Week Four - September 22nd, 2023
Dear Parents & Guardians
Welcome to the end of another busy week.
The transition process for the new StuELT commenced this week and thanks must go to our current President and Vice President of StuELT, who introduced our Grade 11 students to the application process. Grade 11 students are encouraged to submit their application to lead any of the Committees for the upcoming school year. The process centres around CV submission, a panel discussion and interviews. We envisage that the new StuELT will be announced in approx. a month time.
We were fortunate to host a variety of universities on campus this week, and I thank Ms Meena and Ms Rejina for their coordination of these vital aspects of school life. It is that time of the year when colleges and universities do visit schools and I strongly encourage our student to tap into their expertise while they are on campus. We have a multitude of fairs visiting again next week – keep an eye out for details.
Well done to all students who auditioned for Matilda this week. The Art department were inundated with budding actors, actresses and backstage crew wanting to participate in the upcoming spectacle. You will have to wait until next year however, to view the performance. Those involved will be busy learning lines, preparing props and fine tuning their vocal cords as they embark on this exciting project. Thank you to Ms Ellie, Ms Emma and Ms Irasa for the work completed to date. I can’t wait to see the show!
Similarly, well done to all students who have shown up to squad try outs and ECA’s in recent weeks. The involvement across the secondary has been outstanding and the strong desire to be involved in an after-school activity or squad is a great reflection on the students we have at GIS. Well done to all.
Have a wonderful weekend ahead.
Kind regards
Amanda Murphy
Hello and welcome from the Secondary Counseling Team at GIS! We hope you all had a lovely summer break, and are looking forward to a great year at GIS.
This year, we are welcoming 600 new students to our community. As we continue to prioritize student success and wellbeing, we have also expanded our Secondary Counseling Team, now with two social-emotional counselors, one university counselor, and one university counselor assistant to cater to the needs of all our students at GIS.
Here is a short introduction of each one of us…
Grade 11
ATL : Thinking skills, Communication and Research skills
Exploration Criteria: Presentation (A), Mathematical presentation (B)and Personal Engagement (C)
Topic: Graphs, Functions and Domain
In the Grade 11 AIHL math class, students engaged in a student-led research activity that delved into the exploration of graphs of functions and their real-life applications. Working in groups of four, these budding higher-level math enthusiasts embarked on a journey of critical inquiry and debate regarding the reliability of available graphs, while also applying principles of Theory of Knowledge (TOK) within the context of mathematics.
The focus of their research was twofold: first, they scrutinized the validity, usefulness, and accuracy of graphs representing Bulgaria's population, dissecting the data to uncover patterns, anomalies, and underlying mathematical concepts. Secondly, they extended their analysis to the global mean temperature anomaly, seeking to understand the implications of data trends in the context of climate science.
Throughout this comprehensive investigation, students used their general knowledge, printed sources, and research skills to gain a deeper understanding of the "what" and the "why" behind these graphical representations. They engaged in thoughtful discussions, identifying key points of interest and offering insightful interpretations of the data.
An essential aspect of this research activity was the formulation of questions that encouraged meaningful dialogues among their peers. The students were tasked with crafting thought-provoking inquiries to spark intellectual exchange and further enrich their collective understanding of the topics at hand.
Following a dedicated period of preparation, the students presented their findings to their classmates, fostering an atmosphere of shared learning and collaboration within the AIHL math class. This dynamic presentation allowed them to showcase their analytical prowess and communicate their insights effectively.
As part of their reflective practice, each student submitted a summary of their learning experiences on ManageBac. This provided them with an opportunity to articulate the new knowledge they had acquired and to contemplate how these insights could be extended in future mathematical endeavors, such as individual investigations (IA) or even their extended essays.
In summary, the student-led research activity in the Grade 11 AIHL math class empowered students to explore the multifaceted world of mathematical functions and their real-world applications. It encouraged critical thinking, collaborative learning, and a deeper appreciation for the role of mathematics in understanding complex phenomena. Moreover, it equipped them with valuable skills and insights that can be extended into future academic pursuits.
Grade 6-12
The first few weeks of school were a whirlwind of excitement as students eagerly participated in tryouts for various sports teams. From the football field to the basketball court, the swimming pool, and the cross country trails, athletes showcased their talent, determination, and teamwork. It was a tough competition, but the dedication of these young athletes shone brightly. Congratulations are in order for all those who made it onto the Jaguar sports teams! Your hard work and passion have earned you a well-deserved spot, and we can't wait to see you proudly represent our school in the upcoming season.
Go Jaguars!
Grade 7 Families
Friday, the 15th, our school witnessed a remarkable and heartwarming event as Grade 7 students, parents, and homeroom teachers joined hands for a memorable 'Potluck' gathering. This unique occasion not only tantalized our taste buds with an impressive spread of global cuisines, from Spanish omelets to Lebanese hummus, but also showcased the beautiful tapestry of cultures within our school community.
The shared casual dining experience was a testament to the power of food in bringing people together. As conversations flowed over these delectable dishes, cultural exchanges naturally unfolded, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of the diverse backgrounds that enrich our school.
In this cozy and inclusive setting, a sense of unity prevailed, underlining the significance of belonging to a multicultural school. It was a morning where culinary delights acted as bridges, connecting us all through the shared joy of breaking bread together
Grade 7
Learning the language is obviously crucial, but the first few days were also about setting the tone, discovering what we would be learning, and how.
In the MYP, one of our ATL skills is Collaboration - Social. We strive to embody it in our Language Acquisition classes and last week, we focused more specifically on “building consensus” and “listening actively to other perspectives and ideas” around our ways of working (WoWs!!)
Now, we are ready for a great year of success in French, as we know what the expectations are and we have set our goals!
If you want to develop your own collaborative skills, and “encourage [your child] to contribute” and “help [them] to succeed”, you can always ask them what they have been learning in class, what concept they are exploring or how their learning relates to their lives. Actually, better yet, register on Duolingo and challenge them to get a higher streak than they do! What language will you be learning?
Grade 6-9
Muslim students come together in a spirit of devotion and unity, reciting the sacred Surah Yaseen and Surah Qaf from the Holy Quran. As they immerse themselves in the melodious rhythms of these verses, they also delve into the profound Islamic values embedded within. Surah Yaseen, known as the "Heart of the Quran," imparts lessons of compassion, mercy, and the inevitability of divine guidance. Meanwhile, Surah Qaf serves as a reminder of the transient nature of this world and the eternal wisdom of Allah. Through these verses, students not only strengthen their connection with their faith but also cultivate a deeper understanding of moral principles that guide their lives, fostering a harmonious balance between spiritual growth and everyday existence. Kindly scan the QR code to hear the recitation of our students.
Grade 12 (DP2)
One of our Grade 12 students, Sipa Subzali had the fortune of enriching her summer break by engaging in charitable endeavors in Kenya. Here is what she has to say:
“ As part of Global Encounters, I joined a diverse group of nine individuals from around the world, including Afghanistan, Pakistan, UAE, Canada, UK, USA, and Tanzania. Our mission was to create a sustainable project for our school with a lasting impact.
In an atmosphere of excitement and cultural exchange, we taught each other short dances from our respective backgrounds. This cultural sharing was both enriching and emotionally charged.
Our journey culminated in an exhibition where we showcased our cultural learnings to the community. The room buzzed with energy, unity, and understanding. To ensure the project's sustainability, we developed reusable flashcards that encapsulated our learnings, integrating them into the school curriculum. The pride we felt knowing that future generations would benefit from our work was overwhelming. Our project was a testament to the power of diversity and collaboration, and it filled us with excitement and emotion. It was a remarkable journey we will always cherish.”
Grade 12 (DP2)
One of our Grade 12 students of Computer Science, Gleni Soni created an application over the summer break that could very much change the face of Indian marriages. A one stop shop for all Indian wedding functions from Haldi, Mehendi, Sangeet, the wedding itself and the Reception, Gleni has created an app that will cater to everyone and every budget. Something that was created for her sister has the potential to go big. Watch this space- Gleni is set to go places and will enjoy her financial ‘happily ever after’ in the not so distant future!
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