The Wave - March 2016

Inspiration

Integrity

Achievement

Parade of Nations 2016 Photo by: Naomi Bakken, GR 10

More photos inside...

Open-minded IB learner characteristic for the month 31 March 2016

the.wave@kaust.edu.sa

Photo by: Jude Sleiman, GR 9

Photo by: Jude Sleiman, GR 9

Parade of Nations 2016 Photo by: Jude Sleiman, GR 9

Photo by: Ameer Jasmine, GR 11

Photo by: Naomi Bakken, GR 10

Photo by: Ameer Jasmine, GR 11

Photo by: Ameer Jasmine, GR 11 Photo by: Naomi Bakken, GR 10

Photo by: Naomi Bakken, GR 10

Note from the ECC Principals Dear parents, Thank you to everyone who attended their child’s student led conference. It was wonderful to observe children in the ECC sharing their learning with such confidence. We cannot emphasize enough how important it is for your child to be able to articulate their learning, progress and development to you.

We have now had assemblies in all three grade levels. These experiences provide opportunities for children to express themselves and develop confidence when performing in front of a large audience.

A huge thank you to all teachers involved, especially our performing arts teachers who organized the performances and prepared the children.

We would like to wish you all a relaxing rejuvenating spring break and we welcome you back on Sunday 10th April for the last section of this academic year.

Story-teller visits for World Read Aloud Day On February 24th ECC celebrated World Read Aloud Day. World Read Aloud Day motivates children and adults to read and enjoy books.

Community member Dan Speed shared his love of books and captivated the ECC audience with his creative storytelling.

Mr Speed visited each of the ECC buildings.

During the two sessions in each building he brought his favorite books to life, building up excitement for reading. by: Aasya Malik, ECC Librarian

K3 - Sharing the Planet

K3 have just finished their unit on Sharing the Planet during which they inquired into how people use natural resources to meet their wants and needs. To develop an understanding of natural resources and to appreciate the natural resources in the KAUST environment the children in Ms. Hannele and Mr. Eric’s class explored the environment at the King Abdullah Monument beach. Every week they took two trips to the beach and conducted an in depth inquiry into the many natural resources they found there. They discovered hermit crabs, coral, rays, crabs, surgeonfish, butterfly fish, jellyfish and many different types of shells. “I AM a scientist,” commented Jenna on one visit when she found her first live crab.

Over the course of 6 weeks the children developed a caring relationship with the monument beach environment and its natural resources. They used natural resources around them to construct bridges and build homes for hermit crabs; they made fishing rods and tried catching fish. They showed concern when they discovered “man-made resources” like plastic bottles that did not belong in the environment.

One morning they spent time collecting trash on one of the beaches. On their final visit, they invited their moms and dads to join them. Many parents met them at 7am and enjoyed the monument beach on their way to work. “I liked seeing the class in action and in an environment where they could show us what they had learnt,” said Athena’s dad. When reflecting on what they had learned, the children responded with smiles. “I learned that there are many things that you can find…I felt happy and a little bit scared because I did not want to get snapped by crabs,” said Max. “I learned that its fun to go to the beach,” said Faisal.

by Hannele Uariachi , K3 Teacher Photos by Hannele Uariachi and Eric Bakken, K3 Teachers

K3 - Sharing the Planet

Note from the GES Principals Another Milestone The term milestone goes back centuries to ancient Rome. Milestones marked points in the road that indicated distances travelled. Since then the milestone has been used as metaphor to mark points in time. Spring break is a signiďŹ cant milestone in the life of a school.

Three quarters of the school year have now passed, the weather is changing, plans are being put in place for the coming academic year and students and staff take a break to recharge after 12 straight weeks of school. As I walk the halls, it is clear that there are some very tired little people around.

A Roman Milestone

As you head out on vacation, or staycation as the case may be, consider the need for rest for yourselves and your little ones. Take time to read a book, smell the owers, catch up with friends and family, sleep in and relax and most of all let your mind wander and enjoy the moment. As we look back over these last 12 weeks, the school has been a busy place.

From student led conferences, to reports, from art celebrations to swim meets.

Looking forward to the last nine weeks we have many things yet to achieve and we are excited to end the year on a strong note. Take care over the break, be safe and we look forward to seeing you all again soon.

Language Enrichment Gr 1 & 2 - Safety in the Kitchen The Language Enrichment children were excited to learn how to make Hot Chocolate; incorporating safety in the kitchen, as well as developing their writing skills by using sequence. Their creativity was also developed by designing their own mugs.

The 2 lessons ended with making our own Hot Chocolate, which was enjoyed by all the Language Enrichment children.

By: Cheryl Courtois

Celebrating Act Celebrating Action!

Abdullah noticed that there were, at times, homework questions after the school day had ended. Students would say things like “ I couldn‛t complete my homework because I had a question” or “I forgot what I was supposed to do here.”.

Abdullah created an email group designed specifically to answer questions and have discussions around homework. This action has significantly helped students make best use of their time when working on homework as well as showing a care for his fellow classmates.

Great work Abdullah!

Abdullah Dar 4BT Abdullah Dar 4BT

ion

GES Art Celebration

World Water Day

Reflections

from the Director of TKS

TKS celebrated World Water Day (22nd March) in style.

Plastic bottles collected by The KAUST Green Group from the KAUST Campus Cafeteria in just one week are on display in the flag pavilion. The aim of the project is to get students to ‘think before they drink’ and reduce disposable plastic water bottle usage by TKS Students.

Open-minded. Isn’t that a wonderful attribute? “My child is open-minded.” “ My teacher is open- minded.” “ My friend is Thanks to Matt Tietbohl and the KAUST Green Group for open-minded.” “My Father is open-minded. “At any age, and the water bottles and fishing net. Thanks also Troop 13 from any vantage, it is a compliment to identify someone as Scout Group for the use of the ropes. open-minded.

I was in an Art class recently as a teacher began a unit with students. In considering the criteria for selecting an individual artist to be studied, a student fell upon a technical term and asked “What is a ‘movement’ in Art? The teacher replied without skipping a beat. “An art movement is a style in art with a philosophy and technique that grows out of a specific context and moves art forward, usually innovating something new.”

I asked a student at my table, “Now that we have a description of ‘movement’, which learner profile trait do you think connects to the concept of a movement in Art?” The answer was “Open-minded.” I had to agree, any artist breaking from traditions of the day and looking for new ways of seeing and new representations would surely be open-minded.

The IB explains this IB Learner profile trait in another but related way. Students who are open minded, “….understand and appreciate their own cultures and personal histories, and are open to the perspectives, values and traditions of other individuals and communities. They are accustomed to seeking and evaluating a range of points of view, and are willing to grow from the experience.”

In their various pursuits, artists, musicians, linguists and scientists all benefit from being open minded. Similarly, individuals as well as community members benefit when people demonstrate open mindedness toward the culture and traditions of others.

This month we celebrate a great trait, open-mindedness, which is encouraged inside and outside of the classroom at TKS. I wonder; which one of our TKS students will start a movement someday?

Maddy

Note from the GSS Principals Wow! We just keep on going… gold, silver and bronze medals in basketball, amazing Personal Project Fair, ISTA (International Schools Theater Association) and GISS (Global Issues Service Summit) Out of Kingdom Trips, SAIKAC High School Music Festival participation, spectacular IB Diploma Art Exhibit… It was a great month of March.

On Thursday, 18 students will depart for Bali and Friday the South Africa Build Trip group departs. For many, the upcoming Spring Break represents travel, leisure, and/or time to refresh. Once we return on the 10th there are just nine weeks of classes left (fewer for grade 12) and yet still so much going on. Book your April calendar with the showing of Dr. Doolittle on April 12 and 13, grade 12 dinner April 19th, U16 badminton and track and field April 21-23, and U19 badminton Apr 27-29.

SAIKAC High School Band Festival GSS was one of the schools taking part in the annual SAIKAC High School Band Festival hosted by The American International School – Riyadh.

Musicians from seven schools gathered from the Kingdom to form a band and play. The rigorous rehearsals were followed by an amazing Gala Concert. Our school was represented by Mayar Elbaz (clarinet), Hyegyo Cha (tuba) and Mr. Eduardo Regula who conducted the Mountain of the Sun by Rob Grice during the Gala Concert.

KAUST School Pioneers Recently, nine TKS students took a leap into the unknown when they traveled to Kuala Lumpur to attend the first ever ISTA (for International Schools Theatre Association) theatre festival. The festival was hosted by staff and students of the International School of Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia.

The festival theme was “Rising Above”. Students explored the theme in a field trip to a sightseeing destination called the Batu Caves, a huge cave structure that can only be reached after climbing 280 very steep steps! They worked in groups to develop their ideas and presented a final performance that was live-streamed to share their discoveries.

Students all agreed: ISTA was an amazing experience!

“We were able to learn more about the performing arts with kids our age all from around the world.

I had a fantastic time, full of triumphs, new knowledge gained and joy. We are so lucky and so blessed to have gone on that trip, halfway across the world, to learn and work with some amazing people. The final performance was so symbolic in the way everybody moved and the ideas all brought together to work in unity. It was breathtaking and sensational! ” Louis Davidson GR6

“We learned new skills, made new friends, created performing art pieces… we had the opportunity to work with professional artists who helped us to shape our ideas. We learned a lot and I'm very grateful for the opportunity we had to attend.”

Whitney Clawson GR6

“This trip was amazing and I just wish I could experience it all over again.

We I had an amazing ensemble. We explored the theme “Rise Above” - for example, rise above is rising above your comfort zone, trying new things. Our ensemble leader helped us create our piece, but most of it was our idea, and I had a lot of fun! I met so many new people and I made many new friends.

Hiranmayi Chedella GR8

We were divided into groups called 'ensembles' with students from different schools all around the world. We created different performances that represented the theme: rising above.

We all found the performances unique and beautiful. I made new friends, went to new places, and learnt new things. ISTA is a wonderful opportunity and I definitely recommend it for everyone!”

Michelle Courtois GR8

In front of the stairs leading to the Batu Caves

University Library Workshop - GR11

As a grade 11 student, I was able to enjoy a great learning opportunity with my peers when we went to the University to learn more about the various skills involved in research. Mr. Stephen Buck, the librarian at the University pointed out that plagiarism doesn’t occur only when we copy data or text but media such as music can be plagiarized too. His presentation also examined academic honesty. In addition, he showed us Zinio to help us get access to magazines for our research. The highlight of his presentation was his showcasing of the various databases and how to research using different types of search within each database. Overall, it enlightened us on the research process by providing us with new avenues to explore so as to deepen our understanding of the topics we plan to undertake in our Extended Essays. by: Andre de Levay, GR11

It’s all about the Journey

Photo by: Jude Sleiman, GR 9

After 11 months of dedication and hard work, 44 Grade 10 students were pleased to exhibit the final outcomes of their Personal Projects on Wednesday, March 2 at the 2nd Annual Personal Project Community Showcase.

Community members, mentors, parents, staff and fellow students came in looking for inspiration, passion and insight into new, developing ideas and were not disappointed. Over 250 people packed the GSS Flag Pavilion to hear the student’s diligently prepared presentations on their academic and personal progress through a journey that included setting goals, investigating, planning, taking action and reflecting.

The projects demonstrated five years worth of MYP skills and concepts and ranged from special effects make-up to the construction of radio transmitters to how student backpacks affect back health. Students beamed with pride as they imparted their knowledge. Congratulations students on your accomplishments!

by Laney Rweyemamu, Personal Project Coordinator

Global Issues Service Summit 2016 - Tanzania Tanzania was phenomenal.

The changemakers were inspiring and gave great advice on how to start action in school, and in the community. Other schools that participated in GISS had amazing projects which we could include in our school, or in the community.

The service day really helped us make new friends and gain new experiences.

-Nadya Ibrahim, GR 10

GISS 2016 was absolutely fabulous. It was my first time that I dived into the heart of Africa. Every aspect was enjoyable and I have no regrets because through the conference I was able to see a whole new world. I met great people with different personalities and immersed myself in the fabric of African culture. I learnt to be grateful for many things, including my very life! It has thaught me that no matter the circumstances, we can always do better by helping those around us!

- Andre de Levay, GR 11 The Global Issues Service Summit 2016 was spectacular. Being surrounded with inspiring people made the experience enriching.

The summit was one of the best I have ever been to. Meeting former child soldier Ishmael Beah, a peace corps member Adam Noeth, as well as making new friends with people my age who have done so much for their community was enriching. Learning about students who helped build schools for impoverished children to fundraising money for victims of human trafficking was inspiring, to look at how much students my age can do to help their community. All in all, the trip was an amazing experience and hopefully we would be able to share this with more students in the KAUST school.

- Maria Ibrahim, GR 11

As a newcomer to GISS, I can say without a doubt, that this experience has been a definite highlight of my year. Although I enjoyed every second of the trip, two stand-out moments have to be storytelling and singing with kids at the Kibaha nursery/orphanage and going on a safari in Mikumi Park.

The conference's theme of 'funguka', or 'are you ready?', is incredibly relevant to today's most pressing issues. It emphasizes empowerment and young people's activism - two vital elements of global change. I feel that I have come back a thousand times more insightful and inspired. Asante sana, Tanzania!

-Abril Rivera, GR 9

U14 Girls Football On Friday February 26th, around 20 girls ranging from Grades 6-8 travelled to The British International School of Jeddah (BISJ) for a friendly football festival along with other schools.

The two teams were coached by Mr. Andrew Wright, Ms. Katrina Englart and Ms.Te Haurawhiti Teddy. For some students,this was a first time experience, but after all the hard work during our 6 week training, every student was excited to be in a position where they represented the KAUST School to compete with other schools. The KAUST students have shown great sportsmanship and represented the school and community with pride.

We decided to make two teams that varied in skills. TKS Sharks team 1 got 3rd place in the tournament by winning against AISJ in a final match. No matter how hard the other team was trying, we could always either win or tie. The aim that team A was trying to get to is that you should always try your best. We were proud of our sportsmanship and teamwork. We hope that everybody enjoyed their time in this fun tournament.

TKS Sharks team 2 did very well during the tournament, each member learned plenty through the tournament about dribbling, defense, and attack. Overall, they came 6th place but this experience taught them a lot about sportsmanship and being supportive as a team.

People on the team cheered up the team, inspiring them not to give up. Diana Aibara said: “Although we did not win, we never gave up fighting for the ball!”

After six weeks of practice, and a friendly tournament game, every player gained a lesson.

Either learning how to play under stress, or getting the right amount of sleep, we all learned something. All of us had fun, in practice, on the field, on the bus ride, and everybody was laughing and smiling. The team spirit was high and that kept us going! It was fun competing against other schools, and meeting new people.

By Zaira Aquino GR 7, Bushra Alnajjar GR 6, Caroline Cassell GR 8, and Melaph Aljuhani GR 6

U16 Boys Win SAIKAC Congratulations to the U16 Boys’ basketball team for winning first place at the SAIKAC tournament in Yanbu March 17-18.

This is the first time that the TKS U16 boys have won the SAIKAC tournament. The team went undefeated and won a thrilling come-from-behind victory in the semi-final against AISJ and again in the finals against BISJ. Coach Harris and coach JD are very proud of the team for showing such resilience and spirit, both on and off the court, throughout the tournament.

2016 Festival of Football The British International School of Jeddah opened a spring fair and football/soccer tournament on Saturday February 27th.

The KAUST School and other schools came together and everyone was put into teams. There were over 40 players from TKS alone! There were two tournaments, the Plate tournament and the Cup tournament.

After everyone was put into their respective teams, the teams played against each other. Once the teams earned enough points from playing each other, some teams went into the knockout rounds. There, teams played against each other, and when a team won, the other team got to go to the spring fair. In the finals, Benfica won the Plate tournament and NY Cosmos won the Cup tournament.

From TKS, Toby Pongpiriryaporn, Saif Alderaan, and Abdullah Attar won for Benfica, and Alejandro Whitehair-DeZerne, Mohammed Bukhari and Rayan Alamri won for the NY Cosmos.

Mr. Wright was especially delighted that all TKS students showed excellent sportsmanship and plans are already being made to attend next year!

By Arnab Chakraborty (Grade 5LL) and Andrew Wright.

Photos by Timothy Bowes (Grade 12)

APRIL 2016 EVENTS TKS - Whole School

Date

Spring Break School resumes Whole School PAC meeting TKS Star Showcase

April 1 - 9 April 10 April 20 April 30

Contacting ECC: K1 Receptionist: 808 6320 K1 Health Office: 808-6280 K2 Receptionist: 808 6267 K2 Health Office: 808-6212 K3 Receptionist: 808 6408 K3 Health Office: 808-6312

ECC – Early Childhood Center ECC Earth Day

April 21

GES – Gardens Elementary School GES Youth Sports Season Starts GES Earth Day GES PYP G5 Exhibition

April 17 April 21 April 26

Contacting GES: Reception: 808-6363 Health Office: 808-6412

GSS – Gardens Secondary School GSS Odyssey Bali GSS Build South Africa GSS Start of 4th quarter GSS G8 Course selection evening GSS Musical dress rehearsal GSS GSS Musical GSS G9 Course selection GSS G12 Parent dinner GSS Earth Day GSS G12 Study week GSS G6-10 Map Testing

April 1 - 9 April 1 - 9 April 10 April 11 April 12 April 13 - 14 April 17 April 19 April 21 April 24 - 28 April 24 - 28

Print and stick on the fridge

Contacting GSS: Reception: 808-6703 Principles offices: 808-6867

1 - 9 April

Co-Curriculum / Sports For updates on schedules and more info visit: ttps://www.facebook.com/TKS-Sharks-Activities-282668925259824 Click here RSAC Badminton @ BISJ TKS Community softball SAIKAC U16 Boys/Girsl Badmington@ DHS GSS Track & Field Invitational SAIKAC MS Band / Choral @ DHS SAIKAC U19 Boys / Girls Badmington@ TKS

April 15 April 16 April 21-22 April 23 April 27-29 April 27-29

For School Related Emergencies during Spring Break Please contact: 1-5 April Scott Herrington 054 249 7732 6 -9 April Madeleine Hewitt 054 470 1377