JubliTimes Issue. No. 33 Jan/Feb 2025

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MESSAGE FROM PRINCIPAL

Dear Parents, Students and Staff,

The month of February marks the end of the Chinese Lunar New Year festivities as well as the start of the school year for national schools. The buzz of the new year is still very much in the air, and I would like to take this opportunity, in our first newsletter of the year, to wish everyone a blessed and meaningful new year. We are eager to embrace the year with renewed energy and purpose.

Sir Ken Robinson, a renowned educationalist, once said, “Education is not just about filling the mind with facts; it’s about developing the skills to think critically, creatively, and with empathy.”

As a school that seeks to instil holistic education, Seri Jubli is committed to shaping a curriculum that reflects our core focus. I have shared on various occasions what we desire to develop in our students—our 5A Objectives, which serve as the foundation for everything we do:

1. ASPIRE – We motivate our students to aspire towards excellence in all that they do.

2. ATTITUDES – We foster outstanding attitudes that reflect respect, integrity, and responsibility.

3. ADAPTABILITY – We encourage adaptability and resilience, preparing our students to thrive in a VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, and Ambiguous) world.

4. ACTS – We inspire acts of kindness and service, helping our students develop a deep sense of empathy and a desire to make a positive impact.

5. ACADEMICS – We promote academic brilliance, encouraging our students to always strive for progress and growth in their studies.

PAULUSLEE

One of the key changes this year is the extension of class periods from 40 minutes to 1 hour. This adjustment, which was previously communicated to parents, provides us with an invaluable opportunity to enhance not just the quantity but, more importantly, the quality of our lessons. The additional time allows us to dive deeper into the curriculum, ensuring that our students are not only learning but also developing essential skills such as critical thinking, effective communication, empathy, active listening, and adaptability. These are the qualities that will equip them for success in an everchanging world.

In line with Sir Ken Robinson’s quote, this truly reflects our desired outcome at Seri Jubli International School—teaching our students not only content but also the vital skills they will need in life. In other words, meaningful learning and growing.

In my principal’s address during our first assembly this year, I posed the following question alongside an image: WHAT DO YOU WANT?

Aspiration is the first of the 5A Objectives at Seri Jubli, where we seek to motivate students to ASPIRE towards excellence— striving to always give their best in all they do. All it takes is to put our minds to it, making what we do more meaningful and purposeful.

So how do we start? By asking: What do we want in 2025?

• In our personal growth?

• In our careers?

• In our classes?

• In our relationships?

亲爱的家长、学生和教职职员,

二月既意味着农历新年的结束,也代表 着公立学校新学年的开始。即便如此, 新年依然犹如昨日。本期为今年的第一 期《致理双月刊》,借此机会,我祝愿 大家新的一年充满意义,祝福满满。我 们已经蓄力待发,准备怀着明确的目标 迎接新的一年。

著名教育学者肯·罗宾逊曾说:�教育不 仅仅是将知识灌输到大脑,更在于培养 批判性思维、创造力和同理心的能力。

作为一所着重于全人教育的学校,致理 致力于打造一个体现我们核心理念的课 程体系。我曾多次分享过我们希望在学 生身上培养的五大目标�5A,它们 是我们的基石:

• ASPIRE(卓越):激励学生追求卓 越,始终尽力而为。

能更深入地探索课程内容,确保学生不 仅在学习知识,更在培养如批判性思 维、有效沟通、同理心、积极倾听和适 应能力等关键技能。这些技能将帮助他 们在变幻莫测的世界中取得成功。

与肯·罗宾逊的名言相契合,正体现了 我们在致理国际学校的教育目标�不 仅传授知识,更培养学生生活中必备的 重要技能。换句话说,这才是有意义的 学习与成长。

在今年第一次周会的校长致辞中,我提 出了以下问题,并配上了一张图片:你 想要什么?

What do we ASPIRE to achieve, and what are we committed to giving our BEST to?

I invite you to ASPIRE for meaningful learning and growth this year—to embrace a new mindset towards education, one that values quality over quantity in our learning.

Thank you for your continued support. Cheers to a great year ahead!

• ATTITUDES(态度):培养卓越的 品格和领导力。以价值观和诚信为 基础。

• ADAPTABILITY(适应性):培养韧 性和决心,帮助学生在VUCA(易 变、不确定、复杂和模糊)的世界 中茁壮成长。

• ACTS(行动):鼓励善行与慷慨, 培养使命感,帮助学生发展深厚的 同理心和带来正面影响。

• ACADEMIC(学术):通过全人教育 促进学术卓越,为学生的大学及未 来做好准备。

今年的一个关键变化是课堂时间从40分 钟延长至1小时。这个调整我们早先已 通知家长,它为我们提供了一个宝贵的 机会,不仅提升学习的数量,更重要的 是提高学习的质量。额外的时间让我们

1.�卓越�是致理国际学校5A目标中的 第一个目标,我们致力于激励学生 追求卓越�在所做的每一件事中 始终全力以赴。只要我们全心投 入,就能让所做的一切更加有意义 和富有目标。

那么我们该如何开始呢?扪心自问:在 2025年,我们想要什么? · 个人成长? · 职业发展? · 课业学习? · 人际关系?

我们渴望实现什么目标?我们承诺会为 之全力以赴的是什么?

我邀请大家在今年追求卓越,有意义的 学习与成长�以崭新的教育观念为引 领,注重学习的质量而非数量。

感谢大家一直以来的支持,愿新的一年 充满无限可能!

IGCSE 2024 RESULTS DAY

A Celebration of Gratitude & Achievements

This year's IGCSE Results Day was more than just receiving results—it was a time to reflect, appreciate, and celebrate. On the afternoon of 16th January, our first batch of students who have been with Seri Jubli for 11 years gathered with their families at Barney’s for a special session dedicated to honouring their parents, who have journeyed alongside them all these years.

Over finger food, students and parents watched video montages of their 2024 memories, reminiscing about the moments that shaped their journey. A photobooth was also set up, allowing students to capture meaningful moments with their parents. Before the much-anticipated announcement of results, Mr. Lee, our Executive Director, expressed gratitude to the parents for their unwavering support, followed by a Thanksgiving session led by Tr. Paulus. In this heartfelt moment, students personally thanked their parents, with many exchanging hugs, tears, and words of appreciation. To further express their gratitude, thank-you cards were prepared for students to write heartfelt messages.

Then came the long-awaited moment—the announcement of results! A huge congratulations to Janice Tang and Jamie Alexander for achieving straight A’s! Now, let’s hear from our Top 8 students as they share their reflections and experiences.

How does it feel to finally graduate?

Finally! I feel very relieved and so glad to have graduated. I am temporarily free from homework, studying, and exams. However, I do miss my classmates very much—they are the best! Now, I understand how my seniors felt too. I used to not understand why they cried so much, but now I do.

Unexpectedly, I actually have the feeling of wanting to go back to school and continue studying. Haha.

Best memories in SJ!

Some of my best memories are from Awards Night, Prom Night, and the annual camp in 2024. I can still remember

JAMIE ALEXANDER

Joined SJ: Year 10 (2023)

How does it feel to finally graduate?

Graduating high school and completing my final exams have been my goal for 16 years, and now that I’ve finally achieved it, the feeling is incredible. While I do miss being a student, it was my mentality that got me this far—and I have no intention of stopping now.

Best

memories in SJ!

Over the past two years, I’ve made so many incredible memories that it’s hard to choose just one. If I had to be specific, I’d say some of my best moments were spent sitting at the back of Biology class with my friends—those simple, everyday moments turned into unforgettable

us planning the activities and practising for the performances. During these times, the IGCSE exams had ended, so we were stress-free. It was all about having fun, hanging out with friends, and enjoying the moment! We did get scolded by teachers several times, but those moments only deepened my memories of these precious times. I can even remember every performance we did during Awards Night!

What are you planning to pursue now?

I’m planning to further my studies in Singapore, taking a course in applied chemistry. But before that, my goal is to successfully pass my driving lessons and tests!

Study tips or advice for juniors

As most people say, don’t leave things to the last minute. You’ll probably end up freaking out and simply completing your task. Paying attention in class can save you a lot of time in self-revision. Past year papers are very helpful too. But also, don’t put too much pressure on yourself.

Final words

Enjoy your time in school with friends and teachers. Also, thank you SJIS for giving me such wonderful memories during my secondary school years! :)

memories. However, if I had to pick just one defining moment, it would be receiving my final IGCSE grades and feeling the overwhelming love and support from the people who matter most to me.

What are you planning to pursue now?

I’m spending a year interning at the school, helping in any way I can while gaining valuable realworld work experience. After this year, I plan to go to university to study either engineering or mathematical sciences.

Study tips or advice for juniors

Live in the moment—don’t spend your entire high school experience just counting down the days until graduation. If you

do, you may look back with regret, wishing you had been more present, cherished your friendships more, and allowed yourself to truly enjoy the experience. High school can be one of the most memorable times of your life, and it’s important not to let anything diminish that. Avoid getting caught up in petty drama, nurture the friendships that matter, and always strive to grow into the best version of yourself. You don’t want to look back and wonder “what if.”

Final words

“Some nights I wish I could go back in life, not to change things, but to feel a couple of things twice.” – Drake

KHAI JUNN

Joined SJ: Year 7 (2020)

How does it feel to finally graduate?

Finally!! I had always been looking forward to this day, but when it actually arrived, it felt kinda empty. After a few days, I started missing school life—where everything was scheduled, and I was surrounded by fun and kind people every day.

Best memories in SJ

The annual camp! Before coming to SJ, I had never experienced anything like it. Even though we were exhausted every night, we stayed up just to share stories and gossip. I also loved class time during the camp—we shared

TING MENG LEON

Joined SJ: Year 6 (2019)

How does it feel to finally graduate?

At first, I felt excited—finally finishing IGCSE felt like years of effort coming to a result. But as graduation got closer, I realised that the time I get to spend with my friends and classmates is becoming less and less. We won’t have allday-long hangouts together anymore, so I started to cherish our time even more.

Best memories in SJ

It's hard to pick just one because I had fun most of the time (except when doing homework!). But if I had to

TIONG JIA HENG

Joined SJ: Year 7 (2020)

How does it feel to finally graduate?

For me, graduation does not bring joy, sadness, relief, or anything else. That’s because graduation does not cut the connections I have with my teachers, friends, and everyone else—it is those connections that bring emotions.

Best memories in SJ!

The most memorable part for me is playing futsal with my good friends—Jamie, Haran, and the rest—on the

thoughts we wouldn’t normally express in school, which brought us even closer.

What are you planning to pursue now?

Most likely A-Level Pre-Science.

Study tips or advice for juniors

Take care of yourself—your health is the most important thing. And remember this quote from Tr. Vima, "Consistency is the key. Make some progress every day, even if it’s small."

Final words

Good luck, everyone!

choose, I’d say the 2023 Annual Camp. It was one of the happiest moments before IGCSE—staying up late, eating supper, and having deep conversations with friends.

What are you planning to pursue now?

I’m currently studying A-Levels at Sunway College (January 2025 intake). However, I’m still figuring out my further path since there are so many choices.

Study tips or advice for juniors

Everyone has different study habits, but here’s what worked

for me:

• I sometimes study intensely for a full day (9 AM – 8 PM) and then take a long break.

• Closer to exams, I revise 2-3 hours every night for about two months while keeping up with homework.

• If you feel fatigued, reach out to your friends—you might feel more motivated knowing they’re also revising!

Final words

All the best to everyone sitting for IGCSE in the future!

basketball court. The laughter, joy, and fun will always remind me of this unforgettable and precious moment.

What are you planning to pursue now?

After carefully considering my options for weeks, I have decided to further my studies in Science.

Study tips or advice for juniors

I believe that there is no universal principle for study tips. For example, some people

study better in a noisy environment, while others absorb knowledge more efficiently in a quiet room. Finding the method that suits you best is extremely important.

Final words

My final advice: Don’t be afraid to question your teachers (with valid reasoning). But don’t do it just to irritate them. :)

Joined SJ: Year 9 (2022)

How does it feel to finally graduate?

It’s a mix of emotions. I’m happy to be out of school—no more homework, group projects, or exams (for now!).

But at the same time, I feel nervous about stepping into university, being on my own for the first time, and embracing adulthood. I also feel nostalgic—thinking about the funny moments in class and all the time spent with friends.

JOANNA MARIE SMITHCOWARD

Joined SJ: Year 10 (2023)

How does it feel to finally graduate?

It feels strange—not going to school, not seeing my classmates every day. Now that I’ve left, I realise how amazing my school experience was and how fortunate I was to be part of SJ. I wake up wishing I had cherished my time there more because life doesn’t get easier from here. People always say, “Have fun in school; it’ll be the best time of your life,” but no one actually believes it until they leave. So, to all students still in school—make the most of your time with your friends and teachers. Speaking of teachers, I’m incredibly grateful for those who guided me—from study advice to helping me figure out my future.

Best memories in SJ 2024 Annual Camp – Class Time! It wasn’t originally in the camp schedule, so we had to get special permission from Tr. Paulus. Even though we couldn’t spend it at the resort café like in 2023, it was still an amazing time—walking around the resort, hanging out at one of the booths along the road, and eating donuts while reminiscing about the year.

Best memories in SJ

It’s hard to pick, so here are my top three:

1. 2023 Annual Camp – Class Time

Tr. Vima took us to the café and treated us to snacks and drinks. We laughed, reflected on the year, and bonded over our worries about exams.

2. 2024 Annual Camp –Graduation Farewell

At the end of the camp, Tr. Paulus had all the Y11s stand at the side while other students came up to say goodbye. It was bittersweet— seeing the impact we had on our classmates while realising what we were leaving behind.

3. Post-IGCSE Preparation for Awards Night

After exams, we spent our last days together, rehearsing our

What are you planning to pursue now?

I’m planning to do my best in a degree in psychology—and maybe a master's if I don’t faint by the end of four years!

Final words

Good luck to this year’s Y11s for IGCSE, and to the next, and the next!

performances for Awards Night. Whether it was drama, singing, or dancing, we laughed and had fun— cherishing those final moments before parting ways.

What are you planning to pursue now?

I’m currently doing a one-year internship, exploring different fields. After that, I’m considering a foundation in Science at Nottingham University, followed by a degree in Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience.

Final words

To everyone at SJ—students, teachers, and staff—thank you for your kindness. I had the best time being part of SJIS for my final two years of high school!

SOIN LE YEE

Joined SJ: Year 8 (2021)

How does it feel to finally graduate?

Free… but boring.

Best memories in SJ Annual camp every year! I cherish the time spent with my friends—swimming in the river and staying up late just to chat. Another unforgettable memory was the Wizards and Wonder Camp. I met many adorable children and made lots of new friends there.

What are you planning to pursue now?

Although my future path is still uncertain, I am mostly leaning towards pharmaceuticals.

Study tips or advice for juniors

• Make your own study notes.

• Do more past year questions.

• Mark your mistakes and repeat them until you truly understand.

A New Chapter Begins

As the curtains close on their secondary school journey, these graduates step forward into a future filled with endless possibilities. Their reflections remind us that beyond the grades and achievements, it is the friendships, experiences, and lessons learned that truly shape their time at Seri Jubli.

We celebrate their hard work, resilience, and the bonds they have built along the way. Whether pursuing further studies, gaining work experience, or exploring new opportunities, each of them carries the values and spirit of Seri Jubli into the next phase of their lives.

Congratulations once again to the IGCSE Class of 2024! We wish you all the best in your future endeavours—may you continue to grow, inspire, and make a difference wherever you go.

PRIMARY ANNUAL CAMP 2024: A FUN-FILLED ADVENTURE

The Primary Annual Camp 2024, held from 27th-29th November, was an exciting and enriching experience for our young campers. Packed with hands-on learning, teamwork, and memorable moments, the camp provided both KS1 and KS2 students with a chance to explore, play, and bond with their peers. Tr. Gary, the main teacher in charge, led the camp with great enthusiasm, ensuring a smooth and meaningful experience for all.

A Camp Full of Excitement

On the first day, students participated in station games that encouraged them to apply their knowledge in cooking, geometry, science, and the arts. The sushi challenge was a highlight, where students got to make and taste their own sushi creations.

The second day saw Captain’s Ball and dodgeball tournaments, followed by a clay art activity for KS1 students and SJ Night performance preparations for KS2 students. In the evening, Year 3-5 students departed for UK Farm, where they had an unforgettable SJ Night and campfire.

On the final day, all students visited the goat farm, where they had the chance to feed the goats and observe the goat milk production process. A tour of the fruit farm and mini zoo allowed them to see various farm animals, including horses, cows, alpacas, and exotic birds. The camp concluded with a reflection session led by Tr. Lieu.

INTERVIEW WITH TR. GARY

What was the main objective of the camp?

The main objective of our primary camp was to nurture and engage an environment that promotes holistic development and lifelong learning for our students.

How did the Y3-Y5 students handle their first overnight camp?

The students had so much fun staying with their friends. This experience was not only enjoyable but also motivated them to become more responsible when away from home. Additionally, the older students were tasked with taking care of the younger ones for a whole day, helping to strengthen bonds between KS1 and KS2.

STUDENT REFLECTIONS

We spoke to some of our campers about their experience.

What were the most memorable moments?

The farm experience stood out the most. Students got the chance to feed the goats, try fresh goat milk, observe the production process, and visit the fruit farms. These hands-on experiences were invaluable in exposing them to farm life.

What’s one improvement for next year’s camp?

If possible, I would love to have Year 1 and Year 2 students join the overnight camp with KS2 students. This exposure would help build their sense of responsibility and friendship with their peers.

Any final words?

I want to thank all the primary teachers for their dedication in making this camp a success. Their efforts and engaging activities made the experience both meaningful and memorable. I also appreciate the admin team for their continuous support in ensuring the students’ well-being throughout the camp.

TR. GARY
Safwan (Y4) Shaswin (Y4)
Hong Shiun (Y3) Abigail (Y2) Hazel (Y2)

PAST EVENTS

ORIENTATION WEEK 2025

The new academic year at SJIS kicked off with an exciting Orientation Week, welcoming both new and returning students. Our youngest Year 1 students began their journey by exploring the school grounds, meeting their teachers, and forming new friendships. Safety remained a top priority as all students participated in a fire drill practice, learning essential evacuation procedures. The House system introduction familiarised new students with our school's spirit of teamwork, leadership, and friendly competition. Secondary students showed their camaraderie and sportsmanship through friendly matches of Captain's Ball, Dodgeball, and Badminton, while primary students enjoyed engaging game sessions, setting the stage for an energetic year ahead!

CNY CELEBRATION 2025

On 21st January, we celebrated Chinese New Year with a vibrant school-wide event. Every class took part in a classroom decoration competition, adding festive cheer to the campus. A highlight this year was the CNY Wishing Tree, where students penned their hopes and dreams on red paper before tying them to the tree. Primary students engaged in creative activities, including the Paper Blossom Tree and CNY Decorative Lanterns. Meanwhile, secondary students took part in a CNY Open House, where each House set up classrooms with engaging activities. Students visited different Houses to participate in games, watch CNY-themed videos, and answer quizzes to test their knowledge of the festival.

Congratulations to Year 6 and Year 8T for winning the classroom decoration competition! For the CNY Open House, Ignis took first place, with Terra and Aeris following closely behind. It was a wonderful celebration filled with culture, creativity, and festive spirit!

INTERNATIONAL DAY

On 5th February, SJIS had the privilege of hosting 14 international guests from the UK, USA, Trinidad, Dubai, Australia, and Singapore. Students were split into groups, allowing them to engage in meaningful conversations with our guests and ask insightful questions. The day featured special talks, fostering global perspectives and cultural exchange. Adding to the experience was a unique accordion performance, making the event even more memorable. A heartfelt thank you to all our guests for sharing their time and experiences with us!

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JubliTimes Issue. No. 33 Jan/Feb 2025 by Seri Jubli International School - Issuu