ISPP Pulse February 2013

ISPP PULSE FEBRUARY 2013 WWW.ISPP.EDU.KH

Students particpating in the Grade2/3 Sports Day WWW.ISPP.EDU.KH 12012 held on February 15,

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director’s letter.

DIGITAL AGE Dear Parents and Students, I think we can agree that in 2013 we are well and truly in the digital age. I am reminded of this every moment of every day. Certainly our students at ISPP have known nothing other than a digital age since birth. That gives them a huge advantage over the rest of us -- their parents and teachers -- because they have absolutely no fear of technology. Now I know several of our parents and teachers are extremely tech-savvy, so no disrespect intended, but the digital divide between our students and “the rest of us” is worthy of reflection, it seems to me.

Shock? Horror? Not really, but definitely different. Coffee shops used to be places to go to sit and chat face-to-face with other people in the same room in real time (no, Skyping your cousin in Toledo does not count). Of course, milk used to be delivered to houses in bottles once upon a time too, so maybe it is ok that our styles of communication have evolved in these ways.

Where did the time go?

One of the NY Times articles talks about “digital down time” and the idea that there is not much of it in our lives anymore unless we consciously blow up the TV and go for a long walk in the countryside. When I wake Too much information up the first thing I do, I am sad In 2010, the New York Times ran a series of articles to admit, is check my e-mail. on technology. You can find them at the following link: On the way to the shower I flick http://topics.nytimes.com/top/features/timestopics/ on BBC radio in case they are series/your_brain_on_computers/index.html. Now the reporting on something I really fact that I am quoting articles written about technolneed to know -- like the Pope is ogy in 2010 may start some eyes rolling because it is resigning -- while I am standing now 2013 (even I did not miss that). What is interest- in the shower. There is another ing to me about this series of articles is that they are radio in the kitchen so BBC can just as relevant today as they were three years ago. fill me in on the Oscar nominees For instance, how many of us have gone into one in while I am eating an orange. of the 187 coffee shops in Phnom Penh and found Before leaving for school, I check it eerily quiet even though it is full of people, and I my messages on my phone while mean full. 95% of the patrons have their face glued to I am putting on my shoes. In my a screen: computer, tablet or phone -- take your pick. office the computer is setup for Some are even passing messages to one another! the daily deluge of e-mail. While I 4

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director’s letter continued.

am standing at the gate at Street 360, I am updating the news feeds on my phone, checking the weather back in Canada (this always cheers me up in winter) and maybe sending off a text before the students start rolling up. The gym after work has to be the worst. I am not sure if the patrons at The Place could actually exercise without an iPod plugged in, playing Angry Birds on their iPad or watching re-runs of How I Met Your Mother on TV. Today we have mobile smart phones, which are basically hand-held computers with fast internet and connectivity all over this town. Whenever there is a lull in the action, people whip out their phones and try to stave off the boredom of it all or avoid having to talk to someone next to them. You will see this at restaurants, in meetings, in supermarkets and of course with people driving motorized vehicles in Phnom Penh.

These days the smallest amount of downtime can be use for entertainment and mobile phone app-makers are targeting these small breathing spaces in our lives. And although you are being entertained or possibly

“Almost certainly, downtime lets the brain go over experiences it’s had, solidify them and turn them into permanent long-term memories,” more productive, the research says you maybe be giving up important “think time” when you simply stop to let your brain process all of that information. Those micro-breaks can allow your brain to learn better, remember more and -- wait for it -- possibly think of a new idea.

Here is a quotation from one of the NY Times articles: “The researchers suspect that the findings also apply to how humans learn.

“Almost certainly, downtime lets the brain go over experiences it’s had, solidify them and turn them into permanent long-term memories,” said Loren Frank, assistant professor in the department of physiology at the university, where he specializes in learning

and memory. He said he believed that when the brain was constantly stimulated, “you prevent this learning process.”

At the University of Michigan, a study found that people learned significantly better after a walk in nature than after a walk in a dense urban environment, suggesting that processing a barrage of information leaves people fatigued.

Even though people feel entertained, even relaxed, when they multitask while exercising, or pass a moment at the bus stop by catching a quick video clip, they might be taxing their brains, scientists say.

“People think they’re refreshing themselves, but they’re fatiguing themselves,” said Marc Berman, a University of Michigan neuroscientist.” Digital Devices Deprive Brain of Needed Downtime, New York Times, Published: August 24, 2010.

Wired for distraction Three years on at ISPP we are trying to improve learning on the tech front in the digital age -- we don’t really have a choice if we want to connect with and motivate our students to learn.

That said, we are mindful of the downside of 24/7 information and do not want our students to become wired for distraction: impatient and forgetful. We expect that during lessons, screens will only be used about 40% of the time. We also recognize that in order to encourage well-rounded, thoughtful children who will think of the next big thing it is ok to unplug on a regular basis. Bring back the long lunch, the siesta and the kicking of footballs.

Best Regards, Barry Sutherland Director barrysutherland@ispp.edu.kh

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“Did we miss anything?”

The most important thing to me?

Is to have a smooth and worry-free relocation “The experience is never easy, but we must say that the effectiveness, efficiency and courtesy of the Crown people in both places made a huge difference!” ~USA to Switzerland

Crown service offerings include: • International & Domestic Shipment • Transit Insurance • Pre View Trip Services • Home Search

Tel: (855) 23 881 004 phnompenh@crownrelo.com

Go knowing www.crownrelo.com

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director’s letter.

Digital Age

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elementary.

WordPress Playbased Learning - Acts of Inquiry EY’s Sports Day 100 Days of School Wildlife Alliance Grade 4/5 Energy Expo Grade 5 Exhibition - A Great Start Music & Art EAL

school notices.

Rocking - PCO Dates for March

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Secondary Happenings Counselor’s Office Diploma News Theory of Knowledge Presentations We all Speak the Language of Football Focus on Community and Action Personal Projects Positive Mentions Monthly Math Challenge Parks Ultimate Frisbee Visual Art 10 Grade 9 Rocks Again Grade 8 Plastics Campaign Grade 6 Humanities The Key to a Successful Trip Student Council

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sports. tech.

Never Assume health.

Exercise

ISPP Mission Statement: ISPP empowers students, in a caring international environment, to achieve their potential by pursuing personal and academic excellence, and to grow as responsible global citizens who celebrate diversity.

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school notices.

dates for March.

Artwork by Ndashi Chama

Sunday

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Tuesday 25

Wednesday 26

Thursday 27

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Saturday 2

1 Secondary Week Without Walls Grade 12 Trial Exams

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evening is a photo booth, allowing the evening to be captured the way you would like to remember it - glamorous, ridiculous or stylish. A large dance floor and great music await those ready to rock the night away.

Joining the Planning Committee this year are ISPP staff members Kirsten Pontius, Ciara Fitzpatrick and Lisa Caple who have helped brainstorm the event that the entire ISPP community will remember!

Mark your calendars, Saturday,

April 6 and at the cost of only $49.50, you can be a Rock Star at Raffles Hotel Le Royale!

Come as an eccentric rock star with glittery garb and huge sunglasses, outrageous outfits or come in jeans. Feel the beat and join us. For more information please contact keri.johnston75@ gmail.com or kirstenpontius@ ispp.edu.kh. Tickets are available at the Finance Department but be quick!

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Secondary Arts Rotation 4 Begins

ROCKING From the creators of the Welcome BBQ and mid-year Ice Cream Party, the PCO proudly presents the end of year event, solely for adults...

Over one hundred fun-loving parents and ISPP staff attend this yearly bash, and this year we want you to be part of the fun!

From the beautiful décor of Raffles Hotel Le Royale, to the sumptuous buffet and free-flowing drinks, this year’s Rock Star theme will certainly be the most exciting to date! A highlight of the

Week 1

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Week 2

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Parent/Admin Coffee Morning 7:45am

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Professional Development for Faculty Early Dismissal for All Students

Professional Development for Faculty Schools Closed and Offices Open

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Diploma Information Evening 6:00pm

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Week 1

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Battle of the Bands 6:00pm

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PCO Meeting 12:15pm

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Week 2

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Secondary Interim Reports Issued

ISA Presentation 6:00pm

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First Day of Secondary Rotation 3 Activities Student House Build

Elementary Assembly 7:45am

First Day of Term 4

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Week 1

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ISPP Board Meeting 5:30pm

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Student House Build Student Council High School Formal

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EARCOS Teachers Conference

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April 2013 M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 S

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message from the principal. by tracy france-george

primary years programme news. by kim engasser

PLAYBASED LEARNING

ACTS OF INQUIRY

Dear Parents,

ment to the environment and we weren’t sure that we were One of the ongoing challenges reaching our audience very well for a growing school such as as paper gets lost in backpacks! ours is communication between As a result we launched our home and school. Beyond the Wordpress websites. Each multichallenge of finding effective age grade level has one and the channels of communication is the following information is available: proven research that shows that children do better in school when Language: What is my child parents talk often with teachers learning in language at the moand become involved. There are ment? a number of ways that parents and teachers can communicate Mathematics: What is my child with each other, rather than learning in maths at the moment? just relying on the scheduled parent-teacher conferences.

Units of Inquiry: Upcoming Close communications between events/dates to remember. parents and teachers can help the student in so many different Photos of curricular events. ways.

Parents are sent the link directly Wordpress by their child’s teacher and must This year we have stopped send- visit the pages regularly. There is ing home paper newsletters. The no password needed, just booklarge amount of paper used was mark the link in your browser. not in keeping with our commitIn addition you can sign up for 12

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an RSS feed so that you will get an email alert every time a new post is added. Please note that information is also added to the pages, not just the posts so be sure to check the site regularly as well! Our single subject areas have also developed their Wordpress sites and links to them can be found on the grade level pages.

We hope you take the time to keep connected to us and in the meantime if you have any feedback on other ways we can help you keep up to date with what is happening in our classrooms, please do not hesitate to drop me an email.

Regards, Tracy France-George Elementary Principal tracyfrancegeorge@ispp.edu.kh

The National Children’s Bureau in the UK describes play as activities children do from babyhood until the early teenage years. Play can include a range of self-chosen activities and young children exhibit playful behaviour when they explore and experiment with objects of interest to them.

At ISPP, play based learning is considered to be acts of inquiry as play is one of the most important ways children inquire about the world around them. What this means is, we recognize that children are natural inquirers from birth and continued play is a vital force to support all aspects of their development and learning including: • Physical - using large and small muscles for activities such as climbing, running or jumping and for independent skills such as feeding oneself or putting on a pair of shoes, • Intellectual – solving problems and using imagination and creativity when playing alone or with others and with or without toys, • Social and Emotional – extending communication skills, practicing how to negotiate and work with others and developing confidence when experiencing feelings of success in play, • Literacy and Numeracy – requiring students to think, use language, interact and explore to increase understanding of words and their use and understanding of mathematical concepts such

as shapes, colours, and measurements.

If you would like to know more about play based learning in the PYP, please contact me.

Kim Engasser Elementary Assistant Principal / PYP Coordinator kimengasser@ispp.edu.kh

SOURCES In a play based classroom, • IBPYP Making the PYP teachers provide a creative enHappen: A curriculum vironment to support the acts of framework for international inquiry by structuring the space primary education (2009) to maximize learning and providPg. 29-30 ing large blocks of unhurried • What is Play? National and uninterrupted time to allow Children’s Bureau 2004. for children to be fully engaged Reprinted 2006. in play experiences. Students • Revisiting ‘play’: Analyzare supported in their play by ing and articulating acts of learning how to represent their inquiry, Youngquist, J and ideas using multiple and concrete Pataray-Ching, J. Early materials. As young children are Childhood Education Journaturally curious about things nal. Vol 31, #3. (2004) Pg. around them, teachers often tap 71-178 into their interests while assisting them to develop concepts and skills, provide opportunities for reflective learning and motivate them to go a step further.

Play based learning helps children develop strong foundations as learners who have the potential to develop critical skills, have deep understandings and exhibit the attributes which are essential for their formal academic achievement as well helping them become well rounded individuals.

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EY’S SPORTS DAY

When do we get to run, bike and crawl as fast as we can, cheer as loud as we can, kick as hard as we can, and throw as high as we can? SPORTS DAY!!! Early Years students had a fantastic sports day with lots of fun and excitement. Some new games and challenging activities, and plenty of chances to explore their growing range of skills and abilities. Everyone had lots of fun and a few parents even got in on the action too! We can’t wait to do it again!

Early Years

100 DAYS OF SCHOOL The PYR/Grade 1 classes had a special celebration to mark the 100th Day of School on Tuesday, February 5. Students counted to 100 several different ways throughout the day. In the afternoon, each class rotated to the other five classrooms for special “Stations”, in which each teacher held a different 100th Day activity to try. Students were able to bounce, jump, paint, sing and even eat their way to 100! A special crown was created to commemorate the event and the day was a huge success.

PYR/Grade 1 14

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elementary.

elementary.

and the need to share our environment with all living things. Here is what they had to say: I learnt that Wildlife Alliance helps animals that are in danger of being taken from the wild and sold in the illegal pet trade. Some people are selling animals in Cambodia even though it is illegal. Wildlife Alliance are stopping them from selling the animals or using their body parts for medicine. They stop people from eating monkey brains or making tiger bone medicine illegally. These acts are causing Cambodia’s wildlife to become endangered. They will save any wild animal. Zachary How

On Tuesday February 12, in conjunction with the Grade 2/3 unit of inquiry, Amy and the wonderful team from Kouprey Express Wildlife Alliance Cambodia came to ISPP to share their knowledge about the negative impact humans have on the local environment and the positive actions we can take to help lessen this.

The students certainly benefited from the wealth of information that was presented and enjoyed the games too!

The information they gained supported their inquiry into environmental systems 16

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Wildlife Alliance helps stop the illegal killing of wild animals.

Even if the animal has already been killed Wildlife Alliance will prosecute the people responsible. So if you see wild animal meat on the menu in a restaurant you can still call them.

Some people want to get a wild pet because they think it is so cute but when it grows up it can be dangerous or break things in the house. So that is why you should call the Wildlife Alliance. Fauve Delanghe Wildlife Alliance helps wild animals that have been taken from their environment by rescuing them and helping them get food and a place to live (usually in Phnom Tamao). If there are wild animals in close proximity to humans or someone is killing or harming animals Wildlife Alliance can send a team to help. So dial 012 500 094 if you see a wild animal being mistreated or in danger. Nick Boname Grade 2/3

GRADE 4/5 ENERGY EXPO During the recent Energy Unit the Grade 4/5 students studied many different forms of energy. They investigated how these forms of energy worked, how they are used, how the use of energy affects the world and the environment, and how energy forms can be used responsibly (or not!).

Students used their research skills to help answer these questions and presented their findings in a variety of displays. Models were created and experiments conducted to help demonstrate their understandings. These ranged from cooking eggs using solar power to models showing nuclear fission! They debated the future of energy sources for the world, discussing alternative and renewable sources.

These students presented their findings to both the Grade 2/3 classes and the other Grade 4/5 classes. The students commented afterward that it was a great experience for them learning how to explain their findings to others in a clear manner. They felt that their presentation skills improved dramatically during the expo!

Grade 4/5

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music & art In the past weeks, Grade 5 students have been involved in preliminary learning sessions about: street children, poverty, inadequate health care, child labor, and the work of Friends International; the action that many take as volunteers with government agencies like the Peace Corps (USA); issues surrounding deforestation in Cambodia; issues surrounding the protection of endangered wildlife in Cambodia and the world; and issues surrounding the rural poor in Cambodia and the work of Tabitha. Students have been thinking about the issues raised by our guest speakers, and have considered actions

GRADE 5 EXHIBITION A GREAT START that organizations and individuals take to address these issues.

Students have formed 19 groups.

Each group is collectively writing lines of inquiry, and guiding questions, setting up field trips and inviting more guest speakers in to discuss their chosen issue.

The PYR/G1 students have been looking at how we can use the arts to express our feelings.

In Music, students used music and movement, listening to pieces of music and responding as well as looking at pictures. We have also been learning a song all about feelings. Students have looked at how our whole bodies can show what we feel, not just our faces. We are starting to understand that music needs to change when our feelings change.

In Art, we looked at The Old Guitarist by Picasso from his Blue Period when he was sad about his friend dying. We also looked at paintings by Paul Klee which we think expressed happiness and silliness. We painted faces expressing a feeling and then used watercolors to match the feeling.

In a final project, both Art and Music classes investigated the same photograph and responded to it. In Art, we painted papers and used expressive line, shape and pattern to express the feeling we got from looking at the photograph. We are starting to understand how artists express feelings through their artwork.

You will see some of the results at the March Assembly.

Jennifer Eveland & Leigh Pritchard Art /Music Teachers

eal

The Grade 2/3 EAL students have been inquiring into the unit, Sharing the Planet. During this time they have investigated habitats and the impact humans have on both animals and the environment. The students have been keen and curious learners

and continue to demonstrate their growth as risk-takers and articulate communicators. They have also been developing their research skills by using different types of sources to gain information related to the unit.

The students are learning how to effectively report back this information by using different question types to deliver a range of information.

The Grade 2/3 EAL students reflect about the ways in which people can affect the world around them. They have shown empathy and understanding through various methods of communication and are thinking of ways they can make a difference by being cooperative and respectful with regard the environment.

Beth Ison EAL Teacher

Grade 5

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message from the principal. by anthony coles

secondary.

will welcome back Erma Anderson for her third visit to Secondary in the past 18 months. You may remember that Erma has been helping our mathematics teachers with our curriculum and providing her insights into mathematics best practices.

Please try to make it to the International Schools Assessment presentation for parents on Thursday, March 21 starting at 6:00pm. The presentation will share the results, analysis and subsequent actions of the October 2012 testing.

Anthony Coles Secondary Principal anthonycoles@ispp.edu.kh

opportunity for discussing alcohol and other drug-related issues with your children. Parental involvement is crucial to our efforts to reduce the risks teenagers face. We want our students to hear from both school and home that we are concerned about alcohol, tobacco and other drug use by adolescents, and that we are committed to keeping our children safe.

The FCD facilitator will work with the students in Grades 9 - 11 over the four days with an assembly for Grade 12 students.

Each class will miss two periods of lesson time over the four days and will receive between 150 to 160 minutes of workshop time

COUNSELOR’S OFFICE SECONDARY HAPPENINGS Making connections with students’ own lives and connections with the outside world is one of the most important features of the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP). These connections are what we call the Areas of Interaction (AoI). The AoI are the real world; the world outside the ISPP bubble and everything we learn has its place somewhere in one of the areas of interaction.

The AoI exist in your IB Diploma Programme too, but for Diploma students, at their age and stage of development we choose not to name them or need to. Our Grade 10 students have now completed their Personal Projects, the culminating activity for their MYP. There was a myriad of personal inquiries and all their hard work has come to an end.

The Personal Project allows students to explore, to be thinkers 20

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and to create. It is a long process but in time the students will appreciate what they have learned.

Some key events have taken place in recent weeks. Our Week without Walls (WWW) programme involves our Grade 6 through to Grade 10 students.

Our students have been actively engaged in a WWW programme dotted around Phnom Penh, Cambodia or regionally during the final week of February. WWW gives our students the opportunity to become immersed in experiential learning, which we know is an important component in the development of the whole child and one of the important building blocks in helping each student reach his or her ‘personal’ excellence. Learning through handson service or working as part of team enables students to think deeply about themselves and

others. We truly believe these types of experiences positively shape the young people at ISPP. The students have ventured out to many parts of Phnom Penh, Cambodia or within the region and experienced cultural aspects of their geographic location and in some cases been up close and personal with nature and wildlife.

Thanks to all of our teachers for safely negotiating the week and in particular to the coordinator Ms. Gardner and our trip leaders.

The trip leaders and teachers have planned these trips since August 2012. On behalf of the students and parents I extend our thanks and appreciation to the Secondary team for spending the week away from family and making the week a memorable learning experience for our students!

Our Grade 11 students have

completed their Group 4 Project, a field collaboration of the sciences (near Kirirom) and a mandatory project in the IB Diploma Programme. Whilst the rest of the secondary students have been out and about, our Grade 12 students have sat their trial Diploma exams as preparation for their final IB Diploma exams in May. We look forward to their success when their results are available in early July.

Many of our faculty will be involved in some in-depth learning that will support the technology integration initiative we will be piloting next year in Grade 8.

Those teachers involved already have their new MacBook device and are eagerly awaiting the professional learning workshops with Tori Potts from Beyond Chalk. Her company name implies so much and we look forward to welcoming Tori to our school.

In the second week of March we

As part of our Home Group and health education program and ongoing commitment to prevention and wellness, we have invited Prevention Specialists from Freedom from Chemical Dependency Educational Services to join ISPP for four days, March 12 15. FCD is a non-profit organization that provides substance abuse prevention education for schools. Since 1976, they have taught over a million students of all ages all around the world.

FCD Prevention Specialists are highly trained professionals who have achieved long-term recovery from alcohol or other drug addictions. This unique perspective enhances the credibility of their message and provides students with role models for happy, healthy, drug-free living.

The FCD Prevention Specialist will present a parent workshop to offer support and guidance in helping your children enjoy a drug-free adolescence.

This program presents a perfect

with the facilitator.

A parent information session will be held on Wednesday March 13 from 7:30 to 8:15pm.am in the Dance Studio. More details will be provided once the program is confirmed. Please let me know if you are interested in attending so an appropriate venue can be organized (email address for RSVP’s below).

CLUBS Please encourage your child to join the Wednesday after school Homework Club.

Students can receive assistance with planning assignments and setting goals even if they have no homework for the night to complete. At the moment we have a few regulars but this club is open to anyone who would like some help. It really is an informal and fun way to get some extra help.

Board Games Club was initiated

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DIPLOMA NEWS

February and March are busy months in both grades of the IB have a wonderful small group Diploma. Grade 12 students will who turn up regularly (we run it have sat their trial exams by the usually twice a week) and we time this edition reaches you. play a variety of fun games that This is the first time students are easily achievable in the lunch will have sat all of the exams in break. Students are welcome to a simulation of their May finals. bring their own games to play As with all dress rehearsals they but they cannot be video games may be feeling nervous but they and must be able to be played in should also know that they are a group. well prepared. Trial exams will be run all week from February 25 UNIVERSITY UPDATES While to March 1. The benefit of these our Grade 12 students are work- exams for students is that they ing hard on their IB Diploma become familiar with exam hall studies, they have also managed routines and expectations and to find time to apply to many the psychological pressure of exuniversities around the world. In ams. Hopefully they will be better February we had over 30 univer- equipped to succeed in May as sities visit ISPP for a lunchtime a result. The benefit of these exhibition and morning session exams for teachers is that they representing the United Kinggain a good idea of how students dom and the United States, this will perform in May which allows means the student exposure to them to make predicted grades. different institutions has widened These are reported to the IB and considerably. As well as the four are compared with actual results in May. Major discrepancies can exhibitions we have hosted at ISPP to date, students interested lead to a re-mark of an exam. in applying to the USA were also The table below also indicates the number of internal assessgiven the opportunity to meet ments that are being completed with the USA CollegeBoard repnow and will soon be sent to resentative Ms Nancy Meislahn. external examiners. In addition Nancy is also the admissions to exams Grade 12 students are person for Wesleyan University having their language orals and in the USA and she offered her are preparing for their final ToK wealth of experience including presentations. individual appointments with Grade 11 students are now students. A variety of other indiwell on the way to drawing up a vidual universities from around plan and undertaking research the world have also visited. for their Extended Essays and Please call in to the counResearch Projects. Once again seling office as you are always some very interesting topic areas welcome. have been chosen resulting in some fascinating research quesKaren Skelly tions. The high level of engageCounselor ment many students have shown karenskelly@ispp.edu.kh 22

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is an excellent sign of maturity and ownership of the project that should lead to high scoring assignments. They should have shown a plan for their essay which includes detail of how they will undertake their research by March 27.

Grade 10 students and parents are invited to an hour’s introduction to the IB Diploma at 6:00pm on March 12 in the Secondary Auditorium. Students have already had introductory sessions from me and the other specialist Diploma teachers. This evening will be the moment when students select Diploma courses for the first time. Students will then choose for a second time at the end of March from an amended list of courses and still will be able to make alterations in their Diploma course choices until the end of August 2013.

THEORY OF KNOWLEDGE PRESENTATIONS Students will make their final presentations in the IB Diploma subject Theory of Knowledge on April 1. This is a class in which students reflect on their learning in all of their IB Diploma classes making links and connections in their knowledge. The final

presentation is a chance to study an issue with which students are connected and to critically assess what the right answer to the issue would be in their educated opinion. Central to this is the consideration of evidence which underpins contending answers or claims to the identified knowledge issue. Students will explain how their opinions have changed as they have become more informed.

An appreciative audience

helps to make this important assignment a special event and so I very much hope you can attend on Monday 1 April. Presentations will be held in the Secondary Dance Studio and I will let you know of the scheduled time for your child’s group presentation soon.

Jeremy George Diploma Coordinator

Jeremy George Diploma Coordinator jeremygeorge@ispp.edu.kh GRADE 12 CLASS OF 2013 March: Group 1 Language Orals; Group 2 Language Orals; Language B Written Assignment March 22: ToK presentations due, submit completed CAS Journals and final self-evaluations to Coordinator March 25: Theatre - Performance and Production Presentation March 29: Submission of Practical Scheme of Work; Chemistry, Biology and Physics April 8 - 12: Visual Arts Exhibition and final exam GRADE 11 CLASS OF 2014 March 27: Deadline for appointment with EE/RP advisor to review your written plan GRADE 10 CLASS OF 2015 March 12: IB Diploma information evening to make preliminary course choices for next academic year.

WE ALL SPEAK THE LANGUAGE OF FOOTBALL What brings people together?

In the case of our Wednesday Activity, our love of football. Five Grade 11 students joined forces with Mr. Thompson, Mr. Etienne and some younger assistant coaches to form a U-14 football team unique in the history of ISPP. Our trainees were from Stung Mean Chey, where they survive by recycling rubbish. At our first training, we lined them up to see what we had to work with.

Dressed in ripped jeans, broken flip flops on their feet and ragged hair covering their faces,

this did not look like a football team. However, that was soon to change.

We soon had the boys kitted out with matching shirts, shorts and football studs. We were guaranteed a final game against the ISPP MS boys, and had 8 weeks to get them ready. Each week we would split into three groups with each working on a different aspect of football skills.

Every week their skills improved, and every week we grew closer with our trainees.

On the day of the big match, our trainees were trembling with

anxiety and their coaches were even more nervous! The game started off well with our boys showing good teamwork. However, fitness was an issue as the ISPP boys were fitter and had more substitutes. Even though the ISPP Boys won 2-0, our boys made a valiant effort and all the coaches were proud of how well they played. Next rotation we look forward to another exciting match with ISPP. Joseph Surivong (Grade 11) Photographs by Izzie Broch (Grade 8) WWW.ISPP.EDU.KH

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focus on community AND action THE MEMORY PROJECT • PLAYING BALL FOR A GOOD CAUSE • BIG BROTHER/BIG SISTER • SEEDLING OF HOPE

Big Brother/Big Sister

The Memory Project Are you aware of the number of children in orphanages who lack love and attention? Most people contribute to helping those children by donating items such as; clothes, shoes or toys.

Although they are grateful for these generous offerings, it does not have the same meaning as having something personal.

Youths in this situation have very few personal keepsakes. The purpose of the Memory Project Activity was to create portraits of local children so they could have special memories and remember that this was done specially for them.

Blind drawing, one-lined drawing and left handed drawing were the drawing techniques that were first experimented with as drawing portraits require the artist to pay more attention to the subject matter than the drawing itself. After briefly explaining the purpose of the activity, we invited the children from Chibodia to our class. Each child was paired up with one of the students in the activity.Photos were taken of the children in order for the students to be able to draw and paint the 24

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portraits in future classes. Before this, they practiced drawing each other and had time to get to know one another so they would feel more comfortable together.

After several weeks we were finally finished. The students all signed their paintings and wrote a short message on the back for their buddy. During the last class, we went on a field trip to Chibodia in order to give the children the paintings. Surprisingly, the children at Chibodia were able to point out their buddies and even remembered their names after having met only once. When they received their portraits, they were delighted.

Each child expressed their feelings about their painting.

All of them said they were very happy with the result of their portrait and thankful that we took the time to do this for them.

Overall, this was a great experience for both our students and the children at Chibodia as it is different approach to help children who have been neglected or orphaned.

Boramey Lim Grade 11

Playing Ball for a Good Cause On February 9 the 3-on-3 Basketball Wednesday Activity group held its fundraising Basketball Tournament for Indochina Starfish, an organization aiming to give impoverished children access to education. Ten teams participated in total, with a mix of players from ISPP, Northbridge, Hope and Logos. The teams fought hard for the coveted prize of free pizza, ice cream and snacks, but in the end it was the Charlotte Bobcats, Grace and her Minions and Team Parklum who won in their respective divisions and walked away with the prizes.

Over $300 were raised on the day with the help of a donation from USA Donuts. We’d like to thank everyone who came to play, support and watch for making the tournament a success.

Samnang Kwok Grade 11

Indochina Starfish (http://www. indochinastarfish.org/) and ISPP’s secondary students have teamed up together to create a Big Brother/Big Sister Program.

The foundation “is an International Charity which helps some of the poorest, most disadvantaged children in Cambodia” (ISF) by providing them with opportunities that some of us, can at times, disregard. Inspired by the original youth mentoring program started in America, the aim is to build friendships between students from both schools in a relaxed and friendly environment. As it is a brand new idea, a lot of what we have tried is based on trial and error. We have played football, basketball and badminton, played some computer games, taught them how to create a powerpoint, done some artwork, taken photos and even brought some music activities into the mix. From what we have witnessed, there is such a positive reaction from the local students when sports and teamwork are involved. In addition, we also found that integrating music is also a great way to get students, both ISPP and local, moving around and having fun.

The Big Brother Big Sister program benefits both sides. The ISF students get the opportunity to choose what it is they’d like to do, whether it be playing sports, learning things on the computer, music, or just talking with a new

friend. ISPP students get the chance to be involved in an activity that has the main goal of building friendships and instilling confidence in local students.

activity with the help and support of Mr. Bacallao and Ms. Mercy, as they advised and assisted us in preparing and running the activities. The youth there were anxious to meet us and Emelie Kem they were very cooperative and Grade 12 energetic about everything we did. We had a lot of drawing and Seedling of Hope coloring activities which showed What began as a simple idea their creativity and enthusiasm to reach out and help less for art. Some of the sessions fortunate children, developed turned from drawing to face into the Seedling of Hope, our painting. We had some ‘out of Wednesday activity. As Grade 11 the box’ ideas from the group. students, the four of us (Justin, One of these ideas was cookie Grace, James and myself) had decorating which we did one to lead an activity every Wednes- Wednesday. Grace was nice day. This was the time when we enough to bake us all the cookies went to the Seedling of Hope, for this activity. This turned out to which is a group home. We had be a great hit as they thoroughly ten weeks to work with them and enjoyed making and eating the there were 8 other students from cookies. On the last day we ISPP. Some of the youth there ended with a great water balloon are HIV positive. We spent some fight. We spent the lunch filling quality time with the kids there up buckets of water balloons and taught them a variety of and we all had an amazing time things like arts and crafts, sports (even Mr. Bacallao joined in). and games.

On the whole the Seedling of It turned out that in the proHope Wednesday activity, was a cess, we learned some things fantastic and memorable experifrom them as well. For instance, ence. we learnt how to conduct an activity in a given amount of time. Rahul Ravindranth We slowly learnt how to keep Grade 11 the kids involved, engaged and active throughout the sessions.

Even though we were shy at the beginning we learnt how to leave our comfort zone and interact with the kids, this became more enjoyable as we felt like a group.

We were only able to lead this WWW.ISPP.EDU.KH

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secondary.

Personal Projects

The Grade 10 students handed in their final reports on January 25 and teachers spent two weeks marking and standardizing the reports. The process is completed with students receiving final grades.

There was a very high standard this year and some students earned the highest grade (7 out of 7). Students should be very proud of what they achieved and the quality of the products and reports. The moderators were so impressed with the Community and Service aspect of some of the projects, we would like to ask students if they would like to continue their projects and possibly lead groups of younger students for next years’ Wednesday Afternoon Activities. Well done to all Grade 10 students!

Brian Webster MYP Coordinator brianwebster@ispp.edu.kh

Positive Mentions

English A Palang for superb effort , Keokanitha for impressive knowledge and excellent effort and Regina (Grade 9) for consistently high levels of achievement. Annabelle for superb response to literature and Nathaniel (Grade 11) for his spirit of volunteerism.

French B Yannick (Grade 6) for excellent preparation for his last Oral Assessment Spanish B Taimu (Grade 7) is improving on using accurate grammar in different type of texts. Mai (Grade 8) is working independently even though she is new and beginner in Phase Two. Dean (Grade 10) has made a smooth transition to Phase 4.

Library Medin (Grade 7) has volunteered several times this week to help in the library. (He likes the responsibility) Science Chan Hee, Lee San, Mondrita, Karuna, Joachim Ye Eun (Grade 9) for excellent science investigations into Resistance and Electricity.

Visual Arts Izzy and Nishta (Grade 8) for putting 110% into everything from written work to painting.

Ragina (Grade 9) has demonstrated exceptional leadership in our collaborative project.

Shaishav for challenging himself to create an outstanding wall installation at the school’s entrance. Ha Eun (Grade 10) for volunteering to help after school without being asked.Clara (Grade 11) for proving to be a very focused and determined Diploma student. Florine (Grade 12) took a creative risk by painting a landscape outside and the result was inspiring.

Monthly Math Challenge

A single sheet of newspaper is .01 cm thick. Tear it in half and stack the two halves together. Tear the two halves in half and stack the 4 pieces together.

Keep it up. How tall is the stack after 25 tears? How many tears do you need to get a stack that is 1 meter high?

The first correct answer to be presented to Ms. Zane will be awarded 25 house points. Correct answers must include showing all your work.

Congratulations to Phuong Nguyen who was the first to solve last month’s challenge. She earned 25 points for Tigers.

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Parks

Over the last two weeks, in Humanities, we have been learning about the concept of Business and Science Parks.

Throughout the lessons, we discovered the facilities such parks offer and the functions they fulfill. We also developed an understanding of why the parks are built in certain places and why location is so important. In groups, we picked a site in Phnom Penh to build such a park, analyzing the advantages and disadvantages of this location and creating annotated maps of the area and of the layout of our park. We also listed what resources are available, and created an advertisement for our park.

We figured out how Science and Business parks may positively affect the development of a country. Furthermore, in our group at least, we all agreed that Business parks are more suitable for a developing country such as Cambodia, because of the cheap land and readily available labor. By working in groups we extended our knowledge of the potential that Phnom Penh offers for a business park. Cambodia is a developing country and it is developing rapidly which gives a lot of opportunities for sales and businesses.

We developed skills on advertising as we made an advertisement for a magazine to promote our business park and improved our skills in marketing as we had to persuade people to come to our business park by using our advertisement and maps as

props and deliver a presentation promoting our park.

Sowon Lee, Jeong Hun (Julia) Song & Shaishav Sanjel Grade 10

Ultimate Frisbee The Grade 10 students have been learning the more sophisticated strategies of Ultimate Frisbee. One class has completed a four week unit in this sport, while the next class has just started.

They’ve been learning offensive and defensive strategies, when to make excellent cuts for the disc, how to throw the Frisbee in multiple ways and how to work as a team to play the best possible game.

The leading principle behind Ultimate Frisbee is called Spirit of the Game. “Spirit of the Game places the responsibility for fair play

on every player. Highly competitive play is encouraged but should never sacrifice the mutual respect between players, adherence to the rules of the game, or the basic joy of play.” (WFDF Rules of Ultimate).

The students have done a formidable job of exemplifying this principle. Ms. Brydie is very proud of their demonstration of sportsmanship, competitive play and teamwork.

Any students in Grades 10 - 12 interested in learning more about this sport are welcome to come to the ISPP Field on Wednesdays from 4:30 - 6:00pm to play pick-up Ultimate. It is open to the public and everyone is welcome to just watch, play one point, play many points, come late or leave early. It’s a great cardio-vascular activity and lots of fun! See Ms. Brydie if you have any questions.

Brydie McMullan Grade 10 PE

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secondary.

secondary.

1. Shaishav Sanjel, Untitled Wall Mural. Entrance Wall.

My art installation was inspired by a wall installation of a Korean artist, Do Ho Suh. His work titled, “Who are We?”, consisted of pictures of hundreds and thousands of people cut into perfect circles and stuck into a wall. The pictures were so small, you could barely tell what is was from a distance but when you went up really close you would then notice they were pictures. I wanted the same effect with my installation.

The impact I want this to have on others is first for them to think ‘What is that?” from a distance and then they look closer and have that ‘Ohh’ moment.

Concept Statement: Aesthetics influences us and impacts our work. • Key Concept: Aesthetics • Related Concepts: Environments, Audience, Transformation • Inquiry Questions: What is beautiful? What is ugly? What makes me see the world the way I do? How does my sense of aesthetics influence me and impact my art? What should artists consider before creating art in a public space? • Global Context: An inquiry into our creativity and forms of expression • Interdisciplinary Connection: Design

VISUAL ART 10

enhancing a space

3. Nadia Fernando, Along the Walls. Tape installation. Math building staircase.

4. Sowon Lee, Untitled. Installation. Courtyard Trees.

2. Skyler Gillette, Creeper. Clay, Wire, and Wood. Entrance, Eating Area Tree, Computer Lab Walkway.

I wanted to brighten the school a little, so I used red and white, two rather bright colors. I wanted my art to impact others by having people look for them around campus and finding them. I also wanted people to become interested in them, and think something like “Oh, that’s cool” when they see them. I have also seen a few people pointing up at them, and I think this shows some interest in my artwork like I wanted.

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These staircases are dull and could use with a little brightening up. I wanted to use the works of the installation artist Jim Lambie to inspire me to create this very similar installation. Lambie used vinyl on floors to create art pieces that he intended to bring out a rhythmic and colorful feel to a site. My intentions were almost the same; rather than creating a rhythm, I wanted to bring life to a certain area. Personally, the easiest way to add life is to add color. I think that I am successful in presenting my intentions, because I have livened these walls up with different sizes and colors of stripes. The slight variety and consistency of the stripes makes it vibrant, but it is a controlled amount.

I am a minimalist and I think that simplicity has the power to open minds, different perspectives and new ideas because there is no confusion; it is like the start line in the race, you take your path from there. I want the audience to look at things in a different perspective; I want them to question why the bicycles are on the trees.

Expect the unexpected. I want them to change their perspective on things, that anything can be possible. There is no story behind why the bikes are where they are, that is up to the audience to make it theirs. One of my goals of this artwork is to inspire people to think outside the box.

5. Ha Eun Kim, Growing Together. Wall Mural. Basketball Court Entrance.

This installation was greatly inspired by Found Flowers Painting Series by the artist Jim Lambie.

His characterizations in contrast of colors, the rhythm and the movement, as well as the unique idea of placing flowers on the images of iconic stars captured my eyes the very first time I saw it. When other people see this installation, I wanted to remind them with the new ISPP vision statement: “Learning together, Growing Together, Each making a Difference.” Flowers represent the blooming youth; the “youth” is also represented as a basketball team in the installation.

6. An Theang, The Naga’s Lotus. Wall Mural. Bathroom Back Of Baskball Courts.

My goal was to make my installation represent the Cambodian aesthetic and the culture of Cambodia. Overall, I’ve achieved this because my installation has complex designs and deep meaning.

The impact that I want to make by “The Naga’s Lotus” installation is to make them understand and learn about the Cambodian sense of aesthetics and culture.

The installation was designed for people with different nationalities, not just Cambodians, to show everyone how incredible Cambodia is in terms of design and culture.

7. Socheat Tun, Untitled.

Tape installation. Art Room Staircase.

In my artwork I intended to make the space more visually appealing and livelier by adding more color to it and actually give something for people who are walking through it to look at. I thought that adding red was a good idea because it contrasts well and will bring the staircase out really well.

I wanted the audience’s eyes to move from down to up and up to down the stairs. Now people actually have something to look at when they come up and right before art class it could maybe put them in the mood to be an artist. After a long boring school day it could make people more excited about something.

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Grade Nine Rocks Again

8. Bunkry Leng, Beyond Imagination. Found Object Installation. Art Room Windows.

For this artwork, I have made an installation using toy animals, which is displayed on the white window. To make it even more interesting, I spray-painted the toys so that it will be in a rainbow, which will help make movement with the toy animals. This artwork is made so that it will make the window more attractive; the color contrasts with the white background, which makes it eyecatching. The artist who inspired me was Fred Wilson who uses sculpture. I also used my own aesthetics which is colorful things and that is how I made my installation.

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9. Monika Pangilinan, Untitled.

Wall Mural. Bathroom by Eating Area.

Microbo inspired me to create this installation because I thought her works were beautiful and very unique compared to other artists. I loved her artwork wherein she used canvases of different sizes as a part of her multimedia installation, which also included paintings and stickers. The connections I made between my work and the inspiration from her were the paintings I’ve made around the frames; I’ve mixed her line waves designs with my octopus-ships designs.

10. Hee Youn Chung, Untitled.

Mural. Wall Near Dance Studio.

The side of the dance studio walls and the walls around the building had no greenish objects and the space felt boring and kind of dirty, too. It needed a change, so I thought painting a greenish object would enhance the space. So I decided to paint a tree. However, if I painted a real tree it would be boring and not show thinking outside the box. So I combined the art style that I got inspired by-- Microbo-and an art style of mine.

The crowd waits with anticipation as the lights dim, and the first of the bands take the stage.

The Grade 9 music students are about to perform what they have been working on for the last eight weeks in music class, and the resulting concert is always a hit with ISPP’s lunch time audience.

The process begins when students divide themselves into groups. The musicians have a wide range of talents, and each band contains a mixture of experienced and inexperienced musicians. Students learn to work as a team, helping one another, and asking for help, as they prepare their parts. Whatever level of musical experience, students must ensure that they challenge themselves in class and extend their musical talents. This means that everyone is trying something they have never done before, such as learning a new technique on an instrument, singing and playing at the same time, or a new instrument.

The students learn firsthand, what it is like to be in a real band.

The group’s first task is to select the song they will learn. Once this is complete, students must learn their parts. For some, they search for guitar, bass or drum tabs and evaluate whether or not they are correct and suitable and then work from the tabs. Others, learn to sing and play simultaneously, others must create their own original part to go with the music. Everyone practices with a metronome and checks in with

the teacher from time to time to make sure they are on the right track.

Slowly, as everyone learns their parts, rock bands begin to come together in their respective practice studios as the band members finish preparing their parts. Students begin to realize how important their individual contributions are, because unlike an ensemble where perhaps ten musicians play one part, in this unit, only one person plays each part and everyone must take on the responsibility to learn their part, and perform it well. Each members’ contribution makes a significant difference to the band.

The bands present their work to the other bands during class in an on-stage dress rehearsal.

The performances are critiqued by classmates, and the bands

return to their studios to address the constructive criticisms they received and polish their performances. Soon enough, concert day is here. People pile into the Auditorium at lunchtime to enjoy the hard work of the Grade 9 music class while they eat. Our performers are nervous, but it is a positive experience for all involved, with lots of cheering and support from the audience. The talented ISPP musicians always put on their best show, presenting what they have worked so hard to bring together, and showing off the newly developed skills they have learned along the way.

The next concert is scheduled for Wednesday March 13 at 11:35am in the Auditorium.

Darren Jahn Grade 9 Music WWW.ISPP.EDU.KH

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secondary.

secondary.

Grade 8 Plastics Campaign

• • •

• • • The Grade 8 students carried out a plastics campaign as part of the Chemical Energy Unit. The Chemical Energy Unit focuses on the use of fossil fuels and the development of plastics. The students we required to find out what types of plastics there are, how they were formed and the environmental problems which

they create. They then had to come up with strategies to publicise the environmental problems amongst the students and parent community.

tudents in Grade 6 Humanities have been studying the classical world of ancient Greece and Rome, specifically how government systems affect the lives of citizens. Here is Samithi Sok’s response to this central idea: Government’s policies greatly affect the citizens of the country.

The government controls the country. Even though your vote still counts, it is the government that pushes all the buttons and pulls all the strings. For example, in Sparta, the government forced the citizens to participate in the army for the better parts of their lives. Children were dragged away from their families from

the age of 7! Men were forced to stay in training until they were 30 and, even then, they still had to participate in the military until they were 60. This would have been terrible for the men, not to mention their families.

Poor governing can weaken an entire empire. The Roman Empire was poorly governed after the death of Augustus Caesar to the reign of Constantine.

The people lost their respect for Rome. Due to poor governance, the Roman Empire was frequently attacked and the power of the empire was slowly undermined.

The government must also consider its expenses. In Rome, taxes had to be raised, as the Roman Empire required more and more money to be main-

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Various ideas that have been or will be implemented were: • A survey of plastic use to be incorporated into a promo-

• •

tional video for the ISPP community about the environmental effects of plastic A series of factual information in the daily bulletin A pledge sheet Specialized posters for the ISPP Pulse – a key one has been placed in this edition (opposite page) by Man Choo, Ischa, Fakhriena and Lachlan Posters to go around the school and outside in English and Khmer Short presentation to the PCO Informational pamphlets in English and Khmer Donated cloth bags from a local phone company to replace plastic bags Helping the Environmental Action Committee in its activities on International Day by focusing on plastic in particular.

Brian Webster Grade 8 Science tained. Near the end of the Empire, money was in short supply as the Empire’s size required huge amounts of money to maintain, much less improve.

People can also strongly disagree with a government’s policy and that can spark extreme social unrest in the country.

Even now, there are revolutions and protest about how governments are poorly controlling their country.

Grade 6 students will be working on their summative task for the unit in March. They will select a modern country and consider how its systems affect citizens.

Aramis Bacallao Grade 6 Humanities WWW.ISPP.EDU.KH

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COUNCIL

STUDENT COUNCIL NEWS

secondary.

STUDENT

CHANGES TO THE STUDENT COUNCIL CONSTITUTION

The start of the second semester has been as eventful as the first. We kicked off the new calendar year with a Back to School Dance where we tested out the skills of a new student DJ, Hugh Smith. Many students came and enjoyed the music and the dancing and we hope it was a positive start to a new semester. Then it was International Day, where, if you went you would most likely know, we sold cold drinks. Love was in the air in February so the ISPP Student Council held our annual Valentine’s deliveries, where students and staff ordered chocolates and roses for their friends or their more

THE KEY TO A SUCCESSFUL TRIP

When we think of traveling, there are many questions that come up in our heads, such as destinations, transportation, and the seasons when we want to travel.

We find answers to our questions in a variety of reliable sources.

Students in Language B Spanish 8/9 (Phase 1-2) class have worked on a project where they answered the Unit Essential Question: What needs to be done beforehand to make a trip successful? In doing so, they have drawn conclusions about the Significant Concept: Planning is the key to a successful trip.

The project consisted of creating a brochure and a video clip where students promote their ideal Week without Walls (WWW) trip at ISPP. In preparation, students worked on holiday destinations, types of accommodation, seasons and weather, means of 34

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transportation and purposes for traveling. Classwork also focused on the conditional and future tenses to be able to express wishes and future traveling plans, so that students could speak and write accurately in the target language.

During their research, students were assigned to select one country from each continent.

They had the option to choose from a wide variety of countries to promote their ideal WWW trip.

Additionally, students took a field trip to Sophiya Travel & Tours agency in Phnom Penh to find general advice about planning a trip. They were welcomed by the travel agents and provided with

a lot of useful information to help them in their planning.

In this unit, students were empowered to think globally and act locally by applying international mindedness through learning about different cultures and countries around the world.

By embracing all the continents and simultaneously seeking new options to visit Cambodia and Southeast Asian countries for WWW trips, the Grade 8/9 students hope the school considers their suggestions for new trips next year.

Jhezabeth Lozano Hidalgo Language B Spanish

In the past few weeks, the ISPP Student Council has gone through some changes regarding its constitution, especially to the positions of the Officers.

The most significant change is in regards to the President.

It has been decided, within the council, that the President is to be a representative from Grade 11, who will serve from Grade 11 to Grade 12 January to allow them time to focus on their impending IB trial exams. This means, Hyun Woo, who has been the President since August 2012, has been replaced – a role which now has been given to me, after elections took place in the Student Council.

However, starting next year, the new President will be decided in the form of a school-wide cam-

paign in which the entire school, not just within the Student Council, elects candidates.

It has also been decided that the officers for Student Council will be elected before the grade reps, both of which will take place after Khmer New Year.

The Student Council is a democracy run by students. For changes like these to occur, we require a two-third-majority vote.

Student Council representatives are expected to continually ask their classmates for their opinions, which hopefully ensures that the decisions voted on in the Student Council more or less reflect the entire schools opinions.

Annabelle McCombe Student Council President

than friends. We delivered the Ferrero Rocher chocolates and red roses on Valentine’s Day morning. It was a hectic process to assemble the deliveries, with over five hundred roses and chocolates within the tenth grade alone. In the record time of an hour, the Student Council pulled through to make the day a success.

Tabitha Payne Student Council Communications Officer WWW.ISPP.EDU.KH

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sports.

SPORTS Junior Boys Football Sunny and breezy conditions welcomed ISPP, NISC, Hope School and Logos at Northbridge early on the morning of Saturday, February 16 for the annual International Schools Sports Association of Phnom Penh Junior Football Tournament.

Our boys kicked off their campaign with a 1-0 victory over Logos – a result which, given our dominance in possession and goal-scoring opportunities, was somewhat flattering to our opponents.

The goal came courtesy of a neat through ball by Alex A, deftly dispatched by Rama.

In the second match against Hope our boys swiftly turned their possession into goals.

In the first half Lachlan’s inch-perfect cross from the right was expertly stabbed home by Yannick from close range. Shortly after the break Lachlan produced a sublime piece of skill, juggling the ball deep inside the Hope box before swivelling and slamming the ball into the roof of

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sports.

the net. A late consolation goal from Hope was not enough to prevent us from recording successive victories.

ISPP went into their final match against NISC with both teams in need of a win to take the crown. Our boys gained an advantage early on, with neatly taken goals by Rama and Lachlan. In spite of being pinned back for long periods by a skilful and pacy NISC side, ISPP defended doggedly to maintain their two-goal cushion at the break. A dubious penalty awarded to the hosts in the dying seconds of the half was duly thumped onto the outside of the post. Justice had been done. NISC threw everything at us in the second half and clawed a goal back through a speculative long ball deep into our box, assisted by some calamitous ISPP defending.

However, our defensive trio of Michael, Robin and Shin were nothing short of outstanding, holding firm in the onslaught that followed. ISPP deservedly held on for a 2-1 win, taking the shield to ISPP with a 100% record.

This was an uplifting success on a day when teamwork,

communication, organization, controlled aggression, tenacity and a commitment to playing attractive possession football on the ground trumped individual skill.

Coach Neil Davidson The Junior Girls Football had a victory they should be extremely proud of winning all three games at the Junior Football Tournament to take home the winning shield.

The toughest game was the first game against Logos, especially since we were missing all-star defenders, Miriam and Annabelle. However, Lizzy and Malika stepped up to the challenge and acted as the ISPP wall. With a goal each from Rachel and Emma, the girls beat their most challenging opposition.

We had a full team for the second game against Hope and the girls consistently demonstrated sportsmanship, a high level of skill, speed and strength to win the match 6-0 (goals scored by Abi, Kristin, Vi and Fakhriena).

Our last game against NISC saw a goal against us, but six against the opposition. Izzy

played reliably well throughout all three games, as an almost perfect record demonstrated.

Goals in the final match were scored by Abi, Nandita, Kristin and Rachel.

In all three games, we witnessed some beautiful assists and “through balls.” Holly and Vera played the vital center midfield position with smarts and brawn proving that these girls scored each goal and won each game as a TEAM, and not just as individual players.

Coach Brydie McMullan

ready to play our best. The extra effort paid off and we were able to bring home third place in the city tournament of four teams as well as third place in the MRISA tournament of eight teams, which was hosted this year by ISHMC in Ho Chi Minh City.

The team was led by seniors Sopanha “I seem nice, but I’m deadly” Tun and Norak “sacrifice your body for the game” Ty, who both played and practiced through minor injuries and showed real leadership and dedication to the team.

The Senior Boys Basketball They also had a great supportwas a season of highs and ing cast of players including lows. We started the season Joseph “pivot, pivot, pivot, by bringing home the first pivot, pivot, pivot . . .” Suplace award out of four teams rivong, D.Y. “Fade away” Han, in the CIA Road Safety Tourna- Mike “where’s my uniform?” ment. We then went on to lose Kang, Hugh “can’t box me out” every regular season game Smith, Socheat “was that really against our usual Phnom Penh a travel?” Tun, Tommy “I made rivals-Hope, Logos, and NISC. MRISA! But I haven’t played We were frustrated and we in any games . . .?” Plummer, were down, but we never lost Dean “C’mon ref!” Suozziour optimism. With the city Auberry, and Syabil “it’s my tournament and MRISA tourna- hamstring again!” Emir. It was ment looming on the horizon, a pleasure and a privilege to we added some extra practices coach you guys, and I’m glad and even met at the school we never did the power rangfield on Saturdays to do some ers photo. running and get in shape to be Coach Aaron Rust

Shoot, box-out and rebound were the three words used most throughout the MRISA Senior Girls Basketball Tournament. Before heading off to the MRISA tournament the girls were undefeated during the regular season, winning all their games and placing first in the inner city tournament against neighbouring schools, Logos, NISC and Hope.

It was a great season and definitely one to remember.

The girls did an excellent job during the first day of the tournament and won all three games; placing first in their pool and played very well.

Unfortunately they had a tough game against SSIS in the semifinals and lost by one unlucky point. The girls lost in a tough final game which placed them fourth in the tournament.

As a testament to their good attitudes and hard work, the girls went on to win the sportsmanship award, which is really what MRISA is all about! It was a bittersweet ending for the girls placing in fourth however definitely an experience where many skills were improved and learnt.

Ratima & Grace

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tech. by robert jenkinson

health. by alison durrant

never assume

ministrator” on the computer (and your child is a “Standard User”).

Start button , Control Panel, and then, User Accounts and Family Safety, clicking Set up parental controls for any user.‌ ‌ If you’re prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.

As Administrator, Click the “Standard” user account that you want to set Parental Controls for anything else rather than sitting or Create a new user account at his computer from the time to set up a new account. he arrives home till late in the Under Parental Controls, click evening. Whereas his computer On, enforce current settings. was important for homework Once you’ve turned on Parental purposes and a fantastic tool for Controls for your child’s “Standgaining information, synthesizing ard” account, you can set time and organizing it in a consumlimits, control access to content, able form, far too much time was including specific games, game used for games and chats and rating or age level appropriatehe wasn’t sure what else. This ness and especially specific parent considered his child’s programs. It takes a bit of time to computer use as a battleground initially set up and you will learn and less as an asset. The war to make the changes necessary was over “time” and the combat- as your situation evolves. ants had very different ideas on It’s a big decision to make and how that time was best used. He not to be taken lightly of course did not feel his child was living a but I’ve heard it suggested that balanced life. this change in your child’s access He had tried a few strategies in be made over a family meetI had a teacher in my office the past. He’s put the computer ing as it usually involves other the other day and as we were in a family area to better moninon-computer related changes conversing about an adapter tor usage when their child was as well and another recomfor one of our newer classroom younger, they had set rules about mendation is that restrictions be projectors, he said “It will work”, when it could be used (but it was made tighter initially and relaxed to which I replied “one thing hard to monitor) and they had as appropriate rather than the you learn in this job is to test eve- taken it away as a form of punopposite. rything and never just assume ishment on numerous occasions. Video: http://windows.microsoft. things will work correctly”. He It was always a struggle and he com/en-US/windows7/help/vidwas right in this case but it did was ready to remove it from the eos/using-parental-controls get me thinking about another house for good out of anger and Text: http://windows.microsoft. conversation I’d had last month frustration. com/en-US/windows-vista/Setwhere I was the one that “asI assumed that the Parent up-Parental-Controls sumed” someone already knew Control Settings must not have Note: Information on Apple something when in fact they did worked very well for them in their Parental Controls can be found not (and wished they had). struggle and asked him about at http://support.apple.com/kb/ The topic stemmed from a parit. The response was, “What are ht2900 ent confessing he wished his Parent Control Settings?” I’d “aschild spent more time playing sumed” he had tried that first.

Rob Jenkinson outdoors, talking one on one with Here’s how …

I.T. Director friends and family, or just doing Make sure that you are the “Adrobertjenkinson@ispp.edu.kh 38

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of reach, practice a split, or do a cartwheel.

The percentage of overweight children and teens has more than doubled in the past years.

Many factors contribute to this epidemic including the fact that children are becoming more sedentary. The average child now spends about seven hours on screen media (TV, videos, and DVDs, computer time outside of schoolwork, and video games) per day One of the best ways to get children to be more active is to limit this amount of time. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children under When most adults think about Parents should encourage their age two should watch no TV at exercise, they imagine working children to do a variety of activiall and that children older than out in the gym on a treadmill or ties so that they can work on all two should be restricted to just lifting weights. But for children, three elements. one to two hours a day of quality exercise means playing and Endurance is developed when programming being physically active. Children children regularly engage in Parents should make sure that exercise when they have gym aerobic activity. During aerobic their children get enough exerclass at school, during recess, at exercise, the heart beats faster cise. The National Association dance class or soccer practice, and a person breathes harder. for Sport and Physical Education while riding bikes, or when playWhen done regularly and for recommends at least 60 minutes ing tag. extended periods of time, aerobic per day. Combining regular physEveryone can benefit from activity strengthens the heart ical activity with a healthy diet is regular exercise. Children who and improves the body’s ability the key to a healthy lifestyle. are active will: to deliver oxygen to all its cells.

Here are some tips for raising • Have stronger muscles and Aerobic exercise, such as basfit children: bones ketball, bicycling, soccer, swim• Help your children participate • Have a leaner body because ming, tennis, walking, jogging in a variety of age-appropriate exercise helps control body fat and running can be fun for both activities.

• Be less likely to become overadults and children. Improving • Establish a regular schedule for weight strength doesn’t have to mean physical activity.

• Decrease the risk of developing lifting weights and children don’t • Incorporate activity into daily type 2 diabetes need a formal weight-training routines, such as taking the stairs • Have a better outlook on life program to be strong. Push-ups, instead of the elevator. stomach crunches, pull-ups, and • Embrace a healthier lifestyle Besides enjoying the health ben- other exercises help tone and yourself, so you’ll be a positive efits of regular exercise, children strengthen muscles. Children role model for your family. who are physically fit sleep better also incorporate strength activi• Keep it fun, so you can count and are better able to handle ties in their play when they climb, on your children to come back physical and emotional chaldo a handstand, or wrestle. for more. lenges - from running to catch a Stretching exercises help bus to studying for a test. improve flexibility, allowing Yours in health, There are three elements to muscles and joints to bend and fitness - endurance, strength and move easily through their full Alison Durrrant flexibility. If you’ve ever watched range of motion. Children look for School Nurse children on a playground, you opportunities every day to stretch alisondurrant@ispp.edu.kh will have seen all three in action. when they try to get a toy just out

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