PRINCIPALLY SPEAKING
Aaron Wise, Principal
Next Monday, AISM will host the Parent-Teacher-Student Conferences (PTS). These conferences are an invaluable opportunity to collaborate with teachers and support your child’s learning journey.
To help you make the most of the conferences, here are some tips and advice:
Prepare for the Conference
- Review Your Child’s Work: Look through your child’s homework, tests, and progress reports to understand their achievements and areas for growth.
- Talk with Your Child: Ask them how they feel about their progress and what they find challenging or enjoyable at school.
- Make a List of Questions: Prepare a list of questions for the teacher, such as:
What to Expect During the Conference
- Two-Way Communication: Share your thoughts about your child, including their interests, strengths, and challenges. At the same time, listen to the teacher’s observations and insights.
- Focus on Learning: Discuss your child’s progress, assignments, and assessments. Explore strategies to help them overcome challenges and achieve their goals.
- Opportunities and Challenges: Be open to hearing both positive feedback and areas for improvement. Together, you and the teacher can create a plan to support your child.
Follow Up After the Conference
- Create a Plan: Collaborate with the teacher on actionable steps to support your child’s learning, both at home and at school.
- Stay in Touch: Schedule another time to check in with the teacher and keep the communication channels open via email, phone, or in-person meetings.
- Involve Your Child: Share what you learned during the conference and discuss how you can work together to support their education.
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-How is my child performing compared to grade-level expectations?
-What are their strengths, and where can they improve?
-How can I support my child’s learning at home?
By approaching the PTS Conferences with preparation and collaboration, we can ensure that your child receives the support they need to thrive. We look forward to seeing you on Monday and continuing to work together to achieve the best outcomes for your child.
JUNIOR SCHOOL
Michelle Chaplin, Head of Junior School
The Junior School is all systems go as we stride forward with our learning in these last 4 weeks of term. We are excited to welcome parents on campus on Monday for our PTS conferences and look forward to continuing our learning pathways together. Parents and students (in full school uniform) should ensure they are on time for their appointment. Conferences will be held in homeroom classrooms.
A few updates to be aware of the following:
Junior School Students - New wristband.
Please contact the classroom teacher if your child has not received their new wristband by the end of next week.
CCA’s: 3.10 - 4.20 pm
- Ensure your child knows what they are doing each afternoon
- Has the appropriate gear for their CCA
- Knows how they are going home - which Gate to be at for collection
- Students traveling by bus must let the bus company know their days and times
Reminder – Sibling Games and Creche are only for students with a sibling at a CCA. This is to assist parents so they only need to make one pick-up rather than multiple pick-ups for family members.
Updates to school pick-up and Gate opening times for Junior School
| 3.10 PM | Gate D Pedestrian Gate Opening Times | 4.20 PM after CCA’s | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | Gate C ELC - Y2 + JS Siblings | Gate A Y3-Y5 | 8.20 am - 8.45 am 3.10 pm - 3.30 pm | All students Gate A | |
| Tuesday | Gate C ELC - Y2 + JS Siblings | Gate A Y3-Y5 | 8.20 am - 8.45 am 3.10 pm - 3.30 pm 4.20 pm - 4.30 pm | Gate C ELC - Y2 + JS Siblings | Gate A Y3-Y5 |
| Wednesday | Gate C ELC - Y2 + JS Siblings | Gate A Y3-Y5 | 8.20 am - 8.45 am 3.10 pm - 3.30 pm 4.20 pm - 4.30 pm | Gate C ELC - Y2 + JS Siblings | Gate A Y3-Y5 |
| Thursday | Gate C ELC - Y2 + JS Siblings | Gate A Y3-Y5 | 8.20 am - 8.45 am 3.10 pm - 3.30 pm 4.20 pm - 4.30 pm | Gate C ELC - Y2 + JS Siblings | Gate A Y3-Y5 |
| Friday | Gate C ELC - Y2 + JS Siblings | Gate A Y3-Y5 | 8.20 am - 8.45 am 3.10 pm - 3.30 pm 4.20 pm - 4.30 pm | ||
Our Camps were truly amazing - the learning and the growth in independence, confidence, and awareness of others has been incredible to see as they have returned from camp. Read all about it!!
Year 3 Camp: Adventure, Teamwork and Memories at Eagle Ranch
Jeremy Cox, Jaeshinthaa Kaur & Vaneisha Madhavan, Year 3 Teachers
This week, our Year 3 students embarked on their first-ever school camp at Eagle Ranch in Port Dickson. It was an experience filled with adventure, teamwork and fun. From the moment we arrived, excitement was high as students settled in, completed their safety briefings and prepared for the action-packed days ahead.
Over the course of the camp, students took part in a range of activities designed to challenge their problem-solving skills, build resilience and strengthen friendships. Archery was a big hit, as students tested their aim and focus, while team games with Mr Paul and Mr Steve from Arrowhead Skills encouraged collaboration and communication. Cooling off in the swimming pool was a highlight for many, and students fully embraced the ranch experience with line dancing—after all, cowboys and cowgirls need to know how to move!
One of the most memorable activities was the survival challenge led by the Arrowhead Skills team. Working in pairs, students had to build a sturdy shelter capable of withstanding wind and rain. Although the skies were clear, Mr Paul and Mr Steve made sure to put each shelter to the test, creating their own wild weather conditions! It was an exciting and hands-on way for students to develop problem-solving skills and resilience.
In the afternoon, students took part in team-building games in the lagoon pool, strengthening friendships and encouraging positive sportsmanship. As the sun set, they eagerly looked forward to movie night, a well-earned chance to relax and unwind before heading to bed. According to our student survey, movie night was the favourite activity of the camp, closely followed by the survival shelter challenge and team games in the lagoon pool.
The students showed great independence during their first time away on camp, and we were so proud of how they embraced every challenge. Many even wished they could stay longer! In giving feedback about the camp, a few students suggested adding water slides to the pool or even a rollercoaster, while others simply wished for more nights at camp!
After a final morning of activities, such as the ropes course, packing up our rooms and having a final meal at the buffet, we made our way back to AISM, filled with wonderful memories.
A huge thank you to all the students for their enthusiasm, teamwork and adventurous spirit, as well as to Ms Brookes and Coach Ivan for joining the Year 3 Team. A special thanks also to Paul and Steve from Arrowhead Skills for making this experience such a success. We look forward to seeing how these experiences continue to shape our young learners back in the classroom!
A Week of Adventure and Reflection
Year 4 and 5 Team
Our Year 4 & 5 students had an unforgettable week at Bayu Balau Beach Resort in Desaru, where they teamed up with the amazing Nomad Adventure group. Nestled along a stunning stretch of coastline, the camp provided the perfect backdrop for a week filled with outdoor adventures, leadership opportunities and moments of reflection.
The students kicked off the week by diving into essential water safety skills, followed by some exhilarating bodyboarding in the waves. They also got their hands dirty with shelter building and fire-lighting activities, where they not only honed practical survival skills but also forged a deeper connection with the natural world around them. This camp was about more than just fun; it was about nurturing responsibility and leadership. During our trash pick-up sessions, students demonstrated remarkable teamwork, taking pride in helping protect the beautiful environment they were enjoying.
A particularly poignant moment came when a sea turtle, sadly stranded among the rocks, passed away. This event offered a valuable opportunity for the students to reflect on the importance of wildlife conservation and how we can learn from such experiences to better protect our natural habitats.
Throughout the week, the students enjoyed scenic walks along the coastal paths and hiked up to the breathtaking Balau viewpoint, where the views took their breath away. Each evening, we gathered around the campfire for sing-alongs, roasted marshmallows and moments of mindfulness, allowing everyone to reflect on the day’s adventures and connect with one another.
Each night, we took time to celebrate students who embodied the RECIPE values, shining a light on their positive contributions to the camp and their peers. It was a week brimming with fun, personal growth and memories that we’ll cherish for a long time to come.
MIDDLE & SENIOR SCHOOL
The Stage 6 Sporting Showdown!
Mr Unsworth, Deputy Head of School
Whilst Years 6 to 10 were away on Camp, our Stage 6 students engaged in a series of sporting contests during the lunch break each day, which aimed to see which year group, Year 11 or Year 12, reigned supreme in sport. On Tuesday, the three game series began with the Year 11 girls winning the netball match 28-0. On Wednesday, Year 11 wrapped up the series with a 4-2 victory in boys' futsal. Playing for pride on Thursday, Year 12 pinched a 1 try win, in a hotly contested mixed touch rugby match.
These matches were supported by Mrs Webster, Mr Stagg, Mr Broadbent, Mr Tickle and, AISM parent, Mr Hill and our thanks extend to these people for refereeing, umpiring and score-keeping. These matches attracted a keen audience of Stage 6 students, staff and even students from the ELC and Foundation classes. So thoroughly enjoyed these matches that this Stage 6 Contest has now been extended into a once a week event and all are encouraged to come along and watch these weekly matches, each week a different sport. This week’s sport was badminton, with Year 11 extending their winning tally by taking the contest two matches to one, winning the boys and girls doubles, dropping the mixed doubles to the Year 12s, but doing enough to put another victory on the overall tally. Heading into Week 8, the overall tally stands at 3-1, in favour of the Year 11s.
Fostering Creativity Through Real-World Exploration: Design and Technology Excursion to Putrajaya
Ms Sherry Waleed, Design and Technology Teacher
Our Stage 5 Design and Technology students embarked on an exhilarating journey to Putrajaya, immersing themselves in the vibrant world of Islamic geometry and public architecture. This adventure offered hands-on experiences, allowing students to witness and analyse architectural masterpieces up close, transforming classroom theories into tangible insights.
Our expedition started at the breathtaking Putra Mosque, celebrated for its stunning rose-tinted granite façade and majestic pink dome. Students delved into the mosque's intricate design elements, uncovering the rich tapestry of cultural and environmental influences that shaped its architecture. Their enthusiastic engagement and sharp observations highlighted their passion for immersive learning.
Next, we ventured to Astaka Morocco, the Moroccan Pavilion, a living testament to exquisite Moorish architecture. Students marveled at its ornate designs, drawing comparisons to the Putra Mosque, and engaging in lively discussions on how traditional techniques adapt to various functions. The experience was further enriched as students identified parallels between the intricate carvings and those found in ancient Chinese architecture, fostering a dynamic cross-cultural dialogue.
Our journey continued with a visit to the Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin Mosque, popularly known as the Iron Mosque. Designed by architect Nik Arshad Nik Mohamed, this structure offers a captivating contrast to the traditional aesthetics of the Putra Mosque. Approximately 70% of the mosque is constructed from steel, giving it a sleek, contemporary appearance. Students were fascinated by the innovative use of modern materials and design elements, such as the stainless steel mesh façade, which not only enhances visual appeal but also serves functional purposes like climate control. This ingenious design facilitates natural air circulation, ensuring a comfortable environment without relying on conventional air conditioning systems.
This experience allowed students to compare and contrast traditional and modern architectural styles, deepening their understanding of how design evolves to meet contemporary needs while respecting cultural heritage.
Our final destination was Kompleks Islam, a beacon of contemporary interpretations of traditional architectural principles. Students explored how modern design can seamlessly embody cultural heritage, focusing on the architect's masterful use of light and space to convey themes of progressiveness and modernity.
This excursion transcended a typical field trip; it served as a powerful catalyst for creativity and critical thinking. By engaging with a range of architectural styles and contexts, students are now poised to approach their upcoming design projects with a broadened perspective and renewed inspiration. Such immersive experiences are invaluable, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, and equipping our students to develop thoughtful interpretations and analyses in the field of design and technology.
WHOLE SCHOOL
March Menu Week 2
Cezars Kitchen
Arrowhead Skills Holiday Camp
Arrowhead Skills are running their popular multi-activity camp again this coming school holiday at the end of term.
Focused on helping to shape the Global Citizens of the future, this camp will have our unique blend of fun and challenging activities across our four pathways of: Move, Build, Create and Perform; all conducted out of the classroom and away from the screens!
The carefully curated program is designed to develop such skills as critical thinking, problem solving, resilience, teamwork and confidence as well as much more. And all of this in a safe, secure and fun environment.
The activities are all new, so any children who have been before will not be bored
Date: Monday 31st March to Friday 4th April 2025
Time: 08:30 – 15:00 Monday to Friday
Ages: 5-12 (Foundation – Years 7)
Where: Australian International School Malaysia
Discounts: Early bird discounts are available.
If you have any questions, please get in touch on WhatsApp (+60-12-941-3527).
If you want to get that early bird discount, then book NOW by clicking on the link HERE
Here are some comments from parents about previous Arrowhead Skills Multi-Activity Camps:
"Over a short time period, you came to understand my child’s personality well and provided support that suited them. Their understanding of English is limited, and I believe some sessions were particularly challenging. What motivated my child to keep going, I believe, was the deep affection for the teachers. We are truly grateful for the way you supported them by understanding my child's personality and pace and standing by their side."
"My daughter told me that it was amazing."
"Joining the camp has helped to nurture my daughter's confidence a bit more. She can be quite timid especially with adults, but through the camp she was able to interact & bond with all the instructors well. She opened up herself more, to be braver to play in the swimming pool with the rest despite not knowing how to swim. Great job to Arrowhead Skills."
We look forward to hopefully seeing you in April.
