Uplands School Newsletter

Dear Uplands Community,

Another super busy fortnight has just passed us in a blink of an eye!

We’ve had a double whammy of PTCs for our Secondary students – thank you to our teachers for all their efforts in the parent-teacher-conferences, their enthusiasm and commitment after a day of teaching is always appreciated. We hope that you as parents, and also our students, find the PTC experience to be an opportunity to build stronger relationships with our teachers so that we can help to bring out the best in each other. If you were not able to make it to the PTC, please don’t hesitate to contact subject teachers directly to find a time to meet. We actively encourage our parents to engage with our teachers throughout the year, not just at PTC.

Over the last two weeks, our students have been involved in lots of community and service work. Our Year 8 student ran a fund raising venture with various stalls and activities happening all last week to raise money for various good causes. This week also The Green Club and DSS run ‘Global Goals Week’ to raise awareness of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). Throughout the week, they ran lots of different activities that were linked to different SDG such as debates, Trash Hero clean-ups, a Rohingya Refugees Music Workshop and Performance, lessons for Crystal Family Homes, and a House Design competition. Another thoughtful initiative was a gift of a spider plant for each tutor group to love and to nurture, seeing as we have so much greenery outside, The Green Club thought it was important to bring some of that greenery into the classrooms as well! The DSS also ran a fundraiser BBQ during the Year 7-9 PTC, thank you to those students who stayed back to rustle up some tasty sausage snacks for hungry parents and students!

As well as all the community and service activities that have happened over the last week, we also took part in an event which is always a highlight of our sporting calendar – The Phuket 7s Football Tournament at British International School, Phuket. Our U13 Boys, O15 Boys, and O15 Girls travelled for the two day tournament. The standard was as high as ever at the tournament – and we would like to congratulate all three teams for giving it their all! Our U13 Boys made it to the semi-final of the Cup, and our O15 Boys won the Plate. Well done to our teams and coaches!

I’d also like to also acknowledge two students who were awarded ‘Cambridge Outstanding Learner’ awards for their achievements in the June 2019 IGCSE session. Kai W in Year 12 was awarded a high achiever award for IGCSE Foreign Language German, and Annika S (not currently with us) was awarded a high achiever award for IGCSE First Language German. Though neither student could attend the ceremony in KL which took place last week, I would like to congratulate them on their achievement.

You will find lots of communication coming your way over the coming weeks. There will be two more parent workshops running this term:

The Year 11 and Year 13 Mock Examination Timetables have gone out to students and will also be shared with parents. Please support your children in being proactive in their preparation to the Mock Examinations and approach their subject teachers if they have any questions or need further support.

Year 11 students (and some Year 10) will also be receiving their Statement of Entries for their IGCSE exam registrations, it is important that all details are carefully checked by students and parents to ensure they are correct.

Another highlight of the school calendar that I need to mention is our wonderful Drama production. Please join us for a fantastic performance of ‘The Seussification of Romeo and Juliet’ – if you haven’t bought your ticket yet, what are you waiting for? Tickets are available for sale in the reception office.

The main performances will be happening on Friday 6th and Saturday 7th December and we hope to see you there.

One last thing… Tonight is Prom Night! Many thanks to the USC for organising this amazing event, and also to our lovely teachers who will be supporting the night by chaperoning. I’m sure everyone will have an absolute ball!

Phew… That’s it for now. I hope you and your children are able to keep powering through the next two weeks as we head towards the Christmas holidays.

All the best,
 

Dear parents,

It has been so wonderful to see so many parents at the parent/teacher conferences which have taken place over the last couple of weeks. These discussions develop school and home partnerships that aid student learning, a critical goal for us all. We want our students to speak openly about their current learning goals, achievements and next steps with their parents and to use their parents as resources to assist their learning whilst at home. These discussions also enable relationships between teachers and parents to be formed which our boys and girls see as being very supportive of their learning. Thank you to all who attended these meetings, as a teaching staff we really appreciate your support.

This week we have been speaking as a school about our value of ‘Respect’. All classes have discussed ways that our boys and girls can show respect in their daily lives. Our definition of respect can be seen in the visual below. 

We want our students to know that the way they act and the way they communicate with each other is so important in creating a respectful environment for all of us at Uplands. The way we conduct ourselves in school shows we value and respect people around us and this is what we are trying to instil in our boys and girls. We want our students to be confident communicators, to be able to look adults and peers in the eye as they walk through the school and to greet people accordingly. A simple ‘Good morning’, ‘Thank you, ‘Please’ or ‘Hello Mr Clark’ makes such a difference to me as I walk around the school or when our students see me outside of the school. This makes my day and explicitly demonstrates respect for others and it is something that I try and model to our students and community as I walk around the school. 

This is what we are trying to encourage at Uplands. We want every child to show appreciation and respect towards all members of the school community each and every day. Saying ‘thank you’ to the catering staff who serve the food, and thanking the cleaners for all of their endeavours in keeping our school beautiful are examples of a respectful learning environment. This should permeate into the home also. We want and expect our students to show the same respectful actions in their lives outside of school. 

As adults, we are the best role models for our students and we have to set expectations for them. This means we must ensure we praise our students when they have shown respect and link their positive actions and words back to this value. Alternatively, it may result in having conversations with our children as to how they could do better and that is great as it is an opportunity for them to learn. I would encourage parents to talk to your children this weekend about the value of respect as this will relate to the learning that has been happening in classes this week. The more we discuss these with our children the more aware they will be of how respect is displayed, how to recognise respect in others and finally how they can be more respectful themselves.

Next week we will be discussing the value of integrity within the primary school and again, we would appreciate parents discussing this value with their child/ren as it shows a continued connection between home and school. This is a very positive progression for our school and models another of our school values, collaboration, to our boys and girls. 

One final reminder is that we have our community celebration concert in the School MPH on Tuesday, 10th December 2019, from 6pm- 7pm and we look forward to welcoming you all there.

Kind Regards.

School Fee: 2nd Billing for Academic Year 2019/2020

Dear Parents,
 
All bills have already been sent out via post in mid of November 2019. For those who specifically requested for bills to be sent via email, this has also been done.
  
Kindly note the following due dates:
Full payment must be received by 3rd January 2020
Entitlement to early payment discount is given if full payment is received by 27th December 2019.
 
Kindly email the payment advice or bank in slip to Finance department at finance@uplands.org to enable us to identify the correct client account for the telegraphic transfers or cheques paid to the School’s bank account.
 
As stated under Section 4.4 of the Bye-Laws of the Association, all fees must be paid in full before a student can attend the School. The School has the right to refuse admission of a child to classes if full payment has not been made.
 
Thank you.
 

At Uplands, we are very proud of our almost 65 year rich history and it is our aim to connect with as many alumni as possible. We want to foster positive relationships with our former students and teachers and as part of this we welcome our graduates, former students, past parents and former faculty into the school from all corners of the world when asked. Our alumni community is truly global and we stay in touch through communications and events. Please share your email address with us to get updates on alumni events as well as e-newsletters and follow us on our Facebook page for more updates. You can sign up to our alumni group via the school website https://www.uplands.org/school/alumni/

This week I was made aware of one of our alumni who is doing great things as a surgeon in the UK. Mr Juling Ong is a is a Craniofacial and Paediatric Plastic Surgeon at Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children and earlier this year was part of a team of surgeons who performed extraordinary surgery to separate conjoined twins. The link to the article below article explains this incredible process. Mr Ong is also very involved with humanitarian work around the globe, giving his service back to the wider community. This is a great example for our students. We hope to welcome Mr Ong back to Uplands in February.

https://www.ajc.com/news/national/year-old-conjoined-twins-successfully-separated-london-hospital/TzZNOeRaE6vkGw44wAWUIO/

We are delighted to hear stories of our alumni and their achievements. If you have any other information on our alumni that you would like to share with the school, please do not hesitate to contact us and let us know so we can celebrate with our alumni and share their successes with our school community.  Please email gclark@uplands.org with any contributions. 

Drumroll Please…

The UPTA number crunchers have tallied up the figures from our pheneomenal Fair and are thrilled to announce a record-breaking RM40,000 plus in net profit!  

The school heads have suggested several areas where spending is currently required at Uplands, and your UPTA committee will work closely with the school to determine the best use of this year’s fundraising monies. (Details TBA) In addition, like last year, 10% of the Fair profits will be allocated to benefit the local community. 

UPTA Craft and Merchandise Sale

From 12pm-1pm on Wednesday, 4th December in the foyer, UPTA craft group’s beautiful creations, UPTA merchandise and Christmas cards and calendars, all perfect for Christmas gifting, will be up for grabs. Stock up on stocking stuffers and tree ornaments right here, folks! All items are priced to sell!

Your kids will enjoy giving souvenirs of their school to family and friends in the form of unique items fashioned from Uplands uniform materials. And instead of donning knitted reindeer sweaters this holiday season, lets all look smart in specially designed Uplands dri-fit shirts and house-coloured caps. Logo-bearing lanyards and stubby holders are sure to come in handy, too! 

Don’t be a Scrooge! If you can’t make it to the sale yourself, be sure to send your little angels off to school with some pocket money next Wednesday. (If you’ve been good this year, they may even select something special for you, Mum and Dad!) FYI, Hats: RM25, Stubby Holders: RM10, Card Holders: RM5, Dri-Fit Shirts: RM45

Santa’s Photo Booth

Contact Us
Your feedback and input help keep us on our toes! We want to be the best UPTA we can be, so please feel free to drop us a note at secretaryupta@gmail.com.  If you’re really keen, there are plenty of volunteer options too! 

Check out our UPTA Welcome Handbook for lots of helpful information. 
 

Kind Regards,

Your UPTA Committee
 

 

 

Dear Parents / Guardians 

At the International School of Penang (Uplands), we aim for an environment which enables and encourages all members of the community to reach out for excellence. Good attendance at school is important for academic progress, social interaction with peers and the opportunity to participate in clubs and try new activities. For our students to gain the greatest benefit from their education it is vital that they attend regularly and your child should be at school, on time, every day the school is open. Attendance guidelines can be found in the secondary student handbook 2019-2020.

Regular attendance is essential to ensure both the continuity of learning and develop a teacher-student relationship. Students are expected to attend at least 90% of their scheduled classes. This term we have had some students whose attendance is below 90%. Failure to meet the minimum attendance expectations limits student achievement and may jeopardize course completion. Please note letters may be sent home to parents and students if students are below the minimum expectation or a meeting with the Head of Year may take place. 

Some tips for parents to support their child with attendance:

Good attendance at school is important because students are more likely to succeed academically when they attend school consistently. We look forward to your continuous support in ensuring all students follow Uplands attendance guidelines for improved attendance and academic success. 

Regards,
 

 

To start off the Logic topic, we were given pictures and questions. The questions asked about the photo and these questions could only be solved when using logic and reasoning. For example, we were given a picture of a house which had some questions asking about the layout of the house. The type of questions we were given were “who many people are eating breakfast ?” or “ Do they have a pet? if yes what type of pet do they have?” To me, this is actually my favourite topic out of all of them because logic is really fun to learn and is all about problem-solving.  - Aaron

The Logic topic was a whole bunch of riddles and logic games. We were told to get in groups with our friends. (3 - 4 people) My group went and did the family tree activity where we were to figure out who would go where in the family tree. Luckily, we finished it in quickly and got awarded house points. It was really fun. The other games there were games were you would figure out the times and dates. The Next lesson we were introduced to our new topic logic. We did a few activities where we were to find out who did what and we were giving a picture as clues. Those lessons were my personal favorites. I really enjoyed it and hopefully we get to do it again. - Myra

Year 8 - 2 and 3 Dimensional Objects
Students were asked to generate a visual summary of the structure and properties of 2 and 3-dimensional objects. Using diagrams and words the mathematical properties were shown on large poster boards. We were not just interested in the shape, but also the relationships between the angles and the key properties of the sides. The results were displayed on the walls of the classroom. A few examples are shown. - Mr Keating’s class
 

Year 9 Chinese Takeaway activity

Students were given a $35 budget and they have to plan the menu for 5 people based on the dietary requirements and likings of each person. A takeaway menu was given to them. Here is what Darcy and Sofiya came up with:

This activity can be related to real life if you go out for dinner with some other people, and you are trying so save money. So, you cannot exceed a certain budget, which is what we had to do in this activity. - Darcy & Sofiya

This can be helpful in real life for when we have to plan a meal for a group whilst on a budget. It also helps with our planning skills. I think coming up with the strategy for this activity is important. - Stacia

Year 10 Circle Theorems using Geogebra
Geogebra is an app that we learned to use in maths class that allowed us to toggle with the points in or around a circle in order to prove that the theorem was true in every case. This allowed us to visualise the changes in the diagram and helped us in understanding how circle theorems work. In this picture, you can see 2 variations of the same principle and that in the first instance, when the point was changed the triangle remained a right angled triangle and in the second instance, the distance between the tangent lines and the circle remain equal. - Pavit

I used Geogebra to revise the circle theorems and using this software I can clarify that the theorems are indeed correct. This is a screenshot of 2 of the theorems. - Syabil

Year 11 - Completing online quiz

This is Year 11 completing an online quiz. Online quizzes are a very useful tool to use with the students. As well as providing an extra source of material they provide very good practice of material which has been covered in class. The students are able to see their mistakes immediately and the teachers are able to follow their student’s progress in real time. Online tests are also very good practice for the students for their future. The SATS examination which is the American University entrance examination is carried out online. - Mr Mahendra’s class

Year 12 Quadratic Functions Exploration

This term year 12 SL AA maths students have been working on applying our mathematical concepts and knowledge to real world situations. We specifically looked at parabolas and quadratic equations which were modelled in different forms. We chose images such as dolphins and rainbows to form a graph and equation using the skills we had learnt in class. Through doing this activity, we will hopefully be more prepared for our IAs that we will begin later this year because we have the opportunity to explain our mathematical thinking and processes rather than just showing formulas and numbers. Also, now when we step outside the classroom we are aware of how we can link our learning to what we see around us. Below are some of the images that we modelled mathematically. - Ted and Bekky

Year 12 Pyramid-Volumes, Cuboid Challenge and Making Cones

In Year 12 SL AI Mathematics, we revisit the 3D shapes where we work out the volumes and surface areas of cuboids, pyramids, cones, various prisms, and spheres.

For the above projects, students use Pythagoras’ Theorem, and trigonometry to work out the dimensions of the nets for the pyramids and cones, in order to construct a 3D pyramid or cone. Students proceed to use the models to prove the formula for the volume of any pyramid and the general formula for the surface area of a right cone.

The Cuboid Challenge is essentially about practicing working out the surface area and volume of prisms and pyramids. 

The Challenge:

Students have to improvise and adapt instruments to construct scaled models of the 3D shapes. Mathematics is a whole package on doing (using formulas, calculating values) and thinking (being able to plan and organise for the process) to problem solve effectively. - Mrs Lim’s class
 

All students have access to MyiMaths which has lessons and online homework. The resources have provided extension as well as support materials to enhance the students’ learning.

In addition to the above, IB and IGCSE students have access to Kognity also, an online portal which provides additional learning resources.

 

THE SEUSSIFICATION OF ROMEO & JULIET 
 

During the rambunctious UPTA fair, the publicity and performance crew of the Uplands Drama Production successfully sold 26 tickets by running around the fair like persistent headless chickens. Now we are going to do the same but through all aspects of digital platform - starting with this newsletter. *grins artfully*

So come on down to support the Uplands school play, ebulliently entitled ‘The Seussification of Romeo & Juliet’. Tickets are sold every day during lunchtime from 12:20pm to 1pm, outside the old IB room, as well as during the days of the performance, so there is resplendent opportunity to enjoy this exciting production. But do purchase your tickets early to avoid possible disappointment. 

Tickets are sold for RM 20 each, and performance dates are set at 6th & 7th December. Location being the MPH and timed to begin at 7pm. 

Isabelle (Yr 12C)

 

 

It only seems natural to talk about sustainability as we progress to globalise ourselves. Being Global Goals Week, it's important to really understand the message of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which is the need to change our lifestyles to preserve our planet and maintain a high quality of life for future generations. One way in which Uplands has contributed is through the advocation of Model United Nations, where we strive to find solutions to issues on gender inequality, unsustainable communities, warfare, and more. With this, we plan to create a board to update the community of current events and ways in which we can contribute to ensure the SDGs are met by 2030. Also, we also look forward to the collaboration with World Fish and USM in pushing for SDG 14: Life Below Water. Therefore, the message this week is to find ways to contribute to these goals, making the world a better place. Stay green, children!
 

 

PHUKET FOOTBALL 7’s 2019

We sent our O15 boys and girls and U13 boys football team over to Phuket last week to take part in the Phuket Football 7’s.  All teams performed to the best of their abilities. 

The O15 boys played brilliantly winning the plate final.  Congratulations boys.  Our 015 girls were up against tough opposition and displayed strong will and commitment but unfortunately didn't make it the finals.  

The U13 boys were quite impressive making into the elite Cup finals but were knocked in the quarter by the eventual finalists.

A big thanks to the students for their effort, Coaches (Mr Scully, Mr Waring, Ms Bell and Mr. Notaras) for their time and commitment and great parents who supported the teams throughout the tournament.

UPLANDS U13 BOYS

UPLANDS O15 GIRLS

UPLANDS O15 BOYS

Penang Bridge Marathon

Congratulations to THOMAS who  came 9th place in the Penang Bridge Marathon for the 13-18 junior boy category.  An excellent performance considering he just 13 years of age with a time of 42.21minutes

ROAR SPORTS SEASON 2
PLEASE USE LINK BELOW AND SIGN BEFORE MONDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2019

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1t6jRBpbRw6Nj93kE9bBMWgLr5LfQaqQfFA4lbVMaflE/edit

SEASON 2 SPORTS
Secondary Athletics
Competitive Swimming
U13 Boys Basketball
U13 Girls Basketball
015 Boys Basketball
015 Girls Basketball
Softball (all age groups Yr7-13)
Secondary Touch
U15 Boys Football
U15 Girls Football
U16/18 Netball
 
COMING UP
Secondary Sports Day on Wednesday December 11, 2019 @ USM
 

 

Champagne Supernova

The USC have been working hard to piece together all the details and planning that go into our annual Prom. This end of term event is unique to Uplands as we invite all students from all year groups. This year we have over 320 students poised ready to come along and enjoy our Battle of the Bands, discos, buffet and photo booth.

Please, as a parent be aware of the following information if your child is coming to the Prom;
The event will be held at the St Giles, Wembley Hotel on Friday 29th Nov 2019 from 6:30pm-12am. Please take note that prom ends at 10:00pm for all year 7 students.

All students must be picked up promptly by a parent/guardian. If a student’s parent/guardian is unable to do so, they must arrange for alternative transport and inform Ms. Collis the week of the event. (lynsey.collis@uplands.org)

Students and Parents; If you wish to get a Grab taxi home, please do so with friends. You will not be allowed into a taxi alone without written permission/ email or message from your parents/guardians.
 

Year 3i’s ‘Let’s celebrate assembly’

What a great unit for the Year 3 to share at the recent assembly with their families and the primary school! Having embarked on the current unit on ‘Celebrations and traditions connect people and communities’, students were enthusiastic to share all their learning in a colourful event. Year 3i share their reflections here with you…..
 

Left: Traditional Indian Stick dance
Right: Traditional cultural walk-in

 

 

Cameron: The assembly was awesome and I really liked our skit on ‘Rama & Sita’. We all spoke with confidence, with a crisp clear voice and made good eye contact with our audience.

Aswad: It was exciting because I got a chance to dance, sing and speak to the audience. I was nervous in the morning but my confidence got better and I did it!

Max:  My favourite part of the assembly was when we surprised the audience by walking in from the back of the hall with our lamps to a nice beat of Indian music.

Cindy: I liked the dance and singing. I was very happy.

Alicia: I really enjoyed the assembly because we could show how important traditions and celebrations are. It unites people.

Mana: The assembly was great because we showed everyone all the different ways we learn.

Carley: I enjoyed the musical performance the most because we practised and practised and it sounded awesome from the stage!

Leo: The assembly was really fun! The best part for me was the ‘Rama & Sita’ skit because I spoke with confidence and lovely expression.

Thomas: I enjoyed dancing the stick dance and singing the symmetry song. I was also happy to have all the food for the parents to enjoy after the assembly.

Annmol: My favourite part of the assembly was the stick dance because after all the practising, it turned out marvellous.We also had so much fun!

Andre: I enjoyed showing off my mask and of course the skit on ‘Rama & Sita’. We collaborated well and it was a hit!

Steve: The assembly was fun and nice because my mum and dad were there to see all I had learnt.

Morgan: The gamelan musical performance was my favourite as I really liked how we created one piece of music by joining different sounds together. I was proud to carry out all my roles which I was worried about, but I did it!

Year 3i
 

Sylvia Rajamoney
Primary Teacher (Year 3i)