PRINCIPALLY SPEAKING
Aaron Wise, Principal
I am delighted to share the highlights of our recent Cross-Country Carnival, a two-day event that saw our Middle and Senior School students competing on Thursday, followed by our Junior School students on Friday. This annual event is more than just a race—it’s a celebration of our school’s values and the Australian heritage that shapes our teaching philosophy.
At AISM, we believe that education extends far beyond the classroom, encompassing the physical, social, and emotional development of every student. Our Cross-Country Carnival is a prime example of this holistic approach. It is an opportunity for students to challenge themselves physically, develop perseverance, and experience the joy of personal achievement. Whether running for a personal best or cheering on their peers, each student contributes to a shared sense of community and camaraderie.
These events are deeply rooted in the Australian tradition of resilience and teamwork, values that have long been a cornerstone of our school’s ethos. The spirit of ‘having a go’—pushing oneself to the limit, regardless of the outcome—is something we encourage in all aspects of school life. Our Cross-Country Carnival embodies this spirit, teaching students that success comes in many forms, from crossing the finish line to supporting others along the way.
Moreover, this event aligns perfectly with our Visible Learning philosophy. It provides a real-world context for students to set goals, self-assess, and reflect on their progress. The effort and determination displayed by our students during the carnival are a testament to their growth as learners and individuals.
I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to all the staff and parents who supported the event, as well as to the students who participated with such enthusiasm and dedication. These moments of collective effort and achievement remind us of the strong community we have at AISM, one that nurtures not only academic success but also the development of resilient, well-rounded individuals.
Here’s to embracing challenges and celebrating the growth that comes from doing hard things!As we look back on the Cross-Country Carnival, let us celebrate the many lessons learned and look forward to the next opportunity for our students to challenge themselves, grow, and shine.
JUNIOR SCHOOL
Michelle Chaplin, Head of Junior School
Term 3 has been a rollercoaster of academics, sports, and performing arts as we see our students progress through the term. The joy on all our student's faces as they succeed in different spaces across their learning and growing is a testament to the Australian Curriculum and all that it builds within our students. Their confidence, willingness to take a risk, their curiosity to question and their dedication to being the best they can be in many different arenas. There is more to come this term with three busy weeks ahead!
Congratulations to our Foundation students on their 11 days of learning, to our Cross Country Runners, and good luck to our Year 2 and Year 3 as they set up for their sleepover!
Celebrating 100 Days of Learning in Foundation: An Olympic Spectacle
Cayli Russell, Foundation Teacher
On a day filled with smiles, laughter, triumphs, and gratitude, our Foundation students celebrated their 100 days of learning with an Olympic-themed extravaganza. The atmosphere was electric as the students arrived dressed in vibrant team colours, representing the five different continents symbolised by the Olympic rings.
The festivities began with the students crafting crowns and flags to showcase their designated continents. These creative endeavours were then paraded through the Junior School, where they received enthusiastic cheers and applause from all classes. The sense of community and support was palpable, setting the tone for the day.
The Olympic Games were officially kicked off by Coach Ivan, who organised a series of themed activities outdoors. The competition was fierce but friendly, as students showcased their skills and sportsmanship. The excitement continued indoors with a variety of challenging and entertaining events, including stacking 100 cups, a javelin throw, a 100-second relay race, long jump, and creating Olympic sculptures out of tin foil.
The day's grand finale featured a heartwarming performance of "What I Am" by Will.i.am. The song resonated deeply with the Foundation parents, whose faces beamed with pride and joy. To honour their remarkable efforts, each student was awarded a certificate and a gold medal.
This unforgettable day highlighted the incredible achievements of our Foundation students and was enjoyed by everyone involved. It was a true celebration of learning, teamwork, and the Olympic spirit.
Gardening Gurus CCA
Iman Engelbert and Manpreet Kaur Puarr, Junior School Teachers
Our dedicated team has been working hard to enhance the Garden in our Junior School Living Area. We kicked off the project with a brainstorming session, sketching out plans for what our garden would become.
In the following sessions, our team focused on routines for maintaining and caring for plants. We began by planting seeds in our vegetable patch, then added local favorites, such as the curry tree (Bergera Koenigii), ginger and turmeric plants.
We met a few friendly crawlies in the garden who help to keep the soil healthy for our plants.
Between gardening, we also took a break to unwind and reconnect by grounding ourselves.
We're excited about the upcoming events at AISM that will strengthen our dedication to fostering love and respect for our environment. Stay tuned for more green updates, and feel free to visit our garden anytime for a tour!
Book Week 2024: A Magical Celebration of Reading
Ms Felix and Miss Kila, Junior School Library
This year’s Book Week at the Australian International School Malaysia was nothing short of magical! With the theme "Reading is Magic!", our school came alive with a variety of exciting activities that celebrated the joy and wonder of reading.
Door Display Competition
Our rooms transformed into enchanted worlds as students, teachers, and even our school administrators collaborated to create stunning door displays. From castles and forests to libraries filled with spellbinding books, the creativity on display was truly inspiring. The involvement of the administration team added an extra layer of excitement and community spirit to the event. Congratulations to all the participants for their hard work and imaginative designs!
Book Trek Adventure
One of the week’s most thrilling activities was the "Book Trek Adventure." Students from Nursery to Year 5 embarked on an exciting journey across different stations set up around the school. Each station presented a new literary challenge or activity, guiding the students further into their adventure. The Book Trek Adventure sparked their imagination as they explored the magical world of books.
Book Character Parade
Another highlight of the week was the Book Character Parade. Students paraded in their favorite book character costumes, bringing beloved characters to life. From Harry Potter to Alice in Wonderland, the parade was a vibrant celebration of literature’s most memorable figures. Thanks to the Student Representative Council, who ensured everything ran smoothly!
Parents' Coffee Meet
In conjunction with Book Week, we also hosted a special Parents' Coffee Meet in the library. Eight of our talented students led a storytelling session, reading stories in English, Bahasa, Japanese, and Mandarin. The session was a wonderful showcase of our students' linguistic skills and a great way for parents to connect with the school community.
Book Swap
To encourage a love for reading and sharing, we organized a Book Swap event, where students exchanged books within their year groups. This was a fantastic way for students to discover new stories and share their favorite reads with their peers.
Book Week 2024 was a success, reminding us all of the magic that books bring into our lives. A heartfelt thank you to all the students, teachers, and parents who participated and helped make this week truly special
Happy Reading!
MIDDLE & SENIOR SCHOOL
Innovators of Tomorrow: A Journey Through STEM
Simon Matheson, Head of Science and Technology
The 2024 S.T.E.M. Showcase brilliantly highlighted how our students are not just participating in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, but are actively leading their own learning experiences in innovative and exciting ways. The diverse range of projects and experiments displayed throughout the week truly underscored the depth of knowledge and passion our students possess when they are given the opportunity to inspire and mentor the next generation.
Students from Year 6 to Year 10 presented an impressive array of projects spanning numerous fields of inquiry, enterprise, and exploration, including but not limited to:
- Experimental investigations into the rates of chemical reactions, the behavior of heat and sound waves, body coordination systems, and the efficiency, transfer, and transformation of energy.
- An array of Design and Technology projects showcasing innovative use of various materials.
- Coding solutions and robotics development harnessing advanced Computing Technologies.
- A stimulating Mathematics escape room and Dragon race that engaged students with logic puzzles, hands-on activities, and creative pattern problems.
The week-long celebration culminated in an hour-long finale, where Year 11 Senior Science and Technology students showcased their expertise on topics such as chemical indicators, the properties of substances at -1960C, complex computations, and microscopic structures. The verandahs of the A Block buzzed with excitement and learning. Many attendees praised the enthusiasm and depth of knowledge demonstrated by the students throughout the week, which bodes well for the future achievements of AISM both within and beyond the school.
A huge congratulations to the dedicated students and staff who poured their time and effort into making this event an unforgettable, resounding success. Particularly, special thanks to our talented support team, Mrs Ida Mohd Ariff, Ms Hafizah Najwa Abbas and Mr Azizul Ali. The showcase proved that when given the chance, AISM is brimming with talented critical thinkers and collaborative team players ready to take on the challenges of tomorrow.
TECH Meet 2024 featuring Taylor's Education Group
Ms Ida Mohd Ariff, Middle & Senior School Science Department Team
During our recent educational tour to Taylor's University, we were provided an insightful overview of the university's waste management practices, including waste segregation, disposal procedures, inventory management, and equipment calibration. We also had the opportunity to explore their biochemistry and physics laboratories and witness their advanced research facilities.
Our journey continued with a visit to NEXUS Putrajaya, where we developed a dedicated GOOGLE SITE shared between the Taylor’s Education Group (TEG) technicians, gaining valuable insights into networking and management systems. Lastly, at TIS Puchong, we participated in valuable hands-on sessions on basic microscope service and cleaning procedures. Each location gave us a deeper understanding of the diverse aspects of laboratory management and technical support.
This experience highlighted how at AISM our processes and procedures guide strong learning and practices, and equally a commitment to maintaining high standards in both environmental stewardship and scientific inquiry.
Service Learning Books and Toys Drive: A Heartfelt Initiative by Jasmin Unsworth, Hyuna Oh, and Olivia Fernandez
Christian and Jaeshinthaa, Service Learning Coordinators
In an inspiring display of initiative, three remarkable students—Jasmin Unsworth, Hyuna Oh, and Olivia Fernandez—have taken the lead in setting up and running a Book and Toys Drive as part of our Service Learning school program. Without any prompting, these young leaders recognized a need within our community and took immediate action, exemplifying the true essence of Service Learning.
Driven by a deep commitment to helping those less fortunate, Jasmin, Hyuna, and Olivia organized the drive to provide much-needed books and toys to children in need. They moved forward without hesitation, showing the kind of self-motivation and leadership that Service Learning at AISM strives to cultivate in all our students.
Once the donations started coming in, these three dedicated students spent countless hours—often sacrificing their own free time during recess, lunch periods, and even after school—meticulously cataloging, organizing, and preparing the donations for distribution. Their efforts culminated in a successful donation to the CHIN Organisation, a partner with whom we have enjoyed a long and meaningful relationship.
Jasmin, Hyuna, and Olivia would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to all the students, parents, and members of the AISM community who generously contributed to this initiative. The outpouring of support was overwhelming, and every donation will make a significant impact in the lives of the children who will receive them.
On behalf of the Service Learning program at AISM, we express our deepest gratitude to Jasmin, Hyuna, and Olivia for their motivation, commitment, and hard work in making this Book and Toys Drive a reality. Their actions not only reflect the values we hold dear at AISM but also serve as a powerful reminder of the difference we can all make when we come together for a common cause.
AISM Scholaroos Take on the World
James Unsworth J.P. (Qual.), Deputy Head of Middle & Senior School
In the MSS Assembly today, certificates were awarded to the members of the AISM Scholaroos team that participated in the Global Round of the World Scholar’s Cup (WSC) during the last school holiday break. After competing in the Kuala Lumpur Regional Round during Term 2, the following students took up the challenge of competing against the best scholars from around the world in the Global Round:
- Ayra Akmal Hakim
- Ru Qian How
- Sharon Ng
- Isabelle Teoh
- Tia Perera
- Chelsea Unsworth
- Charlotte Cheong
- Arjan Pathmanaban
- Mackenzie Miller
- Caden Cheong
- Aiman Akmal Hakim
- Bo Shen Tan
- Henry Yap
- Kelly Moon
- Hyuna Oh
- Yen Kei Ooi
- Iggy Jones
- Aneesha Pollock
- Jasmin Unsworth
The AISM Scholaroos are one of the best known WSC teams in the world, having participated in the competition since 2009, travelling the world to compete in events in China, the USA, the UAE, Vietnam, Thailand and many others. At these events, students participate in teams of three, across events that include Debating, Multiple Choice Testing, Team Quiz and Essay Writing. The 2024 Scholaroos yet again did AISM proud, demonstrating great character and leadership in community events, such as the Scavenge Hunt, Scholar’s Ball and Cultural Fair (where our students represented the cultures and food of Australia), as well as academic excellence in the four competitive events. More than 1500 students from more than 25 countries participated in this Global Round, each having qualified through their own regional round. Our Scholaroos bagged a huge haul of 72 medals.
There are too many awards to mention but some of the key highlights include:
- Ayra’s 37th place in Art & Music;
- Kelly’s 32rd place in Debate;
- Caden’s 31st place in History;
- Bo Shen’s 30th place in Special Area;
- Arjan’s 22nd place in Social Science;
- Aiman’s 21st place in Science & Technology;
- Iggy’s 14th place in Special Area;
- Jasmin’s 36th place in Science & Technology, 35th place in Literature & Music, 28th place in Art & Music and 13th place in Special Area; and,
- Aneesha’s 17th place in Debate and 10th place in Special Area.
One of AISM’s top performing teams was the team consisting of Yen Kei, Kelly & Hyuna, who finished 13th place in Debate, 64th place in Writing and 45th in the competition overall. On an individual level, we are especially proud of Charlotte for finishing 7th overall in the Under 11 category and Jasmin who finished 35th in the Multiple Choice Examination and 33rd in the competition as a whole. The top performing AISM team was the one consisting of Jasmin, Iggy and Aneesha, who finished 27th place in Team Quiz, 21st place in Debate, 18th place in the Multiple Choice Test and 16th place in the overall competition.
As a school, we were proud to act as one of the hosts for the Global Round Debating competition, hosting more than 700 students from around the world over a period of two days. Our thanks go to Ms Devi, Mr Pollock, Ms Malini, Mrs Unsworth, Mr Webster, Ms Boam and AISM alumni, Ishwarya and Priyanka Krishna, who gave time out of the holidays to support the students, as well as the Facilities, Canteen and Marketing teams who facilitated the hosting of the Debating event. Above all, we extend our gratitude to the coaches of our 2024 Scholaroos, Mr Broadbent, Ms Dawes and Mr Webster. On a personal note, I would also like to recognise the long term support of the school for this programme since I first launched it at AISM in 2009, which culminated in the honour of my naming as Coach of the Decade at this year’s Global Round. This is truly a recognition of the hundreds of Scholaroos and their coaches who have represented the school so proudly over the past 15 years.
We now look forward to 2025 and another fantastic year of success for the AISM Scholaroos!
English Department MSS: What's Going On?
English Faculty
Year 6
This term Year 6 English students have been sharpening their skills in persuasion. They have learned about the appeals of pathos, ethos and logos and designed some outstanding billboards that demonstrate their budding rhetorical skills. This term’s persuasive writing is linked to AISM’s Care Movement, with our young writers persuading a variety of audiences to care for self, care for others, and care for the world. In addition, Year 6 found time to decorate our classroom doors and dress as their favourite book characters to celebrate Book Week.
Year 7
During term 3, our Year 7 students have been actively involved in reading and thoroughly analysing Jackie French's historical fiction Pharaoh. They have been writing summaries of crucial moments in the book, identifying significant details that demonstrate how literary techniques help develop and build the world and characters of Pharaoh. This active learning process will significantly assist them in their in-class essay.
Year 8
This term in English, our Year 8 learners have been exploring the concept of "Healthy Risk-Taking" and why stepping out of our comfort zones is vital for achieving success. Students have been watching the inspiring film The Secret Life of Walter Mitty as part of this study. Through analysing key scenes and film techniques, our students are delving deeper into how the film effectively conveys the importance of taking risks in life. The class has been analysing scenes like Walter’s daring jump from a helicopter and his exhilarating skateboard ride across Iceland, symbolising the thrilling yet intimidating nature of stepping into the unknown. This unit has provided learners with a meaningful opportunity to reflect on their own lives, encouraging them to think about how stepping out of their comfort zones could lead to personal growth and success.
Year 9
This term, our Year 9 students have been diving into the world of Shakespeare, focusing on the timeless classic Romeo and Juliet. For many students, this was their first introduction to Shakespeare, despite being familiar with the story of the star-crossed lovers. This unit provided a valuable opportunity to connect the narrative they knew with the author behind it.
One of the unit's highlights was a dynamic classroom activity where students brought crucial scenes from Romeo and Juliet to life. Using dialogue from the play and classroom props, students added their creative twists, gaining a deeper understanding of the characters' emotions and motivations. This hands-on experience made Shakespeare’s work more accessible and relatable, demonstrating the practical application of literary analysis.
Building on this, the students have begun analysing modern adaptations of Romeo and Juliet, including an exciting version involving zombies. This exercise provides insights into how Shakespeare's themes remain relevant, even after over 400 years. By comparing the original play with its contemporary adaptations, students are learning about the enduring impact of literature and how classic stories continue to resonate with audiences today.
This exploration deepens their understanding of Romeo and Juliet. It opens their eyes to the broader world of literature, demonstrating that Shakespeare's work is still very much alive in modern culture.
Year 9 & 10 EAL
In the Year 9 & 10 EAL class, students enhance their literacy skills by exploring the elements of stories through wordless picture books. The course focuses on understanding key story elements such as plot, characterisation, theme, conflict, setting, and mood. By engaging with these visual texts, students also develop their critical thinking and comprehension skills through NESA verbs like identify, describe, explain, analyse, and evaluate. This approach strengthens their English language abilities and provides them with the foundational skills and terminology needed to succeed in the EAL HSC course.
Year 10
We recently watched a screen adaptation of Hamlet starring the incredible Andrew Scott. Using Visible Thinking routines like 'Step Inside' and 'Compass Points,' we focused on deeply analysing Hamlet's language, especially in his soliloquies. We're gathering our writing portfolio pieces in draft form and preparing to edit and polish them over the next two weeks.
Year 11 EAL/D
Through Term 3’s module on Texts and Society, 11 EAL/D students have been exploring and composing various texts around academics, the workplace, and the wider community. They have drafted resumés, cover letters, and personal statements. They enjoyed some lively discussions about intergenerational issues in the workplace. Lastly, in gearing up for their upcoming Preliminary Exam, they have been exploring a wide range of societal issues through letters to the editor and fine-tuning their persuasive writing skills by composing their own letter on an issue of their choice.
Year 11 Standard
To prepare for the upcoming Preliminary assessments, the Year 11 English Standard students have been having a great time applying their literary analysis skills to a range of satirical comedic images. They have been learning to analyse techniques such as composition, framing, vectors, gaze, salience, and symbolism and have even drafted responses to visual images.
Year 11 Advanced
Throughout the term, we have been analysing the poetry of Australian Bruce Dawe, a postmodernist who wrote poetry that was critical and skeptical of the Vietnam War and America’s consumerism and influence over Australian society. The students have worked together to annotate and make connections to the poem as well as concept maps and develop their essay writing skills.
Year 11 Extension
In Term 3, the class watched and evaluated the representation of the colonial experience in Claire Denis’ film Chocolat. The film follows a young French woman who returns to the silence of West Africa to contemplate her childhood days in a colonial outpost in Cameroon. Her strongest memories are of the family’s houseboy, Protee – a man of great nobility and beauty – and the intricate nature of relationships in a racist society.
Literary Circles
All students in 6-10 are also actively participating in Literary Circles, a collaborative learning initiative. They meet in the library once a cycle to discuss a book they have agreed upon in groups of 3-6. Each student is allocated a role and responsible for ensuring they are organised and read up to a predetermined part of the book.
The Arts Department
Matthew Fisher, Head of The Arts
The AISM Arts Department has been very busy covering all the aspects of brain function (as shown above) in our classes. While amazing things are being created by all years in Term 3, the focus has really been on our fabulous Year 12 students as they prepare to submit their works and performances for their HSC.
Music
What a ride it has been with this brilliant group of students. They commit themselves not only to their musical studies but also to the promotion of the Arts, as well as promotion of the whole school. The 5 pianists, 2 vocalists and a saxophonist will perform a total of 24 pieces of music, submit 4 compositions with logbooks and complete 1 viva voce for their HSC in 2024. This all requires a lot of commitment, self-motivation, rehearsal time and organisation from the entire class and they have excelled in every aspect.
Visual Arts
This year's HSC cohort will be Mrs Ritchies farewell HSC class, and they’ve really kept her on her toes with their diverse talents across a variety of mediums. From sculpture to painting and everything in between, the creative process is well and truly alive in the Year 12 Artists. With the Artworks due to be locked away over the coming weeks until the HSC markers arrive to assess them, the students are all very busy polishing, patching, painting and finishing process diaries to achieve their best marks possible. We wish them well in all their creative endeavours.
Drama
This small but amazingly talented group of students have really demonstrated flare and dedication to their vastly different styles of dramatic art. Their mandatory group performance has required the addition of Year 11 students which has been a logistical challenge for Mr Keys, trying to create rehearsal schedules with the least impact on students' other studies. The individual projects are looking outstanding, with submissions of Film and Set design almost ready for submission. Jinky’s set design, based on the play ‘Black Diggers’ is a brilliant piece, mixing period elements from WW1 and modern ‘cubist’ elements. There’s even a mechanically rotating set in the middle. While Imad’s film showcases fantastic editing skills and dramatic direction and features cast members from Year 8 to Year 12. Congratulations on your amazing works and we hope to see your names in lights in the future.
WHOLE SCHOOL
Parent Survey Feedback Session
Aaron Wise, Principal
We are pleased to invite you to a special Parent Survey Feedback Session on Friday, 13 October, where we will share the results of the Parent Satisfaction Survey conducted last term. This session will take place in the MPR room at 9:00 am.
During the session, we will provide an overview of the survey findings, discuss key insights, and outline the steps we plan to take to enhance our school based on your valuable feedback. This is an excellent opportunity for you to hear about the improvements we are making to ensure AISM continues to provide the best possible learning environment for your children.
For those who are unable to attend, please note that a comprehensive written report on the survey will be sent out to all parents following the session.
Your feedback is crucial in helping us grow and evolve as a school, and we look forward to sharing how your input is shaping our future.
We hope you can join us for this important discussion and contribute to the ongoing partnership between our school and our parent community.
Pink Fun Run
Mrs. Mac & Nurse Alice, Health Services Nurses
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month!
To support this important cause, Health Services has organized a Pink Fun Run for all staff and the first 30 lucky parents to sign up.
Please note:
No supervision for students during this event.
To Register:
Please scan the QR code to sign up and purchase your pink T-shirt. Half of the cost of each T-shirt will be donated to the National Cancer Society of Malaysia.
Whether you prefer to run or walk, everyone is welcome to join in the fun!
Important: The closing date for registration is 20 September. Don’t miss out!
For more details, check the Google Form.
Let’s come together to support this meaningful cause!
AISM Pink Gala - Win a Free Night at the Sofitel
Aaron Wise, Principal
Dear AISM Parents and Staff,
The AISM Pink Gala Dinner will raise money to support the National Cancer Society of Malaysia. It is going to be a fantastic night featuring:
- A delicious 5-course dinner
- Free-flow juice, soft drinks, beer and wine
- Entertainment
- A charity auction
- A charity raffle
- And more!
To find out more about the gala dinner, please see the attached PDF or watch the exciting promotional video at:
To encourage everyone to buy their tickets early, anyone who purchases a ticket during August will automatically be entered into a draw to win a free night's accommodation at the Sofitel for 2 people.
Early bird tickets are on sale now for RM 500 for this month only. From next week onwards they will cost RM 550.
To secure your ticket, please deposit the payment directly into the school's bank account. Be sure to include a note in the remarks section indicating that the payment is for the Gala Dinner. Once the transfer is complete, please send a copy of the transaction along with details of who the tickets are for to accounts@aism.edu.my
Gather your friends, dress to impress in black tie and evening dresses, or your finest shades of pink, and join us for a night of fun, food, and fabulous entertainment – all for a great cause.
Everyday Popcorn
Cezars Kitchen
