AY 2023-2024 - SLT Newsletter Vol. 2

Alumni Spotlight: From Dreaming to Achieving: My Journey to Northwestern University's Journalism School with SSM-FC's Support

Dreams have the power to shape our lives, but often, it takes the right guidance and support to turn those dreams into reality. For me, the dream was to become a journalist, and the pathway to Northwestern University, the 9th-ranked university in the United States and the 1st-ranked journalism school in the world would not have been possible without the proud help of SSM-FC. With their invaluable support, I not only secured admission to Northwestern University but also received a full scholarship for four years. This article tells the story of my journey and the pivotal role played by SSM-FC in making my dreams come true.

My passion for journalism has been a constant companion since my early years. I was deeply interested in the world of storytelling, communication, and the power of the media to shape opinions and share impactful stories. This passion, however, required nurturing and guidance to transform into a tangible career path.

In Grade 11, I took my first steps toward realizing my journalism dreams with the help of two incredible mentors, Ms. Lianne and Dr. Maloberti. Together, we published the prestigious magazine 'Towards Tomorrow.' This experience not only honed my writing and editorial skills but also instilled in me the confidence to pursue a career in journalism.

In Grade 12, I had the privilege of enrolling in Dr. Pettigrew's Media Production class, which proved to be a transformative experience. Under Dr. Pettigrew's esteemed guidance, the media students and I created 'Shattuck Student News,' a platform that not only showcased my passion for journalism but also helped me build a strong foundation in media production. The skills I acquired in this class would prove invaluable in my future endeavors.

With a passion for journalism and a growing portfolio of work, I set my sights on Northwestern University in Qatar. During the process of applying to university, the support of the esteemed Ms. Lianne and the great Dr Korth was of the greatest help to me. Support from them and the school and the experience and skills I learned from the excellent faculty helped me enter college on a four-year full-merit scholarship. In recognition of my experience at SSM-FC, I was also accepted into the competitive Northwestern University in Qatar Press (The Daily-Q) as a reporter directly under the editor-in-chief.

As I embark on my journey at Northwestern University I am already looking forward to the opportunities that lie ahead. My goal is to gain practical experience through internships that will further refine my journalism skills and broaden my horizons. I plan to complete three internships before graduating. During my third year, I am considering a 10-week internship at Al Jazeera, a prestigious international news organization. This opportunity promises exposure to global

journalism and a deeper understanding of diverse cultures and perspectives. Additionally, I aspire to conduct two more internships, potentially in Korea, the United States, or Singapore, to gain a well-rounded understanding of journalism's global landscape. These goals and the future I have would not have been possible without the help of SSM-FC.

Dr. Maloberti joins Country Garden Education Schools Annual Meeting in Foshan

In response to the changes in Chinese Education Law, the Country Garden Schools in China have adopted a not-for-profit model of operation.  To find their new direction, the schools have looked back to their original inspiration of providing a high-quality education for children in China and toward the goal of becoming one of China’s best education providers.  The schools are reinvesting in their facilities and infrastructure as well as sharing expertise between the teachers and leaders in the group.  The schools are also exploring how best to improve economies of scale and professional development by centralizing some of the operational resources that were previously managed independently by each school.  A talented group of experts has been assembled to support the schools in College Counseling, Marketing, Student Recruitment, Professional Development, Curricular Development,  HR, Finance, Procurement, and Logistics,  Shattuck-St. Mary’s Forest City will enjoy access to the new group of talented leaders as well.  In October, a delegation from Country Garden Schools will visit our campus with the goals of establishing an admission and marketing plan in China, supporting the HR and operations teams, and identifying other areas where SSM-FC can enjoy more support by collaborating with the leadership of the Country Garden Schools in China.

Citizen Science

In Grade 1 social science, students have been embarking on exciting explorations to the local West Beach to discover various elements of marine life such as shells and animals. Our young learners eagerly roam the sandy shores, their curious eyes scanning the ground for beautiful shells scattered along the coast. They gather a diverse array of shells, each unique in size, color, and pattern. They use data graphs and traits charts to identify what they find document their discoveries.

In addition to shells, students have come across fascinating marine creatures like urchins, hermit crabs, mud skippers, and horseshoe crabs.

Our program teachers students about the importance of preserving these natural habitats and respecting the marine life they encounter. The beach exploration allows them to appreciate the beauty of the coastal ecosystem and the importance of taking care of it for future generations to enjoy. Students have a newfound understanding and respect for the wildlife surrounding them.

Celebrating Diversity in Traditions: A Look at SSMFC’s Mid-Autumn Festival

At SSMFC, we believe that embracing diversity isn’t just about recognizing differences but actively participating in the traditions that make each culture unique.

This year, the Lower School Mandarin students had a delightful immersion into the traditions of the Mid-Autumn Festival, a festival celebrated by Chinese communities worldwide. Under the guidance of Ms. Jolie and Ms. Eunice, the students embarked on a culinary adventure of making mooncakes, a central element of the festival. 

Meanwhile in secondary school, students in the Culinary (CAKE) class, under Mrs. Efthymiou, also tried their hands at making mooncakes. For many, this was their first encounter with this tradition. Through teamwork, learning, and a splash of creative enthusiasm, they managed to produce delicious mooncakes.

However, the celebration did not end in the classrooms. As the sun dipped below the horizon and the harvest moon rose, the boarding community of SSMFC gathered at the pitch with their bright festive lanterns that created a magical tapestry of light against the night sky.  A mooncake buffet was the star of the evening. From the traditional lotus paste to the modern twist of durian flavor, there was something for everyone. The diversity in flavors was reflective of the diverse community at SSMFC, each one bringing a unique taste to the table.

In essence, at SSMFC, we don’t just learn about traditions; we live them. And in doing so, we weave a tapestry of memories, experiences, and stories that will last a lifetime.

Building Empathy: World Peace Day Project

In a heartwarming display of collaboration, Grade 1 and 2 students recently undertook a project centered around the book "Origami Peace Cranes: Friendships Take Flight" by Sue DiCicco. The engaging story, replete with captivating illustrations and insightful ideas, was chosen with a specific purpose in mind—to address the anxiety that often accompanies new beginnings in the lives of young students.

This literary journey served as a powerful introduction to the themes of kindness, individuality, diversity, and open-mindedness for the participating children. Delving deeper into the narrative, the students explored the origins of the Peace Cranes, tracing their roots back to Hiroshima, Japan. They discovered the profound impact of this initiative by visiting the https://peacecraneproject.org/ website, which detailed the project's noble mission.

Eager to translate their newfound knowledge into creative expression, the class embarked on a hands-on journey of crafting origami peace cranes, hearts, and doves. Each piece of paper art carried heartfelt messages of love, peace, hope, and friendship, embodying the very ideals they had learned from the book. This artistic endeavor held a special significance as it coincided with the celebration of World Peace Day, observed annually on September 21st.

The Grade 1 and 2 students, with their boundless enthusiasm and genuine commitment, not only explored important life lessons but also demonstrated the profound impact literature and art can have on fostering friendship, empathy, and a shared vision of peace in our world.

Community Engagement: Early Childhood Open House

On September 20th to 22nd, the early childhood teachers invited parents to visit the classroom to observe their children learning through play. The children were overjoyed to have their parents in the room as they engaged in their morning routines. After washing hands and signing in, they chose their path of play with some gravitating towards “provocations” prepared by the teachers while others chose to play in the Blocks area or the Dramatic Play area. Some even chose to spend this time quietly in the Library area.

Then, the class came together for their Morning Meeting where they celebrated each other’s presence, updated the calendar, and discussed their plans for the rest of the day. It was delightful to see the parents too participate in the singing and movement activities that followed, adding an extra layer of joy to the moment.

Later, the parents had the opportunity to observe their children during art and music lessons as well. The teachers wanted to extend their heartfelt thanks to all parents for joining them at the Open House event. Each day was truly special, filled with learning and joyful interactions. The parents’ participation meant so much to the children.

Building Relationships: Dr. Korth meets university representatives in Thailand

In late September, Dr. Korth headed to Bangkok for the EARCOS CIS-EARCOS Institute on International Admissions and Guidance. These conferences give our college counseling staff the opportunity to network with university representatives from around the world, building important networks of communication and connection. During these three days, universities presented sessions on new programs, majors, and financial aid offerings for international students. Experienced counseling staff offered professional development sessions and forum discussions about emerging topics such as AI, the new SAT exams, and changes in the U.S. university landscape. Dr. Korth spent time networking with university representatives from 27 countries, focusing particularly on relationships with the coalition of Scottish universities, university reps from the University of British Columbia, and a group of 15 U.S. liberal arts colleges which includes Amherst, Wellesley, and Oberlin. Dr. Korth also hosted an SSM-FC booth, to proudly share our student profile and explain why our school is a good one to recruit from.

Community Engagement: Euro-Asia Competition

The Euro-Asia Performing Arts Association held the Johor regional Piano and Strings Competition over the weekend of September 23rd 24th.  Students of all ages participated in the competition. On, Saturday a concert featuring some of the previous award winners. Dr. Lynne Morrin assisted on Sunday with the awarding of prizes for the participants.  The school hosts this event to promote the study of music and to offer our community access to quality cultural events.