Volume No: 2003-04/32

Date: 4 June 2004

Trip to Rasa Ria

As I write this, Year 3/4 have just set off on their trip to Rasa Ria. This is a great opportunity for the children to study the coastline, forest habitat and, of course, the orang-utans. We are very grateful to Mr and Mrs Klauser, parents who have helped and the staff of Rasa Ria for providing an opportunity that would not be possible anywhere else in the world.

Incidentally, I was both touched and amused to arrive at school this morning at 7.10 to find one boy from Year 3/4 ready and waiting. “You’re here very early,” I said. “Why’s that?” He looked at me and replied in all seriousness, “The bus is coming at 8.00!” It was a lovely reminder of children’s enthusiasm with which to start the day.

Campfire Evening

This evening sees the campfire party for Year 1 and 2. We are expecting all of the class to be there, with parents, and the children will enjoy campfire food and games.  A good evening is in prospect and I would like to thank Ms Dennis, Ms Dora and the parents for organising and running the evening’s eating and activities.

Year 9 Options Meeting

At this time of year we like to meet with the parents of students in Year 9 so that we can explain the IGCSE and GCSE curricula. Mr Davies will lead the meeting, which will take place at 7.00 pm on Wednesday, 9 June in the secondary block. This is a very important meeting and an opportunity for parents to gain an understanding of their children’s programme for the next two years, as well as to consider the optional subjects from which they may be able to choose.

School Photographs

School photographs will be taken on the morning of Wednesday, 9 June. The passport size pictures will again be used in the school magazine and parents will be receiving 2 passport-sized photos + 1 class photo.

Please make sure that your children look their best for this important date in the calendar.

IGCSE Examinations

Sutera Harbour Members’ Swim Meet

I have received details of the Sutera Harbour Members’ Swim Meet, which are now posted on the board at the main entrance to the school buildings. All junior members are eligible to take part and we have forms available in the school office should you wish your child to do so.

From the PTA:

The next PTA monthly meeting will be held on Monday, 7 June at 8.30 am at the Sabah Golf & Country Club. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Finally, Jonathan Shale passed to me a letter that appeared in The New Straits Times recently. It will strike a chord with many of us and I thought it worth re-printing below.

Why no to international schools?

I would like to know why Malaysian children cannot attend international schools. There are many parents like me who would like to place our children in one of these schools, but our applications to the Ministry of Education have been rejected.

If the Ministry is worried that these Malaysian students will lose their Malaysian culture, rest assured this is not the case.

Bahasa Malaysia , along with Mandarin, is a compulsory subject in many international schools. Furthermore, these international schools encourage students to learn about other cultures, celebrate each festivity and explain the background of them.

Those who can afford to send their children to international schools also have the means to send them overseas at an early age.

Many who have been rejected by the Ministry have done so and many others have migrated as a family. Is this what the Min­istry wants? All this money and talent leaving Malaysia ?

Y.Y.S. / Petalingjaya

Best wishes,