The Wave October 2016

Inspiration

Integrity

Achievement

Matisse in the GES Foyer Matisse was a French Impressionist and leader of the Fauvist movement. As an older man Matisse developed a new type of artwork that he described as painting with scissors, Paper de Coupe or Paper Collaging. Students in G1 used Matisse’s ideas to produce several bright organic shapes out of paper. These shapes were then organized by the students before gluing them onto a bright background to create their individual pieces.

27 October 2016

Thinker IB learner characteristic for the month

the.wave@kaust.edu.sa

Note from the KG Principals Dear Parents, As Kindergarten staff, we’ve put a lot of thought into the use of technology to enhance teaching and learning for our young learners. It’s fair to say there is a lot research out there associated with the negative effects of excessive screen time in relation to learning and development. Within an IB framework we are guided by this statement: “When educators and school leaders actively stand for or against a particular set of technologies, a clear message is sent to the community on how they value any technology as a part of formal education. New technologies that are potentially disruptive in schools are essential to daily life for many students: if they do not appear in school, this can leave the impression with students that “school” and “life” are not necessarily the same. An IB education reflects the environment in which it is developed and prepares students to participate in the larger world. Technology literacy is therefore necessary in addition to and in support of multilingualism and multiculturalism.” The Role of Technology in the IB Programmes (pre-publication), pg. 5 In 2015-2016 Kindergarten teachers engaged in professional dialogue about the role of technology in early years and developed a philosophy statement that expresses our beliefs and guides our approach to technology integration in the Kindergarten.

Philosophy Statement Technology is a tool used to support and enhance student learning. Intentional use of technology enables children to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in alternative ways. Teachers use technology for planning, teaching and assessing.

Technology is integrated in such a way that social, creative and physical play continue to be at the centre of children’s learning experiences.

We will be offering a parent information session later in the school year to provide further insight into appropriate use of technology at school and at home.

Building Relationships and Making Cool Choices As part of our ‘Who We Are’ unit of inquiry, with the central idea that ‘People build relationships through the choices they make’, Miss Olga’s K1 class organized a party for our class. They made invitations, party hats and organized healthy food for us to eat. We were so excited to receive the invitation, go to the party and make some new friends.

This generated discussion about what we could do. We decided to take a trip to Tamimi to buy some food to share. We made a list, headed off and worked cooperatively to gather everything we needed. We also used our creativity to make thank you cards. The choices and the learning around this party event certainly did help us to make some connections with the concept of building relationships.

Rebecca Somerville, K1 Teacher

New Kindergarten Playground

Over the last 4 weeks this K3 class continued to observe the playground being constructed outside their classroom. They were fortunate to meet Ronaldo, the backhoe driver, who showed them the backhoe up close and answered all their questions.

The children observed the workers laying pipes and moving rocks. They watched them mix cement to build walls and “stick the rocks together.”

They also watched them build a gazebo. At first they did not know what it was. “A place we can jump,…or maybe it’s a tower,” said Jana and Joumana. “A little house?” suggested Samara. “A trampoline?” wondered Pingxu.

The children noticed how the workers worked as a team. “If they weren’t doing teamwork they could not build it fast.” Said Jana. “If they do teamwork, they will build it fast!” exclaimed Pingxu.

Finally, the children watched the workers level the ground and plant the grass. One day they were able to lend a hand to load the grass into the wheelbarrow. “It’s almost finished.” “It’s beautiful!” they exclaimed as we walked outside a few days ago. The playground looks extremely inviting and the children are excited to play on it!

Hannele Uariachi, K3 Teacher

Students capture Kindergarten on film

Photo by Leah Bakken, Gr 8

TKS Student Photographers joined the Kindergarten to take photos of children at play. They used their free time on the morning of Late Arrival Day (LAD) to pop in and out of classrooms and capture children in action.

The purpose of the photos is to create school displays used in K2, or collaborative Learner Profile displays, blog posts profiling play, in-house workshops and presentations

Photos by Aliya AlUariachi, G10

G1 Music Class - Tempo and Dynamics

In G1 Music class we’ve been discovering and learning about the musical concepts of Tempo and Dynamics with their Italian musical terminologies.

Tempo - time, the speed of music Dynamics - volume, the music is soft or loud We’ve used many activities and songs to explore these concepts in fun and creative ways.

The songs covered in our music activities were: Cobbler Cobbler (for tempo stick passing), Bluebird (for dynamics with singing), Lucy Locket (for practicing dynamics), Hot Cross Buns (for practicing tempo on xylophones), The Ladder, What’s the Time and Hey There Friend.

To better experience the concepts we also included movement to help us embody these new ideas. During the last lessons of the Unit, we practiced all of the songs while mixing the two concepts together for variation in a grand symphony of sound.

Note from the GES Principals On October 2-3, we welcomed more than eighty parents for our first parent information session of the year, focused on introducing the new English Language Arts Curriculum. It was wonderful to share our new continuum document with so many parents and also share the philosophy behind language learning at Gardens Elementary School.

As parents at the workshops learned, language is central to knowing, learning and communicating. We believe that purposeful inquiry, supported by explicit teaching of skills is the way in which students learn best. Our new curriculum document is based on a developmental continuum of learning, with specific outcomes for reading, writing, listening and speaking, and, viewing and presenting. Each child’s English language development can depend on many factors, including: home language(s), literacy in additional languages, and previous language experiences. Therefore, our new curriculum is a great resource as the continuum allows teachers to focus on where each child is in terms of their language learning and plan for where they need to go next.

This year parents will notice the report card now includes information regarding their child’s stage in relation to the four strands of language. This provides parents with a detailed description of what their child is working on and what their next steps are. If you would like a copy of the English Language Arts Curriculum you can visit our reception. We also have additional copies of the Mathematics Curriculum, in case you did not receive one at our Back to School Evening.

G3-5 Immersed in Music

The future looks bright for the music students of G3,4 and 5. They have immersed themselves in learning playing guitar chords, interpreting rhythm and performing using tuned and untuned percussion.

A number of curious students have even ventured into vocal recording using digital technologies with great success. Many of the G3 blogs showcase the students’ wonderful aptitude to music so ensure you check them out.

By Peter Diglin, Elementary Teacher

The Wave Drawing Challenge

Reflections

from the Director of TKS

Are you the next Picasso or Matisse?

Do you love to draw?

Do you want a chance to win great prizes?

The Wave team are looking for new strong visual content from students. We will accept, drawings, painting, collages and photographs: just as long as it is an original work.

For the next edition of The Wave (November Edition) we are looking for pictures on the theme of “a wave.” Above is an marvelous example by G1 student Francesco Cavallo and below is a reproduction of The Great Wave of Kanagawa by Katsushika Hokusai.

Enter now by dropping a copy of your picture off at the any of the School Receptions.

Remember to write your name and grade on the back.

As I reflect on my favorite moments over the past month, there are so many experiences that come to mind. They ALL revolve around Teaching and Learning at TKS. On October 9th Dr. Ron Ritchhart, a senior researcher from Harvard’s Project Zero came to KAUST to lead us in professional learning. Dr Ritchhart presented on how the development of school and classroom culture is a prime vehicle for developing students as thinkers and as learners. Dr. Ritchhart’s work “Making Thinking Visible” includes examples of thinking routines which facilitate learning and engagement.

Some examples: I used to think…. / Now I think I see / I think /

I wonder

However, creating a culture of thinking across a school is more than incorporating a few effective thinking routines. Dr. Ritchhart allowed us to investigate how as educators we can create cultures of thinking for the students by understanding, assessing, shaping and improving the thinking opportunities in the classroom.

He also stated, “For classrooms to be cultures of thinking for students, schools must be cultures of thinking for teachers.” This aligned beautifully with our focus on Professional Culture at TKS. Every teacher engages in a personal inquiry into teaching practice. We journal about our inquiries, we share with others, we reflect with others, we read, we study our choices, we study our impact. We think about teaching and we learn about teaching.

Partners for Learning is another program designed to bring parents into the culture of thinking at TKS. Thanks to the many of you who attended on October 27th. Please mark your calendars for February 22, 2017 and come to partner with us in our culture of thinking at TKS.

Maddy

Note from the GSS Principals Dear Parents, We are approaching the November holiday. Students have completed the first unit in most subjects. We are looking forward to discussing your child’s progress with you at the 3-Way Conferences on 1 November.

We had two inspiring visitors in the school during the month of October. Ron Ritchhart, a Harvard Researcher, helped us think about how we can create Cultures of Thinking both in the classroom as well as in the way we as educators work together and develop professionally. Ron Ritchhart helped us reflect on the depth of the learning that takes place in the class and provided us with tools to evaluate teaching and learning processes in relation to the depth of understanding of significant concepts.

Tony Burkin, a consultant from New Zealand, worked with the leadership teams on effective ways of leading the school and how to make the teacher-led appraisal process more effective. His input matches very well with the IB programmes and with the ideas described by Ron Ritchhart. Some of our teachers presented our teacher-led appraisal programme at the IB Conference in Barcelona and Heads of School and colleagues form around the world were very impressed with the work done in our school.

It was very encouraging to see so many parents at the parent information sessions on 5 October and to receive such positive feedback. The next parent information sessions will take place on Thursday 17 November. There will be an early session at 8:00 in the GSS Library and a repeat session from 12:00 to 1:30 in Conference Room 5209 located in Building 5 Level 5 Left Wing (Seaside). These Parent Information Sessions will focus on external validation of our programmes through accrediting bodies such as IB, CIS and NEASC, and MYP and DP exam results. The Parent Advisory Council has been very helpful in providing feedback on what information parents would be interested in receiving.

There will be a special parent information session for Grade 6 parents on transition issues and school and course management systems like PowerSchool and Google Classroom. We will announce the date of this session asap.

If you would like to provide the school with feedback, please don’t hesitate to make an appointment or send me an email.

It is also possible to contact one of the PAC members, requesting them to bring up the issue in our monthly sessions. The GSS PAC members include Denise Hawkins, Elaine Steyn, Sue Kershaw, Alexandra Katakalea, Ute Langner, Yvonne Ikram and Zakir Ullah.

I look forward to continuing a dialogue with the parent community.

David Tigchelaar Secondary School Principal

Partners for Learning A big thank you to everyone who was able to come last night to Partners for Learning! We had over 150 parents attend the presentations in the smart new Elemex building.

Thank you to all those teachers who contributed by providing rich presentations for our parents.

Parents left inspired, educated and connected!

Power Is Gained By Sharing Knowledge The Year 5 MYP students are pleased to announce:

The 3rd Annual

PERSONAL PROJECT EXHIBITION Discovery Square

Thursday, November 17th 5:00 - 7:00pm

As part of fulfilling the requirements of their project, and subsequently their action, students are required to receive feedback in order to re-evaluate and adjust their goal, research, action, and reflections. 40 students have chosen to receive feedback from a larger population, hence an open forum in Discovery Square.

Take your family and head down to Discovery Square the evening of the 17th of November to support the students in their endeavors! They have worked incredibly hard to finish their action, formulate great feedback questions and provide information on their project as a whole. Students need to receive feedback from at least 30 community members to have a valid starting point. (Photos are from last years Exhibition)

by Laney Rweyemamu, Personal Project Coordinator

A Musical You Won’t Forget

GSS students have been working extremely hard in preparation to give you a smashing performance in this year’s musical, “Into the Woods Jr.” The students from Grades 6 to 12 that stood out in the auditions have been assigned their roles and are currently rehearsing with great dedication and enthusiasm.

Teachers and students with a whole range of skills and passions are coming together to put on an extraordinary performance. There are actors, singers, costume designers, set builders, lighting operators, musicians and many others helping to create the best musical GSS has presented yet. The play is being directed by the school's drama teacher Claudia Kennedy, in cooperation with student directors, as well as teachers from the music, art, and design departments.

“Into The Woods Jr.” is a combination of multiple world-famous tales: ‘Cinderella’, ‘Rapunzel’, ‘Little Red Riding Hood’ and ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’. From Cinderella to Little Red Riding Hood, to the Mysterious Man, you are sure to be dazzled by the twists and turns of the story, and the amazing talent this student ensemble has ready to showcase. The collaboration of students and staff, who have been contributing countless hours of their spare time, will guarantee a spectacular performance.

Join us on Saturday, December 3rd at 4:00 p.m. for our matinée.

Written by Students: Isha Khurram and Hussan Ikrame

Book Bowl 2016 The 8th Annual Book Bowl was launched during a “Kick off Assembly” on Thursday the 6th of October. Students and teachers worked tirelessly, behind the scenes, to bring you a taste of what to expect from this year’s line up. At long last, the titles were revealed to an eager crowd.

The book covers were paraded on placards at the entrance to the auditorium and right up onto centre stage, as our assembly commenced. Nabiha Khan lead us through the exciting array of stories. She was accompanied by several very talented groups of students, whose brave performances drew us into the minds of the characters and piqued our curiosity. The students and teachers were thrilled by their efforts and applauded wildly.

There had been much anticipation in the preceding weeks surrounding the choice of texts.

Without doubt, selections did not disappoint. This year, our theme is ‘Inspiration’. Students can choose from a wide range of genres and even languages, with French and Arabic books on offer.

The momentum has only been increasing since kick off, as students race to devour as many of the books as possible and prepare to face off against each other in the Book Bowl mini challenges, starting on November 21st and the Grand Final, on November 30th. So, keep reading and good luck, everyone!

See you at the finish line…

By Hannah Greenfield, English Teacher

Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) Daniel compiled a presentation detailing the global human trafficking situation, and delivered it to high school students. Shahista established a Bollywood dance class for girls in the elementary school. Rahaf set up an exchange program with the Arabic teacher of the Thuwal elementary school. Antonio taught himself how to play the ukulele and Pashin started a 3-D animation club for middle-schoolers. Each of these students was participating in the CAS program.

Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) lies at the center of the Diploma Program. Students grow by developing skills and attitudes through a range of experiences. Students explore their own interests and embrace new challenges that facilitate connection to their local and global communities. CAS is designed to cultivate balance and to honor the creative and compassionate attributes of the students. All Grade 11 and 12 students must complete CAS requirements in order to graduate from TKS. What does a CAS experience look like?

If the experience is meaningful, and enables students to learn and grow and to understand themselves and others, it can be considered CAS. e.g.

Writing a song, an exercise program, participation in the musical, a team sport, starting a community program.

How can I support my G11 or 12 child with CAS? Parents play an integral role in encouraging their daughter or son’s involvement in CAS experiences. Regular check-ins asking for news of your child’s CAS progress can help the student maintain focus and commitment, and allow them to recognize the learning that is taking place.

CAS enables students to exhibit the qualities of the IB learner profile in real and practical ways, to define their perspectives and to recognize their role in relation to the world. TKS is excited about the Projects proposed by some of this year’s Grade 11s, which include establishing a community vegetable garden, building a dune buggy, and creating a simple computer game.

If you would like to know more about the CAS program in general, or you are interested in becoming a Supervisor, please contact Beth Lincoln at beth.lincoln@kaust.edu.sa.

Linden Group University Fair at GSS Last Wednesday October 19th, the Linden University Group visited TKS and engaged the students and parents with presentations and a Mini-University fair. The evening was well attended by both students and parents looking to learn more information about general trends in university acceptances and how USA universities regard International Baccalaureate Diploma Program.

After a brief introduction by each university representative and some sharing of information regarding applications, each university then set up a table where they took individual questions from students and parents. Students, parents and university presenters were very happy with the evening events and The Linden Group looks forward to returning to TKS next October.

The universities represented were: Fairfield University, Fairleigh Dickinson University, Loyola Marymount University, Loyola University of Chicago, Marist College, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Portland State University, Universities of California Berkeley, San Diego, Santa Barbara, University of Pittsburg

By Andrew Zienchuk, School Counselor

Madinah Visit

The Islamic studies division had a successful educational trip to Madinah during October. Twenty two students had the chance to visit Prophet’s Mohammed mosque, Masjid Qibaa, Ohod field and the History of Madinah museum. They also had an opportunity to shop in the local and traditional market in Madinah. There were four advisors supervising students throughout the trip to ensure their safety and guide them on a very enjoyable learning journey.

By Mousa Alffi, Arabic Teacher

University Biology Visit

On Sunday 2nd of October, Dr Nason’s TKS Grade 11 Biology students went to the University to look at several types of electron and light microscopes. This visit allowed us to look at a number of specimens and to understand the uses of these different microscopes. We were able to see many organelles (parts of cells) in the transmission electron microscope and a 3D image of a bee in the scanning electron microscope.

This truly was an amazing experience to us as we saw things that are invisible to the naked eye.

We are extremely grateful that we were able to experience this unique opportunity as it will aid us in the future. Thank you to Professor Sougrat and his team for coordinating the event.

By: Matilde, Mayar, Shurouq, Hiba, Erika, Isha, Malak G11 students

Class of ‘18 Celebrate their Curiosity, Critical Thinking & Courage

On Tuesday 4th October, the current G11 class and their families attended the MYP Presentation Night in the GSS auditorium. IB MYP certificates and IB MYP Records of Achievement were presented to the class by our Director Ms. Maddy Hewitt and our Principal, Mr. David J. Tigchelaar.

Graduation nights are milestones in one’s lifetime. They represent a point in time where students can pause, reflect and celebrate their learning before the next chapter begins. This class is known to be curious, critical and courageous.

Recognition of their keen sense of humor, along with their ability to balance being assertive and respectful at the same time was also highlighted.

In the words shared by Grade 10 Leader, Ms. Laney Rweyemamu, the class of 2018 ‘challenge the norm and think in the moment, while foretelling the future and all its possibilities’. Their ability to think in the moment was reflected in their sitting of the very first live MYP online exams and ePortfolios (MYP eAssessments).

2016 saw the first compulsory external assessment of the MYP Personal Project with 54 000 students registered. The TKS students met the world average for the final grade for the project with 14% of our students achieving the highest grade of 7. In the Interdisciplinary Learning exam (Mathematics and English Language and Literature), students were asked to generate creative new insights and develop deeper understandings through critical investigation and communication. TKS students were well above the world average for this exam with 12 students receiving the highest final grade of 7 and a further 12 receiving the final grade of 6. The class also celebrated the tremendous accomplishment of Hamza Mohammed, who achieved 54 out of 56 points making his achievements amongst the top 1% worldwide.

By Katrina Englart, MYP Coordinator

Sports News The TKS volley ball teams have been pitting their skills against a range of teams in preparation for this weekend’s tournament.

Get yourself to the Elementary and Secondary Gymnasiums to support the girls U19 team in their SAIKAC hit outs today October 27 and tomorrow October 28.

Meet the Red Sea Netball Team Meet the Red Sea Netball team. The team comprises of 2 GSS students and 9 Teachers (2 kindergarten, 3 elementary, 1 student support, 2 secondary) all from TKS. This inspirational group have been so successful they will be competing in the Dubai 7’s at the beginning of December.

Back row (left to right): Te Haurawthiti Teddy, Becky Williams, Katrina Englart, Brooke Ikihele, Caitlin McQuaid, Alice Berents, Claude Silich Front row (Left to right) : Zoe Somerville, Rebecca Somerville, Mia Ikihele, Marwah Ashrour

NOVEMBER EVENTS KG - Kindergarten KG K2 Open House KG K1 Open House KG PAC Meeting

GES - Gardens Elementary School

GES Grade 2 Visual Arts Open House with Grace GES Parent Information Session GES Grade 1 Unit 2 Open House GES Arabic Parent Information Session GES Arts Clebration GES Elementary PAC Meeting GES Grade 5 Unit 2 Art Open House GES Grade 4 Unit 3 Provocation Open House GES Grade 3 Unit 2 Open House

GSS – Gardens Secondary School GSS 3-Way Conferences GSS TOK Talks GSS MYP Personal Project Exhibition GSS PAC Meeting GSS G10 Course Selection GSS YMGE Budapest Trip GSS Book Bowl Final GSS G8 Course Selection

TKS - Whole School

Mid-Semester Break - No school School resumes

Date Nov 2 Nov 20 - 22 Nov 23 Nov 17 Nov 22 Nov 22 Nov 22 Nov 23 Nov 23 Nov 24 Nov 27 Nov 28 Nov 1 Nov 14 Nov 17 Nov 23 Nov 23 Nov 23 - 28 Nov 30 Nov 30 Nov 3-11 Nov 12

Co-Curriculum / Sports GSS RSAC U19 Boys and Girls FB GSS RSAC U14 Boys and Girls VB GSS RSAC U16 Boys and Girls FB

Nov 18 Nov 19 Nov 26

Kindly Note these unavoidable changes to the dates in our Art Calendar for GSS Events:

Contacting KG: 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

Print and stick on the fridge

Contacting GES: Reception: 808-6363 Health Office: 808-6412 Contacting GSS: Reception: 808-6703 Principals offices: 808-6867

A Note from the Health Office On Lice and Nits (lice eggs) Lice are a common problem in schools all over the world and The KAUST School is no different.

Here are some simple steps you can take at home to help keep lice under control and away from your children. TKS does not recommend any other form of treatment.

Check your child’s hair weekly for nits (lice eggs) or live lice. Nits look like tiny yellow, tan, or brown dots close to the scalp. Lice are tiny, wingless grey-brown insects about the size of a sesame seed.

If you find nits: Manually remove nits - they cannot be brushed out.

Recheck hair daily until no nits are found.

GSS RSAC U16 Boys FB @ AISJ moved from Friday, November 25 to Saturday, November 26 GSS RSAC U14 Girls VB @ BISJ moved from Friday, November 25 to Saturday, November 26

If you find lice: Treat with a medicated shampoo* recommended by your doctor before allowing child back to school.

Change any bed linens, pillows, hair clips, combs, hairbrushes, etc once lice have been found. Wash hats, head scarfs, stuffed toys, sofas, carpets etc.

GSS MEUC U19 Basketball – Bahrain – January 26-28 This event is cancelled.

In both cases, check every family member and tie long hair back to discourage further spread of the infestation.

Friday, February 17, 2017 - GSS RSAC U19 Girls BB @ JKS switches to GSS RSAC U19 Girls BB @ TKS

*NB: Please read the information that comes with any product you buy to avoid any possible allergic reactions.