venue: Canteen Annex
Link to sign up

SP Jain School of Global Management (Singapore, UAE, Australia) Info session with the admissions rep about the application process, requirements and scholarships & programs offered.

November 17
Friday
9:00 – 9:45 AM
Venue: Canteen Annex
Link to sign up

Carleton College (USA) Info session with Mr. Steve Duba-Maack about the application process, requirements and scholarships & programs offered.

SAT Update

2023–24 School Year Test Dates

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.

Middle High School Principal’s Corner

by Mr. Benjamin Martin, MHS Principal

CIS International Day & Letting Love Rule

Throughout history, there have been conflicts and misunderstandings. The world can be a complicated place. But there have also been special moments when the world comes together for peace, for understanding, and for unity. As we celebrate our CIS International Day, I am reminded of one of my favorite concerts growing up. The singer was Lenny Kravitz, an incredible performer who plays most of the instruments on his albums. To close the show, he played a 10 minute version of a popular hit that he said was inspired by the Beatles. Here are the lyrics to that song:

Upcoming events of note

• Oct 16-21: CIS Culture week, culminating with International Day on Sat 21st
• Oct 24: Parent Coffee Morning
• Oct 25-29: ISAC1 Volleyball (Manila)
• Oct 30: No School (Local Election)
• Oct. 31: Remote Learning Day
• Nov 1 – 3: No School (Public Holidays)

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

Grade 2: Culture Week Activities

by Ms. Maffy Ocleasa, Grade 2 Homeroom Teacher

How did our Grade 2 Cultural Show and Tell Pave the way for a more Inquiring, Knowledgeable, and Caring Future?

In our recent journey under the transdisciplinary theme “Who We Are,” the Grade 2 class set out to support one of the International Baccalaureate’s (IB) missions – developing inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring young individuals who contribute to creating a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect (IBO.org, 2023).

At Cebu International School, we uphold high-quality teaching and learning by providing opportunities for students to collaborate, set individual or group goals for their tasks. Thus, the Grade 2 students united for an unforgettable Cultural Show and Tell event, a celebration highlighting the spirit of international-mindedness, open-mindedness, respect, and appreciation within our diverse community.

Knowledgeable
During the Cultural Show and Tell, our Grade 2 learners shared items like food, games, animals, and traditional clothing to represent their cultures. Moreover, some students delved beyond surface culture, exploring family traditions like the significance of extended family gatherings at Filipino birthdays and special occasions. Through this engaging experience, they expanded their knowledge, not only about their own culture but also about others’ cultures.

Inquirers
A remarkable outcome of the Cultural Show and Tell is that our students now express a keen desire to learn more about different cultures. This newfound curiosity prompts them to ponder the differences in how their families do things. They’re eager to explore the deeper aspects of culture, including its history, traditions, and values. They’ve even learned the MISO (Media, Interview, Survey, Observation) research method, utilizing media to research their questions, meticulously documenting their findings in accordance with the Cornell notetaking strategy.

Caring Communicators
Our Grade 2 learners exhibited open-mindedness and care as they explored diverse cultures. This was evident in how they responded to unfamiliar food with respectful language like, “This tastes unique” and “This has an interesting taste.” Moreover, they began noticing both the similarities and differences between the cultures they were discovering. This realization fosters respect for each other’s similarities and a deep appreciation for what makes each culture unique.

The Grade 2 Cultural Show and Tell serves as a significant step towards a future where our students value mutual respect and celebrate our differences. As an IB school, we firmly believe in our responsibility to help create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect. We understand that others, with their differences, can also be right, and this understanding is key to building a harmonious future. 

International Week at CIS

by Ms. Angelica Ampos, OLC Coordinator

At CIS we are proud to be Open-minded and Caring. International week at CIS is an amazing opportunity for our community to be proud of and share our culture. Did you know there are 28 nationalities in our community?

The week started of with a language challenge! Students were given a QR code to try learning some phrases in Cebuano, Mandarin, Spanish, Korean and Japanese. You may go ahead and try it yourself!

Finally, the Spanish and Mandarin Language Acquisition students prepared a lesson to share with their peers. They were real risk-takers!

DP Mathematics

by Ms Maria Victoria Bacus, Grade 11 and 12 Math Applications and Interpretation (AI) SL Teacher

Understanding the Subject-Specific Command Terms

Mastering the command terms in mathematics is essential for students to effectively communicate their understanding and demonstrate their math skills, especially in assessments. As the Grade 11 students were familiarizing themselves with the course, they were also given the opportunity to discuss, compare, contrast, and identify how each command term is used and applied in mathematics.

Students work collaboratively to create a visual glossary of the command terms to help them understand each term and gain a more in-depth idea of how some of the terms overlap and are used differently in other subjects. 

Sample Work from Students

As the school year progresses, students will continue to work together to discuss how they get to use the skill, both in the classrooms and in preparation for the major assessments. By familiarizing themselves with the meanings and requirements of these math-specific command terms, students hope to approach assessments with confidence and precision. They are learning to embrace the language of mathematics and strive for excellence in their mathematical journey.

College & Careers Counselor Corner

by Ms. Jenny Basa, College Counselor

Positive Feedback from College Reps

Over the past few weeks, our students have been attending College Fairs. This is a great opportunity for students to look at options for college, learn about programs offered, scholarships and the admission process. Here are some positive comments from our visitors about our students:

College Fairs at CIS are attended by students from Grades 9 through 12. Thank you to the teachers for ensuring that our students are responsible, respectful and prepared.

DATE

EVENT

October 25
Wednesday
9:00 – 9:45 AM
Venue: Canteen Annex
Link to sign up

University of Technology Sydney (Australia) Landscape Building Design Workshop

November 7
Tuesday
9:00 – 9:45 AM
Venue: Canteen Annex
Link to sign up

Hong Kong Polytechnic University (Hong Kong) Info session with the admissions rep about the application process, requirements and scholarships & programs offered.

November 8
Wednesday
9:00 – 9:45 AM
Venue: Canteen Annex
Link to sign up

SP Jain School of Global Management (Singapore, UAE, Australia) Info session with the admissions rep about the application process, requirements and scholarships & programs offered.

November 17
Friday
9:00 – 9:45 AM
Venue: Canteen Annex
Link to sign up

Carleton College (USA) Info session with Mr. Steve Duba-Maack about the application process, requirements and scholarships & programs offered.

November 24
Friday
9:00 – 9:45 AM
Venue: Canteen Annex
Link to sign up

Hong Kong Baptist University (Hong Kong) Info session with the admissions rep about the application process, requirements and scholarships & programs offered.

SAT Update

2023–24 School Year Test Dates

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.

Middle & High School Principal’s Corner

by Mr. Benjamin Martin, MHS Principal

The Importance of Celebrating Culture and International Mindedness in the School Community

As we move towards our annual celebrations of culture and international mindedness next week, it is a good time to explore those two concepts for our students, for ourselves, and for our school community. How do we define culture and what is true international mindedness in the school setting?

There are many different definitions of culture but the one that resonates with me comes from Ontario, Canada and their official government website. It reads:

“Culture is the lifeblood of a vibrant society, expressed in the many ways we tell our stories, celebrate, remember the past, entertain ourselves, and imagine the future. Our creative expression helps define who we are, and helps us see the world through the eyes of others.”

I really thought there were so many interesting phrases in their description of culture that really demonstrate that culture is what makes life worth living. It is the “lifeblood”, the “celebration”, and the “expression” of who are individually and collectively. As we celebrate our own cultures and appreciate other cultures, it helps us to build our own identities and understand the essence of who we are and what we represent as a group.

When it comes to international mindedness in practice, I think it is important to look to the IB to highlight the importance of using this concept to guide our beliefs and actions. Using inquiry as its foundation, the IB summarizes that “International mindedness is an overarching construct related to intercultural understanding, global engagement and multilingualism. International mindedness is a view of the world in which people see themselves connected to the global community and assume a sense of responsibility towards its members. The learner profile and approaches to learning provide the dispositions and foundational skills for the development and demonstration of international mindedness. The learning community envisions, creates, articulates, and models a culture of international mindedness. An internationally minded learner takes action for positive change.”

Again, so many wonderful words in their summary such as “understanding”, responsibility”, and the phrase “action for a positive change”. As we celebrate our culture week and international day as a school community, I feel fortunate to celebrate and honor so many different cultures within our school community. I believe this will continue to be a time that brings us together to understand our similarities and differences but most importantly appreciate the uniqueness we bring to the school community and the unity we show as a school community.

Upcoming events of note

• Oct 16-21: CIS Culture week, culminating with International Day on Sat 21st
• Oct 24: Parent Coffee Morning
• Oct 25-29: ISAC1 Volleyball (Manila)
• Oct 30: No School (Local Election)
• Oct. 31: Remote Learning Day
• Nov 1 – 3: No School (Public Holidays)

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

EducationUSA Parent Panel

by Ms. Jenny Basa, College Counselor

Thank you to our CIS Parents!

Yesterday, four of our CIS parents were resource personas at a Parent Panel at the Education USA event at the Radisson Blu. The panelists were:

A huge shout out to our alumni for their accomplishments and kudos to our parents for sharing their insights on how they supported their children in applying to universities and perspectives on finding the best fit.

Elementary School Media Literacy

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

In Media Literacy class, students were engaged in activities aligned with their inquiry in homeroom, allowing them to apply the knowledge and skills they’ve learned in class. Through this, students had the opportunity to expand their learning, which helped them develop a deeper understanding of concepts. 

As we concluded the recent unit under the transdisciplinary theme, How We Organize Ourselves, students in Early Years displayed their understanding of the routines and expectations in the Media Center. Over the weeks, they were able to follow these routines without the teacher’s help and modeled them in short videos. Students also learned how to handle books properly, as well as the concepts of print in our read-alouds. They were able to infer and re-tell the stories in class. 

As Kinder and Grade 1 students were learning about balanced choices in homeroom, in Media Literacy class, they demonstrated the good choices we can make in the Media Center. They were able to reflect on how our choices affect us and our learning community. To help other students make good choices while using the resources in the Media Center,  the Kinder and Grade 1 students made bookmarks and shelf markers ready to use when looking for or reading a book. Also, they created posters to promote positive choices while identifying the relevant IB Learner Profiles.

Students in Grades 2 to 3 explored the needs of our Reading Comunity, especially when staying in the Media Center. They reflected on the needs of the community members and thought about how these needs might affect others. The Grade 2 students created Media Center Jobs to keep the learning space organized and built reading areas to have a quiet and cozy space when reading. Using their old clothes, they’ve also made pillows to add to their reading areas. The Grade 3 students curated a book selection of various topics and themes to help other members of the reading community choose the book that they like to read. These projects are available in the Media Center for all students to use.

Grade 4 and 5 students demonstrated their understanding of the various Reading genres. They looked into the genre of the books that they were reading in homeroom and looked into their features. Students also did a Google Literary Trip and became virtual companions, traveling alongside the characters in stories. They explored the places that the characters have been to and delved into the literary elements that helped them better understand the text. To help other students looking for books from specific reading genres, the grade 4 and 5 students researched the genres they’re unfamiliar with, recommending a curated list of book titles accessible for all students to enjoy. 

Grade 7 Science

by Ms. Rebecca Devadoss, MYP Science & DP Biology Teacher

Biologists have developed various methods to categorize and organize the incredible diversity of life on our planet, from as simple as prokaryotes (without nucleus) or eukaryotes (with nucleus), unicellular or multicellular, to more complex domains, kingdoms, phylums, etc. One such method is through the use of a dichotomous key, which serves as a powerful tool in the identification and classification of species.

A dichotomous key is a systematic guide that uses a series of carefully constructed questions or statements to lead users to the correct identification of a particular species. These keys are based on two contrasting options, allowing the user to narrow down the possibilities at each step.

Grade 7 students constructed dichotomous keys for eight different trees that are here at the CIS campus. Each student prepared a key for five trees.

Some of the student’s reflections.

What did you learn from this task?

How do you think your dichotomous key could be useful for the CIS community?

Grade11: DP Values Meeting

by Ms. Emily Cornet, IBDP Coordinator

On Tuesday 10 October, the Grade 11 student, parents, and teachers gathered together for the annual DP Values Meeting. Different from the Grade 12 version of the event (held before Break), this gathering allowed parents the opportunity to meet their child’s teachers, and to learn about the Diploma Programme courses which their child will engage in over the next two years.

Parents learned about the course outline and expectations, how grading works in the DP, and how to support their students.  Finally, our Grade 11 students and their teachers showed their commitment to the DP Values Pledge, committing to hold themselves (and each other accountable) to make it through Grade 11 on a positive note.

We look forward to walking alongside our Grade 11 students as they continue their journey into the Diploma Programme!

College & Careers Counselor Corner

by Ms. Jenny Basa, College Counselor

EducationUSA College Fair

Japan College Fair

University of Navarra & York College of Pennsylvania Essay Workshop

Upcoming College & University Visits

All CIS students and parents are welcome to these events!

DATE

EVENT

October 17
Tuesday
9:00 – 9:45 AM
Venue: Canteen Annex
Link to sign up

University of British Columbia (Canada) – Info session with the admissions rep about the application process, requirements and scholarships & programs offered.

October 19
Thursday
9:00 – 9:45 AM
Venue: Canteen Annex
Link to sign up

IE University (Spain) – Info session with the admissions rep about the application process, requirements and scholarships & programs offered.

October 25
Wednesday
9:00 – 9:45 AM
Venue: Canteen Annex
Link to sign up

University of Technology Sydney (Australia) Info session with the admissions rep about the application process, requirements and scholarships & programs offered.

November 7
Tuesday
9:00 – 9:45 AM
Venue: Canteen Annex
Link to sign up

Hong Kong Polytechnic University (Hong Kong) Info session with the admissions rep about the application process, requirements and scholarships & programs offered.

November 8
Wednesday
9:00 – 9:45 AM
Venue: Canteen Annex
Link to sign up

SP Jain School of Global Management (Singapore, UAE, Australia) Info session with the admissions rep about the application process, requirements and scholarships & programs offered.

November 17
Friday
9:00 – 9:45 AM
Venue: Canteen Annex
Link to sign up

Carleton College (USA) Info session with Mr. Steve Duba-Maack about the application process, requirements and scholarships & programs offered.

November 24
Friday
9:00 – 9:45 AM
Venue: Canteen Annex
Link to sign up

Hong Kong Baptist University (Hong Kong) Info session with the admissions rep about the application process, requirements and scholarships & programs offered.

SAT Update

2023–24 School Year Test Dates

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’s Corner

by Ms. Maureen Juanson, Elementary Principal

International-mindedness

Congratulations to everyone for making it through the first quarter! Days are going by quickly and our students sure made lots of progress in different areas. This is all thanks to everyone’s collaborative efforts and hard work!

We had a well-attended Parent Coffee Meeting last Tuesday, with a session on International-mindedness and Culture by our Superintendent, Dr. Gwyn Underwood. This is a very timely discussion leading up to one of our much-anticipated school events, the Culture Week (Oct. 16-20) and International Day (Oct. 21) celebrations. Preparations for these celebrations are well underway headed by the International Day & Culture Week committee in collaboration with the PTA. Make sure to watch out for the information that will be shared by the committee and PTA to know how you can contribute and participate in these events.

IB defines international-mindedness as “a view of the world in which people see themselves connected to the global community and assume a sense of responsibility towards its members.” At CIS, international-mindedness goes beyond just learning about the visible aspects of culture but delves into what it truly means to be a global citizen. International-mindedness and global citizenship are central to everything we think, say, and do. They are embedded in our guiding statements, policies, and curriculum to ensure that as a school, we are able to foster international-mindedness among members of our school community and develop global citizens.

The CIS curriculum provides opportunities for students to inquire into global human commonalities. For example, in the PYP, Grade 2 and 3 students inquire about their values, beliefs, and culture and how they shape their identity. In the Early Years, they look into their unique personal and cultural backgrounds and how they enrich who we are as a community. In Grade 4, students investigate how access to human rights impacts opportunities in a changing world.

CIS also creates opportunities for meaningful cultural exchange and action in the local and global communities. These are developed through Action in the PYP, Principled Action in the MYP, and CAS in the DP. Our annual Week Without Walls is also an avenue for all of our students to explore and immerse in the local culture and environment and have dedicated time for service learning.

This weekend, our MHS students and teachers are participating in the Model United Nations (MUN). During the MUN, students will simulate the United Nations and play the role of delegates from different countries. They will attempt to solve real-world issues with the policies and perspectives of their assigned country. Opportunities such as these enable our students to enhance intercultural dialogue and global engagements that lead to their development of international-mindedness.

I’ll leave you with a list of five key aspects that are necessary for developing international-mindedness inside or outside of the classroom shared by Oscar Leyva in his article. I believe these skills are worth considering and reflecting upon together with our students whether in school or at home.

1. Know yourself
2. Develop empathy
3. Be a champion of intellectual humility
4. Learn languages
5. Do not fear conflict, and learn to negotiate

I hope you have a restful and safe mid-semester break and we look forward to seeing students back on Monday, October 9th.

Upcoming events of note

• Sep 29-30: MUN Locals conference (Manila)
• Oct 2-6: Mid-semester (October) break (School holiday)
• Oct 10, 3:30-5pm: Grade 11 Students & Parents DP Values Meeting
• Oct 16-21: CIS Culture week, culminating with International Day on Sat 21st
• Oct 24: Parent Coffee Morning
• Oct 25-29: ISAC1 Volleyball (Manila)

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

Grade 12 DP Values Meeting

by Ms. Emily Cornet, Assistant Principal-DP

On Wednesday 27 September, the Grade 12 student, parents, and teachers gathered together for the annual DP Values Recommitment Meeting. This marked our return to a face-to-face event for the first time since before the pandemic.

Parents had the opportunity to meet each of their child’s teachers, and to learn about what lies ahead in this very busy Grade 12 year. Covering Internal Assessments (IAs), the remainder of content for each two-year course, to talk of Mock Exams and Final IB assessments, the sessions were filled with the final checkboxes for our Grade 12 students to tick off of their HS careers.

Finally, our Grade 12 students and their teachers showed their recommitment to the DP Values Pledge, committing to hold themselves (and each other accountable) to reach Graduation in late May 2024.

We look forward to a busy year for our Grade 12s as they work towards completing their High School Diploma, IB Diplomas or Certificates, and reaching their university goals!

Language Acquisition: Mandarin

by Ms. Elaine Jin & Ms. Jiana Liu, CIS Mandarin Teachers

Autumn, a season of change and reflection. The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival or Mooncake Festival, is a traditional festival celebrated in Chinese culture. Similar holidays are celebrated by other cultures in East and Southeast Asia. It is one of the most important holidays in Chinese culture; its popularity is on par with that of Chinese New Year. The history of the Mid-Autumn Festival dates back over 3,000 years. The festival is held on the 15th day of the 8th month of the Chinese lunisolar calendar with a full moon at night, corresponding to mid-September to early October of the Gregorian calendar. On this day, the Chinese believe that the Moon is at its brightest and fullest size, coinciding with harvest time in the middle of Autumn.

Elementary School Mandarin

In Elementary School, the children have learned the legend of Hòuyì 后羿 who shot 9 suns out of 10 suns and saved the earth, and Cháng’É 嫦娥 who lives on the Moon as well as the legend story of the Jade Rabbit （玉兔 yùtù). Not only did we color the main characters of these legends, but we also connected the most important festive element of this festival, which is the mooncake (月饼 yuèbǐng) tasting. Students tried different kinds of mooncakes and got very excited. We also designed the most beautiful jade Rabbit of this season.

Middle & High School Mandarin

In MHS the Mandarin students have learned a lot of information about the Mid-Autumn Festival 中秋节 (Zhōngqiū jié). The festival is also known as the Moon Festival. It is a cherished Chinese celebration that falls on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month. It is a time when families gather to admire the full moon and enjoy delicious mooncakes. The students have been learning about the festival’s rich food tradition, exploring the legend behind this special day: 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 玉兔捣药 (yùtù dǎo yào), and Wu Gang cuts down trees 吴刚伐树 (wúgāng fá shù). One of their highlights was creating colorful lanterns to carry while indulging in delectable mooncakes. It’s been a delightful journey for our students as they dive into Chinese culture and embrace the spirit of togetherness this Mid-Autumn Festival brings.

Grade 6/7: Folding Card and Lantern
The Grade 6/7 Mandarin students embarked on a series of engaging handcraft projects. Students enthusiastically made their folding cards with mooncakes on the outside and adorable rabbits inside the card. This handcraft project connects to the food people eat during Mid-autumn festival as well as the legend of the Jade Rabbit. The students also made paper lanterns, each adorned with a special song about this festival, demonstrating their dedication to both art and language.

Grade 8/9: Scratching Painting Paper and Rabbit Lantern
The Grade 8/9 Mandarin students had the opportunity to delve into the captivating world of Chinese legends, where they chose one of these legends and brought it to life on scratching painting paper. This not only allowed them to explore the ancient stories but also honed their artistic skills. Additionally, the students have been crafting rabbit lanterns, making connections to the Jade Rabbit story.  

Grade 10: Different Flavors of Mooncake and Lantern
The Grade 10 Mandarin students have been on an exciting journey exploring the rich traditions of the Mid-Autumn Festival. They’ve delved into the world of mooncakes, discovering the diverse flavors that this iconic treat comes in. From traditional lotus paste to modern variations like chocolate and fruit-filled mooncakes, our students have been on a culinary adventure. The students have also embraced the spirit of the festival by making their handmade lanterns. With balloons, glue, tissues, and other natural materials, they’ve crafted unique and beautiful lanterns that reflect their artistic flair and connection to the environment.

DP Mandarin B and Mandarin AB Initio class
The DP Mandarin B and Mandarin Ab Initio classes joined forces for an enriching exploration of the Mid-Autumn Festival. As part of their immersive experience, students had the chance to partake in the traditional dice game, a beloved Mid-Autumn Festival activity. This not only added an element of fun but also deepened their understanding of the festival’s customs. In the spirit of creativity, the students crafted stunning lanterns. Of course, no Mid-Autumn Festival celebration would be complete without indulging in mooncakes. This collaborative effort between the DP Mandarin B and Mandarin Ab Initio classes allowed our students to not only learn about the Mid-Autumn Festival but also experience its traditions firsthand, fostering a deeper connection to Chinese culture and language.

Mooncake
The Mid-Autumn Festival‘s most famous food is the Mooncake. The students tried four different flavors of the mooncake this year: red bean, green tea, black sesame, and egg yolk. 

Here are some voices from the students. 

Grade 9 Individuals & Societies

by Ms. Joy Pierra, Individuals & Societies Teacher

In the first quarter, the MYP I&S 9 students explored the unit “The Impact of the Past on the Present.” This unit focuses on the past inventions and innovations that led to more advanced technology in modern times that have changed people’s lives. Students evaluated the profound impacts of these technologies on individuals and societies. The class culminated the unit with a talk show that informed everyone about the multifaceted effects of technological advancements.

How did they prepare?
Students dedicated themselves to in-depth research, seeking to uncover the myriad ways in which technological breakthroughs have reshaped our world. They engaged with the related concept of “identity” by analyzing how these innovations impact personal and cultural identities and the broader global identity of societies.

Counselors’ Insights
Adding an invaluable layer of insight to their exploration, students conducted interviews with our esteemed guidance counselors, Ms. Jenny Basa and Ms. Abby Gorgonio. Their knowledge and expertise have helped the students understand the impacts of these technologies on the psychological and emotional well-being of individuals.

Balancing of Views
In the talk show, students presented both the positive and negative consequences of technological breakthroughs. They highlighted the remarkable improvements and the efficiency brought by these advancements while also delving into pressing concerns such as privacy, addiction, ethical issues, and the digital divide.

The I&S 9 students have not only showcased their critical thinking skills but also their capacity to connect the key concept of “change” to the related concept of “identity” within the global context of “technical innovation.” The task has given them the know-how and abilities to be informed citizens who can confidently and effectively handle the challenges of our fast-evolving technology-driven society.

Here are some of the thoughts from the students:

PTA News

by Mr. William Edward Belda, Admin & Faculty Rep for the CIS PTA

One Fine Day
The second leg of the CIS Touch Rugby Championship series held last Saturday, 23 September 2023, at Cebu International School, turned out into a very fine day and resulted in another success for the series despite a gloomy weather forecast. Led and organized by Mr. Damon Freeman (CIS  Language & Literature teacher and our Touch Rugby Coach) and supported by the Cebu Dragons Football Club, the CIS Touch Rugby Championship Series is one of the many sporting activities CIS offers via its after-school activities program.

In full support and alignment with this event, CIS PTA officers and parent representatives led by Ms. Meg Kim, the current Chairperson of the CIS-PTA Board, organized a food and drink sale to kick off the many fundraising activities planned for the year. 

As committed partners of CIS towards the continuous achievement of the school’s mission and vision, the CIS-PTA aims to always be engaged to participate and provide support and assistance through various means and ways toward the learning and enhancement of students. Thank you, PTA for your service in raising supplementary funds that can purchase items that assist our students’ learning!

College/Careers Counselor Corner

by Ms. Jenny Basa, College/Careers Counselor Corner

Mini College Fair – September 29 at the Canteen Annex

DATE

EVENT

October 10
Tuesday
9:00 – 9:45 AM
Canteen Annex
Link to sign up
(Grades 9-12 are invited to attend)

Study in Japan visit: Meet admission reps from Japanese universities and learn about their programs, the application process and scholarships offered.

October 11
Wednesday
9:00 – 9:45 AM
Canteen Annex
Link to sign up

University of Navarra (Spain) Info session with the admissions rep about the application process, requirements and programs offered.

October 12
Thursday
9:00 – 9:45 AM
Dragon’s Dome
Grade 9-12 students are invited to attend

Education USA College Fair  – talk to university reps face to face and learn about their university, programs, application process and scholarships offered.

October 13
Friday
9:00 – 9:45 AM
Canteen Annex

Mini Workshop for Grade 11 students: Writing your College Essay – Students will learn strategies on how to write a college essay.  The resource speaker is an admissions representative from York College Pennsylvania, USA. Seniors who missed this workshop last school year are welcome to attend.

October 13
Friday
10:15 – 11:25 AM
G11 & G12 IBDP  Visual Arts Classes
Venue:Canteen Annex

Workshop on How to prepare your Art Portfolio – Learn from a graduate of Savannah College of Art & Design on how to prepare your Art Portfolio for college applications to art universities.

October 17
Tuesday
9:00 – 9:45 AM
Link to sign up

University of British Columbia (Canada) – Info session with the admissions rep about the application process, requirements and scholarships & programs offered.

October 19
Thursday
9:00 – 9:45 AM
Link to sign up

IE University (Spain) – Info session with the admissions rep about the application process, requirements and scholarships & programs offered.

SAT Update

2023–24 School Year Test Dates

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.

Dragon’s Print

Dragon’s Print is back and better than ever this school year with a new article surrounding the scholars that make up our diverse community. In a special edition of Dragon’s Tells, our members asked several scholars about their journeys to CIS and their advice for prospective students who wish to earn a scholarship to our school. Read all about it at http://dragonsprint.cis.edu.ph!

Admin News

by Dr. Gwyn Underwood, Superintendent

Thanks so much to CIS Corporation Members for attending our AGM last Tuesday. In addition to completing the corporate functions required for us as Cebu International School, inc., we:

• thanked our outgoing Board of Trustee members:
  • Mr. Quisumbing (outgoing Chairman), who has served on the Board since 2016 
  • Mr. Jeffery Lee who has served on the Board since 2017 
  • Mr. Edwin Galeos (outgoing Secretary), who has served on the Board since 2018 
• welcomed our new Board of Trustee members for 2023/24:
  • Mr. Joshua de Manuel
  • Mrs. Shai Gica
  • Mr. Mozart Reina
• thanked and recognized the service of our returning Board of Trustee members for 2023/24:
  • Mrs. Katherine Rivera (incoming Board Chair/past Vice Chair)) 
  • Ms. Maite Moraza  (incoming Vice Chair) 
  • Mr. Wolf Kekert (Treasurer)
  • Mrs. Jill Figueroa (incoming Secretary)
  • Mr. James Doran-Webb (Trustee)
  • Ms. Fiona King (Trustee)
  • Mr. Bruce Shin (Trustee)
• held inquiry-based learning conversations discussing aspects surrounding the question, “What is our narrative?” that were designed to build relationships and gain a shared understanding of who we are!

It is so refreshing to work with a diverse group of committed and dedicated parents whose focus remains on what is best for the students of Cebu International School. 

Upcoming events of note

• Sept. 23: CIS Touch Rugby Series (PM)
• Sept. 26: Parent Coffee Morning (International Day Prep focus)
• Sep 29-30: MUN Locals conference (Manila)
• Oct 2 – 6: October break (School holiday)
• Oct 16-20 & 21 Culture week, culminating with International Day on Sat 21st

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

Kinder and Grade 1 Class

by Ms. Tara Alagao and Ms. Bebelin Tubilan, K/G1 Homeroom Teachers

Four Pillars of Health 

Our Kinder and Grade 1 students have embarked on an exciting journey exploring the unit under the transdisciplinary theme Who We Are, with a central idea “Making balanced choices enables people to be healthy.” This unit has provided our students with the opportunity to inquire into the four pillars of health: eating a balanced meal, practicing good hygiene, engaging in regular exercise, and getting enough rest. To kick off this unit, the Kinder and Grade 1 students were asked if they understood the concept of balance and what it looks like. They enthusiastically expressed their preferences for foods they would love to have for lunch, and many of them grasped the idea that a balanced meal requires a variety of foods from the five healthy food groups.

To conclude the unit, the Kinder and Grade 1 students brainstormed actions they could take to share their understanding of the pillars of health with the community. They hope to inspire the community to reflect on their lifestyle choices for the purpose of health and balance.

DP History Paper 1 Overview

by Ms. Joy Pierra, DP History Teacher

In the world of International Baccalaureate (IB) assessments, one exam holds significant weight for history students: Paper 1. This external assessment is a pivotal component of an IB student’s academic journey, accounting for 30% of the overall grade for Standard Level (SL) students and 20% for Higher Level (HL) students. Here’s a breakdown of this exam.

Question 1: Comprehension Mastery (5 minutes)
The journey begins with Question #1, where students are tasked with extracting the essence of the source. This allows students to analyze and succinctly articulate the message that the sources convey. These could be text, photos, or cartoons. Success here ensures five valuable points towards their score.

Question 2: Source Usefulness and Credibility (10 minutes)
Question #2 delves into the vital realm of source assessment. Students apply the OPCVL method, rigorously examining the origin, purpose, and content of sources. The aim? To evaluate the sources’ utility and reliability in shedding light on historical figures, documents, or events. A maximum of four marks awaits those who adeptly navigate this question.

In this high-stakes academic endeavor, IB history students are tasked with not only showcasing their source analysis skills but also their capacity to weave together historical narratives. As the clock ticks down, they draw upon these skills to navigate the intricate web of history’s tapestry.

Here are some of the History 11 students’ thoughts after taking their first Paper 1 exam.

Which question in Paper 1 do you feel most confident about? Why?

Which question is the most challenging in Paper 1? Why?

How will you better prepare for Paper 1 next time?

Grade 6: Design Technology Class

by Mr. Jessie Saclo, Design Teachnology Teacher

Product Innovation

In its global campaign for a circular economy, the European Union recently approved a waste-reduction regulation set for implementation in 2027, mandating manufacturers of portable appliances to incorporate user-friendly replaceable batteries. The regulation which is aimed to benefit consumers is directed on existing trends in the design and manufacture of smartphones, tablets, laptops, electric bikes and e-scooters. Design experts are already predicting a significant global impact on the design, innovation and manufacture of these devices that will potentially reshape the playing field for electronic behemoths such as Samsung and Apple. 

According to the MYP, design and the outcomes of new technologies have led to immense changes in society, profoundly transforming the way we process information, adapt our environment, communicate with others, and solve problems. The recent EU regulation is a clear example on how design and the design process are essential elements in societal change.

The MYP design framework incorporates inquiry and problem-solving at its core, cultivating rigid student learning through the application and use of the design cycle. As a tool, the design cycle provides the methodology necessary to engage students through four criteria: inquiring and analysing, developing ideas, creating the solution, and evaluating. Solutions in MYP design can manifest as a prototype, model, product, or system that students have independently developed.

Our grade six design unit, aptly named ‘Product Innovation,’ explores the concepts of communication, innovation, and perspective through the statement of inquiry: ‘Communicating ideas through technological innovations can influence perspectives.’ Students began building their understanding of the design process by navigating the unit through discussions, inquiries, research, and feedback. They embarked on the task of identifying problems in existing products, initially constructing inquiry questions aligned with our identified concepts. As the unit progressed, they researched and analyzed products to develop creative and innovative solutions. Their solutions are rooted in actual product data and supplemented by their own success criteria.

The diverse results of our students’ research and solutions serve as a sound indicator of how well they comprehend the stages of inquiry, analysis, and idea development. Take some time to view and appreciate their work.

The Dragon’s Report Card

College/Careers Counselor Corner

by Ms. Jenny Basa, College/Careers Counselor Corner

Where do our graduates go?  

DATE

September 27
Wednesday
9:00 – 9:40AM
Canteen Annex
Link to sign up

EVENT

Hong Kong University of Science & Technology – an Info session on the application process, programs and scholarships at HKUST.

September 28
Thursday
9:00 – 9:40AM
Canteen Annex
Link to sign up

Enderun Colleges – an Info session on the application process, programs and scholarships at Enderun.

September 29
Friday
9:00 – 9:45 AM
Canteen Annex
Mini College Fair

Mini College Fair sponsored by ApplyAbroad –  Meet with  university reps from various institutions from Canada and talk to them about the application process, programs and other offerings.
List of institutions:
Canada: Algoma University & MacEwan University
Australia: Edith Cowan University & Torrens University
USA: South New Hampshire University

October 10
Tuesday
9:00 – 9:45 AM
Canteen Annex

Study in Japan visit: Meet admission reps from Japanese universities and learn about their programs, the application process and scholarships offered.

October 12
Thursday
9:00 – 9:45 AM
Dragon’s Dome

Education USA College Fair – meet with university reps from 24 institutions from the US.  List of universities to follow

October 13
Friday
9:00 – 9:45 AM
Canteen Annex

Mini Workshop for Grade 11 students: Writing your College Essay – Students will learn strategies on how to write a college essay.  The resource speaker is an admissions representative from York College Pennsylvania, USA. Seniors who missed this workshop last school year are welcome to attend.

October 13
Friday
10:15 – 11:25 AM
Canteen Annex

Workshop on How to prepare your Art Portfolio – Learn from a graduate of Savannah College of Art & Design on how to prepare your Art Portfolio for college applications to art universities.

SAT Update

2023–24 School Year Test Dates

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 wonderful to observe the laughter, fun, and collaboration among students today as we held our first House Activity Day of the year (HAD1). These typically include a range of activities to enable this, both outdoor active and indoor sedentary activities, and including sports and skills/game-based activities. We hold these days for multiple reasons. One aspect that is not visible to all, is it is a great way for our student council members to use and develop their research, organizational, thinking, and leadership skills. Judging from the outcomes, they were particularly successful this year – well done, StuCo teams (both ES and MHS were involved to differing extents)!   

In addition to the fun, the other aspect I want to highlight are approaches to learning (ATL) skills involved. Refer to the poster to the right and see if you can identify the ATL strands involved in helping students gain these HAD benefits:

• HAD activities are good for our students’ physical health and social-emotional well-being.
• HAD provides opportunities for students to try new skills, and develop existing ones.
• HAD provides opportunities to develop social and communication skills.
• HAD requires thinking and self-management skills too.

Thank you faculty supervisors for your input, and congratulations to all students for the effort you put in to make the day successful. Oh – I suppose some of you might want to know the HAD1 2023/24 house competition results! 

• 1st place – Mahogany
• 2nd Place – Narra
• 3rd Place – Molave
• 4th Place – Acacia

Congratulations all of you, the ranking is designed to help build motivation and competition, but we really just want you all to learn and have fun regardless of how many points you earned. If you are bothered about it, remember it is still early in the year so you will have the opportunity to change these rankings. Have a wonderful weekend!

Upcoming events of note

• Sep 19: CIS Annual General Membership Corporation Meeting (corporation members only – refer to the info poster for how to register as a member!)
• Sept. 23: CIS Touch Rugby Series (PM)
• Sep 29-30: MUN Locals conference (Manila)
• Oct 2 – 6: October break (School holiday)
• Oct 16-2o & 21 Culture week, culminating with International Day on Sat 21st

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

Grade 3 Class

by Ms. Katrina del Mar, Grade 3 Homeroom Teacher

How do we organize ourselves?

The Grade 3 inquirers began exploring our first unit, under the transdisciplinary theme How We Organize Ourselves by using their research skills to gather information about how people’s needs and interests influence communities to form and evolve. As they walked around our learning community, they made careful observations and documented what they saw, thought, and wondered. 

Sketching their initial ideas about what a community is, the class came up with the conclusion that a community is a group of people who work together for a common goal.

Next, we delved into the reasons why our class attends school. They classified their responses into needs or interests.

To deepen our understanding of our learning community’s needs and interests, the Grade 3 researchers conducted interviews with other members of the school. Taking on different roles such as interviewer, timekeeper, note taker, and recorder allowed for a successful group work thereby developing their social skills. The Grade 3 students reflected that organizing themselves made their task easier. Students also felt a responsibility to do their job and paid closer attention to the task at hand. 

An examination of the information they gathered allowed the Grade 3s to analyze how our needs and interests are supported by our learning community. They discovered that the school was formed to support our learning needs and interests. Having also reflected on the responsibility they felt from being assigned a role for their research activity, we carried this concept onto their responsibilities as members of our learning community.

Having realized that they can use their voice to influence our community to grow, the Grade 3 students suggested ideas in response to our need to organize our learning environment, for example, creating classroom jobs and labeling their seats. They also proposed playing a morning game on Days B and Days D to fulfill their interest in playing and having fun.

How about you? What are your needs and interests? What actions can you take to support your community’s needs and interests?

Grade 12: IBDP Visual Arts

by Mr. Jessie Saclo, IBDP Visual Arts Teacher

“The IB Diploma Programme visual arts course encourages students to challenge their own creative and cultural expectations and boundaries” (IBO, 2017).

The IB Diploma Programme Visual Arts course is a rigorous two-year program crafted to nurture students’ creative prowess through the lens of three assessment criteria: the comparative study, the process portfolio, and the exhibition. This intellectually stimulating course is designed to cultivate critical thinking and analytical skills through the process of art creation and critique. As students delve into art from diverse cultural perspectives and contexts, they are exposed to a range of traditional and contemporary techniques, styles, and media.

At the heart of the visual arts core syllabus are three interrelated areas; communicating visual art, visual arts in context, and visual arts methods. These areas are thoughtfully structured to seamlessly intertwine with the assessment criteria, forming the foundation of students’ holistic learning and comprehension. Within the visual arts course, students apply their knowledge and understanding of the relationship between these areas and how they inform, inspire, acquire, and impact their work in visual arts.

The comparative study is an independent exploration that challenges students to critically analyze artworks, objects, and artifacts from different cultural contexts. Students choose, examine, and compare at least three artworks with contrasting contexts by at least two different artists. This investigation features a comparison and analysis of the selected works and evidence of how their own work and practices have been influenced by the art and artists they examined. The completed work will be marked against these criteria:

• identification and analysis of formal qualities
• analysis and understanding of function and purpose
• analysis and evaluation of cultural significance
• making comparisons and connections
• presentation and subject-specific language
• making connections to own art-making practice

Take time to appreciate some excerpts of the comparative study work our grade 12 DP visual arts students produced in their journey through the IB DP visual arts course. 

Student Summer Program Experiences

Bella, Grade 12: Yale Young Global Scholars

Yale Young Global Scholars was an incredible experience that allowed me to not only explore my interests in the humanities but also prepare me for my future as a college student. During the summer, I had the opportunity to meet people from a variety of countries and cultures, allowing me to become more aware of differing perspectives and ideals. As such, I believe that I was able to become a more global citizen while also delving deeper into aspects present in the disciplines of literature, philosophy, and culture.

In my time at Yale, I attended lectures and seminars surrounding topics such as nature, film, language, honesty, and morality. Consequently, I developed several skills in analysis as well as critical thinking. Additionally, my final capstone project focused on the topic of identity in which I was able to reflect on my experience as a biracial person. Overall, I am incredibly thankful for my time at this summer program and am very proud of what I was able to accomplish.

Ara, Grade 12: Columbia University Pre-College Program

During my summer break, I was fortunate enough to experience a college-level class at one of the most prestigious universities in New York City! Columbia University was the perfect place to get a feel of what it would be like to study in the US, particularly NYC. There, I took a human rights and international law course for three weeks. Each class always had something new to offer, and it’s safe to say that I can read and deconstruct college-level papers rather quickly.

Moreover, I chose the commuter option because New York is literally the most walkable city in the world. I thought taking the subway, bus, (and occasionally an Uber) would make my experience more authentic and fun—and it did! I met people from various parts of the world and became good friends with people in my class. With Columbia’s rich and diverse culture, spending my summer there was a fruitful and meaningful experience.

College/Careers Counselor Corner

by Ms. Jenny Basa, College/Careers Counselor Corner

Where do our students apply and get admitted? The chart below shows the number of successful university applications by country.  

DATE

September 16
Saturday
Sacred Heart School – Ateneo de Cebu
9:00 – 10:30 AM

EVENT

Ateneo de Manila – College Admissions Talk

September 27
Wednesday
9:00 – 9:40AM
Canteen Annex
Link to sign up

Hong Kong University of Science & Technology – an Info session on the application process, programs and scholarships at HKUST.

September 28
Thursday
9:00 – 9:40AM
Canteen Annex
Link to sign up

Enderun Colleges – an Info session on the application process, programs and scholarships at Enderun.

September 29
Friday
9:00 – 9:45 AM
Canteen Annex
Mini College Fair

Mini College Fair sponsored by ApplyAbroad –  Meet with  university reps from various institutions from Canada and talk to them about the application process, programs and other offerings.

List of institutions:
Canada: Algoma University & MacEwan University
Australia: Edith Cowan University & Torrens University
USA: South New Hampshire University

October 10
Tuesday
9:00 – 9:45 AM
Canteen Annex

Study in Japan visit: Meet admission reps from Japanese universities and learn about their programs, the application process and scholarships offered.

October 12
Thursday
9:00 – 9:45 AM
Dragon’s Dome

Education USA College Fair – meet with university reps from 24 institutions from the US.  List of universities to follow

October 13
Friday
9:00 – 9:45 AM
Canteen Annex

Mini Workshop for Grade 11 students: Writing your College Essay – Students will learn strategies on how to write a college essay.  The resource speaker is an admissions representative from York College Pennsylvania, USA. Seniors who missed this workshop last school year are welcome to attend.

October 13
Friday
10:15 – 11:25 AM
Canteen Annex

Workshop on How to prepare your Art Portfolio – Learn from a graduate of Savannah College of Art & Design on how to prepare your Art Portfolio for college applications to art universities.

2023–24 School Year Test Dates

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.