Principal's Newsletter - Kodaikanal International School

Principal's message

2010-05-18T00:00:00.000-07:00

This is the last newsletter that I will write to the Kodaikanal community. From the end of this month I will become an alum. I would therefore like to start by thanking the Council of Directors, the School and the KIS Community for the richness of the experiences that the last five years have brought me and my family. It is cliché to say that we will never forget Kodai School but also true that

Vice Principal's update

2010-05-17T22:01:00.000-07:00

“Great is the art of beginning, but greater is the art of ending” Examination fever and farewells have been in the air since the beginning of May!! The last attempt at SAT I and SAT II for this academic year was held on 1 May. Fourth May the IBDP examinations began in full steam and ended only on 24 May. I am happy to report that generally all IBDP papers went off well for the students. For

Congratulations

2010-05-17T12:43:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Sumi on the publication of her second book "Beacon of Hope" - her reflections on microfinancing in Bangladesh. Her first book "Kaleidoscope" was published in June 2009, a mere 6 months before the publication of her follow up book. A promising journalistic career is awaiting Sumi and may I take this opportunity to wish her a very happy and successful future on the day of her

Admissions update

2010-05-17T01:02:00.001-07:00

March / April and to date has been the busiest period for the Admissions Office and in April we were putting four applicants through their entrance test and interview every day! We now push towards finalizing all procedures before most of KIS faculty goes on vacation. The orientation program is in draft and folders at the ready so that our new students and their parents have all the information

Recent happenings

2010-05-17T01:02:00.000-07:00

It has been three weeks since the last newsletter and it is time to put together another one - the final one before the academic year 2009-2010 comes to a close on Saturday. I thought there wouldn’t be much to “report” … but in typical Kodai style, lots has been going on. The Fishers returned to Kodai for their final month at KIS. It has been a time to say farewell, pack up belongings, while

Archives update

2010-05-17T00:59:00.000-07:00

Having started with refurbishing the KMU during October 2009, we are happy to report the work is progressing at a reasonably good pace. For a start, we now have a highly committed and experienced Archivist, Suvidha Sadasivan who has joined us in January 2010. Suvidha has had the good fortune to work alongside Betty Swavely Granner (Class of 1944), who has so kindly helped Suvidha document various

Russel de Valois scholarship update

2010-05-17T00:58:00.000-07:00

John Lalnunmawia - recipient of the Russell de Valois scholarshipJohn has lived in Lunglei, a small district in the state of Mizoram, for most of his life. He grew up in an insular environment and was exposed to little outside his home where he lived with his sister and parents. Internet was unknown to him until two years ago. His mother is a doctor who has recently taken over the position of

2010 Award recipients

2010-05-17T00:44:00.000-07:00

Fisher-Das Shield for Best HouseSandy Schoeninger Field Day Cup White HouseK Awards Nadisha Sagar Gesine Schultz Astha Paudel Catriona Begg Jessica D’ Cunha Varun Varadaraj Umedh Baharany Raj Chavda Indian Bank Awards Varun Varadaraj Gesine Schultz Walker Cup Noah P Chettri Top Music Student Soo Yeon Lim David Heins Cup Aalim Javeri Garry Knapp Technical Cup

Development update

2010-05-17T00:42:00.001-07:00

This last year has been both challenging and extremely satisfying. I moved from Delhi to Kodai in July 2009 with trepidation, wondering if I had made the right decision leaving the safety net of my home and family and the comfort of my job as head of an NGO for close to nine years. Both my mother and sister have been principals in schools in Delhi and I grew up hearing endless stories around the

Class reunion gifts

2010-05-17T00:42:00.000-07:00

Many alumni classes choose to make a gift to KIS by setting special giving goals or choosing a project to fund in honor of their reunion. I would like to give those classes with upcoming reunions some ideas to consider, if you chose to make a gift to KIS. Please do not feel constrained by these ideas if class members are interested in supporting a different project. We would be happy to consider

Giving

2010-05-17T00:41:00.000-07:00

On a Sunday afternoon, one week before the year comes to a close, I sit here on my veranda (on lower Claverack compound) watching the boaters on the lake, and relishing the fact that I will be spending my entire summer here in Kodai, doing just this! It is a very busy time of year, wrapping up all the unfinished work, which strangely seems to keep accumulating. KIS and all of us who live, work &

Annual Fund update

2010-05-17T00:40:00.001-07:00

If you have not yet made a contribution to the 2009-10 Annual Fund, please join your fellow KIS alumni and parents in supporting the KIS Scholarship Fund. Remember that gifts of any size make a difference. To date, we have received gifts totaling approximately $27,000. Thank you to all who have made donations to the 2009-10 KIS Annual Fund. The 2009-10 Annual Fund campaign will continue

Banyan tree update

2010-05-17T00:30:00.001-07:00

In 2008, the KISCO fundraising and marketing team and Principal, Geoff Fisher considered installing a donor recognition sculpture to honor graduating students whose parents donate their security deposits to KIS for projects and development initiatives. It was decided that a Banyan Tree would be an appropriate choice. The Banyan Tree is an important symbol; it is the National Tree of India, to

Appreciation & Accomplishments

2010-05-17T00:30:00.000-07:00

The Class of 1958 still continues to support the Drama Endowment Fund. To date the fund has grown to approximately $9900. I would like to take this opportunity once again to thank Mark Garrison and the Class of 1958 for your efforts in building this fund and for all of your generous gifts. The Drama Endowment Fund will remain an ongoing campaign. Anyone wishing to support the KIS Drama

KIS profiles

2010-05-17T00:13:00.000-07:00

Annual Giving Supports KIS PeopleThe Annual Fund gives KIS the means to develop and continue programs that make this school a truly outstanding place. The Fund creates opportunities for KIS students to achieve all kinds of excellence and has a direct impact on KIS ability to attract exceptional teachers and tomorrow’s leaders.In this month’s profile, visiting Loch Ender alumni Eunice Naumann

To give or contact

2010-05-17T00:06:00.000-07:00

Your support helps protect the programs, the places and the people that KIS has so carefully invested in for over 100 years. To make a gift, please go to http://kis.in/foundation/giving.html If you would like more information about KIS initiatives or making a donation, please contact: Alika Khosla Development Officerdevelopment@kis.in Jerry Nichol KFI Executive

July calendar dates

2010-05-17T00:00:00.000-07:00

3 July - OS retreat6 July - SS retreat8 July - SMT return10 July - New staff arrival11 July - HOD / Coordinators / Dorm parents return12 July - Professional staff return / new staff orientation14 July - Staff retreat & workshop16 July - Dorms open for PEERs17 July - New student orientation18 July - Dorms open20 July - First day of classes23-25 July - 12A camp31 July - Terry Fox run

Vice Principal's update

2010-04-24T04:22:00.000-07:00

“When you work you are a flute through whose heart the whispering of the hours turns to music” – Kahlil GibranThe penultimate month of the last semester began with its unusually fast paced- long weekend, seniors staying back to prepare for their mocks, Easter Assembly, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter dawn service at St Peter’s church followed by breakfast at Benderloch, chapel service and

Professional Development update

2010-04-24T03:55:00.000-07:00

How to implement critical thinking in classrooms - Dr Philip BalcaenOn 13 April 2010 fifty teaching staff from K-12 attended a full day workshop on “How to Implement Critical Thinking in Classrooms”, conducted by Dr. Philip Balcean which was well received. Dr.Balcaen teaches in the Faculty of Education at The University of British Columbia-Okanagan, Canada. He is an acknowledged authority in

Professional Development in the ES

2010-04-24T03:50:00.000-07:00

Teaching for Transformation through Engagement Training At the beginning of April 2010, Kyle and Lynea Mitchell and Brian Nelsen facilitated a one day workshop to on strategies for engaging all students in learning across disciplines, content and context lines. This was the first workshop on Cooperative Learning and Experiential learning made available for both English and Tamil medium schools

Bangalore readying for the ‘Ultimate’ challenge

2010-04-24T03:40:00.000-07:00

Article appearing in indiainfo.comhttp://sports.indiainfo.com/article/c-86-149036-863274/1053648.htmlA new sport, played with a flying disc, is slowly beginning to attract a committed group of players in IndiaPreparations are on for Bangalore's first national Ultimate Frisbee tournament. Once considered a counter-cultural sport, Ultimate, which began in Columbia High School in the Sixties, has

Awards assembly 2010

2010-04-24T03:35:00.001-07:00

High School Awards - Subject Awards 2010 Grade 11 and 12 Awards ScienceNeema Tsering (Grade 12)Best student in Biology - Preeti Baweja Best student in Chemistry - Madhav Vaidyanathan Best student in Physics - Yash Malvi Best student in En Sys/Soc - Pearl Agarwal EnglishEnglish-12 – Kunchok Wangmo English-SL – Neema Tsering English-HL – Christopher Pramodh

NESA news

2010-04-24T03:35:00.000-07:00

NESA Spring Educators Conference : Bangkok- 27-30 March 2010Over 650 educators of all grades and disciplines enjoyed the three-and-a-half-day conference, featuring keynotes, half-day institutes and teacher-produced workshops conducted by the Near East South Asia Council of Overseas Schools(NESA), at the Royal Orchid Sheraton, on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, Bangkok.Three of these

Kodai Open Soccer Tournament

2010-04-24T03:30:00.000-07:00

Kodai Open Soccer Tournament previously known as the Diwali Open happens during the month of October / November every year. It is one of the most exciting and well organized tournaments in the town of Kodaikanal. This is a major tournaments where our students, staff, alumni and the local clubs in Kodaikanal come together to put up their best talents and exibit great sportsmanship. This is a

ES news

2010-04-24T03:25:00.000-07:00

During our theme Japan the grade 1-2 students learned about Japanese culture, traditions, games, food and where Japan is in the world. They read folktales from Japan, one of which was Joji and the Dragon. For their final presentation the students performed a theatrical adaptation of this book, which included reciting a play and a song. The teachers in the music and art departments helped the

May calendar dates

2010-04-24T02:25:00.000-07:00

1 May - music concert / SAT 1 & 23-6 May - review days4-21 May - IB exams7 May - KAC dinner8 May - NHS dinner / ACI sale / garage sale Ganga campus14-20 May - HS / MS exams15 May - staff farewell17 May - ES chapel recital18 May - Grade 8 picnic19 May - MS awards and appreciation assembly (grades 9-10)20 May - last day of classes / awards and closing assembly21 May - Bacalaureate & graduation

Principal's message

2010-03-29T21:42:00.000-07:00

I write this as I try to sort through the happenings of the last month. You will all have probably heard that last month we had a protest by the High School (grades 9 to 12) students over the course of a day. This was followed by the Chairman going up to Kodai to meet with the students and staff. I, sadly, have been observing this from the Netherlands and trying to think what I will need to do

Vice Principal's update

2010-03-29T21:41:00.000-07:00

'However much we stumble, it is the teacher’s burden always to hope that with learning a boy’s character might be changed and so the destiny of a man! ’-William Hundert in the film- the Emperor’s ClubMarch is usually a busy month both from the perspective of academics and extra curricular activities. The end of quarter was marked by the usual focus to get the assignments and tests missed

Text layout for people with learning difficulties

2010-03-29T21:40:00.000-07:00

We recently received an email from Sue McBean, spouse of alumnus Dr Peter Langton Class of 55 who left Kodai after grade 7, concerning text layout for people with learning difficulties. She informs us, after her husband received a letter from KIS with justified right and left margins, that the majority of western academics have now agreed to stick to a policy of left justification of text in all

Archives visits the ES

2010-03-29T21:39:00.000-07:00

Last week Miss Better Swavely Granner came and shared her childhood memories of Kodai school to the elementary students. They were totally amazed when she asked, "Raise your hand if you have a TV, phone, cell phone or ipod." The students responded. She proceeded to tell them about her Kodai experience in greade 2 when none of these things existed. Mouths dropped all over!!! The students found

Field Day 2010

2010-03-29T21:38:00.001-07:00

The 2010 Field Day began bright and early on Friday, 12 March with students from all three houses marching down to Bendy Field, led by Miss Kessler and our high school band. Once we arrived on the field, the captains from orange house—last year’s Field Day winners—Nadisha Sagar and Han Sol Kim ran their victory lap with the torch. Next, the grade 9 MYP students performed their respective house

Archives update

2010-03-29T21:38:00.000-07:00

KIS Archives has a repository for the collection and preservation of historically valuable documents from 1901 onwards relating to the history of the school and the community. The collection consists largely of various types of correspondence, school administrative papers, internal communication reports, handbooks, newsletters, bulletins, newspaper articles, photographs, audio-visual materials

Youthrise update

2010-03-29T21:37:00.000-07:00

I have just returned from chaperoning the Youthrise group on one of the most exhilarating andsatisfying experiences I have had in a long time. Youthrise is a purely student driven initiative which was inspired by the need to take on the responsibility and active leadership towards making a change in the aftermath of the 26 / 11 terror attacks in Mumbai. Under the auspices of the Social

Annual Ultimate Frisbee competition

2010-03-29T21:36:00.000-07:00

Kodaikanal International School (KIS) this past weekend hosted 10 teams to compete in the annual Fly Baba Ultimate Frisbee Tournament held at the hill station of Kodaikanal. The two day competition has quickly become the highlight of the increasingly popular Ultimate Frisbee sport in India, with participating players from around the world and teams representing Ahmedabad, Auroville, Bangalore,

Exchange update

2010-03-29T21:35:00.000-07:00

This month KIS welcomed Mr Holste von Mutius from the German PASCH program of the Central Agency for Schools Abroad (ZfA), who was here to reinforce the cooperation between KIS and the German government. His main intent was to advise our school on its development of our budding German language section. In his meeting with our Acting Principal he noted that he was very impressed with the progress

April calendar dates

2010-03-29T21:34:00.000-07:00

1-15 April - IB mock exams2 April - Good Friday4 April - Easter2-6 April - Long weekend9 April - Indian music concert13-17 April - Kodai Open soccer tournament16-17 April - IB art exhibition16-18 April - Grades 5-6 camp22 April - Earth day / International day24 April - HS prom / MS formal30 April - 1 May - Music concerts

Principal's message

2010-02-25T08:30:00.000-08:00

February is always a wonderful month in Kodai. The weather is beautiful and the sun brings welcome warmth with it; and life is at its busiest. It is not possible for me to mention all that has taken place this month but I should mention the following:- KIS students participated in the first IB Schools of India soccer tournament which we dominated with the boys winning the competition and the

Vice Principal's update

2010-02-25T08:29:00.000-08:00

"What we want to see is the child in pursuit of knowledge, and not knowledge in pursuit of the child.” G.B. ShawWe are well into the second semester with academics and activities building up the momentum!On the academic front, the ‘staffing’ for grade 6-12 students is over, the interim reports have been sent and tests have started. The IBDP students have also completed their extended essays,

Changes in calendar dates 2010-2011 semesters

2010-02-25T08:28:00.000-08:00

Please note that the beginning of the academic year in July 2010 is 20 July with 1st semester ending on 25 November. First day for 2nd semester will be 11 January 2011 with last day 19 May 2011.

Admissions update

2010-02-25T08:27:00.000-08:00

Well - interim reports for our January admissions were due yesterday, Elementary school fun / field day and MYP personal project fair tomorrow, music field trip next weekend and KIS field day the weekend after that! Our calendar of events continues to turn over. I have enjoyed a week with Sylvan my son who has made his second visit to Kodai since graduating in 2008 – our families and alumni just

ES News

2010-02-25T08:26:00.000-08:00

The kindergarten students started off this semester on the yummy ‘food’ theme. Although they are at a stage where they are simply exposed to information and knowledge, the students turned out to be inquirers and reflectors on this topic. They enjoyed themselves as they made a huge food pyramid in the class with the different food groups and sorting out our toy foods into the respective groups.

Elementary School news

2010-02-25T08:25:00.002-08:00

Grade 3 and 4 students showcased an aviary for their final presentation of their bird unit during February. In preparation for the aviary, each student researched a bird of their choice, wrote an essay, created a costume, nest, playground and some other form of presenting like a song, powerpoint, model, poster etc. They then sang a song describing the different types of beaks and feet of

ES Fun Day

2010-02-25T08:25:00.001-08:00

The Elementary School Fun/ Field Day was on 20 February 2010. The day started off at 8am with all the students from K through 5 dressed in their team colorso - orange, blue and white marching down the hill from the ES quad, screaming their cheers accompanied by our intermediate band led by Paul Jaikumar. Brian Nelsen blessed the event with a prayer. Principal Geoff Fisher, our chief guest,

ES art contest

2010-02-25T08:25:00.000-08:00

On 23 February 57 students in grades k-8 participated in the annual art contest conducted by Osho Communications. All students were very engaged in doing their art work and had a good chance to show their artistic talent. They were all very enthusiastic and focused to express their artistic image and themes. The winner will go to the national level and compete for a multimedia PC. The drawing

Professional Development

2010-02-25T08:24:00.001-08:00

Engaging all students for the 21st Century: Differentiation Strategies for Effective Teaching & LearningSusan Baum, Ph.D.Susan Baum is a celebrated and renowned author of many books including the very popular and useful Multiple Intelligences in the Elementary Classroom: A teacher’s toolkit with Howard Gardner. She is an expert on twice exceptional children and is a Professor Emeritus for the

KIS Exchanges

2010-02-25T08:24:00.000-08:00

Recently, KIS students Vashti and Alan arrived in Melbourne, Australia and were given a very warm welcome by the two families who will be hosting them for one semester while they study at Carey Baptist Grammar School. It has been a long road for these students: from their selection last June as the successful candidates for this exchange, until their departure from Kodai on 18 February. With

SAIBSA Job Alike sessions for IB teachers

2010-02-25T08:23:00.000-08:00

SAIBSA Job Alike Session for IBDP was held on Saturday, 23 January 2010 at Indus International School in Bangalore. Two mini buses went down the hill with twenty one IBDP teachers to attend this session in Bangalore. Those who went were:Kaisar Dopaishi Facilitator - EconomicsAnna Kagedal Facilitator- LibrariansCharmaine Jesudoss English SLPeter Strange English SLMarsha Joshi English SLPramod

Lecture on Vedic contrasts

2010-02-25T08:22:00.000-08:00

Washington and Lee University Professor, Timothy Lubin delivers a lecture on the cultural, social, and religious contrasts between the "Vedic Age" (1500-500 BCE) and the big changes of the following centuries (500-185 BCE) to KIS grade 10 Humanities classes. It was an exciting opportunity for our grade 10 students to listen to this lecture delivered by an expert on the Vedic Period, a scholar

KIS Giving

2010-02-25T08:21:00.000-08:00

Change [cheynj] verb1. to make the form, nature, content, future course, etc., of (something) different from what it would be if left alone: to change one’s name; to change one’s opinion; to change the course of history.2. to become different: Overnight the nation’s mood changed.3. to undergo transformation or transition: The music changed to a slow waltz.Change is a word we hear quite often

Appreciation and Accomplishments

2010-02-25T08:20:00.000-08:00

KIS Annual Fund 2009 - 2010This time last year the Annual Fund 2008-09 had received $38,000.This year the Annual Fund 2009-10 has received $17,000.In these tough economic times, we are especially grateful for the gifts we have received. If you have not yet made a donation, please consider a gift to KIS through the Annual Fund. Even small gifts will help the KIS Scholarship Program to grow.

KIS Profiles

2010-02-25T08:19:00.000-08:00

Annual Giving Supports KIS PeopleThe Annual Fund gives KIS the means to develop and continue programs that make this school a truly outstanding place. The Fund creates opportunities for KIS students to achieve all kinds of excellence and has a direct impact on KIS ability to attract exceptional teachers and tomorrow’s leaders. In this month’s profile…music staff & outstanding music students.

To Give or contact

2010-02-25T08:18:00.000-08:00

Your support helps protect the programs, the places and the people that KIS has so carefully invested in for over 100 years. To make a gift, please go to http://kis.in/foundation/giving.htmlIf you would like more information about KIS initiatives or making a donation, please contact:Judy RedderFoundation Officer/Annual Fundfoundation@kis.in

March calendar dates

2010-02-25T08:15:00.000-08:00

4 - 6 March - Pentathlon12-13 March - Field Day18 - 20 March - AMIS Honor band and choir20 March - HS formal26 - 27 March - All school play27 March - John Chote cricket tournament

Principal's message

2010-01-26T17:00:00.000-08:00

I am sitting in my office looking out the window at the sunshine which is streaming down on Flag Green. The students are doing what they have been doing for the last century, sitting or lying on the green, chatting with each other, enjoying the warmth of both the weather and each other’s company. It is a picture which summarizes the strength and vitality of the KIS community.This semester is

Vice Principal's update

2010-01-26T16:58:00.000-08:00

The only person who is educated is the one who has learned how to learn... and change. Carl RogersThe New Year 2010 heralds the beginning of the second semester of the academic year 2009-2010 for KIS which also means that it is the last semester for the Class of 2010. There was a rather quick settling in time period for the new staff and students. By the third week of January we had SAT/PSAT

Admissions update

2010-01-26T16:57:00.000-08:00

Back in the fold after vacation and in lots of ways it feels as if there never was a vacation!During the vacation period, KIS Admissions received a total of 100 enquiries. Currently we have 83 prospective candidates on the database and these figures mean that we can look forward to meeting our target of some 190 new students in July 2010.The second semester started for the Admissions office with

In Memoriam

2010-01-26T16:56:00.000-08:00

We were deeply saddened by the news that Micah Daniel passed away very suddenly on 10 December here in Kodaikanal. Those of us who have known Micah will miss him dearly. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Pushpa and Sundar and their children Vashti and Joash.

Congratulations

2010-01-26T04:55:00.000-08:00

Shivashankari was married during the vacation. Congratulations to Shivashankari and her husband.Congratulations also to Cynthia Navamani on her engagement.

Life, the Universe and Everything - Investigating God and the New Physics

2010-01-26T04:54:00.000-08:00

The TOK department invited Andy Fletcher, historian, mathematician, linguist and philosopher to help us answer the big questions such as "What is the meaning of Life?" (42?!?) "Is there such as thing as spiritual knowledge?" (Spiritual IQ), "Does God exist?" (science seems to be showing evidence of a "higher intelligence") and "Do we have Free Will?" (Newton vs Einstein). The focus tried to

YouthRise

2010-01-26T04:53:00.000-08:00

Youthrise was formed by a group of students from the Kodaikanal International School, in the wake of the horrific attacks in Mumbai on the 26th of November, 2008. It was started with a single goal in mind – to mobilize the youth of today. To spread awareness about how we, even as students, can help make the world a better place.The creator of the group, Ananda Boga Pandit, spoke to us about the

Professional Development

2010-01-26T04:52:00.001-08:00

Academic Year 2009-10 Second Semester: Professional Development WorkshopsTopic : Engaging all students for the 21st Century: Differentiation Strategies for Effective Teaching & LearningAbout the workshop facilitatorsSusan Baum PhDSusan Baum is a celebrated and renowned author of many books including the very popular and useful Multiple Intelligences in the Elementary Classroom: A teacher’s

Calendar events for February

2010-01-26T04:52:00.000-08:00

1 - 6 February - CE week11 - 13 February - Grade 8 camp12 - 13 February - Girls hockey & soccer in Ooty17 February - Ash Wednesday20 February - ES fun day, International book fair, Personal Project fair (afternoon)25 - 28 February - AMIS Junior Honor Orchestra - strings, Music field trip

New staff

2010-01-11T03:50:00.000-08:00

A brief introduction to our new staff:- Benjie and Erna Llorente are from the Philipinnes. They will teach music and be living at Burnside Annex on Ganga compound with their 2 ½ year old daughter Zarah Isabelle.- Suvidha Sadasivan is from Chennai and joins us as Archivist. She is staying at Ghatside on Ganga compound.- Fran Friesen is a volunteer and comes from the US with her 3 children; Daniel

Principal's message

2009-11-25T19:00:00.000-08:00

You have all heard about the terrible accident involving Keon Hee Lee. As you know Keon Hee died on the morning of Thursday 19 November 2009.Keon Hee’s parents, who were at his bedside, decided to return to Korea with his body in order to hold a funeral and memorial services there. They left Madurai on the evening of the 19th having completed all formalities and arrived in Seoul on the evening

Vice Principal's update

2009-11-25T18:59:00.000-08:00

“Education is not a product: mark, diploma, job, money in that order; it is a process, a never ending one” -Bel Kaufman The month began with completion of our “staffings” which was indeed a way of adding a nurturing element to the educational process. Two of our students sat for the IB November 2009 examination in Tamil B SL. Other IB students were busy completing their IB orals in German,

Message to KeonHee

2009-11-25T18:58:00.000-08:00

You know,I have this one question in my my mind.It's an important questionBecause I keep on asking it,Over and over again.You wouldn't think it's so importantBy just looking at it.It's such a small word,It only has 3 letters......WHY?In the time that passed after your fallMany of us have lived with hope.Hoping against all oddsThat you would come back to us.Because miracles do happen you know?But

Careers update

2009-11-25T18:57:00.001-08:00

I am delighted to inform you that University of Alberta, Canada, has offered KIS a scholarship of $ 10,000 (Canadian) for 1 nominated student from Kodaikanal International School called the University of Alberta India Select High School Scholarship. KIS is one among 5 other selected schools in India to receive this scholarship offer. The other schools are Bishop Cottons Boys School, Delhi Public

Admissions update

2009-11-25T18:57:00.000-08:00

Suddenly we’re at the end of the semester! It's been a very traumatic time for us all this last few weeks and we are feeling glad to move on and spend some time with our families and thank our blessings for our health and the sense of togetherness that the recent tragedy has made us so aware of.Over the last two months we have had a total of 90 enquiries, 38 of those being from outside India.

Religious Education update

2009-11-25T18:56:00.000-08:00

In Religious Education courses at KIS, we strive to create interesting and stimulating courses that will not only enrich students on their spiritual journey, but will also expose them to other faiths, building respect for the practices of different people. The following article, written by Kyle Mitchell, is one such example of what the students studying Buddhism did recently.This semester I

Atlas Rubicon Curriculum Mapping Workshops

2009-11-25T18:55:00.001-08:00

The Atlas Rubicon Workshops were conducted at three levels: core team, all teaching staff and system administrative training. The online Core Team training was on 17 October 2009 was held from 8.30 to 12 noon. Ben Zang from Portland, Oregon, USA. The online workshop was through voice conferencing and was attended by the Vice Principal, ISM and the coordinators. The workshop covered the following

InerSchool program - Bylakuppe

2009-11-25T18:55:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of escorting two students from KIS (Elena Dutt, grade 12 and Deki Peldon, grade 10) to Bylakuppe, a Tibetan settlement just two hours outside Mysore, for an intensive week of religion, international relations and global awareness. These two young ladies were selected by their Religious Education teacher (Kyle Mitchell) to attend the 11th annual Interschool

KIS Giving

2009-11-25T18:54:00.000-08:00

Preparing the 2009-2010 Annual Fund brochure this month required some thoughtful reflection about all that KIS stands for. Many things came to mind….choices, tradition, opportunities and community, are a few. The most outstanding quality of Kodaikanal International School, in my mind, is COMMUNITY. The commitment of staff and students to one another intellectually, emotionally and spiritually

Accomplishments & Appreciation

2009-11-25T18:53:00.000-08:00

“What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others.” - PericlesBob Dudley (Class of 1943), was a friend and classmate of Russell De Valois. With Bob’s generosity and determination, he and the Class of 1943 have ensured the creation of the Russell De Valois Scholarship Fund - a legacy that will truly go a long way in rewarding deserving

KIS Annual Fund 2009 - 2010

2009-11-25T18:52:00.000-08:00

I received a very thought provoking letter recently from a KIS alum regarding the fundraising for Kodai. This letter was full of many questions: Among them, “What is the mission of Kodai for its students now?”Design ’94 states the following General Objective:The school shall strive to be a healthy microcosm of the global societies in community. It shall recognize and encourage the distinctive

To Give or Contact

2009-11-25T18:51:00.000-08:00

Your support helps protect the programs, the places and the people that KIS has so carefully invested in for over 100 years. To make a gift, please go to http://kis.in/foundation/giving.htmlIf you would like more information about KIS initiatives or making a donation, please contact:Judy RedderFoundation Officer/Annual Fundfoundation@kis.inAlika KhoslaDevelopment Officer/Major Giftsdevelopment@

Calendar dates

2009-11-25T18:50:00.000-08:00

8 January - PS retreat morning, workshop afternoon9 January - PS workshops10 January - dorms open11 January - new students orientation12 January - first day of classes16 January - hiking season resumes21 - 23 January - AMIS participation22 - 24 January - grade 9 camp26 January - Republic day / SoEx carnival (no classes)29 - 31 January - grade 7 camp

Principal's Message

2009-10-28T08:00:00.000-07:00

Though I have been more away than in Kodaikanal this past month I am happy to report that we have had an eventful month with the Kodai Basketball Open Tournament, the High School play, a US universities fair and workshops organized by the Council of International Schools and the many activities that filled our calendar. The Royal School of Music examinations begin next week and the Music

Vice Principal's update

2009-10-28T07:29:00.000-07:00

Learning is not attained by chance; it must be sought for with ardor and attended to with diligence - Abigail AdamsImmediately after the long weekend the pace of academics became hectic… of course we have weekend activities such as the ‘Formal’ and Kodai Basketball Open Tournament to provide the balance! For the IB Diploma students it meant preparation and completion of English HL/SL and Hindi IB

ISTE update

2009-10-28T07:28:00.000-07:00

The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) is the premier membership association for educators and education leaders engaged in improving teaching and learning by advancing the effective use of technology in PK-12 and higher education. ISTE is the Professional Development provider for the ISTE Institute, the HP Innovations in education grant initiative and other educational

Congratulations

2009-10-28T07:27:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Jin U Bak (class of 2010) on his selection to participate in New York University Abu Dhabi’s first candidate weekend at Abu Dhabi. Jin U ‘s research paper on “The most effective design of a robot to withstand the weather conditions in UAE” was selected among thousands of papers submitted by students from 750 select schools across the globe. NYU AD’s candidate weekend is an

Field trip summary

2009-10-28T07:26:00.001-07:00

Apart from being a break of sorts from the 'monotony' of academia, the numerous field trips organized by KIS every year provide a rich cultural experience and exposure to students, instilling in them values that will stand them in good stead for many years to come. For the students themselves, though, the field trip can mean all this, and even more: the chance for togetherness with their best

Poondi field trip

2009-10-28T07:26:00.000-07:00

For the month of October, the grades 3-4 learned all about the classification of animals, plants, recycling, pollution and outdoor survival for our field trip to Camp Poondi. We created a large diorama of Camp Poondi with trees, mountains, the lake, animals, tents and US! Unfortunately the trip to Poondi was rained out but we didn’t let that stop our fun and learning. We ended up camping out on

Mad River field trip

2009-10-28T07:25:00.000-07:00

The Mad River canoes were donated to the KIS activity program by alumni, Hank Moyers around 5 or 6 years ago. Since then, they've been used to do an unusual backwaters tour in Kerala, with staff and students propelling themselves through the canals around Alleppy, seeing life at eyelevel with the local inhabitants, as they canoe alongside the local wooden boats and past the houses and reclaimed

Basil field trip

2009-10-28T07:24:00.000-07:00

“Eat food, not too much, mostly plants,” Michael Pollan’s statement sums up just about all that we studied while at the Basil institution on the outskirts of Mysore, Tamil Nadu, India. This field trip was excellent and much enjoyed by the handful of motivated students and chaperones. Learning about agriculture on both a global and local scale opened our eyes to the many problems and beauties it

Our Place - grades PS - 2 field trip

2009-10-28T07:23:00.000-07:00

The PreSchoolers through grade 2 blasted off on their ‘Our Place’ field trip by first visiting “Mercy Home’. This was the first time the students had been there to interact with the elderly and bring smiles to their faces. Next we went to the ‘Polio Home’ where they saw the physically handicapped children striving to improve on their skills. They also learnt how to make paper bags and made some

Ongole field trip

2009-10-28T07:21:00.000-07:00

Our fieldtrip took us, 7 students from grade 11/12 and 2 chaperones, to Tangutur, a small town near Ongole in Andhra Pradesh. We went there to get to know the NGO (SARDS) that is active in that area and which concerns itself with children and education, HIV/AIDS & health, livelihoods promotion and natural resource management and irrigation.Our focus was mainly on children and education and HIV/

Press release EMOTE in Chennai

2009-10-28T07:20:00.000-07:00

KODAIKANAL INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL STUDENTS COME TO CHENNAI TO INSPIRE PUBLIC WITH WORLD PREMIERE OF NEW CD AND MUSIC VIDEO24 September, 2009 (Chennai, Tamil Nadu) – A team of twenty Kodaikanal International School EMOTE students created two original songs to test how multimedia can inspire public opinion and action. The 2009 EMOTE project is part of an educational arts-based initiative by KIS,

Cannanore Quest field trip

2009-10-28T06:59:00.003-07:00

Cannanore Quest proved to be an actual quest for the small group of students and chaperones that ventured out on this path of discovery. We started out by visiting Calicut, the ancient port of Calicut, which is now a thriving modern city, with beautiful malls and hotels. However, the old exists side-by-side with the new. We visited the ancient Portuguese church, Matri Dei Cathedral, built in 1598

Wilderness Wanderings field trip

2009-10-28T06:59:00.002-07:00

Eight students and three staff members accompanied by renowned ethnobotanist Madhu Ramnath set off on this field trip to the Valparai grass hills and to the Siruvattukombai PHCC center. Sightings of Nilgiri tahr, bison, wild elephants, langur, giant squirrels and several species of birds and butterflies were the highlights of this grueling 20 km hike to the grass hills through leech infested

RSM results

2009-10-28T06:59:00.001-07:00

Congratulations to the KIS music department and music students for the excellent results achieved in the recent RSM exams. The final results showed 8 distinctions, 20 merits and 13 pass with only 2 failed. Our average score went up more than 6 points from last year. A grade 7 student Anup Gilson (RSM grade 2-trumpet), received the highest mark in the school which was 138. A grade 11 student,

Kodai Open Basketball tournament

2009-10-28T06:59:00.000-07:00

The 2009 Kodai Open Boys basketball tournament took place on the 9-10 October. Ten teams participated, traveling from areas such as Madurai, Batlagundu, Dindigul, and as far away as Chennai. The covered courts were buzzing with excited players, students and staff. The atmosphere was electric as the students readied to support their three teams participating in the contest.The tournament opened

The 40 miler

2009-10-28T06:58:00.001-07:00

The long weekend in the beginning of October was the date for another 40 mile hike! Most people had only just recovered from the fieldtrip and here we are, off again! We had a very small hiking group this year, only 5 boys from grade 7, accompanied by 4 lady chaperones and our guide, Peter. On our first day the weather was overcast, with bouts of drizzle and varying patterns of fast moving clouds

November calendar dates

2009-10-28T06:58:00.000-07:00

2-3 November - Girls' basketball in Ooty10-11 November - Gymnastics show13-14 November - Winter music concert18 November - Christmas assembly20-25 November - HS exams21 November - Christmas banquet24 November - ES music recital26 November - Last day of classes / closing assembly28 November - Id Ul Fitr / operational staff lunch / staff meeting and departure

KIS Giving

2009-10-28T06:57:00.000-07:00

In these tough economic times, it is the loyal donors who are vital to KIS fundraising efforts. Many of you have shown your loyalty by supporting KIS over time. We would like to take this opportunity to say that we value your continuous support and the trust you have in KIS.The following KIS supporters have made gifts, large & small, to KIS every year for:21 years, George & Anne Althouse14 years

Appreciation & Accomplishments

2009-10-28T06:56:00.000-07:00

“If you want to build a ship, don’t drum up people to gather wood, divide the work, and give orders. Instead, teach them to yearn for the vast and endless sea.”- Antoine De Saint ExuperyKIS ArchivesMany of you already know that the KIS Archivist resigned and left KIS on 30 September. The search for a new archivist has been underway and a short list of new candidates is being reviewed. The KMU

KIS Profiles

2009-10-28T06:50:00.000-07:00

Annual Giving supports KIS peopleThe Annual Fund gives KIS the means to develop and continue programs that make this school a truly outstanding place. The Fund creates opportunities for KIS students to achieve all kinds of excellence and has a direct impact on KIS ability to attract exceptional teachers and tomorrow’s leaders. In this month’s profile, staff and students who believe in “giving

Principal's message

2009-09-28T13:30:00.000-07:00

This has been another busy month in Kodai with field trips, reports, concerts, MYP workshops, camps and other activities filling each week. In a particularly enthralling but exhausting way it is always nice to be part of a boarding school community in full swing. The field trips, which are an extraordinary part of the KIS experience, and the task of moving 600 students off our campuses and

Vice Principal's update

2009-09-28T13:29:00.000-07:00

"Every day is a new beginning. Treat it that way. Stay away from what might have been and look at what can be."Marsha Petrie SueStructural changes in KIS academic lifeOn an administrative level the ES Coordinator is now referred to as K-8 Coordinator who looks after the day to day running of this section. At the Ganga campus we now have two curriculums in operation – Pre-K to 5 being PYP and

Admissions update

2009-09-28T13:28:00.000-07:00

I have just returned to the office having spent a week on field trip with a group of 19 students – mostly 11th and 12th graders. It was a great experience. We stayed at BASIL (the academic wing of ISKCON, Bangalore's rural development program), a one hour’s drive from Mysore. I learnt what I could absorb (not so easy being back in the classroom!) about organic and biodynamic farming practices and

Exciting events through the Careers office

2009-09-28T13:27:00.000-07:00

US College Tour: On 20 June 2009 I traveled with 9 students on a tour of colleges in the US. We visited over 25 colleges where we participated in information sessions conducted by admissions officers, toured the campus and met with alumni when possible. The colleges we visited were American University, Barnard, Boston College, Boston University, Brown , Bryn Mawr , Columbia University, Drexel ,