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Internationalism at AIS

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Transitioning to a new school and a new country is an exciting adventure. Immersing your children in an international community is an incredible opportunity for them to view the world through different lenses, appreciate diverse cultures and to have great respect and appreciation for all.

As an International Baccalaureate® World School, AIS live the united mission to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect. Our students have are encouraged to learn from each other in a collaborative and inquiry-based setting where Respect is one of our key values. The effects of ‘internationalism’ should be embraced, your child will flourish by being stretched and challenged by different ways of thinking, living and doing.

To help children get settled in diversified communities, it is important to thoroughly research your impending international move. To best prepare children and yourselves, gather as much information as possible and include your children in this fact-finding mission. Find out about your schooling options and what schools can offer you both prior to your commencement and whilst being a part of the school community. Ask about the school’s population and their nationality data. Discovering which nationalities construct your chosen school can help you to absorb those cultures before you arrive by reading books, watching documentaries, listening to other languages and finding out about their beliefs and cultures.

We have many structures in place to support new and existing families. Our Parents Association (AISPA) are available from the moment you arrive, a Parent Country Ambassador volunteer from your home country can help you with your transition and each class has a ‘Friend of AISPA’ who act as the support network for your child’s class. Students are also supported by the red-ribbon and buddy system for new students that are in-place across the school, and our school counsellors check-in with new students within their first few weeks. Our highly skilled welfare teams are also available across the school. Should Elementary and Secondary students require assistance with adjusting to a new school system or identify language barriers, our Learning Enrichment and English as Additional Language teams are on hand to help students with academic support.

AIS is an inclusive learning environment, we embrace and celebrate diversity and build relationships within our community based on mutual respect, trust, acceptance and care. All students, regardless of nationality, are language learners in the early years and we help develop their skills through play and social engagement. At AIS, we believe that students whose first language is not English are an asset in our school as they bring unique gifts, skills and culture.

Our Early Years programme is complete immersion in English language, so children coming into our Early Learning Village are at a significant advantage when learning a new language. All students in our Early Years programmes (18 months – 4 years) are encompassed in a language rich environment where native English speakers can learn from student’s whose Mother Tongue is not English, and all learners have the right to participate fully in their school environment regardless of any language barriers. Students also have access to single subjects where English language is not the focus of the curriculum which allows students to be successful in other areas such as physical education, art, music and Mandarin.

Kelly Sommerville, Head of Inclusion, AIS

Speak to the friendly Admissions team at AIS to learn more about the school.

Swimming for a Cure

After completing 16 ironman triathlons and over 30 half ironman races, Callum Eade was looking for an even bigger challenge. With the goal of fundraising for Tour De Cure, the New Zealander set his sights on swimming the English Channel – the famous body of water that separates Southern England from Northern France. “The channel has been an aspirational goal of mine for over a decade,” says Callum. “I’ve pursued many triathlon and ironman goals over the past 30 years and was looking for something new, exciting and challenging!” Callum and his family have lived in Singapore for the past seven years, and they are valued members of the ANZA community. “ANZA has been a big part of our Singapore life, particularly from a sporting perspective. My wife Sarah has helped coach my nine-year-old daughter Sophie at ANZA Netball for the last three years and our son Charlie (6) loves ANZA Soccer!”

Swim fit
Taking on the 33km swim presented a big physical test. “I’m not a swimmer,” Callum admits. “It’s part of the stable triathlon diet, so I’m fortunate that I’ve swum for many years, but given that it equates to 15% of a tri race…it’s always the poor cousin when it comes to training.” Callum had to ramp up his pool time. “The training load is enormous. I’m swimming 30-40km per week. I swim six days a week, averaging 4-5km per session. On top of this, I try to have one longer swim (6-7km) every week. I also swim 10-12km once a month. I need to eat properly, train every day, stay supple by way of massages, as well as balance work, family and health.”

Cold case
Callum must ensure he’s properly acclimatised for the icy Channel waters. “The temperatures in the English Channel will be 16-19 degrees Celsius. Living on the equator here in Singapore is far from ideal, with water temperatures in both the pools and the ocean normally exceeding 30 degrees Celsius. I’ve been travelling regularly to Melbourne, Australia to replicate the conditions of the Channel. I also spend a lot of time sitting in an ice bath when I’m back in Singapore!”
Callum has one more winter swim camp south of Sydney at the end of the month. “The key thing for me will be to stay focused and prepared for overcoming the cold. If I can’t deal with the temperature, we don’t have a chance to succeed. I’ll be ready fitness wise and motivation has never been an issue for me. I love pursuing a goal and I’ve also learnt in the past from being underprepared.”

Fundraising goals
Knowing he’s raising vital funds for cancer research has kept Callum on track during arduous training sessions. “I’m a cancer survivor. I was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2011. My diagnosis was life defining. I was lucky to have found it early and I now feel an obligation to help others be aware of how they can control and manage their own health.”
Callum chose to partner with Tour de Cure, an Australian organisation that raises funds for cancer research through cycle events, swims, walks and runs. “They’re an amazing organisation – in the last decade they’ve raised nearly $50 million in the fight to cure cancer! Now, that’s something to swim for,” says Callum. The $100,000 goal has been set for a reason. “If we can reach $100,000, we’re able to fund a program to find a cure for DIPG cancer (DIPG is a tumour located in the middle of the brain stem) If we succeed it could help a lot of sick kids out there. Potentially it could help kids with DIPG brain cancer all over the world.”

Family act
When he feels exhausted, Callum’s family is there for support and encouragement. “My family are my greatest motivation. Amazingly, my son Charlie was conceived after I was diagnosed with cancer! Think about that! We’ve raised our children immersed in a life of ambition and drive. This is something that I want them to remember about their parents…that we drove this project together.” The entire family will fly to England for Callum’s Channel attempt. “The kids will remain in Dover when I embark on my swim from the UK to France, but my wife, coach and team will all be on the boat that will navigate me across the channel.” Good luck Callum!

Kids School Holiday Camps

CIS Summer Camp
17 June–26 July
The Canadian International School’s summer camp program features tons of sports and wellness options. Adventure Sports offers invasion games, parkour and laser tag; Discover Scuba Diving is a fun intro to underwater adventures; and Let’s Go Ball-istic is a comprehensive ball sports programme. For higher octane offerings there’s Sports Mania, featuring dodgeball, basketball, volleyball, table tennis and tenpin bowling; and Xtreme Adventure, where kids can try bubble soccer, archery, raft building and escape room challenges. For more info go to online.cis.edu.sg

Sentosa Challenge Camp 2019
June 12-14
There’s nothing quite like a jungle adventure for kids to hear the call of the wild! This weekend challenge camp, run by Outdoor Adventures, offers kids aged 7-12 a chance to build their confidence and resilience in a natural setting. Led by experienced guides, they’ll camp out in sleeping bags, take on leadership challenges and even cook their own breakfast. Other activities include a race around Sentosa, team challenges, luge and skyride, a boat ride to St John’s Island, and more. facebook.com/Outdoor.Adventures.Singapore

Bounce Singapore, Tramp Camp
3 June-16 August
Are your kids bouncing off the walls? Tramp Camp at Bounce Singapore is designed for kids 3+ to let loose on a huge range of indoor trampolines and an X-Park. Kids are fully supervised during this three-day morning camp, with instructors helping them develop aerial skills, play dodgeball, launch themselves into giant airbags and try to scale the warped wall. They also get the entire venue to themselves for the first hour (9am-10am), before it’s open to the public! bounceinc.com.sg/tramp-camp

Shaws Little League Holiday Camps
June 3-June 27
Active kiddos will love Shaws Little League holiday camps programme. Expect three hours of sports like volleyball, tennis, basketball, baseball, hockey, rugby, cricket, soccer, golf and athletics, plus sessions focusing on cooking and nutrition, and arts and crafts. Qualified staff help kids develop their confidence, teamwork and coordination, both on and off the playing field. Camps are run from their Kallang base. shawslittleleague.com

Camplify Singapore, Overseas Family School
June 10-July 5
Lace up those trainers and break out the kneepads! Camplify offers multi-sport camps where young athletes will tackle a wide variety of sports every week through an exciting rotation. Think tennis, soccer, basketball, baseball, rugby, hockey, volleyball and golf!  It also has a SuperHero Sports option that introduces kids to archery and mixed martial arts like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai, all in a fun and safe environment. Camplify will be hosted by the Overseas Family School in Pasir Ris.
info@camplify.com.sg, camplify.com.sg

TFL Combination Tennis and Swim Camps
3 June – 23 August
TFL has another set of popular week-long Tennis and Swim Camps for the school holidays. Kids aged 4+ will be taught the basics for both tennis and swimming, while having a blast through drills and games. Each morning session runs from 9am-12noon and finishes with a fun swim, including the use of the water slide. The camps will take place at Raffles Town Club (corner Dunearn & Stevens Rd). Lunch, prizes, photos and certificates make for an awesome final day! For more info email info@tfl-training.com or go to tfl-training.com/news-events

UFIT Kids Camps
5 June-12 July (camps also run later in the year)
Singapore’s outdoor training specialists also run kids camps for 6-14-year olds, designed to help kids of all fitness levels develop skills in different sports. Expect fun speed, strength and mobility sessions, organised by qualified coaches and former professional athletes. Programmes include multi sports day camps and weekly camps which combine multi sports, rugby, football and swimming. Camps are held at CrossFit Bukit Timah. Check ufit.com.sg/kids-camps for more information.

Sports for the Win!
Taking part in a sport can help in the development of your child’s self-esteem and confidence * Playing a sport helps kids develop social skills, gives them a sense of belonging and an opportunity to make friends * Through playing sports, kids can learn how to accept and cope with losses * Sport teaches kids to work in a team, stay disciplined and follow the rules!

Check out ANZA’s kids and adults sports groups at anza.org.sg/sports

3 Reasons Why You Must Send Money to Australia Now  

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Sometimes our professional or personal commitments take us to lands afar. Even in the hustle and bustle of expat life, we have commitments back home and a considerable amount of these include financial transactions. Hence, sending money back home to Australia is a regular affair.  If this reads like your life story, here are three reasons why NOW is the best time to send money to Australia

  1. The Singapore Dollar is Strong Now

The SGD has been on an upward trend for sometime. From being weaker than the AUD a couple of years ago, it is currently at a high of 1 SGD=1.05 AUD. For Australian expats in Singapore, this is an opportunity to transfer more money home at great rates.

  1. You don’t have to pay Forex margins nor Hidden Charges

Apart from hefty fees, traditional banks also charge a margin on your forex rates. So if the rate is 1 SGD=1.05 AUD, you would get a lower exchange rate with banks. Thanks to the growing penetration of the Internet and mobile telephones in almost every corner of the world, FinTech firms are highly motivated to create financial solutions that utilise the power and usefulness inherent in these technologies. So now, you can get real-time forex rates i.e the same rates you see on google if you use digital overseas transfer platforms like INSTAREM. Yay! No more FX margins EVER.

There’s More! When you transfer via banks, you end up paying hidden charges that you are completely unaware of. With InstaReM, your transfers are free from such unwanted charges.

  1. Opt for the Best Transfer Amount Guarantee, Everytime!

 Did you know that if you get a better transfer deal than InstaReM, you will be paid the transfer difference. That’s a winning deal, right? Here is a table showing the destination amount your beneficiary will receive when you send AUD 10,000 from Singapore, using different platforms.

What are you waiting for? Make sure you get the BEST TRANSFER AMOUNT GUARANTEE on every transfer, henceforth.

Sign up on instarem.com and Save More on your Overseas Money Transfers. Use code: ANZA20 to get a $20 discount on your 1st overseas transaction.

 

Empowering Foreign Domestic Workers

Rowena and her Singapore family

After becoming a single parent in the Philippines and juggling the responsibilities of being a sole provider and a parent, Rowena decided to work in Singapore, with the goal of supporting her son and creating a better life for him. “The first two years of being a Foreign Domestic Worker (FDW) were honestly not that easy, as it was so hard to be away from my family. I kept crying at night and felt very homesick.” But in 2015, Rowena joined Aidha. She was very happy and excited because it signalled the beginning of a new journey and gave her a purpose. “After joining Aidha, it really changed my life. Because of Aidha, little-by-little, step-by-step, I can make my dreams come true! Aidha taught me to manage my money, be more confident and how to communicate well with people.”

Aidha offers classes in money management, computer skills, leadership, entrepreneurship and English. The idea is to prepare the students to go out into the world and be financially independent, whether that be saving money or starting a business. Since meeting Rowena, Ann Jarrold, her employer and ANZA member, has seen how capable she is in managing her money and handling herself with confidence. “She is very focused on providing an education and stability for her son. She is in the process of buying a house back in the Philippines. Aidha helps FDWs to learn, grow and gain confidence. The majority come here to earn money to support family back home and it can be easy for them to lose sight of the long term, the importance of planning for their own future. Aidha helps them take control of their future by making better financial decisions and teaching them computer skills and the keys to running a successful business.”

AIDHA TOUR DE SINGAPORE
Aidha also offers a community for students and volunteers alike. There are potluck dinners, Zumba classes, health check-ups and more. One of the sporting highlights for Rowena was Aidha’s ‘Tour de Singapore’ where more than 90 cyclists, including the ANZA cyclists, rode in the OCBC Cycle to raise awareness and funds for financial literacy programmes for FDWs and other low-income women. “It was a great experience, not just for fun, but to help to raise funds for the FDW scholarship program, together with the Aidha supporters such as Barclays and the ANZA team,” says Rowena. “As an alumni of Aidha, I benefitted from the same scholarship when I was a student.” Team Aidha were also supported by the ANZA cyclists on a 25km practice ride, where ANZA riders provided useful tips about safe cycling.

Rowena at Aidha

ENROLLING AND VOLUNTEERING
Three-hour classes are held on two Sundays a month for six months at UWCSEA Dover campus. The heavily-subsidised fee is $200 for employers and $150 for self-supporting FDWs. Either the FDW can enrol herself or an employer can do the enrolment for her. New enrolments start almost every month. There are three modules in total, each building on the other, and culminating in a big graduation ceremony in October. Aidha relies on volunteers from all backgrounds and walks of life, not only to teach the students, but also to support the staff. The next Volunteer Orientation day is Sunday, 21 July.

Visit aidha.org, call 6341 5287 or email info@aidha.org for more information.

Hotspots: Sugar Free Dessert Bar

Guilt free desserts at Duxton 41

Duxton 41
41 Duxton Road,
Singapore 089505 
duxton41.com

A small ANZA contingent took an early mark to head down to nearby Duxton Road and test the first sugar-free dessert bar in Singapore. Stepping inside the converted shophouse (across the road from Six Senses Hotel) we’re immediately offered glasses of bubbles to pair with our healthy high tea selection. Owner’s Christoph and Wyatt explain their philosophy isn’t deprivation, but to enjoy life’s pleasures. “Our goal is to make desserts and pastries that look and taste like regular desserts but with much less calories and no added sugar,” says Wyatt.

The top section of the two-tiered afternoon tea stand is focused on savoury bites – our group adores the mini wheat croissant stuffed with ‘chicken rice’ and a healthy dollop of chilli sauce, spring roll, tasty mushroom quiche and otah. The sweet underbelly features delicate and artful chocolate and strawberry mousses, rainbow kueh, carrot cake, and a dense vegan brownie. They also serve herbal teas from Ette, including ice kachang and kebaya blue flavours, coffee and hot chocolate.

Verdict: If you love sweets, but are steering away from sugar, this is the perfect spot to indulge.

Outdoor Learning Rules!

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Amanda Saunders, Junior Kindergarten teacher at Canadian International School, explains why exploring nature should be an integral part of a child’s education.

No matter the age of your child or the subject they’re exploring, Canadian International School (CIS) aims to extend lessons into the outdoors whenever there is the opportunity for students to learn in a purposeful manner. This helps create many educational benefits, such as memorable and authentic learning experiences, “If you think back to your most memorable childhood experiences, I bet most of them were outside!” says Amanda.

Why it is so important

Learning in a natural environment is beneficial because it helps sharpen brain development, creativity, teamwork, independence and social and gross motor skills. It also generates greater awareness of the environment. “Modern day distractions and limited natural environments in residential areas mean that children may miss out on these huge opportunities if parents and schools aren’t proactive about getting children outdoor” adds Amanda.

The length and focus of CIS’s outdoor learning programmes vary, depending on the age group. In Kindergarten, it is inquiry and play-based and mostly takes place in the school’s Outdoor Discovery Centres (ODC). In the older grades, it involves lessons in the ODCs, field trips, excursion week and Open Minds – hands-on learning experiences in settings, such as Fort Canning Park, Sungei Buloh Wetlands Reserve and the Eco Garden and the Science Centre.

Creative extension of the classroom

“One of the key features of our outdoor learning programmes are our enchanting Outdoor Discovery Centres, located at both campuses,” says Amanda. These centres are used as an extension of CIS’s indoor classrooms and support learning in ways that extend far beyond a traditional playground. “Our children love everything about these spaces, but there are some extra-special features,” she says.

  • Mud kitchen

It’s here that kindergarten students slip off their shoes and get mud between their toes. In doing so, they’ll explore math concepts such as pouring, measuring and capacity, and develop their sensory and language skills.

  • Eco pond

From the soothing waterfall to the colourful fish, turtles, dragonflies and plants, children develop an understanding of the importance of water ecosystems.

  • Art walls

Children collaborate to produce large art murals using leaves, sticks and flowers from the garden.

  • Sound garden

Students discover the wonderful sounds made by playing with chimes, plastic buckets and other items attached to the purpose-built walls.

To learn more, contact the CIS Admissions Team here.

 

What’s On – June

6-9 Jun
(5pm – 11PM)
Summer Matsuri 2019
Resorts World Sentosa, Forum, Level B1
Celebrate Japan’s summer season with this festival, which includes Japanese food, film screenings and cultural performances. Try award-winning donburis, grilled seafood, a sake bar and unique snacks and watch Koenji Awa-Odori Dance and Akita Kanto – a thrilling pole lantern display. Free.

8 Jun
Professor Brian Cox Universal World Tour The Star Theatre
Using state of the art graphics and imagery from ground-based telescopes and space probes, Brian will offer a fascinating insight into the Universe. Visual highlights include a journey around and into a black hole a well as fundamental questions about the value of science, and why we should trust it. Tickets from $90, Sistic

8-9 Jun
Ultra Singapore
Ultra Park, Bayfront Ave
Get your rave on at this two-day dance party, boasting the world’s top EDM DJ’s. Expect crowds of dance music fans, fabulous stage designs, lighting and production. This year’s line-up includes Skrillex, Josh Wink, Martin Garrix, Jamie Jones and more. 1-day tickets from $158, ultrasingapore.com

15-30 Jun
(10am-5pm)
Children’s Festival 2019 by Gardens by the Bay
Supertree Grove
This colourful carnival is filled with family-friendly games and activities, inspired by characters from Disney Pixar’s Toy Story 4. Kids can learn through play, with plenty of hands-on, immersive experiences encouraging friendship and teamwork.  There will also be activities where parents and children have to work together to overcome challenges – definitely a good bonding exercise! Free.

15 Jun
Aviva Superfundae
The Meadow, Gardens by the Bay
Head down to Garden’s by the Bay for all-day outdoor play that kids of all ages will love. Check out games, workshops and activities which encourage both structured and free play. Tickets from $19.90, Sistic. superfundae.com.sg

15 Jun
STGR Uglow Marathon
The Green Race is coming to Singapore for a hybrid trail, road marathon, half marathon and 10km. Sign up for the 42km, 21km or 10km races and enjoy the lush green surrounds of beautiful Coney Island and the waterside paths of Punggol Parkway. s.tgr.run

Photo: ©Tristram Kenton

19-22 Jun
INALA
Sands Theatre, Marina Bay Sands
This award-winning Zulu ballet presents an exhilarating fusion of South African and Western cultures, live on stage. Singaporean dancer Adelene Stanley performs alongside Grammy Award-winning South African choral legends, Soweto Gospel Choir in an explosion of music, song and dance. From $55, Sistic

Photo: Martin Girard

From 5 July
Cirque Du Soleil KURIOS – Cabinet of Curiosities
Big Top, Bayfront Avenue, MBS
Presented in the signature Big Top, Kurios celebrates the greatest inventions of the 19th century, as audience members are transported into the Curio Cabinet of an ambitious inventor who defies the laws of time, space
and dimensions.
Tickets from $95, Sistic.

4 Jul-18 Aug
WILD RICE Housewarming Season
Funan Lifestyle Complex
Catch revivals of Wild Rice’s most popular shows at their brand new theatre. Performances include Alfian Sa’at’s An Actress Prepares, Pam Oei’s Faghag and Thomas Lim’s Supervision, alongside the premier of original production, ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN/SOMETHING MUST HAPPEN, by their award-winning youth division, Young & WILD. wildrice.com.sg

At a Malay Table

RAELENE TAN offers advice on dining etiquette in a Malay home, just in time for this month’s Hari Raya Puasa celebrations.

The Islamic festival of Hari Raya Puasa will be celebrated on Wednesday, 5 June. Coming at the end of the month-long fast of Ramadan, Hari Raya Puasa is a joyful occasion shared with family and friends, when traditional delicacies are enjoyed. Here in Singapore we have opportunities to eat festive fare in Malay restaurants or celebrate at the homes of Malay friends. This is a good time to brush up on our dining etiquette.

TABLE SETTING

At a Malay home, whether seated on colourful floor-mats or at a table, serving platters of food are placed in the centre, with serving spoons. In both instances, individual dinner plates are provided and, traditionally, cutlery is not used unless requested. Malays customarily eat with their fingers. Drinking glasses are placed at the top left of individual settings. It is usual for the host to invite guests to eat by saying, “Jemput” (help yourself) and, “Silikan” (start now). To be urged several times to begin eating shows politeness in not being greedy.

USING FINGERS

There will normally be a finger-bowl on the table for use before and after eating. Use the fingers of the right hand for eating purposes. With your fingertips, take a small amount of food and mound it smoothly, then, fingertips facing upwards, push the food quickly into the mouth using the thumb. Practice makes perfect!

SERVING FOOD

Dishes are passed around the table from right to left. The left hand is used for passing dishes when the right hand is sticky from eating. When serving oneself, the serving spoon must not touch other food on one’s individual plate. It is customary for each person to serve themselves. Rice is placed on the individual plate first. Then, other food is placed on the far (top) side of the plate. Serve yourself small portions initially, as it is considered respectful to have ‘seconds’.

SOUP

Soup is generally served in a central tureen. Consumed throughout a meal, soup is for moistening the rice and not only for drinking’s sake. Ladle a little soup over the rice on the individual plate. Solid ingredients in the soup are placed at the top of the dinner plate.

FINISHING

After a meal say, “Terima kasih” (thank you) to the host, who will reply with, “Sama-sama” (same to you). “Selamat Hari Raya!” (‘Peaceful celebration day’).

 

Excerpts from “Malay Etiquette-A Matter of Course” by Raelene Tan published by Landmark Books.