Volume No: 2001-2027

Date: 7 September 2001

Welcome back to everyone to the start of the new academic year. I trust that everyone had a relaxing and enjoyable holiday break. We have a number of new families joining the school this term, so please take the time to introduce yourself.

We are anticipating a very busy academic year ahead of us. We will be hosting the FOBISSEA Games in May 2002, and we are expecting some 400 primary school pupils to participate in these. Our Year 2, 6 and 9 pupils will also be sitting the English National Curriculum Standardised Assessments (SATs) for the first time during the same month. The School Calendar for the coming academic year will be sent home next week.

IGCSE Results

Earlier this year our Year 11 pupils sat the first of their IGCSE subjects. These were Mathematics, English and Bahasa Malaysia. They will be sitting the remainder of their subjects in November. The results for the June examinations have been published, and all of our candidates performed extremely well. We enjoyed almost a 100% pass rate in all subjects with the majority of the grades being A*, A and B passes.

We can be extra proud, because the consistency of our grades was the highest of all the British international schools in Asia. This is an outstanding effort and an excellent start to our IGCSE programme. The students are to be congratulated for the achievements.

Playground Development

I would like to thank Mr Roger Ling for donating the fencing along the new playground area as well as new climbing frames. I would also like to thank Mr Anders Møller and Mr Ben Poon for donating the timber and equipment for the swings and climbing frames presently being constructed.

You will notice that the drainage project on the sports field has neared completion. The drainage pipes have been put in place and the field now has a surface layer of sand. Sutera Harbour Golf & Country Club is donating the grass that we intend to sow in the very near future.

School Uniform

Many of our Secondary Department students have already begun wearing the new school uniform. Whilst this term students can still wear the old uniform, all students will be expected to wear the new uniform at the start of next term. If any student needs further alterations to their new uniform, the tailor is willing to do so.

I would like to thank the PTA, especially Mrs Hughes for the time taken to organise this for the school. Some of the collared t-shirts have had to be sent back because they were the wrong size, but they will be replaced in the very near future.

Parents Computer Lessons

Following on the success of last year's programme, we will be continuing computer lessons for parents. These will be held every Tuesday from 8.00 to 9.30am, and will be concentrating on web page design. If you are interested in joining these classes, please see Mr White.

Extra Curricular Activities (ECA):  Parent Volunteers

The after school clubs will begin during the week of 24^th September. In an effort to offer our students a wider choice of clubs, we encourage parents to volunteer to lead a club in an area that they are interested in. If you are willing to assist in this way, please see Mr Dickinson.

School Security  

With the recent terrorist attacks in the United States, we have sought advice from both the British and United States Embassies. They have stated that it is unlikely that Malaysia will witness any such terrorist actions connected to this tragic event, however they do encourage all foreign nationals to be cautious and vigilant in security measures, and to report any suspicious activity to the police. 

Continuing on with the extra security measures that we took as a school at the end of last term, we have maintained our security guard during school hours and kept the gates locked except for at times when our students are met by parents to go home. Similarly, our students will continue to travel to the swimming pool by bus until further notice. 

School Holiday: Monday 16^th September

A reminder that the school will be closed on Monday, 17 September for TYT's Birthday. 

School Production:  The Pied Piper 

The Primary Department will be staging a production of the Pied Piper on the 6^th December. Our students have already held auditions for most parts and are practicing for this during Music lessons. Anyone who knows that their child will not be here for this performance, please let Miss Johnstone know. 

Hats at Play Breaks 

Whilst it is not compulsory, we encourage all students to wear hats at play breaks and at PE lessons. Please encourage your child to have one available. 

Donation of Construction Games 

A special thanks to Mr Tabrett for donating construction games to the Reception/Year 1 class. These will be enjoyed greatly by the pupils. 

ELC Development 

Secondary Department Field Trip 

We are making enquiries into organising a field trip to the Mulu Caves for the Year 6 to 9 students later this term. If anyone is able to assist in providing contacts, and more particularly competitive prices for this, please see Miss Stansfield. 

Swimming Volunteers 

Once again we seek the support and cooperation of all parents to act as volunteer helpers for our swimming programme. Assistance is needed for the Reception to Year2 classes that travel to pool on Thursday 11.30am to 12.30pm, and for our ELC class that travel to the pool on Mondays at 11.00am to 12.00noon. Please see Ms Dennis or Mrs Henry if you can help. 

Year 4 & 5 Field Trip 

Year 4 & 5 went on a very enjoyable and informative field trip to the Water Supply and Treatment Exhibition held at Sutera Harbour today as part of their Geography topic on water. Thank you to Mrs Anuar Ghani for organising this. 

New Book Folders 

The school has had made a new school book folder that is blue in colour and of a very strong fabric. This is ideal as a bag to carry homework and reader home. These are available at the school office for RM10.00.