Newsflash: January 19, 2024

Principal’s Corner

by Ms. Maureen Juanson, Elementary School Principal

Throughout the week, CIS students had the unique opportunity to immerse themselves and explore the diverse facets of Philippine culture through interactive stations to celebrate Philippine Culture Week. Filipino teachers facilitated engaging activities that featured various aspects of the country’s culture, such as traditional games, songs, arts, and dances. The highlight for many elementary students was the chance to experience a slice of everyday Filipino life by taking a ride on the iconic jeepney and indulging in the delightful Filipino snack, taho.

At CIS, these cultural experiences are not just a celebration but an integral part of the school’s commitment to fostering diversity and nurturing global citizenship. By engaging in activities that connect students to the host country, the Philippines, our learners are encouraged to develop international-mindedness, collaboration, and a deeper awareness of the world around them. These cultural experiences reflect the transdisciplinary nature of learning and teaching that takes place in the classrooms. 

We invite the entire CIS community to join tomorrow’s Sinulog Family Day. This promises to be a day filled with fun festivities, further connecting us to the vibrant traditions that make our host country unique. Together, let us celebrate diversity, unity, and the spirit of global citizenship at CIS!

Upcoming events of note

• Jan 15-19: Sem. 2  ASA Registration (After School Activities)
• Jan 18-20: Sinulog Trade Fair in the Canteen Annex – local products, arts & crafts, fruits & vegetables, and snacks
• Jan 20 (Sat): CIS Sinulog Family Day & HAD2 (House Activities Day)
• Jan 22 (Mon): School Holiday
• Jan 23 (Tue): Sem. 2 ASA’s start
• Jan 24-28: ISAC tournament at BISB Manila (boys soccer/girls basketball)
• Jan 30 (Tue): PTA Coffee Morning

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

Elementary: Philippine Culture Week

by Jessa Luntayao, Jojie Malinao, and Maya Mendez, Philippine Language and Culture Teachers

In an exciting week-long celebration, the Elementary students immersed themselves in the rich and colorful culture of the Philippines during the Philippine Culture Week. We started the celebration by presenting a video about what the Philippines is known for. Then, in the succeeding days, the students indulged in different activities from traditional dances to colorful arts and exciting games. 

Of course, the celebration will not be complete without the jeepney ride- a symbolic journey through the streets of Filipino life and the taho-tasting experience. The shared experience of savoring this local delicacy added a sweet touch to their cultural exploration.

The week-long event was not just about cultural appreciation but also a demonstration of international-mindedness. Students actively engaged with the host country’s culture, fostering a global perspective and understanding.’

The heartwarming highlight was witnessing the joy and engagement of all students throughout the activities. Smiles, laughter, and a genuine sense of discovery filled the school, creating lasting memories for everyone involved.

Grade 8:  MYP Music Class

by Ms. Marie Vic Briones, PYP & MYP Music Teacher

World Music Mosaic: Unit Explores Aesthetics through Sinulog Festival

In a harmonious celebration of cultural diversity, the G8 students are delving into the rich tapestry of world music traditions under the key concept of Aesthetics. Entitled “World Music Mosaic: A Collage of Cultural Soundscape,” this unit explores the expression, presentation, and play in diverse musical traditions within the context of globalization and sustainability.

The G8s have lightly explored the musical elements of cultural traditions such as the Kathakali of India, the Peking Opera of China, the Kabuki of Japan, the Wayang Kulit of Indonesia, and Cebu’s very own Sinulog Festival. 

Eager to  connect with the cultural pulse and rhythms of the Sinulog however, the G8 students are not content to merely investigate- they are also poised to become active community members by organizing a small-scale, classroom-based Sinulog presentation. 

Despite a very limited time to practice- with MYP Music being a second semester subject that has just begun, the G8s have already extended a warm invitation to their younger peers in K/G1, inviting them to share in the rich experience. The upcoming 30-minute program promises a special highlight—a 10-15 minute mini-instrumental workshop. With the hope of passing on the (conductor’s) baton (pun intended) to the younger generation in this interactive session, the G8 students will share the nuances of Sinulog music to their enthusiastic younger counterparts. This collaborative effort not only develops and showcases the G8s’ social collaboration skills as they prepare and organize themselves for this activity, but also underscores and reinforces the school’s commitment to fostering a community spirit of shared learning and mutual enrichment.

College & Careers Counselor Corner

by Ms. Jenny Basa, College Counselor

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.