Principal’s Corner
by Mr. Benjamin Martin, Middle and High School Principal
The Power of Visualization to Set Goals
We have heard about having a growth mindset and using positivity as we set goals. This is especially important when we visualize our future. The studies have shown that when our anxieties and fears overcome our thoughts, we actually perform worse. In fact, our thoughts often do predict our future. For example, if we are always worried about miss-hitting the ball, there is a better chance we will. But if we also visualize hitting the ball, there is a better chance that our muscle memory will eventually kick in and we will hit the ball more often.
Visualization is a technique that athletes or actors often use when performing but these techniques can also help us before taking a test or giving a presentation. We can’t only dream about having success, we must use visualization to specifically imagine your success. What does success look like? What does it feel like? What does it sound like? Use your senses.
Visualization is a technique first made popular by the basketball player Michael Jordan and now is widely used by athletes in many sports, such as Micheal Phelps in swimming, Christiano Ronaldo in football, and Conor McGregor in mixed martial arts. However, these athletes stress that it is not only important to visualize your successes but to predict your struggles as well so that you can adapt. We all know that life doesn’t go exactly as we plan it so we need to be prepared for a variety of hurdles that come up. What do these look like? How do they feel? And most importantly, how can we make adjustments.
Visualization has only recently started becoming popular in academics as a way for students to cope with test anxieties. By visualizing, students are able to imagine themselves in testing conditions and specifically are able to imagine the types of questions they may face on an exam. It helps for them to use deep breathing exercises as they close their eyes and walk through taking an exam from start to finish. What strategies will they use during exams when it comes to time and stress management. What will happen if they face a question they do not know how to answer? How will they adjust? After the visualization, students can then go back and study and prepare for questions and scenarios that they may not have considered.
Visualization techniques are exercises you can complete to help you achieve goals. You can use these techniques to use your imagination to visualize your goals. Creating a clear mental picture of your future success can give you the confidence, motivation and courage to work toward achieving your goals. There are many such techniques you can try that range from painting a picture to writing a checklist. Using visualization techniques to set, monitor, and achieve specific goals has proven to be an advantage to successful athletes and performers and it can have the same benefits for our students.
Upcoming events of note
- Thu, May 22: 2nd Sem. ASA’s end
- Fri, May 23: G12 Graduation (No PM classes)
- May 24-25: CIS/MFC Friendship Cup (Soccer)
- Tue, May 27: PTA Coffee Morning
- Fri, Jun 6: Classes held (Public holiday: Eid Al Adha – compensatory holiday on June 30)
- Sat, Jun 7: CIS Centenary Gala
- Wed, Jun 11: Last day of School / Moving Up Ceremonies
- Jun 16 – 27: CIS Summer School Activities
Please refer to the CIS Event Calendar for the complete calendar of school events.
Dear CIS Community,
You are invited to the CIS Centennial Gala Dinner!
Join us for an unforgettable evening as we celebrate Cebu International School’s 100 years of learning, community, and connection at the Oakridge Pavilion this Saturday, June 7, 2025.
This business formal event will bring together alumni students, alumni parents, alumni faculty, current parents, faculty & staff, and cherished friends—past and present—for a night of celebration, storytelling, and shared memories.
Enjoy a delicious dinner, heartwarming moments, and conversations that reflect CIS’ rich history and the journeys we’ve taken together.
The ticket includes a sit-down event with dinner, with the venue offering both seating and open spaces for mingling and reconnecting.
Ticket price and more details will be communicated in the coming days. We look forward to celebrating with you!
CIS Summer Activities & Sports Programs 2025
We are back again with fun and exciting Summer Activities and Sports Programs this June 16-27, 2025!
Open to everyone, whether you’re from CIS or other schools. Join us for 2 weeks of creative, fun, and active learning on campus.
Registration form: https://go.cis.edu.ph/summer
More information: https://go.cis.edu.ph/summer-info
Elementary: Language Acquisition-English
by Ms. Evangeline Belono-ac, K/G1 and G4/5 LA-English Teacher and Ms. Jessa Luntayao, G2/3 LA- English Teacher
In the PYP Elementary Language Acquisition – English classes, students are not only learning new vocabulary and grammar, but they are also building the confidence to communicate, connect, and express themselves in meaningful ways. Through engaging activities, collaborative learning, and real-world contexts, learners at all language levels are supported in developing their listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills.
Throughout this semester, students have explored vocabulary linked to their Units of Inquiry and applied grammatical concepts in varied and purposeful settings. These linguistic connections deepen their understanding of key concepts and themes while expanding their vocabulary and strengthening comprehension. Whether through role-plays, interactive games, reading, writing, or sharing, our young English Language Learners are actively using language as a powerful tool to make meaning, express ideas, and connect with others.
Over the past two weeks, the English language learners completed their end-of-year WIDA assessments, which informed the teachers of how much growth they have made in reading, writing, listening, and speaking English throughout the school year. Their result was considered in writing report comments and in making decisions for the next school year.
Here’s a glimpse into what they’ve been working on!
Our Kindergarten and Grade 1 students have been joyfully exploring self-expression through visual arts and poetry, as part of their unit under the transdisciplinary theme How We Express Ourselves.
In connection with this unit, students have been inquiring into poetry. They read and analyzed a variety of poems, focusing on key elements of poetry discussed in class. Inspired by their learning, they went on to craft and illustrate their original poems, including couplets, acrostics, five-senses poems, and haiku. With great pride, they shared their unique creations with classmates, celebrating both their words and their artwork.
Throughout the process, students experimented with poetic sound devices such as rhyme, repetition, and onomatopoeia. They also explored figurative language to bring creativity and emotion into their writing. A special highlight was their discovery of interjections—expressive words that helped bring extra energy and personality to their poems!
When asked to reflect on their experience as young poets, here’s what some of them shared:
Under the transdisciplinary theme- How We Express Ourselves, the Grade 2&3 English language learners took a deep dive into vocabulary work by exploring synonyms and the concept of shades of meaning. After reading “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day”, students identified the character’s emotions and brainstormed synonyms for each one. From there, they examined how similar words can express different levels of feeling, like how “mad,” “angry,” and “furious” vary significantly in intensity. This awareness helps students make more thoughtful word choices in their writing and speaking.
To make their learning visible, students used a fun and visual paint chip template to sort words from least to most intense. This hands-on activity helped them see how word choices affect a reader’s understanding and emotional response. This activity supports their current unit of inquiry, where students are writing narrative stories. By developing a stronger sense of word choice and emotional impact, the English learners are becoming more thoughtful and expressive writers!
In their Language Acquisition – English class, the Grade 4 English Language Learners inquired into syllable stress, word stress, and intonation as part of their continued development as confident and expressive communicators. Aligned with the PYP’s emphasis on language as a tool for communication and expression, students first explored the rules of syllable stress and how word stress creates rhythm and beat in spoken English. They then analyzed how stress within a sentence helps to emphasize meaning, making their speech clearer and more impactful for listeners. These skills directly supported their work in their homeroom unit of inquiry project, where they were tasked with delivering lines for a short movie.
To apply their learning in meaningful contexts, students engaged in partner conversations to practice using stress and intonation authentically. They also participated in a reader’s theater, allowing them to deepen their understanding of spoken expression while developing their fluency and confidence in English. Through these collaborative and creative language experiences, the Grade 4 learners not only strengthened their communication skills but also demonstrated the attributes of being knowledgeable, communicators, and risk-takers.
Our Grade 5 English Language Learners have been actively building their vocabulary using a variety of engaging strategies to support their current Unit of Inquiry, Who We Are. This unit focuses on understanding the changes and transitions that occur as we grow, with a particular emphasis on physical, emotional, and social development during puberty.
To support their understanding, students have been learning about the different body systems and how puberty impacts various aspects of life. As they explored new vocabulary, students were given the opportunity to choose how they would demonstrate their knowledge and understanding—and they rose to the challenge with creativity and enthusiasm! Some chose to draw body parts, use real-life models, act out role-plays, create games, design visuals on Canva, or use 3D models of the human body.
When asked how it felt to have the freedom to choose how to show their learning, students had this to say:
To deepen their understanding of new and often complex vocabulary, students also revisited word structure strategies, looking closely at Greek and Latin roots to help them unlock unfamiliar words. This approach has been especially helpful as they encounter and understand the meanings of medical and scientific terms.
By blending language development with meaningful, real-world learning, the Grade 5 English language learners are growing not just in their vocabulary but also in confidence, comprehension, and communication skills in a meaningful and relevant way
MYP Design Class
by Mr. Japhet R. Pagarigan, MYP Design Teacher
Think It, Plan It, Make It: Inside MYP Design
Exciting things are happening in the MYP Design classroom! From Grade 6 to Grade 10, students are taking on the challenge of thinking critically, planning effectively, and creating innovative solutions.
From conceptual thinking to refined creation, the MYP Design framework empowers students with essential problem-solving and innovation skills. Through inquiry-driven learning, students engage in a structured design cycle that enhances creativity, critical thinking, and practical application.
The Foundations of Design Thinking. Students dive into real-world problems, brainstorming ideas and defining success criteria using SMART principles. Through research and guided discussions, they develop structured design briefs, selecting the best materials and tools to bring their concepts to life!
Advanced Innovation in Action at Higher Levels, students push boundaries with user-centered design, refining concepts, product testing, and digital prototyping. Whether it is promotional materials, product designs, or tech-driven solutions, these young designers showcase creativity with purpose!
From Concept to Creation! The MYP Design process is not just about making things—it is about solving problems, embracing challenges, and thinking like innovators.
Showcasing Creativity. Throughout the MYP Design journey, students develop resilience, adaptability, and a designer’s mindset. Their work is not just about aesthetics—it is about function, innovation, and meaningful impact. From early research to final presentations, they embrace the challenges of design thinking, making each stage of their learning process a step toward mastery.
See it in Action! Check out the snapshots of students in the midst of designing, planning, and creating! Watch as our students turn ideas into reality, one project at a time!
SAT Update
SAT Registration Is Now Open
| Test Dates | Registration Deadlines | Deadline for Changes, Regular Cancellation and Late Registration Deadlines* |
| 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.
