PRINCIPALLY SPEAKING

Simon Brooks, Principal

As you know, one of our core beliefs at AISM is that learning is a consequence of thinking. What we mean by this is that we believe children learn effectively and develop deep understanding when their teachers create multiple opportunities for them to think in many different ways about the content that they are learning.

So how might parents and guardians help with this goal?

Here are ten powerful questions you might ask your children in order to encourage them to think, reflect and engage with their learning.

1 - What great questions did you ask at school today?

2 - What’s something you learnt about today that you found interesting?

3 - What was the most important thing you learnt today?

4 - What are you finding challenging, puzzling or difficult to understand? How are you trying to overcome these challenges?

5 - What’s something you’re learning about that could be applied in a real-life situation? How so?

6 - What connections did you make today between something you learned and something you already knew?

7 - Did you do any group work or collaborate with classmates today? How did you contribute to the team?

8 - How do you feel your understanding of a specific subject/topic has changed over time?

9 - Is there anything you would like to explore further or learn more about related to what you studied today?

10 - When you think back over everything that has happened and everything you have learnt this week, how would you answer this question: ‘What’s the point of school?’

Now I don’t recommend that you bombard your children with all these questions as soon as they come through the front door! But perhaps you’ll find that a moment comes up naturally when everyone is feeling relaxed and open-minded where one of these questions might result in some really interesting conversation.

Numerous studies have found a positive correlation between parental interest in their children’s learning and achievement in school. Children whose parents are genuinely interested in their learning tend to have improved academic achievement, increased motivation, and enhanced self-esteem and confidence.

Research suggests that the key to this is the word ‘genuine’. If we ask the question, ‘What’s something you learnt today that you found interesting?’, our child says ‘the nervous system’, we say ‘Oh wow, that does sound interesting’, and then change the topic… well, this does not have much effect.

But… if we respond by saying, ‘OK, what did you find interesting about the nervous system?’ And follow up with ‘tell me a little more about that’. And ask, ‘what makes you say that?’ to probe a little deeper… Then we have the beginnings of an authentic and engaging conversation which challenges them to think, deepens their learning, shows we are engaged and is often really interesting for us as well.

Have a great weekend everybody!

2023 AISM First Term Experience Survey

Your comments as parents and guardians are important to us. Share with us your first term experience by clicking on the link below:

2023 AISM First Term Experience Survey

We highly encourage all parents and guardians to take this opportunity to provide the school with your valuable and CONFIDENTIAL feedback by Monday, 22 May 2023.

Green Week 2023

Mr Simon Matheson, Head of Science Faculty

Sustainability is one of three cross-curricular priorities for the Australian Curriculum, and such an important value for every person on the planet. We all at AISM are committed to educating, engaging, discussing and recognising our place in the interdependence and dynamic nature of planetary systems.

Cross-curriculum learning such as this is fundamental to:

  • Understanding the ways social, economic and environmental systems interact to support and maintain human life
  • Appreciating and respecting the diversity of views and values that influence sustainable development
  • Participating critically and acting creatively in determining more sustainable ways of living.

This year we built bird nesting sites through upcycling of other reusable materials. These will offer safe environments at school and at home for wildlife. We raised RM2,479.50 to support the continuing transition of our green school grounds to more sustainable environments, inclusive of gardening edible areas, composting sites, energy conservation, education of arboreal ecosystems and waste reduction practices.

Thanks to everyone who wore Green or Environmental outfits in celebration. Mr Epetahui hosted multiple lessons throughout the week, ranging from composting, to recycling, to ecosystem restoration. Ayra Aaqilah Akmal Hakim was the overwhelming winner of our school wide Green Week Competition, creatively reshaping multiple recyclable materials into a cuddle toy. Thanks to Nicole Bong and Cherish Le Yi Wang who managed and advocated for this opportunity for our creative and innovating community to shine.

The powerful debates led by our year 12 debating champion, Yao Ming Lee, on the final day of Green Week celebrations were emphatically delivered, highlighting the depth of talent at AISM for conservation and awareness of the continuing issues across complex global and local forums. Annabelle Au, Ryan Tan and Grace Boam took the title with beautifully crafted words, proclaimed with thorough research. Equally reverent, Jayden Yew, Pui Yee Chuah and Kai Ter Huggel valiantly argued for the motion, illustrating the need for everyone to do their part to contribute to a brighter future. Those who attended were embroiled in a complex dialogue about the validity of AISM delivering a zero-plastic policy. Adjudicator's Ethan Lee, Ms Boam and Ms Malkani were challenged to evaluate between the debaters, identifying sound points and rebuttals for and against.

Special thanks to Ms Jaes Kaur, Mr Christian Ogle, Ms Ida Mohd Ariff, Ms Hafizah Najwa Abbas and Mr Azizul Ali, who lent a helping hand to organise and prepare many of the events cross the whole school with the help of the student Green team and the JS SRC. The “Living Campus” movement at AISM is alive and thriving with such passionate advocates across the students and staff.

PTC Eco-School 2023 Survey

Mr Simon Matheson, Head of Science Faculty

“School Sustainability means being kind to your campus environment and not depleting natural resources around school grounds. Schools around the country are making sustainability a top priority with district-wide committees and daily efforts to tackle everything from air quality to consumption and waste."

– Horton, J.

weareteachers.com, 7 Smart Ways to Be More Sustainable on School Grounds, April 1, 2022

Below is the link to the short survey form:

PTC ECO-SCHOOL 2023 SURVEY

Thank you to all the parents and guardians who have responded already. Please complete the survey, using your AISM email address before Friday 2 June 2023.

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed it is the only thing that ever has"

– Margaret Mead

Thank you so much and have a great week ahead!

AIMS Secondary Swimming Carnival

Ivan Yoong, Whole School CCA & Sports Coordinator

On Friday 5 May, a group of AISM swimmers participated in the AIMS Secondary Swimming Carnival at Parkcity International School (ISP). Excitement was palpable from the moment they got into the bus until the end of the event. It was a close race between us and SJIIM fighting for the third place overall amongst nine participating schools. Due to the team’s perseverance, AISM placed third overall at the end of this event. Our students truly demonstrated AISM’s R.E.C.I.P.E values in this event and also their amazing academic credentials. Well done Team AISM! Huge thank you to Mr Wells, Coach Hussein, Coach Zul who attended this event for their contributions to the success of this carnival. Kudos AISM!

Participants
Ashley Yoong, Sharon Ng, Ruby Ritchie, Isis Janett, Sara Allenspach & Alex Matheson  Kai Ter Huggel, Ima Abdullah, Benedict Chin, Austin Xia, Alex Furlan, Sebastien Moore, Arjan Pathmanaban, Toby Taylor, Lap Yin Lam, Cedric Boudeville, Yi Kheng Lum, Fynn Ritchie & Iggy Jones,

Overall Achievement

  • AISM came 3rd Overall amongst 9 other international schools.
  • U13 Girls came 3rd overall while the 15 & Over Boys finished 2nd overall in their respective age groups.

Medal Winners

Age Group

Student Name

Medal

U13 Girls

Ashley Yoong

 3 Silver & 2 Bronze

U13 Boys

Toby Taylor

 1 Silver & 1 Bronze

 

Relay Team 
( Toby Taylor, Alex Furlan, Lap Yin Lam & Arjan Pathmanaban)

1 Bronze

O15 Girls

Sara Allenspach

 1 Silver & 2 Bronze

O15 Boys

Benedict Chin

1 Gold & 2 Silver

 

Kai Ter Huggel

 1 Silver & 2 Bronze

 

Austin Xia

1 Bronze

 

Relay Team (Kai Ter Huggel, Ima Abdullah, Benedict Chin, Austin Xia)

 1 Gold

Click here for more photos.

AIMS U11 Badminton Tournament

Ivan Yoong, Whole School CCA & Sports Coordinator

Last Wednesday, our U11 badminton players travelled to IGB International School for the U11 Badminton Tournament. Both the boys and girls team played really well in their games despite the hectic schedule. During the tournament, players are required to keep track of their own scores and fill out the result on a result sheet before submitting it to the marshall. It is incredible that our students have managed this flawlessly. They also demonstrated traits as a leader by assisting participants from the other schools. A big thank you to Ms Auni for her endless support in this event. Well done AISM!

U11 Boys

Charles Lee, Muhammad Nazhan Nazrin, Kaeden Diep, Edwin Ng, Wilson Wang, Abdul Rahman & Yuet Kah Loo

U11 Girls

Ashley Yoong,  Pui Mun Chuah, Qian Hua Loo, Jen Yi Neoh & Nur Azalea Nazrin

Medal Winners

Age Group

Student Name

Medal

U13 Girls

Ashley Yoong

 1 Gold

U13 Girls

Pui Mun Chuah

 1 Gold

Click here for more photos.

AISM U11 Netball Friendly

Ivan Yoong, Whole School CCA & Sports Coordinator

The AISM U11 Netball teams had their first friendly matches against the Sporty Netball Club on Saturday 6 May. We have 2 teams that were led by Ashley Yoong and Chelsea Unsworth from Year 5. These two captains inspired their teammates to never give up - play hard and fast and chase every ball. The teams played an awesome defensive game and capitalised with some fabulous shooting - a fabulous first game day for this year! It was also extremely encouraging to see our players being respectful to the opposing teams and umpires during the event, reflecting the AISM R.E.C.I.P.E values. Ms Chaplin and Ms Janett loved coaching the teams and thoroughly enjoyed the competitiveness of the girls,the incredible team spirit and the family cheer squad along the sideline! Their enthusiasm has inspired all our players to seek improvement in playing netball. Well done AISM!

U11 Girl
Ashley Yoong (Captain) Chelsea Unsworth (Captain) Suenne Lee Felicia Shao
Jade Sheils Sarah Anderson Isabelle Furlan Qian Hua Loo
Alexandra Matheson Jen Yi Neoh Alice Lim Riko Nagano
Jing Rou Loh Hannah Wang Frankie Jones Violet Kennedy
Ruo Han Liu      

AISM U13 Netball Friendly

Mr James Unsworth, Deputy Head of Middle & Senior School and Year 12 Homeroom Teacher

Our Under 13 Netball teams had their first matches of 2023 on Saturday the 6th of May. AISM’s two U13 teams played a series of games against two teams from the ‘Sporty Girls’ netball club, here at AISM. These matches provided a great first outing for our two teams, after training during Term 1 in CCA time and playing three intra-squad games at lunchtimes. Excellent performances were had across the court, with too many stand-out players to mention. In addition to the 18 AISM Middle School girls that participated, our thanks also extend to Year 12 student and Sports Prefect, Pui Yee, who coached one of our two teams and to Year 9 student, Jasmin Unsworth, who umpired a number of the matches. A great day was had by all and it was a wonderful opportunity to showcase our sporting facilities to the visiting families, coming from across the Klang Valley. It was a magnificent day of netball: many lessons learned and we look forward to our next fixtures. ( Article Contributor: )

Click here for more photos.

U13 Girl
Ameena Rahman Ginny Sam Doyoon Oh Ruby Ritchie
Asha Arriana Murugan Isis Janett Emilee Anderson Er Naa Lai
Ayra Akmal Hakim Pui Mun Chuah Emma Ahern Yura Lim
Bailey Gan Reitumetse Mkwanazi Emma Lai Zaynab Fatima
Cherish Wang Ru Qian How    

Save The Date

Ivan Yoong, Whole School CCA & Sports Coordinator.

Semester 2 CCA Update 
Preview on Engage Portal - Wednesday 31 May onwards
CCAs open for registration - From 7pm Saturday 3 June until 12pm Tuesday 6 June
CCAs commence - Monday 24 July
CCAs conclude - Thursday 23 November

Note: Creche & Sibling Games CCA is unavailable on Mondays.

Soccer Clinic 2023
The Australian High Commission has offered AISM an opportunity to further develop our Soccer skills. A soccer clinic will take place on Saturday, 27th of May conducted by the coach from the Football Association Australia. Further details could be found below.

Event Date: Saturday 27 May
Time: 10:30am - 12:00pm
Venue: AISM (Gymnasium)

(Note: This event is limited to 30 participants only, first come, first served basis)

Netball Clinic hosted by Sporty Girls Netball