AY 2023-2024 - SLT Newsletter Vol. 3

SSM-FC Principals Contributions to School Leadership and Multilingual Learning

Ms. Dominguez and Dr. Morrin attended the EARCOS Leadership Conference in November. They attended to learn about current topics related to school leadership. 

The Standards of Practice for International School teachers and leaders about which Ms. Lianne presented during the conference and wrote on The International Educator (TIE) website are being implemented at Shattuck-St. Mary’s Forest City they are based on the model from the Principal’s Training Course and has been the leader in training international principals for over 25 years.  Over this past summer in Rome, Italy Ms. Lianne served on the faculty of the Principal Training Center.  Please give this first article featured in TIE Online a close read.  You will see how SSM-FC is setting the standard for schools around the world.

Dr. Morrin’s research was published in the Handbook of Research on Critical Issues and Global Trends in International Education.  Dr. Morrin contributed a chapter entitled Enhancing Multilingual Learning Programs Decision in English Medium Schools, Factors Benefits and Strategies.   The article draws on Dr. Morrin’s doctoral research she recently completed at Concordia University in Wisconsin.   Dr. Morrin’s article explores how best to utilize the previous language experience of students when considering their placement in programs that support English learning in International Schools.   

Genius Hours Presentations

The recent Genius Hour presentations were a vibrant display of over 20 student-led passion projects, each marked by a unique blend of creativity, commitment, and a strong desire to create a positive impact. In this article, we'll highlight a few of these inspiring initiatives to showcase the diverse talents and interests of our students.

One interesting project was the Kelab Alami initiative, aimed at transforming our Citizen Science Centre into a vibrant and functional space. Students took on the challenge of designing an attractive room with engaging displays and well-organized equipment. Their vision was to create an inspiring environment for our budding citizen scientists, making science both accessible and exciting. This project not only enhanced the physical space but also fostered a sense of community among young science enthusiasts.

Another exciting project was the Mari Membaca Kiosk reading initiative. Students embarked on a mission to spread the joy of reading within the JB community. They planned field trips to the kiosk and book warehouse, exploring innovative ways to engage people with reading. This project highlighted the importance of literacy and the power of books to connect and enrich communities.

The Soccer Skills project was a dynamic venture where students honed their athletic abilities, focusing on skills like passing, shooting, and dribbling. More than just learning and practicing these skills, the project included organizing actual games to apply what they learned. The highlight was a test at the end of the Genius Hour to measure the improvement in their soccer skills, adding a competitive and fun element to their learning.

Each of these projects exemplifies the essence of student-centered learning. Students independently identified areas they were passionate about, set their objectives, and executed their projects with minimal guidance. These initiatives not only allowed them to explore and develop specific skills but also taught them valuable lessons in project management, teamwork, and community engagement. The Genius Hour presentations were a testament to the creativity, initiative, and potential of our students in independently shaping their learning experiences and contributing positively to their communities.

Rising Stars Shine: Bonita and Jiayi's Remarkable Debut at the Johor Tennis Association Junior State Tournament

Fourth graders Bonita and Jiayi competed in the Johor Tennis Association Junior State Tournament in October.  Players represented several countries including China, Malaysia, Japan, Canada, Korea, and Singapore.  Bonita earned a gold medal in U10 Doubles and Jaiyi earned a bronze medal in U10 Singles. Neither Bonita nor Jaiyi had ever competed in a tournament in Malaysia before, and both were medalists, but that’s not the most interesting part of the story.  

Bonita had originally entered to compete in singles, and since her opponent in a consolation round did not show up and forfeited the match, Bonita was offered a chance to compete in the Doubles Tournament. Having never played doubles before, she took quick instruction on the rules and strategy for playing tennis with a partner.  Just before the match, she met her partner and together they won a gold medal. Jaiyi faced talented competition throughout the tournament, and his athleticism and powerful ground strokes carried him to the final rounds. In his last match, a more experienced tournament player took the pace off the ball and was able to defeat Jaiyi.  Both Bonita and Jaiyi gained valuable experience in match play.  Their competitive spirit and skills were put to a big challenge, and they both learned much about court strategy.  We look forward to their next competitions!

Halloween Feature

On Halloween, the SSM-FC community gathered for an energetic parade. Students and staff displayed their creativity by showcasing imaginative costumes on stage. The fun didn't stop there – later in the afternoon, the Shattuck Student Association hosted a spooktacular Halloween Party. Everyone was invited to enjoy the festivities, including a photo booth, face painting, and delicious snacks. Adding to the Halloween spirit, our boarding program organized a special night of trick-or-treating in the dormitories, providing a unique and memorable experience for our residential students. For a closer look at the day's events, be sure to check out our feature from the JMT YouTube channel!

Deepavali (Diwali) Celebration

During the lower school community meeting, Ms. Nhivetha and a fourth-grade student shared the significance of Deepavali, the festival of lights. The word Deepavali is derived from two Sanskrit words: “Deepa” meaning lamp and “avali” meaning row. Together it signifies rows of light. The central theme of the festival is the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. Students also crafted beautiful DIYA lamps. #CulturalCelebration 🪔✨.

SSM-FC Partner Visits: Meg Brainard and Nick Cobett

Nick Cobbert and Meg Brainard from Shattuck-St. Mary’s Educational Services visited campus last week.  Nick and Meg enjoyed meeting with teachers and students throughout their visit and offered coaching sessions for teachers who are working on curricular and leadership projects.  Nick and Meg help the school to ensure that SSM-FC fulfils its mission and vision with the same spirit as the Main Campus in Faribault, Minnesota.