Admin News
by Dr. Gwyn Underwood, Superintendent
Helping Your Child Build Life Skills Through Positive Behavior Strategies
As we head into the end-of-year assessment period — especially for our Grade 12 students, who will begin their IB Diploma exams at the end of this month (April 28) — I’d like to share a few thoughts on how parents can support their children at home by encouraging good habits and positive behavior. These efforts work hand in hand with what we’re doing at school.
Positive behavior strategies do more than just help children stay on track; they help build important life skills that will serve them well beyond school. Skills like communication, time management, and emotional regulation aren’t just for the classroom — they’re everyday essentials. When children know what’s expected of them, see positive role models, and receive clear, encouraging feedback, they’re more likely to develop habits that keep them organized and confident under pressure. Simple routines for homework can strengthen time management, while respectful conversations at home build communication skills. Even small moments, like taking a deep breath before reacting, can go a long way in helping children manage their emotions.
Here are a few practical ways to help at home:
- Set clear, positive expectations and revisit them often.
- Celebrate positive behavior right away — a quick “I appreciate how you managed your time today” works wonders.
- Create routines together — make checklists for schoolwork (and chores!).
- Practice simple emotional regulation strategies, like deep breathing or counting to five when things get tough.
- Offer choices when you can to help build independence and responsibility.
By working together, we can help our children grow into confident, capable learners — equipped not just with strong study habits but with the full range of IB Approaches to Learning skills (see the poster above) and IB Learner Profile attributes (see the jigsaw circle poster below).
Further Reading
For parents interested in exploring more about how schools build positive learning environments and lifelong skills, here are some trusted resources:
- IB Learner Profile: Learn about the 10 qualities that empower students to become responsible global citizens.
www.ibo.org/benefits/learner-profile - Approaches to Learning (ATL) in the IB: Discover how ATL skills like communication, social, and self-management help students succeed. www.ibo.org/programmes/middle-years-programme/curriculum/approaches-to-learning
- IB Educator Blogs on ATL: Read real-life examples from IB classrooms worldwide.
blogs.ibo.org/blog/tag/approaches-to-learning - PBIS (Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports): Evidence-based guidance for creating positive school climates.
www.pbis.org
Upcoming events of note
- Apr 1-4: STEM Week
- Wed, Apr 9: School Day (Day of Valor: Compensatory holiday-Apr 11)
- Thu, Apr 10: G12s last day of classes
- Thu, Apr 10: TOK Exhibition (DP1)
- Fri, Apr 11: School holiday ( Compensatory day for Apr 9 holiday – Day of Valor)
- Apr 14-21: Easter / Mid-Semester Break
- Apr 23-24: MYP Personal Project Exhibition
- Fri, Apr 25: Half-day RL Classes (AM only) / CIS Education Forum (PM)
Please refer to the CIS Event Calendar for the complete calendar of school events.
Early Years
by Mary Alexis “Maya” Mendez, Early Years Homeroom Teacher
Early Years’ Celebration of Learning
The Early Years explorers recently wrapped up their unit under the theme “Sharing the Planet: Living Things Depend Upon Each Other for Survival” with a vibrant and heartwarming Celebration of Learning. It was a day filled with excitement, wonder, and pride as the young learners showcased their newfound knowledge and passion for the world around them.
Throughout the unit, students embarked on an immersive journey to distinguish living and nonliving things, explore the characteristics of living beings, and uncover the interconnectedness of plants, animals, and people. With growing awareness of how our actions impact the environment, they enthusiastically embraced their role as responsible caretakers of the planet.
One of the highlights of their learning adventure was the creation of habitats for their beloved class pets – turtles, fish, and even some busy ants! Through student agency and hands-on experience, they designed comfortable and safe environments, applying their understanding of what living things need to survive. Inspired by this experience, they also crafted detailed dioramas representing the habitats of their favorite animals, adding thoughtful touches to reflect the relationships within each ecosystem.
The celebration began with an enchanting performance in Drama and Music class, where the students brought animals to life through expressive movements, emotions, and sounds. Following the performance, guests were invited to visit the explorers’ vibrant display stations. With confidence and pride, the students shared their knowledge, explained how their chosen living things thrive in their habitats, and offered fascinating facts from their research. Their Philippine Language and Culture and Art class projects complemented the dioramas, further illustrating their understanding and creativity.
The excitement continued as the Early Years explorers led their families and friends on a tour of the school garden. They eagerly introduced their guests to their class pets in the pond and showcased the vegetables they had carefully observed and nurtured throughout the unit. The joy and curiosity on the children’s faces were contagious, making it a truly memorable experience for all.
It was a day to celebrate not just the learning, but also the sense of responsibility and appreciation for the natural world that blossomed within our young learners. The Early Years’ Celebration of Learning was a beautiful reminder of how curiosity and compassion can inspire positive change. Here’s to many more adventures in learning and growing together!
MYP Science
by Ms. Maria Victoria Bacus, Grade 6, Science Teacher
Last May 31, 2024, then-Grade 5 students got their first taste of Grade 6 Science by exploring Static Electricity. Their excitement and curiosity 
peaked as they encountered the Van de Graaff Generator—some for the very first time! While a few students were a little nervous, most were eager to volunteer and explore the effects of static electricity firsthand.
Now, as we completed Quarter 3 on the Unit of Electricity, Grade 6 students have revisited the Van de Graaff Generator with greater enthusiasm and a deeper understanding. This time, they were not just volunteers—they were active learners, applying their knowledge to exciting experiments. One student shared, “It was fun last year, but now I actually understand how it works!” after watching their hair stand on end during the experiment.
Beyond the fun, students reflected on how much their confidence in understanding Static Electricity has grown. While the experience was thrilling in elementary school, they now appreciate the science behind it even more, making this revisit both engaging and educational. They emphasized their favorite parts: seeing the Van de Graaff Generator in action and learning more about static electricity itself.
As we look ahead, for future incoming students, they suggested:
“Listen carefully to the discussion on general safety protocols, including proper handling during the operation of the Van de Graaff Generator.”
Overall, students rated the experience as excellent, saying it was both fun and informative.
Here are some snapshots of their electrifying experience below:
MYP 1 Mathematics
From Patterns to Problem-Solving: Grade 6’s Math Journey
The Grade 6 students have had an engaging school year, beginning with units on Numbers, Statistics, and Geometry. They actively participated in 
exploration activities, hands-on investigations, and class discussions, especially as they familiarized themselves with the assessment criteria for MYP 1 Mathematics.
To develop their understanding of these criteria, students engaged in various activities to enhance their knowledge and comprehension (Criterion A). In groups, they shared problem-solving strategies, successfully selecting and applying mathematics to both simple and complex, familiar and unfamiliar situations.
For Investigating Patterns (Criterion B), students worked in groups to explore divisibility rules and numerical patterns, discovering strategies to quickly determine whether numbers are divisible by 2, 3, 5, 6, etc.
Throughout their learning experiences, students practiced communicating (Criterion C) using appropriate mathematical language and notation to ensure they could organize their work and solutions in a logical and clear manner.
They also worked independently to present their mathematical knowledge in their preferred method—whether through drawing diagrams, creating models online, or verbal explanations. When solving and applying their mathematical skills to real-world scenarios (Criterion D), students designed their own mini-park or zoo. They created layouts that incorporated various geometric features and accurately calculated the area, perimeter, and circumference of different elements.
Beyond these activities, students reflected on their learning journey, particularly on the opportunity to choose different ways to demonstrate their understanding.
Through a survey conducted via Mentimeter, here are some of the highlights they shared regarding how this experience changed their approach to learning and demonstrating understanding in Math:
Lastly, a word cloud captured the emotions students felt upon completing their learning journey.
Wellbeing & SEL Corner
by Ms. Abigail Gorgonio, School Counselor
CIS Embraces Assessment for Growth and Learning!
At CIS, assessments are more than just tests—they’re valuable tools that help us support student learning and development. From Elementary to Middle High School, our recent assessment initiatives have been designed to enhance both academic progress and student well-being.
Elementary
Students in Grades 2-4 participated in the Measures for Academic Progress (MAP) assessments, which gauge their current learning levels and future learning expectations in Reading, Writing, and Mathematics.
To ensure a smooth testing experience, students underwent orientation and practice tests to familiarize themselves with the process. Teachers also took part in an MAP Refresher session, reinforcing their understanding of the assessment and how to effectively use the results to refine curriculum and instruction.
Middle and High School
Students in Grades 5, 8, and 10 took part in the annual ISA (International Schools’ Assessment) Testing. These assessments covered Math, Language, and Writing, with an added focus on Scientific Literacy for Grade 10 students.
For those unfamiliar with the ISA, it is developed by the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) and is aligned with the assessment frameworks of the OECD’s Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA). Designed specifically for international schools, the ISA provides valuable insights into student progress on a global scale.
Diploma Programme
To reinforce a strong culture of safeguarding and child protection, support personnel—including mountain guides—actively participated in a Safeguarding Orientation. This training was a crucial part of preparations for the much-anticipated Week Without Walls, ensuring a safe and secure environment for all involved.
At the same time, DP students received ongoing support through semestral check-ins, helping them stay on track both academically and emotionally. These check-ins provide a structured opportunity for students to reflect on their progress, set goals, and access the guidance they need to thrive.
More Than Just Academics
Beyond assessments, social-emotional learning (SEL) took center stage in Elementary this past month. Empathy and Kindness were highlighted through engaging lessons, including kindness challenges and read-aloud sessions that encouraged students to reflect on their interactions with others.
At CIS, assessments go beyond numbers—they shape student success and well-being, ensuring every learner reaches their full potential!
College & Careers Counselor Corner
by Ms. Jenny Basa, College Counselor
What is the difference between SAT and ACT?
SAT Update
SAT Registration Is Now Open
| Test Dates | Registration Deadlines | Deadline for Changes, Regular Cancellation and Late Registration Deadlines* |
| May 3, 2025 | April 18, 2025 | April 22, 2025 |
| June 7, 2025 | May 22, 2025 | May 27, 2025 |
*Additional Fees apply
To register for the SAT, you may click on this link. If you need assistance or have any questions, please feel free to email Ms. Jenny Basa at jbasa@cis.edu.ph.