FCIS Newsletter AY2024-25 ~ Vol.1 (Aug & Sep Issue)

Welcome from the new Head of School

Thank you everyone for the very warm welcome I have received upon my arrival. It is great to finally be here in the school and in Forest City. My first impressions have been very positive and have instilled an overall feeling of care and warmth from the community. The most obvious and impactful observation I have made is how friendly and nice the students are. Everyone says “hello” and smiles are on everyone’s faces. It is truly the best way to be welcomed. Thank you.

On to business, I am busy meeting the teachers, looking at the strategic direction of the school, assessing where we are with the curriculum, and preparing for the upcoming accreditation visit from NEASC. If you are not familiar with accreditation, it is a very important part of validating our school’s program, similar to an inspection in the government sector. On Thursday and Friday, we will have a team of evaluators on campus examining our mission and vision, organization structure, human resources practices, facilities, as well as teaching and learning practices. At the end of the visit we will be provided feedback as to what we are doing well and where we can improve based on international standards. Overall, a very healthy process for a school to go through.

Once again it is great to be here in person and enjoying all the wonderful things FCIS has to offer our entire school community. I look forward to seeing everyone around the campus and wish you all a great month ahead.

Warm regards,
Dr. Tarek

The Fit4Life Program in PE 2024-25 - Volume 1 (August to September 2024)

We are proud to share the incredible progress and achievements of our Grade 5, 6, 7, & 8 students, who recently completed their annual fitness test. This event is a key part of our student-centered approach to physical education, focusing on individual growth, goal-setting, and personal achievement.

At the core of this year’s fitness test was a student-centered learning philosophy designed to empower students by placing them at the heart of their own physical development. Rather than focusing solely on competition, the test encouraged students to take ownership of their fitness journey, set personal goals, and celebrate their progress. Each student was guided to reflect on their performance, identify areas for improvement, and work toward achieving their best results.

The fitness test consisted of a variety of exercises to assess different aspects of physical health and endurance:

Cardiovascular endurance: 1-mile run/walk Test & Pacer Test
Muscular strength & Endurance: Push-ups and Sit-ups
Flexibility: Sit and reach Test & Shoulder Mobility Test
Agility and coordination: Wall toss Test and T-test
Power, Speed, Balance, & Reaction Time: SLJ, 100m Dash, Stork Stand, & Ruler Drop Test

Many students surpassed their own expectations, achieving personal bests in different areas of the test. Whether it was running faster, completing more push-ups, or reaching further in the flexibility test, each student had a moment to shine. One of the most inspiring aspects was seeing students encourage and support each other throughout the process.

One of the key focuses of the test was on personal growth rather than comparison with others. By tracking their progress over the school year, students could see how their efforts in PE lessons and at home translated into tangible improvements. Several students who initially struggled with the 1-mile run or push-ups showed remarkable progress, with their hard work and determination paying off.

As we celebrate the accomplishments of our Grade 5, 6, 7, & 8 students, we are excited to continue nurturing a love for fitness through our student-centered approach. This experience has not only helped students improve physically but also built their confidence, resilience, and understanding of the importance of staying active.

The annual fitness test is an important milestone in our students’ journey toward a healthy lifestyle. By embracing a student-centered approach, we are helping them build skills, confidence, and a passion for fitness that will benefit them for years to come. We are incredibly proud of their achievements and look forward to seeing their continued progress!

#Fit4Life #StayActive

Friendly Soccer Match at Raffles American School - Monday, 23rd September

In preparation for the upcoming Soccer tournament, all our secondary teams traveled to Raffles American School for a friendly interscholastic match. Despite some weather challenges and a rush to avoid the approaching thunderstorm, the students had the opportunity to showcase their skills and teamwork.

Our U13 and girls' teams competed against the Raffles U15 girls in a tough, hard-fought match. Though they faced strong competition, they performed admirably.

The U15 team played an intense game, with both teams showing incredible determination. Neither side was willing to give in until the final whistle, but in the end, Raffles managed to secure the win.

Meanwhile, the U18 team displayed excellent ball possession throughout their match. However, in the final moments, Raffles equalized, resulting in a draw.

It was a fantastic learning experience and preparation for the upcoming JSAC tournament next weekend.

Well done to all the players and coaches for their efforts!

Mr. Vince – Athletics Director

JSAC Soccer Tournament – Saturday, 28th September at Marlborough College Malaysia

On Saturday, September 28th, we participated in the JSAC Soccer Tournament at Marlborough College Malaysia, with all JSAC schools represented, along with special guests from KL and Penang. Our U18 team performed exceptionally well, winning most of their matches before finishing second overall after a tough final against Sunway, out of 8 teams.

The U15 team also had a strong showing, playing in a larger group of 5 teams. They secured 3rd place in their group and moved on to the consolation round. After winning all their matches in this phase, they clinched the Plate Cup, finishing 5th out of 9 teams overall.

It was a challenging day due to the hot weather, but both players and coaches persevered, showing great determination. A big thank you to our coaches: Mr. Vince, Mr. Rigo, Coach John, and Mr. Saba, for their support throughout the tournament. Well done to all the students for their hard work!

Mr. Vince - Athletics Director

Empowering Voices: Introducing Our New Student Council Leaders !

We are thrilled to announce the successful formation of our new Student Council, which was established through a democratic vote by the student body on September 2nd. This marks a significant moment in our school’s journey towards enhanced student representation and leadership.

Introducing Your New Student Council Leaders : 

Head of Dorm Council: Lou Pei Jun (PJ)
Deputy Head: Song Yeong Jae (YJ)

Council Members:
Vincent Chan Myae Yan Linn
Vanann Lee Yue
Yuto Taniguchi

Our elected representatives are eager to bring fresh ideas, enthusiastic energy, and a commitment to improving our school environment. The Student Council will work on a range of initiatives aimed at enhancing student life and fostering a strong sense of community within our dorms.

Stay tuned for updates on their exciting plans!

Thrilling Paintball and Target Shooting Adventure !

On September 7, 2024, we had an amazing outing at Dynamic Paintball Johore in Iskandar Puteri for our Paintball War Game and Target Shooting trip. This exciting experience not only brought us thrills and fun but also offered valuable lessons for our students. Engaging in these activities enhanced teamwork, strategic thinking, and concentration.

The adrenaline of paintball encouraged collaboration and problem-solving, while target shooting sharpened focus and precision. Overall, it was a fantastic opportunity for personal growth and skill development, all while creating unforgettable memories!

Bridging Languages: A Workshop on Simultaneous Interpretation

On September 8, 2024, our dorm had the exciting opportunity to explore the world of language at Dr. Fred Li’s workshop, “Mastering the Art of Simultaneous Interpretation.” Participants delved into the intricacies of real-time translation, gaining essential skills for conveying messages across languages effectively.

Dr. Li guided us through the challenges and techniques of interpretation, providing practical exercises that sharpened our language abilities. The session was not only engaging but also left everyone inspired and eager to embrace the art of interpretation. We’re excited to see how these newfound skills will enhance our communication in the future! 

Unraveling Mysteries: Escape Room Adventure at Lost In JB

On September 14, 2024, our boarding students embarked on an exciting escape room adventure at Lost In JB, located in Eco Galleria. In this immersive experience, we assumed the role of students tasked with delivering schoolwork to our classmate Sarah, who had mysteriously been absent from school. Although her family welcomed us warmly, Sarah was nowhere to be found, and the visit quickly took a puzzling turn. The event was not only fun-filled but also fostered teamwork and critical thinking among participants!

Energizing Activities: Basketball Sessions for Boarding Students

On September 15, 2024, we organized simultaneous basketball and dance sessions, allowing students to choose their preferred activity. The basketball game offered a fantastic way to stay active and enhance students' health, while the dance session provided a lively and fun alternative. It was a great day filled with energy and enthusiasm!

Safety First: Successful Fire Drill and Appreciation for Local Firefighters

On September 10, 2024, we successfully conducted a fire drill at the dormitory, ensuring that our residents are well-prepared for emergencies. Following that, on September 19, 2024, we had the pleasure of meeting with our local firefighters, during which we presented them with a token of appreciation prepared by the boarding community.

Introducing the School Cafeteria Dietitian: Committed to promoting health and well-being through nutritious meals

Mpox Awareness

On September 17, 2024, Malaysia reported 10 confirmed cases of Mpox since July 26, 2023. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared a public health emergency of international concern for Mpox on August 14. The Malaysian Health Director-General urged high-risk individuals displaying symptoms such as fever, swollen lymph nodes, and rashes or blisters to seek immediate medical care at the nearest healthcare facility.

FCIS Medical Help Desk

Mark Your Calendars ! Exciting Events Coming Up in October!

October is shaping up to be a fantastic month at FCIS! We have a variety of exciting events planned that we encourage our entire school community to participate in.