Admin News
by Dr. Gwyn Underwood, Superintendent
As we close our first semester, let’s take a moment to reflect on our progress:
- What was a highlight for you?
- Take a moment to express gratitude—it’s great for your health and well-being!
- What was a challenge you faced?
- What strategies did you learn from overcoming your challenges?
Let’s now reflect a little deeper on your answers:
- To what extent did you use the IB Learner Profile (LP) attributes to help you progress this semester?
- These attributes are: Inquirer, Balanced, Caring, Courageous/Risk-Taker, Thinker, Communicator, Open-Minded, Principled, Reflective, and Knowledgeable.
Here’s a thought: Do you think one of these attributes is the most important?
We encourage developing all the attributes, as they all help us in various ways and different situations. However, I recently came across a powerful idea from Dr. Maya Angelou. She said, “I am convinced that courage is the most important of all the virtues. Because without courage, you cannot practice any other virtue consistently…”
As we head into the break, I challenge you to consider how you can nurture all the IB Learner Profile attributes in your life. In particular, give some extra thought to how can you develop courage—the courage to be kind, fair, generous, and principled even when it’s hard. These attributes will surely help you to develop into a respectful person, who is responsible and prepared for our challenging world.
Wishing you all a wonderful, restful break. Take care, be courageous, and enjoy your time with loved ones. See you next semester!
Upcoming events of note
- Fri, Dec. 13: End of Semester Assembly / End of Sem. 1 / End of Q2 (half day)
- Dec. 16 – Jan. 4, 2025: Christmas / Semester Break
- Mon, Jan. 6: Teachers’ In-Service Day (No classes)
- Tue, Jan. 7: First Day of Sem. 2 / Q3 Start
- Jan 10 -12: BEIMUN Conference (Beijing)
- Jan. 13 -17: Philippine Culture Week
- Sat, Jan. 18: Sinulog Family Day / HAD 2
Please refer to the CIS Event Calendar for the complete calendar of school events.
Student Residence Update
by Ms. Ysabel Romano, Student Residence Supervisor
A Home-y Christmas at the Student Residence
Last November 30th, the CIS Student Residence transformed into a merry home, hosting a heartwarming Christmas party for its residents and their guests. The day was filled with fun, laughter, and holiday cheer.
The festivities kicked off in the morning, as students and staff gathered in the HE lab to whip up delicious dishes, creating mouthwatering anticipation for dinner later in the day.
In the afternoon, the students embarked on a campus-wide Scavenger Hunt. Armed with envelopes filled with clues and a spirit of adventure, participants solved riddles and uncovered hidden Christmas treats, fostering camaraderie and testing their problem-solving skills.
A potluck dinner brought everyone together, filling the Student Residence with contagious laughter, joyful chatter, and the comforting aroma of home-cooked meals. Later, we enjoyed games, movies, and engaged in lively conversations.
The Christmas party at the CIS Student Residence was a festive night, weaving together the threads of friendship and community, bringing out the joy of the season.
Comments from residents:
Raya
Paige
Joseph
Rina
Grade 3 Class
by Ms. Katrina del Mar, Grade 3 Homeroom Teacher
How the World Works
In line with our CIS Promise of being responsible and prepared, Cebu International School (CIS) conducted a Remote Learning Day last October 21, to ensure our learning community is ready for potential online learning classes. Indeed, the groundwork laid was fruitful as Cebu was struck by Tropical Storm Kristine, which caused the local government unit to suspend classes. CIS responded by implementing Emergency Remote Learning for two days. In the safety of our homes, we were able to continue classes online despite the inclement weather.
What is a typhoon? What other natural phenomena change the Earth? How do they impact people’s lives? To answer these questions, the Grade 3 Inquirers used their research skills to delve into the causes of changes in our physical environment and our responsibility to address them. They focused on four natural phenomena that affect Cebu: typhoons, floods, earthquakes, and droughts. To support their research, they employed the comprehension reading strategy of recognizing cause-and-effect relationships and wrote their findings in traffic light paragraphs. They also learned to cite their sources.
To extend their learning, they conducted experiments and gathered data using the scientific method.
To further enhance their learning, our Grade 3 Inquirers had the opportunity to visit the Emergency Rescue Unit Foundation (ERUF). This field trip provided valuable insights into disaster preparedness and response. By witnessing firsthand the work of emergency volunteers, our students gained a deeper appreciation for the importance of being prepared for natural disasters.
The Grade 3 students then presented their knowledge to the rest of the learning community through a skit, demonstrating their commitment to applying their learning to real-world issues. As the Grade 3s continue to learn about the world around us, they recognize the importance of taking action. By understanding the causes and effects of natural phenomena, they call on everyone to join us in our CIS promise to be responsible and prepared.
MYP PHE
by Ms. Demelyn Dargantes, MYP PHE Teacher
Excitement Builds for End of Semester 1 Assembly!
Our students are buzzing with excitement as they prepare for the End of 
Semester 1 Assembly! They are eager to showcase their learning through amazing movement and arts displays.
From graceful dances and creative gymnastics to colorful artwork and musical performances, their hard work and passion shine through. This celebration is a wonderful way to reflect on the skills, creativity, and teamwork they have developed over the semester.
Thank you to parents, families, and friends who watched this special event today and for cheering on our students as they shared their talents with pride!
Grade 12: Collaborative Science Project
by Ms. Haydee Liza Montero, Lab. Teacher/Lab. Technician
Time and again, the Grade 12 students come together for their Collaborative Science Project (CSP), an interdisciplinary activity required for all Diploma Program and IB Certificate Science students. The CSP provides a platform for students to analyze a topic or problem that can be explored through Biology, Chemistry, and/or Physics, encouraging them to work collaboratively across disciplines. Using the scientific method, students engage in a scientific investigation over the course of 10 hours. This year’s theme is, ‘ Beyond the Cape: The Science of Superhero Powers”, challenging students to apply scientific principles to what might otherwise seem like fictional abilities.
The process mirrors the abilities of a superhero with acid generation or manipulation powers, which can corrode or degrade solid materials at will. In this analogy, the eggshells represent a hard, solid state—similar to bones or armor—while the vinegar symbolizes the superhero’s acid-based power. The reaction between the vinegar and the eggshell demonstrates how the acid dissolves the solid material, providing a tangible model of this superpower in action.
Temperature may influence how a superhero with electricity manipulation powers harnesses their abilities, as it directly impacts electrical conductivity. In this case, the effect of temperature on electrical conductivity is demonstrated by testing potatoes at varying temperatures. This experiment models how temperature changes could affect the efficiency and control of the superhero’s electrical power, highlighting the interplay between environmental factors and their abilities.
The Human Torch (withstanding fire) superpower involves the ability to generate and control fire, which is fueled by combustion reactions. When different fuel sources are burned, combustion occurs, releasing heat, light, and energy—key elements of this superpower. The intensity and characteristics of the flames depend on the type of fuel and its chemical composition, illustrating how variations in fuel properties can influence the power and appearance of the fire.
Different light colors, each with distinct wavelengths, can significantly influence the growth of plants, such as Vigna radiata (mung beans). This concept aligns with Poison Ivy’s supervillain ability to control and manipulate plant life. In this analogy, specific light wavelengths can optimize photosynthesis and impact root development. Poison Ivy’s fictional powers may extend to fine-tuning light conditions to accelerate plant growth. This highlights how light quality and spectrum serve as powerful tools for manipulating plant development, showcasing the scientific potential behind her botanical mastery.”
With Spiderman’s web-based superpowers, this experiment explores how the thickness of a web—modeled by varying the thickness of elastic bands—affects its elasticity, as measured by its elastic constant. This parallels Spiderman’s ability to control the strength, stretch, and tension of his webs, enabling him to perform feats such as swinging between buildings, capturing villains, and supporting heavy objects. By examining the relationship between web thickness and elasticity, the experiment highlights the scientific principles underlying Spiderman’s ability to adapt his webs to different situations, showcasing the interplay between material properties and superhuman.
The concept of heat loss directly relates to the Human Torch’s superpower, which involves generating and controlling intense heat and flames. In this context, the experiment examines how heat is lost to the environment through conduction, convection, and radiation. Understanding these mechanisms mirrors how the Human Torch might manage or combat heat loss to sustain his fiery powers, maintain energy efficiency, and control the intensity of his flames during various scenarios. By exploring the science of heat transfer, this investigation provides insights into the challenges and strategies a superhero like the Human Torch might face in maximizing its thermal energy.
This CSP demonstrates that the benefits of superpowers, which may initially seem fictional, are deeply intertwined with the core principles of Science—Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. Many abilities that appear to belong to the realm of fantasy, such as extraordinary strength, acid generation, or manipulating energy, can all be explained through scientific concepts like genetics, chemical reactions, and the laws of energy and motion. Science itself holds the key to unlocking these superpowers, showing that what once seemed impossible may be achievable through scientific discovery!
SAT Update
SAT 2024-2025 Test Dates
SAT Registration Is Now Open
| Test Dates | Registration Deadlines | Deadline for Changes, Regular Cancellation and Late Registration Deadlines* |
| March 8, 2025 | February 21, 2025 | February 25, 2025 |
| May 3, 2025 | April 18, 2025 | April 22, 2025 |
| June 7, 2025 | May 22, 2025 | May 27, 2025 |
*Additional Fees apply
To register for the SAT, you may click on this link. If you need assistance or have any questions, please feel free to email Ms. Jenny Basa at jbasa@cis.edu.ph.