MSHS NEWS

Welcome to the MSHS section of InfoByte #15

Written by Mr. Alex N

I would like to start with a shoutout and Kudos to our exceptional students and teachers for their stellar performance at the national round of FLL held at SWA. Their dedication and hard work truly shined! As we gear up for TEDxYouth@SWA 2024, I extend my best wishes to all participants, whether as speakers, volunteers, or executives. Your contributions will undoubtedly enrich this event and inspire many with ideas worth spreading. 

I would like to express my gratitude to all teachers for the hard work and dedication during term 3, which is about to end, to all parents for their unconditional support to the kids and to the students themselves for the effort and dedication they put in their education.

Let’s reflect on how open-mindedness is key in both academia and life. It fosters understanding, encourages growth, and allows for new perspectives to flourish. Let's embrace open-mindedness as we navigate through challenges and opportunities, enriching our experiences and broadening our horizons. Stay tuned for more updates and insights in this edition of Infobyte!

MYP Update

Written by Mr. Haoken

Join the Circle of Fun: Pi Day 2024 Celebration at SWA MSHS, 14 March 2024

We are excited to invite you to a day filled with mathematics, music, and memorable moments at the SWA MSHS 2024 Pi Day Celebration. Our dedicated mathematics team has meticulously organised a series of activities designed to entertain and enlighten, celebrating the beauty of mathematics in our lives.

Join Us for the Pi Sign Photo Shoot & Pi Musical Performance

• Date: Thursday, 14th March 2024

• Venue: Begins in the MSHS Gym (7:30 AM - 12:00 PM) and transitions to the Trini Dewi Theatre (1:00 PM - 3:00 PM)

• Dress Code: Please wear a red shirt for the Pi Sign Photo Shoot

Morning Festivities: Pi Sign Photo Shoot

Kick off the day with us at 8:30 AM on the Soccer Field for a Pi Sign Photo Shoot. We encourage everyone including parents to wear a red shirt to create a striking visual representation of the Pi symbol. This is a fantastic opportunity for our community to come together, symbolising our collective passion for learning and celebrating the endless possibilities that mathematics offers.

Afternoon Highlights: Pi Musical Performance at Trini Dewi Theatre

The highlight of our celebration will be the Math Grand Musical from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM in the Trini Dewi Theatre. This unique performance will showcase our students' talents as they interpret mathematical concepts through music and drama, bringing the story of Pi to life in an engaging and entertaining way.

Your presence will greatly enrich the experience, providing support and encouragement to our students as they share their hard work and creativity. This event is not only a celebration of Pi Day but a showcase of the incredible talent within our school community. We aim to make mathematics accessible and fun for everyone, promoting an appreciation for its role in our daily lives. The Pi Day Celebration is a perfect example of our commitment to innovative and inclusive education.

For more details on the day's schedule and activities, please visit our event document: Pi Day Celebration. We look forward to celebrating with you and your family. Please join us in making this Pi Day a memorable occasion for our students, teachers, and the entire school community.

DP Update

Written by Ms. Marta

As we are concluding term 3, I must address a growing concern teachers have observed within our Grade 11 and Grade 12 students. More frequently, we're noticing students arriving late to school, appearing unprepared, and noticeably fatigued. These observations underscore the importance of addressing sleep hygiene and overall well-being as integral components of academic success.

We continuously request your assistance in monitoring your child's sleep hygiene at home. Adequate sleep is crucial for overall well-being, especially during periods of intense study. Here are some practical ways to help ensure your child maintains healthy sleep habits:

• Encourage a consistent bedtime routine.

• Discourage using electronic devices, especially screens, at least an hour before bedtime.

• Ensure their sleeping environment is conducive to rest, with minimal noise and distractions.

• Monitor their sleep patterns and address any concerns or issues that may arise.

By working together, we can provide your children with the necessary support and resources to successfully navigate this challenging yet rewarding journey. Thank you for your continued partnership and commitment to your child's education and well-being.

English Department

Written by Mr. Daniele

Intensity is ramping up for our young charges in grades 10 and 12; their academic journeys have brought them to a point where they have one final round before they join the big show, this final round being their mocks. Grade 12 took advantage of our interview with celebrated author Michelle Kadarusman to create a text type they must master for their upcoming Paper 1, namely, the pamphlet. While the graduates-in-waiting prepared themselves accordingly, the remaining grades had more time on their sides. The grade 11 class continued to hone their analytical skills as they deconstructed the lonely messages conveyed in Edward Hopper’s iconic paintings. Grades 7 and 8 had a more dramatic time as they took their celebrations of World Book Day to the stage, as evidenced in the pictures below:

Science And Design Department

Written by Ms. Michelle

In the Grade 11 ESS classroom, students dive deep into the intricate world of soil systems and terrestrial food production. These budding scientists have embarked on a journey of discovery that has taken them from the classroom to the soil-rich grounds surrounding our school. They dug into the earth, examining the grains and particles that make up the foundation of our ecosystem. Through hands-on exploration, they unearthed valuable insights into the diverse soil compositions present within our school grounds.

As part of their summative task, students took their learning one step further by putting theory into practice. Utilising the knowledge gained from their soil texture investigations, they embarked on a mission to cultivate kangkung, also known as water spinach, a popular leafy green vegetable in many Asian cuisines. Employing a scientific approach, students manipulated various variables such as soil type, water levels, and concentration of organic fertilisers to determine the optimal conditions for kangkung growth. Through careful observation and data collection, they meticulously recorded the impact of each variable on plant health and yield. As they nurtured their kangkung crops from seedlings to maturity, students gained a newfound appreciation for the intricate processes that underpin terrestrial food production.

Mathematics Department

Written by Mr. Adilet

For our middle school students, Tuesdays are filled with anticipation as the Math Club brings students together for stimulating problem-solving challenges. Led by G11 students Jaeyi and Ayden, who recently took over from G12 Gary and James, the club infuses each meeting with fresh enthusiasm. Weekly, the club presents a diverse range of problems suited to various grade levels, ensuring all students encounter engaging challenges. From grades 7 to grade 9, participants delve into thought-provoking puzzles, fostering a deep appreciation for mathematics.

Collaboration is central to the Math Club's philosophy, as students come together to tackle complex problems. Through teamwork, lasting friendships are formed, and critical thinking skills are honed, creating an atmosphere of empowerment and growth. In addition to problem-solving, the club injects excitement with lively competitions, rewarding quick thinking and accuracy. These friendly contests add an element of fun and camaraderie to each gathering. As the Math Club evolves, it inspires students to embrace challenges and become confident problem-solvers. It encourages a generation of curious minds ready to face the challenges of mathematics and beyond, performing as an inspiration for academic excellence.

Sinarmas World Academy MSHS Students Joining National and International Mathematics Contests
Written by Mr. Lukas

In a display of enthusiasm for mathematics and a commitment to academic excellence, eight MSHS students participated in the Pascal, Cayley, and Fermat mathematics contests organised by the Centre for Education in Mathematics and Computing (CEMC) from University of Waterloo, Canada.

The participation of Sinarmas World Academy students in the CEMC mathematics contests underscores the school's commitment to nurturing well-rounded individuals who are equipped with the sharp mathematics skills and knowledge needed to thrive in an increasingly complex world. It is a testament to the dedication of both students and educators in fostering a culture of academic excellence and a love for learning.

As these students continue on their academic journey, their experiences in the Pascal, Cayley, and Fermat contests will serve as a foundation for future success, inspiring them to pursue their passion for mathematics and make meaningful contributions to the world around them. We wish them success in these contests that may open doors to prestigious academic opportunities and scholarships, further motivating students to excel in their mathematical pursuits.

On the national side, three MSHS students are gearing up to participate in the mathematics competition of the Olimpiade Sains Nasional (OSN). OSN serves as a prestigious platform for high school students to showcase their talent and passion for science, with a specific focus on mathematics.

The students participating in the mathematics competition of OSN are undergoing a series of preparations to enhance their readiness for the upcoming challenge. They are dedicating themselves to three series of preparation sessions, which include problem-solving exercises, theoretical studies, and mock competitions. These preparation sessions not only aim to sharpen their mathematical abilities but also to cultivate critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and resilience – qualities essential for success in competitive environments.

Chinese Department

Written by Mr. Xia

G6 CLL Students studied part of the Chinese classic "The Romance of the Three Kingdoms", which is of great significance to their learning and growth.

By studying "The Romance of the Three Kingdoms", students can understand the heroes and the spirit of loyalty and benevolence in ancient Chinese history. In the novel, there are not only admirable positive heroic images such as Liu Bei, Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, etc., but also negative characters such as Cao Cao and Sima Yi. These images are all important figures in Chinese history. By studying them, students are able to gain a deeper understanding of the characters and deeds of historical figures.

In addition, elements such as plot twists, war scenes, and resourceful strategies in "The Romance of the Three Kingdoms" can also attract students' interest and stimulate their interest in history and literature. Students can experience the cruelty of war and the importance of resourcefulness, and cultivate their thinking ability and judgement.

Studying "The Romance of the Three Kingdoms" also helps students develop teamwork spirit. In the novel, the three protagonists Liu Bei, Guan Yu, Zhang Fei and Zhuge Liang, Zhao Yun and other wise men work together to fight against the enemy, which reflects the importance of unity and cooperation. By learning these teamwork spirits, students can better understand the value and significance of teamwork.

Studying "The Romance of the Three Kingdoms" is of great significance to G6 students，through the study of ancient history and literary works, they can cultivate patriotism, stimulate interest, and improve thinking skills. They can also learn the importance of teamwork and lay a solid foundation for their growth and development.

Indonesian Department

Written by Mr. Ahmad

Crafting Language Through Life's Tapestry: Grade 6's Journey with Indonesian Language’s Adjectives, Prepositions, and Adverbs

In the vibrant hub of Grade 6 ILA Phase 1 to 3, our language learners are turning everyday experiences into linguistic adventures. The Indonesian Language Acquisition class has embarked on a fascinating exploration of adjectives, prepositions, and adverbs, infusing their presentations with the richness of daily life activities, from hobbies to home life and school experiences and connect them with the unit inquiry of “Experiences help us to improve our communication to convey messages and points of view”.

The students presented from movies they watched, food, people and things in their surroundings. The students explored well in contexts the usage of di atas, di bawah, di depan, di belakang, kuat, tinggi, senang, berat, ringan and other examples of parts of speech. The presentations aren't just linguistic exercises; they're platforms for self-expression. Students speak confidently, sharing snippets of their lives with peers, creating an atmosphere where each unique voice resonates and contributes to the collective narrative.

Individuals & Societies Department
Written by Mr. Aleks Marchev

In a captivating exploration of historical aviation, Grade 8 Individuals and Societies students undertook a formative task centred around the groundbreaking transcontinental flight from Southampton to Cape Town in 1937. Tasked with comprehensive research and analysis, students explored the intricate details of this pioneering journey, examining its significance within the broader context of aviation history and its impact on global connectivity. Through meticulous study, students gained insight into the technological advancements and logistical challenges of the era, unravelling the complexities of long-distance air travel during the interwar period. Armed with their newfound knowledge, students adeptly crafted presentations that showcased their understanding of the flight's historical, social, and economic implications. Drawing upon primary sources and scholarly research, they articulated nuanced perspectives on the motivations driving such ambitious ventures and the ramifications for both individuals and societies involved. With confidence and enthusiasm, students shared their findings, engaging peers and educators alike with their comprehensive understanding of this seminal event in aviation history. This formative task not only honed students' research and presentation skills but also fostered a deeper appreciation for the intersecting forces shaping human endeavors across time and space. Another aspect was the use of digital tools such as Google Earth to draw a proposed route for the flight based on the limitations of the technology at the time. The pictures below illustrate some of the students` work and enthusiasm for this project.

Overall this task was a  good opportunity to travel back in time, appreciate the development of technology, use digital mapping tools and reflect on how societies have changed due to the ability to travel much more efficiently and quickly, compared to less than a century ago.

Music

Written by Mr. Freddy

This term, all the MYP Music students are involved in the collaborative musical project with the Chinese Department to celebrate The Spring Festival 2024. As part of our musical adventure as MYP students, this project enhanced the spirit of cultural diversity and international mindedness through the echoes of harmony. Through meticulous research and collaboration, the students delved deep into the intricate melodies and rhythms of Asian Chinese pentatonic music, immersing themselves in the cultural nuances that define this musical tradition. From the delicate plucking of strings to the resonant beats of traditional percussion instruments, every note reverberated with reverence for the cultural heritage they sought to honour. 

This time, the Grade 7 students took the lead as the main cast of the musical that showcased all MSHS students' captivating music and performing arts skills. With this opportunity, the Grade 7 students developed their collaborative skills in acting and playing in the traditional percussion ensemble to present a classical piece from Chinese culture. Playing as young teenagers who transferred into ancient times, experienced diverse cultures in different places of Chinese legends. They are also supported by the Grade 6 who performed the beautiful oriental melody in a hulusi ensemble that combined with strings and xylophone. Followed by Grade 8 students with an energetic Chinese drum performance and One Take Dance club’s amazing performance. The strings club also contributed to this project to accompany the MYP class performances. In the technical support team, we got support from the student-led Sound Engineer CAS group in sound system and lighting design supervised by SWA technicians during the concert. 

Thank you very much to the Chinese Department for allowing the incorporation with Music and Arts for this year’s Spring Festival Celebration. Huge appreciation to the High School Chinese class students for presenting the dragon and the lion dance to support the musical, and to the Visual Arts Department who have provided all the creative props. Through this collaborative project, our students showcased a profound respect for diversity and an eagerness to explore perspectives beyond their own. By engaging with diverse cultural expressions, the students not only celebrated the vibrancy of Chinese culture but also nurtured a spirit of empathy and appreciation for the cultural tapestry that enriches our global community.