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Changchun American International School Newsletter
April 2015
April Whole School News On 8 April the Foreign Expert Bureau named CAIS as the Foreign
Expert Community Center of Changchun, which is a natural
progression for our school as
cultur al diver sity can be
considered as one of the school’s
stregths. Over 30 nationalities
walk into the building every day.
We form a learning community
where multiple perspectives is
recognized as a challenge, and
celebrated as an opportunity to
learn, to grow and to develop
mutual under standing and
respect for one another.
the students, therefore it would mean a great deal to us if you could grace
the occasion with your presence as we believe that for us, the graduation
ceremony would not be complete without your being there to witness it.
Your presence would add a glow to our special day and make the event a
memorable one.
DP1 students need to prepare
t h e m s e l v e s f o r t h e fi n a l
examination that will be held
from 26 May until 3 June 2015.
The exam schedule will be
uploaded to Managebac, sent to
students’ email and hard copy will
be distributed to each of DP1
students. DP1 students should be
encouraged to start working on
their final assignments such as
E x t e n d e d E s s a y, I n t e r n a l
Assessments, completing their
CAS reflection and others. We are pleased to have the
opportunity to interact with the
wider expatriate community of
Jilin Province. CAIS is proud to
be the venue where China’s
valued guests can share the
richness of their cultures, as well
as discover each other’s cultures
and traditions. - Santo Kuruniwan
DP Coordinator
MYP News DP News Good luck to all DP2
students who will have their
final IB examination from 4-22
through May 2015. The schedule
has been sent to each of the
students and also uploaded on
ManageBac. Parents please make
sure that you have the correct Foreign Expert Bureau named CAIS as the Foreign Expert Community Center.
examination schedule so we can
help our students to arrive at school at least 30 minutes before the
examination time. Please be informed that DP2 Students do not have to
be at school if they don’t have any exam at the day. Once they have done
the exam, they also can go home right away. This information may be
needed to make arrangement of transportation for our children as they
may not go to school or go home at the same time with other students. Graduation Day - It is our privilege to invite you, DP2 parents to the
graduation ceremony on 23 May 2015, and be a part of our children’s
happiness as they complete this important milestone of their life. The
graduation will be at Changchun American International School in the
afternoon from 1.00 - 4.30 pm. The ceremony will be followed by a
graduation party at 6 pm at Sheraton Jingyuetan Hotel. We would be
honored if you could be a part of that as well. You can read more details
about the event on the official invitation letter that will be distributed to
MYP students attended the
second year of the Annual
Dining Etiquette lessons this
month. We are very grateful to
Hyatt Regency Changchun for
sending Executive Chef Steven,
and Food and Beverage
Executive Assistant Manager
Martin to train our students in
the fine art of western dining.
DP2 students will have their final IB exams through May 2015.
CHANGCHUN AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL NEWSLETTER!!
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APRIL 2015
This month’s Parent Information Session was about the MYP maths
curriculum and assessment. Mr. Sanjeev’s MYP5 students prepared a videotaped explanation of each criterion of the MYP assessment. It was
impressive to see how students had developed an excellent understanding
on how their performance in the subject is being assessed.
MYP Students enjoy this month’s western dining etiquette training.
PYP News PYP had a great Earth Day celebration on 22 April 2015. We started with
a 30-45 minute hike and reached the lighthouse in Da Ding Zi Shan to
enjoy the view and find a site for our picnic lunch. We were lucky as we
had MYP 3 students who assisted each PYP class during the trip. The
students enjoyed the picnic and started cleaning up around the area. It
was heart-warming to see them do their best in cleaning up not only in
the picnic area but also during our hike on the way back. We also had a
meaningful flower planting activity and hanging of birdhouses. Through our
own little way, we were able to enjoy the nature and leave a trace of our
gift to our planet. We hope that everyone will try to make everyday an
Earth Day and so something good for our precious planet.
Mr Sanjeev talks about technology in math classes.
We enjoyed Angela Wang's inspirational talk to MYP 4 to DP1 students
on 21 April. Angela graduated from CAIS in 2011, attended Case Western
Reserve University in the American state of Ohio. In spite of her
numerous involvement in extra-curricular activities, Angela managed to
finish her course in three and a half years. This fall, Angela will be attending
Harvard Graduate School for a master's degree in human development
and psychology. Angela talked about her years at CAIS (being the
president of the Student Council and engaging in CAS activities), and how
universities not only look at the IB scores but how well a person can lead
a balanced life by pursuing special interests and giving back to the
community.
We are also proud of the PYP students for successfully accomplishing their
Student Led Conference last 24th of April 2015. They prepared their
portfolios and showed their learning journey to their parents or guardians.
Great job PYP!
This month, PYP also had several field trips that extended their inquiry
and learning in class. PYP 1 and 3 went to a
local kindergarten as part of their unit in
Children’s Rights. They had joint activities
and taught the kindergarten children how
to make clay. They also donated books,
school materials, used clothes and toys to
the children. It was an enlightening and a
meaningful filed trip for both grade levels.
PYP 4 went to GenSci factory to inquire
more on matters and the physical changes
that it undertakes to come up with
medicines and vaccines. The staff walked the
students through the step-by-step process
PYP visit local school.
that they go through to come up with a
product. They also had a chance to weigh
objects and see cells and bacteria in the microscope. The students
enjoyed the trip and brought back skills and knowledge that they can use
as they work on their summative task for this unit.
Ms. Ann hands out awards during COLA assembly to students.
On 23 April, MYP held its Celebration of Learning Assembly featuring
the exciting activities happening in our Friday club time. Students showed
movie trailers produced during the Movie Club, first aid training with Red
Cross China, MUN trip to Beijing, Habitat for Humanity work camp in
Louhe Province, and sports tournament with other schools.
PYP 5 is in the middle of working on their PYP Exhibition. At the
beginning of the month, they started with a field trip to Changchun
Geology Museum. In this trip, they saw models of the Earth and solar
system. They explored different planets and how they move in relation to
their distance to the Earth. It was an interesting field trip as they learn and
inquire on space in preparation to their Exhibition. We look forward to
more activities and learning not only in class but outside of class as well.
We welcome parents’ involvement in relation to our current unit of
inquiries and suggestions for field trips as well.
- Ann Gaillard
Secondary School Principal & MYP Coordinator
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CHANGCHUN AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL NEWSLETTER!!
PYP students learn about fractions with pizza.
Important May PYP Dates:
• May 11th – 15th – Book Week
• May 13th – PYP Coffee Meeting
• May 28th – Opening of PYP Exhibition to PYP students
• May 29th – Opening of PYP Exhibition to Parents and Guests
- Cherie Roanne A. Montalla
PYP Coordinator
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APRIL 2015
fun.
Q: Ayman, why did you volunteer to help Kevin organize this?
Ayman: Because I think it was a great opportunity for all the school to
show their talents, and I wanted it to work out. I thought that if Kevin
were alone, it wouldn't be so easy for it to happen, so I said okay, I would
do it.
Q: What were the difficulties in getting this show to happen?
Kevin: I think that, especially for MYP students, they are shy and in the
beginning, not many of them wanted to sign up for the show, but later it
got better.
Ayman: Most of the difficulties came at the very end, except for the
prizes, which we weren't very sure about. But at the end, some people
dropped out, and it was pretty confusing because we had to change the
list several times. But other than that, I think it worked out pretty well.
Q: What did you learn from planning this event?
Kevin: Just try harder if you want to get something to happen; for
example, in the beginning, not many people wanted to sign up for this
show, but then...
Q: What specific effort did you make?
Kevin: I tried to convince my friends and some of the MYP4 students to
do things I know they are special at, and also Ayman and I went to each
class to talk about what the students could do, and also the prize.
Q: Do you think having the posters helped advertise?
Kevin: I think the posters got people's attention, and the Smart Watch
attracted people.
Q: Was it a success?
Kevin: Yes, I think everyone enjoyed it. It's fun and special, and it's a new
thing, different from a concert, because we had videos (like the "flying ping
pong ball") and other things. We had the special prize of the Smart Watch,
and the trophies. Both the audience and the talent guys enjoyed it.
Ayman: Absolutely, because I think that many people showed their talents.
People were happy afterwards, and I thought the audience enjoyed seeing
the show. It was something very new to the school, and I think it was a
very good idea
Q: And finally, should there be another show next year?
Kevin: Yes, I think that after this year, more people will realize what the
talent show is, and want to join next year and fight for the prize.
CAIS We’ve Got Talent: Including the winner, PYP4 Monicka, receiving her Smart Watch prize from MYP5 Kevin and Ayman. PYP Sky dances. PYP brother and sister Toby and
Malona sing together.
Organizing the Student Council’s CAIS Got Talent Event This month, the Student Council put on the first ever CAIS Got Talent
Show. This was an idea from Vice President Kevin. Below is the interview
with Kevin and his classmate Ayman on how they accomplished organizing
this.
Q: Kevin, how did you come up with the idea for 'CAIS Got Talent?'
Kevin: Well, I love 'America's Got Talent,' that TV show, and somehow that
idea came to my mind: why can't we have that at school, a show that
everyone would like? I'm sure there are lots of students at our school that
can do cool stuff - singing, dancing, a magic show. If we have something like
that, students will realize that it's their talent. And I thought it would be
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CHANGCHUN AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL NEWSLETTER!!
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Ayman: Yes! of her leadership qualities allowed her to really excel at CWRU. Angela
came back to our school to share her amazing story of hard work and
Q: Would you be willing to hep organize it?
creativity in her desire to attend a top flight graduate school after
Kevin: Yes, of course! I want to make this happen again.
completing her undergraduate studies. Angela's remarkable story highlights
Ayman: No, because I won't be here next year.
the fact that students from CAIS are going above and beyond in there
Q: If you were here, would you be willing, Ayman?
desire to change the world and contribute to China's future.
Ayman: Absolutely! I think it was a great opportunity.
Ms Catherine: I would like to say that, as Student Council Advisor, that
Angela spoke to a packed room of over 100 people about the struggles
you both did a great job, and without your sustained effort, it could have
and success that has given her the opportunity to now pursue her dream
easily not happened. You guys kept a positive attitude, and because of that,
of attending Harvard Graduate School. Angela spoke of her days here
it did happen. Good work!
at CAIS and the valuable lessons she learned in the IB program and more
importantly about the CAS component of the IB education. With her in
PTA CORNER depth understanding of the importance of the CAS Angela encouraged all
students to work hard to complete the CAS. But to also grow from the
Welcome to the PTA Corner! The PTA is a voluntary organisation with
process of giving back to others who are less fortunate. Angela worked
the aim to connect with and support CAIS's multi-cultural and multithe crowd like a seasoned college graduate answering questions and
lingual school community. Members of the PTA have been very busy in the
speaking in two world languages. background, planning activities for the rest of the year and acting as liaison
between parents, teachers and CAIS Management. We are happy with
Daniel Chou and Irene Chou presented Angela with a gift for all her
the progress to open CAIS' first PTA shop and hope to have the first sale
efforts of 10,000 US dollars to be applied to her graduate studies. It was a
of items at the upcoming Dragon Boat Festival in June. moving experience to see CAIS owners continue to show they are
committed to supporting one of our most successful alumnus so far with
The first English Book Club meeting was held on 7 April and everyone
such a gift. This remarkable young woman is full of promise and the future
really enjoyed the book 'Wonder'. We had a lively discussion on the
certainly looks very bright indeed. importance of compassion and are looking forward to our next meeting
on 5 May at 08:00 in the Library. The next book for discussion is 'The Joy
- Michael Hayes, Director of University Counseling
Luck Club', by Amy Tan. Everyone is welcome to join!
We also had our first Writing Club meeting on the 21st. The Writing
Club provides a supporting and constructive environment for people who
feel that they have a story or poetry to share and is a wonderful way to
get the creative juices flowing! Please join us for our next meeting on 19
May at 08:00 in the Library.
For more information on the Book Club and Writing Club, please contact
Celia at stander.family@hotmail.com or Ms Missy in the Library at
missycahill@gmail.com
The International Ladies Group in Changchun will have its next lunch
at the Shangri-la Hotel on Friday, 8 May and it is wonderful to see this
group grow into one that already represents almost 10 nationalities.
Please contact Anna Burman to rsvp if you'd like to attend at
annabeeson@hotmail.com Parents who have interesting news or 'Changchun tips' and would like to
include it in the next PTA Corner, are welcome to contact Celia at
stander.family@hotmail.com All parents, guardians and teachers are automatically members of the PTA
and are invited to the next PTA meeting on Wednesday, 20 May at
18:00. This will be our last PTA meeting of the school year and we'd like
to encourage everyone to get involved and share your ideas with us.
Please feel free to contact any member of the PTA Executive Committee
if you have any questions.
Have a great day!
- Celia Stander
CAIS Parent Teacher’s Association Chairperson: Ms Anna Burman annabeeson@hotmail.com
Vice-Chairperson: Mr Yu Ming Zhao zhaoym@msn.com
Secretary: Ms Celia Stander stander.family@hotmail.com
Treasurer: Gui Li Song yerby@126.com
Counselor’s Corner On 21 April Angela Wang who graduated from CAIS in 2011 returned
to Changchun American International School to share with all of us here
the goods of her acceptance to Harvard Graduate School. Angela is an
outstanding example of a CAIS student who graduated and then went on
to truly live the IB Learner profile during years at Case Western Reserve
University. Angela's strong foundation in academic skills and development
Daniel and Irene Chou presented Angela Wang with a gift to be applied to her
graduate studies at Harvard University.
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CHANGCHUN AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL NEWSLETTER!!
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CAIS SPORTS & CLUBS
CAIS Soccer
Our CAIS Soccer Team went to Dalian
International School for a two-day
tournament with other International
schools from nor theastern China.
Unfortunately, we lost the first match
we played after the journey and on a
new pitch. Each individual player
improved after that and we showed
great team spirit on - and off - the field.
We achieved a draw and a final win on
the second day. All supervisors enjoyed
watching the students improving from
game to game and playing as one team
with great spirit, fighting and running for
each other. Undoubtedly, off the field the
team continued existing and we finally
had a lot of fun as a group. We all came
home happily after a successful trip to
Dalian. - Mr. Jorg
Swimming & First Aid
In the last term, King and I offered
Swimming and First-Aid club. The club
was supervised by Mr.Bob and Ms.
Carmen. We selected a natatorium that
is very near to our school. Also, we
invited an instructor from the China
Red Cross in order to teach us first-aid
including CPR. At last, we have received
official first-aid certificates from the Red
Cross. It was a very valuable two days
experience for all of us. - Kevin, MYP 5
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CHANGCHUN AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL NEWSLETTER!!
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2015 CAIS Summer Camp This summer, Changchun American International School will run a
summer camp. Instructors for the CAIS summer camp are
native English speakers from the United States. They have
knowledge of the subject as well as the sports that will be taught. Each camp participant will be evaluated to determine their level of
English comprehension. This will assist in placing them at the level
they will learn the most and be the most successful.
Welcome to the CAIS Summer Intensive English and Sports
Camp – a rare opportunity for students to learn academic English
in a fun-filled environment.
WHO: Chinese and International Students between 11 to 16 years
old
WHAT: Summer Camp to improve English skills and enjoyment of
sports Morning activities: Students will learn history, science and math in
an intensive English environment using exciting educational iPad
apps
Afternoon activities: Students will have an opportunity to engage
in various sports. They will be able to choose from the following
sports, and the most popular activities will be those that will be
offered:
Basketball
Whiffle Ball
Golf
Frisbee
Swimming
Enrichment weekend activities include trip to Changbai Shan and
hiking in Jingyue Park.
WHEN: 13 – 31 July 2015, 9:00 – 16:00 + special weekend
activities WHERE: Changchun American International School
Come and enjoy a fun educational learning experience in the first
and only IB -world school in Changchun.
Important May 2015 Dates Communication @ CAIS
• 9 May: Make-up Day following a Friday timetable
CAIS uses Managebac for programme information and communication.
cais.managebac.com
• 4 – 22 May: DP2 IB examinations
• 11 – 15 May: PYP Book Week Celebration
• Ann Gaillard (Secondary School Principal/MYP Coordinator)
agaillard@caischina.org
• Emma Tang (Principal’s Assistant)
etang@caischina.org
• Shelley Zhang (DP Assistant)
sshelley@caischina.org • Santo Kurniawan (DP Coordinator) santo@caischina.org
• Desiree Dong (MYP Assistant) ddong@caischina.org
• Lena Liu (PYP Assistant) lliu@caischina.org
• Cherie Montalla (PYP Coordinator) cmontalla@caischina.org
• Mike Hayes (Director of University Counseling)
mhayes@caischina.org
• Julia Kang (CAS coordinator & Korean liaison)
jkang@caischina.org
• Nancy Li (Chinese liaison): nli@caischina.org
• Jason Borovick (IT Manager) jborovick@caischina.org
• 14 – 16 May: Cambridge PET & FCE Examinations
• 16 May: HSK Examinations
• 20 May: Last PTA meeting for the school year
• 23 May: Graduation Day
• 27 May, Wed: Parent Information Session on Language
Acquisition; Careers Night
• 27 – 29 May: PYP5 Exhibition
• 26 May – 3 June: DP 1 internal exams
• 29 May: Personal Project Showcase
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