TENBY SCHOOLS IPOHNewsletter #163 - January 2018

Highlights in this Newsletter:

Message from Campus Principal

Update from PA Meeting 11.01.18

Congratulations on Excellent A-Level Results

Introduction of New Teachers

Facilities Update

Inter-house Photography Competition

Staggered Friday Dismissal - Trial for Meru Raya Campus from Friday 19.01.18

From the Campus Principal Jane Kuok

Dear Parents & Tenby Community,

Thank you to parents who nominated themselves to be representatives of the Parents Associa-tion Committee 2018. We will publish the names of the nominees in the next Newsletter on on Friday 19th January, and if there are no objections received by Friday 26th January, we will put the nominees’ names to a vote if there are more than the number of representatives required. Details of any voting will be provided later through the School Newsletter.

The PA Committee works tirelessly for the community behind the scenes and we greatly appreci-ate their commitment and support to the students and the school.

As announced in our last message, the PA Annual General Meeting will take place on Saturday 10th February at 10:00hrs in the Auditorium. All parents are welcome to attend and we look forward to seeing you there.

Update from the PA Meeting 11.01.18This week, there was a PA Committee Meeting. We covered various topics of which the highlights are below:• Thank you for PA support for the Christmas Assemblies at the end of last term.• Clarification of the Canteen selection process to ensure that parents deem the process as fair, inclusive, consultative and transparent.• PA AGM Agenda was agreed.• Update on PA nominations were shared.• Explaining the Exit Process for school leavers and items that need to be returned in line with Tenby Group Practices.• Clarifying CCA Fee Collection – through Ipoh Bug which is a registered company or the School for all other CCAs.• TEYCI - reminders about the School’s channels of communication and encouraging parents to contact teachers directly.• Suggestion from the Student Council is that they would like to use some of the PA Funds from Family Day to enhance recreational areas. They gave a list of items and it was agreed that this could be done. We will begin to source the cost of the items.• In supporting the School’s focus on international mindedness, EPIC Homes was intro duced as a charity that the school would support this year. The PA agreed that this was a good cause where students could get involved.• International Mindedness – PA asked if the school could remind students about cleaning up after themselves and for younger students, to remind them on toilet etiquette. • ENGAGE Portal – PA asked for the School Calendar and Class Timetable to be updated. This was done and aspects clarified. • The school asked for PA assistance to organise the Hari Raya Assembly. They will look into it.

Congratulations on Excellent A-Level ResultsThis week our last Cohort of A-Level students received their examination results from Cambridge. Once again we are very proud of their achievements that are a testament to the dedication and hard work of the students, teachers and their parents. Here is a summary of their results:• 94% pass rate• 81% grades A* to C• 60% grades A* to B• 36% grades A* to A

We had many excellent individual performances; a testament to the diligence of our students and the dedication and professionalism of our teachers. We would, however, like to make a special mention for some truly outstand-ing achievements:

• Mohammad Ridzuan Yahya Mat Som 3 A*s and 1 B • Leong Yun Hao 2 A*s, 1 As and 1 B • Mah Zi Sheng 1 A* 2 As and 1 B • Yap Mun Wai 1 A* and 2 As• Margaret Lim Jo Ee 3 As

Well done to them, and to all our students who will now be moving on to the next stage in their educational journey. We thank them for their contribution to the school and wish them all the very best in the future endeav-ours.

Introduction of New Teachers

Nur Asyitah Idris – School Counsellor & Learning Support TeacherMy name is Nur Asyitah Idris and I hold a Bachelor of Education Degree (Guidance & Counselling) from The International Islamic University of Malaysia, Gombak. I am a registered counsellor with the Malaysian Board of Counsellors. Just in case you think a counsellor can do magic, I assure you I don’t have a magic wand, but I will do my upmost to listen and sort out issues together with you. Educating and helping people is my passion. In my spare time I like to watch movies.

Nur Shafiqah Bt Abdul Rashid – Design & Technology Teacher (Sekolah Tenby) My name is Nur Shafiqah Binti Abdul Rashid. I am a graduate in Bachelor of Education specialising in Living Skills (Kemahiran Hidup). My minor subject was Mathematics. I graduated from Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris. I am from Perlis and have three siblings. I am very much looking forward to being part of the Tenby family.

Hwong Wai Fong – Chinese Teacher (Sekolah Tenby)First of all, it is my pleasure to join the big family of Tenby Schools Ipoh. I am Ms. Hwong, a young and energetic Mandarin teacher. I believe that teaching is always a two way process which involves both teacher and students. I enjoy the fun and laughter of the teaching and learning process very much. Hence, I look forward to a harmonious and happy teaching environment in my classes.

Nurul Hidayah Bt Mohd Zuhairi – Mathematics Teacher (Sekolah Tenby)I am a graduate from Universiti Sains Malaysia with a bachelor’s degree in Science with Education specialising in Mathematics and Physics. I am looking forward to working at Tenby.

Ezatul A’in Artikah – Malay Teacher (Sekolah Tenby)I graduated from Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang in Bahasa Malaysia (Major) and Archeology (Minor). I have worked at Kolej Teknologi Perak as a lecturer and as a teacher at Excel Edu International School, Subang Jaya.

Choong Foon Yin – Chinese Teacher (Tenby International School)Hi, I’m Ms. Choong Foon Yin, a graduate from UPSI. I am a Mandarin teacher. I enjoy meeting new people and learning new things.

Lum Yin Mei - Mathematics Teacher (Tenby International School)Hi, I am Lum Yin Mei. I enjoy discussing and solving mathematical problems since my younger days in school. To continue my passion of sharing different strategies and approaches in solving challenging mathematical problems, I chose to study in Bachelor of Science and Computer with Education (Mathematics) from University Technology Malaysia (UTM). I have been teaching Additional Mathematics for three years in Sarawak since graduating from UTM, and I am glad to be part of the Tenby Community.

Facilities UpdateThank you to our Facilities Team for all the upgrading and maintenance works they did over the holidays.• Air-conditioners serviced• Repainting of buildings• Repainting of road lines• Installation of a wider entrance gate to the wading pool• Unblocking of all pipes in and around Canteen area• Other regular servicing/maintenance e.g. pest control, fire alarm, TNB substation inspection etc.• Upgrading of Staff Lounge• Repair of perimeter fencing

Disbursement of Car Stickers 2018 – 2019 Today is the last day to submit the requisition form for replacement of existing car stickers to the new 2018 – 2019 version. We will distribute them to parents via their youngest/only child on Monday 29th January. Parents will be informed via ENGAGE and Twitter when the car stickers are ready.

Inter-House Photography Competition (Contributed by Richard Davidson)We are very pleased to invite all Secondary School students, staff, parents and guardians to participate in the Secondary School Inter-House Photography Competition. The closing date for submission of all entries is Friday 26th January at 12:30hrs.

All parents and guardians will represent the House that their child is a member of, and for staff, the House they have already been assigned to (one will be assigned if you do not have a House).

Competition OutlineThere will be three artistic categories for this competition. You may enter all three categories if you wish, but you may only submit one entry per category.

Photo Categories 1. International Mindedness “International Mindedness is being able to share, understand, respect and accept the cultural diversity of all communities in the world, thus enabling us to collaborate, integrate and co-exist peacefully and harmoniously within a united world at peace.”

2. Natural World and Wildlife No animal is to be harmed in any way in the taking of your photo

3. Friendship Entry Categories • Students Years 7 to 9 and Forms 1 to 3 • Students Years 10 to 13 and Forms 4 to 5 • Staff and Parents

Winners will be announced in February and top photos will be part of a photography exhibition at our Open Day on the 10th March.

There will be trophies for winners of all categories.

Entry forms, instructions and important terms and conditions have been circulated via the ENGAGE Portal and also direct to the Secondary School student’s emails. If you have not received these please send an enquiry to ipoh.inter-house@tenby.edu.my.

We look forward to receiving entries from all members of our community. Good Luck!

Staggered Friday Dismissal - Trial for Meru Raya Campus from Friday 19th JanuaryAt the PA Committee Meeting this week, we raised the idea of trialling a staggered finish on Fridays to ease the traffic outside school. This has been a long term issue that has upset many and if it is successful, it would make both the residents and parents very happy.

We have noticed that on Mondays – Thursdays, where primary finish at 14:30hrs and secondary at 15:00hrs, the traffic usually clears within 15 minutes (weather permitting) and has dispersed by 14:45hrs. Therefore, we propose that we trial from Friday 19th January a staggered dismissal whereby primary will finish school at 12:30hrs and secondary at 12:45hrs. If no objections are received by Wednesday 17th January, we will start this trial on Friday 19th January. We will send an ENGAGE Portal Notice to parents to inform them of whether this will go ahead on Thursday 18th January. If we do go ahead, then we propose that we trial this for four (4) weeks, up until Chinese New Year.

CCA Updates – Introduction of New CCA

Fundamentals of Photography CCA for age 12 and above Course structure: 10 theory sessions & 6 practical sessions Duration: 1 Term

Course outline:

Syllabus Practical

Module 1 (Elementary)

1.1 What is Photography Using Speed priority to realise

effects of slow speed, fast speed ,

panning, etc

Structure of Camera: Switches, functions

Factors of exposure: Shutter speed,

Aperture, ISO sensitivity

1.2 Theory of lenses: Focal length, Depth of

field, Perspective

Using Apperture priority to realise

effects of depth of field

1.3 ISO & Sensors Using Manual · ISO & Sensors

mode to produce different results. Metering techniques

1.4 Autofocus modes Creating images with rules of thirds,

golden means, leading lines,

framing, etc. Basic Composition Techniques

Module 2 (Intermediate)

2.1 Colour Theory Creating different ambience with

white balance setting. Colour temperature & White balance

2.2 Theory of filters Filter settings and B&W.

B&W Photography

2.3 Nature of light

Creating effects with different

lightings.

2.4 Flash photography Flash setting, multiple flashes, etc.

Module 3 (Advanced)

3.1 Genres of photography Night photography, light trails, etc.

Photographer’s Concept

3.2 Use of tripod Panning with slow sync flash, etc.

3.3 Creative photography (I) Light painting, long exposure, etc.

3.4 Creative photography (II) Zooming, Abstract, Macro, etc.

Requirement: A digital camera that is capable of manual settings. It can be a DSLR or a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. Students are not encouraged to acquire flash-light and tripod yet.

Fee: RM850. There will be 15% discount if the number of participants reach 10 students.

How to sign up: Please sign up through the Engage Parent Portal under Activity Booking.

During the Bahasa Malaysia lesson, students from

Standard 2E worked in groups to read a text about “My

Family” and answered comprehension questions. They

interpreted the questions and were able to identify the

answers from the given text. Students accomplished

the given task on time by answering five questions

correctly. They were cooperative when they worked in

groups. Students were able to read and understand the

challenging text. They also learnt new vocabulary found

in the passage through using cooperative learning.

We took turns

to write…

TEAMWORK!!

Students presenting their ideas

in groups.

The Form 1 students presented their ideas about a “Healthy Lifestyle” during a

Bahasa Malaysia lesson. The students were divided into groups to discuss

about the criteria of healthy lifestyles. After that, they presented their ideas to

the class. This lesson was incorporated with the cultural aspect of international

mindedness, whereby the students were able to compare their lifestyles with

healthy lifestyles from the world's ten healthiest countries (Netherlands,

Canada, Australia, Switzerland, Germany, Finland, Sweden, Iceland and

Japan). This lesson enabled the students to have a better understanding of

themselves, their community and country in terms of practising a healthy

lifestyle and also the lifestyles of other countries.

Students learnt to incorporate their

ideas in writing. They also took note

on ways to keep themselves healthy.

Essay Writing

Welcome back! We hope you have all had a

wonderful break and ready to begin the new

term.

Please join me in welcoming Miss Linda, our

new Teacher Assistant, to the team. Miss Linda

is looking forward to working with our Early

Years children and I am sure she will be a hit

with both children and parents.

Here are some important dates for your diary:

Year 6 Mock Checkpoint

Monday 15th January to

Wednesday 17th January

Year 6/Standard 6 Checkpoint Information

Session for Parents

Wednesday 24th January

17:00hours at the Library

Parent Information Session (PIM) – Reading

for Key Stage 2 Children

Friday 26th January 2017

08:00hours at the Library

Please check your Parent

Portal daily.

Please check your child’s

Student Planner daily.

Do follow us on Twitter:

@tenbyipoh

Remember to display your

Transport ID Sign on the left

hand corner of your car

dashboard to help ease the

during pick-up time.

Home Learning and Spelling

List will be made available

on the Parent Portal on

Friday evenings.

Please download the IPC

Challenge Sheets from your

Parent Portal.

This morning, the Nursery children were

spotted at the Block A car park with their

colourful umbrellas. They have been

learning the ‘u’ sound in class and have

been exploring objects beginning with the

‘u’ sound.

What a wonderful way to begin their

morning!

Miss Lam

Nursery children had a wonderful

time rainbow finger painting

number 7, they counted up to 7

cups in the sand and water trays,

and practiced writing ‘u’.

The Toddlers

enjoyed playing

together on the

play equipment.

The play house

was a popular

choice on

Thursday

morning!

The Reception classes

took full advantage of

the role play area, they

had a super time

helping each other

dress in their costumes

and getting involved in

imaginative play.

The Year 1

classes enjoyed

their weekly visit

from our ICT

Specialist Mr.

Morgan on

Thursday.

Happy New Year to all readers! We started off our new

year by exploring our latest IPC unit – What a Wonderful

World which is a unit about the natural world.

On the 4th January 2018, a Thursday, we invited our

parents to join us for our Entry Point activity. We had a

pair of parents joining us in our class for it. The activity

was to create a calendar of 12 months using the natural

world as a theme. To make it more interesting, the best

calendar design will

be chosen by our

class teacher and

be displayed on our IPC Wall. We used several

media to create our calendar such as coloured

pencils, water

colours, poster

colour, coloured

pen and also pictures of the natural world which were

provided by our teacher.

We were split into our groups and the parents

participated with us in designing and creating the

calendars. We had one hour to design and come up with the

final calendar. Here are some photos of us working away in

class.

We hope you enjoyed reading

about our Entry Point activity.

Again, we would like to wish

you all a great new year!