The Wave - May 2016

Inspiration

Integrity

Achievement

TKS GRADUATION 2016

Commencement ceremony took place in the KAUST Auditorium last night where 32 GR 12 students graduated from TKS. Parents and guests were welcomed by Patricia Hughes VP HR. The keynote address of the evening was delivered by Daniel Whitehair at the students choice.

26 May 2016

Knowledgeable IB learner characteristic for the month

the.wave@kaust.edu.sa

Note from the ECC Principals Dear Parents, Staff are currently in the process of finalizing end of year reports for ECC children. This provides an opportunity to reflect on the school year and the growth that has taken place for each individual child. Learning is a journey and in this respect we should not always be focused on the final outcome. It has been incredible to see the social and emotional development of the children in the ECC this year, as well as their continual growth as inquirers and learners. As parents I am sure you will have observed this too.

As you will be aware, we have started transition visits for the three ECC grade levels this week. This provides an opportunity for children to experience a new space and environment and to interact with older children in preparation for the move to a new grade level. Transition visits were a huge success and the children were excited by the new challenges that lay ahead.

On behalf of the ECC we would like to thank you for your continued support as parents. Once again we have had a fantastic year and this would also not be possible without the amazing efforts of our dedicated ECC staff. Next year will provide new and exciting opportunities, with K2 and K3 relocating to a renovated Harbor West building.

We wish you all a happy and safe summer vacation with your family and friends.

Every day is Earth Day TKS students from K1 through GR12 worked inside and outside the schools to remind us….Earth day is everyday. It was a week of palm weavings, window planters, recycling challenges, shared earth agreements and good clean fun.

Thanks to Eric Bakken, the Early Chldhood Center had their chickens on loan as a part of live exhibit. Our GR2 teacher Ms. McEwen was on hand with the Brownie Girl Scouts to raise awareness about Water Aid. Did you see the Vegan Awareness Booth organized

by GSS student service team? Or how about the fifth Graders John Cassell and Mallory Hermanson from Mr. Silich’s class talking about GMOs and plastic recycling respectively. Ms. Anson was there too, helping to organize a collaborative community- wide piece of bottle cap artwork featuring the iconic Japanese Tsunami wave.

THANK YOU to the Kaust Green Group, our local Averda office, the amazing TKS students and teachers and of course Muna Khris and Jacqui Piper of the KAUST Sustainability Office for coming together to this Earth Day, one of the best one KAUST has seen yet.

by Christopher Cassell , Early Childhood Teacher

Photos by: Abril Riveria, GR 9

Lexia Club!

Almost 50 very dedicated students in GR1-5 committed to be part of the Lexia Club this year. For one hour, at the end of a long school day, these students worked hard to boost their reading and writing skills. Snacks, working with friends, and earning certiďŹ cates helped motivate and make it more appealing to all.

We met on Sundays or Thursdays, with many students participating from January to May. Many thanks to the parents for encouraging their children to stick with it and for the teachers who volunteered their time to help make this successful club possible: Rachel Abraham, Vani Veikoso, Alison Elborai, Linda Kent, Michole Church, and Melissa McQuaid.

Way to go, Lexia SuperStars!

By Susanne Herrington, Elementary Teacher

TKS Chess Tournament GR 1-5 Winner

Daniel Bocancea Grade 1 B receiving his certiďŹ cate from Mr Louis Courtois after winning the TKS Chess tournament consisting of players from GR 1 - 5.

Note from the GES Principals The Only Constant in Life is Change As the year draws to an end I am reminded of this age old saying. Change is the one thing we can be absolutely sure of and KAUST is no exception. These last few weeks have seen many ‘lasts' for me but also provided many opportunities to stand back and appreciate what new changes have taken place throughout my time here at KAUST. In addition I have been giving a lot of thought to the future as I hand the Elementary to Leny and Jeff, two very capable leaders with great vision for the school going forward.

Perhaps the most significant change I have observed over the past few years is the change in school culture. By culture, I mean the essence of what makes us the Gardens Elementary School. As I walk around the halls and the playground I see smiling confident children playing and working together. I see young people helping one another, caring for one another and learning from one another. I see teachers and children questioning, wondering and solving problem together. In a nutshell I see a school where everyone, students and teachers alike, are learning in a safe, positive, hardworking and fun environment.

This type of school does not arise without the commitment and dedication shown by everyone who contributes to its success. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the teachers, assistants, staff, support staff and students for making my time at The KAUST School an experience I can be proud of and one that will stay with me always.

Farewell

Movement Showcase On Saturday 30th April TKS hosted the first ever Movement Showcase. Then by popular demand the students went ‘on tour’ in Arts Week performing for K1, K2 and Secondary School students. There were outstanding performances by all! Everyone had a lot of fun! We hope to make this Showcase even bigger and better next year!!!

By: Lisa Pongpiriyaporn Elementary ELL Program Enhancement Coordinator

Robotics "Robots are the new middle class. And everyone else will either be an entrepreneur or a temp staffer."

Robotics is one of the forthcoming disruptive technologies predicted to drive global economy in the future.

Disruptive technologies such as robotics have the potential to change the way we live and work according to the Mckinsey report (2013). In order for our students to be successful in a future that will be impacted so heavily by robotics, they need experiences that allow them to understand and explore the workings behind this transformative technology plus enjoy learning along the way.

When Design teacher Matt Mcewen saw the “Robot Challenge� appear on the acadox website he immediately rounded up a student team that consisted of 6 students who demonstrate a passion for all things Design and Science related. The group of students created a Robot that is controlled by an App on a mobile phone with a 3D printed enclosure containing a PCB (printed circuit board) and Mbed Microcontroller.

Students were able to experience what it is like to be part of a collaborative team, each taking responsibility for either 3D modelling, coding the processor or designing the circuit board.

Many thanks to Fadl Abdullatif, Brian Parrot and team for their organization of this project and support. Fast forward 4 months into May and the middle schoolers have seen the implementation of similar projects into the Design Curriculum. Grade 9 are currently using Arduino microprocessors to control a variety of input and outputs to create products such as night lights, tea makers and cuckoo clocks.

Grade 8 students are also experiencing how robotics can be used to solve real world problems in an interdisciplinary unit between Individuals and Societies class. Students are exploring the potential uses for Robots plus the ethical dilemmas designers, manufacturers, programmers and governments may face when implementing this technology to society.

Design class were also invited by the University to take part in the exciting innovating Enrichment in the Spring symposium. Once the University saw who we are and what we are capable of doing, it brought a lot of smiles and interest from the community.

The names of the students who participated in the Enrichment are: Ari Riviera, Malek Alnajjar, Sajedah Kharbatia and Hala Halawani.

By Lauren Molloy, Matt McEwen and Erik Boswinkel

Note from the GSS Principals May is typically the month of culminating assessments, showcasing, celebrating and informing.

This year, along with the final Diploma Exams, grade 10 had their first taste of e-assessments, and grade 11 just completed assessments of a more cumulative and timed nature.

The twelfth graders were excited to finish their exams on May 20th, just in time to make it to their Senior Gala and the next evening's Co-curricular Awards event (a new initiative). This past week the seniors attended four days of special events and gatherings prior to Graduation on Wednesday, May 25th.

Two weeks ago the grades GR6-12 music students showcased lovely pieces at the annual Spring Concert, held at the auditorium this year, and just two days ago grade 5 students and parents attended a Transition to Secondary School meeting.

While we have just wished 32 graduates all the best, we will welcome over 80 sixth graders next year. Next month we will also be acknowledging other departing students and teachers through assemblies.

Grade 10’s Shine during IB MYP eAssessments Our forty four GR10’s have had a fruitful and exciting month. They finished their e-Portfolio inquiries for Language Acquisition, PHE, the Arts and Design at the start of April, completed their final units of the MYP in May, while simultaneously preparing for the IB MYP online exams.

This is the first year of MYP e-assessments, with over 200 schools across the world registered for this exciting assessment innovation. The exams assess the students critical thinking skills and use a variety of media as sources. The GR10 students adopted a mature approach to the exams. Their high level of productivity was noted! It was also an excellent preparation for their IB Diploma exams, which will be online in two years time.

The Interdisciplinary exam asked the students to explore material in the global context of Personal and Cultural Expression and synthesize their knowledge of Mathematics and Language and Literature. A mini unit, led by Ms Laney Rweyemamu, was delivered by the GR10 team and supported by teacher presenters from ECC, GES and GSS. The material included the aesthetics of architecture, Islamic Art and the Maori body art of Ta Moko. It was a true community learning lab that helped our students make deep and meaningful connections across the content.

By: Katrina Englart IB MYP Coordinator

Literary Cafe

TKS opened its very own Literary Café in the flag pavilion of the Secondary School on the 16th of May, inspiring both participants and the audience with touching renditions of favourite extracts from a wide variety of literature. This experience not only fed our hearts and minds, but also tickled our taste-buds thanks to the provision of a selection of lovely, hot beverages and tasty petit fours. What an ideal way to spend our morning break!

Such an event brings everyone together in a celebration of literature and life.

Thank you ‘Book Detective Club’ members and TKS librarians for making the event happen and run so smoothly! These literary circles are open to all. Participants submit their chosen extracts in advance and the lucky ones, whose passage makes it to the published issue, receive a ‘coffee coin’ to use at the café; drink orders are also placed on-line. All extracts and further information about up-coming events are available on ‘Shark Bites.’ Happy reading!

By: Petra Macleod, MYP Language and Literature Teacher

Co-curricular Awards

Reflections

from the Director of TKS

The Poet Khalil Gibran wrote: "Knowledge is life with wings.”May is a fine time to celebrate this IB Learner trait as we sincerely hope by the end of the academic year, our learners are flying.

Our end of year events showcase our students’ knowledge. In the culminating assembly in our circle theatre, 1st graders demonstrate knowledge about Road SAFTEY, 3rd graders demonstrate knowledge of features in good stories, 5th graders ably discuss the consequences of poor diet, citing the impact of diets full of transfats, foods packed with sugar, and processed foods.

TKS helds its first ever Co-curricular Awards Ceremony on Saturday, May 21 at the KAUST Auditorium.

Congratulations to all the winners!

Ali Abdulsalam - U16 Boys Players Choice Nabeeld Akhtar - U19 Girls Players Choice Caroline Cassell - MS Performing Artist of the Year Dylan Finol - U19 Boys Players Choice Colin Herrington - U19 Boys Athlete of the Year Megan Lees - Shark of the Year & U19 Girls Athlete of the Year Tayla Martin - U16 Girls Athlete of the Year Andrew Norseth - U16 Boys Athlete of the Year Leesa Tulley - HS Performing Artist of the Year Aliya Uariachi - U16 Girls Players Choice

The 10th graders completed e-assessments on Language and Literature, Sciences, Mathematics, Interdisciplinary Learning and Individuals and Societies, as our seniors round out their two years of study, giving knowledgeable answers on their final exams in 6 disciplines.

Our greatest hope is that our TKS learners not only cite knowledge, but they use it to take action and lead their lives.

Megan Lees - Shark of the Year, Madeleine Hewitt and Scott Herrington

"Knowledgeable" is a beautiful learner profile trait, and as our students grow in their knowledge, they also grow in confidence, and give our tag words— INSPIRATION - INTEGRITY - ACHIEVEMENT - wings.

Maddy

Caroline Cassell - MS Performer of the Year, Jennifer Lees and Scott Herrington

Andrew Norseth- U16 Boys Athlete of the Year, Jennifer Lees and Scott Herrington

Boats on the water

The GR7 boys participated in a kayak assessment based from South Beach. Under the guidance of the Coastline instructors and their teachers the students made their way around the reef towards the Beacon and KAUST marina.

With 20 boats on the water it was a superb experience for the students who were able to apply their skills in a real-world environment.

Working in pairs tested the students teamwork and communication skills. A great day to bring the unit to a close.

By: Richard Davies, Subject Leader of Physical & Health Education

Build Trip: Johannesburg, South Africa

Seven students traveled to South Africa for charity work at Footprints PLAY, a local home that cares for children in difficult circumstances. We went there with little experience in construction, but we were ready for any challenge ahead of us. We were assigned to erect a cabin, which would add on a 4th classroom. We would also be running a wire underground to provide electricity for their library.

The cabin required us to work with hammers and nails. As for the electricity, we needed to dig a trench to run the wire from the main building to the library. We would learn how to use a pick and spade to dig the trench. Since this was the first time that we have held these tools in our hands, we were somewhat clumsy and slow. However, as we continued to use the pick and spade, and with some help from the local workers, we started to increase the speed and learned a few tricks to maximize efficiency.

When supplies for the cabin arrived, we all started to work on the cabin. Hired workers taught us how to hammer nails into wood and how to make accurate measurements to assemble the cabin. We split into two different groups, each group working on a different section of the home. To ensure that the cabin was level, we learned to use a spirit level on the floor and started to nail in the planks for the floor. In order to finish the cabin faster, we made a line on the floor of the cabin and nailed in the planks. Then, as a group, we put all the walls of the home up and with help from the workers finished the cabin, and it's roof.

Over the next two days, we painted the cabin and completed the trench. After many long tiring hours, the trench was covered, and the entire wire ran properly through it.

We were ecstatic as we pressed the light switch and the small light bulb in the cabin lit up. We were proud to have been able to be apart of something that would help the children and last forever at Footprints.

Written by: Omar Shamma Grade 12

Saudi Nationals Swimming Championships

Last weekend, 5 TKS swimmers journeyed to Dhaman to compete in the 2016 Saudi Nationals Swimming Championship. There were 321 swimmers ages 6 to 18 years from 22 clubs in Saudi Arabia. The teams were divided into 3 regions; East, Central and West, which TKS was a part of. The teams represent, international schools, compounds, hospitals and companies. Being one of the smallest teams there with only 5 swimmers representing TKS we scored very well and placed in an impressive total team score of 13th out of 22 overall.

Our swimmers would not have achieved this without the support of their coaches here at KAUST and abroad, teachers and administrators supporting the program. And especially the never ending family support that gets them up early for morning and weekend practices, gets them to the local and international meets and is always on deck to cheer them on.

Special thanks goes out to the coaches and trainers of our National Swimmers. Kent Abad, Sam Ford, Laura Howley, Robyn Spicer, Maria Silva, Leona Kelly, Maduranga Mahamarakkalage, Hayley Palmer, Ali Kortay and Ollie Fandrich.

To see where this competitive swim program starts at TKS, come next weekend, June 4th to HRC at 8:30am to see our Developing Team, take on BISJ and Jeddah Prep at the 2nd annual TKS Invitational Swim Meet.

By: Mary Fowler

U19 Badmington Pics

June 2016 Events TKS - Whole School

Date

Last Day of School

June 9

GES – Gardens Elementary School GES Arts Celebration Night GES Basket Ball Festival GES G5 Recognition

June 1 June 2 June 7

GSS – Gardens Secondary School GSS SAT Testing GSS Semester 2 Reports

June 4 June 9

Print and stick on the fridge 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 Contacting GES: Reception: 808-6363 Health Office: 808-6412 Contacting GSS: Reception: 808-6703 Principles offices: 808-6867