PRINCIPALLY SPEAKING
Aaron Wise, Principal
We are excited that next week AISM will be celebrating Care Week, an integral part of our school's commitment to fostering a supportive and nurturing environment. Care Week is a cornerstone of our Care Movement, dedicated to promoting the wellbeing of our students, staff, and families.
Throughout the week, we have a variety of activities planned to engage and inspire our community:
RUOk Day - Monday: We will kick off Care Week with RUOk Day, encouraging everyone to check in on each other and promote mental health awareness. It's a day to foster conversations and ensure that no one feels alone.
Green Day - Wednesday: On Wedneday, we will celebrate Green Day, focusing on environmental sustainability and encouraging students to think green. Activities will Enderstadning Herbs and Spices, Using Natural Fabric Dyes, “The Great Cleanup”, and Recycling Art.
Mindfulness Friday: We will conclude the week with Mindfulness Friday, where students will participate in mindfulness exercises and activities designed to promote mental clarity and reduce stress.
To celebrate and share the spirit of Care Week, we warmly invite all parents to join us for two special assemblies:
Monday at 9:00 am: Our opening assembly will take place in the gym, setting the tone for a week dedicated to care and community.
Friday at 2:10 pm: We will hold a closing assembly in the auditorium, reflecting on the week's activities and celebrating our collective efforts to promote wellbeing.
We look forward to seeing you there and sharing this meaningful week with our entire school community. Thank you for your ongoing support in making AISM a place where everyone can thrive.
JUNIOR SCHOOL
Michelle Chaplin, Head of Junior School
And we have “Lift off” for Term 3, 2024. The Junior School is blasting off with new goals, new topics, and new experiences. We have welcomed our new students and families this week and are excited to have some of our students who were on leave back with us.
CCAs - This is all about trying something new, having a go, learning some new skills, and enjoying some fun with peers. Please ensure your child knows the CCA they are enrolled for and how they will go home after the CCA.
Pick-up procedures will be the same. Gate C - operating at 3.10 pm and 4.20 pm. A reminder for parents to remain in the car.
Junior School Parent Teacher Student Conferences - Wednesday, 31 July from 8 am to 4.30 pm.
You will have received information regarding these conferences. The purpose of each conference is to continue to build our teacher-parent partnership for the benefit of our learners and to provide an opportunity to discuss academic progress and learning goals with classroom teachers. We would strongly encourage all parents to make time to meet with their child’s teacher. This is an opportunity not to be missed!
If you’re wondering what’s happening in the woods this year, save the date for a look at what Robin Hood has been up to….” Hoodwinked” comes live to AISM, showcasing our talented Year 5 students in two amazing shows. Save the dates now! Bring friends and family to an entertaining and fabulous show!
Hoodwinked
Thursday, 8 August 9.30 am and 5 pm
Year 2 and Year 3 are getting excited with their internal school camp and sleepover just weeks away. Their teachers will be in touch with dates and how to get ready for the big night sleepover!
AISM is not just a school, but a way of life. I encourage all parents to be active members of our community. Be aware of events and happenings from those that are significant to your child to those that are whole school celebrations. I invite all parents to be a partner in their child’s education in as many aspects as possible from general awareness of topics, themes and content, within the classroom, sporting activities, and homework to the functions and “big events”.
Next week, we launch our Care Movement across the whole school and particularly focus on this in the Junior School. Students will have the opportunity to be involved in activities that embed the concepts of Care: For Self, Care: For Others and Care: For World. It will be an exciting and jam packed week of wonderful experiences. Stay tuned to Seesaw for further details.
Let’s get going… Term 3 is set to be amazing. Keep your eye tuned to Seesaw. Watch out for all the good news coming your way. The Junior School is on a roll!
Reflecting on Term 2 with Year 3
Vaneisha Madhavan, Iman Engelbert, and Jeremy Cox, Year 3 Teachers
Welcome to Year 3’s Term 2 recap! We've had an amazing term full of learning, exploration and fun. From artistic adventures to scientific inquiries and exciting excursions, we made the most of every opportunity. Here's a look back at some of our highlights and accomplishments. Enjoy reading about our Term 2 journey!
KidZania Excursion
What better way to wrap up the term than spending a day at KidZania! Both Year 3 and Year 4 experienced what it's like to be a working adult. From delivering packages on time to performing procedures in the operating theatre, it was a jam-packed day filled with collaborative work and critical thinking skills. In addition to learning about professional roles, they also gained awareness regarding financial literacy through earning and managing money. Overall, KidZania provided both an enjoyable and meaningful learning experience for our students.
Portrait Art
In Visual Arts, Year 3 learnt the fundamentals of photography using the rule of thirds—a technique that divides the frame into a 3x3 grid to create balanced and visually appealing compositions. They participated in several hands-on sessions where they captured "million-dollar" shots of themselves, experimenting with different angles and perspectives while applying the rule of thirds to their compositions. After their photoshoots, they used Canva to enhance their portraits, adding creative elements and adjustments to perfect their images. This blend of practical photography and digital editing provided an enjoyable learning experience.
Inquiry into Matter and Its States
This hands-on unit allowed Year 3 students to delve into the exploration of Matter and its states. We kicked off the unit with a provocation, during which students shared their existing knowledge about Matter. As the unit progressed, we conducted thorough research and planned our informative posters, using Canva to bring our ideas to life with vibrant visuals. To conclude the unit, we gathered our questions and tested our hypotheses by conducting experiments on the role of heat in changing states of Matter.
We are looking forward to the new challenges and learning opportunities that Term 3 has to offer. Thank you to all the students, teachers and parents for your support and enthusiasm. Here's to a fantastic upcoming term!
Exciting Malaysian Cultural Studies Activities for Term 3
Adila Parman, Junior School LOTE Bahasa & Malaysian Cultural Studies Teacher
Welcome back, everyone!
We are excited to share the Malaysian Cultural Studies activities planned for Term 3! Each level will explore a unique and engaging topic, designed to enrich students' understanding and appreciation of Malaysia's diverse culture. Here’s a detailed look at what each level will be focusing on:
Early Learning Centre (ELC): Malay Basic Conversation & Malaysian Fables
Our youngest learners will be introduced to basic Malay conversation, helping them build foundational language skills. Additionally, they will explore Malaysian fables, engaging in storytelling sessions that bring these timeless tales to life.
Foundation: Malay Basic Conversation & Malaysian Dance
Foundation students will also learn basic Malay conversation, enhancing their communication skills. They will dive into the world of traditional Malaysian dance, learning about the cultural significance and basic steps of dances like the Joget and Zapin. They also will be doing the Dikir Barat dance which is related to their previous topic in Term 2, Wau Bulan (Moon-Kite).
Year 1: Malaysian Traditional Attire and Costume
Year 1 students will explore the rich variety of traditional Malaysian attires and costumes. They will learn about the history, cultural significance, and different styles of clothing worn by various ethnic groups, including the Baju Kurung, Cheongsam, and Saree.
Year 2: Arts and Handicraft (Wood Craft and Metal Craft)
Year 2 students will get hands-on experience with traditional Malaysian arts and handicrafts models by using recycled things. They will explore wood craft and metal craft in Malaysia, learning about the techniques and cultural importance of these traditional crafts.
Year 3: Malaysia Geography
Year 3 students will embark on a geographical journey across Malaysia, studying the country's diverse landscapes, climates, and regions. They will learn to identify key geographical features and understand how geography influences the way of life in different parts of Malaysia.
Year 4: Religions and Beliefs (Festivals in Malaysia)
Year 4 students will explore the major religions and beliefs in Malaysia, focusing on the festivals celebrated by different communities. They will learn about the customs, rituals, and significance of festivals such as Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Chinese New Year, Deepavali, and Wesak Day.
Year 5: Malaysian History and Heritage
Year 5 students will delve into the rich history and heritage of Malaysia. They will study significant historical events, figures, and landmarks that have shaped the nation. Activities will include research projects, identifying the historical sites, and interactive history lessons.
Special Event:
- Merdeka Day Assembly: At the end of the term, we will host a Merdeka Day Assembly in collaboration with the ELC Team. This event is a special event dedicated to celebrating Malaysia's Independence Day. This assembly is a wonderful opportunity for our school community to come together and honour the historical significance of Merdeka Day.
We look forward to an enriching and fun-filled term as we explore the diverse and vibrant culture of Malaysia. Thank you for your continued support in making our Malaysian Cultural Studies program a success.
Terima kasih (Thank you).
Malay Basic Conversation activity
Malaysian Traditional Attire and Costume
Malaysian Art and Handicraft
MIDDLE & SENIOR SCHOOL
Year 11 Biology Students Excel in Field Study
Christian Ogle, Biology Teacher
Fieldwork can present unique challenges, especially when it takes place in the dense and complex environment of a rainforest. This year, the Year 11 Biology students at the Australian International School of Malaysia (AISM) faced these challenges head-on during their recent field study.
The students applied their classroom learning in real-world scenarios, demonstrating their skills in various biological research techniques. They conducted transects and used quadrats to meticulously identify and catalog plant and animal species, a task that required keen observation and patience.
In addition to species identification, the students carried out soil testing, measuring nutrient levels, pH, and temperature to better understand the ecosystem's health and dynamics. They also took atmospheric readings, focusing on CO2 levels, to assess the rainforest's role in carbon sequestration. To complement these efforts, they measured luminosity in different areas to study how light availability affects the biodiversity and growth patterns in the forest.
Despite the demanding conditions, including heat, humidity, and the challenging terrain of the rainforest, the students persevered. They overcame these difficulties through teamwork, resilience, and the application of their theoretical knowledge. Their hard work culminated in an outstanding field study that not only enriched their understanding of biology but also highlighted their dedication and capability.
The Year 11 Biology students' success in this field study is a testament to their hard work and the high-quality education they receive at AISM. Their achievements in the rainforest have set a high standard for future field studies, showcasing what can be accomplished with determination and a passion for learning.
Volunteering at Zoo Negara: Our Unique and Enriching Experience
Lana Azami, Prefect of Community and Service Learning
Volunteering at Zoo Negara has been one of the most unique and enriching experiences I've ever had. Combining community engagement with service learning, it gave me the chance to contribute to wildlife conservation and environmental stewardship firsthand. This initiative not only benefits the zoo and its inhabitants but also fosters personal growth and community spirit among us students.
At the start of term 3, 15 of us from AISM’s senior school participated in various fun and educational tasks essential for Zoo Negara’s daily operations. These activities included:
- Cleaning Trash and Dry Leaves: Maintaining a clean environment is crucial for both visitors and animals. We helped pick up litter, ensuring the zoo remains a welcoming and safe place.
- Feeding Animals: This task involved preparing and distributing food to various animals, such as giraffes and rhinoceroses. Understanding dietary needs and feeding schedules was key. Carrying 20 kg of vegetables was challenging, but we always supported each other to get the job done.
- Cleaning Animal Enclosures: We cleaned the enclosures of pumas, capybaras, wallabies, and tigers. This included cleaning up waste, sanitizing the area, and ensuring the enclosures were safe and comfortable.
- Cleaning Animal Food Bowls: Sanitizing food bowls to prevent disease and ensure the health of the animals was a daily task.
- Preparing Food for Orangutans: A couple of groups, including mine, had the chance to feed orangutans for the first time. Tasks included cutting fruits and vegetables, such as sugar cane and papaya, according to the orangutans' dietary needs.
Volunteering at the zoo built a strong sense of community among us. We met new people from diverse backgrounds, all united by a common goal: the welfare of the animals and the upkeep of the zoo. This shared mission fostered teamwork, communication, and a sense of belonging. It was also a fantastic way to connect with visitors and enhance our understanding of wildlife and conservation efforts.
Through this experience, we learned about animal behavior, habitat needs, and the challenges of conservation. Alongside these insights, we developed valuable soft skills like problem-solving, leadership, and empathy. Even though we felt tired after a long day at the zoo, we left with a deeper appreciation for nature's delicate balance and a renewed commitment to protecting our planet's biodiversity.
WHOLE SCHOOL
Term 3 New Parents Morning Tea
AISM Parent, Teacher and Community
Phising Scams Reminder
Aaron Wise, Principal
We would like to remind all parents to stay vigilant against phishing scams. These deceptive attempts to obtain sensitive information can come in the form of emails, messages, or even phone calls that appear to be from trusted sources.
Here are a few tips to protect yourself and your personal information:
Verify the Sender: Always check the sender's email address and ensure it matches the official school domain. Be cautious of emails from unfamiliar addresses or those that look suspiciously similar to official ones.
Look for Red Flags: Be wary of urgent requests, offers that seem too good to be true, or any communication asking for personal information, passwords, or financial details.
Do Not Click on Suspicious Links: Avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown or unsolicited emails.
Contact the School Directly: If you receive any communication that seems suspicious, please contact the school directly using official contact details to verify its legitimacy.
Your safety and security are our priority. By staying informed and cautious, we can protect ourselves and our community from potential scams.
Reminder: Shades of Pink Gala Dinner
Aaron Wise, Principal
Don't forget to mark your calendars for the Shades of Pink Gala Dinner on 26 October! Enjoy an elegant evening with delicious cuisine, live entertainment, and more, all while supporting breast cancer research.
Join the Planning Committee
We still need parents to help with decorations, sponsorships, entertainment, and event coordination. It’s a wonderful way to get involved and connect with other parents.
Interested in joining the planning committee? Contact the PTC at: ptc@aism.edu.my.
Help us make this event a memorable success!
