PRINCIPALLY SPEAKING
Aaron Wise, Principal
At AISM, the safety and well-being of every student is our top priority. We are committed to creating a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment where all students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Safeguarding is a shared responsibility, and we believe that everyone—staff, parents, and students—has a role to play.
If you have any concerns about your child’s safety or well-being, we encourage you to reach out:
- For minor issues, your Homeroom Teacher is the first point of contact and can often address your concerns quickly and effectively.
- For more serious matters, please connect with Michelle Chaplin, our Head of Junior School, or Aaron Wise, Principal and Head of Middle & Senior School.
- Our School Counsellor, Mr Stephen, is always available to provide support for both students and parents, regardless of the concern.
At AISM, we take safeguarding matters very seriously. By working together, we can ensure that every child feels safe, valued, and supported in our school community. If you have any questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Let’s continue to build a school where every student is protected and empowered to flourish.
JUNIOR SCHOOL
Michelle Chaplin, Head of Junior School
Wow, a whirlwind Week 3 as we truly got Term 1 underway! Congratulations to all our teachers for their amazing information sessions. I am sure all parents walked away as impressed as I was with the expertise, passion, and care we saw in all our teachers. Our AISM students are in great hands for the year ahead!
Reminder - if you have any questions or concerns the classroom teacher is eager to assist and will gladly solve any problems for you and your child.
Heading into next week, we will confirm all CCA requests. The CCA Booking has opened. Please ensure you have entered the choices for your children.
We are very excited to be planning our camps for Years 3, 4 and 5 in Week 6. These are compulsory camps for all students as part of our Australian curriculum but more importantly, they set the groundwork for the year ahead for team building, friendships, social interactions and developing as solid globally aware citizens.
Year 4 and Year 5 students will be adventuring to Bayu Balau Resort, located in Desaru, Johor. They will enjoy the outdoors, learn more about our environment, discover their point of challenge and get to know each other a little better! All students in Years 4 & 5 are expected to attend camp and will participate in a wonderful range of outdoor activities and apply critical thinking to real-world experiences that link strongly with both our Australian Curriculum and Care:Mvmt (Care Movement).
Year 3 students are headed to Port Dickson to Eagle Ranch Resort. They will depart on Monday, 24 Feb, and return on Wednesday, 26 Feb. The camp is specifically designed for our Year 3 Learners as they venture on their first off-campus sleepover. A wonderful opportunity for our learners to develop their independence, grow their friendships, and learn how to manage conflict and solve problems. All students are expected to attend.
Enrichment Programs 2025
The Junior School is introducing some exciting, new initiatives this year to ensure we cater to the needs of every student across all subjects.
In Mathematics, each year level will have an enrichment class that runs for every maths lesson. This means those students who have a “ Mathematical Mind” and are working above the expected level for their year will work closely with one teacher for the year to grow their mathematical critical thinking and problem-solving skills beyond the curriculum. They will also have the opportunity to participate in higher-level mathematical thinking competitions run out of Australia. Should your child be selected for this class you will receive notification from the homeroom teacher.
In English, this year we will also be clustering our students to ensure they are accessing the appropriate level for reading and writing. This will be done across the year level with students working in groups to ensure they are challenged or supported depending on their needs.
From ELC to Year 2, we have introduced a cutting-edge reading program for all students - “INITIALIT”. This is an incredible program that ensures all students will be competent and capable readers and writers. Initiat is an evidence-based whole-class literacy program providing all children with the essential core knowledge and strong foundations to become successful readers and writers. You can read more here.
Starting in 2025, our Withdrawal Enrichment program will be structured on a termly basis, with a different focus each term. Students will be elected at the end of each term in anticipation of the next, based on their strengths and interests in the upcoming topic. Parents will be informed via email if their child has been selected for participation. This means that while some students may participate in one term, they may not necessarily continue in the next, depending on the theme and their individual learning profile.
This term students have been selected for the following programs -
Year 2/3: 'Our Power, Our Planet' - (in line with the Earth Day Theme) looking at renewable and non-renewable energy, planning a city based on solely renewable energy and focusing on informative writing to create a brochure. Literacy and science focus
Year 4/5: 'Mini Model United Nations' - We are going to be enhancing our debate skills, looking at the concept of diplomacy, the role of the UN, and the SDG's. Literacy and public speaking focus.
Foundation and Year 1 enrichment classes will begin after Term 1 enabling them time to settle into the routines of their classroom this term.
Important Diary Dates
Monday, 10 February, 9 am in the Auditorium - Junior School Leadership Assembly
This will be a wonderful opportunity to badge our new leaders for 2025, acknowledge their positions and we also have 2 classes (Year 1 and Year 5) sharing an item for our entertainment.
Come along and join us for this amazing event - Leadership Assembly.
Friday, 14 February, 9 am in the Auditorium - Happy Birthday AISM - Turning 25 years old
A celebration of 25 Years of Excellence. All are welcome for the assembly at 9 am followed by refreshments in the Auditorium Alfresco area. Let’s make it a party to remember!
AISM is hitting goals as we start 2025 at full speed. Jump on board and join us whenever you can!
Year 5
Ryan McIntyre, Iman Engelbert and Taranpreet Kaur, Year 5 Teachers
What a fantastic first week back! It’s been great to see the Year 5 students settling in so well—catching up with friends, getting back into routines, and creating memories. We started off the week with fun team-building activities, from solving puzzles without verbal communication to constructing a bridge with a strong foundation. These activities challenged students to collaborate and support one another, setting an inclusive tone for the term ahead.
A big highlight was the Australia Day Assembly, where our Year 5 School Captains took the stage for the first time as hosts. They did an amazing job speaking with confidence and leading the quiz section smoothly. We are so proud of them and can’t wait to see them continue to shine in their leadership roles throughout the year.
In Inquiry, we started the unit with a ‘Think, Puzzle, Explore’ routine, exploring fascinating images and ideas about Colonial Australia and Malaysia. The following discussions were incredibly thoughtful and it was wonderful to see the students making meaningful connections between both countries during colonial times. Their curiosity is already shining through!
We’re looking forward to an exciting term full of learning, growth and the most anticipated camp week, which is happening in Week 6! Stay tuned for more exciting activities in Year 5 !
MIDDLE & SENIOR SCHOOL
Chinese New Year Activities Bring Festive Joy in Chinese Class
Kai Lin Hor, Chinese Teacher
This year, students from Year 6 to Year 12 celebrate the vibrant traditions of Chinese New Year through a series of engaging activities. The event not only introduced students to Chinese culture but also provided a hands-on experience that left a lasting impression.
One of the highlights was the Chinese calligraphy activity, where students learned to write traditional 春联 (chunlian, spring couplets). Guided by a teacher, participants carefully practiced strokes and characters, embodying wishes for prosperity and happiness in the coming year. Many students proudly displayed their calligraphy pieces, showcasing their newfound skills and creativity.
Adding to the festivities was the lion dance bookmark activity for Year 6-Year 7 students. Students crafted colorful bookmarks inspired by the dynamic movements of the traditional lion dance, a symbol of courage and strength. With scissors, markers, and glitter in hand, they brought lions to life in miniature form. These bookmarks served as keepsakes to remind students of the cultural significance of the holiday.
Of course, no celebration is complete without delicious food. Students eagerly participated in making 红豆麻糬 (hongdou mashu, red bean mochi). The soft, chewy treats filled with sweet red bean paste were a delightful way to explore Chinese culinary traditions. For many, this was their first time working with glutinous rice dough, and they enjoyed tasting their handmade creations.
These activities created a festive atmosphere while fostering cultural appreciation among students. By participating in Chinese calligraphy, crafting lion dance bookmarks, and making red bean mochi, students deepened their understanding of Chinese New Year traditions and celebrated the joy of learning together. A big thank you to all who made this celebration a memorable one!
AISM at the 57th THIMUN Conference in The Hague
Chris Broadbent, Head of Humanities
In the last week of January, students from AISM proudly represented Burkina Faso at the 57th The Hague International Model United Nations (THIMUN) conference in the Netherlands. THIMUN is one of the world’s most prestigious MUN conferences, bringing together students from across the globe to engage in high-level diplomatic simulations.
Every conference is special, but this year we had the exceptional honour of two AISM students, Jasmin and Aneesha, serving as Student Officers and chairing large committees. Only a select few are chosen for positions like these, and selection is based on their outstanding performance and leadership in previous MUN conferences. Their professionalism and ability to manage complex debates were a testament to their dedication and skill, making AISM immensely proud.
Our delegation arrived in The Hague after a long journey from Kuala Lumpur, with a brief stopover in Singapore. The students quickly immersed themselves in both cultural and diplomatic experiences. In addition to the conference, students were able to visit both Den Haag and Amsterdam, where they explored the Mauritshuis (home to Vermeer’s famous "Girl with a Pearl Earring"), as well as Madame Tussauds and the Amsterdam Dungeon.
The conference itself was an intense yet rewarding experience. Delegates engaged in lobbying, drafting resolutions, and debating global issues. It was inspiring to see our students actively participating, delivering speeches, asking Points of Information, and submitting amendments. The conference culminated in a grand closing ceremony, where Olivia, as ambassador of Burkina Faso, took part in the flag parade.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all participating students for their hard work and exemplary conduct, and to their parents for their warm support of the programme. I would also like to express special thanks to Ms Devi Nithiananthan for her supervision and support throughout the trip.
WHOLE SCHOOL
25th Anniversary Assembly
Mr Aaron Wise, Principal
This year marks a truly special milestone as we celebrate 25 years of excellence at the Australian International School Malaysia. Over the past two and a half decades, AISM has grown into a thriving community, nurturing students who are ready to make a difference in the world.
We are excited to kick off our 25th Anniversary celebrations with a special assembly, and we warmly invite all parents to join us for this memorable occasion.
Date: Friday, 14 February
Time: 9:00 am
Venue: School Auditorium
This assembly will feature inspiring reflections on our journey, special student performances, and a celebration of the achievements that have shaped our school’s legacy.
After the assembly, we invite you to stay and enjoy refreshments with fellow parents, staff, and members of our community. It will be a wonderful opportunity to connect and share in the excitement of this significant milestone.
We look forward to celebrating with you as we honour our past and look forward to an exciting future together. See you there!
The First PTC Meeting for 2025
Mr Aaron Wise, Principal
Get Involved and Make a Difference: Join the AISM Parent-Teacher Community (PTC)
At the Australian International School Malaysia, we are incredibly fortunate to have an active and passionate Parent-Teacher Community (PTC) that plays a vital role in enhancing the school experience for students, families, and staff alike.
The PTC works tirelessly to support our students and enrich their school journey by organising events, initiatives, and activities that strengthen our vibrant school community. From fundraising for school improvements to organising fun events for students and parents, the PTC helps make AISM an even better place for everyone.
We warmly invite you to become a part of this dynamic and welcoming group of parents. Whether you can lend a hand occasionally or get involved regularly, your contribution will make a positive difference.
The next PTC meeting will be held on:
Date: Tuesday, 13 February
Time: 9:00 am
Venue: School Board Room
This is a wonderful opportunity to meet other parents, share ideas, and contribute to initiatives that directly benefit your children and the wider school community.
Together, we can continue to build a strong, supportive, and inclusive environment at AISM. We look forward to seeing you there!
Feel Good & Move Better by Precise Rehab
Ivan Yoong, Whole School CCA & Sports Coordinator
As a continued effort to add value to our community, we have engaged Precise Rehab to conduct a session providing insights into sports recovery. This event has a sign-up fee of RM 5, and the proceeds will go toward funding the AISA team. Click here to sign up.
Note: This event is open to parents and students in Years 8-12.
AISM Valentine’s Day Gift Orders – Celebrate with a Thoughtful Surprise!
The Year 12 Cohort
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and the Year 12 seniors have prepared a beautiful selection of gifts for you to express your love and appreciation. Whether it’s for a friend, family member, or that special someone, you’ll find the perfect gift to make their day unforgettable!
What’s Available:
- 🌹 Crochet Flowers
- 🍫 Delicious Chocolates
- ✉️ Personalized Letters
- 🧶 Handmade Crochet Bears
…and more!
Key Details:
- Order Deadline: Monday, 10 February 2025
- Limited Stock: First come, first served!
- Payment Options: Cash, QR TNG, or online transfer
- Collection Date: Gifts will be delivered on Valentine’s Day, 14 February 2025
How to Order:
Simply fill out the form by scanning the QR code or visiting this link: Valentine Orders 💖 2025
Let’s make this Valentine’s Day a day full of surprises and smiles!
Happy Valentine’s Day
Cezars Kitchen
Muffin Day
Cezars Kitchen
Parent Referral Program
Tuition Fee Rebate For You. Admissions Fee Waiver for Your Friend.
Know a friend who is on the fence about enrolling their child at AISM? Nothing beats an endorsement from you! Share with them our well-balanced teaching & learning approach that constantly aspires to build global leaders and earn your reward.
How to get started?
- Refer a friend and earn RM3,000 rebate on your child’s tuition fee.
- Refer a family (2 or more students) and earn RM5,000 rebate on your child's tuition fee.
- Your friends will be entitled to 75% admissions fee waiver (worth RM15,000).
Interested to find out more? Submit your details by clicking the button below or drop our Admissions Team an email at enquiry@aism.edu.my.
