Communitas sept 2013 -- Back to School

Shanghai Community International Schools & Hangzhou International School

September 2013

Welcome Back

SUPERINTENDENT ‘S LETTER

Dear SCIS-HIS Community,

W

e welcome you all back in this first edition for the 2013-14 school year of our “Communitas” magazine, a monthly magazine that features some of the initiatives and accomplishments at our individual campuses and across our sisterhood of schools. The Latin translation of the SCIS-HIS motto “communitas” is “together, a gift” and it is in this spirit we celebrate our unique commitment to value the contribution of our communities in supporting the teaching and learning at and between our schools. The theme for the first edition of the Communitas magazine is “Back to School” and our aim within the following pages is not only to feature some of the smiling faces of students, parents, and staff at each campus, but to also highlight the efforts to bring our schools together and take advantage of the opportunities present in being three schools with one common vision.

Before our 2400 students were back to school, we welcomed in more than 250 new and returning faculty to our five campuses. This year, our driving theme for professional development will be increasing the professional capacity of our staff to improve learning for all students. We have phrased this push as “providing opportunities that are just right” for students and teachers. Meeting this goal for a faculty that is represented by over 20 nationalities and a student population that is represented by over 60 nationalities is a most ambitious endeavor.

However, it is a worthy initiative as SCIS-HIS schools are founded on values that celebrate diversity, promote intercultural understanding, and strive for the highest levels of academic and personal excellence.

We are committed to continuing as a truly diverse

TABLE OF CONTENTS

FEATURES Superintendent’s Letter Curriculum: What is Science?

Administrator’ Letter Host Culture Theme: Back To School

CAMPUS HIGHLIGHTS 03 04-05 06 07 14-15

Hangzhou Pudong Hongqiao

international community with truly unique and rigorous learning opportunities.

A few new faces in charge at senior levels of responsibility within our mission were brought onboard this year. I am happy to announce the appointment of Mrs. Anne Hunt as our new SCIS-HIS Director of Admissions. Mr. Evan Hunt is our new High School Principal at the SCIS-Hongqiao campus.

The Hunts previously served posts in Mexico and the United States. We also have three Vice-Principals joining our sisterhood of schools: Ms. Jess Koenig (SCIS-Hongqiao High School VP), Mrs. Heather Knight (SCIS-Hongqiao ECE VP), and Mr. Brian Byrne (SCIS-Pudong Lower School VP).

On a final note, I am pleased to confirm a full 6-year WASC-NCCT re-accreditation for our sisterhood of schools. I want to thank all of those who participated in the self-study and joint-accreditation process. We were confident that our school would meet the “Focus on Learning” protocols with flying colors, but the official confirmation recognizes the strength of our community, the excellence of our instruction, and the outstanding opportunities for our students. In the words of WASC, these are “stellar aspects of our schools.” Congratulations to all!

Again, welcome back to the 2013-14 school year!

Jeffry R. Stubbs Superintendent of Schools

COMMUNITY 08-09 10-13 16-20

PAFA Community Educational Insights Partner

Cover Photo: Features Hongqiao ECE student Noa Laniado on first day of school, taken by Ms. MunYee Choo, Marketing Manager.

21 22-23 24-25 26

2 Communitas is the official magazine for the Shanghai Community International School and Hangzhou International School. Please contact us at: Communitas@scischina.org

3

SUPERINTENDENT ‘S LETTER

Dear SCIS-HIS Community,

W

e welcome you all back in this first edition for the 2013-14 school year of our “Communitas” magazine, a monthly magazine that features some of the initiatives and accomplishments at our individual campuses and across our sisterhood of schools. The Latin translation of the SCIS-HIS motto “communitas” is “together, a gift” and it is in this spirit we celebrate our unique commitment to value the contribution of our communities in supporting the teaching and learning at and between our schools. The theme for the first edition of the Communitas magazine is “Back to School” and our aim within the following pages is not only to feature some of the smiling faces of students, parents, and staff at each campus, but to also highlight the efforts to bring our schools together and take advantage of the opportunities present in being three schools with one common vision.

Before our 2400 students were back to school, we welcomed in more than 250 new and returning faculty to our five campuses. This year, our driving theme for professional development will be increasing the professional capacity of our staff to improve learning for all students. We have phrased this push as “providing opportunities that are just right” for students and teachers. Meeting this goal for a faculty that is represented by over 20 nationalities and a student population that is represented by over 60 nationalities is a most ambitious endeavor.

However, it is a worthy initiative as SCIS-HIS schools are founded on values that celebrate diversity, promote intercultural understanding, and strive for the highest levels of academic and personal excellence.

We are committed to continuing as a truly diverse

TABLE OF CONTENTS

FEATURES Superintendent’s Letter Curriculum: What is Science?

Administrator’ Letter Host Culture Theme: Back To School

CAMPUS HIGHLIGHTS 03 04-05 06 07 14-15

Hangzhou Pudong Hongqiao

international community with truly unique and rigorous learning opportunities.

A few new faces in charge at senior levels of responsibility within our mission were brought onboard this year. I am happy to announce the appointment of Mrs. Anne Hunt as our new SCIS-HIS Director of Admissions. Mr. Evan Hunt is our new High School Principal at the SCIS-Hongqiao campus.

The Hunts previously served posts in Mexico and the United States. We also have three Vice-Principals joining our sisterhood of schools: Ms. Jess Koenig (SCIS-Hongqiao High School VP), Mrs. Heather Knight (SCIS-Hongqiao ECE VP), and Mr. Brian Byrne (SCIS-Pudong Lower School VP).

On a final note, I am pleased to confirm a full 6-year WASC-NCCT re-accreditation for our sisterhood of schools. I want to thank all of those who participated in the self-study and joint-accreditation process. We were confident that our school would meet the “Focus on Learning” protocols with flying colors, but the official confirmation recognizes the strength of our community, the excellence of our instruction, and the outstanding opportunities for our students. In the words of WASC, these are “stellar aspects of our schools.” Congratulations to all!

Again, welcome back to the 2013-14 school year!

Jeffry R. Stubbs Superintendent of Schools

COMMUNITY 08-09 10-13 16-20

PAFA Community Educational Insights Partner

Cover Photo: Features Hongqiao ECE student Noa Laniado on first day of school, taken by Ms. MunYee Choo, Marketing Manager.

21 22-23 24-25 26

2 Communitas is the official magazine for the Shanghai Community International School and Hangzhou International School. Please contact us at: Communitas@scischina.org

3

CURRICULUM FEATURE

CURRICULUM FEATURE

What is Science? knowledge, and apply it to other areas in the future. Science is full of models and descriptions that help us to do this. Each person builds upon that model and creates a personal model of how something functions based upon their past experiences. As our knowledge grows our models are enhanced and developed. In the same way the overall field of science advances as we gain new knowledge and advance the model.

From our point of view here on Earth we are not able to directly witness the rotation and revolution of the Earth and the moon.

During my time in college I had chemistry/astronomy professor We can though stand up and rotate ourselves and revolve around who had some peculiarities. In our astronomy labs at night while another object to help build our mental model of these motions. we were identifying stars in the sky he would stop and chant Fifteen 7th graders holding dodge balls in the air on a soccer pitch “I feel connected to the universe!” At which point we were all probably doesn’t appear to be a well structured science lesson. expected to reply with excitement that we too felt connected However, if we tell them they are the Earth, the ball is the moon, to the universe. In chemistry labs, he always spoke about and the sun is the sun, they begin to understand a little more about connecting the inside observer with the outside observer as why the moon has different phases. Mr. Haag extending a fist and we were witnessing chemical reactions. During our lecture on revolving the other fist around it all while rotating his body makes electrons and their energy levels, he jumped from the floor the students laugh. The next day? They greet each other by yelling to the seat of a desk, frantically waving his arms at the class “Rotation and Revolution!” A rocket made from balloons, straws, describing as he did so how excited electrons moved from their paper clips, and note cards isn’t in itself going to leave Earth and ground state. Fifteen years ago I viewed him as entertaining expand space exploration but it is a step in understanding the but also a little insane. As I’ve progressed through my teaching process and building towards that goal. career, I’ve adopted more and more of his pedagogy.

In science we deal with a spectrum of things from the very large to the very small. Like learning any other material it helps to relate to a concept that is already familiar to us and build from there. The art of science is to build the conceptual or physical model that allows us to explain our observations, enhance our

T

he scientific adventures continue for another school year at SCIS-HIS. Will inquiry-based investigations and other engaging learning opportunities help students build on previous knowledge and refine their laboratory skills?

Reacquainting students with the Scientific Method has been the starting point of our scientific journey together. It has been an excellent way for teachers to see where their students current academic level is and for students to understand the expectations of their teachers. A simple experiment with a paper cup, water, filter paper, and a water-soluble black marker allows for students to make and test hypotheses as they observe firsthand any changes.

Observations through words and pictures permit students to communicate what they see, irrespective of their English language proficiency. Students are encouraged to adopt the “quality over quantity” attitude when approaching their written observations, as clear and concise writing will not only benefit students in Science class but across many of their courses. Then students reflect on the real-life applications of their studies.

The SCIS-HIS science teachers look forward to guiding their students through another year of personal growth, scientific discovery, and learning.

By MS. ARIADNE JEVNIKAR Pudong Campus Upper School Science Teacher Can 16 and 17 year olds handle pondering the universal elements that exist in natural sciences?

Just as scientists must hypothesize, examine, and validate or deny their initial impressions, students in IB science classes have the opportunity to think about the deeper issues that surround the concepts of science.

Often, science may seem to be a straightforward subject with right or wrong answers accordingly, but students are given the chance to think about how a hypothesis and an experiment can help them to understand the world around them. In the IB Diploma Program, Group 4 courses are deemed Experimental Sciences, where students must learn through individual inquiry and experimentation. Students often examine how the human body or plants adapt to meet the needs of their current environments. They apply their knowledge of chemistry by designing experiments that allow them to see how various chemicals react with each other. Phoebe Wardle and Christina Zhang discuss the importance of science to the world when they state, “Science is the discovery of the world around us. It is the basis for knowing how things work in our world. Science in general, helps improve society.”

Sometimes in the serious world of science the silly simple things are what help us understand and remember the most. That is if you’re picking up what I’m putting down.

By MR. JACOB HAAG HIS Upper School Science Instructor

Learning in the SCIS science courses develops from student connections between the knowledge and their lives outside of the classroom. Using creativity, imagination, and a close attention to detail, students begin to appreciate the importance of assumptions, scientific methods, and an understanding of what is true when it comes to science. When asked to define their own impressions of science, students approach it with an open mind. Tanner Briner, a grade 12 student, responded with this statement, “Science is our quest to know why and how the universe works. Science wants to give answers to the fundamental questions we have, like, ‘How are we here?’ It does this by speculation, but we must find the small answers first, then build upon them until we have the answers we are looking for.” Listening to that answer, obviously, we think they can handle the big questions of science.

By MS. DARBY DAVIS Hongqiao Campus Upper School IB Chemistry Teacher 4

While many schools may impress the importance of a right or wrong answer, SCIS encourages individual inquiry, interaction with the subjects and concepts, and an ability to use scientific method to gain a deeper understanding of the world around us.

5

CURRICULUM FEATURE

CURRICULUM FEATURE

What is Science? knowledge, and apply it to other areas in the future. Science is full of models and descriptions that help us to do this. Each person builds upon that model and creates a personal model of how something functions based upon their past experiences. As our knowledge grows our models are enhanced and developed. In the same way the overall field of science advances as we gain new knowledge and advance the model.

From our point of view here on Earth we are not able to directly witness the rotation and revolution of the Earth and the moon.

During my time in college I had chemistry/astronomy professor We can though stand up and rotate ourselves and revolve around who had some peculiarities. In our astronomy labs at night while another object to help build our mental model of these motions. we were identifying stars in the sky he would stop and chant Fifteen 7th graders holding dodge balls in the air on a soccer pitch “I feel connected to the universe!” At which point we were all probably doesn’t appear to be a well structured science lesson. expected to reply with excitement that we too felt connected However, if we tell them they are the Earth, the ball is the moon, to the universe. In chemistry labs, he always spoke about and the sun is the sun, they begin to understand a little more about connecting the inside observer with the outside observer as why the moon has different phases. Mr. Haag extending a fist and we were witnessing chemical reactions. During our lecture on revolving the other fist around it all while rotating his body makes electrons and their energy levels, he jumped from the floor the students laugh. The next day? They greet each other by yelling to the seat of a desk, frantically waving his arms at the class “Rotation and Revolution!” A rocket made from balloons, straws, describing as he did so how excited electrons moved from their paper clips, and note cards isn’t in itself going to leave Earth and ground state. Fifteen years ago I viewed him as entertaining expand space exploration but it is a step in understanding the but also a little insane. As I’ve progressed through my teaching process and building towards that goal. career, I’ve adopted more and more of his pedagogy.

In science we deal with a spectrum of things from the very large to the very small. Like learning any other material it helps to relate to a concept that is already familiar to us and build from there. The art of science is to build the conceptual or physical model that allows us to explain our observations, enhance our

T

he scientific adventures continue for another school year at SCIS-HIS. Will inquiry-based investigations and other engaging learning opportunities help students build on previous knowledge and refine their laboratory skills?

Reacquainting students with the Scientific Method has been the starting point of our scientific journey together. It has been an excellent way for teachers to see where their students current academic level is and for students to understand the expectations of their teachers. A simple experiment with a paper cup, water, filter paper, and a water-soluble black marker allows for students to make and test hypotheses as they observe firsthand any changes.

Observations through words and pictures permit students to communicate what they see, irrespective of their English language proficiency. Students are encouraged to adopt the “quality over quantity” attitude when approaching their written observations, as clear and concise writing will not only benefit students in Science class but across many of their courses. Then students reflect on the real-life applications of their studies.

The SCIS-HIS science teachers look forward to guiding their students through another year of personal growth, scientific discovery, and learning.

By MS. ARIADNE JEVNIKAR Pudong Campus Upper School Science Teacher Can 16 and 17 year olds handle pondering the universal elements that exist in natural sciences?

Just as scientists must hypothesize, examine, and validate or deny their initial impressions, students in IB science classes have the opportunity to think about the deeper issues that surround the concepts of science.

Often, science may seem to be a straightforward subject with right or wrong answers accordingly, but students are given the chance to think about how a hypothesis and an experiment can help them to understand the world around them. In the IB Diploma Program, Group 4 courses are deemed Experimental Sciences, where students must learn through individual inquiry and experimentation. Students often examine how the human body or plants adapt to meet the needs of their current environments. They apply their knowledge of chemistry by designing experiments that allow them to see how various chemicals react with each other. Phoebe Wardle and Christina Zhang discuss the importance of science to the world when they state, “Science is the discovery of the world around us. It is the basis for knowing how things work in our world. Science in general, helps improve society.”

Sometimes in the serious world of science the silly simple things are what help us understand and remember the most. That is if you’re picking up what I’m putting down.

By MR. JACOB HAAG HIS Upper School Science Instructor

Learning in the SCIS science courses develops from student connections between the knowledge and their lives outside of the classroom. Using creativity, imagination, and a close attention to detail, students begin to appreciate the importance of assumptions, scientific methods, and an understanding of what is true when it comes to science. When asked to define their own impressions of science, students approach it with an open mind. Tanner Briner, a grade 12 student, responded with this statement, “Science is our quest to know why and how the universe works. Science wants to give answers to the fundamental questions we have, like, ‘How are we here?’ It does this by speculation, but we must find the small answers first, then build upon them until we have the answers we are looking for.” Listening to that answer, obviously, we think they can handle the big questions of science.

By MS. DARBY DAVIS Hongqiao Campus Upper School IB Chemistry Teacher 4

While many schools may impress the importance of a right or wrong answer, SCIS encourages individual inquiry, interaction with the subjects and concepts, and an ability to use scientific method to gain a deeper understanding of the world around us.

5

ADMINISTRATOR’S LETTER

HOST CULTURE

Two Important Days

I

n September this year, we have two important days in our calendar, that are special for China. One is the Teacher’s day, which falls on September 10th. The other is the Mid-Autumn Festival, which is on September 19th.

Check it out: what’s new and improved on campus

E

ach year SCIS-HIS goes through a thorough review of its facilities in order to decide what needs to be improved, renovated, and built for our students. While everyone goes home or on holiday for the summer, I stay behind to oversee a few interesting capital projects. For those of you returning to school this year, you will have already experienced this “new” campus. And for those of you just beginning your life at SCISHIS, you will be the first ones to experience this “new” campus.

Check out what we did to each campus over the summer: HANGZHOU CAMPUS: Two new nursery classrooms have been added to accommodate the demand for high quality Early Childhood Education.

In addition, modern vinyl flooring has been installed in all basement classrooms, replacing the old carpet flooring.

The ongoing high humidity had caused a slight mold odor to emanate form the carpets, and this solution solves that issue.

HONGQIAO CAMPUSES: At the Hongqiao ECE Campus, sail roofs have been added to the outdoor playground area in Building B. These will provide a safer playing environment for the students, protecting them from dangerous UV rays as well as protecting them (and their equipment and toys) from the heat.

At the Lower School, a ground floor has been added to the library, situating itself as a common area in the school. Special reading areas with window lighting have been installed to give students pleasant opportunities to curl up with a book. Overall, the library makeover has made it bright, cheery, and inviting for children to come in and actively participate.

At the Middle School, a new resource center with spacious common areas for student interaction and group discussing has been installed. This resource center is also equipped with five monitors and projectors all set up for integration into the students Macbooks. We envision this to be a great location for

6

Middle School to host educational activities, workshops, and guest speakers.

The campus multi purpose field now has Limonta synthetic grass—a famous Italian sport turf brand. This will improve the quality of our football pitch (soccer field) for our students as well allow our students to use it more frequently for other sports and games. The Limonta field is environmentally friendly too, made up of recyclable composite materials. In addition, this brand of sport turf has a much lower surface temperature than many others, making it comparable to the temperature of natural grass.

For the basement floors, a new Air Filtration System was installed to help ventilate and filter the air down there. This new system expels humidity and pollutants inside as well as cleans the air in general. The result: a noticeable improvement in air quality across all basement level classrooms.

PUDONG CAMPUSES: At the Lower School, three big new playground jungle gyms have been imported and assembled for installation. Over the October Fall Break, they will be installed, providing additional fun, exciting environments for students’ playtime.

At the Upper School, five new classrooms were built behind the 2nd floor library to accommodate the increasing number of students enrolling in the school.

CONCLUSION: Considerable and substantial projects are undertaken every summer every year as we strive to continually provide a better and healthier learning environment for our community.

If you are new to the school or returning to our school community, I invite you to walk around the school and check out these few accomplishments.

The Teacher’s Day was officially created in 1985 to improve teachers’ social status. It called on the entire nation to respect teachers and to seek knowledge. On January 21st 1985, the Chinese government formally decided to set September 10th of every year as Teacher’s Day in China as a way of encouraging the society to respect teachers who were then severely underpaid. I remember my monthly salary as a middle school teacher in 1988 was only 56RMB, not enough to buy a salad at Element Fresh today!

Two decades later, teachers are now widely respected in today’s society in China. They are even called “engineers of human souls.” We use this day to honor teachers’ virtues and contributions not only to their own students but also to society in general. People often express their gratitude to their teachers by sending them cards, flowers, or other presents. Lastly, China is considering moving the present Teacher’s Day to September 28th, believed to be the birthday of Confucius (551-479 BC), the most important educationalist and philosopher in Chinese civilization.

Happy Mid Autumn Festival

中秋节快乐 The second important day in this September is the Mid-Autumn Festival. It is celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth month according to Chinese Lunar calendar, which is the exact middle of autumn. So it’s called the Mid-Autumn Festival. The festival is an evening celebration when families gather together to light lanterns, eat moon cakes, and appreciate the round moon. On that night, the moon appears to be at its roundest and brightest, an auspicious symbol of abundance, harmony and luck. The full moon is also a symbol for family reunion, which is why that day is also known as the Festival of Reunion. However, those who cannot return home will watch the bright moon and feel deep longing for their loved ones. Adults will usually indulge in fragrant moon cakes with a cup of piping hot Chinese tea, while the little ones run around with their brightly-lit lanterns. People also enjoy guessing the riddles on the lanterns with family and friends.

I hope this cultural information has helped you understand China a little better and that you have enjoyed these two significant days in China this September.

By MS. HELEN HE Hongqiao campus Upper School Mandarin teacher and coordinator

By MR. FRANCIS LAI Business Manager for SCIS-HIS 7

ADMINISTRATOR’S LETTER

HOST CULTURE

Two Important Days

I

n September this year, we have two important days in our calendar, that are special for China. One is the Teacher’s day, which falls on September 10th. The other is the Mid-Autumn Festival, which is on September 19th.

Check it out: what’s new and improved on campus

E

ach year SCIS-HIS goes through a thorough review of its facilities in order to decide what needs to be improved, renovated, and built for our students. While everyone goes home or on holiday for the summer, I stay behind to oversee a few interesting capital projects. For those of you returning to school this year, you will have already experienced this “new” campus. And for those of you just beginning your life at SCISHIS, you will be the first ones to experience this “new” campus.

Check out what we did to each campus over the summer: HANGZHOU CAMPUS: Two new nursery classrooms have been added to accommodate the demand for high quality Early Childhood Education.

In addition, modern vinyl flooring has been installed in all basement classrooms, replacing the old carpet flooring.

The ongoing high humidity had caused a slight mold odor to emanate form the carpets, and this solution solves that issue.

HONGQIAO CAMPUSES: At the Hongqiao ECE Campus, sail roofs have been added to the outdoor playground area in Building B. These will provide a safer playing environment for the students, protecting them from dangerous UV rays as well as protecting them (and their equipment and toys) from the heat.

At the Lower School, a ground floor has been added to the library, situating itself as a common area in the school. Special reading areas with window lighting have been installed to give students pleasant opportunities to curl up with a book. Overall, the library makeover has made it bright, cheery, and inviting for children to come in and actively participate.

At the Middle School, a new resource center with spacious common areas for student interaction and group discussing has been installed. This resource center is also equipped with five monitors and projectors all set up for integration into the students Macbooks. We envision this to be a great location for

6

Middle School to host educational activities, workshops, and guest speakers.

The campus multi purpose field now has Limonta synthetic grass—a famous Italian sport turf brand. This will improve the quality of our football pitch (soccer field) for our students as well allow our students to use it more frequently for other sports and games. The Limonta field is environmentally friendly too, made up of recyclable composite materials. In addition, this brand of sport turf has a much lower surface temperature than many others, making it comparable to the temperature of natural grass.

For the basement floors, a new Air Filtration System was installed to help ventilate and filter the air down there. This new system expels humidity and pollutants inside as well as cleans the air in general. The result: a noticeable improvement in air quality across all basement level classrooms.

PUDONG CAMPUSES: At the Lower School, three big new playground jungle gyms have been imported and assembled for installation. Over the October Fall Break, they will be installed, providing additional fun, exciting environments for students’ playtime.

At the Upper School, five new classrooms were built behind the 2nd floor library to accommodate the increasing number of students enrolling in the school.

CONCLUSION: Considerable and substantial projects are undertaken every summer every year as we strive to continually provide a better and healthier learning environment for our community.

If you are new to the school or returning to our school community, I invite you to walk around the school and check out these few accomplishments.

The Teacher’s Day was officially created in 1985 to improve teachers’ social status. It called on the entire nation to respect teachers and to seek knowledge. On January 21st 1985, the Chinese government formally decided to set September 10th of every year as Teacher’s Day in China as a way of encouraging the society to respect teachers who were then severely underpaid. I remember my monthly salary as a middle school teacher in 1988 was only 56RMB, not enough to buy a salad at Element Fresh today!

Two decades later, teachers are now widely respected in today’s society in China. They are even called “engineers of human souls.” We use this day to honor teachers’ virtues and contributions not only to their own students but also to society in general. People often express their gratitude to their teachers by sending them cards, flowers, or other presents. Lastly, China is considering moving the present Teacher’s Day to September 28th, believed to be the birthday of Confucius (551-479 BC), the most important educationalist and philosopher in Chinese civilization.

Happy Mid Autumn Festival

中秋节快乐 The second important day in this September is the Mid-Autumn Festival. It is celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth month according to Chinese Lunar calendar, which is the exact middle of autumn. So it’s called the Mid-Autumn Festival. The festival is an evening celebration when families gather together to light lanterns, eat moon cakes, and appreciate the round moon. On that night, the moon appears to be at its roundest and brightest, an auspicious symbol of abundance, harmony and luck. The full moon is also a symbol for family reunion, which is why that day is also known as the Festival of Reunion. However, those who cannot return home will watch the bright moon and feel deep longing for their loved ones. Adults will usually indulge in fragrant moon cakes with a cup of piping hot Chinese tea, while the little ones run around with their brightly-lit lanterns. People also enjoy guessing the riddles on the lanterns with family and friends.

I hope this cultural information has helped you understand China a little better and that you have enjoyed these two significant days in China this September.

By MS. HELEN HE Hongqiao campus Upper School Mandarin teacher and coordinator

By MR. FRANCIS LAI Business Manager for SCIS-HIS 7

HANGZHOU HIGHLIGHTS

HANGZHOU HIGHLIGHTS

A Warm Welcome to HIS Monday. At another, a caretaker gave us an envelope with our names on it (containing the all-important sim-card) then charged us what turned out to be $90USD for the privilege. Of course, we have heard far worse stories from colleagues of having to spend several nights on foyer couches, being told on arrival their position has been filled, or arriving to discover they’re teaching grade 5 science instead of grade 12 art. Perhaps you can now understand why starting our new roles at Hangzhou International School has been cool, calming and thoroughly disarming.

I

t’s not everyday you move to a new country. As members of the international community, you will all recognise the exciting but exhausting experience of packing up one’s life and beginning another: the to-do lists, the nervous energy, the last-minute visa panic, and finally a plane ride into the unknown.

It was the same story for me when I left Wellington in July to start my new role in Social Studies and Drama at HIS. And like a sensible international teacher I was hoping for the best and expecting the worst. So what did I find when I arrived?

The cool, calming relief of a warm, welcoming environment full of helpful, down-to-earth people.

The Upper School Principal met my husband and I at the airport and took us to our clean, spacious apartment. There, we found a bursting welcome pack of groceries and useful information. There was milk, bread and juice in the fridge, a city map on the table and two very important and thoughtful items: a bus card and a sim card.

To be clear, this has not been our experience in the past on arriving at a new international school. At one of our previous schools, our passports were taken from us at the airport. At another school, we were dropped at apartments 45 minutes from the school campus and told to “catch the bus” on

I am only one of the score of enthusiastic new teachers at HIS this year to meet the demand of the growing roll. Within days I could see that my new workmates were of a similar disposition: willing to work hard, passionate about education, and keen to have fun!

The first week of teacher orientation was jam-packed with useful information pertaining to the city and the school, and being introduced to some of the best local eateries. Once the returning staff members arrived a week later, our support network quite o’erflowed with friendly faces and Hangzhou expertise. SCIS-HIS managers came from Shanghai to personally welcome us, and with help from the school mini-van we shopped around the city to furnish our apartments with everything we would need to be comfortable.

Once students arrived, I undertook to help organise Upper School Orientation. Alongside my enthusiastic colleagues, we facilitated a two-day programme of fun tasks and challenges to help students get to know each other and the school. We created a house system based on the seasons and the Chinese zodiac so that students were interacting positively across the grade levels. And what was the prize for the winning house?

Throwing water bombs at the Upper School faculty, including Upper School Principal, Mr Indahl!

Needless to say, giving students the opportunity to waterbomb their teachers in the first week, and giving new teachers the opportunity to settle into a new city and school effortlessly, leaves a great first impression.

By MS. MIRIAMA GEMMELL, MR. STEVE STANKIEWICZ, and MS. EMBER AUGUSTINE

Another August – Another great start!

T

he school busses were dropping off students at the rear entrance of H.I.S. (Hangzhou International School), while many cars and walkers entered the campus through the front gate. New students and their parents were looking for their respective classrooms, and teachers and returning students greeted each other with smiles and high fives. Parents were busy escorting their younger offspring to the newly created Nursery classrooms, and happy although somewhat nervous people were everywhere! The overall effect was a cheerful confusion while things got sorted. Eventually, everyone ended up where they needed to be and it turned out to be another great start of school for 2013/2014.

Hangzhou International School has experienced some much appreciated and anticipated growth over the summer and the student numbers are now in excess of 400! The administration previously welcomed almost two dozen newly hired teachers, and they are a talented energetic group full of enthusiasm. They will surely complement the core of returning teachers. The new students also are a great group of youngsters, coming to Hangzhou, China from all over the world. The first few weeks of school were devoted to figuring out locations of various venues-gyms, auditoriums, classrooms, cafeterias, toilets and the all important nurse’s office. The students learned the routines and schedules of H.I.S. People were busy getting to know one another.

others) and correct themselves, if need be. The teacher even models mistakes to show the students that learning can be and is indeed, fun! Once, the teacher walked into the door as he was explaining to the students how to “open the door.” Modeling includes many behaviors such as picking up the pencil, write your name, wash your hands and dry them, too. TPR (Total Physical Response) is another method of teaching a language. For example, the teacher will actually sit down while telling the students to do the same. Other activities include games. There is an ABC game whereby each letter name and letter sound has a different physical action and/or hand position. Songs are sung Soon enough, teachers and students got down to the “nittygritty.” Assessments were distributed and results gathered. What describing body parts--the familiar ‘head, shoulders, knees and with so many new students an accurate level of academic ability toes’ song being a long time favorite. Poems and traditional folk tunes are useful in establishing the rhythms of the English is of utmost importance. So, while the other Lower School language for the students. The repetition in the “Gingerbread teachers were determining the reading and math levels of their Man” poem (and many others) is an excellent way for students students, the ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) to become familiar with the sounds of English. teacher was busy learning how much English the new students possessed. In the end, 41 students were recommended for English With astonishing rapidity, the students’ classroom vocabulary language support services. That is a full ten percent of the is expanded. Their listening and spoken vocabularies increase student population! This is the largest group of ESOL students on a daily level. They progress through the letter names and in the ten-year history of H.I.S. The ESOL students represent sounds into word attack skills and begin to read. Eventually, the all five-grade levels in Lower School and they are either, writing process comes into play and all four-language goals are beginner, intermediate or advanced. There is also an Upper School ESOL teacher, and he works with a similarly sized group mastered--listening, speaking, reading and writing. of international students.

The fist few weeks can be a confusing and emotional time for students, but all the H.I.S teachers do a wonderful job of easing The atmosphere in the Lower School ESOL classroom is open, their fears. The transformation of worry, on the first day, to inclusive and friendly. The students are encouraged to make happy enthusiasm, by the second day, is proof that as teachers mistakes and learn from those mistakes. There are many interesting, differing accents going on as everyone practices oral we are making each child feel welcome and secure. Overall, the back-to-school vibe was positive and joyful, and the 2013/2014 English. Students speak and listen to each other and risk taking school year is looking better than ever! is fostered so as to allow the students to hear themselves (and

By MS. MIRIAMA GEMMELL, MR. STEVE STANKIEWICZ, and MS. EMBER AUGUSTINE

8

9

HANGZHOU HIGHLIGHTS

HANGZHOU HIGHLIGHTS

A Warm Welcome to HIS Monday. At another, a caretaker gave us an envelope with our names on it (containing the all-important sim-card) then charged us what turned out to be $90USD for the privilege. Of course, we have heard far worse stories from colleagues of having to spend several nights on foyer couches, being told on arrival their position has been filled, or arriving to discover they’re teaching grade 5 science instead of grade 12 art. Perhaps you can now understand why starting our new roles at Hangzhou International School has been cool, calming and thoroughly disarming.

I

t’s not everyday you move to a new country. As members of the international community, you will all recognise the exciting but exhausting experience of packing up one’s life and beginning another: the to-do lists, the nervous energy, the last-minute visa panic, and finally a plane ride into the unknown.

It was the same story for me when I left Wellington in July to start my new role in Social Studies and Drama at HIS. And like a sensible international teacher I was hoping for the best and expecting the worst. So what did I find when I arrived?

The cool, calming relief of a warm, welcoming environment full of helpful, down-to-earth people.

The Upper School Principal met my husband and I at the airport and took us to our clean, spacious apartment. There, we found a bursting welcome pack of groceries and useful information. There was milk, bread and juice in the fridge, a city map on the table and two very important and thoughtful items: a bus card and a sim card.

To be clear, this has not been our experience in the past on arriving at a new international school. At one of our previous schools, our passports were taken from us at the airport. At another school, we were dropped at apartments 45 minutes from the school campus and told to “catch the bus” on

I am only one of the score of enthusiastic new teachers at HIS this year to meet the demand of the growing roll. Within days I could see that my new workmates were of a similar disposition: willing to work hard, passionate about education, and keen to have fun!

The first week of teacher orientation was jam-packed with useful information pertaining to the city and the school, and being introduced to some of the best local eateries. Once the returning staff members arrived a week later, our support network quite o’erflowed with friendly faces and Hangzhou expertise. SCIS-HIS managers came from Shanghai to personally welcome us, and with help from the school mini-van we shopped around the city to furnish our apartments with everything we would need to be comfortable.

Once students arrived, I undertook to help organise Upper School Orientation. Alongside my enthusiastic colleagues, we facilitated a two-day programme of fun tasks and challenges to help students get to know each other and the school. We created a house system based on the seasons and the Chinese zodiac so that students were interacting positively across the grade levels. And what was the prize for the winning house?

Throwing water bombs at the Upper School faculty, including Upper School Principal, Mr Indahl!

Needless to say, giving students the opportunity to waterbomb their teachers in the first week, and giving new teachers the opportunity to settle into a new city and school effortlessly, leaves a great first impression.

By MS. MIRIAMA GEMMELL, MR. STEVE STANKIEWICZ, and MS. EMBER AUGUSTINE

Another August – Another great start!

T

he school busses were dropping off students at the rear entrance of H.I.S. (Hangzhou International School), while many cars and walkers entered the campus through the front gate. New students and their parents were looking for their respective classrooms, and teachers and returning students greeted each other with smiles and high fives. Parents were busy escorting their younger offspring to the newly created Nursery classrooms, and happy although somewhat nervous people were everywhere! The overall effect was a cheerful confusion while things got sorted. Eventually, everyone ended up where they needed to be and it turned out to be another great start of school for 2013/2014.

Hangzhou International School has experienced some much appreciated and anticipated growth over the summer and the student numbers are now in excess of 400! The administration previously welcomed almost two dozen newly hired teachers, and they are a talented energetic group full of enthusiasm. They will surely complement the core of returning teachers. The new students also are a great group of youngsters, coming to Hangzhou, China from all over the world. The first few weeks of school were devoted to figuring out locations of various venues-gyms, auditoriums, classrooms, cafeterias, toilets and the all important nurse’s office. The students learned the routines and schedules of H.I.S. People were busy getting to know one another.

others) and correct themselves, if need be. The teacher even models mistakes to show the students that learning can be and is indeed, fun! Once, the teacher walked into the door as he was explaining to the students how to “open the door.” Modeling includes many behaviors such as picking up the pencil, write your name, wash your hands and dry them, too. TPR (Total Physical Response) is another method of teaching a language. For example, the teacher will actually sit down while telling the students to do the same. Other activities include games. There is an ABC game whereby each letter name and letter sound has a different physical action and/or hand position. Songs are sung Soon enough, teachers and students got down to the “nittygritty.” Assessments were distributed and results gathered. What describing body parts--the familiar ‘head, shoulders, knees and with so many new students an accurate level of academic ability toes’ song being a long time favorite. Poems and traditional folk tunes are useful in establishing the rhythms of the English is of utmost importance. So, while the other Lower School language for the students. The repetition in the “Gingerbread teachers were determining the reading and math levels of their Man” poem (and many others) is an excellent way for students students, the ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) to become familiar with the sounds of English. teacher was busy learning how much English the new students possessed. In the end, 41 students were recommended for English With astonishing rapidity, the students’ classroom vocabulary language support services. That is a full ten percent of the is expanded. Their listening and spoken vocabularies increase student population! This is the largest group of ESOL students on a daily level. They progress through the letter names and in the ten-year history of H.I.S. The ESOL students represent sounds into word attack skills and begin to read. Eventually, the all five-grade levels in Lower School and they are either, writing process comes into play and all four-language goals are beginner, intermediate or advanced. There is also an Upper School ESOL teacher, and he works with a similarly sized group mastered--listening, speaking, reading and writing. of international students.

The fist few weeks can be a confusing and emotional time for students, but all the H.I.S teachers do a wonderful job of easing The atmosphere in the Lower School ESOL classroom is open, their fears. The transformation of worry, on the first day, to inclusive and friendly. The students are encouraged to make happy enthusiasm, by the second day, is proof that as teachers mistakes and learn from those mistakes. There are many interesting, differing accents going on as everyone practices oral we are making each child feel welcome and secure. Overall, the back-to-school vibe was positive and joyful, and the 2013/2014 English. Students speak and listen to each other and risk taking school year is looking better than ever! is fostered so as to allow the students to hear themselves (and

By MS. MIRIAMA GEMMELL, MR. STEVE STANKIEWICZ, and MS. EMBER AUGUSTINE

8

9

PUDONG HIGHLIGHTS

PUDONG HIGHLIGHTS

Pudong Upper School Hosts Elite Liberal Arts College Fair O n September 10, SCIS Pudong hosted a “liberal arts college fair.” Representatives from ten top liberal arts colleges in the United States participated in this event: Bard and Bard College at Simon’s Rock, Washington & Jefferson College, Furman University, Rhodes College, St. Olaf College, Colorado College, Whitman College, Reed College, University of Puget Sound and Pitzer College.

Following the fair, the university representatives gave a

10

dynamic presentation to high school students and their parents about the college application process in the United States, which included advice on how to write a winning college essay and how to balance academic & extra-curricular portions of the application among other topics. A lively question and answer session ensued. This event was the first of two major university fairs planned for this fall over in Pudong.

The second one, taking place in October, will focus on larger universities.

11

PUDONG HIGHLIGHTS

PUDONG HIGHLIGHTS

Pudong Upper School Hosts Elite Liberal Arts College Fair O n September 10, SCIS Pudong hosted a “liberal arts college fair.” Representatives from ten top liberal arts colleges in the United States participated in this event: Bard and Bard College at Simon’s Rock, Washington & Jefferson College, Furman University, Rhodes College, St. Olaf College, Colorado College, Whitman College, Reed College, University of Puget Sound and Pitzer College.

Following the fair, the university representatives gave a

10

dynamic presentation to high school students and their parents about the college application process in the United States, which included advice on how to write a winning college essay and how to balance academic & extra-curricular portions of the application among other topics. A lively question and answer session ensued. This event was the first of two major university fairs planned for this fall over in Pudong.

The second one, taking place in October, will focus on larger universities.

11

PUDONG HIGHLIGHTS

PUDONG HIGHLIGHTS

Turning Chaos to Harmony Every August

Surviving and Thriving in a New School Year schedule, and it can be difficult to get sleeping back on track. However, it is crucial to do so. Adolescents’ physical, cognitive and emotional development depends on getting about 9.5 hours of uninterrupted sleep each night.

T

he start of every school year is full of new beginnings for everyone. Transitions can be seen and felt by all members of the school community. Back to School is met with excitement, anxiety, happiness, sadness, and stress. It is amazing that we are all able to show up in those first few weeks at all, it would just be easier to stay home, eating vast amounts of ice cream in bed!

Arguably, new families face the biggest changes and challenges.

There is the move to a new house, often with only a fraction of the ‘comforts of home’ as parents and children wait patiently for their belongings to arrive….eventually. The surroundings of a new city filled with strange and sometimes irritating sounds and smells makes going outside feel uncomfortable. There are neighbors to get to know, but everyone speaks different languages, so making that first step is extra hard. Finding where to get anything is difficult. Life is anything but peaceful in the first few months of expat living. Thank goodness for SuperStore (or any other expat/import store near you)!

“Old Families” face changes as well. Their children have new teachers, with different sets of expectations and new classmates to get to know. There are tears to deal with as old friends may have suddenly left, leaving an empty hole in their hearts. Summer routines need to be discarded and school routines need to take over. Parents have to add multiple tasks to their morning checklists. Kids up early? Check. Everyone dressed in correct uniform? Check. Homework in bag? Check. Did I sign papers?

Check. Did I put them in the right child’s bag? Ummmm check?

You get the idea.

Teachers both new and returning have to deal with change each August as they get ready for a new academic year with a new set of children, bringing with them a new set of personalities, a new 12

set of strengths, and new set of interests. The first few weeks, routines need to be taught to try and make the classroom less of an unknown and make it predictable and stable. Stability makes everyone feel comfortable and therefore much more open to learning.

At the SCIS Lower School campus in Pudong we are trying to help alleviate some of that chaos for everyone. Some of our efforts included: New teachers come two weeks early, to get used to living in Shanghai a bit before they need to help students deal with the same feelings. On Open House day families have and opportunity to come and put a face to a name so that on the first day at school there is at least one person who looks familiar to the child. Student Ambassadors are also on hand to give kid-friendly tours of the school and/or playground. A few weeks into school, once the dust settled, new parents had the chance to come together for breakfast and share their experiences with one another. It is always nice to know that we are not alone-which you would think would be difficult in a city of 26,000,000. For students at the Lower School, there was a (very entertaining) assembly where each teacher introduced themselves within their grade level team. PS: There seems to be a lot of actors amongst our teaching staff here! Who knew?

The great thing that I love about living and working overseas is that the community around you very quickly comes together and becomes your support …your family in the absence of family. This makes all the changes easier to deal with and brings harmony in a busy place.

By MS. SHERI DE NEEF Pudong campus Lower School Student Support

W

ith the last days of summer dwindling away, the new school year at SCIS Pudong is in full swing. A host of exciting events have marked the beginning of what is shaping up to be the best school year yet. For instance, on September 2, our first annual New Family Breakfast was held in the Upper School Theater. With old jazz tunes playing softly in the background, parents of new students from all corners of the world swapped experiences and stories about being a new expat in Shanghai. Several Shanghai veterans were also present at the event, and shared their expertise and insights into everything from where to find the best dentist to the challenges and unexpected rewards of living abroad.

As new and returning students are settling into the new school year, there are several strategies that can make the transition back to school easy and successful.

Focus on the positive. Whether your child is new to SCIS and Shanghai, or returning for their second, fifth or eighth year, it is important to start the new year on a positive note. Try to get your child excited about school. There are lots of positives to focus on – whether it’s a favorite class or teacher, time spent with friends, trying out for a sport or auditioning

for a play. Remember that children are more perceptive than we often give them credit for, and they pick up on their parents’ attitudes and feelings about life. Children of parents, who are finding it difficult to adjust to life abroad will often emulate these feelings and report similar difficulties.

Set goals and follow up. Talk to your child about what they want to accomplish this year and express your expectations. Then, together, set goals and make a plan on how you are going to achieve them. Follow up throughout the year by checking their academic progress on PowerSchool, making sure that they are completing their work and attending teachers’ hours as appropriate. Email teachers periodically to check in and ask about their observations. Goals do not necessarily have to be academic. Children should be encouraged to find balance in their lives, which is why socializing with peers, keeping physically active and developing interests and hobbies are just as important as academic success. Reward accomplishments – big or small - that bring your child closer to their goal.

Spending time as a family is an important investment. Whether it is a special activity once a week, or eating dinner together every night, spending time as a family is crucial for adolescents’ social and emotional well-being. There are two types of family activities – “core” leisure activities are every-day, low-cost, home-based activities, such as playing board games, playing in the yard or watching television together, while “balance” activities are novel experiences that require a greater investment of time, effort and money, such as travelling together or planning special events.

Research shows that both the “core” and the “balance” activities are important in promoting the emotional well-being within the family, and are associated with the family’s ability to adapt to change.

This is true of all families, but is particularly important for families living abroad.

By MS. MAYA KELLY Pudong campus Upper School Counselor

Make sure your child gets enough sleep. Summer vacation and jet lag can contribute to a hectic sleep 13

PUDONG HIGHLIGHTS

PUDONG HIGHLIGHTS

Turning Chaos to Harmony Every August

Surviving and Thriving in a New School Year schedule, and it can be difficult to get sleeping back on track. However, it is crucial to do so. Adolescents’ physical, cognitive and emotional development depends on getting about 9.5 hours of uninterrupted sleep each night.

T

he start of every school year is full of new beginnings for everyone. Transitions can be seen and felt by all members of the school community. Back to School is met with excitement, anxiety, happiness, sadness, and stress. It is amazing that we are all able to show up in those first few weeks at all, it would just be easier to stay home, eating vast amounts of ice cream in bed!

Arguably, new families face the biggest changes and challenges.

There is the move to a new house, often with only a fraction of the ‘comforts of home’ as parents and children wait patiently for their belongings to arrive….eventually. The surroundings of a new city filled with strange and sometimes irritating sounds and smells makes going outside feel uncomfortable. There are neighbors to get to know, but everyone speaks different languages, so making that first step is extra hard. Finding where to get anything is difficult. Life is anything but peaceful in the first few months of expat living. Thank goodness for SuperStore (or any other expat/import store near you)!

“Old Families” face changes as well. Their children have new teachers, with different sets of expectations and new classmates to get to know. There are tears to deal with as old friends may have suddenly left, leaving an empty hole in their hearts. Summer routines need to be discarded and school routines need to take over. Parents have to add multiple tasks to their morning checklists. Kids up early? Check. Everyone dressed in correct uniform? Check. Homework in bag? Check. Did I sign papers?

Check. Did I put them in the right child’s bag? Ummmm check?

You get the idea.

Teachers both new and returning have to deal with change each August as they get ready for a new academic year with a new set of children, bringing with them a new set of personalities, a new 12

set of strengths, and new set of interests. The first few weeks, routines need to be taught to try and make the classroom less of an unknown and make it predictable and stable. Stability makes everyone feel comfortable and therefore much more open to learning.

At the SCIS Lower School campus in Pudong we are trying to help alleviate some of that chaos for everyone. Some of our efforts included: New teachers come two weeks early, to get used to living in Shanghai a bit before they need to help students deal with the same feelings. On Open House day families have and opportunity to come and put a face to a name so that on the first day at school there is at least one person who looks familiar to the child. Student Ambassadors are also on hand to give kid-friendly tours of the school and/or playground. A few weeks into school, once the dust settled, new parents had the chance to come together for breakfast and share their experiences with one another. It is always nice to know that we are not alone-which you would think would be difficult in a city of 26,000,000. For students at the Lower School, there was a (very entertaining) assembly where each teacher introduced themselves within their grade level team. PS: There seems to be a lot of actors amongst our teaching staff here! Who knew?

The great thing that I love about living and working overseas is that the community around you very quickly comes together and becomes your support …your family in the absence of family. This makes all the changes easier to deal with and brings harmony in a busy place.

By MS. SHERI DE NEEF Pudong campus Lower School Student Support

W

ith the last days of summer dwindling away, the new school year at SCIS Pudong is in full swing. A host of exciting events have marked the beginning of what is shaping up to be the best school year yet. For instance, on September 2, our first annual New Family Breakfast was held in the Upper School Theater. With old jazz tunes playing softly in the background, parents of new students from all corners of the world swapped experiences and stories about being a new expat in Shanghai. Several Shanghai veterans were also present at the event, and shared their expertise and insights into everything from where to find the best dentist to the challenges and unexpected rewards of living abroad.

As new and returning students are settling into the new school year, there are several strategies that can make the transition back to school easy and successful.

Focus on the positive. Whether your child is new to SCIS and Shanghai, or returning for their second, fifth or eighth year, it is important to start the new year on a positive note. Try to get your child excited about school. There are lots of positives to focus on – whether it’s a favorite class or teacher, time spent with friends, trying out for a sport or auditioning

for a play. Remember that children are more perceptive than we often give them credit for, and they pick up on their parents’ attitudes and feelings about life. Children of parents, who are finding it difficult to adjust to life abroad will often emulate these feelings and report similar difficulties.

Set goals and follow up. Talk to your child about what they want to accomplish this year and express your expectations. Then, together, set goals and make a plan on how you are going to achieve them. Follow up throughout the year by checking their academic progress on PowerSchool, making sure that they are completing their work and attending teachers’ hours as appropriate. Email teachers periodically to check in and ask about their observations. Goals do not necessarily have to be academic. Children should be encouraged to find balance in their lives, which is why socializing with peers, keeping physically active and developing interests and hobbies are just as important as academic success. Reward accomplishments – big or small - that bring your child closer to their goal.

Spending time as a family is an important investment. Whether it is a special activity once a week, or eating dinner together every night, spending time as a family is crucial for adolescents’ social and emotional well-being. There are two types of family activities – “core” leisure activities are every-day, low-cost, home-based activities, such as playing board games, playing in the yard or watching television together, while “balance” activities are novel experiences that require a greater investment of time, effort and money, such as travelling together or planning special events.

Research shows that both the “core” and the “balance” activities are important in promoting the emotional well-being within the family, and are associated with the family’s ability to adapt to change.

This is true of all families, but is particularly important for families living abroad.

By MS. MAYA KELLY Pudong campus Upper School Counselor

Make sure your child gets enough sleep. Summer vacation and jet lag can contribute to a hectic sleep 13

THEME FEATURE

THEME FEATURE

k c a B e m o c l e W

able one. We will be a memor ity un m m co ol eryone. our scho sitive start for ev w po ne a a a, as m w it Em d pe certainly ho y of school an t was the first da e bus and into s th f of d ke al w d find ourselve udent, d one month an kindergarten st for a brief ar d rw an fo , d st or fa oo irr e st m w e w Now, ol lobby. Sh side s in the rear-vie the lower scho up. Standing be to School Night ar ck te Ba to d schedules, n an ith ga w es be in es udents e daily rout st th g to tin moment her ey in ee g gr lin rs tt l up the students se the many teache ts that quickly fil down en d ev le ity ee tiv kn ac r her was one of d he s shape. e teac and sporting an at morning. Th everything take tive st na fa ’s w ild ho ch g e in in the lobby th th az king in tivities that calendar. It is am and began spea right back, ize enriching ac rit ile io sm next to Emma pr ge to hu ue a in d encourage you We cont a soon cracke room walls, and ss dently stuck cla nfi e co language. Emm th e nd Sh . yo ay involved resonate be ere washed aw ur entire family o yo t tw e ge th to d ll and her tears w an fa , is ab gr SAs to to take time th r the teacher to unities—from A rt . po en op rt e ga Th er . out her hand fo ity ess. to kind in our commun seemingly endl , hand-in-hand, nizations—are ga or walked together y rit ha C -HIS PAFA to all 5 of our SCIS ss ro ac in the e en sc mon ns to reflect on ed with tio ix es m y qu e da This was a com a rit , vo ol as ho One of my fa students run in e first day of sc ar is, “Do your ere a nursery campuses on th w ye u e th yo r of fo er g th er in he sw nn an begi anxiety w AP ndoubtedly, the excitement and al year of IB or ey run out?” U fin th e as th ith the r st w , fo fa t ct fa se for the ng “YES.” In ild di ch un student, a senior so ur re yo a f of is engaged in SCIS-HIS rent dropping the ts students are s en te ev ra st d an on courses, or a pa m es iti de e! This ory activ kindergarten st ask them to leav unity multiple to m m ve co ha g n in te ur first time. The of rt e a nu after school, w our kindergarten e on developing d teachers. true for Emma, s an priority we plac ld s, s ho nt re so pa al , n ts questio steps off the bu r our studen the article. She ed the nc of g environment fo rie in pe nn ex gi nd be ve ha from the at all of you ha ile on her face, gate Our hope is th with a huge sm ing hand to navi ng lp ni ass. he or cl d m an to y r er e, he m ev walk welco same warmth, g for a friend to in ok . lo ol , ho ed sc nd of te ex weeks through the first upon the quality JUBERT IS has been built

By MR. DANIEL -H IS SC . of s ity es un cc m ead of School The su ol com dong campus H within our scho Pu ed rm r fo ou ps hi to relations ilies have come again, new fam g families.

Time and time s from returnin al rr fe re of lt su school as a re ’s time at SCIS is that your child pe ho r ou y, el at Ultim he or she will ing experience ol ho sc st be e ’s time in will be th that your family d an e, im et lif r have in thei

I

14

15

THEME FEATURE

THEME FEATURE

k c a B e m o c l e W

able one. We will be a memor ity un m m co ol eryone. our scho sitive start for ev w po ne a a a, as m w it Em d pe certainly ho y of school an t was the first da e bus and into s th f of d ke al w d find ourselve udent, d one month an kindergarten st for a brief ar d rw an fo , d st or fa oo irr e st m w e w Now, ol lobby. Sh side s in the rear-vie the lower scho up. Standing be to School Night ar ck te Ba to d schedules, n an ith ga w es be in es udents e daily rout st th g to tin moment her ey in ee g gr lin rs tt l up the students se the many teache ts that quickly fil down en d ev le ity ee tiv kn ac r her was one of d he s shape. e teac and sporting an at morning. Th everything take tive st na fa ’s w ild ho ch g e in in the lobby th th az king in tivities that calendar. It is am and began spea right back, ize enriching ac rit ile io sm next to Emma pr ge to hu ue a in d encourage you We cont a soon cracke room walls, and ss dently stuck cla nfi e co language. Emm th e nd Sh . yo ay involved resonate be ere washed aw ur entire family o yo t tw e ge th to d ll and her tears w an fa , is ab gr SAs to to take time th r the teacher to unities—from A rt . po en op rt e ga Th er . out her hand fo ity ess. to kind in our commun seemingly endl , hand-in-hand, nizations—are ga or walked together y rit ha C -HIS PAFA to all 5 of our SCIS ss ro ac in the e en sc mon ns to reflect on ed with tio ix es m y qu e da This was a com a rit , vo ol as ho One of my fa students run in e first day of sc ar is, “Do your ere a nursery campuses on th w ye u e th yo r of fo er g th er in he sw nn an begi anxiety w AP ndoubtedly, the excitement and al year of IB or ey run out?” U fin th e as th ith the r st w , fo fa t ct fa se for the ng “YES.” In ild di ch un student, a senior so ur re yo a f of is engaged in SCIS-HIS rent dropping the ts students are s en te ev ra st d an on courses, or a pa m es iti de e! This ory activ kindergarten st ask them to leav unity multiple to m m ve co ha g n in te ur first time. The of rt e a nu after school, w our kindergarten e on developing d teachers. true for Emma, s an priority we plac ld s, s ho nt re so pa al , n ts questio steps off the bu r our studen the article. She ed the nc of g environment fo rie in pe nn ex gi nd be ve ha from the at all of you ha ile on her face, gate Our hope is th with a huge sm ing hand to navi ng lp ni ass. he or cl d m an to y r er e, he m ev walk welco same warmth, g for a friend to in ok . lo ol , ho ed sc nd of te ex weeks through the first upon the quality JUBERT IS has been built

By MR. DANIEL -H IS SC . of s ity es un cc m ead of School The su ol com dong campus H within our scho Pu ed rm r fo ou ps hi to relations ilies have come again, new fam g families.

Time and time s from returnin al rr fe re of lt su school as a re ’s time at SCIS is that your child pe ho r ou y, el at Ultim he or she will ing experience ol ho sc st be e ’s time in will be th that your family d an e, im et lif r have in thei

I

14

15

HONGQIAO HIGHLIGHTS

W

HONGQIAO HIGHLIGHTS

IB Retreat

hat does climbing an eight meter tall pole and jumping off it to catch hold of a trapeze swing have to do with being a good IB student? The grade 11 students from SCIS-Hongqiao were able to make the connection following their IB Retreat in August.

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme is a comprehensive program of study that encourages students to become well rounded individuals through individual elements such as CAS (Creativity, Action, and Service) and academics.

Hongqiao Campus organized an IB Retreat to introduce students to the CAS program, the IB Learner Profile, and encourage students to become reflective learners who grew from personal experience.

By taking part in the Leap of Faith, students gained the opportunity to become Risk Takers who pushed themselves to the brink of their comfort zone by climbing up an eight meter pole and jumping to catch hold of the trapeze swing. If they missed, they might fall, but it was a risk they took as they learned to trust the person who was belaying them below. Just as their fellow classmates, teachers, and even parents, act as their support team on a daily basis to keep the students on track for success, the belayer down below helped encourage and protect each student who attempted the Leap of Faith.

Gustavo Caramaschi put it well when he said, “On this retreat one of my personal highlights was the Leap of Faith since I’m scared of heights. While I was up there on that pole my mind was telling me that I would not make it and that I was going to die, but after I jumped and I survived, it was an amazing feeling.

I learned that if I have the perseverance and the commitment I can not only be a risk-taker and undertake new challenges, but

The Lower School Assembly

I can master them, and feel great about myself while doing it.”

Students also learned to become more caring and open minded as they attempted the physical and mental challenges. Students gained confidence in communicating by working together in groups to present performances describing the IB Learner Profile attributes. Some of these poignant and powerful performances showed that SCIS students already are caring, principled, openminded, and positive communicators.

Above all though, the grade 11 students showed their strengths in the sense of balance. As they prepared for the IB programme to come, they began to think about how they could personally adapt to the needs of the academically and physically challenging course of study. Alvin Chen described his state of mind when he explained, “Activities such as the Leap of Faith and the Broken Bridge activities were a crucial element that helped me understand the steps I was about to take, the dive into the IB that I was about to make. I undertook the challenge, and, even though I took some time to make the leap over, I did so in my own time, which I feel I can do the same for the IB. The IB programme is a difficult program to undertake, but the IB retreat prepared me for the challenges to come, and helped me better understand the CAS program as well as what was and will now be expected from me at school henceforth.”

As they settle into their IB routine back at school, they’re probably still feeling that surge of adrenaline that flushed through their bodies following the leap off the pole into the uncertain future and realizing that taking risks can have positive rewards.

By MS. JESSAMINE KOENIG Hongqiao campus High School Vice Principal

I

f you should find yourself in the Hongqiao Lower School on a Friday afternoon, with no students or teachers in sight, odds are that there’s an assembly in progress across the courtyard.

These assemblies are bi-weekly student-led and student-centered productions over a particular grade level’s current unit of inquiry and last about 30-40 minutes. This past week, my grade four students co-hosted, along with Travis Klump’s class, an assembly over our current science unit, Nutrients. This was our second year in a row to co-host an assembly on this topic. After reflecting upon these past two weeks leading up to the big day, I’ve come to the conclusion that yet again, assemblies are an educational platform for creativity, student growth, and success.

the production. This could be anything from using construction paper to create props to designing music or voice recordings using Garage Band. Secondly, the assembly process, from prep to production, presents numerous opportunities for student growth academically and socially. For example, students may work as small groups or in pairs to collectively write a script, or try out leadership roles as a producer or director of a skit or dance.

Lastly, these productions present all students a unique opportunity to feel a sense of individual accomplishment, and collective pride in a finished product. This is evident in students’ post assembly reflections, group discussions, and most obviously, the big smiles on their face as they reminisce about the experience.

In prepping for the assembly, students partake in a variety of challenging yet achievable tasks to create some piece or part of

By MS. ROXANNE DE STEFANO Grade 4 Classroom Teacher

What is this?

Back-to-School started off quite messily in 7th and 8th grade Science at the Hongqiao campus this year. The students and teachers were treated to the creation of Oobleck.

For those in the know, this is a non-Newtonian fluid that most people can create in their very own kitchens, once the ingredients are revealed. Oobleck was written about by Dr. Suess in the book, Bartholomew and the Ooobleck, and is a gloppy, slimey, crazy substance that does not follow the laws of physics. It is a fluid that does not flow at the same rate every time it is poured.

Once they discovered what the ingredients were, some students even decided to make it at home and show brothers, sisters and parents what fun they had in science class. So what is in Oobleck you ask? It’s just cornstarch and water. The science teachers recommend you add some flavored drink mix powder to your Oobleck to give your creation smell and color. And then have some fun with your very own non-Newtonian fluid.

By MS. DANI DIPIETRO HQ Middle School Science Teacher

Other common non-Newtonian fluids found in most households include, ketchup, mayonnaise and jam. Oobleck has the unique ability to act as both a solid or a liquid, depending on the stress applied to the substance.

7th and 8th graders were both amazed and intrigued by this substance. They could pour it from a bowl, but then could punch it and it did not give. They could roll it in a ball and throw it in the air, but when they caught it, it “melted” through their fingers like a liquid. The overall experience as described by students was “awesome”, “incredible”, “messy” and “freaky”. In other words, they loved it.

16

17

HONGQIAO HIGHLIGHTS

W

HONGQIAO HIGHLIGHTS

IB Retreat

hat does climbing an eight meter tall pole and jumping off it to catch hold of a trapeze swing have to do with being a good IB student? The grade 11 students from SCIS-Hongqiao were able to make the connection following their IB Retreat in August.

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme is a comprehensive program of study that encourages students to become well rounded individuals through individual elements such as CAS (Creativity, Action, and Service) and academics.

Hongqiao Campus organized an IB Retreat to introduce students to the CAS program, the IB Learner Profile, and encourage students to become reflective learners who grew from personal experience.

By taking part in the Leap of Faith, students gained the opportunity to become Risk Takers who pushed themselves to the brink of their comfort zone by climbing up an eight meter pole and jumping to catch hold of the trapeze swing. If they missed, they might fall, but it was a risk they took as they learned to trust the person who was belaying them below. Just as their fellow classmates, teachers, and even parents, act as their support team on a daily basis to keep the students on track for success, the belayer down below helped encourage and protect each student who attempted the Leap of Faith.

Gustavo Caramaschi put it well when he said, “On this retreat one of my personal highlights was the Leap of Faith since I’m scared of heights. While I was up there on that pole my mind was telling me that I would not make it and that I was going to die, but after I jumped and I survived, it was an amazing feeling.

I learned that if I have the perseverance and the commitment I can not only be a risk-taker and undertake new challenges, but

The Lower School Assembly

I can master them, and feel great about myself while doing it.”

Students also learned to become more caring and open minded as they attempted the physical and mental challenges. Students gained confidence in communicating by working together in groups to present performances describing the IB Learner Profile attributes. Some of these poignant and powerful performances showed that SCIS students already are caring, principled, openminded, and positive communicators.

Above all though, the grade 11 students showed their strengths in the sense of balance. As they prepared for the IB programme to come, they began to think about how they could personally adapt to the needs of the academically and physically challenging course of study. Alvin Chen described his state of mind when he explained, “Activities such as the Leap of Faith and the Broken Bridge activities were a crucial element that helped me understand the steps I was about to take, the dive into the IB that I was about to make. I undertook the challenge, and, even though I took some time to make the leap over, I did so in my own time, which I feel I can do the same for the IB. The IB programme is a difficult program to undertake, but the IB retreat prepared me for the challenges to come, and helped me better understand the CAS program as well as what was and will now be expected from me at school henceforth.”

As they settle into their IB routine back at school, they’re probably still feeling that surge of adrenaline that flushed through their bodies following the leap off the pole into the uncertain future and realizing that taking risks can have positive rewards.

By MS. JESSAMINE KOENIG Hongqiao campus High School Vice Principal

I

f you should find yourself in the Hongqiao Lower School on a Friday afternoon, with no students or teachers in sight, odds are that there’s an assembly in progress across the courtyard.

These assemblies are bi-weekly student-led and student-centered productions over a particular grade level’s current unit of inquiry and last about 30-40 minutes. This past week, my grade four students co-hosted, along with Travis Klump’s class, an assembly over our current science unit, Nutrients. This was our second year in a row to co-host an assembly on this topic. After reflecting upon these past two weeks leading up to the big day, I’ve come to the conclusion that yet again, assemblies are an educational platform for creativity, student growth, and success.

the production. This could be anything from using construction paper to create props to designing music or voice recordings using Garage Band. Secondly, the assembly process, from prep to production, presents numerous opportunities for student growth academically and socially. For example, students may work as small groups or in pairs to collectively write a script, or try out leadership roles as a producer or director of a skit or dance.

Lastly, these productions present all students a unique opportunity to feel a sense of individual accomplishment, and collective pride in a finished product. This is evident in students’ post assembly reflections, group discussions, and most obviously, the big smiles on their face as they reminisce about the experience.

In prepping for the assembly, students partake in a variety of challenging yet achievable tasks to create some piece or part of

By MS. ROXANNE DE STEFANO Grade 4 Classroom Teacher

What is this?

Back-to-School started off quite messily in 7th and 8th grade Science at the Hongqiao campus this year. The students and teachers were treated to the creation of Oobleck.

For those in the know, this is a non-Newtonian fluid that most people can create in their very own kitchens, once the ingredients are revealed. Oobleck was written about by Dr. Suess in the book, Bartholomew and the Ooobleck, and is a gloppy, slimey, crazy substance that does not follow the laws of physics. It is a fluid that does not flow at the same rate every time it is poured.

Once they discovered what the ingredients were, some students even decided to make it at home and show brothers, sisters and parents what fun they had in science class. So what is in Oobleck you ask? It’s just cornstarch and water. The science teachers recommend you add some flavored drink mix powder to your Oobleck to give your creation smell and color. And then have some fun with your very own non-Newtonian fluid.

By MS. DANI DIPIETRO HQ Middle School Science Teacher

Other common non-Newtonian fluids found in most households include, ketchup, mayonnaise and jam. Oobleck has the unique ability to act as both a solid or a liquid, depending on the stress applied to the substance.

7th and 8th graders were both amazed and intrigued by this substance. They could pour it from a bowl, but then could punch it and it did not give. They could roll it in a ball and throw it in the air, but when they caught it, it “melted” through their fingers like a liquid. The overall experience as described by students was “awesome”, “incredible”, “messy” and “freaky”. In other words, they loved it.

16

17

HONGQIAO HIGHLIGHTS

HONGQIAO HIGHLIGHTS

FUN DOESN’T TAKE A SUMMER BREAK: SCIS’ ECE Campus Summer Kids Camp 2013

L

ights! Camera! Action! “This week on SRT news…” Each week 25 of our very talented and courageous students produce an action and humor packed school news show called SRT or Student Run Television. Episodes play on Monday morning at Dragon Time, and they always play to an eager audience. We all love watching episodes, but what goes into making one? Follow along and learn what your fellow classmates, or son or daughter, puts in to make one episode POP onscreen!

Believe it or not it takes 2 weeks of work to put together a 10 minute show!! Here’s how it works….

Tuesday, Week 2 – Reporters are dispatched to gather new stories, the show must go on! Director and anchors keep polishing the script for the anchor portion of the show.

Tuesday, Week 1 – Everyone assembles in C312, Mr. Kohler’s room. Doris G8, the director, is up and giving a presentation on the key features of an exciting report. Each week experienced correspondents offer skill building workshops – how to open and close an interview, how to film, how to write interesting questions. Then reporters trade ideas and leads for stories and schedule interviews.

Friday – Sunday, Week 2 – Mr. Kohler edits, adjusts, superimposes graphics, and adds headlines to the reports and anchor sections.

On Sunday he sends out a rough cut to the directors to check for mistakes.

After a quick group meeting, they’re off and trying to dig up a story!!

Monday morning, Week 3 – 9:45 am – The SRT broadcast is seen by over 500 middle schoolers, high schoolers and teachers!

Tuesday to Friday, Week 1 –- Reporters must capture the interview on film, gather background info on their story, grab graphics and assemble a short report using imovie on their macbooks.

Tuesday – it begins again!!

Friday, Week 1 – Deadline - All report submissions are due by 3pm SHARP!! Mr. Kohler, fearless editor, leaves the building at 3:30 and starts editing furiously on the taxi ride home (true story).

Sunday, Week 1 – A rough cut of the broadcast is emailed to the SRT anchors. Time to create the script for the charismatic anchors!!

Anchors write their own copy and then send it to Doris, who is also the script editor.

Thursday, Week 2 – Lights, Camera, Stage Crew!! Anchors, directors and stage crew transform room C310 into a TV studio complete with green screen, a “souveneired” microphone and HD camera. They film the intro scenes for the stories that week with the vitality, humor and energy that their audience loves and counts on!

Sunday Night, Week 2 – the link to the next SRT broadcast is mailed out to teachers

SRT, a student news show that we pour our heart and soul into, is a bit of a misnomer. SRT stands for Student Run Television, but only because nobody wanted to claim the title of reporter at SRN – Student Run News. But student run news is exactly what our weekly 10 minute broadcast is. (Check it out at www.hq.scis-his.net/srt)

By MR. FRANK STONE Hongqiao campus High School IB Economic teacher

F

or the third summer in a row, the SCIS HQ Early Childhood Education (ECE) campus hosted a very successful Summer Kids Camp. This year over 80 students per week participated in an action packed program of developmentally appropriate activities, specifically designed with the early learner in mind.

Our campers were able to participate in a variety of activities focused on four weekly themes: Fun in the Sun, Nifty Nature, Little Artists, and Mad Scientists. Campers made their own oceans, experimented with colors and slimy substances, made 18

jewelry and clay figurines, fed the birds, and even learned about vehicles in motion! Field trips once again played a big role in our camp and this year students visited the Hongqiao Zoo, Lego Center, an artist studio, and even had a musician come to share live music with them right on campus. In the end, the key to the success was that students had plenty of opportunities to work and play together, friendships were made, and by all accounts, fun did not take a summer break!

19

HONGQIAO HIGHLIGHTS

HONGQIAO HIGHLIGHTS

FUN DOESN’T TAKE A SUMMER BREAK: SCIS’ ECE Campus Summer Kids Camp 2013

L

ights! Camera! Action! “This week on SRT news…” Each week 25 of our very talented and courageous students produce an action and humor packed school news show called SRT or Student Run Television. Episodes play on Monday morning at Dragon Time, and they always play to an eager audience. We all love watching episodes, but what goes into making one? Follow along and learn what your fellow classmates, or son or daughter, puts in to make one episode POP onscreen!

Believe it or not it takes 2 weeks of work to put together a 10 minute show!! Here’s how it works….

Tuesday, Week 2 – Reporters are dispatched to gather new stories, the show must go on! Director and anchors keep polishing the script for the anchor portion of the show.

Tuesday, Week 1 – Everyone assembles in C312, Mr. Kohler’s room. Doris G8, the director, is up and giving a presentation on the key features of an exciting report. Each week experienced correspondents offer skill building workshops – how to open and close an interview, how to film, how to write interesting questions. Then reporters trade ideas and leads for stories and schedule interviews.

Friday – Sunday, Week 2 – Mr. Kohler edits, adjusts, superimposes graphics, and adds headlines to the reports and anchor sections.

On Sunday he sends out a rough cut to the directors to check for mistakes.

After a quick group meeting, they’re off and trying to dig up a story!!

Monday morning, Week 3 – 9:45 am – The SRT broadcast is seen by over 500 middle schoolers, high schoolers and teachers!

Tuesday to Friday, Week 1 –- Reporters must capture the interview on film, gather background info on their story, grab graphics and assemble a short report using imovie on their macbooks.

Tuesday – it begins again!!

Friday, Week 1 – Deadline - All report submissions are due by 3pm SHARP!! Mr. Kohler, fearless editor, leaves the building at 3:30 and starts editing furiously on the taxi ride home (true story).

Sunday, Week 1 – A rough cut of the broadcast is emailed to the SRT anchors. Time to create the script for the charismatic anchors!!

Anchors write their own copy and then send it to Doris, who is also the script editor.

Thursday, Week 2 – Lights, Camera, Stage Crew!! Anchors, directors and stage crew transform room C310 into a TV studio complete with green screen, a “souveneired” microphone and HD camera. They film the intro scenes for the stories that week with the vitality, humor and energy that their audience loves and counts on!

Sunday Night, Week 2 – the link to the next SRT broadcast is mailed out to teachers

SRT, a student news show that we pour our heart and soul into, is a bit of a misnomer. SRT stands for Student Run Television, but only because nobody wanted to claim the title of reporter at SRN – Student Run News. But student run news is exactly what our weekly 10 minute broadcast is. (Check it out at www.hq.scis-his.net/srt)

By MR. FRANK STONE Hongqiao campus High School IB Economic teacher

F

or the third summer in a row, the SCIS HQ Early Childhood Education (ECE) campus hosted a very successful Summer Kids Camp. This year over 80 students per week participated in an action packed program of developmentally appropriate activities, specifically designed with the early learner in mind.

Our campers were able to participate in a variety of activities focused on four weekly themes: Fun in the Sun, Nifty Nature, Little Artists, and Mad Scientists. Campers made their own oceans, experimented with colors and slimy substances, made 18

jewelry and clay figurines, fed the birds, and even learned about vehicles in motion! Field trips once again played a big role in our camp and this year students visited the Hongqiao Zoo, Lego Center, an artist studio, and even had a musician come to share live music with them right on campus. In the end, the key to the success was that students had plenty of opportunities to work and play together, friendships were made, and by all accounts, fun did not take a summer break!

19

HONGQIAO HIGHLIGHTS

PAFA FEATURE

HIS PAFA: What’s in it for me?

What’s a Learning Night?

T

he SCIS HQ Early Childhood Education (ECE) Campus held the first of two Learning Nights on September 10th.

Learning Nights allow parents and students to come and directly participate in activities led by faculty focused on a curricular theme. The purpose of this night is to give parents a first hand opportunity to see what and how our students learn each and every day. Students, of course, love these nights because it lets them share how they learn with their families, and also lets them interact with other teachers and friends from different classrooms.

The focus of our first Learning Night was Mathematics. Teachers

brought math to life through fun, interactive activities appropriately designed for Nursery to Grade 1 learners. The Mandarin, Music, Library and P.E. departments also participated in this event with math related activities, showcasing how math is integrated throughout our entire curriculum. At the end of the evening, students left with their Math Passports filled with activity stickers, parents left with a greater sense of the wonderful learning that occurs in their child’s classroom within the ECE campus, and all of us left with the undeniable fact that Math Is fun!

W

elcome in Hangzhou! Your kids are joining an active and lively school. Children usually settle in quickly, which makes you as a parent, happy. So you’ve got your kid happy as school….the next step is getting your home life organized in a foreign country. How to deal with the language? The Food?

The navigating? Having children means you need to know a lot of things: where the doctor is; how long it takes to go to the hospital; and where to take them on the weekends.

After the first week of school, PAFA starts to contact all parents.

Parents were originally invited to a welcoming coffee (which had the best turnout ever!). During that meeting, PAFA implored the parents to participate in a variety of ways. Become a volunteer.

Help with events. Bake for the Bake Sale. Be a class representative.

That’s a lot of pressure and many parents felt that they were not ready for that (yet). Many thought, “I’m gonna wait. I’m gonna let others do it for now, and I will watch from a safe distance until I get settled in. Besides, what’s in it for me?”

You get to know a lot of new people in a comfortable environment. You get to spend time at the same place as

PAFA NEWS

SCIS-HIS has parent organizations called the Parents and Friends Association (PAFA) on each campus. PAFA serves as a way that parents can communicate ideas for the betterment of the school to the administration and Board. SCIS and HIS are proud of the high level of parents participation in their schools and value their partnership with the parent community.

Hongqiao PAFA President: HQ PAFA Co-President: Mun Chang, roymun5@gmail.com Event Coordinator: Donna Bose, events.scispafahq@gmail.com information.scispafahq@gmail.com

20

your kids. You will work and talk to other parents. And along the way, you will learn all the veteran tips and tricks of the city. We have all been the new family in town before. At one point or another, someone has made just about every mistake possible. There is no reason to get scammed by the double foreigner price when one of us can help you avoid it. We are like a walking, talking, interactive Exapt Magazine.

Still not convinced? How about getting to know the teachers and staff a lot better by being there, by helping out during the day, and by assisting with the activities. And how about getting to know your children’s classmates. Why? Because at the end of the day you will know exactly what your children are talking about. Sounds to me like a lot is in it for you.

—A warm welcome from the HIS PAFA, a group of people that try to make life even better for your child in school!

By MS. FRANCIS SPIEKERMAN HIS Upper School PAFA President

PAFA conducts various activities, from community events to charity fundraisers to volunteer support for teachers and students.

Each campus has a PAFA board who works closely with each campus’ administrations to plan events that help to make SCIS-HIS schools a unique experience for families, faculty, and students alike.

We are always welcoming new members!

For more information about PAFA, please contact us at:

The 2013-2014 PAFA Chairs: Lower School: Lauren Pitts, laurenupitts@yahoo.com Katie Berkaw, katieberkaw@yahoo.com

Hangzhou PAFA President: LS co-Presidents: Miranda Kwan & Jerry Joseph US President: Francis Spiekerman US Vice-President: Amy Nash

Upper School: Sandra Machan, sandramachan@yahoo.com Weili Vlas, vlasliu@yahoo.com

Information about our activities: https://hz.scis-his.net/Pafa.

Contact us at: pafa_hz@scischina.org 21

HONGQIAO HIGHLIGHTS

PAFA FEATURE

HIS PAFA: What’s in it for me?

What’s a Learning Night?

T

he SCIS HQ Early Childhood Education (ECE) Campus held the first of two Learning Nights on September 10th.

Learning Nights allow parents and students to come and directly participate in activities led by faculty focused on a curricular theme. The purpose of this night is to give parents a first hand opportunity to see what and how our students learn each and every day. Students, of course, love these nights because it lets them share how they learn with their families, and also lets them interact with other teachers and friends from different classrooms.

The focus of our first Learning Night was Mathematics. Teachers

brought math to life through fun, interactive activities appropriately designed for Nursery to Grade 1 learners. The Mandarin, Music, Library and P.E. departments also participated in this event with math related activities, showcasing how math is integrated throughout our entire curriculum. At the end of the evening, students left with their Math Passports filled with activity stickers, parents left with a greater sense of the wonderful learning that occurs in their child’s classroom within the ECE campus, and all of us left with the undeniable fact that Math Is fun!

W

elcome in Hangzhou! Your kids are joining an active and lively school. Children usually settle in quickly, which makes you as a parent, happy. So you’ve got your kid happy as school….the next step is getting your home life organized in a foreign country. How to deal with the language? The Food?

The navigating? Having children means you need to know a lot of things: where the doctor is; how long it takes to go to the hospital; and where to take them on the weekends.

After the first week of school, PAFA starts to contact all parents.

Parents were originally invited to a welcoming coffee (which had the best turnout ever!). During that meeting, PAFA implored the parents to participate in a variety of ways. Become a volunteer.

Help with events. Bake for the Bake Sale. Be a class representative.

That’s a lot of pressure and many parents felt that they were not ready for that (yet). Many thought, “I’m gonna wait. I’m gonna let others do it for now, and I will watch from a safe distance until I get settled in. Besides, what’s in it for me?”

You get to know a lot of new people in a comfortable environment. You get to spend time at the same place as

PAFA NEWS

SCIS-HIS has parent organizations called the Parents and Friends Association (PAFA) on each campus. PAFA serves as a way that parents can communicate ideas for the betterment of the school to the administration and Board. SCIS and HIS are proud of the high level of parents participation in their schools and value their partnership with the parent community.

Hongqiao PAFA President: HQ PAFA Co-President: Mun Chang, roymun5@gmail.com Event Coordinator: Donna Bose, events.scispafahq@gmail.com information.scispafahq@gmail.com

20

your kids. You will work and talk to other parents. And along the way, you will learn all the veteran tips and tricks of the city. We have all been the new family in town before. At one point or another, someone has made just about every mistake possible. There is no reason to get scammed by the double foreigner price when one of us can help you avoid it. We are like a walking, talking, interactive Exapt Magazine.

Still not convinced? How about getting to know the teachers and staff a lot better by being there, by helping out during the day, and by assisting with the activities. And how about getting to know your children’s classmates. Why? Because at the end of the day you will know exactly what your children are talking about. Sounds to me like a lot is in it for you.

—A warm welcome from the HIS PAFA, a group of people that try to make life even better for your child in school!

By MS. FRANCIS SPIEKERMAN HIS Upper School PAFA President

PAFA conducts various activities, from community events to charity fundraisers to volunteer support for teachers and students.

Each campus has a PAFA board who works closely with each campus’ administrations to plan events that help to make SCIS-HIS schools a unique experience for families, faculty, and students alike.

We are always welcoming new members!

For more information about PAFA, please contact us at:

The 2013-2014 PAFA Chairs: Lower School: Lauren Pitts, laurenupitts@yahoo.com Katie Berkaw, katieberkaw@yahoo.com

Hangzhou PAFA President: LS co-Presidents: Miranda Kwan & Jerry Joseph US President: Francis Spiekerman US Vice-President: Amy Nash

Upper School: Sandra Machan, sandramachan@yahoo.com Weili Vlas, vlasliu@yahoo.com

Information about our activities: https://hz.scis-his.net/Pafa.

Contact us at: pafa_hz@scischina.org 21

COMMUNITY FEATURE

COMMUNITY FEATURE

A Great Day to be a Dragon

Is two years better than one?

The first day of school is a bit different for grade 12 students returning from summer break. It’s not because I have solved a quantum physics equation to predict student behavior. It’s because I’m an IB Teacher. Let me explain what I mean…

As an IB teacher I look forward to seeing grade 12 students return from summer. Their 11th grade year has most likely been a year of tremendous growth academically. They return after the summer break with confidence, improved study skills and a clearer understanding of expectations (both mine and the IB expectations). I can already answer the questions above regarding my grade 12 classes and I am sure they have a list of things they can answer about me. Returning after break to the same students and their specific personalities means there is no need to play getting-to-know-you games. We are already warmed up and can jump right into the deep end of the curriculum.

I

n a typical class on the first day of school, teachers and students often share their names, where they are from, some of their favorite things or some of their summer activities. The real learning begins on the days that follow. While the students might be learning fractions, reactions or contractions, the teachers are trying to learn the answers to these questions among others:

T

his year’s high school volleyball “Dragon Cup” was played at the SCIS Hongqiao campus on Saturday August 31st. Approximately 135 high school boys and girls from SCIS Hangzhou, Pudong and Hongqiao took part in this one-day tournament. I have been told from veteran coaches of this event, that this was some of the best competition in years. The perfect example of this was the opening match between Hongiao and Pudong’s Junior Varsity girl’s teams. The home team HQ Dragons just eked out a cloase 34-32 victory.

The goals of the Dragon Cup Tournament are not about wins and loses, but about 22

teamwork, team spirit, and sportsmanship.

It is a day to play for the love of the game and your team. For volleyball, the Dragon Cup trophy is awarded to the school that best exemplified these team characteristics during the tournament as voted on by their opponents. By a very close vote the Dragon Cup was awarded to the Hangzhou Dragons.

Congratulations Hangzhou!

The Dragon Cup Tournament not only brought each school’s team together, but also brought our entire SCIS-HIS community together. As Henry Ford once said, “Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress.

Working together is success.” This day was a SCIS-HIS success.

I want to congratulate all of the players and coaches in this year’s Volleyball Dragon Cup. It was good competition played with a true spirit of teamwork and fun. Thank you also to all the parents, teachers and students who came out to support our teams. It was a great day to be a Dragon!

By MR. KEVIN REIMER Hongqiao campus Athletics & Activities Coordinator

• Which student does not know the meaning of a common English word like “transparent”?

• Which student cannot detect sarcasm?

• Which student will miss a small deadline but always be prepared by the exam?

• Which student will miss every deadline, plan to complete everything eventually with full effort but ultimately complete little?

• Which student will nod when you ask, “Do you understand?” even if they do not have the faintest clue?

• Which students work well with headphones and which ones spend the entire study session switching songs?

• Which students are most likely to be watching an NBA/MLB/ NFL game while you are discuss quantum physics with the class and which ones can take notes on their computer without distraction?

• Which students will respond positively to a critical correspondence with parents and which students will not?

• Which students might be moody after a break up or a confrontation with another teacher?

This is of huge benefit to us as we head into the second year.

Grade 11 surely was a huge leap for these students academically but now we have the momentum to quickly cover content and consistently meet higher expectations while learning to deal with the pressures of looming deadlines. The two-year IB program allows teachers and students to maximize the benefit of getting to know each other and determining how best to work with one another.

Learning a student’s name is easy. Learning who a student is and how she works best is a challenge that takes time and is often in flux. To me, the two year curriculum is the real value of the IB program.

STUDENT QUOTES 24 hours in 12th grade passes much quicker than 24 hours in 11th grade. – Jimmy Wong Knowing how the IB works has made studying and learning easier than last year when I was new to the IB. – Jelmer Ottens 11th grade is a surprise slap to the face. 12th grade is like losing a slap bet. You know its going to happen but it is still a slap in the face.

– Dennis Sandy In 12th grade you are more responsible for your actions. You are ready to take each step with caution. – Kevin Zhang In 11th grade you begin to learn the curriculum and expectations. In 12th grade you are immersed in the curriculum and are applying the expectations. – Hudson Miears

By MR. MATTHEW KASTNER Hongqiao campus IB Physics teacher

23

COMMUNITY FEATURE

COMMUNITY FEATURE

A Great Day to be a Dragon

Is two years better than one?

The first day of school is a bit different for grade 12 students returning from summer break. It’s not because I have solved a quantum physics equation to predict student behavior. It’s because I’m an IB Teacher. Let me explain what I mean…

As an IB teacher I look forward to seeing grade 12 students return from summer. Their 11th grade year has most likely been a year of tremendous growth academically. They return after the summer break with confidence, improved study skills and a clearer understanding of expectations (both mine and the IB expectations). I can already answer the questions above regarding my grade 12 classes and I am sure they have a list of things they can answer about me. Returning after break to the same students and their specific personalities means there is no need to play getting-to-know-you games. We are already warmed up and can jump right into the deep end of the curriculum.

I

n a typical class on the first day of school, teachers and students often share their names, where they are from, some of their favorite things or some of their summer activities. The real learning begins on the days that follow. While the students might be learning fractions, reactions or contractions, the teachers are trying to learn the answers to these questions among others:

T

his year’s high school volleyball “Dragon Cup” was played at the SCIS Hongqiao campus on Saturday August 31st. Approximately 135 high school boys and girls from SCIS Hangzhou, Pudong and Hongqiao took part in this one-day tournament. I have been told from veteran coaches of this event, that this was some of the best competition in years. The perfect example of this was the opening match between Hongiao and Pudong’s Junior Varsity girl’s teams. The home team HQ Dragons just eked out a cloase 34-32 victory.

The goals of the Dragon Cup Tournament are not about wins and loses, but about 22

teamwork, team spirit, and sportsmanship.

It is a day to play for the love of the game and your team. For volleyball, the Dragon Cup trophy is awarded to the school that best exemplified these team characteristics during the tournament as voted on by their opponents. By a very close vote the Dragon Cup was awarded to the Hangzhou Dragons.

Congratulations Hangzhou!

The Dragon Cup Tournament not only brought each school’s team together, but also brought our entire SCIS-HIS community together. As Henry Ford once said, “Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress.

Working together is success.” This day was a SCIS-HIS success.

I want to congratulate all of the players and coaches in this year’s Volleyball Dragon Cup. It was good competition played with a true spirit of teamwork and fun. Thank you also to all the parents, teachers and students who came out to support our teams. It was a great day to be a Dragon!

By MR. KEVIN REIMER Hongqiao campus Athletics & Activities Coordinator

• Which student does not know the meaning of a common English word like “transparent”?

• Which student cannot detect sarcasm?

• Which student will miss a small deadline but always be prepared by the exam?

• Which student will miss every deadline, plan to complete everything eventually with full effort but ultimately complete little?

• Which student will nod when you ask, “Do you understand?” even if they do not have the faintest clue?

• Which students work well with headphones and which ones spend the entire study session switching songs?

• Which students are most likely to be watching an NBA/MLB/ NFL game while you are discuss quantum physics with the class and which ones can take notes on their computer without distraction?

• Which students will respond positively to a critical correspondence with parents and which students will not?

• Which students might be moody after a break up or a confrontation with another teacher?

This is of huge benefit to us as we head into the second year.

Grade 11 surely was a huge leap for these students academically but now we have the momentum to quickly cover content and consistently meet higher expectations while learning to deal with the pressures of looming deadlines. The two-year IB program allows teachers and students to maximize the benefit of getting to know each other and determining how best to work with one another.

Learning a student’s name is easy. Learning who a student is and how she works best is a challenge that takes time and is often in flux. To me, the two year curriculum is the real value of the IB program.

STUDENT QUOTES 24 hours in 12th grade passes much quicker than 24 hours in 11th grade. – Jimmy Wong Knowing how the IB works has made studying and learning easier than last year when I was new to the IB. – Jelmer Ottens 11th grade is a surprise slap to the face. 12th grade is like losing a slap bet. You know its going to happen but it is still a slap in the face.

– Dennis Sandy In 12th grade you are more responsible for your actions. You are ready to take each step with caution. – Kevin Zhang In 11th grade you begin to learn the curriculum and expectations. In 12th grade you are immersed in the curriculum and are applying the expectations. – Hudson Miears

By MR. MATTHEW KASTNER Hongqiao campus IB Physics teacher

23

EDUCATIONAL INSIGHTS

EDUCATIONAL INSIGHTS

Since when did school become home?

What Can I Do to Help My Child be Successful at School?

I

I

sometimes wonder how I would have reacted to being dropped into a new country, city, and school as an adolescent particularly if I did not speak the language of those around me.

I think I would have found it intimidating in the extreme. Yet here we are a month into the school year and, as always, everyone is completely settled and cruising.

There are reasons for this seemingly effortless transition that go beyond the remarkable adaptability of kids. We take the word “community” in our name seriously, consistently defining what we do with this in mind. A true community is supportive and welcoming, two attributes that help students quickly make the transition here. The members of a community such as ours also share the common goal of learning, both in the narrow sense of mastering curriculum and also in the broader sense of gaining the skills and attitudes that make all of us better people.

So what does that mean for a new student? For one thing, our current students genuinely want to help the new ones adjust.

Our call for returning students to come to school a day early to help with orientation netted about twice as many as we expected. Whenever a new student arrives, others volunteer to show them around the school, invite them to sit together at lunch or stop by if they seem alone to strike up a conversation, all without prodding from teachers.

Developing a strong sense of community in a school takes work on the part of all of us. Instructional strategies in the classroom that engage all students in collaborative activities and advisory planning that generates conversations between teachers and students help make students feel they are part of a valuable team effort in learning. Students develop portfolios, reflect on their learning goals, attitudes and accomplishments, and then lead their parents through their academic journey at student led

24

conferences. Building community in the classroom goes hand in hand with improving academic achievement while also making the school a more comfortable place for all.

After school activities such as sports, clubs and service groups are critical to engaging students in the SCIS community. Here is where students will meet new friends, develop all manner of talents, and gain a sense of pride in themselves and their school beyond the classroom. We make a deliberate effort to provide a wide range of ASA offerings and have a clear expectation that all students will get involved at some level. Those who do, find that they quickly become a part of the fabric of the school.

Combine the above with small classes and teachers who believe in and model a community of mutual respect, it is little wonder that new students quickly establish themselves here. For a student suddenly pulled away from home, it’s nice to find that a new home is right here at SCIS.

t is a new school year and as a parent you are asking the question, what can I do to help my child be successful at school? If your child is in an Early Childhood or Lower School grade level there are two great places to start. Young children thrive when they have regular routines and can get a sufficient amount of sleep.

been my observation that academic and behavioral issues can often be traced back to children not getting an adequate amount of sleep. The National Sleep Foundation in the United States makes the following recommendations for required sleep. These requirements do not include daily naps for Nursery, Pre-School and Pre-Kindergarten students.

Uncertainty breeds anxiety, questions, instability and fear.

Regular routines provide young children with stability and security. When they know what is coming next they feel secure.

Just like with adults, change can create anxiety for children.

Routines in the morning and evenings that follow the same sequence and happen at the same time each day allow children to feel successful at meeting the expectations you have set for them. This feeling of success provides them the opportunity to develop a positive self-concept and feel a sense of self-control over their lives.

Age Hours of Sleep Each Night 3-5

11-13 5-12 10-11

In her website www.ahaparenting.com Dr. Laura Markham identifies six benefits of using routines with your children.

1. Routines eliminate power struggles 2. Routines help kids cooperate 3. Routines help kids take charge of their own activities/responsibilities 4. Kids learn the concept of “looking forward” 5. Regular routines help kids get on a schedule 6. Schedules help parents maintain consistency in expectations Number 5 is related to sleep. Regular routines help children fall asleep easier at night. As a counselor and an administrator it has

When a child is not getting sufficient sleep they may have difficulty concentrating, become frustrated easily, fall asleep during the school day, or lack emotional stability. All of these symptoms can affect their ability to learn.

While helping children feel safe and ready to take on new challenges and developmental tasks would be reason enough to offer them structure, it has another important role as well.

Structure and routines teach kids how to constructively control themselves and their environments. This also contributes to a positive self-concept.

The benefits they provide to young children make daily routines a great way to help your child to meet their full potential at school.

By MR. CHARLES BELLOMY HIS Lower School Vice Principal

By MR. DON MACMILLAN Pudong campus Upper School Principal 25

EDUCATIONAL INSIGHTS

EDUCATIONAL INSIGHTS

Since when did school become home?

What Can I Do to Help My Child be Successful at School?

I

I

sometimes wonder how I would have reacted to being dropped into a new country, city, and school as an adolescent particularly if I did not speak the language of those around me.

I think I would have found it intimidating in the extreme. Yet here we are a month into the school year and, as always, everyone is completely settled and cruising.

There are reasons for this seemingly effortless transition that go beyond the remarkable adaptability of kids. We take the word “community” in our name seriously, consistently defining what we do with this in mind. A true community is supportive and welcoming, two attributes that help students quickly make the transition here. The members of a community such as ours also share the common goal of learning, both in the narrow sense of mastering curriculum and also in the broader sense of gaining the skills and attitudes that make all of us better people.

So what does that mean for a new student? For one thing, our current students genuinely want to help the new ones adjust.

Our call for returning students to come to school a day early to help with orientation netted about twice as many as we expected. Whenever a new student arrives, others volunteer to show them around the school, invite them to sit together at lunch or stop by if they seem alone to strike up a conversation, all without prodding from teachers.

Developing a strong sense of community in a school takes work on the part of all of us. Instructional strategies in the classroom that engage all students in collaborative activities and advisory planning that generates conversations between teachers and students help make students feel they are part of a valuable team effort in learning. Students develop portfolios, reflect on their learning goals, attitudes and accomplishments, and then lead their parents through their academic journey at student led

24

conferences. Building community in the classroom goes hand in hand with improving academic achievement while also making the school a more comfortable place for all.

After school activities such as sports, clubs and service groups are critical to engaging students in the SCIS community. Here is where students will meet new friends, develop all manner of talents, and gain a sense of pride in themselves and their school beyond the classroom. We make a deliberate effort to provide a wide range of ASA offerings and have a clear expectation that all students will get involved at some level. Those who do, find that they quickly become a part of the fabric of the school.

Combine the above with small classes and teachers who believe in and model a community of mutual respect, it is little wonder that new students quickly establish themselves here. For a student suddenly pulled away from home, it’s nice to find that a new home is right here at SCIS.

t is a new school year and as a parent you are asking the question, what can I do to help my child be successful at school? If your child is in an Early Childhood or Lower School grade level there are two great places to start. Young children thrive when they have regular routines and can get a sufficient amount of sleep.

been my observation that academic and behavioral issues can often be traced back to children not getting an adequate amount of sleep. The National Sleep Foundation in the United States makes the following recommendations for required sleep. These requirements do not include daily naps for Nursery, Pre-School and Pre-Kindergarten students.

Uncertainty breeds anxiety, questions, instability and fear.

Regular routines provide young children with stability and security. When they know what is coming next they feel secure.

Just like with adults, change can create anxiety for children.

Routines in the morning and evenings that follow the same sequence and happen at the same time each day allow children to feel successful at meeting the expectations you have set for them. This feeling of success provides them the opportunity to develop a positive self-concept and feel a sense of self-control over their lives.

Age Hours of Sleep Each Night 3-5

11-13 5-12 10-11

In her website www.ahaparenting.com Dr. Laura Markham identifies six benefits of using routines with your children.

1. Routines eliminate power struggles 2. Routines help kids cooperate 3. Routines help kids take charge of their own activities/responsibilities 4. Kids learn the concept of “looking forward” 5. Regular routines help kids get on a schedule 6. Schedules help parents maintain consistency in expectations Number 5 is related to sleep. Regular routines help children fall asleep easier at night. As a counselor and an administrator it has

When a child is not getting sufficient sleep they may have difficulty concentrating, become frustrated easily, fall asleep during the school day, or lack emotional stability. All of these symptoms can affect their ability to learn.

While helping children feel safe and ready to take on new challenges and developmental tasks would be reason enough to offer them structure, it has another important role as well.

Structure and routines teach kids how to constructively control themselves and their environments. This also contributes to a positive self-concept.

The benefits they provide to young children make daily routines a great way to help your child to meet their full potential at school.

By MR. CHARLES BELLOMY HIS Lower School Vice Principal

By MR. DON MACMILLAN Pudong campus Upper School Principal 25

PARTNER PAGE

Back to School:

W

How to stay clean at school

orldpath Clinic International Tips for staying clean and healthy at school.

1. Wash your hands: Washing your hands on both sides thoroughly for at least 20 seconds with soap is an important step to prevent the transmission of germs. Rub both hands well to make sure to clean them well.

2. Use hand sanitizer: We all may have this negative image, from movies, of the hypochondriac kid who carries around his hand sanitizer. Yet, sanitizers can be very useful to keep your hands clean, especially when you are not at a reasonable distance from the restroom.

3. Hygiene etiquette: When you have a cold, make sure that every time you sneeze or cough, you make use of your hand

or a tissue paper to cover your mouth. Then wash your hands or use sanitizer so you do not transmit germs to your friends.

4. Drink and eat healthily: Teach your children the importance of drinking water instead of soda drinks and eating healthy balanced diets every day of the week. Also, keep your backpack clean because we do not want ants and other insects to start feasting on your leftover food.

5. Avoid the pollution: On days of severe pollution, stay indoors and reduce your level of activity to a bare minimum so as to avoid breathing in PM 2.5 particles which can cause severe health problems.

Following WorldPath tips will help you stay healthy and in top form to ace all your exams!

Discounts! Discounts!

Get Your Discounts!

Greetings from the Communitas Dragons Lair. One of the things the people behind the scenes at the mag like to do, besides horde valuable gems and breathe fire, is fly around the city looking for Dragon friendly establishments. And we are happy to report, despite that massively negative propaganda piece set out to ruin our reputation called The Hobbit, that there are a number of places around the city that still love us. Please see below for Certified Dragon Friendly Establishments.

All you have to do is flash your ID card to save yourself from depleting too much of your gold.

Bubba’s Texas BBQ www.bubbasasia.com 10% off all-the-time! (excluding specials)

Subway at 133 Tianyaoqiao Lu

10% off for dining in restaurant.

10% off for any delivery order of at least 300rmb (Tel: 3368-6757) Free delivery for any order above 50rmb

Geneva Restaurant & Bar www.genevash.com 10% off on all food items (excluding other promotions)

Friends Tailor

www.friendstailor.com 15% off for students 10% off for staff and parents of students

Glo London

www.glolondon.com 15% off on Ala Carte mains (complimentary mojito for teachers and staff)

QCuts

www.qkuts.com 40% off haircuts

Want to become a Certified Dragon Friendly Establishment? Please email the editor jpaulson@scischina.org 26

Tel: 5228 0110 13651743728 (한국어) www.horizonsprep.com Gubei · Jinqiao · Huacao

27

PARTNER PAGE

Back to School:

W

How to stay clean at school

orldpath Clinic International Tips for staying clean and healthy at school.

1. Wash your hands: Washing your hands on both sides thoroughly for at least 20 seconds with soap is an important step to prevent the transmission of germs. Rub both hands well to make sure to clean them well.

2. Use hand sanitizer: We all may have this negative image, from movies, of the hypochondriac kid who carries around his hand sanitizer. Yet, sanitizers can be very useful to keep your hands clean, especially when you are not at a reasonable distance from the restroom.

3. Hygiene etiquette: When you have a cold, make sure that every time you sneeze or cough, you make use of your hand

or a tissue paper to cover your mouth. Then wash your hands or use sanitizer so you do not transmit germs to your friends.

4. Drink and eat healthily: Teach your children the importance of drinking water instead of soda drinks and eating healthy balanced diets every day of the week. Also, keep your backpack clean because we do not want ants and other insects to start feasting on your leftover food.

5. Avoid the pollution: On days of severe pollution, stay indoors and reduce your level of activity to a bare minimum so as to avoid breathing in PM 2.5 particles which can cause severe health problems.

Following WorldPath tips will help you stay healthy and in top form to ace all your exams!

Discounts! Discounts!

Get Your Discounts!

Greetings from the Communitas Dragons Lair. One of the things the people behind the scenes at the mag like to do, besides horde valuable gems and breathe fire, is fly around the city looking for Dragon friendly establishments. And we are happy to report, despite that massively negative propaganda piece set out to ruin our reputation called The Hobbit, that there are a number of places around the city that still love us. Please see below for Certified Dragon Friendly Establishments.

All you have to do is flash your ID card to save yourself from depleting too much of your gold.

Bubba’s Texas BBQ www.bubbasasia.com 10% off all-the-time! (excluding specials)

Subway at 133 Tianyaoqiao Lu

10% off for dining in restaurant.

10% off for any delivery order of at least 300rmb (Tel: 3368-6757) Free delivery for any order above 50rmb

Geneva Restaurant & Bar www.genevash.com 10% off on all food items (excluding other promotions)

Friends Tailor

www.friendstailor.com 15% off for students 10% off for staff and parents of students

Glo London

www.glolondon.com 15% off on Ala Carte mains (complimentary mojito for teachers and staff)

QCuts

www.qkuts.com 40% off haircuts

Want to become a Certified Dragon Friendly Establishment? Please email the editor jpaulson@scischina.org 26

Tel: 5228 0110 13651743728 (한국어) www.horizonsprep.com Gubei · Jinqiao · Huacao

27

SCIS Doing the IB the way it’s meant to be.

CLASS OF 2013

93

individual learners who pursued academic excellence

93

students who engaged in arts and athletics

93

volunteers who committed to community service Average score:

34

world average 29.8

Marta Casanovas Class of 2013

IB Score: 40 Attending: Imperial College London

Tour our state-of-the-art facilities by calling 86-21-6261-4338 x1 (Shanghai) or 86-571-8669-0045 (Hangzhou) www.scis-his.org HANGZHOU 28

• HONGQIAO • PUDONG

NURSERY – GRADE 12

The International School of Choice