Newsflash: September 8, 2023

Notes from the Principal

by Ms. Maureen Juanson, Elementary Principal

Goal Setting to Bridge the Gap

Our first month of school has passed by so quickly! Over the past month, our students have been well-engaged in gathering data to identify where they are as learners. With guidance from their teachers, they have also identified where they are going or need to be. This is a very important process that students go through at the beginning of each school year to enable them to direct their own learning pathway and develop the skills and confidence to grow as learners.

How can we, teachers and parents, help our students bridge the gap between where they are now and where they are going? One way to do this is through goal setting. 

Stephanie Toro, in her article “Guiding Students to Set Academic Goals,” explained that goal setting is an essential component for growth and development in our students for several reasons:

• It personalizes the learning process based on their needs.
• It creates intention and motivation that empowers students.
• It establishes accountability to shift responsibility to students.
• It provides a foundation for students to advocate for their needs.

Additionally, Chase Nordengren, in his article “Goal-setting Practices that Support a Learning Culture” mentioned that “Robert Marzano’s (2009) review of research, finds goal setting can produce student learning gains of between 18 and 41 percentile points. Across a variety of grade levels, subject areas, and studies, effective goal-setting practices help students focus on specific outcomes, encourage them to seek academic challenges, and make clear the connection between immediate tasks and future accomplishments (Stronge & Grant, 2014).” 

Through goal setting, we help our students to develop as agentic learners who can influence and direct their own learning, make choices, and voice opinions. This process also helps them to become assessment-capable learners who can ​​reflect, assess, monitor, and adjust their learning.

Next week, our CIS students will engage in conversations with their teachers and parents to identify areas of existing strength and areas of further growth for their learning, as well as the strategies, resources, and support that they will need to achieve their goals. Both at home and at school, let us encourage our students to identify their SMART goals for the year to ensure their continued progress and success.

Upcoming events of note

• Sept 15: HAD1: AM only / Faculty in-service day (PM) – no classes in PM
• Sep 19: CIS Annual General Membership Corporation Meeting (corporation members only – refer to the info poster for how to register as a member!)
• Sep 29-30: MUN Locals conference (Manila)
• Oct 2 – 6: October break (School holiday)
• Oct 16-2o & 21 Culture week, culminating with International Day on Sat 21st

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

Physical and Health Education

by Ms. Demelyn Dargantes, PYP & MYP PHE Teacher

K/G1
Kinder and Grade 1 students are learning the importance of exercise and rest, part of this is identifying and taking care of the body. They’ve been learning about different warm up activities and exercises that would help their muscles grow and develop.

Grade 2/3
Grade 2 and 3 were introduced on the fundamental skills in net sports- volleyball and badminton. They were able to experience playing  using a modified version of the sport. They’ve been learning about the importance of communication and teamwork as they work with their groups. Challenging tasks were also  provided to help them think carefully about putting their strategies into action.

Grade 4/5
Grade 4 and 5 students are developing their learned basic skills in volleyball. They are focusing on how to properly execute the stance, practicing  the cues of the different skills and exploring techniques that help them perform and contribute to their teams.

Athletics Director’s Corner

by Mr. Ace Pierra, Athletics Director

MYP Pysical Health Education (PHE): Netsport – Volleyball

Volleyball is a popular and exciting sport that is played all around the world. It is a netsport, meaning the game is played with a net dividing two teams on either side. In MYP (Middle Years Programme), students can learn about Volleyball and other sports as part of their Physical and Health Education program. In this unit, students can explore Volleyball’s history, the game’s rules, and the different techniques used in serving, passing, setting, hitting, blocking, and digging. 

They can also learn about the different variations of net sports, such as badminton, and pickleball, and the specific skills required for each sport. Furthermore, students can analyze successful teams’ and players’ strategies and tactics and apply them to their own games. They can also evaluate the physical, social, and psychological benefits of participating in net sports and understand how to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle.

In the Middle Years Programme (MYP), students are encouraged to learn how to play volleyball through the coach-client method. This approach promotes active participation and skill development. Here, experienced players or coaches act as mentors (coaches) while less experienced students (clients) learn and refine their volleyball skills. This method fosters teamwork, communication, and individual growth as students receive personalized guidance and feedback from their coaches. It not only enhances their athletic abilities but also instills valuable life skills such as discipline, perseverance, and adaptability. Through the coach-client method, MYP students can enjoy the benefits of sports education while building a strong foundation in volleyball.

After-school Activities (ASA) Update

ASA Highlights Outsourced Coaches are back!

The Cebu International School’s after-school program remains a popular and exciting aspect of our extracurricular and co-curricular activities. It provides an excellent opportunity for both students and parents to choose from a wide range of groups customized to individual interests. Our staff of competent educators and seasoned outsourced coaches were selected to lead and run the clubs.

Our outsourced coaching staff has returned, and we are thrilled to welcome back our experienced sports coaches, who will play a significant role in supervising Cebu International School’s entire sports training program. We are very pleased to welcome back our respected outsourced coaches, whose knowledge and enthusiasm considerably enhance the program. This program supports not only skill development but also a sense of community and personal growth, making it a much-anticipated highlight on the CIS calendar. We believe that sports not only promote physical well-being but also teamwork, discipline, and personal growth, and we are confident that with the return of these skilled instructors, we will be able to deliver a well-rounded sporting experience to our students. 

After School Activities Sessions

Red Cross Youth, Interact Club, and Advocacy In Action are Merging!

by Andre, Grade 11

We are thrilled to announce that our three clubs have decided to join forces to build a more powerful organization dedicated to creating a positive impact in our school and community. As a result of this merger, you can expect more service initiatives and volunteer opportunities for everyone. Whether you are already a part of these clubs or not, we encourage everyone to take part in our future activities. This will also give extra support to the MYP Service as Action program that will cater experiential learning to all the learners from Grade 6 to Grade 10.

Interact Club Kickstart Recycling and Waste Segregation Revolution!

by Chiara, Grade 12

The Interact Club is taking on the climate crisis head-on! The club recently revamped the trash cans around school to make it easier for students and staff to recycle properly. The trash cans are now colour-coded: green for biodegradable waste, blue for recyclable waste, and black for other waste that is not biodegradable or recyclable. The club members spent several hours painting and labeling the trash cans to remind people to recycle. This recycling project is just one of many ways that the Interact Club is working to make a difference in the community. So what are you waiting for? Get involved in the recycling revolution! Start by recycling your waste! Together, we can make a difference!

College/Careers Counselor Corner

by Ms. Jenny Basa, College/Careers Counselor Corner

DATE

Wednesday, September 20, 8:00-9:00 a.m. ET
Link to register

EVENT

Join us and learn about Brown University, Columbia University, Princeton University, and the University of Pennsylvania!
Admissions representatives will hold a virtual public information session for students and families about their respective universities and the highly selective college admissions process. Topics will include: academic programs, campus  activities, admissions policies, financial aid, and international student life.

September 12
Tuesday
9:00 – 9:40AM
Canteen Annex
Link to sign up

NYU Abu Dhabi – Learn about the NYU experience, application process, programs and scholarship offered from the admissions rep.

September 16
Saturday
9:00 – 10:30AM
Ateneo de Cebu
Link to sign up

Ateneo de Manila – College Admissions Talk

September 27
Wednesday
9:00 – 9:40AM
Canteen Annex
Link to sign up

Hong Kong University of Science & Technology – an Info session on the application process, programs and scholarships at HKUST.

September 28
Thursday
9:00 – 9:40AM
Canteen Annex
Link to sign up

Enderun Colleges – an Info session on the application process, programs and scholarships at Enderun.

September 29
Friday
9:00 – 9:45 AM
Canteen Annex
Mini College Fair

Mini College Fair sponsored by ApplyAbroad –  Meet with  university reps from various institutions from Canada and talk to them about the application process, programs and other offerings.
List of institutions:
Canada: Algoma University & McEwan University
Australia: Edith Cowan University & Torrens University
USA: South New Hampshire University

October 12
Thursday
9:00 – 9:45 AM
Dragon’s Dome

Education USA College Fair – meet with university reps from 24 institutions from the US.  List of universities to follow