Newsflash: January 28, 2022

Principal’s Corner

by Mr. Andrew Powell, EY-Grade 12 Principal

Dear Parents,

I would like to reiterate my pride in the way that our students and teachers have adapted to the adverse circumstances that we have faced over the past few weeks. While power has been restored to much of the city, I recognize that access to fast, stable Internet remains somewhat problematic and that many of our students are still reliant on pocket wifi or mobile data connections to access their schoolwork. We have taken this into account as we plan our learning engagements for next week. This will look different in each division which reflects the developmental level of our students and greater Internet connectivity amongst our Elementary students. 

 We are hoping that Week 4 of ACL (February 2-4) will be somewhat of a transitory week with the possibility of returning to our regular Remote Learning schedules in the near future.

Teachers will continue to post clear and concise self-paced learning engagements for their students as they have done in previous weeks, and we will also include brief, scheduled meetings for classes to engage with their teachers following our four-day rotation schedule with Wednesday, February 2nd as Day A. Details about what that will entail for each division are detailed below.

 Elementary School

• Week 4 of ACL will begin on Wednesday, February 2nd as Day A.
• A morning message and learning engagements will be posted on Seesaw by 7:30am. Learning engagements for the week will also be placed as a pdf in the Self-Paced Home Learning folders for the small number of students who are unable to consistently access Seesaw.
• The day will commence with Homeroom classes at 8am and be followed by synchronous small group work/ asynchronous activities.
• Single-subject classes will be scheduled between 10am – 12pm while 1-3:30pm is set aside for asynchronous learning and optional synchronous check-ins with teachers as required.
• Homeroom teachers will share their schedules with parents on the afternoon of Friday, January 28th and provide daily reminders to students about face-to-face classes.
• Should children be unable to attend classes, please liaise with your child’s teacher so that they may support completion of the asynchronous learning engagements.

 Middle High School

• Week 4 of ACL will begin on Wednesday, February 2nd as Day A.
• Learning engagements for the week will be posted in the respective Self-Paced Home Learning folders by 7:30am on the first learning day of the week.
• Homeroom will take place from 8-8:10am and be followed by four synchronous, fifteen minute classes with a five minute break between each class. This will provide teachers and students with the opportunity to touch base, provide teachers with the opportunity  to clarify assignments, and students to ask questions and arrange for individualized follow-up sessions if necessary. Classes will follow the respective day’s schedule and use the Google Meet link for that class.
• Teachers will be available between 9:30am – 12pm to meet with students upon request. Additional meetings may also take place between 1-3:30pm.
• If students don’t have access to the Internet at home or through a pocket wifi device, we do not expect them to go to cafes to access the Internet for their daily classes. Students may continue to download and complete their work as they have for the past few weeks.

Early Years

by Ms. Aimee Valenzona, EY Teacher & Ms. Freya Abella, Teacher Support

We had a fantastic week in the Early Years! We introduced different yoga poses that we intend to do daily. This morning routine which includes our daily show and tell will help us relax, focus, and express ourselves before we start our class. This week, we continued to look at the letters b and d. How they both look alike and different at the same time. We learned a new song by Jack Hartmann to determine both letters. We put both hands together out front in a fist and show two thumbs up. First is b, last is d! Let’s sing along to Jack Hartmann’s “letters b and d”!

Aside from sorting or grouping objects that begin with the letters b and d, the Early Years also played the “Spot Me!” game during our synchronous call where they spotted objects or items that begin with the /b/ and /d/ sounds.  

In math, we tried out different learning engagements that included counting, identifying numbers, and patterns. These engagements will further develop our thinking and problem-solving skills. As we progress, we will continue to dive even deeper into these math concepts. In our class, we learned that patterns are everywhere. Patterns are the arrangement of things that repeat. Our students completed a few patterns and created their own using materials. Come and join us! As you sit back in your favorite spot at home, look around and spot some patterns that you see or why not create your own, right?

Grade 8: MYP Visual Art

by Mr. Jessie Saclo, MYP Visual Art Teacher

The role of the artist in society

The MYP acknowledges the arts as a universal form of human expression engaging us in unique ways of knowing through imaginative and productive activities. Visual art as a medium of communication allows students to explore their identity and individuality. Through inquiry and acquisition of skills, students develop self-confidence in utilizing techniques and methods that are necessary for art production. Thus providing students with opportunities for holistic development of their social, emotional, and personal intelligence. By equipping students with opportunities to cultivate their potential to function as artists, as well as learners of the arts, students develop curiosity about themselves, others, and the world, becoming effective learners, inquirers, and creative thinkers.

In their final unit, the Grade 8 students explored the function of art in society and the role of the artist as an observer within a community. To develop an understanding of this inquiry, students channeled their perspectives through the global context of fairness and development and explored the issue of civic responsibility and the public sphere. Using the concept of ‘change’ as their lens, students explored the topic of the function of art in society, evaluating the causes, processes, and value that it offers to society.

Students participated in discussions about art activism and social awareness with emphasis on artists such as Banksy, and Ai Weiwei whose works promote social and political issues that have reached global audiences with huge impacts. Such engaging provocations allowed students to think critically of what they already know about their identity and individuality, leading them to conceive questions that further drive the inquiry. 

How can we communicate global issues through art?
Can art completely change someone’s perspective on a problem or issue?

With such questions, the Grade 8 students began to explore and identify social issues within their immediate environment, culture, and space. By applying critical thinking strategies that engaged them to see multiple and new perspectives, students started visualizing their ideas, thus beginning the process of art-making.

Through consultation, collaboration, and timely feedback, students developed their artwork that features a social issue they have experienced and identified. 

To view the completed work and online portfolios of our grade 8 students please visit this site.

College/Careers Counselor Corner

by Ms. Jenny Basa, College/Careers Counselor

Topic of the Week: Comparison of College Costs

Last week’s feature outlined the main categories that contribute towards college cost. When a student plans for college, it is important to have a conversation with one’s parents so one is aware of how much your family can spend towards your college education.  Below is a collated summary to compare the cost of university in certain countries.  The costs below are based on the most recent data collected from various sources from university ranking and institution websites.

The range of costs vary depending on whether an institution is public or private and the program offered.  For more specific information, please refer to the university website for a more detailed breakdown.  Please note that the above figures are tuition estimates only and do not include the cost of living in these countries which may also vary from one city to another.

Upcoming Virtual Events and Fairs: (students & parents are welcome)

DATE

January 29
12:00PM (EST)
Link to register

EVENT

Johns Hopkins University – “Explore Engineering Innovation” : a Pre-College Summer Program Information Session

January 30
2:00PM (JST)
Link to register
(if you are unable to attend, you can get a recording if you register)

How to Apply to Ritsumeikan University

January 31
10:00AM (JST)
Link to register
(if you are unable to attend, you can get a recording if you register)

Temple University Japan: Admissions 101 – How to apply to TUJ’s Undergraduate Program :Applications, Scholarships, Financial Aid, Q&A and more.

February 1
Tuesday
3:00PM
Link to sign up

University of Navarra (Spain) – Info session about admissions, scholarships and programs offered plus a Q&A session.

February 5
Saturday
2:00PM
Link to register

Enderun Colleges (Philippines): Learn about their programs and admission procedures. Enderun

SAT Update

In March of 2023, the SAT will be offered digitally to international testing centers.

Please check this link for more information. Cebu International School will be part of a pilot test for the digital SAT in April, please watch this space for updates.

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.