SAMISians bag awards in Bebras 2021 competition

byAhmedAbdelnasser

SAMISians’ computational thinking skills shone through as delegates reap awards in the International Bebras Computing Challenge held on February 15, 2021.

Math enthusiasts win in KMC

byYoussefYasser

Six esteemed winners of the infamously hard Kangaroo Math competition are on the podium!

Remarkable Math-enthusiasts bagged awards in the concluded famous math competition. Eleventh-grade participants, Ahmed Samir Alkady and Islam Mohammad Islam got silver and bronze respectively. Silver-medalist Yousuf Khaled Mohammed and bronze-medalist Safwan Alabdulrazzak of the 8th-grade were also part of the list, while Omar Adel Mohamed and Abdulrahman Khaled Mohamed of the 5th-grade both finished with a bronze.

Kangaroo Math Competition is an international competition with more than 6 million participants held across 92 countries in the world. There are five levels of participation, ranging from grades 1 to 12. The math competencies tested by the said competition are not just pure knowledge of formulae, but the logical combination of math concepts.

The competition is well-known for its very challenging questions that will allow students to think outside the box. “The questions are much harder than that of SATs,” says Mr. Marlon

Garcia, the academic director and head of the mathematics department. He emphasized that the victory of the students gives so much pride to the school, thus it calls for a celebration.

To prepare for such a daunting task awaiting them, the school opted to give the students weeks of training. According to Mr. Kenneth Sibal, one of the winning coaches, the training was very challenging as they needed time to expose the participants to the kind of questions that KMC provides. “It took quite some time for the students to get used to the difficulties of the questions, but fortunately, as time passes by, students are able to grasp the concepts,” says Mr. Paolo Azul Canicosa. On the other hand, Mr. Felix Olarita could not be prouder of the winners. Mr. Jason Glorioso also praised the students for bringing honor to the school. He said that the questions are not completely book-based, and some require logical thinking to solve.

The victory of the SAMISians proves that it does not matter how hard mathematics can be, in the end, it is hard work that pays off!

Eleven students received awards: Ahmed Gaber (grade 7) finished with a gold medal; Islam Mohammed (grade 11), Moaaz Ibrahim (grade 6) received silver medals; and Ali Mohammed (grade 9), Awab Abdalla (grade 10), Abdelrahman Akkad (grade 10), Jessar Majed (grade 7), Seif Hesham (grade 6) end up with bronze medals.

“The school has invested in these competitions to help SAMISians build their logical thinking skills” Mr. Abullah Al Ashmawi, said. “SAMIS launched multiple training programs for the students to prepare them for the competition. The success of these training programs is evident in the results of the competition,” he added.

The Bebras challenge is designed to help students explore their talents and passion for informatics and computational thinking with engaging challenges which can be joined by students from 6 to 18 years old.

“Bebras to me is a very enjoyable and enlightening experience, I’ve learned new things and I’ve tested out my knowledge in IT-related things. All thanks to the Bebras competition,” Awab Abdalla, stated.

Students involved went through different challenges, according to age categories, that focus on different topics and skills within informatics and computational thinking. The competition is a timed test in which participants have to solve certain tasks. The tasks are classified into three tiers, two-star which moderately continue to page 11....

Online learning... page 1

face-to-face learning, or will face-to-face learning still prevail?

One advantageous point for online classes is efficiency and accessibility. In contrast to face-to-face learning, online learning uses many tools that are easily accessible by students and teachers alike. A teacher can assign work, post discussions, and send remarks for students to access via online platforms. Likewise, students can do their homework, attend classes, and view their grades all on the same platform, at home. This can make the learning process much easier and widely available, potentially improving students’ performance and quality of work.

Another point for online learning is affordability and flexibility. Since online classes can be held at home, one would not need to deal with requirements such as school supplies, lunch money, and transport, as everything is done virtually.

This is major assistance for many families, especially ones with low incomes. Doing everything virtually also allows for more flexible schedules, both for students and teachers. “Virtual classes give us the opportunity to implement things like asynchronous classes, or even more subjects that interest the students,” says Marlon Garcia, SAMIS’ Academic Director.

By far, it appears that there are substantial benefits of online learning. However, while distance education has its positives, it does present some challenges too “Apart from the fact that it can cause social isolation, it gives way to procrastination among the students, not to mention that it is really hard to ensure the integrity of online assessments,” says Mr. Paolo, who is taking up a Master of Distance Education.

Maintaining academic integrity becomes one of the problems in online

byMohammedIbrahimMohammed

Eyes on the prize.

A Grade-9 SAMISian has once again proved SAMIS’ excellence after winning gold in the 2022 Mawhoob National Biology Contest held in Riyadh on September 21, 2022.

Sci-Math enthusiast Abdullah Hajid Alsubai who placed in Mahwoob Math two years ago is back on the radar of the competition after being declared the winner of the recently concluded national level Mahwoob Biology Contest.

Mahwoob Biology Contest is an courses. While the term sounds vague, this has been an issue over the past 2 years— schools could not identify whether it was students who did the work. According to Mr. Martin Kit, the school’s Guidance Counselor, “Face-to-face learning still dominates in the fact that teachers know exactly who’s who, and if they can do their work on their own. Unlike online learning, students must work for themselves and hold themselves accountable for their actions.”

That said, one Achilles’ heel of online learning that poses a major advantage for face-to-face learning is focus and isolation. A research conducted by psychologist Paola Giuri (2021) finds that the decrease in human social interaction has caused many students to feel more isolated and disconnected from their own world, hence decreasing their ability to socialize. This is also followed by the side effect of annual science and mathematics competition aimed at discovering distinguished students in science and mathematics and enrolling them in specialized training programs to help them qualify them in international competitions and Olympiads in the said disciplines. decreased concentration: as students are in their own homes, they are much more distraction-prone and consequently, might reduce their performance and experience of online learning.

After an intensive review and days of preparation, Abdullah got through the first round (Test of Basic Biology), which was held in Jubail, and advanced to the 2nd round (Test of Biological Problems) held in Riyadh where he obtained a gold medal. continue to page 11...

With all these, the debate of which mode of learning is better might seem never-ending—that is, until the development of merged learning. Essentially, merged learning involves utilizing bits and pieces of both online and face-to-face education to optimize the learning experience, both for teachers and students. Merged learning opens a new gate of mass opportunities to diversify the learning experience to fit the inherently diverse students and their needs. We hope to solve most, if not all, of these longstanding issues that face-to-face and online learning pose, and hope this provides a better future for our coming generations.

GM vows to put SAMIS... from page 1

Establishing AP Courses and STEM Curriculum

One of the major plans of the school is the establishment of Advanced Placement courses run by the College Board, the same organization that authorized SAMIS to be a Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) center. AP courses allow high school students to earn college credit and placement – before they even set foot on campus – by taking courses that offer rigorous college-level curricula and assessments.

“We have started getting in touch with the College Board since December to know the process that we have to go through. We plan to include AP courses in Biology, Physics, and Statistics in our regular curriculum,” Mr. Majed said.

Despite the plan to include AP courses, this may not seem to happen next school year because the school has yet to meet the requirements set upon by the College Board.

“Sir Romar is leading this project, and he is getting in touch with the accrediting organization which is the College Board. After a thorough evaluation, we saw the gap between the current curriculum and the plan to immediately incorporate AP courses as there are requirements that we need to comply with,” the general manager stated.

He also said that the school needs to implement the program gradually after two years to give students and teachers enough time to cope with the upcoming changes.

Along with the future implementation of the AP program, Sir Majed, together with other members of the administration, is putting up Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) in the school curriculum, “We are applying for STEM certification, and this year we have prepared some documents relevant to the current standards set by Cognia.”

Cognia’s STEM Certification guides leaders that aim to be STEMfocused by providing a specific framework and improvement process, culminating in recognition for programs that demonstrate a strong and effective STEM focus. (cognia.org)

Building-up Connections

The general manager, with the help of the Office of the Student Counselor (OTSC) headed by Mr. Martin Kit Guzman, has planned to expand the school’s network by establishing an Alumni Association. The network aims to help current students of SAMIS in building up their future careers and to help raise the profile of the institution.

“SAMIS has produced successful students who have gone to different universities from different parts of the world and are now working in their own field of expertise. With their experiences, they can provide workshops related to looking for a specific university, making a resume, seeking jobs, etc.,” Sir Majed asserted.

When asked if an annual event will be conducted for the alumni, Sir Majed said, “our next step is to have a gathering to foster and promote close relations among the alumni and their Alma Mater.”

The reunion of alumni can also provide an opportunity for an exchange of ideas related to the school’s improvement plan.

Objectives for the Teaching Staff

The school’s vision is to be committed to the holistic formation of learners and Mr. Al-Rubaian believes “the important core and pillar of the school is the faculty member, and no success is expected without hiring the best teachers.”

The school has provided professional development programs for the teachers. Some have attended seminars on new trends in education, modern approaches and strategies in education, and STEM-related seminars.

Aside from the academicrelated plans for the teachers, the school also ensures its educators a balance between their work and personal life.

“There are plans we have already applied to improve our teacher’s work environment and lifestyles such as providing them a more conducive accommodation and faculty rooms,” the general manager stated.

When asked if he is planning to hire native English speakers, he said that it is not where the teachers come from, it is the quality of work they can provide to help the students bring out the best in them.

“The quality of the faculty and their teaching methods, apart from the world-class curriculum the school offers, is what the parents are looking for and is a deciding factor for them to enroll their children in the school,” he further said.

OTSC organizes career counseling webinars

byMohammedRashid

The Office of the Student Counselor conducted a series of one-hour online consultations focused on career planning for high school students to help them in making and implementing informed educational and occupational choices for their future.

The program is a part of SAMIS’ commitment to promoting excellence –one of the school’s core values – by guiding the students in their career planning process and in making wise decisions for their future.

“Excellence is not achieved overnight. SAMIS takes part in the long but fruitful journey of its students towards excellence through its programs under academic consultation,” Sir Martin Kit Guzman, Student Counselor, said. “The ultimate benefit of the program is achieved when we produce learners who can manifest success through excellence in skill and personality,” he added.

For the 1st workshop, held last February 6-10, students answered the Career Cluster Interest Survey which helps them rate activities they enjoy, subjects they like, and personal qualities they have.

The following day, students answered the Personality Test that identifies whether they are more towards dominance, conscientiousness, steadiness, or influence. Then, students took the Life Values Inventory form to help them clarify and prioritize their values that serve as a blueprint for decision-making. continue to page 12...

Lastly, to help students to find a career that fits them, they were given the widely known RIASEC Test. RIASEC stands for Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional.

“Career planning begins with selfexploration. The tests provided to students aim to help them know themselves better, where they are really good at and where they still need to improve,” Mr. Guzman stated.

The 2nd Workshop, held on 27-31 March 2022, was primarily focused on the application process of the universities. The 1st session was simply a general overview of colleges, and the primary goals students were aiming to complete.

In the 2nd session, the students were introduced to the concept of college essays which focuses on writing a 250–600-word essay that looks for a general sense of who the student is with an aim to convince admission officers that the student-applicant is the perfect match for their institution.

SAMIS celebrates Arabic Language Day

byHamzaBa-Aqil

To commemorate how far the Arabic Language has become since its first use centuries ago and the pride it holds in its natives, Shorouq AlMamlakah International School held an informative, fun, and engaging activity on the 23rd of December 2021.

With the event commencing at around 9 am, all students from grades 7-12 were present to watch, along with all teachers and staff. This event aimed to provide more insight into the history, origins, and importance of one of the most expressive languages as stated by Mr. Mohammad Nazeeh, Supervisor of the Arabic Language Department.

Sir Badr Alsufyani, the Headmaster, opens the event with a speech about the diversity of the Arabic Language saying that Arabic is one of the most used languages in the world as it is being used in many countries outside the Middle East, such as Ethiopia, Sudan, Turkey, and others.

“We take pride in the Arabic language; its accurate expressionism conveys how and why it is our language, the language of Islam, and the language of the Qur’an”, says Sir Nazeeh, as he traces back the origins of the Arabic language. “The diversity of this language, whether in its accurately descriptive words or many different dialects, never failed to impress us and explain why the greatest Islamic historical figures spoke this language.” continue to page 12...

Compromise Is Not a Bad Thing, Is It?

Any learning institution aims to provide an avenue that seeks to prepare its students for the future. To meet the technological demands and industrial challenges of the 21st century, schools provide the support that paves the way to the holistic development of the learners which includes their intellectual, physical, social, and spiritual wellbeing. In the pursuit of holistic development, a student cannot spare himself on its corresponding challenges.

Academic pressure has become a common issue among students. We all encounter them in certain measures and to varying degrees. It helps us mature gracefully if handled well. But the moment you let it take over you, it tends to become “a pain in the neck,” so to speak.

Having to deal with the pressure of school workloads is one of the prevailing sentiments of SAMIS students. They thought that although the school is doing its best to encourage everyone to strive for excellence, they have looked past students’ other concerns.

Many students are having a difficult time balancing their school tasks, homework, and extracurricular activities. Conducting Science investigations and experiments, solving complicated Mathematics equations, and making comprehensive English essays are nothing but a tip of an iceberg when it comes to the large amount of tasks students need to accomplish within the specified period. Furthermore, meeting deadlines add up to the pressure and students are not getting anywhere close to adequate sleep.

Moreover, students could not be more disappointed as the comeback of Physical Education, which is supposed to give them an avenue to deviate from the academic pressure, seemed impossible this year, despite the lifting of the ban on physical distancing. Also, some begin to question how Art subjects could be of any help in their future careers.

On the other hand, every decision that the school makes is carefully planned, and it always considers the best interest of its clients. Students are provided with loads of activities and contrived experiences to expose them to the kind of world waiting outside.

But, whatever good reasons the school has, students have the right to be informed clearly about why certain policies are in place, like where overload of activities will lead them, why the school could not have the PE back, and what made the inclusion of Art in the curriculum.

Despite all the arguments, still, being able to work under pressure and deliver quality and consistent results is one of the 21st-century skills the school would like to instill in its students. A large number of tasks do not intend to make the students suffer, but to develop certain values like time management.

Life is not a “bed of roses,” and success is not something that can be achieved overnight. Academic tasks assigned to the students send a strong message that one needs to burn a midnight oil to be successful in any endeavor.

Indeed, the students must be considerate enough to know where the school is coming from, but the school also needs to listen to the concerns of the students. After all, compromise is not a bad thing, is it?

Adviser’s Note

As a teacher, I believe that actively involving the students in the academe leads to a more connected, successful, and stronger school community. This is the very reason for pioneering the Campus Journalism club, the SAMIS Chronicle. More than producing a newspaper as a goal, I, together with Sir Kris, Sir Paolo, and Ms. Jonalyn, put up the school publication as a means of promoting social awareness and developing the moral character of SAMISians. It is also an avenue to voice out the concerns of the students who are not represented on campus through the help of student-journalists.

The involvement of student-journalists bridges the gap between the school administration, teachers, parents, and students. They act as the voice of change by telling stories that are timely and relevant, stories that spark connection, and stories that resonate with us.

As a reader, I hope you see that beyond the effort of making this newspaper possible is our desire to motivate you with our inspiring stories and ‘Timeless Records Bound by the Truth’.

Mr. Klarc Luis D. Tamayo, MA School Paper Adviser

Give Distance Education a Chance

In examining the cause of the sudden change in the mode of learning, we find that COVID-19 forced people to stay indoors and avoid possible physical contact. Over the past two years, students from different parts of the world have had to adjust to a system of learning that was alien to most– distance education. It truly served its purpose of ensuring learning continuity amidst the crisis. But now that everything is going back to normal, where does distance education stand?

Despite all the positive impacts of distance education on the entire educational system, some critics could not help but express their apprehensions about the effectiveness of this modality. They have emphasized certain problems like social isolation, lack of communication skills, and rampant cheating during online assessments, thus, defeating its very purpose. Although this mode of learning has posed a lot of challenges, this does not mean that we should give up on what I believe could potentially shape the future of modern education.

Inevitably, like any other mode of learning, distance education has its own fair share of disadvantages, but this should not be a reason to disregard its possible long-term benefits. Rather, this should call for action among our education experts to revisit its standards for planning, organizing, supporting, and carrying out the programs for online learning.

In addition, the learning and teaching activities online should be purposeful, carefully planned, and deliberate. Schools should determine appropriate strategies that will enable students to achieve learning goals. Moreover, if cheating during online exams becomes a problem, then practical-based or authentic assessment must be considered.

During the pandemic, although there are reported cases of learners compromising academic integrity to get high grades, still, there are students who really worked hard to learn even if they were in the comfort of their homes. This signifies an important principle of distance education that “learning knows no place.”

With these being said, I hope that when the time is right, and the school is ready, students should be given an option of which mode of learning would best fit their situation and preference. Just like how face-to-face learning is currently in place, distance education should also be offered as part of the school’s learning modalities. By doing so, not only does the school prepare itself for another pandemic that could potentially shut down schools in the future, but it can also show its clients how the learning institution becomes responsive and adaptive to the changes of time.

At this point in time, it is too early to tell whether online learning will be successful or not. But regardless of the endless possibilities, I believe that distance education is worth giving a chance.

To be human is innate among us. Despite individual and collective struggles, it is our nature to at least try to be at our best and strongest character.

When the pandemic started, one of the more apparent news we kept on encountering almost every day was the need for social distancing. Experts say that in order to stop the spread of the virus, people have to distance themselves away from others and avoid physical contact.

This, however, raises a concern.

We may be interchanging the terms social distancing and physical distancing.

For us to stop the spread of the virus, it is correct that we must do the aforementioned acts. And if we just try to examine those activities, it is noteworthy that there are no social distancing practices being done there. Those are purely physical distancing. We can still deal with other people through phone, social media,