PRINCIPALLY SPEAKING
Simon Brooks, Principal
Today was RUOK Day at AISM and what a magical experience it was!
RUOK Day, short for "Are You OK Day," is an annual event observed in many countries, with its origins in Australia. This important day serves as a reminder to check in on the mental and emotional well-being of friends, family members, colleagues, and acquaintances.
The primary aim of RUOK Day is to promote open and meaningful conversations about mental health, encouraging people to ask the simple yet powerful question, "Are you OK?" The ultimate goal is to foster connections and to be of true assistance to those who may be struggling with challenges in their life.
At AISM, we marked RUOK Day with a smorgasbord of different activities designed and led by our committed team of educators. As many of you know, one of our core initiatives here at AISM is Just15 - we believe that our mental and physical health is immeasurably enriched if we take action and set aside ‘just 15’ minutes of time per day to do something that we love. This might be something that gets our blood pumping, such as weight training, running or tennis, or something that we are passionate about, such as listening to music, chatting with friends or painting.
Today, AISM teachers led a whole series of different ‘Just15’ experiences reflecting their own passions, and students got the opportunity to experience these in groups. There is not enough space here for me to name the complete plethora of opportunities provided, but the list includes drumming, calligraphy, origami, frisbee, juggling, boules, tetras towers, hydroponics, song writing, card tricks, sudoku, chess, and the list goes on.
My thanks go to all of our teachers for their commitment to enriching our students’ lives and sharing their many passions with us today. Particular thanks go to our School Counsellor Ms. Zoe McPherson for the hours of effort and outstanding leadership she has put into preparing for today.
I concluded the day by running an assembly for students in MSS where I focused on one particular skill which I hope is useful for everyone in our community to ponder further…
How good are your listening skills, do you think?
What is your default approach to negotiating conversations with friends and family when they might be upset, emotional or overwhelmed?
Today, I worked with our students in MSS to help them cultivate the skill of reflective listening. This is an incredibly powerful skill, but also very tricky to master, and takes years of practice. Like many people, I’m still learning, and still have a long way to go.
To some extent, reflective listening is the opposite of advice giving. When friends or family are upset, it can be very easy to slip into advice mode, telling them exactly what we think they should do to resolve the problem or take action. In reality, people in these situations usually don’t want advice. If they wanted it, they’d ask for it. What they actually want is to be heard, to be acknowledged, to talk. When we jump in and give advice too soon, we deprive people of the opportunity to clarify their thinking for themselves and find their own answers.
At its core, reflective listening involves actively listening to someone and then paraphrasing or summarising what they have said to show empathy and understanding. When we practise reflective listening, we might say things like:
“I’m hearing you say that…”
“It sounds like you’re feeling frustrated about… Is that right?”
“So, if I understand correctly, you’re worried about…”
“You mentioned that you’re excited about the new opportunity and the changes it might bring.”
“I think I understand that you feel like there are so many demands on you and you don’t know which way to turn.”
On the back of RUOK Day, why not open up a conversation with your child or children this weekend. What do they think RUOk Day is all about? Why might it be important? Do they know what reflective listening is? (Hopefully, MSS students will have some ideas!) What might be the benefits? How might we all get better at it? Are they OK?
Have a lovely weekend everyone!
JUNIOR SCHOOL
Michelle Chaplin, Head of Junior School
Term 4 is upon us and what a wash of excitement has hit the Junior School - so much to be getting ready for already in week 1.
Week 1 was all about our ISA testing from Y3 to Y5 and we are very proud of how our students approached these tests with a positive “Can Do” attitude. We look forward to gaining great insights into their learning once the results are in! Well done to all our students who participated.
The Junior School is thriving and enjoying increasing numbers across all year levels - we have completed our recruitment of new teachers ready for opening more classes in 2024. It has been a joy to see old students welcome new students - to see the beginning of friendships forming and to welcome our new families.
Sadly we have farewelled Miss Lucia this week as she ventures into her retirement. Miss Lucia has given her time, talents, passion and love to AISM for 14 years. In that time she has endeavoured to make us all feel special, feel treasured and above all, feel cherished as a part of the AISM family. Miss Lucia inspires both staff and students to be the very best they can be. She endows such a spirit of goodness in those around her that one can’t help but join the ranks. It has often been said that there is no bigger welcome mat than the one at the door to AISM. Well, that was made by Miss Lucia.
For all she has done for the AISM community we thank Lucia and know that she will have a home in so many hearts. We wish her a long and complete retirement enjoying life to the fullest.
Farewell to our dear Miss Lucia - A lady of distinction - A woman of quality - A friend to all.
Term 4 is a fast paced and dynamic term with much consolidation of learning and then in turn preparation for next year. There will be many opportunities to celebrate together as we progress through the weeks - keep your calendar / diary close so you don’t miss a trick!!
“To begin with the end in mind means to start with a clear understanding of your destination. It means to know where you're going so that you better understand where you are now and so that the steps you take are always in the right direction.”
- Stephen CoveyMIDDLE & SENIOR SCHOOL
We’ve reached the end of the first week and what a busy and wonderful week it has been… ISA assessments for students in Years 6 to 10, Year 12 busily studying for their HSC exams that begin next week, and Year 11 off to Camp in Sydney from today and back at school from next Friday.
RUOK Day today for the MSS was a magical experience. Not only did MSS students experience the Just15 teacher activity rotations I have written about in ‘Principally Speaking’, but from 9am-11am they got to share in each other’s passions too!
In a wonderful example of student leadership, our SRC conceived a plan whereby AISM students themselves offered a series of different activities for their peers including photography, gardening, doodling, badminton, music trivia, movies, mandala art, etc.
The day culminated with announcing the winners of the Homeroom podcast competition and poster competition. Congratulations to the successful students!
I was very proud of our young people today. They really took on the message of RUOk. Our school is a kind and caring place, and so much of that was on display today. Kudos to our young people and I look forward to a productive term of great learning ahead!
WHOLE SCHOOL
Play On! Children’s Festival
The Australian International School Malaysia and makchic are celebrating families yet again, with the return of our highly anticipated Play On! Children’s Festival!
Families can look forward to a day of exciting performances, fun carnival games, engaging workshops and activities, creative learning and exploration, storytelling by local authors, shopping and delicious food, especially curated for kids, 12 years old and under.
With the success of last year’s event, this child-centric carnival is set to be held on Saturday, 14 October 2023, with extended hours, from 10.00am to 6.00pm.
Commitment to Children
With appropriate safety measures in place, and amenities such as baby-changing facilities, a nursing room and a calm room, parents need to look no further for a family-friendly festival that will not only allow the little ones to explore and enjoy the range of creative and sporting activities, but will also help school-going children from remote villages in Sabah. A portion of the proceeds will be going to The Matilda Project, an ongoing charity effort supported by AISM since 2010.
In the spirit of teaching children the joy of sharing and giving to others, there will also be a toy donation drive at the event, and we invite you to bring your preloved toys over to the Play Unlimited’s booth. These toys will go to new homes, and benefit Toy Libraries at Orang Asli villages in the Royal Belum Rainforest and PPR Lembah Subang 2.
Entrance is free! So, don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to enjoy a family-focused space that aims to foster creativity and nurture young minds, while bringing families together.
What You Can Expect
Stories and Art Children will be able to explore the wonderful world of books and word fun, including beloved characters – Pinkfong, Baby Shark, Thomas & Friends, and animals from the Anak Rimba Books, at the Pelangi Kids’ Zone by Pelangi Kids (proudly presented by Pelangi Books Gallery). Expect special goody bags for young visitors who participate in the booth activities, and look out for the opportunity to purchase Pelangi Kids limited edition box sets that will only be available during the Festival!
Check out storytelling sessions by local authors, such as Afi Sulaiman, learn the art of storybook illustrations with Munsya Rahman, and create your own unique tie-dye designs with the teachers from the Australian International School Malaysia.
Learn through Play From fun physical activities by The Little Gym Malaysia, delightful music sessions by Ann Perreau’s Music School, woodworking workshops for families by Aida Ihsani, messy and open-ended play by PlanToys Malaysia, Messy Play Don’t Care and Juggle Brain, to carnival games and giant bubble play, there will be plenty to see and do for everyone.
Family Portraits & A Treasure Hunt P.s. Don’t forget to drop by the photobooth by Stories Lifestyle to get complimentary digital photos of your family on the day! A special gift also awaits those who participate in our mini Treasure Hunt at the festival.
Download the Schedule here.
Book Your Spot and Plan Ahead
For the safety of all visitors, we highly encourage pre-registering for the Play On! Children’s Festival. Free goody bags from our partners and sponsors, will be given to the first 100 families who pre-register and collect!
Pre-register for the Play On! Children’s Festival. Free goody bags will be given to the first 100 families!
Shop and Dine Options
Treat your families to the extensive offerings from our dining options this year, from local favourites Wan Seven Cafe 96’s char kuey teow, Gringo’s Tex-Mex Cuisine (think tacos, quesadillas and nachos!), Alla Piccola Italia (API) Pizza’s freshly baked Neapolitan pizza, to Tachikawa’s rice bowls and udon.
Need a sweet fix? Check out the fresh juices and smoothies from Boost Malaysia, uniquely flavoured ice creams from Confettini Creamery, fresh fruit ice sticks from myFizRo STICKX, and premium scones and pastries from mother and son duo, JebatMade.
Looking for a healthier option for the family? Look no further than NourishMe for a delicious vegetarian alternative. Parents looking for a caffeine fix can also enjoy their cup of specialty coffee, sourced from local roasters, at Bond Cafe.
And as a special treat, free-flowing complimentary Milo will be available to all festival-goers, from 11:30am to 3:30pm!
Do bring cash, reusable bags, and keep your e-wallet handy to shop at our carefully curated retail section, which includes Crayola, Atom & the Dot, Fabbgüds, GL Play, and more!
AISM Parent Referral Program
Tuition Fee Rebate For You. Admissions Fee Waiver for Your Friend.
Know a friend who is on the fence about enrolling their child at AISM? Nothing beats an endorsement from you!
Share with them our well-balanced teaching & learning approach that constantly aspires to build global leaders and earn your reward.
Know a friend who is on the fence about enrolling their child at AISM? Nothing beats an endorsement from you!
Share with them our well-balanced teaching & learning approach that constantly aspires to build global leaders and earn your reward.
HOW TO GET STARTED?
1. REFER A FRIEND AND EARN RM3,000 REBATE ON YOUR CHILD’S TUITION FEE.
2. REFER A FAMILY (2 OR MORE STUDENTS) AND EARN RM5,000 REBATE ON YOUR CHILD'S TUITION FEE.
3. YOUR FRIENDS WILL BE ENTITLED TO 75% ADMISSIONS FEE WAIVER (WORTH RM15,000).
*Terms & conditions apply
Terms & Conditions:
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The Parent Referral Program is available for new students who enrol with AISM from 15 July 2023 - 14 July 2024.
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A new student is defined as a student enrolling for the first time at AISM and from a family that has no other students currently enrolled at AISM.
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The program is applicable across all year groups.
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Parents will need to inform the Admissions Department about their referral to claim the credit for tuition fee rebate and for new parents to be entitled to 75% admissions fee waiver.
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Tuition fee credit can be used to only deduct fees in the following term, after the student has enrolled and completed one full term.
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This promotion is not applicable with other promotions or any products/services that are part of a promotion.
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Australian International School Malaysia (AISM) reserves the right to amend the Terms & Conditions of this promotion at any time without prior notice.
Interested to find out more? Submit your details by clicking the button below or drop our Admissions Team an email at enquiry@aism.edu.my