PRINCIPALLY SPEAKING
Simon Brooks, Principal
Welcome back to everyone in our AISM Community after a relaxing and rejuvenating school holiday!
As always, it has been a pleasure to see our learners returning to school this week with great enthusiasm and a zest for life.
It is perhaps an overused phrase, but something that I believe makes AISM truly unique is the outstanding holistic education that we offer!
One of the key character traits we aim to help our students develop at AISM is a Growth Mindset rather than a Fixed Mindset.
In her groundbreaking book, ‘Mindset’, Carol Dweck defines having a fixed mindset as the belief that intelligence is fixed and that whatever we do, we can’t really change that. In contrast, people with a growth mindset believe that we can get better at anything we do with hard work and application.
Research shows that in reality mindset is not an either/or thing. In other words, there is no such thing as a fixed mindset person, or a growth mindset person. In reality, we all have elements of fixed and growth mindset views with regard to different facets of our lives.
Have you ever thought to yourself, “I’m no good at Art. I’m really not an artistic person.” Or perhaps you have caught yourself thinking, “I’m not a Maths person.” Or perhaps, “I haven’t got a sporty bone in my body!”
All of these comments are fixed mindset comments. They betray an internal belief that our capabilities are fixed - that there is nothing we can do to improve certain aspects of our intelligence or performance.
Here at AISM we aim to do everything we can to cultivate a growth mindset outlook in all of our students. We want them to understand that they really can get better at everything they put their mind to! Of course it is true that some people seem to be bestowed with advantages in particular fields that give them a head start. Nonetheless, this does not change the fact that we can all embrace the opportunity to learn and to improve!
Before our students started back at school this week, I was delighted to run a professional learning workshop on Monday for all of our teaching staff on the topic of building a culture of thinking, which included a section on the importance of helping our students develop a growth mindset.
To illustrate this point, I challenged all of our colleagues to draw a horse.
Great hilarity ensued.
As always, it has been a pleasure to see our learners returning to school this week with great enthusiasm and a zest for life.
It is perhaps an overused phrase, but something that I believe makes AISM truly unique is the outstanding holistic education that we offer!
One of the key character traits we aim to help our students develop at AISM is a Growth Mindset rather than a Fixed Mindset.
In her groundbreaking book, ‘Mindset’, Carol Dweck defines having a fixed mindset as the belief that intelligence is fixed and that whatever we do, we can’t really change that. In contrast, people with a growth mindset believe that we can get better at anything we do with hard work and application.
Research shows that in reality mindset is not an either/or thing. In other words, there is no such thing as a fixed mindset person, or a growth mindset person. In reality, we all have elements of fixed and growth mindset views with regard to different facets of our lives.
Have you ever thought to yourself, “I’m no good at Art. I’m really not an artistic person.” Or perhaps you have caught yourself thinking, “I’m not a Maths person.” Or perhaps, “I haven’t got a sporty bone in my body!”
All of these comments are fixed mindset comments. They betray an internal belief that our capabilities are fixed - that there is nothing we can do to improve certain aspects of our intelligence or performance.
Here at AISM we aim to do everything we can to cultivate a growth mindset outlook in all of our students. We want them to understand that they really can get better at everything they put their mind to! Of course it is true that some people seem to be bestowed with advantages in particular fields that give them a head start. Nonetheless, this does not change the fact that we can all embrace the opportunity to learn and to improve!
Before our students started back at school this week, I was delighted to run a professional learning workshop on Monday for all of our teaching staff on the topic of building a culture of thinking, which included a section on the importance of helping our students develop a growth mindset.
To illustrate this point, I challenged all of our colleagues to draw a horse.
Great hilarity ensued.
As you can see, it was a creation that left much to be desired. As it turns out, it seems that drawing a horse with no guidance or support is something of a challenge for many people!
After we had all shared our horses with one another, I then showed a short instructional video which taught us all how to draw a horse more effectively.
Things improved substantially.
Here was my second effort.
I believe it to be a great improvement, and it was an improvement mirrored in the horses drawn by most of my colleagues as well.
The exercise illustrated a great point. As Dweck herself writes, ‘You don’t know what your abilities are until you make a full commitment to developing them’.
All it takes is a little instruction, a desire to improve and consistent hard work and effort, and we can all get better at everything we do!
Have a great Term 3 everyone!
PS - I thought you might like to see some of the horses created by other colleagues at school who shall of course remain nameless!
New Vircle eWallet App!
As part of our commitment to comply with the new Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) regulations on Limited Purpose E-Money Issuance, the school will be introducing the Vircle EWallet App. We will launch the new Vircle ewallet in AISM on 14 August 2023.
In the weeks to come, we will be sending more information about this and walk you through the registration and transition process.
In the meantime if you have any initial questions, please do not hesitate to contact our friendly elearning@aism.edu.my
PS - I thought you might like to see some of the horses created by other colleagues at school who shall of course remain nameless!
JUNIOR SCHOOL
Michelle Chaplin, Head of Junior School
We are excited to welcome approximately 20 new students to the Junior School from ELC to Year 5, 3 new teachers - Ms Siti (ELC), Mrs Russell (Foundation) and Mr McIntyre (Year 5) and it is all systems go as we launch a new term of learning! The excitement is at an all time high in the Junior School. Welcome back everyone!
In the Junior School, we are always happy to hear from students and parents regarding any issues, concerns or positives that you may wish to share. A reminder that all communication regarding students should be through the homeroom teacher - this can be done with a quick email - through Seesaw or making a time to drop into the classroom.
Parent Teacher Conferences - in Week 3 on Tuesday, August 1 - students do not attend classes but do attend the conferences with their parents.
For Year 2, 3, 4 and 5, there will also be times available on Wednesday, 2 August from 1pm - all students will attend school on Wednesday. Further information will be emailed to parents regarding times and booking details.
Next week we begin CCAs! I encourage all parents to ensure they and the students are aware of their after school arrangements and are organised for their activities - looks like an exciting lineup of afternoon fun!
MIDDLE & SENIOR SCHOOL
Simon Brooks, Head of Middle & Senior School
Welcome back students and families in the Middle and Senior School!
We’ve launched straight back into learning on Thursday and Friday this week and the school is abuzz with excitement! It has been wonderful to welcome several new students and families to the MSS as our school continues to grow and thrive!
We’ve launched straight back into learning on Thursday and Friday this week and the school is abuzz with excitement! It has been wonderful to welcome several new students and families to the MSS as our school continues to grow and thrive!
We also welcome three new teachers to our Middle and Senior School, Ms. Jennifer Bunn for Maths and Science, Ms. Selina Murphy for PDHPE and Ms. Rosemary Joseph for IESC, EAL and Literacy Support.
MSS Big Day Out - A BIG Day of Fun to Celebrate a Big Term of Learning!
On the last day of Term 2, the whole MSS community, staff and students, embarked on a Big Day Out to celebrate our application to learning over the course of Semester 1. Our trip took us to IOI City Mall, where students enjoyed activities such as rock climbing, bowling, karaoke and ice skating together in ‘vertical’ groups, with students from Year 6 to 12. The Big Day Out provided the perfect opportunity to spend time together with students from a range of year groups, engaging in fun and team-building, before departing for our mid-year holiday break.
Subject Selection Evening - Monday, 31 July (Week 3)
Parents and Guardians of students in Year 8 and Year 10 are invited to our Subject Selection Evening from 3.30pm-5.30pm on Monday, 31 July in the AG Rooms next to the swimming pool.
This term, students in Year 8 and Year 10 will select the subjects they wish to study in 2024 in Years 9 and 11 respectively, and this evening is designed to help students (with the support of their parents and guardians) to make the right choices for them.
Each faculty in the Middle and Senior School will run a booth providing plenty of information and expert advice about the various subjects they have on offer. Whatever questions our students and families might have about subject selection, our teachers will be happy to answer them!
We look forward to seeing our parents and guardians of students in Years 8 and 10 from 3.30pm on Monday, 31 July.
Year 9 and 10 Subject Selection Handbook
Year 11 and 12 Subject Selection Handbook
Parent Teacher Student (PTS) Conference Day - Tuesday, 1 August (Week 3)
Our Semester 2 Parent Teacher Student (PTS) Conference Day for students from Year 6 to Year 12 takes place on Tuesday, 1 August.
Earlier this afternoon (Friday 21st July), all MSS parents received an email inviting you to make your bookings with teachers through the school’s Student Management System, ‘Engage’.
The booking window will close on Friday 28 July at 3pm so please ensure you make your bookings before then.
If you are a parent or guardian new to the school, you will need to ensure you have activated the parent portal before making your bookings. If you require any assistance in completing this process please email us at admissions@aism.edu.my who will be pleased to help you.
PTS Day provides parents and guardians with a wonderful opportunity to meet with your child's teachers, gain a richer understanding of their academic performance, and gain insight into their overall school experience. They are an important opportunity to discuss your child's progress, strengths, and areas for improvement and we highly encourage our parents and guardians to attend, together with their child.
PTS Day is a non-timetable day, which means that no classes or CCAs will take place. Instead, we invite you to attend school at the times you select to meet with your child's teachers. Please note that there will be no buses running on this day and no activities taking place at school apart from PTS appointments. Appointments with teachers are 10 minutes in length and you will be able to make bookings to meet with any of your child's teachers.
University Fair - Tuesday, 1 August
In addition to the PTS Day on Tuesday, 1 August, AISM is also hosting a University Fair for all of our students and families, with representatives from universities around the world coming to our school. This fair provides an invaluable opportunities to learn about the many possible degree pathways on offer for our students, provided by these institutions. The fair is open for all students in MSS to attend with their families all through the day.
WHOLE SCHOOL
Sports & CCA
Whole School CCA & Sports Coordinator
Term 3 CCA Update
Note: Creche & Sibling Games CCAs are unavailable on Mondays. Save the date
MSS Sports Trainings
JS Sports Trainings
Barracudas Training
Note: Kindly contact Coach Ivan ivany@aism.edu.my regarding enrolment for Barracuda.
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CCAs commence - Monday, 24 July
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CCAs conclude - Thursday, 14 September
Note: Creche & Sibling Games CCAs are unavailable on Mondays. Save the date
- MSS Cross Country Carnival - Wednesday, 30 August
- JS Cross Country Carnival - Friday, 1 September
- JS Swimming Carnival - Friday, 8 September
MSS Sports Trainings
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Monday (Lunch) - Team 2 Boys Soccer Training in the Field | Boys & Girls Basketball Training in the Gym
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Tuesday (7.30-8.30am) - Boys & Girls Basketball Training in the Gym
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Tuesday (Lunch) - Team 1 Boys Soccer Training in the Field
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Wednesday (Lunch) - Girls Soccer Training in the Field
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Friday (7.30-8.30am) - Multisports Training in the Gym
JS Sports Trainings
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Monday - U11 Boys & Girls Basketball in the Gym
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Tuesday - U11 Boys and Girls Soccer Training in the Field
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Thursday - U11 Girls Netball in the Gym
Barracudas Training
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Commence date: Monday, 24 July
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Last day of training: Thursday, 14 September
Note: Kindly contact Coach Ivan ivany@aism.edu.my regarding enrolment for Barracuda.
New Parents Morning Tea
Parent, Teacher & Community
The Addams Family Musical
Greetings from the AISM Addams Family Production Team!
This year, and following the success of last year’s production Mamma Mia, the creative arts team and the Middle Senior School is proud to present The Addams Family Musical!
Come join us for an evening full of all things “creepy, kooky, mysterious and spooky!” in this marvellously macabre musical comedy, The Addams Family.
The students, parents, volunteers and of course teachers have all been hard at work to create for you a night to remember. So put on your favourite shade of black, your creepiest or kookiest outfit, and come celebrate all things dark, in this fabulous comedy.
Tickets are now on sale, so check out our QR code in the poster or the link here to reserve your tickets now!
Make sure you get your tickets early before they sell out, and bring your friends and the whole family and for what is sure to be a fantastic evening at AISM!
Introducing the Tek Bookmart Mobile App!
We are thrilled to announce the much-awaited launch of the Tek Bookmart Mobile App! Now, shopping for your children's educational needs is just a tap away.
To celebrate this milestone, we have a special treat for all parents! Enjoy an exclusive 10% discount on your total purchase when you shop through our mobile app. This offer is available for a limited time and can only be used once, so make the most of it!
To celebrate this milestone, we have a special treat for all parents! Enjoy an exclusive 10% discount on your total purchase when you shop through our mobile app. This offer is available for a limited time and can only be used once, so make the most of it!