Spring Camp provides fun activities for students

by Maria Basha

Anchored with the theme “Honing the Best in Me” Shorouq AlMamlakah International School (SAMIS) successfully put on its first-ever “Spring Camp” on March 13-19, 2022.

The camp opened its kick-off ceremony remarkably with students, teachers, and staff through parade and balloon releasing ceremony.

SAMISians participate in KGL Contest

by Elaf Adnan Almalki

Have you heard about KGL? What is KGL? What does it stand for? Do you share the same questions like those who first heard about the contest KGL?

KGL stands for Kangaroo Global Linguistic. The contest is organized by the International Testing Authority. Its primary goal is to prepare students for future language assessments as well as encourage English Language learning. This is considered to be one of the largest and prestigious English language contests not only in the country but in the whole world.

KGL can be taken by students up to 17 years old. It is offered in more than 70 countries. KGL contest is comprised of three stages. If the participants successfully passed the 1st stage, they will receive a cashback as they move to the 2nd stage. The participants who finished the 3rd stage will have a chance to fly to Greece!

The 1st stage of the contest was taken last February 19 garnering a combination of male and female 108 winners who will proceed to Stage 2. Prior to the success of the 1st Stage the 2nd Stage took place last March 19, 2022. Triumphant winners from the Girls Section in their respective levels are the following: 1st Place- Maab Elfaki, 2nd Place – Lamar Ibrahim, for the Pre-A1 Level Winners; whereas Yara Altaib won 1st Place, Tala Obaid for 2nd Place in the A1 Level. Additional to that are two more students from the Boys Section who will represent the school to compete in Greece for the Stage 3.

KGL was represented for the first time this year by SAMIS, and it’s the first time in Saudi Arabia. People were excited about it including parents, teachers and more importantly the students. The school provided instructions and guided the students as they join the contest. Numerous participants from SAMIS successfully surpassed stage one and eventually proceed to stage two, a victorious moment for the SAMIS community.

Joining the contest is not only a good way to assess students’ English Language skills but also improve their reading and writing abilities. A big thanks should be given to the teachers and Mr. Majed Al-Rubaian for all the support and assistance they have provided to support SAMIS participants.

“We are honored to have hosted this year’s KGL Contest-KSA. Being the first to have participated in the region, it was a historic milestone not only to SAMIS, but for the kingdom as well. All participants, trainers, proctors, and organizing team – have worked hard and made us proud. In this year’s competition, more than 250 contestants from both sections vied for the coveted spot to Greece, and two students are advancing to the finals. We wish the country representatives all the best and may their achievements make us prouder. To say the least, our KGL journey is just a beginning. – Ms. Benny Jane Espinosa – KGL, GS School Manager.

“Yes, of course! We will start training early in the coming up years. Actually, I am proud of those students who participated in the KGL and as for the first year, SAMISIANS, did a great job!”, Mr. Mr. Majed AlRubaian said when he was asked if the competition will be an annual school contest for SAMIS students.

MS-HS competes... from page 1 the English Department this year; and the first Debate Tournament is by far the most memorable to me.

Students usually fear debate because of public speaking, and it was normal to feel apprehensive of the turn out. But students took the challenge to heart and we are glad to have an excellent participation and engagement. The tourny revealed strengths in organization, competition, and expression. Our students have always shown promise in public speaking, communication, and research. Feedback revealed student gains through experience and teamwork.I, personally, hope that this is just the beginning. Overall, we are grateful to everyone who helped made it possible. We are grateful to have been given the chance and support to organize one.” - Ms. Benny Jane Espinosa, GS English Supervisor.

Ms. Jonalyn Manalac and Ms. Michelle Guzman, English Teachers together with the English Supervisor – Ms. Benny Jane Espinosa and the Grade 12 students who served as the adjudicator core made the debate successful.

“This is a very delightful experience for us, it is really fun!”, Yara Ketaya – Grade 9-student said as she shared her wonderful experience.

The camp was attended by approximately 97 students from kindergarten to elementary who participated in recreational activities that helped them enrich their knowledge and enhance their creativity in different subject areas.

Activities like mind games, arts, public speaking, and the idea of fun in learning were carried out.

The school also initiated the camp for those students who would like to get away from the blandness of the vacation and for the parents who find it hard to manage their children’s free time.

The student-participants were categorized per team namely Red-Dragon, Green-Eagles, Yellow-

Lions, and competed in an intense competition and themed-photo. The closing ceremony took place in the last day of the camp where teams showcased their yells and themed-photo. The Red-Dragon bagged the Championship wining the Best Themed-Photo and Over-all winner whereas Yellow-Lion landed on 2nd place, and Green-Eagle on 3rd place.

The event will not be successful without the dynamic workforce of the teachers who served as camp leaders.

“This is a very entertaining activity for the students and for the teachers as well, personally, as one of the camp leaders, I had a great time because it doesn’t only test the students’ physical abilities but also their camaraderie and sportsmanship,” - Ms. Jonalyn Manalac, camp leader.

Parents also expressed their praise to the activities provided to their children and their gratitude to the people involved in the said camp.

“Establishing campus journalism is a difficult task, it is kind of overwhelming and pressuring at the same time. On the other hand, I am excited how the student journalists of SAMIS can showcase their writing skills. I know they all have the potential and I am looking forward to see their outputs. ‘’ said Ms. Jonalyn C. Manalac, School from page 1

Paper Adviser.

Ms. Manalac selected the editorial board who will revise and edit articles to produce professional reports ready to be published in the school’s newspaper.

The SAMIS school’s newspaper will release its first edition with the name “ The SAMIS Journal”.