Newsflash: January 31, 2025

Principal’s Corner

by Mr. Benjamin Martin, Middle and High School Principal

The Power of Altruism

Over the past few weeks, our students have started their unit on Social Awareness. In grade 9, we have been looking at how supporting another person not only helps that person but also helps yourself. That doesn’t mean simply helping someone to expect something in return later but rather the concept of altruism, which means doing something simply out of a desire to help out another person because you are concerned about their well-being. By simply practicing altruism through compassion and kindness in our daily lives, we will actually see benefits down the road.

According to verywellmind.com, this is because “Altruism activates reward centers in the brain. Neurobiologists have found that when a person behaves altruistically, the pleasure centers of their brain become more active. Engaging in compassionate actions activates the areas of the brain associated with the reward system. The positive feelings created by compassionate actions then reinforce altruistic behaviors. While altruism can have some drawbacks when taken to extremes, it is a positive force that can benefit both you and others. Altruism has a wide range of benefits, like:

• Better health: Behaving altruistically can improve physical health in a variety of ways. People who volunteer have better overall health, and regularly engaging in helping behaviors is linked to a significantly lower mortality.
• Better mental well-being: Doing good things for other people can make you feel good about yourself and the world. Research shows that people experience increased happiness after doing good things for other people.
• Better romantic relationships: Being kind and compassionate can also lead to a better relationship with your partner, as kindness is one of the most important qualities that people across all cultures seek in a romantic partner.

While we often try to come up with big ways to show we care for others, often it is the small random acts of kindness that pay off, like giving a compliment. Did you know that research shows “getting a sincere compliment gives us the same positive boost as receiving cash. The health and happiness benefits of the compliment giver are also well-documented. Compliments really are one of the easiest two-way streets available to spread happiness around you and increase your own. The more you compliment, the better you feel. We know it can feel awkward sometimes to dish out a compliment—and to receive one—but the more practice you get, the more natural it will feel.”

Let’s all remember that we can all play our part in helping each other through altruistic behaviors. One of the most impressive live performances I have seen recently is from concert footage from Coldplay and the actor, Micheal J. Fox, who has done so much incredible work for Parkinson’s disease. This link is a powerful reminder that we are all in this together.

Upcoming events of note

• Feb 3 – 14: G11 & G12 Art Exhibition
• Feb 11 – 14: ES Week Without Walls
• Feb 14 – 21: G12 IB Mock Exams
•  Feb 18 – 21: MHS Week Without Walls
• Mon, Feb 24: Public Holiday (Cebu City Charter Day)
• Tue, Feb 25: Public Holiday (EDSA Anniversary)

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

Lunar New Year Celebrations

by Ms. Ivy Guo, Mandarin ES /  Mandarin ab initio Gr11 / Gr12 and Ms. Elaine Jin, MYP Mandarin/Mandarin B Gr11/12

The Chinese Lunar New Year is one of the most important traditional festivals in Chinese culture, symbolizing renewal, prosperity, and togetherness. This year, the celebration began on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, marking the start of the Year of the Wood Snake.

To honor this special occasion, students in Mandarin classes participated in a variety of engaging and meaningful cultural activities. These activities provided an opportunity for students to deepen their understanding of Chinese traditions, customs, and the significance of the Lunar New Year.

Elementary

At the Elementary School, students immersed themselves in Chinese legend stories related to Chinese New Year and participated in a range of interactive activities to celebrate the occasion.

Chinese New Year Performances 新年表演 (Xīnnián biǎoyǎn)

ES children have been preparing and practicing for our New Year performances. Here are some highlights of pictures and videos from the CIS Chinese New Year Assembly.

Middle & High School

The Middle and High School (MHS) Mandarin classes came alive with energy and excitement as students celebrated the Year of the Snake with a series of vibrant cultural activities. This special occasion provided an immersive learning experience, blending language development with traditional customs.

Students enthusiastically engaged in hands-on activities such as crafting traditional Chinese New Year decorations, writing festive greetings, and exchanging well-wishes in Mandarin. The classroom was filled with the spirit of the holiday as students practiced their language skills in a meaningful and culturally rich context.

Beyond language learning, this celebration fostered a deeper appreciation for Chinese traditions, allowing students to connect with the cultural significance of the Lunar New Year. It was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate diversity, creativity, and the joy of new beginnings!

Chinese New Year Assembly

Grade 6 – Our energetic Grade 6 students, alongside Grade 12, delivered a spectacular modern Chinese-style dance, blending traditional elements with contemporary choreography. Their performance showcased the evolution of Chinese cultural expression through dance.

Grade 7/8 – The Grade 7 and 8 students transported us back in time with their theatrical play, “Monster Nian,” retelling the legendary story of how the villagers conquered the fierce beast using firecrackers, red decorations, and unity. They also graced us with a beautiful fan dance, “Jasmine Flower,” a performance that reflected elegance and grace.

Grade 9/10 – The Grade 9 and 10 students dazzled us with a thrilling Dragon Dance, symbolizing strength and prosperity. They also performed “Balance and Choices (有舍必有得)”, a captivating dance that embodied the wisdom and harmony associated with the Year of the Snake.

Grade 11 – Our senior students engaged the audience with an interactive Chinese New Year trivia segment, testing everyone’s knowledge about traditions, customs, and the significance of this festival. It was exciting to see who could answer the most questions correctly!

Click the photos below to watch the video.

BEIMUN 2025 Trip

by BEIMUN Supervisor, Ms. Elaine Jin, Ms. Dwi Astuti, Ms. Joy Pierra

Our BEIMUN (Beijing Model United Nations) trip from January 9 to 15 was an incredible experience for the MHS students.

During this three-day conference, students had the opportunity to engage in international diplomacy, representing different countries and discussing global issues with peers from around the world. The trip provided a platform for learning, leadership, and cultural exchange, where students practiced public speaking, negotiation, and teamwork.

Beyond the conference, they also explored Beijing’s rich history and culture, making the journey both educational and memorable. The students returned with new insights and skills, and a deeper appreciation for international relations. Here are some voices from the delegates.

College & Careers Counselor Corner

by Ms. Jenny Basa, College Counselor

DATE

EVENT

Parent Webinar
February 8, 2025
Saturday

Oxford University (UK)

Parent webinar

In our first parent session of the year, A Parents’ Guide: Applying to Oxford, we are running a weekend session to introduce parents and supporters to what their child can expect during the application process at the University of Oxford including advice for support and myth-busting.

Student Webinar
February 13, 2025
Thursday

Student webinar

In our student session, Understanding Oxford: The University and Colleges explained, we will hear from the international team and current student ambassadors who will explore the University of Oxford and the unique college system.

February 16, 2025
Venue: Radisson Blu Hotel, Cebu
The Global Education Fair is free!

Register here if interested.

Connect Directly with Universities and Colleges Abroad

Students will have the chance to meet face-to-face with representatives from universities and colleges in Australia, Canada, the UK, New Zealand, the US, Spain, and more. With a growing network of partner institutions, the AECC fair offers a diverse range of programs to suit every interest and aspiration.

Event for Grade 11/12 Students

SAT 2024-2025 Test Dates

SAT Registration Is Now Open

*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.