Singapore American School Newsflash, August 2009

NewsFlash MICA (P) 160/08/2008

Volume 12, Issue 1-09/10 - August 2009

A Singapore American School community service publication

Letter from Superintendent of Schools

Page 3

Meet the Board of Governors

Pages 4 & 5

Vision for Hope

Pages 16 & 17

NEWSFLASH

August 2009

Volume 12, Issue 1

Board of Governors

BRENT MUTSCH

Superintendent of Schools

MARK BOYER

Asst. Superintendent for Learning

Rhonda Norris Asst. Superintendent for Human Resources

DAVID HOSS Principal Primary School

Marian DeGroot Principal Intermediate School

Devin Pratt

12 Booster Club News 20 PTA President’s Letter

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Board of Governors

6

Supporting The Education 24 EASA & EASA Language Foundation Programs

11

Caring For Cambodia

23 Support for Kaplani School

30 SAS Open House

16-17 Vision for Hope 18

Summer Learning is Fun

22

SAS Excels in Conundrum Quest 2009

22

JMUN Shines in Malaysian Conference

Principal Middle School

Are You Receiving What’s Happening at SAS?

William Scarborough

Director of Finance and Business Operations

David Norcott Principal High School

We send all parents and guardians a weekly What’s Happening at SAS newsletter by email. If you have not been receiving the weekly email, probably we do not have your correct email address. Send us an email at communications@sas.edu.sg to give us your current email address.

The distribution can include both parents’ email addresses. The weekly What’s Happening at SAS will also be posted on the website at http://www.sas.edu.sg.

NEWSFLASH is published monthly by the Communications Office of the Singapore American School. It is distributed free of charge to the parents, faculty members and organizations served by the school.

COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE Singapore American School 40 Woodlands Street 41 Singapore 738547 Tel: 6360-6303 SAS Website: http://www.sas.edu.sg

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Editor: Beth Gribbon Staff Editor: Junia Baker Layout Design:Alfi Dino

SAS NewsFlash – August 2009

We welcome input from the community associated with Singapore American School September NewsFlash Deadline: August 24, 2009 Publication Date: September 14, 2009 Email Community News Input to bgribbon@sas.edu.sg Email Trading Post Input to trade@sas.edu.sg Trading Post advertising is restricted to non-commercial items only from SAS students, parents and staff

“Even Silence Speaks”

By Brent Mutsch Superintendent of Schools

and administration enter the final stages of preparation for the beginning of the new school year, there is a recognition that the keys to a successful school year, a year in which student learning, growth and development is nurtured and promoted, are the nature and quality of the working relationships that will be forged among all segments of the SAS learning community in the weeks and months ahead.

The keys to a successful school year are the nature and quality of the working relationships that are forged among all segments of the SAS learning community.

T

he summer of 2009 represented the first time in the recent history of SAS that the sound of construction did not permeate the Woodlands campus.

The completion of the Riady Performing Arts Center and SAS Memory Garden and Memory Wall in the fall of 2008 brought to successful conclusion a series of construction projects. Each of these projects further contributed to the outstanding facilities that support an excellent educational program at SAS. Although the summer had the usual number of ongoing maintenance projects, each completed to ensure that facilities remain positioned to provide each student with an exemplary American educational experience with an international perspective, there was a noticeable absence of major construction on the campus.

As expansion has reached a logical hiatus at SAS, the organizational energy that often accompanies construction is being redirected to further increase our focus on student learning. As the faculty, staff

Our core values of compassion, fairness, honesty, respect and responsibility serve as the foundation on which this partnership can be created and nurtured throughout the upcoming school year. It is not enough to identify these values as important to our successes as a community, but rather it is incumbent upon each of us to daily put these values into practice in our interaction with one another and to sustain a learning community that maximizes the success of students, parents and educators throughout the 2009-2010 school year.

The first SAS all-school activity is the annual Open House scheduled for 9:00 am to 1:00 pm on Saturday, August 15. Each year Open House represents a wonderful time to acquire student class schedules, visit the classrooms, meet the teachers, reconnect with friends and welcome new families to SAS. It is also a great opportunity to pick up information from the numerous school and community groups that will be represented during Open House.

It is already quite evident that the upcoming school year will be filled with exciting opportunities to improve, grow and learn. The major initiatives for the 2009-2010 school year already include: 1) Successful implementation of the Boardapproved Preschool – 12th grade science, physical education and health curricula.

arts curriculum review that was initiated in 2008-2009 to include the recommendations for improvement that will be implemented in 2010-2011.

3) Initiation of a comprehensive review of assessment practices to ensure the appropriate balance between instruction, assessment (both for and of learning) and the regular reporting of student progress.

4) Identification and implementation of practices that result in the most efficient and effective operation of SAS. 5) Further development of both the SAS Education Foundation and SAS Endowment, which are designed to provide additional funding for the enhancement of school programs and to ensure the financial future of the Singapore American School.

Although the campus may have been quieter this summer, the nature of the work that has been accomplished in preparation for a successful 20092010 school year is significant. As professional educators, the faculty and administration look forward to the opportunity to engage in the partnership with parents that will enable us to achieve the SAS Vision of inspiring a passion for learning, encouraging emotional and intellectual vitality and empowering students with the confidence and courage to contribute to the global community and achieve their dreams.

If there is anything that we can do to further contribute to the upcoming school year being as successful as possible, please do not hesitate to call upon us throughout the course of the upcoming school year.

2) Completion of the reading language

Insurance Coverage The school maintains commercial insurance coverage for customary risks, including comprehensive liability, loss of school-owned property and fire insurance. The school does not maintain medical or accident insurance for students, parents or guests or for theft or loss of personal property, such as laptops and mobile phones. Parents are encouraged to arrange such insurance with one of the many carriers in Singapore.

SAS NewsFlash – August 2009

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Board of Governors About the Board

T

he Singapore American School Board of Governors is made up of twelve elected volunteers who serve three year terms and are on a minimum of two board working committees. All board members are parents of current students and members of the Trust. The board operates through a number of working committees. The Committees include Advancement, Curriculum, Facilities, Finance and Trust.

Are you a member of the American School Trust?

T

he Singapore School Trust Limited is the legal entity under which the Singapore American School operates. Members of the Trust participate in the governance of the school by electing twelve fellow Trust members to the Board of Governors, who oversee the operations of the school. In order to vote at the Annual General Meeting of the Trust, to be held this year on October 27, 2009, in High School Room H301, you must be a member of the Trust. To become a member of the Trust, you must apply directly; membership is not automatic. However, families new to SAS are members of the Trust because the Student Admissions Form now includes a section for Trust application. Any parent or legal guardian of an SAS student or any employee is eligible and is encouraged to join the Trust. There is no fee to join the Trust. If you have not previously joined the American School Trust or are unsure of whether you are a member, please call Board Secretary Ann Tan at 6360-6315 for assistance.

Board of Governors elections to be held on October 27, 2009

A

s a part of the American School Trust’s Annual General Meeting, to be held this year at 7:00 pm, October 27, Trust members will elect four governors to the board. The Board of Governors is charged with the responsibility of establishing and maintaining policies governing the operations of the school and providing strategic guidance to the school’s administration. Each governor is elected to a three-year term, and while obligated to retire after completing his or her term, a retiring governor may choose to stand for reelection. Four governors will be retiring at this year’s AGM. Trust members who wish to serve on the board and stand for election will do so in the following manner: Each candidate must file a written statement of his or her intention to stand for election, supported by the signatures of 30 Trust members in good standing, by October 6, 2009. Filings should be made with Board Secretary Ann Tan. Forms for this purpose are available from Ann, who is located in the Central Administration Office and can be reached at 6360-6315. Ann will be pleased to answer any questions on the electoral process. Candidates who would like to have biographical data and a photograph included in the school’s October edition of NewsFlash will need to submit this material to Ann by Monday, September 28, 2009.

More information about the SAS Board of Governors is available on the SAS website at http://www.sas.edu.sg/board/index.html

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SAS NewsFlash – August 2009

Meet the Board

Bart Broadman

Board Member since 2005 Term Ending 2009 Chairman

Joe Anderson

Board Member since 2007 Term Ending 2011 Chair – Curriculum Committee

Devin Kimble

Board Member since 2007 Term Ending 2010 Chair – Facilities Committee

Catherine Poyen

Board Member since 2008 Term Ending 2009 Liaison PTA Board

Margrit Benton

Board Member since 2009 Term Ending 2010 Vice Chairman Co-Chair Advancement Committee

Shailesh Bettadapur

Ravi Agarwal

Board Member since 2008 Term Ending 2011

Kirk Hulse

Board Member since 2009 Term Ending 2011

Board Member since 2006 Term Ending 2010 Chair – Trust Committee

Rudolph Muller

Bon Park

Board Member since 2008 Term Ending 2011 Chair Finance Committee

Board Member since 2007 Term Ending 2009 Co-Chair Advancement Committee

SheilaWang

Maria Warner-Wong

Board Member since 2004 Term Ending 2010

Board Member since 2008 Term Ending 2009

SAS NewsFlash – August 2009

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Supporting the SAS Education Foundation

By Beth Gribbon Director of Communications and Development The SAS Education Foundation was launched in our 50th anniversary year (2006) to expand and enhance educational and enrichment opportunities for students and to help secure the financial future of the school. To date over $2 million have been contributed to the foundation, including several significant individual donations to the endowment fund, which seeks to provide long-term financial security for the school. The PTA has supported the foundation each year with substantial donations, including a founding donation of $100,000.

The Riady Performing Arts Center and Memory Garden are two recently completed spaces that would not have been possible without contributions to the foundation, especially those of the Stephen Riady family.

The Riady Performing Arts Center and Memory Garden would not have been possible without donations to the Education Foundation.

The Star Appeal Dinner has been underwritten by the Khoo Foundation for three years.

The current economic downturn will likely present additional financial challenges for the school in the years ahead, and we are encouraged that support for the SAS Education Foundation remains strong, as annual giving is the school’s only source of income beyond tuition and school fees.

The annual Star Appeal Dinner continues to contribute the lion’s share of donations to the foundation. In 2009 the dinner was again underwritten by the Khoo Foundation, helping to ensure that every dollar donated that evening went directly to the foundation in support of student programs. This year’s Star Appeal Dinner will be held at the Goodwood Park Hotel on Saturday, March 13, 2010.

More information about the dinner will be forthcoming; however, individuals interested in securing a table at the dinner may contact Beth Gribbon bgribbon@sas.edu.sg at any time.

A highlight of the year, with notice received in early June, was gaining IPC status in Singapore. The foundation is now an Institution of Public Character, which means that donations in Singapore dollars are eligible for tax exemption. In the coming school year more information about this important milestone will shared with the SAS community.

Donations to the Education Foundation support student learning by providing additional funding for academic, athletic and extracurricular programs. The foundation also provides professional development opportunities for faculty and staff, financial assistance for students in need and a scholarship for a student from a developing country. Each year a portion of the money is placed in the school endowment fund, helping to ensure the long-term financial health of the school.

Director of Communications and Development Beth Gribbon and Associate Director of Alumni Relations Lauren Thomas.

Donations may be made in U.S. or Singapore dollars and will be acknowledged in the August 2010 NewsFlash and the December 2010 issue of SAS Journeys alumni magazine. For more information, go to www.sas.edu.sg and click on “Giving to SAS.”

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SAS NewsFlash – August 2009

Thank you, Stephen Riady At the High School “American Rhapsody” performances on May 23, SAS took the opportunity to thank Stephen Riady for his generous contribution toward the creation of the Riady Performing Arts Center. His unique gift was a framed picture surrounded with quotes from the students about new center: It makes me want to perform my very best.

I have been in three shows since the Riady Performing Arts Center opened and trust me, there is nothing that makes you feel more like a star than when you step out into the beautiful lobby after a show.

I have been in the space 100 times and it still makes me smile.

A fitting tribute to the talented students who perform here.

As soon as you step through the doors you feel special.

It is clear that this is a school that values the arts.

Mr. Riady, your generous contribution has made performing even more special.

Thank you.

SAS NewsFlash – August 2009

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SAS Education Foundation Donations 2008 - 2009

1956 Circle

S$50,000 and above

Khoo Teck Puat Foundation Hano Maeloa & Monita Harianto & Sukma Widjaja Stephen Riady & Shincee Leonardi

Hae Jin & Young Rim Lee SAS Parent Teacher Association

Tiger Circle William & Jamie Amelio Steven Cheng & Sylvia Liu Cisco Systems Crocs Asia Pte Ltd DBS Bank LTD Michael & Shelly Dee Michael & Eva DeNoma GETCO Asia Pte Ltd William & Lois Lydens

Gecko Circle Joe & Mae Anderson Ragnar & Joey Horn Lim Meng Keng Department Store Soejono & Fae Varinata

Brent & Maggie Mutsch Y.S. & Suzie Nam Mark Nelson & Margrit Benton Janie Ooi Edan & Bon Park Brent & Sandra Smith Pei Ling Tan & Yulies Irawan Ee Lim & Sofina Wee Xu Quan & Xue Qiong Yao

S$5,000-S$9,999 Phillip & Sandra Widjaja Raymond & Kaori Zage David Zemans & Catherine Poyen

S$1,000-S$4,999

Traveler’s Palm

S$100-S$999

Gerd Keim & Rini Sumardi Devin Kimble & Amy Sittler Lands’ End Inc Ayaz & Shamina Lavingia Joo Bae & Eun Hee Lee Shahryar Mahbub & Shazia Khawaja Rudy & Andrea Muller Masatsugu & Yuki Otani Neil & Mika Parekh Vijay & Sujata Parekh Deepa Pasumarty Adrian & Susan Peh Cameron Poetzcher & Varsha Rao Raj & Mary Rajkumar Namuh & Younsoo Rhee Stephen Russell & Stephanie Morgan-

Anonymous Mark & Marianne Boyer Yeow Ming Choo & Angelina Zheng Philip & Daywen Chu Marian De Groot Gary & Sally Greene David Hoss Geri Johnson Stanley Koster Marc & Heidi L’Heureux

SAS NewsFlash – August 2009

S$10,000-S$19,999

Orchid Circle

Ravi & Sunanda Agarwal Jonathan & Jessika Auerbach Richard & Ashley Barry Masoud & Maria Bassiri Bart & Valerie Broadman Dong Woo Chang & Ah Jung Lee Jenny Q L Chiam Mike & Kendall Connors Michael & Grace Fan Edward & Rachel Farrell Ed & Noa Gilbreath Scott & Valerie Graddy Jim & Beth Gribbon Bryan & Christine Henning Kirk & Janice Hulse Scott & Yun Joung Jung

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Eagle Circle S$20,000-S$49,999

Russell Iwan Sarjono & Ingrid Prasatya William & Martha Scarborough Garth & Roxana Sheldon Abidinsyah & Bonita Siregar Helman Sitohang & Maria Praptanti Gerry & Michelle Smith In Jun Song & Joo Hyun Lee Lawrence & Jane Sperling Chris Tan & Chantal Wong Steven & Asa Tucker Harrison & Sheila Wang Jun Won & Yoon Hee Choi Chiu Man Wong & Maria Warner Wong Kwan Nga & Rosa Wong Shue Hai Yee & Iris Liew

Rajkumar Narayanan & Jaya Rajkumar Hanatha & Louise Perdana Tom & Heather Presnail Ken Schunk Tiri & Susan Shaw William & Marybeth Shay Edmund Sim & Yu Lin Wee Gregory Smith Walter & Patti Szopiak

Learning to Fly Solo By School Psychologist Jeff Devens, Ph.D.

A

ccording to Federal Aviation Regulation 61.87, solo flight is “flight time during which a student pilot is the sole occupant of the aircraft.” Flying solo indicates that a level of competency, albeit a novice level, to handle an aircraft has been achieved. Prior to this, however, specific learning objectives had to be met, including demonstrating different flight maneuvers and passing written and physical examinations. The time to solo is something of a meeting of the minds between student and instructor. The two spend numerous hours together, with the instructor making observations and providing feedback and correction when necessary, all in preparation for that fateful day.

In an analogous way your teen is also preparing to fly solo…from you. Parents are the proverbial instructors, imparting the necessary skills in hopes that when that fateful day arrives their child will be prepared to go it alone. In my work with families I have noted three essential skills that teens need to develop in order to successfully pilot a course for the “world” beyond home.

Skill # 1: Taking age appropriate ownership of and for their learning

By the time teens reach the end of middle school, they should be responsible for their own schooling (i.e. homework, studying). Your charge with respect to this first skill has been something you have undertaken for a number of years (I hope).

It included teaching organizational strategies, providing a conducive study environment, developing time management skills and being consistent with academic expectations and consequences. For example, teens should be responsible for recording homework in their planners and retrieving it from Blackboard, turning in school work on time and completing assignments to the best of their ability (as defined by their teachers). Reinforcing agreed upon expectations in these areas, all the while praising them for the positive steps they are making toward these ends, is a healthy way to encourage ownership of learning.

Some parents may recoil at the notion of turning over control of schooling to their teen, believing it would be a recipe for academic disaster; however, not doing so is an open invitation for conflict. Teens want to be independent of parents when it comes to schooling, or at least we should want this for them. In some cases it is best to have an outside party (i.e. tutor) work with them to aid in this process. This reduces conflict in the home and provides opportunities for parents to focus on other aspects of their relationship with their children.

Skill # 2: Self-Advocacy

Entering the middle / high school presents a host of new challenges for budding teens, and chief among them is the ability to selfadvocate. As teens move toward increasing independence there is often a tendency by parents to resist, partly because they feel they are losing control of their child…and they are. I have observed this most acutely when kids transition into middle school and high school. These transitions represent a “new” set of challenges for teens and parents when it comes to self-advocacy.

Typically, when kids experience academic problems in middle school and high school, the parents contact the teacher or counselor instead of having the teen speak first with these folks. While parents perceive they are being helpful, this actually detracts from a teen’s ability to self-advocate and take ownership of his or her life and learning. I encourage parents to talk with their teen regarding the particular issue (i.e. conflict with teacher, friend or coach) and help them formulate a plan of action to address the situation. If they are not able to resolve the problem via this first step, then I recommend parents ask their teen if they may set up a meeting (with them attending) with their school counselor or teacher. Prior to this meeting, formulate a specific set of questions or concerns the teen would like addressed and then have the teen lead the discussion with your guidance.

By the way, if your teen says he or she “does not want your help” yet persists in complaining, try providing empathy instead of answers. A time may arrive when they will seek your help. Self-advocacy will not develop if parents are the primary advocates.

Skill # 3: Managing electronic devices and communications

With computers, cell phones, cable TV and gaming devices in teens’ rooms, is it any wonder they spend the majority of their time away from the rest of the family. What can parents offer that is more attractive? It’s not uncommon for teens to join the family solely for refueling purposes (eating)…and why not if parents allow this?

Speaker and author Rachel Simons notes, “The Internet is part of how teens relate, not where they relate.” It’s a place where relationships develop and social interactions begun during the school hours continue. Letters and telephone calls have been replaced with texting, instant messaging and Facebook. The Internet is a platform for adolescent expression, a place where teens try on different roles. It is not uncommon for parents to be aghast when first viewing their teens’ online accounts, confronted with a person markedly different from the one they know or thought they knew. This “double life” isn’t a new phenomenon; what is new, however, is the expanded audience that has a “window view” of your teen’s life.

Well before the middle school years, parents should take active measures to limit the exposure that children have to the Internet. While many wonderful educational and entertainment opportunities are available online, without guidance you are inviting trouble into your home. Also, if your teen has difficulties with organization and work completion he or she has no business having a computer in the bedroom. Limiting router time, blocking certain sites, having access to passwords and tracking online history are all important in fostering online responsibility. I strongly recommend using monitoring software (i.e. Safeeyes.com). Providing a teen with a computer without guidance is like flying a plane without proper training.

SAS NewsFlash – August 2009

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BOY SCOUT Troop 07 – Get ready for more adventure!

By Brenda Korn, Publicity Chair, Troop 07 Photos by Nathan Korn

D

o the challenges of high adventure, camping, learning wilderness survival skills, cooking in the outdoors, hiking, first aid and orienteering skills sound like activities you’d like to explore? Then you may want to consider joining the ranks of Boy Scout Troop 07.

Last year the Scouts from Troop 07 sailed around the islands off Phuket and explored Mt. Kinabalu in Borneo. And these were just the major events! The troop also had campouts on Pulau Ubin, Sarimbum and Sister’s Island, visited the USS Ronald Reagan, participated in JOTA’s HAM radio worldwide broadcast, hosted two Merit Badge Marathons and participated in a number of community events, including Scout Sunday, National Day of Prayer and the SAS County Fair.

This year’s calendar is full of exciting events, including troop participation at the International Scout Jamboree in the Philippines, a visit to the Indonesian island of Lombok to hike a volcano and a trip to Malaysia to climb Mt. Ophir. So, if you’re up for some adventure, check out one of our Tuesday night meetings.

Boy Scouts (BS) is open to boys who have earned the Arrow of Light Award or have completed the fifth grade or are 11 through 17 years old. New Scouts can join the troop at any time, just come to a troop meeting.

Troop 07 meets every Tuesday evening (excluding school holidays) from 6:15 to 7:30 pm at the Singapore American School, High School room H301.

Tuesday, August 18 is the first meeting to welcome new and returning Scouts.

Scout David Tcheau painting a school in Thailand as part of an Eagle Scout project coordinated by a troop member last year.

Scout Alex Bettadapur learns how to cook crispy crepes in the traditional Malay style during a trip to Kota Kinabalu. The crepes were delicious!! Photo by Nathan Korn.

Scouts Bryan Rock and Matthew Hines learn the Heimlich maneuver as well as other first aid skills while on the annual sailing adventure around the islands of Phuket.

Consistent with Boy Scout policy, Troop 07 is a boy-run organization, under the guidance of adult leaders. Scouting presents boys with opportunities for growth that require them to try, do, lead and occasionally fail. Leaders and parents will assist Scouts in Troop 07, but they will not take over the process.

Scouts vote on election night for their leaders. These elected youths then plan, organize and conduct the meetings with the mentorship of adult leaders.

The troop’s goal is for all new Scouts to achieve the rank of 1st Class within one year of joining. There are six ranks in Boy Scouting: Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life and Eagle, each being more challenging than the one before it. Parents must be patient as Scouts progress at different rates depending on their individual interests and goals.

Want to learn more about Troop 07? Log onto WWW.BSATROOP07.ORG.

Girl Scout Registration Rally Since 1925 USA Girl Scouts Overseas (USAGSO) has helped to provide American girls living overseas and girls attending American or international schools with the familiar traditions and exciting opportunities of Girl Scouts. In Singapore we have almost 300 girls meeting new friends, taking part in fun projects and activities and having great girl-centered times.

Our annual Registration Rally is August 29 at the Overseas Family School from 9 am - 12 noon. Parents of girls interested in USA Girl Scouts are invited to join us for information and to form or join troops. We will be starting with Daisy Girl Scout (KG and 1st grade) registration at 9:00 am, followed by Brownies (2nd and 3rd grades) at 9:45, Juniors (4th and 5th grades) at 10:30 and Cadettes, Seniors and Ambassadors (middle and high school) at 11:15.

If your daughter is interested in Girl Scouts, please email USAGSO Singapore Chair Lael Stanczak at singaporeocc@yahoo.com for more information.

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SAS NewsFlash – August 2009

Caring for Cambodia 8th grade service trip

By Alyssa San Jose

Photos by Monica and Alyssa San Jose

“The trip was not without high drama, as a group of students went to the wrong meeting point at the Tomb Raider temple and sparked a brief (successful) manhunt through the ancient ruins.” – Eric Steirna.

M

onths of preparation, lunch meetings and pen pal letters all led up to our service trip to Cambodia last May. Three teachers, five parents and 30 ecstatic kids boarded the flight to Siem Reap, ready to work hard and happy about helping out.

As soon as we crossed the Aranh School grounds, kids were jumping, waving and greeting us, so happy we were there. A small group of kids followed us around.

Our cameras were an interest, and we took millions of pictures and showed the kids every one, just to see their faces light up when they saw themselves. Seeing their school “totally changed my perspective on how I see this world. It made me want to change what I saw drastically.” – Carrie Dwyer Our work began. Mr. Raymaaker’s group painted tables while Mr. Alexander’s and Mr. Chassagne’s group built soccer goals. “The students took the initiative to organize themselves into effective teams and completed projects quickly, neatly and with panache.” – Eric Steirna. A competition broke out in Mr. Ray’s group; we had just an hour to paint a table and the judging would be done by Mr. Steirna. The prize: drinks with ice at dinner. Out in the soccer field, Nicky was on top of Mr. A’s shoulders and putting the last bar into place.

“I think the football field construction had the biggest impact on the local students as the field was in near constant use from the minute the goal nets were tied in place until sunset each day.” – Eric Steirna.

We woke up at 5:30 am the next day to serve breakfast to the students on the newly painted tables. “It was a fun educational experience. It really opened my eyes to the rest of the world to see how lucky we are, and gave me a new aspect on the word poor.” – Pippa Chanin.

Later that afternoon, we planted trees.

The schoolchildren were all so eager to help out by pumping us water. With 30 trees planted and more tables painted, we headed back, sweaty and pleased with our work. We had two hours of free time at the hotel. “The pool at the hotel was awesome; we spent an afternoon there playing games, getting to know each other better.” – Laken Sylvander.

The third day we met our pen pals at Kong Much School for a village scavenger hunt.

“This year’s scavenger hunt provided a great opportunity to tour a local village and increase the one-on-one interaction between SAS and Cambodia students.”

– Eric Steirna. “Although the kids in Cambodia weren’t as educated as us, fortunate as us or even as tall us, I learned so much from them, probably more than I ever will from school. They taught me to live life to the fullest because even though they don’t live luxuriously, they still had excitement in their lives without PSPs, iPods, Wiis, or money.” – Tamara Lam. After saying good-bye to our pen pals, we began our temple tours. “It was really fun to roam around the temples, especially the Tomb Raider temple.” – Nicky Muller.

On our final day in Cambodia, we went back out to Aranh School to paint a few more tables and play with the kids. We played soccer, found some Lego’s and played Ninja Secret Agents with the kids.

There was not much to play with, but we always managed to find something.

“I love how the Cambodian people can live off so little, but be so happy with what they have.” – Murray Livingston.

On the plane ride back home, everyone was tired but yet so happy that we helped out. “The trip opened my eyes and now I see that I am lucky. It could have easily been one of those kids in my place and me in theirs saying that seeing me and my life had opened their eyes. Who got to decide who was on which end of the line? The helped or the helping?” – Alsha Meidina.

“This year’s trip to Siem Reap was another great opportunity to work with students and teachers from SAS as they reached out to a community in need. The students on this year’s trip were a fun, hardworking group that exceeded all expectations from the group leaders, CFC volunteers and CFC school administrators. This year’s trip was the best so far and the changes that the CFC program brings are having a cumulative, powerful, positive effect on the school infrastructure and the lives of the Cambodian students. A trip with CFC with this remarkable program is an experience that must not be missed.” – Eric Steirna

SAS NewsFlash – August 2009

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Booster club

Booster club

Booster club

Booster club

Booster club

From the President Welcome to a new school year!

My name is Susan Fay and this is my second year as Booster Club president. My family and I have lived in Singapore for seven years and have loved our time here along with being part of the SAS community. My daughter was part of the 2008 graduating class, while our son is now a junior. Last year was a great year for Boosters and we are looking forward to making this year even better.

If you are a returning family, we hope you had a restful and enjoyable summer. If you are new to SAS, we hope you are not too overwhelmed with all the changes in your life. The Booster Club welcomes you to our community and is looking forward to meeting you! As a high school parent, you are automatically a member of the Booster Club.

The Booster Club provides support to the High School and its members by donating funds to the Fine Arts programs, providing an IASAS gym bag and traveling shirt to each of our IASAS athletes and delegates, Interim Scholarships, Senior Awards, and a recognition luncheon for all our Honor Roll students at the end of each of the first three quarters. These are just some of what we are able to provide to support the HS through our volunteer efforts.

Our main source of fundraising is through sales at the Booster Booth. If you have not visited the Booth yet to purchase uniforms - you will need to do that soon. In addition to uniforms, we sell design and SAS logo items that are designed and sourced by a talented group of Booster parents. It is a great place to pick up gift items to send home or take with you on home leave.

We are planning several social events to offer you the opportunity to meet other SAS parents.

Watch for more on these in future publications. Our events are open to all SAS parents, not only those with students in the HS.

I look forward to meeting you around school. If you have any questions or would like to contact us, please send us a message at boosters@sas.edu.sg or contact me directly at susanfay@aol.com Susan Fay

Booster club

To find out more about the Booster Club and meet members of the board, we invite you to attend our Welcome Back Coffee on Tuesday, August 25th at 10am in H301.

http://booster.sas.edu.sg

For high school students

SAS uniform polo shirts, PE shirt, PE shorts, sweatshirts, and school supplies in the Booster Booth in High School.

August 13-15: 9am - 1pm. Starting Monday, August 17: 7:45am - 3:15pm, Monday through Friday.

For Pre-K students through 8th Grade

Payment for PTA Sales & Booster Booth is by cash & Singapore bank checks only.

For all SAS students - uniform bottoms Selling SAS-approved shorts, skirts, pants & skorts for students of all grades

Sale days and times Tuesday - Saturday, August 11th– 15th 9am – 3pm in the Elementary Theater Monday – Wednesday, August 17th – 19th 9am – 2:30pm in the PTA Sales office

(After sale days, items can be ordered through the PTA Sales office or at Lim Meng Keng Dept. Store in Holland Village.)

Payment by cash, credit cards, Singapore bank checks and Nets.

Booster club

Booster club

Booster club

SAS uniform polo shirts, PE shirts, PE shorts, cardigan sweaters, sweatshirts as well as SAS umbrellas, rain ponchos, exclusive SAS Jibbitz, doll apparel and selected gift items August 13-15, 9am - 1pm in the Elementary Gym. Starting Monday, August 17: 9am - 2:30pm, Monday through Friday, in the PTA Sales office.

Lim Meng Keng Department Store

Booster club

SAS Uniform Sales

PTA Sales & Booster Booth present Uniform Sales’ 09

SAS Uniform Sales Orientation & Open House Uniform Sales Hours August 13th- 15th 9:00 am - 1:00 pm Lim Meng Keng Department Store Selling SAS approved shorts, skirts, pants for students of all grades

Sale days & times Tuesday - Saturday, August 11th– 15th 9:00 am – 3:00 pm @ Elementary Theater Monday – Wednesday, August 17th – 19th 9:00 am – 2:30 pm @ PTA Sales Office Payment by cash, credit cards, Singapore bank checks & Nets

PTA Sales– Pre-K students through 8th Grade SAS uniform polo shirts, PE shirts, PE shorts, cardigan sweaters, sweatshirts as well as SAS umbrellas, rain ponchos, exclusive SAS Jibbitz, doll apparel and selected gift items

@ Elementary Gym

Booster Booth – high school students SAS uniform polo shirts, PE shirts, PE shorts, sweatshirts, and school supplies

@ Booster Booth in High School Note: Booster Booth sales hours starting Monday August 17th- 7:45am to 3:15pm Payment for PTA Sales & Booster Booth is by cash & Singapore bank checks only

Thank you!!

Jump right into volunteering… It’s fun!

For more information on how to become involved in PTA Sales contact: Kimberly Bitting: 9730-4458 or kkbitting@msn.com

PTA NEWCOMERS’ WELCOME COFFEES

PTA ICEͲCREAM SOCIAL AT OPEN HOUSE Saturday, August 15th • 9am till 1pm Intermediate/Middle School Cafeteria

Please join us on Open House Day for FREE sundaes and popsicles.

Coffee and Tea will also be served.

WELCOME BACK COFFEE & PTA GENERAL MEETING Friday, August 28 • 8:30am Ͳ 11:00am Drama Theatre

at the SAS PTA Office A great way to meet other new parents and “oldͲtimers” too. Tours of the school will be available at the end of each session.

ECC & Primary School Thursday, August 20 • 8:30am to 10:00am

Intermediate School Thursday, August 20 • 10:30am to Noon

Meet the SAS Administration and get an overview of PTA events and services at PTA’s Welcome Back Coffee and General Meeting .

SignͲup for various volunteer opportunities in your child’s classroom and with PTA events and services.

The following organizations will also have signͲups at the event: Community Library, Boosters, Arts Council, Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Tabitha and Caring for Cambodia

Middle School Wednesday, August 19 • 8:30am to 10:00am

High School Wednesday, August 19 • 10:30am to Noon

QUESTIONS? For more information, please visit the PTA website: http://pta.sas.edu.sg/

To contact the PTA, please email: pta@sas.edu.sg

We’d love to hear from you!

The SAS PTA Office will be open during Open House on August 15th.

New Families are invited to stop in and pick up a Welcome Packet.

* Campus Mosquito Fogging, every Sunday 5:00pm – 7:00pm 15

Open House & PTA Ice Cream Social 9am -1pm

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Grades 3-12 1st Day of School

17-18

PS Individual Student/Parent Teacher Meetings

17-22

SACAC Registration (SACAC Office)

19 -21

Preschool/Pre-K First Day of School

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PTA Coffee for New MS Parents 8:30am-10am (PTA office) PTA Coffee for New HS Parents 8:30am-10am (PTA office)

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PTA Coffee for New PS Parents 8:30am-10am (PTA office)

September 2009 1

August 2009

20

PTA Coffee for New IS Parents 10.30am-12pm (PTA office)

25

HS Booster Welcome Coffee 10am (H301) MS CWW Parent Presentation MS 6pm 6:45pm MS Back-to-School Night

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HS 9th grade parent Boot Camp 9am-12pm (H301 6:30pm - 8:30pm PS/PK Back to School Night Alternate Dress Day

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6:15 - 8:30pm IS Back-to-School Night

28

PTA Welcome Back Coffee 8:30am – 11am (Drama Theater/RPAC)

31 Sept 4

Homecoming Week

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Grade 3 Photo Day

* Campus Mosquito Fogging, every Sunday 5:00pm – 7:00pm

6:30pm - 8:30pm PS Back to School Night HS 9th Grade Parent Boot Camp 9am-12pm (H301) Grade 4 Photo Day

8

Boys Scouts Parent Meeting (H301)

9

Alternate Dress Day

2-4

MS Grade 6-8 CWW

11

HS Booster Social Lunch

2

12:45pm Student Early Release Preschool - PM Session Canceled

12

SACAC Opening Ceremonies / Football Games

3

Grade 5 Photo Day HS Back-to-School Night 7pm

14

HS PTA Coffee (H301) Grades 6,7,8 Photo Taking Day

4

Homecoming Soccer Matches

15

Grade 9-11 Individual Yearbook Portraits

7

8:15am - 9:15am IS Parent Coffee HS 9th Grade Parent Boot Camp 9am-12pm (H301) MS Parent Coffee 10am MS Library

16

HS Deadline for Interim Semester Booster & PTA Scholarships HS Senior Class Picture (HS Steps)

5

PTA Board Mtg. 3:15 pm MS Dance Open Dress Rehearsals (Auditorium)

17

HS College & Careers Day

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8:10am - 3pm HS Grade 9-11 Individual Yearbook Portraits

SAS NewsFlash – August 2009

15

Jane Goodall’s Youth Symposium:

A VISION FOR HOPE

By Martha Began In her book, Reason for Hope, Dr. Jane Goodall says that people often ask, “how I can be so optimistic in the face of so much environmental destruction and human suffering, in the face of overpopulation and overconsumption, pollution, deforestation, desertification, poverty, famine, cruelty, hatred, greed, violence and war.” They wonder what is the secret ingredient for her optimism, her hope?

About the Jane Goodall Institute (Singapore) for People, Animals and the Environment

“Every individual matters.

Every individual has a role to play.

Every individual makes a difference .”

The Jane Goodall Institute (Singapore) (JGIS), a tax-exempt, nonprofit organization, was founded in 2008 (JGI began in 1977) to support field research and conservation projects involving primates and other wildlife in Southeast Asia, to improve conditions of chimpanzees and other animals in captivity, and to raise awareness and understanding of these and myriad environmental issues with as wide an audience as possible.

When Jane Goodall realized that chimpanzees in Africa were becoming increasingly endangered due to habitat loss and hunting, she knew she must leave her forest paradise to help the remarkable beings who had given her so much. As she spent more and more time lecturing in different parts of the world, and as her visibility and interests grew, so JGI expanded its scope of involvement. *Roots & Shoots, a hands-on environmental and humanitarian education program, empowers young people, from kindergarten to college, to take action to make the world around them a better place for the environment, animals, and their local communities. To learn more about JGIS and Roots & Shoots visit: http://www.janegoodall.org.sg/.

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SAS NewsFlash – August 2009

Since 1986 Dr. Jane has been traveling almost constantly to raise funds for the various conservation and educational projects of the Jane Goodall Institute and to share with as many people as possible a message that she feels is desperately important. Her message concerns the nature of human beings and their relationship to the other animals with whom they share the planet. It is a message of hope for the future of life on earth. Her lecture tours are an important part of sharing the knowledge she has acquired, especially with youths. Her trips are exhausting but mentally and spiritually enriching. She says that she is “inspired and energized by so many of the people I meet.”

On Saturday, June 6, The Jane Goodall Institute (Singapore) presented, “A Vision for Hope,” a day-long celebration of how personal action can be a substantial and positive force for making the world around us better. The exciting youth symposium was hosted by the Singapore American School with generous support from the high school Students Against Violation of the Environment (SAVE) club, co-sponsors Steve Early and Martha Began and site directors Ron Starker and John Johnson. We planned in conjunction with Tan Beng Chiak, Raffles Girls School Director of Innovation and new president of the JGIS Board, and her *Roots & Shoots students. Visit the symposium site put up by RGS to learn more about the symposium http://jgisyouthsymposium.ning.com/.

Superintendent Brent Mutsch gave a heartwarming welcome address, followed by Dr. Shawn Lum, professor at the National Institute of Education (NIE) and secretary of JGIS Board, who introduced Dr. Jane Goodall by telling an engaging story about his Hawaiian fishermen ancestors. Dr. Jane gave a breathtaking motivational talk followed by a fascinating question and answer session in which brave young folks asked all sorts of ques-

tions. Following her talk, a panel of four local green entrepreneurs talked about the differences they are making in Singapore. After lunch, the Youth Exchange Market Place, held in the gorgeous Riady Arts Center, provided a meaningful and fun exchange of ideas and visions highlighting the ability of youths to bring about a healthier environment, a more equitable society and a place where humans and nature can coexist. Finally, seven local experts ranging from tropical forest scientists to media gurus held workshops for students.

SAS has organized many international conferences over the years, but this is the first time where a symposium on young peoples’ roles in the conservation of nature, service to the community and taking action to make positive change has been organized. The symposium reflects the emphasis that SAS, Raffles Girls School, Raffles Institute and other participating schools and junior colleges places on these values as underpinning curriculum. In a world of increasing resource depletion, habitat destruction, climate change, complexity and uncertainty, the importance of developing character and attributes such as teamwork, social responsibility, empathy and activism cannot be emphasized more. The symposium provided a platform for participants from Singapore to share their ideas, models and experiences in environmental community service. It is through sharing that we can learn from one another. It also provided a good opportunity for participating schools to showcase projects that our students have carried out under Roots & Shoots initiatives.

Professor Goh Kim Chuan, Associate Dean of Student Development at NIE wrote in his conference message on Character Development through Service and Experiential Learning (March 2007) that the concept of learning today has taken on a wider meaning than mere acquisition of knowledge and skills. Experiential learning of various kinds, including service learning, which adds value to the community, is learned through a process of engagement with the community, understanding its needs and exploring ways to meet those needs. It is this kind of learning that builds character and that makes a difference between one who is smart and one who is educated. At SAS, comprehensive, voluntary co-curricular community service and service learning continue to flourish. Over 30 active service clubs thrive in the high school alone.

For example, middle school ECO club and high school SAVE club members have found their JGIS Roots & Shoots experience invaluable. Not only have they a better appreciation of the various kinds of needs around them but are also able to meet some of these needs and thus add value to other regional Roots & Shoots groups and non-government organizations with whom they interact.

Dr. Jane toured student displays showing Roots & Shoots community service actions around Singapore and beyond. The students’ enthusiasm, smiles and reports of their projects at the Youth Exchange Market Place energized her. It goes without saying, Dr. Jane’s presence totally charged the room with energy! Dr. Jane made a big effort to reach as many people in the Riady Arts Center as possible in The Jane Goodall Youth Symposium “AVision for Hope” the hope that her message entered their hearts and minds. logo was designed to be more than just an advertisement. The Eye represents a symbol, and more importantly, a message.

Can we make it? Dr. Jane’s answers are always the Tracing back to ancient Egypt the infamous Eye of same: it depends on you and me, on what you and I do to reHorus hieroglyph represented protection and power. verse these trends. It means becoming active. Protecting Today if you were to look up “eye” in any thesaurus our environment, the lives of thousands of endangered you’d find the words “vision, ” “perception,” “vigilance” species and our civilization is not a spectator sport. and “heart”; all of which Dr. Goodall has continued to teach and advocate across the globe. She has helped millions SAS has introduced a Global Issues component in change their own perspective about our planet and through her its science curriculum, in which every student K-12 we have learned that with strong hearts and unyielding visions, will learn the science behind global and local ispolitical national and religious gaps can be bridged in sues during science lessons. It is our hope to order to unite the world. In this the symposium logo holds a prepare students with knowledge, skills, empathy message for all: that with knowledge like the kind Dr. Goodall spreads and willingness to take action to tackle complex we can empower ourselves in order to unify and protect our planet. global issues. For this, our students need to have hope that their future will be a brighter Melissa Huston, one, and hope is what Dr. Jane’s message at logo designer, Grade 12 student our inaugural symposium was all about.

SAS NewsFlash – August 2009

17

Summer Learning Is Fun!

By Martha Began

Watching my colleagues interact with the summer program students was vitally rewarding in my new job as director. The freedom to step inside the learning environment to see teachers practicing their craft with curious children was a rare and delightful opportunity.

SAS is filled with hundreds of exemplary learning experiences I never have a chance to observe because I’m usually immersed with students in my own science classroom.

It was also a thrill to see the high school student assistants interact with children. While teachers expertly taught their creative lessons in an atmosphere of relaxed summertime fun, high schoolers were mentoring, counseling and leading students. The teenage student assistants showed understanding of citizenship and mentored responsible behavior to their young charges, while being fun-loving and nurturing. Needless to say, the younger students adored their high school mentors!

During classroom visits I observed my colleagues in their elements. Doc Emery’s art Doc Emery and K-4 Art classroom was rich with materials and color.

His lessons balanced structure, instruction and time for students to explore and create on their own. In Robin Pearson’s Friendship Club, students learned character development taught through carefully paced, provocative scenarios set to promote appropriate social interaction for grades K-4 students.

Out on the playground pre-K Koalas dressed in pirate costumes, giggled and chased each other. Lionel Araya’s K-4 dance classes, with help from talented Student Assistant Heather Morris, livened up the day through hilarious movement games set to music that never failed to leave students in peals of laughter.

Heather Morris and dance kids

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SAS NewsFlash – August 2009

Susan Shaw, Marc Davidson and Fred Crawford had students make and don thinking caps each science lesson as they explored the living and physical world through inquiry, both inside the amazing PS science lab and outside in the HS Eco-Garden and campus rain forest patch.

At the Middle School, Roy Tomlinson posed thought-provoking ethical questions in his leadership course. Kids were all smiles in Aaron Couch’s middle school science class where they designed and built towers to withstand earthquakes and then fired air-pump rockets out of the stadium field, while learning the relationships between velocity, acceleration and projectile motion. In Laura Shuster’s drama class, filled with costumes and scripts, there was always something fantastic going on. Katherine Hallam’s English lessons were relaxed, well planned and creative. The IT Mac Wizards class, taught by Firdaus Bahri, Mark Clemens’ instructional assistant, developed students’ skills in creK-4 Swimming with Kenny Chan and ative expression through the use of computers.

Becca Straton Coaches Trish Johnson and Crew Carroll’s Sports ONLY program has grown in popularity over the past two years and no wonder. Skill development mixed with fun and mentorship of four athletic student assistants makes for a fabulous summertime experience for a young teenager. For elementary school students, Coaches Anne Wenstrom, Chuck Shriner and Jay Kumpel provided an opportunity to improve agility, strength, sports- Drama with Laura Scheuster manship and practice friendly competition using SAS’s high quality gyms, pools and fields. Needless to say all our HS student assistants ensured safe play for kids that adored them.

On average more than 275 students per week were enrolled in Summer Program from June 15 to July 10. Together with 33 teachers, five instruction assistants, two outstanding secretaries, 48 student assistants, two nurses, a full kitchen and bus staff, we managed to steer clear of H1N1 and have a blast!

It was a pleasure to work with such a competent staff this summer. Their creative energy and expertise made our program GREAT! To provide an even stronger Summer Program for future cohorts, a community-wide survey in the fall will seek feedback and suggestions from parents. Together with your valuable ideas, the Summer Program will continue to remain exemplary.

Ashley Lau and Vven Singson’s adorable Penguins Class

SAS NewsFlash – August 2009

19

PTA PRESIDENT’S LETTER Welcome to the new school year. To those of you who have just joined SAS, I’d like to extend a warm welcome to our community.

I hope you and your family will enjoy a rewarding experience throughout the time you are with us.

By having your child enrolled at SAS, you are automatically a member of the PTA. We are fortunate to be part of a community where effective parental involvement in our school enriches the day-to-day educational experience of our children. You are an important partner in the success of SAS, and I hope you will consider volunteering in any one of the many service or event committees that PTA operates. Aside from raising funds that go toward supporting numerous academic, athletic and extracurricular programs, the PTA focuses on supporting and organizing events that bring the SAS community together. Becoming active as a PTA volunteer will establish you in a network of information and will afford you the opportunity to be meaningfully involved in your child’s school life.

SAS Open House & PTA Ice-Cream Social: Saturday August 15 To kickoff the year, I would like to invite you to attend the PTA Ice-Cream Social during Open House on Saturday, August 15 from 9 am to 1 pm, at the Intermediate/Middle School Cafeteria. If you are new to SAS, please also stop by the PTA Office, located just after the main entrance to the school, in the glassed-in half-moon office on the ground floor to pick up your Welcome Pack and meet some PTA Board Members. We will be on hand to answer questions or just say hello. Included in the packet is last year’s SAS PTA Directory along with other information to help you settle in.

We will also be holding divisional New Parent Welcome Coffees during the first week of school. These sessions will offer you the opportunity to meet other new parents and get to know the school and PTA better. Please check this issue of NewsFlash or posters around the school for dates and times.

PTA Welcome Back Coffee & General Meeting: Friday, August 28 I would also like to invite all of you to the PTA Welcome Back Coffee and General Meeting, which will be held from 8:30 to 11:00 am on Friday, August 28 at the Drama Theater. At this event, SAS Superintendent Brent Mutsch will introduce the SAS administration team. There will also be an overview of plans for this school year, and you will have the opportunity to sign up for various volunteer opportunities in your child’s classroom and with PTA events and services. The following organizations will also have signups at the event: Boosters, Arts Council, Community Library, Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Tabitha and Caring for Cambodia.

I would like to offer our assistance in addressing any concerns or answering questions you might have about the school or community.

During the first few weeks of school, you’ll see many members of the PTA Board wearing badges. Please feel free to stop any of us to introduce yourself or ask questions. You can also contact us at PTA@sas.edu.sg or call any member of the Board. PTA information and contacts can be found at http://pta.sas.edu.sg/ I look forward to seeing you around campus, and I wish everyone a happy and healthy school year.

Mae Anderson PTA President mae.anderson@mac.com

Trading Post on the SAS website The Trading Post is a non-commercial courtesy classified ad service for SAS parents, students and teachers published online. The Trading Post will be posted on the second and fourth Friday of each month. Notice of the posting and a link will be included in What’s Happening. Deadlines are the second and fourth Mondays of each month. To find the previous issue of Trading Post, go to “School Publications” on the main menu of the SAS website. Please send notices to trade@sas.edu.sg. If you have any questions, email communications@sas.edu.sg.

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SAS NewsFlash – August 2009

PTA ANNOUNCEMENT Positions Open on the 2009-2010 PTA Board The mission of the PTA is to support and enhance school programs and to build a sense of community within SAS. Leadership renewal is a very important aspect of the PTA’s ability to serve the school. We are looking for volunteers to take up the following positions on next year’s Executive Board: •

PTA Food Fest Chair: This annual international food festival event celebrates the cultural diversity of our families and student body. The different cultural groups within the SAS community organize food booths offering ethnic dishes and family favorites. The SAS High School clubs also join in the fun, offering tasty bites to raise funds in support of their various activities and causes. Several committee members from last year’s Food Fest are in place.

•

PTA Book Fair Chair: The Book Fair Chair organizes the Book Fair, which is a three-day event in November that also features a popular Bookmark Contest.

•

Division Representative for the Early Childhood Center: The PTA’s divisional representatives oversee all PTA-sponsored activities within each division, including parties, special events, room parent programs, classroom and field trip assistance to teachers and class pictures.

For detailed job descriptions of the above PTA positions and for more information, please contact PTA President, Mae Anderson: mae.anderson@mac.com.

Scholastic Books COME GET INVOLVED!!! The SAS PTA will sponsor TWO Scholastic Book Orders for the Primary School (including ECC), Intermediate School and Middle School divisions during the 2009/2010 school year. There will be plenty of opportunities to become involved, and it is a wonderful way to help out, support the PTA and meet new people. If you would like to join our volunteer team, please send an email to Kristi Mabe: kmtravelinround@gmail.com. Dates TBA and more information to come, so stay tuned!

Thank you, Kristi Mabe & Kim Rowe SAS PTA Scholastic Book Co-Chairs

NEEDED: Middle School Team Moms!

If you would like to help out with Middle School PTA activities, we need you to be a team mom. Each grade level – 6th, 7th and 8th – has a team of 10 moms who help with various activities during the school year. If you are interested in volunteering, please sign up at the upcoming PTA Welcome Back Coffee and General Meeting on August 28 from 8:30 to 11:00 am at the Drama Theater. For questions or more information, please contact MS PTA Rep Kristi Rothenberger at: krothenberger@yahoo. com.

SAS NewsFlash – August 2009

21

SAS Excels in Conundrum Quest 2009

By Cristina Uy, parent and Jamie Uy grade 5

S

Photo by Cristina Uy

AS topped the Primary Maths/ Engineering Category in the firstever Conundrum Quest, held at the Australian International School (AIS) on May 23, 2009. All three teams from the SAS Intermediate School did the school proud, but in the end, it was SAS Team 2 that brought home the trophy.

Conundrum Quest (CQ) is the Singapore adaptation of the Tournament of Minds (TOM) problem-solving competition in Australia. This year, CQ drew participants from SAS, AIS, UWC-Dover, UWCEast and Eton House. CQ gives students the chance to solve demanding openended challenges or “conundrums,” encouraging diverse thinking, cooperation, experimentation and innovative thinking.

In the primary category (grades 3-5), students may enter either Maths/ Engineering or Language/Humanities.

Each team works on a Long-Term Challenge and a Spontaneous Challenge.

Preparing a solution for the Long-Term Challenge takes place over a period of six weeks. On tournament day, teams present their work to a panel of judges. For the Spontaneous Challenge, each team is given 10 minutes to discuss, devise and present a solution to an on-the-spot question.

This year, all three SAS teams signed up for Maths/Engineering. The LongTerm Challenge was to design an athletic non-slip shoe for Singapore. The teams

SAS Team 2 at the awards ceremony. Front, L-R: Julie Hoang, team supporter, Jamie Uy, Jennifer Vu, Sarah Choi, team supporter, Claire Berggren, Se Young Chun, Rosa Juong Sung H. Back, Cristina Uy, Marian De Groot.

literally got their hands and feet dirty with mud, oil and even mashed bananas and ice cream in their quest for the nonslip shoe. But far from everything being serious and too results-oriented, the participants benefited mainly from the process of preparing for Tournament Day. There were ample opportunities to learn practical soft skills and have fun.

Although parent volunteers guided the teams, students were expected to drive the entire process.

at a challenge and not giving up. It was unforgettable because of all the silly and crazy things we experimented with and the awesome friends I gained doing it.”

Said Jamie Uy, “I learned many useful things from this experience – working together and cooperating with people we normally wouldn’t be interacting with, putting on different thinking caps, being open to new ideas and ways of looking

Indeed, all the support and effort of the SAS teams seems to have paid off, with a strong SAS showing and enthusiastic feedback from students. Said Jennifer, “One thing’s for sure… I am going to join CQ next year!”

The teams received fantastic adult support from Kim Schult, who organized the teams, IS Principal Marian De Groot, Tracy Meyer for her tips on public speaking/performing, Alice Early for her feedback on the Spontaneous Challenge and of course, their parents.

JMUN Shines in Malaysian Conference

By Cynthia Hood and Nicole Bisnack, MS teachers

Photos by Nicholas Fletcher

MS teachers Cindy Hood and Nicole Bisnack (club sponsors) accompanied the Junior Model United Nations delegates from the 7th and 8th grade to the annual Malaysia Model UN (MYMUN) conference in Kuala Lumpur at Mont’ Kiara International School on April 17-19. This is the world’s biggest Model UN conference for middle schools, and SAS was the largest delegation there.

Our students made us proud: two of our delegates, Samuel Kim and Tara Sivaskandan, received superlatives for most diplomatic delegate and most passionate delegate, respectively. Both awards are huge honors considering that ours is an after-school club that meets weekly beginning in the second quarter, while many of the schools attending have JMUN as an elective class. The other participating schools were from around Asia, including Shanghai and Beijing, and the delegates were quite competitive.

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SAS NewsFlash – August 2009

Support for Kaplani School in India

By Darrell Townshend , MS Strings Teacher

Recently the Middle School strings students and the SAS Education Foundation joined forces with the Winterline Foundation charity from the United States to improve the fortunes of the Kaplani School in the depths of the Himalayan mountains. As part of a recent music exchange at the Woodstock School in India, a group of MS students had made plans to plant trees to help protect the barren mountainside region where the school is located. However cold and snow intervened, and helping the Kaplani School was identified a different way to support the citizens of the region.

The Kaplani School began in 2001 with one teacher. It now has 65 students through grade 8 and is striving to offer subjects to year 12. Students at the school are almost totally isolated from the rest of the world and walk up to four hours each day across the steep mountains just to attend school. Students learn both academics and subjects designed to help them in their villages. With a total operating budget of $15,000, the school is poor but determined.

Through a local organization, the U.S. based Winterline Foundation is committed to helping the poor of the Gahrwal Himalayas, and it assists with community work in the region as well as at the school. The locals are provided support for health issues from contraception to building toilets and having clean water. Locals are also trained in agricultural and business skills, and the Kaplani School students are involved in the implementation of income-generating projects for their families and villages. All these activities come under the purview of the Winterline Foundation.

The SAS Education Foundation provided funds for the MS student cultural exchange in the Indian Himalayas, and $500 of that money was donated to the Kaplani School. With matching funds from the Winterline Foundation, the donation contributed almost 10% to the Kaplani School’s budget, which will speed up the implementation of grades 11 and 12 at the school.

SAS is a community that has again shown its support for the needs of others less fortunate, and this attention to supporting others is one of those attributes that makes SAS such a fine school.

If you, too, would like to help the Kaplani School, email Surender Singh, coordinator of Mussoorie Gramin Vikas Samiti (mgvs@vsnl.com ) or Glen Conrad, spokesperson for the Winterline Foundation (gconrad@winterlinefoundation.com ).

Elementary School Play Days May 26 – 28

By Lyndel Hardy Photos by Christy Machulski The Elementary School Play Days were once again a huge success. The Play Days are the highlight of the Elementary Physical Education Department’s calendar. Each grade level has 90 minute sessions of exciting, fun, physical and wet activities on the High School field. There are 25 stations and the students aim to get to all of them. The photos show the exuberance of the students at play. Thank you, Mrs. Machulski, for taking these photos of the Grade 4 Play Day. One enthusiastic first grader, Nicholas Norris, wrote, “Thank you for setting up Play Day! The stations were really fun! And thank you for the popsicles. They were delicious. You PE teachers rock yaah!”

Sixty parent volunteers help the PE staff to manage each station during each session and they all do a fantastic job. We thank the PTA, the grade level representatives, the parent volunteers and Rudi and his crew for their invaluable assistance during our Play Days. Elementary Physical Education Department Cath Tyler, Jim Goode, Lyndel Hardy, Anne Wenstrom, Adam Miller and Laura Schuster SAS NewsFlash – August 2009

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Elementary After School Activities (EASA) New to EASA this year!

• Online registration for ALL programs, first come-first served!

• ONE brochure will go home that includes activities & language • Additional classes offered on Mondays • Online support available @ www.sas.edu.sg/easas About EASA at SAS Elementary students at SAS may choose from a wide range of organized after-school activities designed to enhance and extend learning experiences in music, performing arts, computers & technology, arts & crafts, mind stretch and recreation. Classes are taught by dedicated and professional teachers, many of whom are SAS faculty.

Program Information and Upcoming Registration • EASA program will be sent home August 29 in backpack mail.

• Online registration for Session One, first choice class, opens August 24.

• Online registration for second choice class opens August 27.

• Registration closes September 1. Session 1 EASA Sept. 14 - Nov 19.

• EASA Program/Support available on the EASA website at www.sas.edu.sg/easa/ or contact the EASA office at 6360-6283

Ni Hao! Bonjour! Hola! – Learning a second language can be fun and enriching!

SAS offers another enrichment opportunity for children through the EASA Language Program classes in Mandarin, French and Spanish. Students will be engaged in activities that are rich in visual cues and focus on developing communicating with confidence.

The program has been designed as a continuous three-session curriculum, and students are encouraged to participate for the entire three sessions to gain maximum benefit from the program.

• 3 sessions running from September to May • Classes on Tuesdays and/or Thursdays 3:15 pm–4:15 pm

Adult Community Education EASA also sponsors and manages classes for the SAS adult community. SAS parents, helpers, faculty and staff are welcome to attend. Classes and fees vary from session to session based on the type of activity and length of session. All classes are held at SAS after school, evenings or weekends and are taught by experienced professionals.

Information and registration forms are sent to SAS families by e-mail and through the SAS What’s Happening weekly e-mail newsletter. New class information will be available in September.

Hermes donates window displays to SAS

By Mae Anderson, PTA President A colorful tableau of oversized pencils and other stationary items will greet staff and students at the start of the new school year. The display that rings the outside of the PTA office was first featured in the Hermes store windows on Orchard Road. When approached by an SAS parent to ask if the store would consider donating their window decorations to SAS, Hermes not only agreed, but also customized the sturdy fiberglass stands and installed the decorations at no cost to the school.

SAS appreciates the very generous and gracious donation by Hermes, and extends warmest thanks to the Hermes team that installed the displays.

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SAS NewsFlash – August 2009

“I just realized what bonjour means!”

By HS student Sarah Thieneman and HS teacher Christina Popowski Six SAS HS students spent two weeks in France this summer, practicing their written and spoken French and absorbing French culture. Accompanied by HS French teacher Christina Popowski, they spent two weeks in the small town of Rambouillet, about 50 km from Paris, attending four hours of French class each day which focused on language and reading skills.

Outside the classroom students put their French into practice in a workshop on French cinema, in a cooking class, on a scavenger hunt, bowling, playing laser tag, taking a 40 km bike ride through the beautiful and famous forests surrounding Rambouillet and by writing a journal about their experience in France.

While the students stayed in a dorm rather than with a family, there were many opportunities to speak French with the other students at the school. This was one of the trip highlights for Michael Onischuk: “I enjoyed the experience of speaking French; most of the time it was for communicating with my roommate who spoke very little English. I definitely would recommend this trip because you’re not with a family but instead with people from all over the world.” There were also many French activities, such as a crêpe making night, going to the cinema to watch a recent film (without English subtitles!) and taking the train into Paris to visit museums, the famous sites and the campus of the American University of Paris.

They visited two of the most famous castles in the area, Chambord and Versailles, as well as the home and gardens of the painter Claude Monet in Giverny. The visit to Giverny was a personal highlight for Samantha Martin: “I loved taking pictures of his garden . . . I took a lot of pictures and loved them all.” The last weekend of the trip was in Paris, where students experienced hostel life and toured Paris via foot and metro in order to play tourist at the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre and the Champs-Elysées. The group also did a walking tour of Montmartre, took a boat ride down the Seine and meandered around a Parisian flea market alongside the Parisians. As a student of the French language for five years, but having never visited Paris, this trip was an amazing experience for me.

It revitalized my interest in French and refreshed my speaking and writing skills. The teachers at the Institut Rambouillet were encouraging and attentive to each student; they would switch levels or push a student as needed. Samantha Martin felt that her experience in Rambouillet was very valuable because it taught her a lot of new vocabulary, history of artists and the background of certain buildings in Rambouillet. “When I look back at my photos, I will also remember all the fun I had at Rambouillet.”

Rambouillet and Paris provided a unique experience for me and the other French students; it helped all of us in our pursuit of French fluency and gave us a deeper appreciation of French cuisine, culture and history. There were many memorable moments during the trip but one in particular that I will remember with extra fondness is the moment near the end of our trip when one member of the group exclaimed “I just realized what bonjour means!” (“Bon” means good and “jour” means day.)

Gurkhas finish deployment at SAS SAS offered big thanks to the Gurkha Contingent, who were redeployed by the Singapore government on June 1, 2009. The Gurkhas were deployed by the Singapore government to guard several expatriate sites, including the American Club, Singapore American School and American Embassy, after the 9/11 attacks.

They have been a familiar part of SAS campus life since early 2002.

On June 9, 2009, Superintendent Brent Mutsch, Director of Security Isaac Benjamin and Director of Facilities Anthony Wong thanked the Gurkhas for their diligent and professional work over the years. Mutsch said, “As much as I hope the current security situation in Singapore remains stable and relatively safe, I would welcome the continued partnership between the Gurhka Contingent and SAS, as they have become part of the SAS family.”

SAS NewsFlash – August 2009

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SACAC (Singapore American Community Action Council) For updated information about SACAC, visit our website at http://www.sacac.com

Submitted by AnLee

SACAC Counseling and Community Programs is a resource with a wide variety of services, including psychological counseling, workshops, a mental health library, community groups and more. The SACAC Counseling and Community Programs office is located at the American Club. For more information about its services e-mail, SACAC Counseling at or admin@sacac.com call 6733-9249.

SACAC Sports is a program for the local and expat communities that offers a wide variety of sports activities for kids ages 3 to 18, including American football, cheerleading, baseball, basketball, soccer, gymnastics, swim team, tennis, golf, fencing, kickball and speed training. The SACAC Sports office is located at SAS in the high school, room H216. To participate in a SACAC sport program, you must be a member of SACAC. More information on membership and sports registration can be found at http://www.sacac.com or by calling SACAC Sports at 6363-6454 or by e-mail at sacac@sas.edu.sg.

Fall SACAC Sports Registration Date: Monday, August 17 – Friday, August 21 Date: Saturday, August 22 Venue: SACAC Sports Office, SAS-HS Room H216

Time: 8:00 am – 4:00 pm Time: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Date: Tuesday, August 18 Venue: American Club – American Association Office

Time: 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm

HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ANNOUNCEMENT

Beginning on Monday, August 17 • High School Volleyball in the gyms • High School Soccer on the fields • High School Cross Country on the track.

• High School Play Audition sign-up in Room S105 • For sports, bring your gear.

HS Sports Physical Examination Every high school student participating in a school sponsored interscholastic sport must submit an updated physical examination form to the High School Nurse’s office annually. The physical form may be picked up from the HS Nurse or downloaded from the website.

All students interested in participating in first season sports (cross country, soccer and volleyball) must have a physical examination completed and turned in before Monday, August 31.

Physical exam forms for second season sports (basketball, rugby, touch-rugby, swimming, tennis) physicals are due before October 21, and before January 27 for third season sports (badminton, softball, track & field and JV tennis). Coaches will not allow an athlete to attend practices or competitions until the physical exam form is turned in.

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SAS NewsFlash – August 2009

Homecoming 2009 marks 40 years of SAS-ISKL exchanges Soccer matches and fun for entire community Friday, September 4 The HS Student Council will host the now-annual SAS Homecoming on Friday, September 4 with soccer games against the International School of Kuala Lumpur.

The event, incidentally, marks 40 years of SAS-ISKL sports exchanges. They began in 1969 at a time when SAS students were enjoying their first indoor gymnasium and fully equipped campus on King’s Road, while the fledgling ISKL was still operating out of an old house.

Homecoming SAS-style is an all-ages event intended to unify SASers from tots to alumni. It fosters class spirit, recognizes the achievements of seniors through a Homecoming Court, provides a venue for the entire SAS community to come together in a non-academic environment and is just plain fun.

Last year, the lead-up to Homecoming featured a variety of special-dress days, ranging from Generation Day and Eagle Day to Heroes and Villains Day. HS students rode tricycles through the cafeteria and caught marshmallows in their mouths blindfolded to win class spirit points.

The culminating event of the week will be Friday night soccer games with ISKL on the main stadium field. The matches are at 5 and 7 pm. Activities for all ages will be held on the back fields, and the Homecoming Court will be recognized between games.

Throughout the matches, food and spirit items will be sold by school service clubs.

SAS Aikido Club is open to Intermediate, Middle and High School students

By Rick Silverman, HS teacher

We are happy to announce that the SAS Aikido Club is again open to 4th and 5th graders, Middle School students and High School students. Aikido is a sophisticated non-violent martial art that comes from the Japanese arts of jujitsu, kenjitsu (sword) and aikijitsu.

Aikido is a good way for students to learn a martial art and self-defense and be involved in a school club that spans the divisions at SAS. In aikido one does not use force against force, blocking, punching and kicking. That, too, is what we mean when we say “nonviolent.” Rather, the aikido practitioner blends or harmonizes with the attack and then uses the attacker’s force and strength to take the attacker down, controlling the situation. This sounds weird, but it actually works – and very well too. Thus aikido is a good choice for children and women, as well as men, because one does not depend on size and strength to deal with an opponent.

George Chang, our sensei (teacher), has trained in aikido for 45 years and is a sixth dan black belt. Rick Silverman, the assistant instructor, is a fourth dan. We practice in auxiliary gym A every Thursday from 3:15 to 4:20 pm so students may use the 4:30 activities bus.

If interested in joining, a student or parent should contact Silverman at rsilverman@sas.edu.sg or 6363-3404, extension 6610.

SAS NewsFlash – August 2009

27

Veggies with Every Meal!

By Richard Hogan, Food Services Coordinator

The health and well-being of our children are passions that we all share. At SAS, the catering team has dedicated its resources over the last school year to ensuring that students are offered balanced and nutritious meals.

Our focus has been on improving the range, quality and nutritional value of the food.

We know that what young people eat affects their behavior, concentration and performance.

A healthy balanced lunch improves concentration, attention, energy levels and academic performance and as such improves the overall results obtained by students and the standing of the school as a whole.

During the last academic year our team has : • • • • • • • • • •

improved the physical dining environments in the Primary, Intermediate and Middle Schools. developed nutritional standards and portion sizes for snacks, drinks and set-lunch menus in the ECC, PS and IS. developed an 8-week menu cycle for the ECC, PS and IS. All 180 dishes in the cycle have been nutritionally analyzed to ensure that a balance of nutrients and food groups is achieved throughout each week. developed recipe folders for the catering staff, standardizing recipes, nutrient content and quality of ingredients. nutritionally analyzed a la carte menu items in the IS and MS and reduced levels of fat, sugar and salt. developed new menu items for the ECC, PS, IS and MS. conducted three training sessions for catering staff on encouraging students to make better choices and on food allergies. conducted a training session for ECC and PS instructional assistants on the new menus and the eating behavior of young children. met with staff and students on a regular basis for feedback on the changes and to adapt menus. undertaken a survey of HS student attitudes and opinions of school food, their preferences and how to encourage them to make better choices.

Our focus for this school year : • • •

• •

• •

A cycle menu for students requiring special diets will be launched in August.

Further in-house training for cooks on healthy food and cooking for special diets.

Labeling for ECC, PS and IS set lunches will be launched in August, followed by MS and HS labeling later in the year. The labeling will identify ingredients, allergens and nutrient content. This information will be available in the cafeterias , community library and eventually online Survey to determine uptake of vegetables in the ECC, PS, IS and MS. A serving of vegetables will be included with every meal in the IS and MS cafeteria. This will ensure that students receive a balanced meal. While items such as sandwiches, sushi, and salads will be available all a-la-carte hot foods will include a serving of vegetables.

Work with HS students and staff to improve the food and drink choices and the physical eating environment.

Develop curriculum links and food focus programs to develop awareness and positive attitudes about healthy balanced diets.

Taste for yourself! We are very proud of what we have achieved so far and will be inviting parents to come and taste what’s on offer.

Our meals taste great, are of great value and are good for performance, alertness and behavior. We seek your support as parents and trust that together we can empower our students to make healthy choices. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us at rhogan@sas.edu.sg .

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SAS NewsFlash – August 2009

Community Library Announces Diabetes Support Group

By Mary Reagan

T

he Community Library, a resource for parents and others in the SAS community, is a center for information on topics pertaining to family life, including parenting, health care, nutrition and learning styles.

As a parent-helping-parent organization, we host discussion groups on topics ranging from children with allergies, asthma and diabetes to different learning styles and caring for our own aging parents while overseas. We seek members of the community who have a special interest in a topic to serve as discussion group moderators.

There will be a new support group starting in September for those parents, friends or relatives of children with diabetes. Be on the lookout for an announcement with further details and please join us, whether you or your child are newly diagnosed or have been living with diabetes for years. Together we will explore the new directions in the diagnosis and treatment of diabetes, contribute our own research and knowledge, ask questions and support one another. If you have

any questions, please contact Kristen Hanifin at kristenhanifin@yahoo.com.

The Community Library also hosts a Speaker Series throughout the year in which experts address issues relevant to parenting, child development and other topics that are important to family life and our school. This series is supported

Vehicle Permits

by the SAS Education Foundation.

Mary Reagan, the parent sponsor of the Community Library, welcomes all recommendations and feedback on topics that support individual, family and community life. Please contact her at maryreagan@mac.com.

SAS Asthma And Allergy PArent Group Support

A

re you new to Singapore or SAS with questions about how to manage asthma or allergies in the new environment?

Would you like to learn more about the new cafeteria protocols and special diet menu (made with no ingredients containing the top eight food allergens) being rolled out in the ECC, PS and IS cafeterias this fall? If so, please join us for the first meeting of the 2009-2010 school year of the SAS Asthma & Allergy Parent Support Group at 8:30 am on Friday, August 28 in the Community Library (located in the MS Library, 2nd floor, directly above the MS office).

Each vehicle entering campus must stop for a security check. Parents must register their vehicles and obtain permits for easier access through the security gate.

Permits are available at Central Administration and at all division offices beginning in late July. Please note that vehicle permits will not be issued until a student is enrolled.

Anyone with an interest in asthma and allergy issues is welcome. All attendees will receive a free children’s book “ABCs of Asthma.” If you have questions or would like to be notified of upcoming meetings, please contact allergynetwork@ sas.edu.sg.

The SAS Asthma & Allergy Support Group appreciates the sponsorship and support of the Community Library, which is funded by the SAS Education Foundation.

SAS NewsFlash – August 2009

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SAS Open House 2009 Saturday August 15, 9:00 am - 1:00 pm Climbing Wall Memory Garden

Auxiliary Gym

Running Track & Stadium Field

Swimming Pool

Riady Performing Arts Center

MS Waterfall

Drama Theater

Auditorium

MS Gym

I

J Basement Parking

Swimming Pools Elementary Gym

C

D

Elementary Theater O

IS/MS F Cafeteria

Elementary Art/Music

HS Library

Middle School

Admissions

G

E

High School

H

K

Intermediate School

Primary School

B

P

P

P

P

M HS Cafeteria P

Booster Booth

L

Early Childhood Center N

ATM

Bus Office

A

HS Gym

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

PTA Office

MS School Pedestrian Gate

P

Blk 426A

HDB Parking Lot

SAS Main Gate

SAS Rear Gate

E

Bus Office

IS Foyer/Office

F

MS/IS Cafeteria

C

Elementary Gym

PTA Uniform Sales (Preschool - Grade 8)

G

MS Foyer/Office

D

Elementary Gym

H

Room M109

I

HS Gym

J

HS Athletics & Activities Office - HS S100D

K

HS Foyer/Office

A

PS Foyer/Office

B

PS Classroom Assignments IS Classroom Assignments

Alumni American Association American Chamber of Commerce American Club American Womens’ Association ANZA Soccer Boosters Boy Scouts Canadian Association Junior Hockey Program Caring for Cambodia Cub Scouts Democrats Abroad Elementary After School Activities (EASA) FastBreak Basketball Girl Scouts Navy League SACAC SAVE Club Savitar Tennis Speed Institute Tabitha US Embassy Young Life Youth Olympics

Bus Information PTA Ice Cream Social MS Homebase Assignments MS Athletics & Activities HS New Student & Parent Orientation

HS Homebase Assignments

DBS ATM Machine

L

Booster Booth

M

High School 2nd Floor Cafeteria

N

ECC Foyer/Office

O

Booster Sales/Uniforms (HS Students) Subway , Campus Signature Pizza & Eagle Zone ECC Classroom Assignments

Elementary Theater

Lim’s Uniform Bottom Sales (Preschool - Grade 12)

P

On Campus Parking

V

Vehicle Pass/Decal - Available at Central Administration Office and all division offices

SAS Open House

Saturday, August 15 9 am to 1pm

Singapore American School families are invited to attend Open House on Saturday, August 15. Students and parents will find class lists posted and be able to visit classrooms, meet teachers and pick up schedules.

School uniforms will be available for purchase from the Booster Booth in the High School, from the PTA in the Elementary Gymnasium and from Lim’s Department Store in the Elementary Theater. Vehicle registration and bus information will be available. Lenovo will be set up to provide product information and sales.

Community organizations such as SACAC, Scouts and EASA will be at the Open House. Cafeterias will be open as well as Subway, Campus Signature Pizza and The Eagle Zone in the High School.

Before you head home, don’t forget to visit the IS/MS Cafeteria where the PTA will be hosting an Ice Cream Social. Stop by to meet other families and enjoy ice cream compliments of the PTA.

Saturday, August 15 Open House 9 am-1pm

Monday, August 17

First Day of School for Grades 3 – 12

Monday/Tuesday, August 17-18

Orientation for ECC and Primary School Kindergarten through grade 2 will hold individual student/parent/teacher orientations. Teachers will call the week before to set up the individual appointment times.

Preschool and pre-kindergarten will hold student/parent/teacher orientations. Parents will be contacted the week of August 10 regarding an orientation time.

Wednesday, August 19

First Day of School for Pre-K – Grade 2

Wednesday, August 19 and Thursday, August 20 Preschool students attend with their parents

Parents of preschool students are invited to attend the first day of preschool with their children. Half of the preschool classes will begin on August 19 and the other half will start on August 20. During the orientation, parents will receive their child’s schedule.

Friday, August 21

All preschool students attend school

SAS Open House 2009 Saturday, August 15 9 am to 1pm ICE-CREAM SOCIAL COMPLIMENTS OF PTA

FOOD & DRINKS HS Cafe IS/MS Cafe Subway Campus Signature Pizza The Eagle Zone

IS/MS Cafeteria

CLASSROOM / HOMEBASE ECC - ECC Foyer/Office PS - PS Foyer/Office IS - IS Foyer/Office MS - MS Foyer/Office HS - HS Foyer/Office

ATHLETICS & ACTIVITIES MS - Room M109 HS - Room S100D

ELEMENTARY GYM American Association American Chamber of Commerce American Club American Women’s Association ANZA Soccer Boosters Boys Scouts Canadian Association Junior Hockey Program Caring for Cambodia Cub Scouts Democrats Abroad

Elementary After School Activities (EASA) FastBreak Basketball Girl Scouts Navy League SACAC SAVE Club Savitar Tennis Tabitha US Embassy Young Life Youth Olympics

UNIFORM SALES For Grades 9-12

Booster Booth (HS Lobby)

For Preschool - Grade 8

PTA Sales (Elementary Gym)

Uniform Bottoms - All Grades

Lim’s Uniform Sale (Elementary Theater)

VEHICLE PASS/DECAL BUS OFFICE

Bus Information

PTA OFFICE

New Family Welcome Packets

PS Office IS Office MS Office HS Office Central Admin Office

Address : 40 Woodlands Street 41, Singapore 738547 Tel: 6363 3403 Fax: 6363 3408 Email : sasinfo@sas.edu.sg Website: http://www.sas.edu.sg

HS NEW STUDENT & PARENT ORIENTATION HS Gym