10/30/08

MRISA CX 2009
Exciting Cultural Opportunity for all Middle and High School Students (posted October 17, 2008)

This years MRISA Cultural Exchange (MRISA CX) promises to be even bigger and better than last years as we have reverted back to an all schools exchange.  The 2009 exchange will be hosted by Vientiane International School, in Laos and attended by a total of 120 students from the eight MRISA schools in the Mekong region.  (HIS, UNIS, ISE, NISC, ISPP, ISHCMC, SSIS, VIS) 
The Cultural Exchange provides an opportunity for MRISA students to participate in a wide variety of workshops in ‘the arts’; visual art, music, drama and dance.  These workshops are lead by specialist teachers visiting from the participating MRISA schools and a number of ‘local artist’ workshops that feature artists from the host country.
Students will have the opportunity to meet, socialize and form friendships with like minded students from the other MRISA schools whilst also learning more about the culture of the hosting country, Laos.  They will be accompanied by 3 teachers from NISC and will be billeted out to stay with families from the host country.
This year’s event will be from 18th – 22nd February 2009.  Students will depart on Wednesday and return on Sunday.  All students from Grade 6 – 12 are invited to apply.  We are able to send 14 students to MRISA, although that may be extended to 16 depending on the host school.
The application packages for the MRISA CX are available for students to collect from Ms Tricia in Room 408 and also from Mrs. Gomez in the school office.  Students are required to answer 3 questions as part of the application process and will also be required to pay a MRISA fee of $70 along with additional costs associated with flights, airport tax and visas.  (Overall it is expected to cost approximately $400-$450)  Meals and accommodation are covered by the host school and hosting families.  

 
Model United Nations Trip to South Africa (posted October 24, 2007)

One Friday afternoon,  a nervously excited group of NISC students, staff and parents gathered at Phnom Penh airport and departed on a trip of a life time. After a short two hours, we landed in Hong Kong International Airport where Mr. Kent was to learn the finer points of fast food dining as he discovered the difference between Popeye’s and KFC. Who says there is nothing left to learn in this world? Popeye’s was a clear winner and the students all enjoyed chicken and biscuits. After 12 long hours, we arrived in Johannesburg, tired but excited about the next 4 days of game viewing at Pilanesberg National Park.

The game viewing experience was fantastic. We had many close encounters with giraffes, rhinos, elephants and even a leopard that walked in front of our vans. NISC students proved that they had great eyesight and the patience to search for the elusive and well camouflaged animals in the park. The other highlight was a visit to a lion park where all of us enjoyed holding and cuddling baby lion cubs and seeing a leopard being hand fed. During the  four days we were at Pilanesberg, we went on night game drives, elephant rides, had a traditional Braii(south African BBQ), hung out at the pool and visited Sun City, a local resort that had some fantastic waterslides, restaurants and movie theatres. But alas, our time ended and we had to get into the vans and head back to Johannesburg for the MUN conference, but not until we had completed a morning of shopping that left many stores bare of stock. At the MUN conference, NISC students were some of the best prepared and active participants in all the committees they worked in. They grappled with the serious issues of the Darfur crisis, climate change, corruption and risks to biodiversity. The hard work during the day was rewarded with evening visits to shopping malls and local restaurants.  It was sad to see the conference end and a group of tired NISC students made their way to the airport on Sunday for our departure home. The whole experience was one where our students excelled, made new friends and were fantastic ambassadors for NISC.  Greg and I are very proud to have had the opportunity to have led the group on this trip.



NISC Science Offerings for 2007 - 2008 (Posted Sep 3, 2007)
This year's high school science offerings include chemistry, physical science, (AP) biology and environmental science. This year's NISC Science Forum for grades 10, 11 & 12 will be held on Feb 15, 2008 and the NISC Science Fair for grades 7,8, & 9 will be held on March 14, 2008 (Both days are Fridays). See Ms. Benton in Room 304 for more details.

Parents of High School Seniors (Posted Sep 3, 2007)
Welcome to this year, one that perhaps you never imagined would arrive so soon!  I have met with each member of this year’s graduating class.  We have reviewed their transcripts, credits, testing needs (e.g. PSAT/SAT, TOEFL/IELTS), college admissions, and career goals.  Rest assured that most of the class has not begun the college admissions process and many students had questions and would like support in most of these areas.  No need to feel overwhelmed!  I will be working with your children individually and in small groups as needed in order to get them all pointed in the direction they would like to go.  Please feel free to contact me at any time with questions or concerns; and I may be contacting you for information as well.  
Annette Meeuwse, Upper School Principal/Counselor
annette@NISCambodia.com

Operation Smile (Posted Sep 3, 2007)
Congratulations to the newly elected officers of Operation Smile (HS)!
President - Christine Khor
Vice President - Bianca Gomez
Secretary - Kim Tang
Treasurer - Janelle Manfred
Communication Officers - Hyemin Kim and Metok Rubling