MS HS NEWS

Welcome to Infobyte #19!
Written by Mr. Alex

I would like to start by congratulating all mothers of our community for Mother's day on May 13. 

Happy Mother's Day to All Mothers!

I would like to extend my warmest wishes to all mothers on this special day as I recognise the important role that mothers play in shaping our lives and communities. We appreciate the unwavering love, support, and guidance.

Semester Exams

It is time to wish good luck to all MSHS students who will be sitting for the semester exams starting on May 24. This is an important time for our students to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the subject matter they have studied.

I encourage all students to prepare thoroughly, stay focused, and remain positive throughout the exam period. Remember to take care of yourselves by getting enough sleep, eating well, and staying hydrated. I have faith in your abilities and know that you will do your best.

Congratulations Class of 2023 on Your Upcoming Graduation

The Class of 2023 graduation ceremony will take place on May 31 and this is a momentous occasion that marks the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and achievement.

All our community is proud of our graduates and all that they have accomplished during their time at our school and we wish them all the best as they move forward in their future endeavours and pursue their dreams.

Thank You to Parents and Students for Supporting Our Open House

I take this opportunity to extend my sincere gratitude to all parents and students who supported and contributed to the success of our Open House on May 13. Your presence and engagement were greatly appreciated, and we hope that you found the event informative and enjoyable.

Student Well-Being is a Collaborative Journey

We believe that student well-being is a collaborative journey that involves the entire school community. It is essential to create a safe and supportive environment that nurtures the physical, emotional, and social well-being of our students.

We encourage all members of our school community to work together to promote student well-being. This includes educators, administrators, support staff, parents, and students themselves. By working together, we can ensure that our students have the resources and support they need to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

And, to conclude this Infobyte welcoming message, let’s give a huge thumbs up to MSHS SWA scholars who brought home 59 medals in the WSC Jakarta round. Good luck in the Global Round and I hope you all qualify for the Tournament of Champions!

MYP Update

Written by Mr. Haoken

Dear MYP Parents & Guardians, 

As we navigate through Term 4, we wanted to share several important reminders to ensure a successful conclusion of the academic year:

1. Designated revision period for the MYP Semester 2 exams will be from May 15 to May 23. This time has been set aside specifically for students to consolidate their understanding and prepare for their upcoming exams. During this period, no new content will be introduced, and there will be no further assessments. The focus will instead be on active revision, allowing students to review and reinforce the knowledge and skills acquired over the course of the academic year..

2. MYP Semester 2 Examinations for Grades 6-9 will be held from May 24 to May 30, 2023, in the ZH Building. Please refer to the grade-level timetables shared through email on 10 May 2023 by our admin. It's important to note that these examinations are comprehensive, covering content from the entire 2023-24 academic year (Terms 1 through 4). 

Well-Being:

• Balanced Diet: Ensure your child is eating a healthy, balanced diet. Proper nutrition can boost concentration levels and overall brain function.

• Rest: Adequate sleep is essential, especially during exams. A well-rested mind is more alert and capable of retaining and recalling information.

• Physical Activity: Regular exercise can help to reduce stress, improve mood, and increase energy levels. Encourage your child to take regular breaks from studying to engage in some form of physical activity.

• Relaxation Techniques: Techniques such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, or yoga can help to manage stress levels during this challenging period.

• Positive Reinforcement: Remember to offer encouragement and positivity. Remind your child that exams are important, but they're not the only measure of their abilities or worth.

3.   STEM Fair Preparation and Event: The preparation for the STEM Fair will commence following the Semester 2 Examinations, with the actual fair scheduled for June 15, 2023, between 08:00 and 12.00 noon in the Art Building, parents are welcome to witness the students projects.

4.   MSHS Awards Day: We are excited to announce that the MSHS Awards Day will be held on June 15, 2023, following the STEM Fair, in the Trini Dewi Theatre at 1:00 PM.

5.   Parent Student Teacher Conferences: The conferences have been scheduled for June 16, 2023. More details will be shared closer to the date.

6.   Grade 10 IGCSE Examinations are ongoing. Please refer to the IGCSE exam schedule for the remaining weeks.

Thank you for your attention to these matters. We appreciate your ongoing support as we work together to ensure a positive and productive end to the academic year.

DP Update
Written by Ms. Andrea

Dear Parents and Community Members,

As we are in the middle of the International Baccalaureate Diploma (IBD) exams, we want to remind you of the challenges that our students may be facing and how we can support them during this critical time.

The IBDP exams are designed to test our students' knowledge and understanding in various subjects, including mathematics, sciences, languages, and social sciences. These exams are challenging, and students may feel overwhelmed by the amount of work they need to do. Additionally, the pressure to perform well can cause anxiety and stress, which can affect their mental and physical health.

As a school, we are doing our best to support our students through this challenging period. We have provided them with study materials and support services to help them prepare for the exams. However, we also need your help as parents and community members to ensure our students' success.

One way you can support our students is by providing them with emotional support and encouragement. We understand that this can be a stressful time for both you and your children, but please remember that your support can go a long way in helping our students stay motivated and focused during the exam period.

Another way you can help our students is by creating a conducive study environment at home. We encourage you to provide a quiet space free from distractions and disruptions where your children can study and prepare for their exams. You can also help them maintain good physical health by ensuring they get adequate sleep, eat a balanced diet, and exercise regularly.

Lastly, we encourage you to communicate with your children about how they are feeling during this time. Ask them how they are coping with the stress and encourage them to practice relaxation techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, yoga, and any physical activities that they enjoy.

In conclusion, we understand that the IBD exams can be challenging for our students, but with your support, we are confident that they will succeed. Thank you for your continued support and dedication to our students' success.

English Department
Written by Ms. Katherine

The last few weeks have seen Grade 9 travel around the world visiting different tourist and some not very touristy destinations. As part of Grade 9 class work, related to their unit on travel/journeys, they had to produce brochures for their chosen ‘dark tourism’ sites. Dark tourism is visiting a place that is associated with death and suffering. Here are some photos of their work and their work in progress! Work by Kent and Patricia and Janice.

Science and ICT Department

Written by Ms Michelle

​​Following the successful completion of their Checkpoint exams, our Grade 8 students embarked on an exciting new chapter in their scientific journey. They eagerly delved into honing their experimental skills in the laboratory. The lab sessions presented an excellent opportunity for our young scientists to apply their theoretical knowledge to practical situations and foster a deeper understanding of scientific principles through hands-on exploration.

The students had the chance to conduct various experiments, make observations, collect data, and analyse their findings. These engaging laboratory sessions provided a platform for our students to develop critical thinking skills, enhance their problem-solving abilities, and foster a passion for scientific inquiry. They learned the importance of meticulousness, accuracy, and attention to detail in conducting experiments and drawing meaningful conclusions. Furthermore, the lab sessions also encouraged collaboration and teamwork among our students. They learned to work together, sharing ideas, and supporting each other throughout the experimentation process

Chinese Department
Written by Mr. Xia 

G9 CLL students recently learned about the fable genre in class and shared some of their favorite Chinese and foreign fables with the class. The students learned a lot from this project. Fables often explore human behaviour and social issues through the use of animals or non-human characters, which can help them better understand themselves and society. In addition, fables often contain profound philosophies and morals, which can guide our students to reflect on their own lives, values and codes of conduct.

Indonesian Department
Written by Mr. Ahmad

Green Screen Projects: Grade 8 and 9 Drama Recordings

The students in Grade 8 and 9 Indonesian language classes have recently completed a unique project utilising green screen technology. The students were tasked with creating a drama recording related to a specific theme, using green screen technology to add a background to their performance.

In Grade 8 Indonesian LA class, the theme for the project was "hobbies." The students worked collaboratively to create an original script that showcased their interests and talents. Using the green screen technology, they were able to transport themselves to various locations. The Grade 9 Indonesian LL class tackled the theme of "women's emancipation." The students researched and discussed the various ways in which women have been marginalised throughout history and developed an original script that highlighted the struggles and triumphs of women. Using the green screen technology, they were able to create a variety of backdrops that added depth and nuance to their performances.

Both classes demonstrated impressive collaboration and communication skills throughout the project. Students worked together to develop their scripts, rehearsed their performances, and provided constructive feedback to one another. The use of green screen technology provided a unique and engaging way for students to showcase their work. By using the technology to add backgrounds to their performances, the students were able to transport their audiences to different places and times, adding depth and realism to their productions.

Individuals & Societies Department
Written by Ms. Aleksandra

"Your Character is More Important Than Your Grades."

Schools aim to educate students not only academically but also in terms of their personal and social development. This includes fostering good values and character traits such as honesty, responsibility, respect, empathy, and self-discipline, which are important not only in the classroom but in all aspects of life. 

'Character' can be defined as the collection of qualities, values, attitudes, behaviours, and traits that make a person who they are. It is a combination of a person's moral and ethical values, as well as their personality and temperament. Developing a strong character is important for personal growth, building healthy relationships, and succeeding in various aspects of life. Possessing strong character traits can help students navigate challenging situations, make ethical decisions, and contribute positively to society. Therefore, schools and universities often incorporate character education (balanced, open-minded, caring, reflective, principled) and encourage students to develop their character alongside their academic pursuits.

Moreover, having a good character can lead to better academic performance. Students with good character traits are often more motivated, focused, and responsible, which can lead to better grades and academic achievement. Promoting good character is an important aspect of preparing students for their future careers and adult lives. Employers and colleges often value employees and students with good character traits such as honesty, teamwork, and leadership. Thus, developing good character can enhance students' future prospects and success. A student's character is important because it goes beyond academic success and can greatly impact their personal and professional development. Employers and educational institutions often look for individuals with strong character traits, as these individuals are more likely to be reliable, team players, and have a positive impact on their workplace or school community. Additionally, having a strong character can help individuals navigate challenging situations with resilience and maturity, which can ultimately lead to greater success and fulfilment in life. 

In the TEDx talk, "Your Character is More Important Than Your Grades", speaker Mr. Stan, SWA university guidance counsellor,  emphasises the importance of developing one's character as a critical component of success in life. Mr. Stan argues that while grades and academic achievements are important, they are not enough to guarantee success in life. Instead, he encourages students to focus on cultivating traits like resilience, curiosity, courage, compassion, purpose, discipline, and grit, which can help them navigate the ups and downs of life and ultimately achieve their goals. Throughout the talk, he encourages us to follow a growth mindset, where challenges and failures are seen as opportunities for growth and development rather than setbacks. He also emphasises the importance of developing empathy and compassion, highlighting how these qualities can help individuals build meaningful connections with others and make a positive impact on the world. The talk encourages young people to look beyond traditional measures of success and focus on developing the qualities that will help them become successful, fulfilled individuals.

Music Department
Written by Mr. Freddy

The Grade 9 and 10 Choir students have been practising to improve their singing skills in harmony this year. This is their first year of having regular choir sessions even though they only have 40 minutes for once-in-a-week sessions, they showed some progress in sound production.  In every limited session that we have, we always try our best to provide at least 15 minutes for doing the vocalising and practising breathing exercises, because we believe it is very important to build the student’s vocal production and to unite their voices. There are many benefits for teenagers in singing together, it strengthens togetherness, develops discipline and collaborative skills, improves self-esteem and confidence, and even develops empathy and respect for each other. On April 14th, we had a collaboration performance with the Grade 5 in the Elementary Kartini Assembly to perform the Ibu Kartini song in different parts of voices. 

Physical and Health Education
Written by Mr. Dominic

One of the key advantages of swimming as an exercise in Physical Education is its ability to engage all major muscle groups simultaneously. Unlike many other sports or exercises that focus on specific areas of the body, swimming utilizes a wide range of muscles, including those in the arms, legs, core, and back. The resistance provided by the water forces the muscles to work harder, resulting in increased strength and toning. Additionally, swimming enhances flexibility as the body moves through different strokes and motions, improving joint mobility and reducing the risk of injuries.

Furthermore, swimming is a low-impact activity that is gentle on the joints, making it suitable for individuals of all fitness levels and abilities. Whether students are seasoned athletes or beginners, swimming allows them to work at their own pace while gradually improving their skills and endurance. The buoyancy of water also reduces the impact on joints, making it an ideal exercise for those recovering from injuries or with conditions such as arthritis. By engaging in regular swimming sessions, students can maintain a healthy weight, improve their posture, and enhance overall flexibility, thus promoting long-term physical well-being.