Issue: Eight

Date: December 9, 2011

Message from the School Head, Roy G. Crawford Our NISC Vision: Inspiring ethical, respectful and compassionate global leadership.
As you know, it has been a wonderfully busy time for NISC students and families including drama, music and dance performances, MIA trips, Angkor Wat Marathon, MRISA tournaments.the list is exhaustive. We hope this issue of the Mekong Messenger will help catch you up on the events and details. Regretfully we will not have publishing time to include the Festival of Lights and the Christmas Craft Fair in this MM edition, but we will provide articles after the holiday break. encourage you to seek out, meet, and welcome new NISC families. New Classrooms: Due to significantly increased demand, we will open three new classrooms at the ECC over the break. We will move Mr. Jims K/1 students and classroom back to the ECC to be with their peers and friends, and start a new Early Learning Classroom for 3 and 4 year olds.

In addition, we will create a new Grade 4/5 classroom so we can take as many as 7 students from our waiting list. This Semester Break: A reminder that the holiday begins when classroom will either be in the Arts Building or in the Main students are dismissed at 11:30 AM on 16 December. Building. We are excited about the growth and expansion of Students return to school for an 8:00 AM start on 10 January 2012 with 9 January being a teacher professional development our program. day. Intercontinental Hotel Christmas Craft Fair: A special thank you to the students and teachers who helped with the NISC Enrollment: One year ago, in early December 2010, NISC sponsored child crafts area. Children could go to this area at enrollment totaled 306 students. Our enrollment on 5 the Intercontinental during the Fair. It was a great event to December 2011 is 397: an increase of 91 students or 30%. These new students and families enrich our school life and our promote our people, our school and our program. programs. We have been able to manage this increase without, inmost cases, exceeding our class size limits. I
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We like to recognize and acknowledge the accomplishments of our students by sometimes placing pictures of them in NISC publications or on the Web. If you do not want pictures of your child to be included in the school website or publications, please contact the school office immediately. Thank you.

PYP Authorization by Natalie Ross, PYP Coordinator

It is with much pleasure that NISC can announce our status as a school authorized to deliver the Primary Years Programme. The official notification arrived during November to the delight of the staff and administration. This occasion represents an important stage in the journey of NISC, as the past three years have been quite a journey for the teaching staff and students. The visiting team, who visited in September, recognized that NISC has undergone a significant paradigm shift in the school with all teachers moving towards a more inquiry based approach. It was also obvious to them that NISC parents and students appreciated the work that has gone into making learning real, significant and engaging. Accompanying the wonderful news was a report outlining recommendations and commendations. The school community was commended for Embracing the philosophy and mission of the International Baccalaureate Having support from the Board of Trustees and NBC Living the learner profile Providing safe and engaging learning environments conducive to inquiry learning Having a climate of open communication with all teachers having ownership of the programme Dedicating time for ongoing collaborative planning and reflection in recognition of the journey being taken Developing a coherent and articulated Programme of Inquiry, and documenting learning on the planners Using a range of teaching strategies and groupings in the classroom Successfully integrating ICT to support inquiries Providing students with regular time for developing their own inquiries and reflecting on their learning Reporting on the learner profile

It was recognized that all of this has been possible with the support of administration and parents and the passionate and professional staff. The visiting team were particularly impressed with the students at NISC, for engaging the visiting team in informative dialogue about their learning. The staff consider it an honor to be part of the process, and will continue to provide engaging and relevant learning experiences for our inquiring students. The next milestone in our journey is a verification visit in September 2015.

The primary staff and administration were commended for

Middle Year Programme Pre-Authorization Visit

On 16 & 17 January, two representatives from the International Baccalaureate(IB) Asia Pacific will be at NISC for the pre-authorization visit. The pre-authorization visit is an important step in the development of the Middle Years Programme (MYP) and the process to receive authorization. The visiting team will examine the schools practices and plans to administer the MYP and compare them to the IB MYP standards and practices. During the visit, the team will meet with teachers, students, parents and administrators to learn about the progress NISC has made towards implementing the program. They will be visiting classrooms to see the MYP in action and reviewing the curriculum documents that NISC teachers have written for the MYP. After the visit, the team will issue a report outlining NISCs progress towards authorization and make a recommendation for the timing of the authorization visit. The plan serves as a road map for NISC to follow through the process and gives specific objectives to reach our goal of authorization in the MYP. If you would like more information about the MYP, the authorization process, or to be involved in the pre-authorization visit, please contact Mr. Peter ([email protected]) or Mr. Steve ([email protected]).

LIBRARY NOTICE : Please note the library will not be open on Saturdays that occur during long weekends or holiday periods. Therefore the coming schedule for Saturday library openings prior to Christmas will be: 10 December

Phnom Penh Student Art Exhibition at the Intercontinental

For most of the semester the art classes at NISC have been hard at work conceptualizing and creating. However, a big part of being an artist is sharing your creations with the wider community. For the past two weeks NISC has been exhibiting a professional art show titled Phnom Penh in the InterContinental. The collection of artworks is made up of primary and secondary students interpretations of Phnom Penh. On November 21 we had our official opening, complete with a collaborative project, treats and live music. The students and their families, along with teachers and community members all got together to celebrate this showing of artistic talent. The exhibition is up through December 11, so if you havent gone yet you still have the opportunity to admire this showcase. Here are some student reflections on the exhibition and their work: this, but I just had to try and be focused and steady while doing it. Another challenge was to paint dark blurry trees in the back. To overcome this challenge, I used a fan brush which made it much easier to create blurry trees. - Savannah, Gr 8 I didnt believe my picture was in a hotel because I never been somewhere where my stuff (art) was! Yun Seo, Gr K/1 In art class I did a painting of one part of the royal palace with acrylicI learned that acrylic paint dries really fast and after the painting is dry it dries darker. -Kim Hour, Gr 8 It was published in a real book all together in alphabetical order and we can see each others different art all together. - Moustafa, Gr 4/5 My work strengths are that I put in 100% effort on my work and Im committed. I need to improve on keeping a good pace. I learned how to shade properly, and I learned how to be patient. I chose the image I did because there was a good balance between the shadows and highlights, and the picture was somewhat challenging for me. - Cherry, Gr 12

I am very satisfied how my piece turned out. This is because of the strategy I used to create this painting which is using layers, and overlapping with acrylic paints To assure a successful result , I tried to make sure I would check with my We usually dont get to see our art work in places like that team mates to make sure it fits and matches up. The (InterContinental) and there was another person there seeing challenges I faced while painting my piece were trying to make our art; I cant believe it! - Narai, Gr 4/5 a steady and straight line across my painting. It was hard to do

Counselors Corner - John Nash, Counselor

Grades 7 12 are having exams next week, so I thought it might be useful to discuss Test Anxiety. What is Test Anxiety? Almost everyone feels a little nervous before a test. Actually, that is ok because being a little nervous can help you while you're taking the test. For some people, however, the nervousness they feel before a test can be so strong that it interferes with their concentration and performance that is test anxiety. People experiencing test anxiety may find they do poorly on exams even though they know the material. They may go blank on questions and/or remember the correct answers as soon as the exam is over. People may also have difficulty reading and understanding the questions on the exam paper or organizing their thoughts. Some people might feel shaky, sweaty, or feel their heart beating quickly as they wait for the test to be given out. A student with really strong test anxiety may even feel like she or he might pass out or throw up. What Causes Test Anxiety? Causes of test anxiety can include: (a) lack of preparation, (b) waiting to study until the night before the exam, (c) ineffective study habits, and (d) underdeveloped time management skills. You can also get test anxiety from worrying about past performance on exams, how friends and other students are doing, and the negative consequences of failure. How to Reduce Test Anxiety The most frequently mentioned strategies for reducing test anxiety include relaxation and adequate preparation. Effective health habits, exercise, and good nutrition are very important. Monitoring your thinking patterns and using positive self-talk can also help. I know for a fact that you can win against test anxiety. So, check out the web or come see Mr. John to learn more about beating test anxiety! Good Luck on your exams!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Upper School Exams and Grade Reports

The end of the second semester is nearly upon us. There will be changes to the way exams and grade reporting are done this year. The change in exams day and grade reporting will allow teachers to give higher quality exams and provide more meaningful feedback on exams and grade reports. Exams will take place from 12-14 December. Students in grades 7-9 will have exams during their regularly scheduled class times. Students in grades 10-12 will have an exam schedule. During times when there are no scheduled exams students will be in supervised exam prep study periods. Students are expected to be at school for the entire school day. Grade reporting for students in grades 7-11 will be done in two ways. Students will be able to access their grades online through Managebac beginning at 4:00 on Monday, 19 December. All students in grades 7-11 have their Managebac login information. Printed copies of grade reports will be sent home on 10 January. Grade 12 students will be emailed a grade report on Monday, 19 December. Printed and scanned transcripts will be available on 22 December.

NISC Family Hike

NISC lead its first Family Hike on 19 November 2011. The group went on a 7k trek around Silk Island. The highlight of the hike was watching the Cambodian women weave Kramas and sharing hellos with the residents.

The Performing Arts at NISC

The last few weeks of school have provided the opportunity to showcase some of the many talented students at NISC. On 18 November, NISC Upper School Students (7-12) displayed the learning taking place in music and drama classes. The following week, on 24 November, the NISC Drama ASA put on a performance of the Roald Dahl version of Cinderella. Both events were great celebrations of our talented students and demonstrated the commitment of NISC to the Performing Arts. Upper School Performing Arts Evening The Performing Arts Department at NISC provides an inquirybased programme of study that allows students to explore their own creativity and to perform in front of others to develop self-confidence. The Performing Arts evening displayed the variety of genres the students are exploring and gave them the valuable experience of performing in front of an audience. The Drama Class (grade 9) explored the genres of pantomime and social drama. The students conceptualized, wrote and directed a small play, Resilience, as part of their understanding of the creative cycle of drama. the students are exploring and gave them the valuable experience of performing in front of an audience. The students were outstanding and displayed the skills they are developing in the program. Cinderella Most of us are familiar with the story of Cinderella and the ugly sisters. In the traditional version of the story, poor Cinderella does go to the ball, falls in love with the handsome Prince and they live happily ever after. On 24 November 2011 we were entertained with the other tale of Cinderella, by Roald Dahl. Every story has two sides to it and in this version, the Prince was not so good and Cinderella did not do what we expected! Directed by Ms. Deepika and Ms. Bei, the NISC Drama ASA performed an excellent version of this famous story, giving it their own twist with a Bollywood dance number at the end. In keeping with the spirit of the ball, the audience was invited to join Ms. Robyn for lessons in ballroom dancing. It was a fun way to end a great evening of performances.

As a part of our commitment to our vision and the arts, NISC will continue to showcase our arts programs with special The music curriculum in grades 7 to 10 is designed as a vehicle events throughout the year. Please join us for future events for student creativity and to prepare students for the option of that feature and celebrate our many talented students. For taking IB Diploma music in grade 11. Students performed more information about the Upper School performing arts or musical pieces using a variety of instruments combined with the Drama ASA, please contact Ms. Bei vocal and dance, from classical to pop music. The grade 12 ([email protected]) or Ms. Deepika music class gave a great performance of Taylor Swifts Love ([email protected]) directly. Check the calendar Story. at www.nisc.edu.kh for upcoming arts events. The Performing Arts Evening displayed the variety of genres

Dance @ NISC
DANCE is alive and kicking at NISC!! Ms. Robyn and her ASA students have had a busy and fun-filled semester dancing their little hearts out. On October 21, 2011, the students were featured on an outdoor stage during the Cultural Festival, then on November 26, 2011, the students again performed at their first ASA Dance Showcase, while family and friends were treated to performances that ranged from Ballerina Butterflies to Jumpin Jivin Jingle Bells. Ms. Robyn is inviting all students who love to dance and want to join in the fun to register for classes in January. More information to come!

Angkor Wat Marathon - 4 December 2011

The first NISC Siem Reap Marathon, definitely not to be the last!!! 4:30 AM Hmmmm.. on a Sunday! Yes, indeed. We all left the hotel with a banana in one hand and a bottle of water in the other. It was dark as we drove into the park, but as we Each weekend in early December the Cambodian Marathon walked closer to the start lines the sun started rising and gave Association gives the public the opportunity to cycle and run us the most glorious view of Angkor Wat. The purple, red and around Cambodias most beautiful and ancient ruins. The well blue sky was breathtaking. Regardless of the time, I dont paved, tree lined roads are the perfect setting to appreciate think there is anywhere else we would rather have been. It the magnificent spectacular that is Angkor Wat. was the most beautiful way to start and finish our running Its just not enough to get up close and personal with these journey. wondrous temples and historic monuments. Sharing the paths Mr. Dan lead a warm-up and stretch in front of the moat of the foundation that is Cambodia is such a special moment watching the other 5500 runner prepare for their run. There and if, like me, you enjoy competition and exercise it is THE were three different areas where the three races where to most amazing place to cycle and run. start so we could not cheer each other on at the start of the It has been an exciting ride to coach our runners for this years races, but our runners were easily noticeable with their new Siem Reap Marathon. Carrie Crawford and I took on the blue NISC running shirts. challenge way back in August! We were very keen to start a The 21-kilometer race was the first to start to the sound of running club for all abilities and a final challenge that would Chinese drums. Runners hurtled passed the spectators who eventually, give so much pleasure and gratification once lined the route. The 10-kilometer race started next running in completed. the opposite direction, with the 3-kilometers leaving last. Many NISC staff,a few senior students and two of our PYP Once all our NISC runners were off, I was left at the finish line students took on the challenge in August and have been waiting for the return of everyone I have had the privilege of training very hard in order to complete their goal. training. We have trained two times a week after school and once before school (5:00 AM meet on the river side) to build the strength and stamina needed. Amongst our staff we had a few members who have completed half marathons, Mr. Dan and Ms. Anna, some who have always wanted to finish one, Ms. Danielle, and some who have never even thought of doing it Mr. Brendan, Mr. Rob. To start, we had some adventurous seniors who were keen to try and run 21 kilometers. Niya, Nin, Bandith, Chhery and Nika all wanted to achieve the set target but due to time and other school commitments, decided to run a very respectable 10 kilometers. They were joined by Mr. Roy, Mr. Chris, Ms. Natalie, Ms. Bei, Ms. Kelli, Ms. Carrie, Matthew and Owen. Our PYP runners, Haven and Barrett where joined by Ms. Lynsay, (who did a 40 kilometers cycle the day before) Ms. Tika, Ms. Rattana and Ma. Kannita. We all traveled to Siem Reap by bus on Saturday, 3 December. The long 6-hour bus journey was full of anticipation and snacks! Once we arrived at our beautiful hotel there was not much time to settle in before we went for food at an interesting restaurant where we were joined by a few tourists who had explored our route that day and needed to wind down their day with some Karaoke. I have to say, although it was very entertaining, we had no time to indulge ourselves listening to singing, we were to start our Sunday morning at 4:30 AM so it was straight to bed! I stood with my silver umbrella (so to be noticed in the vast crowd) and waited! I didnt have to wait long as the first 3-kilometers runners sprinted to the finish line in 9 minutes! Haven, Barrett and Ms. Lynsay were not far behind! We then took up our spots at the finish line to cheer in our 10 and 21-kilometer runners. Mr. Roy was our first runner in, with Ms. Carrie not far behind. It looked as though they had completed one of their morning walks, they had plenty of energy to spare! Our Grade 10 boys, Matthew and Owen followed next with Mr. Chris, Nika, Ms. Bei, Bandith, Ms. Natalie, Ms. Kelli, Chhery and Nin. Mr. Dan led our 21-Kilometer runners followed by Mr. Brendan and Mr. Rob who completed their first half marathon in less than 2 hours. Ms. Danielle and Ms. Anna finished strong with huge smiles on their faces. It is a massive achievement, not just to run but also to dedicate and commit to taking part. These brave individuals have proved so much to themselves that I hope they feel as though they can achieve much greater things! Although some of our training has not been the most fun, it has been worth every muddy, rain filled, sweaty step! We all are very much looking forward to running next year and maybe even another one in March. We would love for you to join us and take on the challenge.

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Continued from page 6. Angkor Wat Marathon.

Thank you to everyone who took part, and thank you to Ms. Danielle and Mr. Dan for helping with the training sessions. It was easy really! Miss Ruth OConnell

What our runners thought at the end. The thing is, when a school can create times when families can have defining moments in their lives, its a great thing! Rob Cody Hmmm, My legs hurt. Mr. Dan Good and fun. I like it. That is the first time for me to run in Siem Reap, next year I want to run 10K. Ms. Rattana I really liked the sunrise before starting. It was a good way to start the day. Ms. Natalie It was exciting and fun seeing a lot of people participate in the run and it was nice running so many kids. I feel fit. Cherry It was more fun than I expected it to be, I would definitely do it again next year. Aspasie I was able to meet a lot of new people, it was exhausting, tiring. Matthew It was fun, exciting and tiring. I really enjoyed the race it was a very new experience to me and I hope I get to do it again. Bandith It was wonderful to watch the sunrise over Angkor Wat. To see so many runners of different ages doing the different runs- people young and old having a good time and enjoying the run. It was rather challenging. Mr. Todd Whizzing along the quiet roads on my bike in the stillness of dawn around Angkor Wat, truly magical. Ms. Lynsay It was hard to run because there were so many people. Haven Amazing effort by everyone, they all set out to achieve what they could! Mr. Brendan

Cafeteria Lunch Menu

Monday, 12 December Tuesday, 13 December Wednesday, 14 December Thursday, 15 December Friday, 16 December sandwich bar, vegetable soup, fried chicken with ginger, rice, fruit, lemon tea sandwich bar, vegetable cream soup, fried chicken with cashew nuts, stir fried vegetables with oyster sauce, lemon tea sandwich bar, garlic bread, pizza, hamburger, fries, ice cream, lemon tea sandwich bar, vegetable soup, steamed bok choy with bean curd, grilled pork, rice, bread pudding, lemon tea Half dayno lunch

Continued from page 1. Message from the School Head.

Media Gallery: Please be advised that the website now includes a menu called Media Gallery in gold print, on the home page. We will be posting video and slide shows of our recent events. Posted now are Cultural Celebration Day and International Peace Day. I invite you to view these very informative presentations. Phase I Architects: We are very close to appointing an

architectural firm to develop Phase I of our campus Master Plan. I plan several parent meetings in January and I will provide detailed information about Phase I and our timeline for the completion of many projects which will begin this school year. As usual, thank you for trusting us with the very important job of educating your children.

EMEMBER: ams DATES TO R - MYP/DP Ex to Tuesday ber, Friday 3 Decem 9-10 & 12-1 al Winter Form lf day Thursday ter Break; ha December, 15 before Win y of school st da r, Friday - la ns 16 Decembe ester 2 begi school; Sem - first day of Tuesday 10 January,

P.O. Box 2042, Phnom Penh 3. Kingdom of Cambodia Phone: (855-23) 886-000/ -006 Fax: (855-23) 886-009 E-mail: [email protected]