The Dragon's Tale
The Biweekly Newsletter of the Kaohsiung American School
2019-2020, Issue #9: December 13th
Congratulations to all of the students who shared their talents and their creativity with us at this year’s Winter Concert. Yet again, KAS students have shown us their creativity, their skills, and the excellent results of their hard work. We think that during the Winter Concert, there is no better place to be in the entire world than in the KAS Auditorium enjoying the joyful spirit that our students bring to the community with their passion and their work. Thank you to the teachers especially the music department for their diligence in guiding students to be ready for this event.
恭喜所有在今年冬季音樂會上為我們展露才能以及創意的學生。再次地,KAS學生持續向我們展現他們的創意、能力、以及努力的成果。我們覺得在冬季音樂會的表演中,世上絕沒有任何一個地方的喜悅氣氛比得上KAS的音樂廳,享受著學生帶給我們的熱情與努力結晶。感謝所有老師,特別是音樂老師為引導學生準備這次活動所付出的心力。
Happy Southern Taiwan Model United Nations (STMUN) weekend to the KAS community. We are happy to cohost this year’s STMUN conference, and we look forward to welcoming hundreds of students to KAS this weekend to discuss this year’s theme: United Nations Sustainable Development Goal #3 - Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. We are proud of our students in STMUN as they engage in these challenging issues. STMUN is a BIG part of our school mission, especially the ‘G’ part of Global Citizens. Our students in STMUN are leaders in preparing to create a more aware, ethical, and cooperative future, and we honor their efforts. Thank you to the faculty sponsors and the support staff who tirelessly support our students in making this event into a reality.
祝STMUN(南台灣模擬聯合國會議)週末活動順利。我們很開心能共同主辦今年的STMUN,我們期待在本週末迎接數以百計的學生來高雄美國學校來探討今年的主題:聯合國可持續發展目標3 - 確保各年齡層的所有人都能有健康的生活並促進福祉。我們為參與STMUN的學生探討如此具挑戰性的議題為傲。STMUN佔學校使命一個重要的部分。特別是G 指的是全球公民。參加STMUN的學生都是準備成為創造一個更有相關意識、倫理、樂於合作的未來的領導者,我們讚賞他們的努力。感謝指導老師以及職員們不懈的支持幫助這項活動成真。
Please make sure to see our alumni corner below. We want to highlight our exceptional alumni, and there are so many great stories to share! This week we feature Grace Harn (2015), and we are excited to share her story here. Also, look for details in that section about upcoming alumni events including the alumni table at the upcoming Cadenza performance, and the Southern California KAS Alumni Sunset Cruise coming up on February 1, 2020.
請您查看以下的校友天地專欄。我們想要介紹傑出的校友,有非常多精彩的故事等著和您分享!本週我們以2015畢業生Grace Harn為主題,我們很開心能夠在此分享她的故事。並且,在該專欄可以得知即將到來的校友活動,包含下一場Cadenza演出中會有一個校友專區,以及2020年2月1日在美國南加州的KAS校友夕陽巡航晚宴活動。
As we close this semester we want to thank you for being part of the KAS community. The best part of KAS is the people - whether students, parents, faculty, staff, Board, PTA, community, etc. - and together we make this a wonderful school. Thank you for your part in making KAS into what is has become. We hope you enjoy some time together with family and friends over the winter holiday.
這學期即將畫上尾聲,我們想感謝您成為KAS大家庭的一份子。KAS最棒的部分是人,不管是學生、家長、教師、職員、董事會、家長會等所有人,我們一起讓這所學校成為一個很棒的學校。感謝您成為KAS很重要的一部分。我們希望您在寒假中享受和家人朋友團聚的時間。
Kind regards,
Dr. Ploeger, Superintendent 總校長
Ms. Rock, High School Principal 高中校長
Mr. Payne, Middle School Principal 國中校長
Mr. Coyle, Elementary School Principal 小學校長
MS News
Dear KAS Middle School Families:
親愛的中學部家長們:
Happy winter holiday to all MS families on behalf of the MS staff. It’s been a great semester and we love and appreciate our hard working students!
謹代表中學部所有職員向大家說聲寒假愉快!我們一起度過了一個很棒的學期,我們熱愛也感謝所有認真努力的學生!
Congratulations to the Grade 7 Boy’s softball team on their second place team finish at last weekend’s TISSA tournament at MAC in Taichung. The girls team played with Dragon pride and sportsmanship as well. Also a huge “thank you” to all of the attending parents and staff chaperones for their support of our middle school student athletes!
恭喜七年級男生壘球隊上週在台中馬禮遜美國學校舉辦的TISSA比賽中榮獲第二名。女生隊也是充滿了”龍耀“及運動家精神。同時,也非常感謝所有陪同參加的家長和職員,感謝他們給予中學部運動員的支持。
All MS parents please review “IB Bits” below for the January 15 parent meeting. It’s important for MS parents to understand why we want our students to set the goal of an IB diploma in KAS High School.
中學部家長們,請記得查看下方“IB Bits”專欄,我們將於一月15日舉辦家長說明會。此說明會能幫助中學家長了解我們為什麼希望學生在KAS高中部設置修習IB課程的目標。
Our new Taiko drumming program will start after school on Tuesdays in Season 3. Please sign up through Ms. Lulu Chen. We are in partnership with the world renowned Southern Taiwan Taiko Promotion center.
我們新的太鼓課後活動將會在第三季的每週二進行,請透過Ms. Lulu Chen老師報名。本課後活動是與南台灣太鼓推廣中心合作。
The Middle School Student Council is hosting Christmas Night, a holiday party, for all MS students directly after school on Friday, December 20. Activities at the event include a basketball knockout tournament, cookie decorating, board games, and a movie. Tickets will be sold (150 or 200 NTD depending on food choices) at school during lunch and break next week!
中學部學生會正在籌辦一個名為聖誕夜的慶祝派對,提供給所有中學部的學生在12月20日星期五放學後參加。活動包含了籃球比賽、餅乾裝飾彩繪、桌遊以及電影欣賞。門票價會在午餐或是休息時間販售(依據食物的選擇會決定票價是150元或200元台幣)。
Have a great break and and happy Gregorian Calendar 2020! Sincerely,
預祝您2020新年以及寒假愉快!
Mr. Payne, Middle School Principal 國中校長
IB Bits
Ms Deborah Haines IB/AP Coordinator IB/AP 召集人
On Wednesday January 15, for anyone who would like an introduction to the IB Diploma Program (grades 11 and 12), the IB coordinator, the high school counselor, and several IB teachers will be on hand to explain the program and to answer questions. The presentation will take place in the Lecture Hall at 3:30pm. Parents and students are all welcome to attend.
IB召集人、高中輔導老師與教授IB的老師將於1月15日下午3點30分本校演講廳舉辦的國際文憑大學預科的說明會。歡迎所有想了解國際文憑大學預科課程的家長與學生踴躍參加。
Alumni corner 校友天地
Meet Grace Harn (2015)
Grace recently graduated from the University of Toronto in Canada, one of the top 30 universities in the world, where she double-majored in physiology and pharmacology. Not one to back down from a challenge, we caught up with Grace recently and learned she is preparing for medical school next year with the goal of eventually opening her own clinical practice.
Greac最近自世界排名前30的加拿大多倫多大學獲得了生理學與藥理學的雙學位。沒有停止挑戰自己!我們得知她正在明年的醫學院做準備,並目標成為一位執業醫生。
Grace says that KAS, and especially her dedicated teachers, were a critical part of her path to success. "My teachers at KAS were always willing to give me extra support...not only did this help me with school but also with building valuable relationships with my teachers. Having learned this, I went to my professors, too, when I was in university. Asking questions, having discussions, and hearing more from my professors significantly improved my understanding of the material and helped me form connections with many professors." By building trusting, meaningful relationships with her teachers, Grace was able to pivot that experience into intellectual curiosity and a love of lifelong learning.
Grace說,KAS,特別是老師們,是她成功路上關鍵的一部分。“KAS的老師總是願意給我額外的支援,不僅是對我的學業有所幫助,而且還與我的老師建立了寶貴的關係。學到這些後,上大學後,我也去找教授們。去問問題,去進行討論並從我的教授們聽到了更多的訊息,大大地提高了我對材料的理解也幫助我與許多教授建立了聯繫。“通過與老師建立了信任且有意義的關係,Grace將這樣的經歷轉化成求知慾和對終身學習的熱愛。
Like many students at KAS that take a challenging set of IB-level classes as they prepare for college, Grace was no exception, but it wasn't always easy. "KAS helped me cope with setbacks," shared Grace. "Doing well in IB Math HL was particularly hard for me. My teacher (Mrs. Kuiken) patiently went through each test question with me after school and motivated me to keep learning despite the marks I was getting. Learning with the motive to learn and grow, rather than just for good marks, helped me handle setbacks, enjoy learning, and eventually improve marks-wise as well. Having this attitude prepared for university where courses were even more rigorous and challenging."
Grace也不例外,和許多KAS的學生在準備大學時一樣,他們接受一系列具有挑戰性的IB課程,但這不總是容易的。Grace分享說,“KAS幫助我克服了挫折。IB的高級數學課程對我而言尤其困難!儘管我已得到成績,我的老師(Mrs. Kuiken)還是在課後有耐心的帶著我看考題,並激勵我繼續學習。以學習和成長的動機去學習,比起只是為了好成績,這幫助我克服挫折,享受了學習的樂趣,最後更巧妙地提高了我的成績。在更嚴格且具挑戰性的大學裡中準備好這樣的學習態度。”
Not only does Grace now have her sights set on medical school; she also dreams of starting a non-profit organization to educate and support families with mothers recovering from brain injuries, a cause near and dear to her family. Grace still fondly thinks of her early-years teachers like Ms. Melody and Ms. Hung who always gave a friendly smile or stopped for a chat even as she entered high school and later graduated from KAS. Once a dragon, always a dragon!
現在Grace的目標不只是醫學院,她還夢想成立一個非營利事業以教育和支持那些家庭中有康復中的腦損傷母親。這是親近家人的事業。Grace仍然會想起他早年的老師們,像是Ms. Melody和Ms. Hung,即使是她已經進入高中並從KAS畢業了之後,她們總是會給他一個友好的笑容或是停下來聊天。一日龍兒,終生都是龍兒。
近期校友會活動:
December 19, 2019 3:20pm CST - 4:30pm CST
Kaohsiung American School, No. 889, Cueihua Road, Zuoying District, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan 813
Come by campus to say hi and join us for an incredible performance in the courtyard. Stop by the KAS Alumni Association table for a free hot chocolate and to chat with faculty and students.
Cadenza 假日獻禮
歡迎一同來參與Cadenza在中庭精彩的演出。校友專區另備有熱可可~來跟我們敘敘舊吧!
February 1, 2020 afternoon / early evening
Los Angeles, CA (details coming soon)
Don't miss this special event for KAS Alumni in California to get together, network and share stories over an incredible sunset cruise and food together. Save the date!
南加州KAS校友夕陽巡航晚宴
地點:洛杉磯 (細節敬請期待)
不要錯過由KAS校友會於加州舉辦的校友聚會,讓我們在超棒的夕陽巡航上相聚,敘舊,分享故事和晚宴!
If you have a story to share or an alumni update, connect with us on the Official KAS Alumni Facebook Group, submit an update on the KAS Alumni Association webpage or contact the KAS Alumni Coordinators, Cerise Roth-Vinson and Vivien Huang.
想與我們分享你的故事或是近況嗎?請於Official KAS Alumni Facebook Group與我們聯絡,或是於KAS官網上KAS Alumni Association。也可聯絡KAS校友會聯絡人Cerise Roth-Vinson and Vivien Huang.College Corner
Greg Bishop College Counselor 大學輔導老師
Jill Newman College Counselor 大學輔導老師
Another college application season is just wrapping up as we are finishing applications to the US and Canada. We had called for an early deadline of Friday, Dec 13 for KAS students as it will allow Ms Newman and I to tie up loose ends with applicants until next Friday. Please encourage your children to come and see us before the Christmas break so we can finalize all of their applications and allow them (and you!) to have a peaceful vacation. First semester grades will be ready at the end of the month and will be sent to each university electronically. Any applications that must be sent by mail are the student’s responsibility and they are to see Ms Denise Wu to facilitate this process.
A few students are still working on UK, Japanese and HK applications and we are available to them to help them through the process as well.
在我們完成美國和加拿大各大學的申請時,另一個大學申請的季節也要結束了,我們將校內的截止日訂在本週五12月13日,如此Ms. Newman和我才有足夠的時間協助部份未完成的內容,請鼓勵孩子在聖誕節假期之前來找我們,以便我們完成他們所有的申請,好讓他們(和您!)可以度過一個寧靜的假期。第一學期的成績將在本月底準備好,並將以電子郵件方式發送給每所大學。需要以書面寄出的成績單,學生們有責任自己到辦公室找Ms. Denise Wu告知自己的需求。
少數學生們尚在進行英國、日本、或香港的大學申請,我們也會繼續協助他們。
Please do not change their existing application list by adding other colleges over the vacation. Many parents and students get nervous over the break about not being accepted to any of their colleges. Careful consultation has been taken by us to work out the best fit for choices for your sons & daughters. If it is changed over the break, we will not know about it and no documents will be sent in. There should be no “emergencies” over the break so please try to enjoy the time with your family. We are looking forward to the outcomes for the graduating class of 2020.
請不要在假期期間添加其他大學來更改現有的申請列表。許多父母和學生因為假期間未被任何大學錄取感到緊張。我們經過認真的諮詢,為您的兒子和女兒找到最適合自己的選擇。如果在假期間有了任何更動,我們將一無所知,也無法寄送任何文件。在寒假期間不應有“緊急情況”,請盡量與您的家人共度時光,一同期待2020年畢業班的成果。
Ms. Newman and I would like to thank KAS parents for your support throughout this whole process. We have enjoyed working with the entire senior class.
Ms. Newman和我要感謝各位家長這段時間以來的支持,我們和今年的畢業生們溝通得很愉快。
Have a safe and peaceful Christmas holiday!
祝各位聖誕佳節平安喜樂!
We Are KAS
KAS strives to be one of the finest American International Schools in the World. KAS challenges students to achieve academic excellence and prepares them to be balanced individuals, independent learners, and global citizens.
Kaohsiung American School (KAS) is a private, non-profit, co-educational Pre K – 12 institution offering an American, college preparatory program leading to a US high school diploma and the opportunity for an IB Diploma.
KAS is located in the northern area of Kaohsiung city, the second largest city in Taiwan with 1.5 million inhabitants. Kaohsiung American School was established in 1989 as an elementary school serving the needs of local and expatriate families with children.
Email: admissions@kas.tw
Website: www.kas.tw
Location: 813, Taiwan, 高雄市左營區翠華路889號
Phone: 07-586-3300
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KaohsiungAmericanSchool/
Twitter: @kaohsiungas