Newsflash: August 11, 2023

Admin Notes

by Dr. Gwyn Underwood, Superintendent

Our first full week of school has been purposefully busy! It is great to see students settling into routines and starting to get into their new units of inquiry and current topics. Parents, we know from research, that (appropriate levels!) of parent involvement contributes to student learning, so please do take an interest in what your children are doing. One way of doing this could be regular casual discussions asking them (sincerely and attentively) how their learning went that day. Be sure you provide supportive comments with any feedback to ensure you create a safe environment that will encourage them to share with you what they are learning.

For more information on what they are studying, you could ask more detailed questions, request they show their work (keeping in mind the need for a safe, supportive environment),  or refer to our student learning management tools – Seesaw in the Elementary School and Google Classroom in the Middle & High School. And of course, feel free to contact their teachers with any questions or concerns!

From next week, our Newsflash will include samples of student work and activities on a rotating basis as well, so please check back here weekly as well. Have a restful weekend!

MHS Principal’s Corner

by Mr. Ben Martin, MHS Principal

Hello Dragons! My name is Ben Martin and it has already been a pleasure to meet so many amazing members of our school community this year. CIS kicked off the first day with this year’s first student-led assembly. The MHS Executive Council organized a great event with games, songs, and speeches, involving the little ones all the way up to the not so little ones. I was very impressed that even on the first day, our student leaders made it their mission to make sure that everyone was involved. I believe in the idea that leaders do not create followers but instead, create more leaders. I encourage our families that if leadership opportunities arise this year, encourage your child to get involved. There are so many ways that students can contribute and it also helps them grow and develop into the next generation of leaders shaping our future world!

Upcoming events of note

• Aug 14-18: S1 After-School Activity (ASA) Registration
• Aug 22: ASAs start
• Aug. 21: School holiday     
• Aug. 28:  National Heroes Day (Public Holiday)
• Aug. 29: Parent Coffee Meeting (CIS Annex 7:30am)

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

Faculty & Staff HAD

by Ms. Justine Condor, Marketing Manager

CIS Faculty & staff embrace teamwork and fun with a House Activities Day!

To kick off the start of the school year, CIS faculty & staff experienced firsthand their very own version of our traditional Student House Activities Day (HAD) as a team building exercise during our new school year orientation program. This initiative not only set the stage for a year of camaraderie and collaboration but also provided our faculty & staff with an opportunity to dive into the same spirit of teamwork they encourage from our students.

During F&S HAD, members of different houses engaged in various activities designed to foster team building, communication, and friendly competition. Being educators, we even had a rubric ensuring all had a clear understanding of what Sportspersonship and Team Spirit involves!

This early bonding experience created a stronger foundation for both teachers and staff alike. With the enthusiasm and teamwork displayed on House Activities Day, we can look forward to an exciting year of growth, learning, and mutual support.

College/Careers Counselor Corner

by Ms. Jenny Basa, College/Careers Counselor Corner

DATE

August 12, 2023
Saturday
12:00 – 5:00PM
SEDA Hotel – Ayala Center

EVENT

August 16
Wednesday
9:00 – 9:40 AM
Canteen Annex
Link to sign up

Glion Institute of Higher Education (Switzerland)
Les Roches International School of Hotel Management (Switzerland & Spain)
Ecole Ducasse (France) – learn about the programs offered and the application process with the representative from the institution

August 18
Friday
9:00 – 9:40 AM
Canteen Annex
Link to sign up

University of Sydney (Australia) Talk to the admission rep and learn about the programs offered, admissions process and scholarships at one of the top universities in Australia.

SAT Update

Test dates for SY 2023–24