PRINCIPALLY SPEAKING
Aaron Wise, Principal
This week, we want to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to Garth Jones, who has served as the Vice-Chair of the Parent Teacher Community (PTC) at AISM for the past three years. Garth’s tireless efforts and unwavering commitment have been instrumental in reviving the PTC and creating a vibrant, active community that has enriched the experience of both students and parents.
Under Garth’s leadership, the PTC has blossomed, organizing a range of wonderful events that brought our community together. From fun-filled family days to fundraising initiatives for important causes, Garth has been a driving force behind the many opportunities for connection and collaboration that we’ve all enjoyed. His dedication has left a lasting legacy, and we are incredibly grateful for everything he has contributed to AISM.
As Garth steps down, he leaves us with a heartfelt wish for the future: that our school community remains united, focused on supporting our students’ learning and growth. He encourages all parents to leave politics at the door and to work together constructively, ensuring that the focus stays where it belongs—on our children.
The PTC is a vital part of what makes AISM special, and we are always looking for new members to continue this important work. If you’re interested in joining the PTC and making a difference in our school community, please email Alice at paprincipal@aism.edu.my.
Once again, thank you, Garth, for your extraordinary contributions and for inspiring us all to come together as a community. We wish you all the best in your future endeavours and look forward to building on the strong foundation you’ve helped create.
JUNIOR SCHOOL
Michelle Chaplin, Head of Junior School
As we approach the end of 2024 there are opportunities to showcase our students, share as a community and conclude the school year on a high. In the Junior School the partnership between parents, students and teachers is one that is greatly valued by all of us at AISM. This year has been no exception as we have enjoyed strong communication through our Seesaw App, shared photos and evidence of the wonderful learning experiences as they have occurred and ensured we are all working towards the same goals. My thanks to our Class Reps who have been a vital channel for our communication and keeping our community in the loop with reminders - a wonderful group of parents -
“Erica Ng, Sarah McIntyre, Chihiro Riho, Sooky Chan, Nur Badriah, Amber Loh, Sameena Shaik, Catalina Chavez, Yhee Phei Tai, Katie Jones, Amanda Corby”
We look forward to welcoming all parents to our end of year festivities:
- Sing-A-Long on Friday, 29 November at 4pm
- Celebration of Achievement on Wednesday, 4 December at 9am
- Our final assembly on the last day of term at 11am in the gym. The term concludes at the end of the assembly at 12 noon.
We still have many exciting moments in the last weeks as we finish the year on a high!
Highlights from an Inspiring Term in Year 3
Vaneisha Madhavan, Iman Engelbert, Jeremy Cox, Year 3 Teachers
This term has been an incredible learning, exploration, and fun journey for Year 3. From artistic adventures to scientific inquiries and exciting activities, we’re making the most of every opportunity. Here’s a look at some of our highlights and accomplishments. Enjoy reading about our Term 4 journey so far!
Inquiry: Exploring the Living World
This term, Year 3 students are exploring the cycles and connections in the living world. We began with a video call from Dr Lynn Lewis-Bevan, a scientist from the University of Oxford who specialises in baboon behaviour and bird rehabilitation. She answered students’ questions about animals and other aspects of the living world, sparking their curiosity and eagerness to learn more.
In subsequent lessons, students used thinking routines to organise their ideas, forming groups based on shared interests. Each group chose an animal to research, and they’re now creating multimedia presentations covering its appearance, habitat, diet, life cycle and fun facts.
Next, we’ll explore the similarities and differences between living and non-living worlds, exploring life cycles and ecosystems. This unit has been a journey of curiosity, deep thinking and collaboration, and we look forward to the discoveries students will share as they continue their learning.
Art: Getting Creative with Clay
Our Year 3 students have been exploring the world of clay and ceramics this term in art. They began by learning about the properties of clay and the ceramic-making process and then moved on to planning and designing their own unique clay creations.
Before diving into their projects, the students practised essential techniques for working with clay, including the pinching method, scoring to join pieces and using slip as an adhesive. With their newfound skills, they brought their designs to life, shaping and assembling their clay creations with care.
Their pieces have now been sent off to be fired in the kiln, and we’re eagerly awaiting their return. Once they’re back, the students will have the chance to paint and add final touches before proudly bringing their masterpieces home.
Bringing Maths to Life in the Marketplace
We made maths come alive this term by incorporating real-world shopping experiences into our lesson! The science lab transformed into a marketplace with grocery, stationery and toy sections, where students took turns as both buyers and sellers. Using coins, they practised counting, addition and subtraction and even experienced a touch of financial literacy by managing a limited amount of money. While our main focus was on mass and maths skills, students also got a taste of budgeting and mindful spending, tracking their purchases on a template to see how much they spent and what they had left. This hands-on activity made learning both practical and fun!
Our students are excited for the new challenges and learning opportunities that await them in Year 4 in 2025. A heartfelt thank you to all the students, teachers and parents for their support and enthusiasm throughout the year. Here’s to a fantastic next chapter!
Year 5 Students Prepare for Middle School Transition Day
Mr. Ryan Mclntyre, Ms. Jaeshinthaa Kaur Uppal, Ms. Taranpreet & Ms. Poovaneswary, Year 5 Team
Our Year 5 students are looking forward to their upcoming Transition Day into Middle School. Designed to give them a genuine feel for what lies ahead, the day is filled with activities that aim to ease their transition and build excitement for the next stage in their education.
The day will start with an orientation session where students will familiarise themselves with the Middle School environment and learn how to use their lockers. This introduction helps them feel more comfortable in new surroundings and prepares them for the daily routines they will encounter.
Following the orientation, students will participate in a language taster session. This offers them the chance to explore the variety of languages available in Middle School, potentially igniting new interests and broadening their cultural horizons.
Throughout the day, interactive workshops are planned to focus on collaboration, creativity and problem-solving—key skills that are important for success in Middle School. These sessions also provide opportunities for students to strengthen existing friendships and make new ones.
In the afternoon, there will be a special shuttle activity game in the cafeteria with Year 6 students. This engaging activity is designed to help Year 5 students connect with their future peers, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie.
We are proud of our Year 5 students and believe that this Transition Day will be a valuable experience as they prepare to move forward.
Warm regards,
The Year 5 Team
MIDDLE & SENIOR SCHOOL
Celebrating Mathematics Excellence and Preparing for a Landmark Year
Mrs Tanya Fisher, Mathematics Head of Faculty
2024 has been a remarkable year for AISM, marked by achievements in mathematics, the launch of impactful programs, and staff contributions to the broader educational community. As AISM prepares for its 25th Anniversary celebrations in 2025, the school's commitment to academic excellence and innovation remains stronger than ever.
Among the standout achievements in the various competitions this year were, Lucas Yip and Derek Han secured Gold Medals in KMC and SASMO, with Lucas advancing to the second round of KMC, a testament to his remarkable talent and dedication. These accomplishments highlight AISM's focus on nurturing young mathematicians, with special thanks to teacher Ms. Azra for her unwavering support.
AISM’s innovative approach to mathematics education continues to meet the diverse needs of its students. The Acceleration Program allows eligible students to complete the Mathematics Advanced Higher School Certificate a year early, providing an opportunity for high-achieving learners to challenge themselves academically. The Extension Program, designed for Years 6 and 7 students, enriches their learning experience through engaging mathematical activities. The Number Ninja Program, now in its second year, has been instrumental in helping Middle School students strengthen their foundational mathematics skills. Guided by Ms. Wood and Ms. Azra, this initiative has enabled students to build confidence and improve their numeracy, setting them up for long-term success.
AISM’s mathematics faculty has also demonstrated exceptional dedication to professional development and community engagement. Ms. Malini and Mr. Pollock attended the MANSW conference in Australia, exploring innovative tools such as the latest CASIO calculators, further enhancing their teaching capabilities. The school also hosted the inaugural Kuala Lumpur Mathematics Teachers Network (KLMT) conference on November 22nd, which welcomed nearly 40 educators from across Malaysia, including participants from as far as Kota Kinabalu. Mrs. Bunn's session on Practical Mathematics showcased AISM’s leadership in the field and Ms Woods will teach other Educators about the power of AI. In December, Ms. Malini and Ms. Rashina will represent AISM at the Asian Technology Conference in Mathematics in Indonesia, contributing to the global dialogue on advanced teaching methodologies.
AISM’s Mathematics journey in 2024 highlighted the school's dedication to fostering excellence in students and staff alike, ensuring a dynamic and supportive environment for mathematical growth.
WHOLE SCHOOL
Celebrating Our Future Leaders
Ms Charlotte Spence, Head of Diverse Educational Needs
This term, we proudly watched our Year 5 captains and two Year 6 students step into the spotlight as they participated in the Queensland Future Leader Program. Designed to nurture exceptional leadership skills and foster global competence, this prestigious program brought together students from across Asia and the Pacific to collaborate on challenges identified in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The program’s focus was to empower students like Chelsea, Alex, Yi Chen, Baxter, Frankie, and Charmayne to think critically and globally, develop their leadership qualities, and work collaboratively to develop real-world solutions to school-based challenges. Over four online sessions, our students explored the art of leadership, reflecting on their own qualities, heard from global guest speakers on topics such as social entrepreneurship, and engaged in meaningful discussions to broaden their global understanding.
For their project, the team identified an issue linked to SDG 2.0 Zero Hunger: the need for more affordable and nutritious school food. They began by interviewing students and staff, gathering diverse perspectives to better understand the challenge. Using these insights, the group brainstormed creative solutions and carefully evaluated their practicality. After passionate debates, they agreed on a forward-thinking solution: a student-maintained farm, funded by school charity fundraisers, to supply fresh, healthy ingredients for school meals whilst simultaneously reducing cost.
The team’s journey continued. They dedicated time to crafting and refining their presentation about their project, offering each other constructive feedback to ensure their ideas were shared with clarity and impact. Their hard work culminated in a virtual presentation to over 190 students, showcasing their innovative thinking, teamwork, and reflective approach. They were nervous, but really put their best foot forward, speaking with maturity and meaning.
I am incredibly proud of what these young leaders achieved and the commitment they demonstrated throughout the program. Their efforts exemplify the power of collaboration and the importance of addressing global challenges together.
As Frankie reflected at the end of the program:
"I used to think that the world didn’t have many problems. Now I think we need to work together to build more solutions."
2024 Christmas Sing-A-Long
Yearbook 2024
We’re excited to announce that this year’s AISM Yearbook will be available in a digital format, accessible to all families. For those who would like a printed copy, you may place your order by completing an online form. Each family is entitled to one printed copy at no additional charge, with additional copies available for RM50 each.
The AISM Yearbook will be ready for students to collect starting 3 December 2024, and the e-Yearbook will be accessible on the AISM website on the same day.
Please note that all Yearbook orders must be submitted by 5 pm on 22 November 2024.
Important Notice: E-Service Portal Migration
We are excited to announce that AISM is migrating to a new e-service portal to enhance your experience. As part of this transition, the current e-service portal will be temporarily unavailable. Please take note of the following important dates:
9 December 2024: E-Service Portal Downtime
(Access will be unavailable for parents. During this time, parents will not be able to make fee payments via the current portal.)
2 January 2025: Launch of New E-Service Portal
(The new e-service portal will be available for use. The finance team will upload the new term’s invoice to the portal by 9 January 2025, at which point parents will be able to login and make fee payments)
We kindly ask for your understanding and patience during this period of transition. Rest assured, we are working diligently to improve the system and provide you with a more seamless experience.
Thank you for your cooperation, and we look forward to introducing the new portal soon!
Celebrating AISM’s 25th Anniversary: Special Admissions Fee Waiver for Siblings
As we proudly celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Australian International School Malaysia, we are thrilled to announce a special promotion for families in our community. In appreciation of your continued support and to share in this milestone with you, we are offering a 100% waiver on the admissions fee for any sibling not currently enrolled in AISM.
Promotion Details:
- Admissions Fee Waiver: 100% waiver for siblings enrolling for Term 1/2025
- Eligibility: Families must have at least one other child already enrolled at AISM as a full fee-paying student.
- Application Due Date: 31 December 2024
This special offer is our way of expressing gratitude to the wonderful families who make our school such a vibrant and inspiring place for learning. We hope this initiative supports your family’s journey with AISM and opens doors to more enriching educational experiences together.
Should you have any questions or wish to begin the admissions process, please reach out to our admissions team at admissions@aism.edu.my or contact us at 03 - 8949 5000.
Thank you once again for your partnership and support. Here's to a future filled with more shared successes and growth.
