ACG School Jakarta Newsletter - The Wolfpack - February 2024 Edition

THE

WOLFPACK

The ACG School Jakarta Interactve Newsleter

EVENTS EVENTS CELEBRATION CELEBRATION SUMMER CAMP SUMMER CAMP

OPEN HOUSE, SCIENCE

OPEN HOUSE, SCIENCE FAIR TO LITERACY WEEK FAIR TO LITERACY WEEK EXCITEMENTS AWAIT EXCITEMENTS AWAIT

VALENTINE EVENT AND VALENTINE EVENT AND CHINESE NEW YEAR CHINESE NEW YEAR IN THE MONTH OF LOVE IN THE MONTH OF LOVE

FUN AND ADVENTUROUS FUN AND ADVENTUROUS EXPERIENCE IN EXPERIENCE IN BANDUNG BANDUNG

CONTENTS

PAGE 3-10

WELCOME & UPDATE

From our Principal, our Vice Principal & PYP Coordinator, and our IB Diploma Coordinator

PAGE 11

CHINESE NEW YEAR CELEBRATION

All the celebration of Chinese New Year 2024 Gong Xi Fa Cai!

PAGE 13-15

LITERACY WEEK

So many interesting activities happened during this week. If you think literacy week is boring, better think again

PAGE 19-21

STUDENT CAMP

Time for the students to release their stress and get in touch more with the nature. Adventure and excitement all the way.

MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL

In recent educational endeavors, ACG School Jakarta has exemplified the profound impact of learning outside the classroom through diverse experiences tailored to different age groups. The secondary students embarked on a four-day, three-night camp, while the kindergarten students ventured to an urban farm, each experience designed to complement their stage of learning and development.

Secondary Students' Camp Experience

The secondary students' camp in Lembang was a meticulously planned excursion aimed at enhancing realworld understanding, promoting social and emotional growth, and developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Over the course of four days, students engaged in a variety of activities, from navigating the challenges of the Amazing Race at Lembang Market to experiencing military-style exercises at "Zone 235."

Myles D’Airelle

These activities were not only fun but were also rich with educational value, providing practical applications of classroom knowledge, fostering teamwork, and building resilience.

The camp ' s diverse itinerary supported the holistic development of students, aligning with the school's mission to prepare them for life's opportunities through inquiry and action.

Kindergarten Students' Urban Farm Visit

The visit to an urban farm for the kindergarten students represents another facet of experiential learning, focusing on early childhood education. This outing allowed the youngest learners to connect with nature and understand the origins of their food, emphasizing the importance of environmental stewardship from an early age. Activities such as planting seeds, caring for farm animals, and learning about sustainable farming practices were designed to spark curiosity about the natural world and encourage responsible action towards the environment. This hands-on learning experience supports the Cambridge and IB emphasis on developing inquiry and thinking skills, even in the earliest stages of education.

The Broader Impact

Incorporating these recent excursions into the broader discussion on the importance of field trips and learning outside the classroom underscores their role in delivering a holistic education. Whether through the challenging adventures of a camp or the exploratory wonder of an urban farm visit, students of all ages are offered unique opportunities to learn and grow beyond traditional academic settings. These experiences are invaluable in fostering a love for learning, developing empathy and global awareness, and preparing students to navigate and contribute positively to the world around them.

y farm visit for kindergarten students at ACG School Jakarta serve as prime examples of how field trips and outdoor learning can profoundly enrich education. By extending learning beyond the classroom walls, schools can nurture not just academically proficient students but well-rounded individuals ready to make a meaningful impact in their local and global communities.

Kind regards,

Myles D’Airelle Principal

MESSAGE FROM THE

VICE PRINCIPAL & PYP COORDINATOR

Dear Parents, Caregivers, and Students,

The month of February saw our school community busy making connections with each other as well as the outside world.

ACG School Jakarta

Open House

Mansur

During our Open House on Saturday 3 February, we were proud of our students who volunteered to be ACGSJ ambassadors in welcoming families interested in joining our school community, and guiding them on a tour of our school facilities under the supervision of our staff. Through such authentic interactions which form a part of our service learning, our students develop their selfconfidence and communication skills, interacting with people outside of their daily circle, in a safe environment.

As they prepare for the day in a multi-age group, our Student Ambassadors have an opportunity to connect and collaborate with students from other year levels for a common goal, to represent our school and share their own lived experience with candidate community members.

Selda

The PYP identifies seven key concepts that facilitate planning for a conceptual approach to transdisciplinary and subject-specific learning. Together, these key concepts form the component that drives the teacher- and/or studentconstructed inquiries that lie at the heart of the PYP curriculum. (PYP: From principles into practice, IB, 2018)

One of those key concepts is connection Othe perspective and responsibility.

connection

How is it linked to other things?

Most of our Secondary st p t skills while getting to know students from differen Meanwhile, our Primary students gathered in what Assembly on 20 February 2024, and worked in mixe from each year level, led by Y5-6 students.

The understanding that we live in a world of interacting systems in which the actions of any individual element affect others.

“The aim of all IB programmes is for students to develop and demonstrate international-mindedness It is a multifaceted concept that captures a way of thinking, being and acting. Internationally minded students are open to others and to the world, and are cognizant of our deep interconnectedness.” (PYP: From principles into practise, IB, 2018) The Assembly served as a lead up to our Literacy week. You can read the details on the following pages

“IIt is little opportunities like these that remind us how humanity is interconnected, and help us build bridges between us and others around the world.”

In mid-February, we received a letter of invitation in an envelope from a PYP school in Canada to join a “Great World Mail Race”

challenge Our Y4-5-6 students learned about the Balmoral Hall School in Winnipeg, Manitoba and filled a questionnaire about our school and Jakarta We sent our filled questionnaires to 51 schools our students chose from the list of PYP schools around the world, along with an introduction letter about our school and Jakarta, inviting those schools to join the challenge.

Literacy Week also was a great opportunity for us to connect with others through books. We had volunteer parents coming in to read aloud stories in a variety of languages. Secondary students performed an Indonesian folktale and visited Primary classes to read aloud to younger students. We celebrated the joy of reading during our Tuesday Assembly, where many of us dressed up as our favourites book characters.

The week was full of many other activities which inspired us to read, reflect and connect with other people and perspectives through books. Different year groups worked on tasks such as creating a comic strip together. All year levels engaged in activities which allowed us to interact with books as well as people.

May your days be filled with the knowledge and joy of being connected with your loved ones and other humans, whichever part of the world you and they may be in.

Kind regards,

Selda Mansur Vice-Principal and PYP Coordinator

IB LEARNER

PROFILE ASSEMBLY

On 20 February 2024, Y5-6 students led the Primary IB Learner Profile Assembly activity and read aloud a Big Book to kindergarten and Y1-2-3-4 students, and inviting them to prepare a book review poster, reflecting on which Learner Profile attributes are evident in the book. It was a day of learning with and from each other. You can see their posters all around the school.

LITERACY WEEK

Our students enjoyed a variety of reading-related activities during Literacy Week. We had a book fair, giving us options to buy some age-appropriate, interesting books at a discounted price.

Many thanks to parents who shared their storytelling talents to share stories from their home languages and cultures with our students. We had parents from China, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Pakistan and providing our students with a taste of stories from near and far. We dressed up in our favourite book characters costumes.

Our Secondary Students performed a lovely folktale in Bahasa Indonesia.

Secondary Students visited Primary classes to read aloud books to younger members of our school community.

Literacy Week Special: Stories from All Over the World

During our school's Literacy Week, we had a very special day called "Stories from Around the World " This was a day when parents and students from different countries shared stories with our Primary students. These stories were famous tales from their own countries. Some parents wore clothes that are traditional in their countries and brought little things that show something about where they are from. The children really liked hearing these stories, especially because they were told by people from those places

We had many storytellers: From Japan, we had Mrs. Yuko and Mrs. Eriko. Mrs. Nikhita shared stories from India. Fiza told us stories from Pakistan. From China, we listened to Mrs. Sophie, Mrs. Yu, and Mrs. Huying. And from Indonesia, Mrs. Pinta and Mrs. Mini shared their stories.

Everyone enjoyed the stories a lot. It was like traveling to different parts of the world without leaving the school!

We want to say a big thank you to all the storytellers. We hope to hear more stories next year during Literacy Week. Thank you for making this year so special!

MESSAGE FROM IB DIPLOMA COORDINATOR

Dear Caregivers and Students,

I hope this message finds you well. We are close to finishing an extremely busy term and I’m sure that the break cannot come soon enough for the students. Thank you to all of the parents and student who met with me and the DP teachers during the PTSCs and I trust that you all received some valuable feedback.

Year 12 Update

Our Year 12 IBDP students have been continuing their Extended Essay process. They should all have a supervisor and be working on developing their Research Question. After this, they will start their research to build their knowledge of the topic before starting their writing.

It is important for everyone to stay on track, as completing this on time will reduce the pressure of the academic year ahead.

Please ensure that everyone is keeping up their attendance and punctuality, as this is a significant factor in academic success.

Kieran Pascoe

Year 13 Update

Our Year 12 IBDP students have been continuing their Extended Essay process. They should all have a supervisor and be working on developing their Research Question. After this, they will start their research to build their knowledge of the topic before starting their writing. It is important for everyone to stay on track, as completing this on time will reduce the pressure of the academic year ahead. Please ensure that everyone is keeping up their attendance and punctuality, as this is a significant factor in academic success.

Kind regards,

Kieran Pascoe IBDP Coordinator ACG School Jakarta

FESTIVE CELEBRATION

CHINESE NEW YEAR

The festivities commenced with a heartwarming choir performance by the kindergarten students, who sang the traditional Chinese New Year song "Gong Xi Gong Xi," filling the air with joy and harmony. Following this, a group of talented year 8 students took the stage, captivating the audience with a lively dance set to a popular Chinese New Year tune, adding a modern twist to the celebration.

The cultural extravaganza continued with a mesmerizing Traditional Korean Dance, showcasing the grace and elegance of Korean culture. This was followed by a demonstration of skill and discipline in a Taekwondo performance, which impressed the audience with its precise movements and agility.

The highlight of the event was the breathtaking Barongsai performance. The intricate choreography and stunning costumes left the audience in awe, making it the standout performance of the day.

The Chinese New Year celebration at ACG School Jakarta was a celebration of cultural diversity and unity. It was also reminder of the school's commitment to embracing and honoring different cultures, creating a harmonious and inclusive community.

MOCK EXAMS

YEAR 11 & YEAR 13

From the 28th of February to the 8th of March, Year 11 and Year 13 students at ACG School Jakarta undertook their Mock examinations, a pivotal moment in their academic journey. These exams, designed to simulate the conditions of the actual assessments, tested students on a wide range of subjects, including Bahasa Indonesia, English, Math, Coordinated Science, Chemistry, Physics, Music, and Art.

For many students, these Mock exams represented a crucial opportunity to gauge their understanding of the subjects and identify areas for improvement before the final examinations. The exams were structured to challenge students across various disciplines, helping them refine their exam-taking skills and build confidence in their abilities.

The Mock examinations also provided teachers with valuable insights into the progress and readiness of their students. By reviewing the results and performance of each student, teachers could tailor their teaching strategies to better support their students in the leadup to the final exams.

While the Mock examinations were undoubtedly challenging, they also served as a valuable learning experience for Year 11 and Year 13 students. Through hard work, dedication, and perseverance, these students demonstrated their commitment to academic excellence and readiness for the challenges ahead.

LITERACY WEEK

ACG School Jakarta immersed in a vibrant celebration of literacy during Literacy Week, which spanned from the 26th of February to the 1st of March 2024. The event was a testament to the school's commitment to promoting a love for reading and storytelling among its students.

For the primary level, a variety of engaging activities were organized. These included the Learner Profile assembly, which highlighted the importance of being principled readers and writers. The Book Links activity encouraged students to explore connections between different books, fostering a deeper understanding of literature. Drop Everything and Read (DEAR) sessions were a hit, allowing students to immerse themselves in books of their choice.

Intercultural Storytellers brought tales from around the world to life, enhancing students' cultural awareness. Secondary Student Read Aloud sessions showcased the reading talents of older students, inspiring their younger peers. Story Maker sessions encouraged students to unleash their creativity and craft their narratives. The Book Character Dress Up and Comic Competition added a fun and imaginative element to the week's festivities.

LITERACY WEEK

ACG School Jakarta immersed in a vibrant celebration of literacy during Literacy Week, which spanned from the 26th of February to the 1st of March 2024 The event was a testament to the school's commitment to promoting a love for reading and storytelling among its students.

For the primary level, a variety of engaging activities were organized. These included the Learner Profile assembly, which highlighted the importance of being principled readers and writers. The Book Links activity encouraged students to explore connections between different books, fostering a deeper understanding of literature. Drop Everything and Read (DEAR) sessions were a hit, allowing students to immerse themselves in books of their choice.

Intercultural Storytellers brought tales from around the world to life, enhancing students' cultural awareness. Secondary Student Read Aloud sessions showcased the reading talents of older students, inspiring their younger peers. Story Maker sessions encouraged students to unleash their creativity and craft their narratives. The Book Character Dress Up and Comic Competition added a fun and imaginative element to the week's festivities.

LITERACY WEEK

SCIENCE FAIR

In February, our Science and Design department orchestrated a dynamic and engaging Science Fair that brought together students from various grades for a day of exploration, experimentation, and STEM challenges. The event showcased a blend of creative experiments, hands-on activities, and collaborative challenges that left an indelible mark on both primary and secondary students.

The fair started with an impressive exhibition of science projects by Year 7, 8, 9, and 12 students. The diverse projects demonstrated the students' curiosity and enthusiasm for scientific inquiry. From innovative solutions to real-world problems to fascinating explorations of fundamental scientific principles, the exhibition set a high standard for the rest of the day.

Primary students were not left out of the excitement They engaged in a series of captivating experiments in their homerooms, including the classic "dancing raisins," lava lamps, and the balloon blow-up experiment. These hands-on activities sparked their interest in science and provided a foundation for understanding basic scientific concepts

SCIENCE FAIR

Lower primary students were treated to an awe-inspiring demonstration of the "elephant toothpaste" experiment by Mr Devis and his senior school chemistry students, leaving them wide-eyed with wonder.

Year 5 and 6 students joined high school students in constructing straw roller coasters and mastering the creation of exploding sticks. Secondary students delved into a series of stimulating STEM challenges that put their problem-solving and teamwork skills to the test. From building bridges to constructing pirate boats, donning upside-down goggles, navigating marble mazes, and designing hydraulic lifts, the challenges were as diverse as they were exhilarating.

The Science Fair provided an invaluable opportunity for students to translate theoretical concepts they learn in class into practical skills, reinforcing the importance of hands-on learning. As we reflect on this year ' s Science Fair, we thank the science department for their dedication and efforts in making the event a resounding success.

SCIENCE FAIR

Abraham David Sciences Team leader

STUDENT CAMP ADVENTURE UNLOCK!

ACG School Jakarta's secondary level students, from year 7 to year 11, embarked on an enriching summer camp adventure that combined cultural exploration with bonding activities. The camp, held in Bandung, West Java, provided students with a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the local culture and forge deeper connections with their peers

One of the highlights of the summer camp was the visit to local schools in Bandung, where students not only learned about the rich traditions and history of West Java culture but also had the chance to perform and showcase their talents This cultural exchange allowed students to gain a deeper appreciation for the diversity of Indonesian culture while honing their performance skills and building confidence.

STUDENT CAMP ADVENTURE UNLOCK!

In addition to cultural experiences, students also had the opportunity to strengthen their bonds through camping. They spent two days camping in a military barrack, where they participated in various team-building activities and challenges. These activities not only tested their physical and mental strength but also fostered teamwork, communication, and leadership skills. Overall, the summer camp was a memorable experience for ACG School Jakarta's students, offering them a unique blend of cultural immersion, performance opportunities, and team-building activities. It was an experience that not only enriched their understanding of the world around them but also helped them form lasting friendships and memories

STUDENT CAMP ADVENTURE UNLOCK!

PRIMARY STUDENTS

URBAN FARM VISIT

The young students of ACG School Jakarta's Kindergarten recently embarked on an exciting adventure to Kuntum Fairfield, an urban farm, as part of their annual program to connect with nature This educational outing provided the children with a hands-on experience to learn about the environment, agriculture, and animal life.

At Kuntum Fairfield, the students had the opportunity to interact with a variety of farm animals, including rabbits, goats, and chickens. This hands-on experience not only taught the children about different animal species but also instilled in them a sense of empathy and responsibility towards living creatures.

PRIMARY STUDENTS

URBAN FARM VISIT

One of the highlights of the trip was the chance to ride horses, an activity that delighted the young adventurers and allowed them to experience the joy of horseback riding firsthand. Additionally, the students were taught about farming practices and had the chance to plant trees and flowers, helping them understand the importance of caring for the environment and preserving green spaces.

The visit to Kuntum Fairfield was a valuable learning experience for the Kindergarten students, providing them with a deeper appreciation for nature and the world around them. Through hands-on activities and interactions, the students not only learned about agriculture and animal life but also developed a sense of environmental stewardship that will stay with them for years to come.

PRIMARY STUDENTS

URBAN FARM VISIT

valuable learning experience for the hem with a deeper appreciation for nature and the world around them. Through hands-on activities and interactions, the students not only learned about agriculture and animal life but also developed a sense of environmental stewardship that will stay with them for years to come.

CUPID SECRET DELIVERY

SENT WITH LOTS OF LOVE

Love was in the air at ACG School Jakarta as students eagerly participated in the much-anticipated Valentine's Day event, Cupid Secret Delivery. This unique event allowed students to express their admiration and appreciation for their peers by sending them presents anonymously, creating an atmosphere of mystery and excitement throughout the school.

From the 1st to the 13th of February, students had the opportunity to send and receive heartfelt gifts without knowing the identity of the sender, adding an element of surprise to the occasion. The event not only encouraged students to show kindness and appreciation to one another but also fostered a sense of camaraderie and unity within the school community.

By the end of the event, the entire school was abuzz with excitement and gratitude, as students reflected on the love and kindness that had been shared during Cupid Secret Delivery. It was a heartwarming reminder of the importance of kindness, appreciation, and love in building a strong and supportive school community.

RACHEL HOUSE CHARITY PROJECT FOR CHILDREN PALLIATIVE CARE

Students at ACG School Jakarta recently embarked on a heartwarming charity project to support Rachel House, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing palliative care for children with terminal illnesses. Rachel House offers medical care free of charge, focusing on diseases like cancer and lethal infections, and strives to improve the quality of life for these young patients and their families.

The charity project, driven by empathy and a desire to make a difference, aimed to raise funds to support Rachel House's efforts Through various fundraising activities and generous donations from students, a total of Rp. 9,402,888 was collected. These funds will enable Rachel House to purchase essential items such as clothes, food, and other necessities for children in Indonesia with medical conditions, ensuring they receive the care and support they desperately need.

RACHEL HOUSE

CHARITY PROJECT FOR CHILDREN PALLIATIVE CARE

The initiative not only demonstrates the compassion and generosity of ACG School Jakarta's students but also highlights the importance of community service and caring for those in need. By supporting Rachel House, these students are making a tangible difference in the lives of children facing challenging circumstances, spreading hope and kindness in their community.

submissions

event

25.MAR —10.MAY 07.JUN

King’s InterHigh are again hosting ART INSPIRED, their annual global art competition, open to all students aged 14-16 in Inspired schools

This is a wonderful international experience for Inspired families, as well as an opportunity for students to showcase their creative skills and take inspiration from the talent of their peers around the world

Entries will be included in an online virtual gallery, and the

King’s InterHigh Art Department will work with

participating schools to set up a schedule of events for students, parents and their teachers to join and walk through the gallery together, with some students talking through their work via video

If your school wishes to participate, please ask your Head of Art to contact Jo Middleburgh at King’s InterHigh on joanna middleburgh@kingsinterhigh co uk