Issue No. 35 May 9 - Chinese International School Manila

PARENT NEWSLETTER
Chinese International School Manila
May 09, 2014
School Year 2013 - 2014, 2nd Sem., Issue No. 35
Message from the Headmaster: Mark Wycherley
Dear Parents,
Please be advised on the schedule of events we have planned for the final week of the school year which is
listed below. I should add that PowerSchool closes on May 22nd for Grade 12 and on May 29th for grades 5 to
11. This is for the calculation of final grades and the completion of reports. PowerSchool reopens on June 5 th
at 1.00 PM and reports for grades 5 to 12 will be available online then. Similarly, students in PreKindergarten to Grade 4 will be given their report cards in the morning of June 5 th.
On Saturday May 24th our Chinese Department will host the YCT (Youth Chinese Test) in conjunction with
the Confucius Institute at the Ateneo de Manila University. Students taking this test should come in uniform
and bring their school I.D. and 2B pencils. The registration begins at 8.00 AM and all students should arrive
by this time. Latecomers cannot be allowed into the test. Names of students will be posted outside the room
in which they will sit the test.
MAY 26-30 (MON-FRI): Preliminary Rounds Grades 6-10 Song Writing Competition
JUNE 2 (MON):
Festival of the Arts
7:30-9:00 A.M.
9:30-10:30 A.M.
1:00-2:30 P.M.
Art Exhibit
Lower School Concert
Song Writing Finalists’ Concert
JUNE 3 (TUE):
Sports Day
7:30–2:30 P.M.
JUNE 4 (WED):
9:00 -10:30 A.M.
1:00-2:30 P.M.
Music Recital
Talent Show
JUNE 5 (THU):
Graduation
8:00-10:00
11:30-12:00
12:00
Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten
Reception for Parents
Graduation Ceremony (Grades 5, 8 and 12)
Please follow CISM on Twitter: @IIoveCISM and do ‘Like us’ on Facebook: www.facebook.com/
ChineseInternationalSchoolManila
鱼
yú
fish
金鱼
jīnyú
gold fish
钓鱼
diàoyú
fishing
June 5
Moving Up Day
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PARENT NEWSLETTER Chinese International School Manila
Reminders for taking the YCT:

Registration starts at 8:30 AM on May 24, 2014 (Saturday), at the Parent
Lounge.

Instructions will be given by 8:30 AM and tests will begin promptly at 9:00
AM. All testing rooms will be on the 3rd floor.

CISM students should come in their regular uniform.

Please bring the following:
School ID
2B pencil
Eraser

YCT Test Duration
The time does not include instructional time and the writing of names,
checking of identity, etc. that will take around 15 to 20 minutes.
Level 1 = 35 minutes
Level 2 = 50 minutes
Level 3 = 60 minutes
Level 4 = 85 minutes
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PARENT NEWSLETTER Chinese International School Manila
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PARENT NEWSLETTER Chinese International School Manila
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PARENT NEWSLETTER Chinese International School Manila
Algebra (Grades 6 to 8)
This course aims to give a comprehensive look at basic algebra up to advanced algebra, focusing on critical
skills and mathematical processes. Worksheets range from beginner to advance to maximize learning and
keep the participants engaged.
AP Physics Review (Grades 8 to 11)
A review course on the core topics of AP Physics with specific focus on conceptual and theoretical learning approaches.
Applied Physics (Grades 6 to 8)
An investigative, skills-based short course aimed to prepare enrollees on the needed empirical skills for
Physics.
Badminton (Grades 3 to 11)
Practice and improve fundamental striking and badminton skills (racket grip, forehand, backhand, ready
position). Actively participate in badminton lead-up games and challenges to utilize learned skills and develop physically activity. Students will learn proper form on how to do service/receive, forehand, backhand, foot work, smashing, high clear and drop shot.
Chinese Pronunciation & Accent Reduction (Grades 2 to 5 or Grades 6 to 10)
The course is designed to help students eliminate their accent and sound like a native Chinese speaker. It is
geared for individuals who wish to improve their pronunciation of standard Mandarin. It also emphasizes
general pronunciation practice while heavily focusing on Chinese tone and intonation (rhythm and pitch)
through speaking/dialogue practices.
Companion Planting and Organic Gardening Methods (Grades 8 to 12)
*with an additional fee of Php2,000.00 Maximum of 8 students per bracket
A short introductory course on utilizing companion planting approaches in gardening and mini-farms.
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PARENT NEWSLETTER Chinese International School Manila
Drago the Science Explorer (Grades 2 to 4)
Week 2 and 3 only every Friday *with an additional fee of Php500.00
Drago is CISM’s version of Dora the Explorer. Drago will explore the world of science through various
kid-friendly experiments. Some of the worlds include the Pacific Ring of Fire where they will be asked to
experiment on volcanoes, the world of King Arthur as students will be asked to conquer other realms using
their own catapults, and Hogwarts where they will be shown how coloured fire is made. And as with
Dora’s travels, an exploration wouldn’t be complete without our very own handy backpack!
Early Literacy Program (Age 2 to 5 years old)
Maximum number of students: 8 students
Strengthen key literacy skills as young learners dive into fascinating literature selections while learning
about authors, varied writing styles, and illustrative methods. Students will also engage in reinforcement
activities to highlight a particular skill and story.
Financial Literacy (Grades 2 to 5)
Maximum number of students:15 students
Early training in handling money and understanding how money works paves the way for future moneymanagement behavior. The course introduces children ages 7-10 to guided, finance-related, decisionmaking activities built on the concept of sound financial knowledge. They will learn developmentally appropriate ways to earn money, allocate their allowances into categories such as “save,” “spend,” and
“share,” and discover ways to make their money grow. The concepts will be taught through simulation
games, spending diaries, savings plans, and a small market sale activity.
Heuristics in Problem Solving (Grades 4 to 6 or Grades 7 to 9)
This course aims to develop critical thinking skills as it exposes students to various strategies they can
adopt in solving non-routine Math problems. This course also aims to keep its participants engaged in unfamiliar processes and build their confidence through lectures, daily puzzles and games.
Hip Hop (Grades 3 to 6)
Week 2 and 3 only
An introductory course that will immerse the students in appreciation of pop, rock, RnB and house music
though dance. Whether their goal is to improve on their kinesthetic skills, to lose weight by sweating
through different routines, or to simply just move around during the lazy summer days, this course is definitely for everyone who shows interest and exudes energy to move with the music, and just dance!
HSK 2/3/4 (Grades 7 to 12)
Both HSK and YCT are the standardized international test used to determine the fluency of non-native
speakers in the Chinese language. The review course offers a complete HSK/YCT preparation curriculum
covering listening, speaking, reading, writing and test skills.
IBDP Physics Review – SL (Grades 10 and 11)
A comprehensive, preparatory speed course for students aiming to take IBDP Physics, with specific focus
on Topics 1 to 8.
Kitchen Chemistry (Grades 4 to 7)
Week 2 and 3 only *with an additional fee of Php500.00
Ever wondered about the science behind the rich colours of fruits and vegetables, or the sweet aroma of
vanilla, or the wiggly texture of jell-o? Enjoy a different culinary journey as you get to experience making
ice cream, mayonnaise, and other delectable entrees in the eyes of a scientist through this course.
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PARENT NEWSLETTER Chinese International School Manila
Micro-Ecology Classes on Terrarium and Aquarium Construction (Grades 9 to 12)
*with an additional fee of Php5,000.00 Maximum of 8 students
Introductory micro-ecology classes focusing on creating and maintaining micro-climates using aquaria and
terraria set-ups.
Molecular Arts & Crafts (Grades 4 to 7)
Week 2 and 3 only *with an additional fee of Php500.00
The fusion of science and art has finally arrived! Students will get to experience working in a laboratory
while showing off their artistic skills in the creation of their very own line of scents and designs. This DIY
(Do-It-Yourself) course will allow them to make their own soaps, perfumes, tie-dyed shirts, and other
products available in the market while learning basic chemistry.
Movie Making Using Ipad (Grades 1 to 5)
Kids will come up with an idea for a movie and use an Apple iPad to record video and create a Hollywood
style movie trailer. Kids will also have fun creating special effects for their videos using green screen technique on the iPad. Creating stopmotion videos will also be covered. Kids will have to bring their own iPads
and install the required apps.
Organic Cuisine Culinary Class (Grades 6 to 8)
*with an additional fee of Php3000.00 Maximum of 8 students
A 9-day culinary adventure on preparing organic and herb-based dishes using fair trade and organically
grown ingredients.
Pollock's Lab (Pre-K to Gr. 2)
Week 1 and 2only
Integrating Art to understand Science topics through engaging art activities and a project inspired by the
works of Jackson Pollock. Children ages 4-7 will have an opportunity to be imaginative and to create artistic products that they can share with family and friends.
Pre-Calculus (Grades 9 to 10)
The program provides a more thorough integration of graphing utilities into topics, allowing students to
explore mathematical concepts. The course consists, primarily of higher level studies in theoretical mathematics. Emphasis is put on problem solving and critical-thinking skills required for Calculus. Students are
also expected to use technology, including graphing calculators and online mathematical software.
Pre-IB Chemistry (Grades 9 to 10)
This course is designed for students who wish to take advanced lessons in preparation for the IB Chemistry
course. The module is designed for the students to learn/ review fundamental concepts in Chemistry that
they will need to excel in the program. An introduction to the first four units of the IB course will also be
included, i.e. Quantitative Chemistry, Atoms, Periodicity and Bonding.
Programming for Kids (Grades 1 to 5)
Maximum of 10 students
This course will introduce kids to the essential building blocks behind object-oriented programming using
Scratch software created by MIT Media Lab. Students will think creatively while learning how to program
their own stories, games, and animations, as well as how to share their creations on the web. Students will
also use Makey Makey to transform basic items into a touchpad controller, allowing students to create
something out of their Scratch programs.
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PARENT NEWSLETTER Chinese International School Manila