PRINCIPALLY SPEAKING
Aaron Wise, Principal
I’m pleased to share with you an update on the recent changes to the bag rule at AISM. This decision was not made lightly, and it represents a fantastic example of how our students are learning to engage in community decision-making, considering the needs of all stakeholders, and demonstrating the principles of active participation in a democratic process.
Over the past few weeks, students from Middle and Senior School have been involved in discussions and surveys about the bag rule, voicing their concerns, and proposing solutions. These conversations culminated in a Town Hall meeting, where students, staff, and leadership came together to explore options and work collaboratively toward a decision.
After listening to all perspectives, we have updated the bag rule to allow Year 11 and 12 students to bring their bags to most classes, while ensuring safety and practicality remain priorities. Restrictions will still apply to science labs, technology rooms, and other specified areas, and teachers will have discretion in their classrooms.
This process has been a powerful learning experience for our students, teaching them about the complexities of decision-making and the importance of listening to diverse views. It’s also a timely reminder of the values we associate with democracy: collaboration, compromise, and responsibility.
With the Australian federal election approaching, this is a great opportunity to draw parallels between the decision-making process at AISM and the role of citizens in shaping a nation. Participating in discussions, respecting differing opinions, and contributing to the greater good are values we hold dear, whether in school or in society.
I want to commend our students for their thoughtful engagement and maturity throughout this process. These are the skills that will prepare them to be active and responsible members of their communities, both locally and globally.
Thank you to all our staff and parents for supporting this process and helping our students learn the true meaning of collaboration and democracy.
JUNIOR SCHOOL
Michelle Chaplin, Head of Junior School
Term 2 is an amazing term of learning in the Junior School as we consolidate our Learning Goals and develop our skills for successful academic progress. The students continually amaze as they hit their learning targets and beyond!
It was quite exciting to see so many of our learners sit for the Kangaroo Maths Competition this week - I am looking forward to the results. I am sure these students will do us proud!
As we head into Week 4 next week, we celebrate our Mums and caregivers with a special catch-up and then a wonderful assembly organised by Year 3. I would encourage all our parents to come along and enjoy a morning of appreciation for our Mums!
See you next Friday in your pink!
Year 4: Discover, Learn, and Grow!
Ms Ostrander and Ms Gan, Year 4 teachers
This term has started with wonderful energy in Year 4 as students dived into our new inquiry unit on Materials and Forces. Students are exploring how materials behave, how forces can change them and how motion is created. Through hands-on investigations and creative design challenges, they are learning how to repurpose everyday objects in new and innovative ways. It’s been a joy to watch their curiosity and problem-solving skills grow — and we hope their creations might even inspire some projects at home!
In Mathematics, students are building their skills across several important areas. They have been working on multiplication and division strategies, understanding time in both digital and analogue formats, exploring mass through hands-on measurement tasks, and developing spatial awareness through mapping and location activities. There is a strong focus on applying number facts and reasoning skills flexibly, building a strong foundation for future mathematical learning.
In Reading, students are participating in two carefully chosen novel studies. These levelled studies ensure every learner is challenged appropriately, while teaching key comprehension strategies such as predicting, making connections, inferring and summarising. Regular small group discussions allow students to deepen their understanding, strengthen their reading fluency and build confidence as thoughtful, independent readers.
In Writing, students are becoming budding authors as they explore the craft of narrative writing. They are learning how to plan, draft and revise imaginative stories, focusing on using interesting vocabulary, clear story structure, and engaging character development. There has been a real excitement in seeing ideas come to life on the page!
In Visual Arts, students are exploring line as a key element of art. As they experiment with different types of lines, students are learning how lines can express movement, emotion and form in their artwork
It has been a fantastic start to the term, and we are so proud of the way students are embracing every new challenge with enthusiasm, creativity and persistence. We look forward to seeing their growth and achievements continue throughout the term!
InitiaLit Parent Information Session
Miss Charlotte McNarn, Coordinator of Student Learning
MIDDLE & SENIOR SCHOOL
AISM Reef Conservation Expedition – Term Break 2nd–9th April
Marine Science in Action at Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, Sabah
Over the recent term break, seven passionate students formed the AISM Reef Conservation Expeditionary Team, venturing into the pristine waters of the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park in Sabah. This was no ordinary diving trip—this was a working scientific expedition focused on marine research and reef conservation.
Four of the student divers earned their Rescue Diver Certification, two advanced to Advanced Open Water Diver, and two participants became newly Certified Open Water Divers—a testament to the team's commitment, discipline, and growing expertise.
On the reef, the team successfully laid down four ecological transects across two dives. These transects were meticulously videoed and photographed, creating a visual data set now being analyzed to evaluate reef biodiversity. In addition, the team captured hundreds of images and videos of marine wildlife to assess the overall health of the coral ecosystem.
To balance the science with creativity, the team also took part in a unique Underwater Drawing Dive, where they used pencils and specially prepared canvas frames to sketch still lifes beneath the waves—a celebration of artistic expression and deep connection with the marine world.
As the data is now being processed and biodiversity assessments underway, it's the perfect time for interested students to start thinking about next year's expedition.
If you’re passionate about marine biology, want to learn to dive, and want to be part of a team that makes a real difference for Malaysia’s coral reefs—sign up now.
Join us. Learn science. Dive deep. Protect what matters.
WHOLE SCHOOL
Hopping into Mathematical Success
Ms Charlotte Spence, Head of Diverse Educational Needs
This week, our School was buzzing with excitement as our brilliant mathematicians took part in the annual Kangaroo Maths Competition
The Kangaroo Maths Competition is no ordinary maths test — it’s the World’s Largest Math Competition in Malaysia and is designed to stretch students' thinking and celebrate creative problem-solving. With questions that spark curiosity and encourage logical leaps, it was the perfect stage for our students' minds to shine.
For many, this was their first experience with a competition of this kind, and they embraced it with fantastic spirit. Whether it was finding patterns, solving multi-step problems, or using extraordinary mental maths skills, our students proved they have what it takes to hop confidently through tricky maths territory. A huge congratulations to everyone who participated, we are rooting for you! You have made us incredibly proud with all the effort you have demonstrated and we are excited for the official results in September 2025.
Remember: In maths, it’s not just about getting the right answer — it’s about how you think, how you try, and how you bounce back from tricky questions. Well done, budding mathematicians!
ICAS Registration Now Open!
Ms Charlotte Spence, Head of Diverse Educational Needs
Dear Parents and Carers,
ICAS Registration Now Open!
We are excited to announce that registration for the 2025 ICAS Assessments is now open! To register please fill out the Google Form: ICAS Registration
ICAS (International Competitions and Assessments for Schools) is an internationally recognised program that assesses students' academic skills across a range of subject areas. Designed to recognise and reward academic excellence, ICAS challenges students to apply their knowledge, think critically, and solve complex problems.
Participation in ICAS provides students with:
Recognition of Academic Achievement: Students receive certificates and detailed results to celebrate their success and motivate continued growth.
Detailed Feedback: Each student receives an individual report that highlights their strengths and identifies areas for improvement, providing valuable insights to enhance future learning.
Opportunities to Unlock Potential: By engaging with challenging questions and external benchmarks, students are encouraged to stretch their abilities and reach new academic heights.
All ICAS assessments will be conducted at school during the scheduled dates.
Assessment Dates for 2025:
- ICAS Maths: Wednesday, 16 July 2025 (Years 2–10)
- ICAS Science: Thursday, 17 July 2025 (Years 2–10)
- ICAS English: Friday, 18 July 2025 (Years 2–10)
- ICAS Digital Technologies: Monday, 21 July 2025 (Years 2–7)
- ICAS Writing: Tuesday, 22 July 2025 (Years 3–10)
Important Information:
- Fees for each assessment are detailed on the registration form.
- The deadline for registration is Monday, 16 June 2025.
For more information and to register, please visit the EATS website: https://www.eats.com.my/
If you have any questions, please feel free to email me at hod.learningenrichment@aism.edu.my.
We encourage all interested students to participate and take this exciting opportunity to celebrate their achievements and further their academic journey!
Mother’s Day
TEK:New Exchange/Return Policy
We have introduced a new exchange module and will be rolling it out from 1st June 2025. The new module will allow parents to submit their exchange request online through the website providing a seamless experience and all exchanges must be completed within 21 days from the date the order is delivered as opposed to the current 14 working days.
Append herewith is a PDF which contains the guide and a tutorial video which can be added to your newsletter to be shared with parents. This will allow parents to test the module and should they have any queries, our customer service team will be on standby to assist them.
There will be an exchange/return fee of RM10 imposed for all exchanges unless the order delivered is damaged or incorrect.
