“Union in a community is a precious gem… if we lose this, we lose everything. Preserve it with care, therefore, if you want your community to survive.” John Baptiste De La Salle.
When I read this quote, I think back to the pandemic and the challenges that it brought us in maintaining unity when we were often so far apart – learning online, unable to gather together for assemblies or take part in sports and concerts. To maintain a sense of community under those circumstances was difficult but we tried nonetheless because of how important our school was to us. Have a look through an old yearbook, as I did the other day, and you will see all the different ways in which we sought to maintain that unity and that connection. From online Founder’s Days to virtual concerts, we sought to preserve our community, that precious gem.
Beyond that though, we are part of a larger international community and, as we emerged stronger than ever from the pandemic, it was imperative that we looked for ways to connect with others, outside of SJIIM, so that our students could benefit from being part of a larger international network. It is through meeting people from different cultural backgrounds to our own that we develop a broader, more inclusive understanding of the world around us.
This week, I attended assemblies where students spoke, having just returned from the World Scholar’s Cup in Bangkok, of making connections with students from other schools from all over the world. Students participate in a Scavenger Hunt and they are placed into teams with students from across Asia and beyond: Vietnam, the Philippines, Lebanon, Nigeria, Australia, to name but a few. Of course, they learn about their cultures and the ways in which they might be different, but they also learn about the similarities that exist between them. The music they listen to, the anime they love to watch or the fact that they are just as nervous when being put into an awkward social situation.
It is now just over a year since we first submitted our successful application to join FOBISIA and I am delighted that we are proud of this network of British International Schools in Asia. Joining FOBISIA was a key part of our school development plan last year and I hope that your children are excited to either have competed in events or will have the chance to in the coming months.
So, one year on, what are some of the benefits that we have seen so far?
Competitions and Events
This is an obvious one, of course, but our students are now able to participate in a broad range of extra-curricular activities. Whatever the interest, there is something for everyone. Our school calendar this year looks amazing!
We have, of course, sporting opportunities such as the FOBISIA Games and FOBISIA Gymnastics, as well as many others, but also we have the FOBISIA Stage Makeup Challenge, the Creative Coding Competition, the Battle of the Bands, and the Music Festival. School should be an environment where every child has the opportunity to find their passion. Providing a diverse range of activities means that more students have the opportunity to showcase their talents and have them recognised. It also provides us a platform to learn and improve. As we compete against other schools, we may not always win. We will, though, learn to face setbacks and challenges with courage and integrity and grow from them.
Building Connections
I genuinely believe that participating in school events can have a profound impact on a child’s wellbeing. Being part of a team, representing your school and attending trips, creates a sense of belonging for a child with their peers, their teachers and the school in general. If the culture on the team is a strong and positive one, it can have an incredibly positive impact on someone’s self esteem that can stay with them for the rest of their lives. Over the years, through the World Scholar’s Cup, I have worked with a lot of students whose school experience has been shaped for the better through active participation and I hope that being part of FOBISIA will give more of our students the opportunity to experience representing the school.
Showcasing our Talents and Strengths
There’s a lot to be proud of at SJIIM and being part of FOBISIA provides a platform for us to showcase our talents – not only the talents of our students but our teachers as well. Ms Heather Smith, our new subject leader for Drama in the High School has organised this year’s Stage and Makeup Challenge and later in the year we are going to host some professional development for teachers from other school’s on Character Education and Wellbeing.
Professional Development for Teachers
The actual process of applying for FOBISIA was excellent professional development for us as we had to reflect on our strengths and areas for improvement as a school against a broad range of targets set by FOBISIA. This was a really important process and helped inform our strategic planning as a school. Another important benefit for us, one year on, has been the opportunities for our teachers to engage in, and lead in some cases, professional development that will, hopefully, benefit them as teachers and, in turn, benefit the experiences of our students. Our teachers have had the chance to take part in courses that are either very much subject specific or focused on teaching and learning or areas such as safeguarding and child protection.
If your child is interested in taking part in an activity, please do reach out to us and we will do our best to ensure that the opportunity is there for them.
Ora et Labora.
Mr Cairns
