SSIS Yearbook 2020-2021

Table of Contents

Message from School Principal Stronger Together Series (CISSA & SISAC)
Strategic Thrusts Senior School Sabres Sports Day
Core Leadership Team
Teaching Staff Celebrations of Learning
Support Staff Founder's Day
100 Days of School
Learning Mid-Autumn Celebration
Primary School Farm to School Double Ninth Festival
Primary School Musical Book Week
Primary School STEAM Projects SSIS Scholarships Award Ceremony
Sabres Broadcasting IGCSE Awards Ceremony
Preschool Coding Together into the Future Concert
Senior School One Act Festival MetroTown Performance
Senior School Innovation Lab Christmas Celebration
Senior School Musical Chinese Culture Week
Chinese New Year celebration
Learning Beyond the Classroom STEAM Week
Preschool Autumn Excursions Spring Funtasia
Preschool Visit to Fire Station
Primary School Autumn Excursions Our Wider Community
Primary School Spring Excursions Parent Education Programme
Student Council Teacher Mini Conference
Maker Faire BYOS SSIS Speakers Series
Senior School Orientation Camp G7/8 Parent Support Group Annual General Meeting
Senior School IBDP Orientation Camp G11/12 Huacao Schools’ Collaborative Meeting
Senior School Art Trips Parent Teacher Conference
Senior School Geography Trip Preschool Super Family Day
Guangfulin Cultural Heritage Park
Starlight Cup International Schools Chinese Class Photos
Debating Competition Preschool Class Photos
Primary School Class Photos
Sports and Activities Senior Class Photos
Weekend Programme Showcase Welcome from SSIS Alumni
Primary School CCA Showcase Autograph Pages
Primary School Sabres Sports Day
Primary School Sabres Athletics Day
Swimming Programme
PUXIMUN
Primary School After School Programmes
Senior School After School Programmes

Message from School Principal

As I turn through the pages of this year's yearbook, I cannot help but
feel a sense of joy and gratitude for all that we have accomplished.
We have come so far from the start of the virus outbreak and life has
stabilised to a new norm here in Shanghai. My heart beams with pride
as I recall how we came together as one community to creatively and
resourcefully learn and engage as a school. Through the diverse and
rich activities and events throughout this school year, the pages of this
yearbook will narrate the story of this amazing academic year that we
had together. Highlights captured also showcase our students displaying
their talents via multiple platforms and pathways.
I must say, this is definitely a year to remember!
I am confident that the new chapter of our 25th Anniversary will
bring forth greater exploits and achievements for us as a school and
community as we pray for good health and wellness for everyone
around the world.
Savour this edition of our yearbook!

Billie LEONG
School Principal

1

SSIS Strategic Thrusts
(ST 2020-2025)

As one of the established international schools in Shanghai, we have
built on our curriculum strengths and a school culture by adopting the
best practices from the East and West, with a focus on learning through
our unique K-12 SSIS Education.
Since our first cohort of G12 graduates in 2005, we are proud of what
our alumni have achieved.
But our work is far from complete—we look forward to continuing on
this journey together.
The last academic year culminated with the completion of the final
school expansion project as well as a fruition of our ST 2015-2019. SSIS
has, over the years, invested in technology,
infrastructure and human resource to boost learning and development
and provided holistic education for our students.
This AY2020-2021 academic year marks a critical period before our
25th anniversary. We celebrate our years of excellence through this
significant milestone and forge ahead with plans for the next generation
of learners to make a difference in their education.
ST1: Develop Multiple Pathways to Excellence for the Students
ST2: Calibrate a Seamless and Robust K-12 Curriculum
ST3: Build a Resilient and Cohesive School Community

2

Core Leadership Team

From Left to Right:
Mr. Edward SWIDER (K-12 Aesthetics Coordinator),
Mr. Doruk GURKAN (Senior School Principal),
Ms. Ramida DIN (Preschool & Primary School Principal),
Ms. Roselina ANUAR (Preschool Assistant Principal),
Ms. LEONG Po Kheng Billie (School Principal),
Ms. Fenia RIZOPOULOU (Director of Curriculum),
Ms. Katrina (MCCLURE) SENARATNA (Director of Sports and Activities),
Ms. CHEN Yue Lin (Director of Chinese Language and Culture),
Mr. Viktor DATSUIK (Director of Technology).

3

Teaching Staff

With teaching staff coming from almost 20 different countries around the globe, our teachers
bring diversity and experience to our SSIS professional learning community. Spanning from
Kindergarten to Grade 12, our curriculum is taught by these highly qualified teachers who are well-
versed in the Singaporean, IGCSE and IBDP curriculum we provide. Our teachers seek continuous
professional development in order to keep abreast with developments in the curriculum as well as
hone their skills to improve the teaching and learning in the classroom.

4

Support Staff

Our support staff make a huge contribution to quality teaching and every day school functions.
From office administrators, ayis, lab technicians, drivers to gardeners, thank you for your dedication
and support every single day!

5

6 Learning

Learning

Learning 7

8 Learning

Primary school Farm to School

The project allowed our students to apply the concepts learnt in their Science classes, where
they had studied the life cycle of plants and the animals around the garden. In the gardens, the
students tended their plots, removed weeds and watered plants; they also watched for any
diseases caused by garden pests. G6 students built mini greenhouses to help the seeds germinate
faster. They also made their personalised pots and used them to grow their seeds. On harvest day,
students took their plants home and were able to cook with them!

Learning 9

Primary school Musical

Our Primary school students brought the award-winning musical ‘Lion King’ to life by putting
up a spectacular show of iconic songs and theatrical storytelling set against an amazing
backdrop of stunning visuals. We are especially proud of the high level our actors, musicians,
and artists have risen to!

10 Learning

Learning 11

12 Learning

Primary school STEAM Projects

This year, our Primary school students used their interdisciplinary knowledge and skills in
many challenges. How can we reuse and recycle used packaging? Design a floodproof house
model. Make our own hand sanitiser. Create a toy to sell at a fundraiser to gather money for the
disadvantaged children. Create a musical instrument out of recycled materials.

Learning 13

14 Learning

Sabres Broadcasting

We officially launched Sabres Broadcasting in October, and we now have our own broadcast
station! The Chinese Language and Culture Department initiated this platform, and it aims to
encourage students to speak Chinese confidently through a broadcast medium. The platform
allows students to take turns to speak on things that matter to them and discuss topics that will
improve their understanding of the world—it’ll go a long way to enhancing our bilingual abilities.

Learning 15

Preschool Coding

The concept of coding was introduced and integrated into the K2 Learning Centre programme this
year. With the use of coding robots, the K2 children developed problem-solving skills and learnt
to overcome each challenge with resilience and determination. The children also became skilled
at communicating their ideas as they solved problems. The children also had opportunities to
explore STEAM toys, which helped them learn to celebrate achievements and appreciate attaining
their goals.

16 Learning

Senior School One Act Festival

The One Act Festival is traditionally productions of one-act plays performed in front of an
audience and judges. It is popular in Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States and even here
in China. In SSIS, this student-led festival comprised of two afternoons of short, student-written,
directed, designed and acted plays by our budding young playwrights and performers. Judges
then awarded points based on their acting, scriptwriting, directing and set design. The organisers
hope to grow the festival and include neighbouring international schools in the future.

Learning 17

18 Learning

Senior School Innovation Lab

This year, our STEAM Department launched the Senior School Innovation Space. All subject
areas and grade levels used the Innovation Space to expand student learning to greater heights.
Students used robotics, physical computing, 3D printing, laser cutting, sewing, and traditional
hand tools to explore and invigorate the curriculum. The Innovation Space also hosted many
ASPs, niche programmes and supported students with their passion projects. As successful as our
first year has been, we look forward to further growth ahead.

Learning 19

Senior School Musical

The SSIS Senior school musical Bugsy Malone may be about rival New York gangs in 1929,
but in 2021 it united 65 students who collaborated as actors, musicians, designers, set
builders, stagehands and technicians (on-stage and backstage) in an elaborate production
that was performed over three nights to much acclaim. Parents who watched it on the
last night delighted in the songs and storyline. This year’s musical also took a sustainable
approach, and most of the props and costumes were repurposed.

20 Learning

Learning 21

22 Learning BeYond the classroom

Learning BeYond
the classroom

Learning BeYond the classroom 23

Preschool Autumn Excursions

Our young ones went to their autumn excursions at Chen Shan Botanical Garden and Smile Farm
(Wei Xiao Nong Chang). They had the opportunity to learn and see things in an open and natural
environment.
The activities for Nursery children were related back to their “Me and My Body” theme, where they
used their senses to see, touch, feel and smell the different types of plants and flowers. For K1
classes, activities were planned around the current theme, “Community Helpers”, and they learnt
what farmers did and what tools they used. K2 students learnt about “Countries and Cultures” and
were at the park to pick out landmarks they were taught.

24 Learning BeYond the classroom

Learning BeYond the classroom 25

26 Learning BeYond the classroom

Preschool Visit to Fire Station

Our K1 classes visited the Minhang Hua Cao Fire Station for a hands-on learning experience. This
is in line with their thematic curriculum as they learn about the different occupations in their
community. They met the hardworking firemen and had a closer look at their equipment to learn
about their operations and duties. The children then returned to school and were excited to share
what they had learnt with their friends.

Learning BeYond the classroom 27

Primary School Autumn
Excursions

On a sunny September day, our Primary School students went to their autumn excursions all
over Shanghai—Shanghai Ocean Aquarium (G1), Chen Shan Botanical Garden (G2), The Shanghai
Zoo (G3), Minhang Sports Park (G4), Shanghai Natural History Museum (G5) and Shanghai Film
Park (G6)—and were treated to a combination of cultural immersion and creative challenges at
different sites. Through a full day of exploration, active learning and bonding, each activity added
to their understanding of the world; they learnt to make connections between their knowledge in
the classroom and the real-world.

28 Learning BeYond the classroom

Learning BeYond the classroom 29

Primary School Spring Excursions

Our Primary School students enjoyed their outings all over Shanghai: Shanghai Natural History
Museum (G1 & G2), Shanghai ChenShen Botanical Gardens (G3), Shanghai Museum of Glass
(G4), Wusong National Wetland Park & Yangtze Estuary Science and Technology Museum (G5
& G6), and Minhang Sports Park (G6). They absorbed the sights, crisp weather and the learning
opportunities. While outdoors, they could relate their observations to knowledge they had
gleaned in the classrooms.

30 Learning BeYond the classroom

Learning BeYond the classroom 31

STUDENT COUNCIL

At the start of the academic year, the Senior and Primary divisions' leadership camps enabled the
councillors to bond and collaborate, learn about leadership, and practise teamwork. The Student
Council's goal this year was to improve the events from before and let the students have fun while
learning about leadership.

32 Learning BeYond the classroom

The Student Council not only focuses on giving students a memorable school life through the events
it organises, it also gives them the opportunity to step up as leaders in their school, apply their
event organisation skills in a real life context, and to work with student from different grades and
with different ideas. Out of the many events the Student Council has organised, some significant
ones include Winter Formal, Spirit Week, Earth Week and Dress Down Days.

Learning BeYond the classroom 33

Maker Faire BYOS

Our SSIS student-led Build Your Own School (BYOS) team took part in the world's biggest
show-and-tell tech fair—Shanghai Maker Faire 2020—to demo the VR and 3D mapping
project they had been developing since December 2019.
Our students shared their journey and experience across the two-day event, exchanged
insights with several VR engineers and professional VR users, and impressed parents with
their passion and persistence.

34 Learning BeYond the classroom

Learning BeYond the classroom 35

Senior School
Orientation Camp G7/8

Camp Greenwoods hosted the Grade 7 and Grade 8 Orientation Camp at Sun Island Resorts.
The rain did not dampen their enthusiasm; through team-building exercises and fun activities
(archery, rock climbing, ultimate Frisbee, Ga-Ga ball and dodgeball), our students found
many ways to step out of their comfort zones and hone I4C values like collaboration and
communication. It was a great way to start the year ahead!

36 Learning BeYond the classroom

Learning BeYond the classroom 37

Senior School IBDP Orientation
Camp G11/12

Grade 12 students planned all the activities (sports, icebreakers, mentoring, meals, photography)
and shared their knowledge with the G11s embarking on their IB journey. The weekend allowed the
G12 cohort to demonstrate their leadership skills and qualities through mentorship and motivation.
Over two days, students were able to strengthen the friendship and camaraderie between the two
cohorts. At the same time, the G11s were able to learn critical concepts and gain tips on the IB
Core subjects not available elsewhere.

38 Learning BeYond the classroom

Learning BeYond the classroom 39

40 Learning BeYond the classroom

Senior School Art Trips

Senior School Art Students made trips to various workshops, exhibitions and art fairs around
Shanghai to absorb information, fire up their imagination, and discover new techniques and
perspectives. Learning outside the classroom is essential in the art and design industry, and these
art trips encourage students to explore, observe and apply their knowledge and skills.

Learning BeYond the classroom 41

Senior School Geography Trip

In December, Grade 11 and 12 students in IBDP Geography and IBDP Environmental Systems and
Societies travelled to The Bund and Lujiazui to collect data for their Geo Internal Assessments
and an ESS Lab Report. They surveyed the local residents and pedestrians in different parts of
the district and focused on how variables affected the environment. After their investigation, the
students applied their mathematical skills to analyse and interpret the data to arrive at valuable
conclusions. It was a prolific day of learning outdoors.

42 Learning BeYond the classroom

Guangfulin Cultural Heritage Park

On 8 April, our G9 students set off to learn about and experience Chinese culture at Guangfulin.
Guangfulin Cultural Heritage Park's cultural remains can be traced back to Liangzhu Culture
4,000 years ago and are rich with historical artefacts and information. In SSIS, we emphasise
the experiential learning of the Chinese language and Chinese Culture, which helps bridge
international students' sense of belonging to traditional Chinese culture and lets them experience
its unique charms. During the visit to the exhibition halls, students learnt about Chinese history,
experienced authentic Chinese Culture, and appreciated Chinese civilisation's profound
accumulation over four thousand years.

Learning BeYond the classroom 43

Starlight Cup International Schools
Chinese Debating Competition

On May 7, 2021, SSIS held the "First Starlight Cup International Schools Chinese Debating
Competition". Three neighbouring schools joined us in this competition, namely the Shanghai
Taiwanese Children School, Shanghai Korean School, Shanghai Nord Anglia Bilingual School. The
debaters of the four schools demonstrated their oratorical eloquence with elegant demeanor and
high spirits throughout the competition.
It was the first time for our Chinese department to host such a meaningful event. All the students
and teachers made great efforts to it and it proved itself as a very successful event. Through such
a platform, students were provided with an opportunity to practice and hone their oral speaking
and debating skills.

44 Learning BeYond the classroom

Learning BeYond the classroom 45

46 Sports and Activities

Sports and
Activities

Sports and Activities 47

48 Sports and Activities