Principal’s Corner
by Mr. Benjamin Martin, MHS Principal
Giving Thanks as We Close This Year
December has been a very busy but rewarding month and we would like to thank all of the members of the CIS community for playing an important part. Our families (including our Board of Directors and Parent Teacher Association) have contributed so much towards the school and to the growth and well-being of our students. The “Tree of Giving” activity has been an incredible success this year as we doubled the amount of donations, so much so that we are now distributing these gift boxes to two communities in need instead of one. Tomorrow, Mr. Ace and I are proud to be taking a group of 20 students to these communities to meet with them and hopefully establish more visits throughout the year.
As we finish the year, I am reminded of a poem by Edgar Guest, entitled a “Friend’s Greeting) in expressing our thanks to all of the Dragons, past and present:
Upcoming events of note
- 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.
K/G1: Music Class
by Ms. Marie Briones, PYP/MYP Music Teacher
In an engaging musical journey, our young learners in the Kindergarten and Grade 1 PYP Music class are delving into the fascinating world of pitches. Guided by the central idea that “Understanding pitch enhances our musical expression,” our exploration is structured around three captivating lines of inquiry: Form, Causation, Connection.
Our little musicians are enthusiastically exploring the concept of pitch. They have successfully grasped the fundamental question: “What is pitch?” Through interactive activities and catchy melodies, they’ve embraced different words to describe different pitches, forming a solid foundation for their musical vocabulary.
Here are some of their descriptions:
Alison
Reina
Johen
Charlotte
In connecting the dots between pitch and melody (different pitches), students are discovering that melody is an arrangement of pitches played in a specific sequence. Altering and alternating the order and intervals of pitches produces a repeating pattern- a melodic ostinato!
In a lively practical application, the young musicians showcased their understanding by performing melodic ostinato on boomwhackers. They demonstrated their ability to sustain a rhythmic pattern while varying the pitches.
The students are also discovering the profound connection between pitch and human emotions. Using the IB PYP framework, they’re exploring how pitch serves as a language for expressing feelings and human emotions.
As the students progress through these inquiries, they are not only developing musical skills but also cultivating a holistic understanding of the role pitch plays in our daily lives. Stay tuned for more melodic updates as our young maestros continue their musical explorations!
MYP Language & Literature / Individuals & Societies Class
by Mr. Adom Thorne, Language & Literature Teacher
Hello, Bonjour y Hola, Mr. Adom Thorne here from Middle school for an update for what’s been happening here In the MYP. We are quickly rocketing towards the end of our second quarter and coming to the end of our summatives. The students have quickly adjusted to so many new faces, ideas, and habits. In Language and Literature we’ve been covering a variety of topics and tackling questions such as “To what extent do our ethics/morals impact our judgment?” or “To what extent does inequality impact/create opportunities?”. In Individuals & Societies we’re exploring social systems from the perspective of the government to debate “to what extent should social systems have power?”
Excitedly, we’re slowly building up reading stamina and attempting to display empathy by relating our writing to characters, self-management by handling multi-tiered assessments with multiple due dates and continuing to show our IB characteristics, specifically caring as we approach this festive holiday season. We’ve welcomed some new faces into our classrooms and the five respects have been on full display to welcome our new students to our CIS community.
Lastly, from our Homeroom, Book week was a great success with some students providing great analysis skills in the contests provided. As well, overall excellent participation from the 8/9 homeroom with their depiction of Mickey Mouse! Looking forward to the second half of the school year and all the new “adventures” upon which we’ll be embarking both in class content and middle school events. Feliz Navidad/Merry Christmas and Happy new year from the MYP!
College & Careers Counselor Corner
by Ms. Jenny Basa, College Counselor
DATE
EVENT
Dec 16
Saturday
8:30PM (Zoom)
Link to sign up
Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST)
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: Receive feedback through the Association of Indepedent Colleges of Art & Design (AICAD) LINK
December 2023 events for Glion, Les Roches & Ecole Ducasse
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
| Test Date | Deadline for Registration, Changes and Regular Cancellation |
| March 9, 2024 | February 23, 2024 |
| May 4, 2024 | April 19, 2024 |
| June 1, 2024 | May 16, 2024 |
To register for the SAT, you may click on this link. If you need assistance or have any questions, please feel free to email Ms. Jenny Basa at jbasa@cis.edu.ph.