MSHS NEWS

MSHS

MYP UPDATE

Written by Mr. Daniele

As we approach the Term 3 break, I would like to take a moment to wish all of our students and families a restful and enjoyable holiday. The school year has been filled with learning, creativity, and meaningful moments, and this break offers a welcome opportunity to pause before the final stretch of the academic year.

In the IB Middle Years Programme, we often speak about the importance of the Balanced attribute of the IB Learner Profile. Being balanced means understanding the importance of intellectual, physical, and emotional well-being. The holiday is therefore a wonderful time for students to pursue their passions, spend time with family and friends, get active outdoors, or simply discover a new book to read for pleasure.

Taking time to recharge is not only refreshing—it also prepares us to return with renewed focus and energy. When we see one another again, we will be well rested, reconnected, and ready for the final push toward the finish line of the school year! On that note, I wish everyone a safe, relaxing, and fulfilling break!

IBDP UPDATE

Written by Dr. Haoken

Dear DP Parents / Guardians,

Following the completion of Mock examinations, DP2 students will enter the term break with a clear and important focus. With most syllabi now covered, this break is an ideal time to consolidate learning through purposeful revision and to make strong progress on Internal Assessments (IAs). For DP2, the priority is to convert this momentum into exam readiness for the May session (27 April - 20 May) through a balanced routine of IA work, past paper practice, and targeted revision after the break. 

DP1 students are also in a very good position overall – settled, organised, and showing consistent progress – and the next step is to build on this momentum by strengthening study routines and developing deeper understanding through regular review and practice.

In DP1, students focus on building routines and starting the big coursework early, including planning their internal assessments and choosing an Extended Essay direction. In DP2, the focus shifts to finishing and polishing major pieces like IAs, the EE, and TOK requirements, while also preparing for university pathways. Mocks are the training phase where students practise under timed conditions, identify gaps, and improve exam technique through feedback. Final exams are where students perform, and the best preparation is steady revision over time using past papers, strong exam strategy, and consistent routines. The key takeaway is that students do best when they keep steady habits and respond to feedback early, and parents support them most by helping maintain routines, tracking deadlines, and protecting wellbeing.

There are two parts: the six academic subjects and the Core. The subjects are where students build the knowledge and exam skills they need. The Core - TOK, the Extended Essay, and CAS – builds the skills universities care about most: clear thinking, independent research, and real-world engagement. The message “success beyond scores” is important because strong results come not only from intelligence but also from the habits students develop: planning their time, learning from feedback, and keeping a healthy balance with sleep and routines and asking for help when needed. A simple way parents can support is by checking in weekly about what deadline is coming up, what feedback was received, and how the student will recharge.

ENGLISH DEPARTMENT

Written by Mr. Daniele

Our English department recently celebrated World Book Day with a week-long flurry of literary activities that brought stories and readers together across the school. A lively book bazaar in the hall gave students the chance to browse and purchase a range of bestselling titles, encouraging many to discover their next great read.

The celebration culminated in a special assembly featuring dramatic performances, an honoured guest speaker, and readings from our very own student authors. A highlight of the week was the celebration of the publication of our first-ever collection of stories from MSHS, a milestone that showcases the creativity and voice of our student writers.

Due to the enthusiasm surrounding the release, a second printing of the book will be underway shortly. Stay tuned to this channel for information on how and where you can procure your own copy. For those who wish, signed copies from specific student authors will also be available.

It was truly a week that celebrated the joy, power, and community of reading.

SCIENCE DEPARTMENT

Written by Ms. Dana 

In their "Chemistry of the Environment" unit, Grade 9 students recently completed a Criterion D project focusing on water, soil, and air contamination. They investigated global pollution challenges, evaluating purification methods by weighing scientific data against social, economic, and environmental factors. This rigorous process required extensive research and accurate academic citation.

Collaborating in groups, students honed their communication skills by defending their findings before the class. The inclusion of structured "Glow and Grow" peer feedback fostered meaningful self-reflection and deeper scientific understanding.

I am incredibly proud of their maturity and commitment. On stage, they were persuasive and authentic, demonstrating the critical thinking and research competence required of responsible global citizens. Seeing them articulate and defend their ideas with such conviction makes it clear: these are future leaders capable of making a real difference in the world.

CHINESE DEPARTMENT

Written by Mr. Ian

World Book Day stands as one of our school’s most significant annual events. This year’s three-day celebration was a vibrant and enriching journey for all students.

Our diverse activities included student-created collections, world language exhibitions, and engaging reading games. We also hosted inspiring expert lectures and a lively book fair, which connected our school community with broader cultural experiences. These events not only created a joyful festive atmosphere but also provided students with a meaningful and valuable gift: a deeper love for reading.

The celebration successfully fostered students’ passion for books and learning, leaving them with unforgettable memories and a stronger appreciation for the joy of reading.

世界读书日是我校年度重要活动。为期三天的庆祝活动内容丰富，既有学生原创作品集、世界语言展与趣味阅读游戏，也开设专家讲座、校园书市等活动，营造了浓厚的书香氛围，为同学们送上了一份珍贵的阅读礼物。

INDONESIAN DEPARTMENT

Strengthening Learning Through Unit Reflection

Written by Mr. Lakasianus

At the end of Term 3, Academic Year 2025–2026, students of Indonesian Language and Literature completed their Unit Reflection as a meaningful closing to the learning cycle. This reflection was conducted in two formats: an individual written response and a structured group discussion.

Through the written reflection, students evaluated their learning progress, identified strengths and challenges, and articulated strategies for future improvement. The group discussion provided a collaborative space for sharing insights, exchanging feedback, and deepening understanding of the unit’s key concepts and skills.

The Unit Reflection encourages students to become more self-aware, responsible, and engaged learners. By reflecting critically on their experiences, students strengthen not only their academic competence but also their ability to think independently and grow continuously. This process highlights the importance of reflection as an essential component of meaningful learning.

INDIVIDUALS & SOCIETIES DEPARTMENT

Written by Mr. Aleksandar

This term 3, the students in Grade 11 Business Management kicked off their journey towards writing their Internal Assessments (IAs) in Business Management. Their first challenge was submitting a proposal and presenting their ideas to their classmates. They had to formulate a relevant research question, justify the tools that they have chosen, and present the supporting documents that will provide evidence for their research. These are some samples from their work:

Overall, this was an enjoyable and engaging activity for the students, which should set them up for success in their Internal Assessments, which form a significant component of their final DP grade in Business Management.

PHE DEPARTMENT

Written by Mr. Sean

SWA athletes participated in the UPH College Challenge from 23-27 February 2026. The MS Basketball team played a tough match against a strong opponent, losing their game 66-44. The Varsity Boys Volleyball team had a strong match but fell 2 sets to 1 in their match. The swimming team consisted of 4 swimmers and had some success with 2 second-place finishes and one personal best. Congratulations to Gr 9 students Rachell and Angelina for their second-place finishes at the swim meet.

MUSIC - FLAME 2026: Celebrating Young Musicians at SWA

Written by Mr. Freddy

On 6 March 2026, the FLAME Annual Music and Arts Festival hosted the MSHS Music Recital at the Trini Dewi Theatre. In collaboration with Royal Music Studio, 14 student soloists showcased their unique musical voices, performing self-chosen pieces that ranged across diverse instruments and styles. Each performer received a certificate in recognition of their dedication and artistic growth.

Beyond the performance, instrumental study serves as a vital investment in student development. It cultivates discipline and perseverance while strengthening brain functions related to memory, coordination, and emotional intelligence. Mastering an instrument builds the confidence and resilience necessary for self-expression.

We are incredibly proud of our young musicians for their commitment to this journey. The success of the FLAME Recital highlights the importance of music education in nurturing creative, thoughtful individuals. Thank you to our parents and community for their continued support in fostering these essential life skills.

VISUAL ARTS

Written by Ms. Jeanie

Grade 9 and 11 Art Ambassadors engaged in curatorial practice this term by assisting with the arrangement and setup of the MSHS art show; this experience helped them understand how the final display must be considered throughout the entire creative process. Working as a cohesive team, students followed a curated plan to hang the artwork in an aesthetically pleasing manner, ensuring consistent and balanced spacing. They utilised creative problem-solving to ensure each board felt visually weighted while maintaining harmony with adjacent displays.

Throughout the process, students learnt that curating an exhibition requires a holistic view; they had to consider the relationships between boards, looking for thematic links such as shared colour palettes or artistic techniques. Additionally, the Grade 11 students provided invaluable support to Callista (Grade 12) as she mounted her final exhibition, a culmination of her two-year journey in the IB DP Visual Arts course.

UGC

On Monday, 9 March 2026, our school hosted a successful Mini University Fair, providing students with a direct window into global higher education. From 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM, representatives from 15 diverse institutions shared insights on admissions, scholarships, and campus life.

The event featured a strong international lineup:

• Europe: Kaunas University of Technology, University of Debrecen, Campus France Indonesia, Emlyon, ESSCA, EDC Paris, Skema, and ESSEC Business Schools.

• North America: Lethbridge Polytechnic, Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), and Johnson & Wales University.

• Asia: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, The Education University of Hong Kong, and VinUniversity.

From digital arts to global business and pedagogy, the fair offered specialised pathways for every interest. This session allowed students to move beyond brochures, engaging in meaningful dialogue about their future careers. We thank all participating universities and parents for making this event a valuable milestone in our students' academic journeys.