CAIS Earth Week
CAIS Earth Week
December 11, 2020
The virtual CAIS Earth Week was held successfully between 30 November and 11 December.
Over 800 primary students at CAIS participated in a series of activities to learn more about ways to go green in our everyday lives.
Started off with a e-poster design competition where two winning designs became the official Earth Week promotional posters, students were invited to take on a 2-week challenge to think about the impact of their actions on our climate and what they can do to help.
Through the activities, students learned the 5R rule: Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose, Recycle and attended virtual events including a session with Plastic Free Seas.
Winning e-poster designs and their message:
What life lessons can we learn through a virtual science classroom
What life lessons can we learn through a virtual science classroom
December 11, 2020
When CAIS High School Science teacher James Sandy took his class online during this year's pandemic, he knew he was going to face challenges getting his students—all of whom had no remote learning experience previously —to fully benefit from the lessons he was presenting.
But the maverick educator from Melbourne, Australia who had a brief stint in the United States before relocating to Hong Kong, seized the unique opportunity by upping the game for a better science virtual classroom bridging the gap between traditional and virtual learning.
The geologist and environmental scientist turned innovative science teacher swiftly adapted to the change by leveraging digital technologies to keep his students engaged with science learning in a virtual classroom.
Not only did students join classroom discussions via video conferencing tools, they also revisited the learning materials and downloaded additional resources so that they could learn at their own pace.
While remote learning was taking place, a series of strategic planning was happening behind the scene. James needed to prepare the transition from online to in-person learning and back to online – the biggest adaptive challenge every educator has had to face this year.
After all, this forced transition has not only forced us to move the classroom online, it has also taught us valuable life lessons. We caught up with James to further explore this theme.
What are some of the lessons you’ve learnt from getting students fully involved in remote learning?
Modifying children’s traditional way of learning is the key. Both teachers and students tried to keep a continuity in learning and then adapt to our Covid reality to transform our traditional learning approach.
Technologies have played an important role in helping us to achieve a successful digital classroom. With software like PowerSchool Learning – a learning management and classroom collaboration solution that allows real-time teacher-student interaction; and Zoom – a cloud platform that provides a virtual space for online learning to take place, students are able to continue to learn, in untraditional ways – which is not a surprise given an untraditional year.
What were some of the challenges you faced during this transition? How did you overcome them?
With challenges come opportunities, both students and I have been finding creative ways to overcome the never-before-imagined obstacles of being disconnected from traditional classrooms.
For instance, when real excursions are not an available option, we turn to “virtual” excursions to help connect students to new ideas and discovery, rather than just watching me talk onscreen.
Another challenge for me is to understand the learning progress of my students when they learn new concepts or work through assignments. With the help of digital tools, students can interact with me online and ask questions or join discussions in ways like traditional classrooms where conversations happen organically.
How has technology changed our approach to learning/ interact with science during Covid?
Digital tools facilitate two-way communication between teachers and students. They are an important platform for us to form conversation and discussion when we are refrained from on-campus learning during Covid.
We might all have struggled initially when adjusting to learning and teaching online. But the process has taught us critical life skills: agility, problem solving and communication.
With digital platforms, students are able to access digital textbooks anytime, which essentially is a big help to supplement our online lessons.
Plus, students are quick learners. They are able to pick up new technologies and get used to virtual learning easily.
What’s the importance of a science education?
Getting students of different ages, genders and backgrounds to appreciate science is important. Technology and science are about creating the ‘wow’ factor. Science education is important because it’s about improving lives and alleviating sufferings.
This year CAIS – and globally – had the biggest adaptive learning experiment and students were rewarded with the opportunity to take charge of their learning, giving them the independence they crave!
And most importantly, I think we all realize online learning is not a terrible idea and can be personal to some extent, with the help of online learning tools.
Most memorable experience at CAIS?
This year when we had to engage students in remote learning, I was impressed by our students who were just proactive learners. They were the driving force for a collaborated virtual classroom.
CAIS is not the first school that I worked with. But I have been given the opportunity to have an impact on students, for which I am very grateful.
I am driven by the good learning attitude of students, appreciation and satisfaction of parents. It’s not an overstatement to say that I look forward to coming back to school every day.
The cordial faculty relationship is also another factor that gives me great encouragement.
Celebrating a unique transformative educational experience
Celebrating a unique transformative educational experience
December 11, 2020
A picture is worth a thousand words.
The above is a rendering image of CAIS Phase II building.
Being able to visualize a transformation before it starts means we can foresee outcomes.
Like Phase I, CAIS Phase II continues to evolve and transform. From the street level, the visual connection between both campus buildings is strong, presenting a simple, yet impactful, outlook.
CAIS has knitted Phase II building into the existing Phase I building at Butterfly Valley, creating a flow between the two, from academic to arts, cultural, sport and beyond.
The new campus building has infused the school with new energy that incorporates not only large creative learning spaces but also thoughtful designs that speak to the school’s desire for greater cultural engagement.
While Phase I supports students’ academic development, Phase II will be a powerhouse of ideas to inspire creativity and motivate students to learn beyond classrooms.
From planning to logistical arrangement, laying the foundation to finishing, it has not been an easy road for CAIS to reach this extraordinary milestone which is five years in the making.
In about this time next year, CAIS Phase II will be up and running, becoming the base for cultural and sport programs.
CAIS Phase II will not only be an extension of Phase I, but a prominent and dynamic cultural and creative space providing opportunities for CAIS students and local community to be part of the transformation process.
We sat with the Client’s Representative of CAIS Phase II project Mr. Ivan Man to talk about concept of Phase II, how CAIS has dedicated this space to art, performance, sport and culture, and what the future holds for CAIS.
Concept of Phase II
There are two stages towards the completion of Phase II: Phase II A as amenities building and Phase II B as indoor swimming pool.
Phase II A comprises of various learning spaces including a Performance Hall, Special Education Centre, English Language Learners Centre, indoor and outdoor sports facilities and a Music Floor.
The completion of Phase II A and II B, combined with Phase I, will offer a spacious campus of approximately 500,000 square feet, alongside a wide array of academic offerings to enhance the learning experience for the school community.
CAIS Phase II will open doors to collaborations for CAIS students, in which non-profits and NGOs will be invited to partner with us and work on a series of community engagement initiatives through art, sports and culture.
From planning to logistics arrangement, laying the foundation to finishing, it has not been an easy road for CAIS to reach this extraordinary milestone which is five years in the making.
Ivan Man
Client’s Representative
Ground Floor Multi-purpose space
In addition to the official entrance of the school, a half-covered multi-purpose space extended to a courtyard landscape and green spaces will be available for students to meet, connect and learn. It is part of the network of circulation space surrounding a café, where parents and visitors will be able to enjoy refreshments and unwind while experiencing the dynamic and vibrancy of the school.
Performance Hall
A world-class venue with exceptional acoustics, the 611-seat Performance Hall will be an important venue for students to gain first-hand experience in performing arts and participate in orchestra, dance or choral!
Featuring an acoustic ceiling tile system that achieves a high level of acoustic performance. An acoustic engineer had been appointed to help us achieve the acoustic requirements which is on par with the standard at Hong Kong City Hall – equivalent to NC-25 (Noise Criteria) Curves*.
A snack bar and lounge will also be available to offer guests an opportunity to network and gather before performance and during intermission.
An audio recording booth is also available.
The design and construction of the Performance Hall was complex. It required great technicality and meticulous planning. The design and implementation of the sound-proofing systems needed careful consideration. In addition, we have sought expert advice on how to limit mechanical noise, and the installation of the stage rigging system and AV system.
*Noise Criteria Curves are a measure of the acoustic ambient (background) noise in an indoor environment.
Music Floor
With learning spaces featuring various music genres, the Music Floor concept presents an exciting and significant opportunity to help shape the future of our aspiring students who are keen to get involved with music. Our vision for this music space is to create a diverse, and uniquely cultural precinct, that showcases the music talent of our learner community.
Soccer Pitch, Gymnasium and high performance training facilities
A roof-top 7-a-side soccer pitch that meets FIFA (International Federation of Association Football) standards will be available with artificial turf, offering crucial outdoor sports facilities to nurture children’s sporting development.
High performance training space on the 4th Floor provides additional sporting facilities for basketball training, Judo training, ballet classes, etc.
Drama Practice Room / multi-purpose learning space
The Drama Practice Room will provide another creative space for student performers and artists!
This multi-purpose learning space aims to provide unmatched opportunities for CAIS students and local communities in Hong Kong for collaboration and the cultivation of new ideas.
Disclaimer: All images are conceptual or based on current development plans, which are subject to change without notices. The development of Phase II A and B will be subject to funding condition and the school’s future plans.
CAIS students find ways to spread kindness during a pandemic
CAIS students find ways to spread kindness during a pandemic
December 8, 2020
While global community celebrated World Kindness Day on 13 November, CAIS students found ways to cheer others up and spread kindness during our annual Kindness Week which was held virtually this year.
Despite the limited days of on-campus learning, students searched for creative ways to serve the local community and engaged in acts of kindness – which cheered both the giver and receiver!
Corresponding to our school theme “Nerve to Serve”, students were encouraged to find ways practice kindness: helping parents with chores, giving family and friends a call to care of each other and keep the relationship strong during a pandemic, and giving out masks to people in needed.
774 cards, each filled with kind messages and accompanied by 2 face masks, were sent out to 14 community organisations including healthcare professionals, as a way to give a socially distanced hug to our local community.
Advent
Advent
December 4, 2020
This Sunday is the second Sunday in advent as we celebrate the coming of Christ as Saviour. Last week I wrote about the hope we have in Christ. This week my focus for advent Sunday is love, and this is most beautifully expressed in the love of God the Father, and God the Son.
It amazes me that God did not institute a way of salvation that we as humans had to fulfil perfectly in order to be saved. Instead, out of his great love, he sent us his one and only Son. A Son who God required to humble himself, and to be obedient, even to death on a cross (Phil 2: 8) in order to save us. What incredible love shown to us!
Just as amazing, is the love of Jesus for us, that as God and a perfect man, he bore the wrath of God that we deserved. At the heart of the gospel is love. My greatest desire for students at CAIS, is that they come to experience this love in a personal and authentic way with God.
Just as God has loved us, so too, we are called to love one another. It is my prayer that not only do you see opportunities to show love, but that you show acts of love in practice to those around you.
Grace and Peace
Richard Vanderpyl
Christian Alliance International School to offer the IB Diploma in Hong Kong
Christian Alliance International School to offer the IB Diploma in Hong Kong
December 3, 2020
The latest accreditation highlights the distinctive edge the school offers students
Christian Alliance International School (CAIS) announced today that the school has been accredited by the International Baccalaureate Organization as an IB World School to offer the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) in Hong Kong.
CAIS is set to offer the DP Year 1 for Grade 11 students from the academic year 2021/22 and onward and DP Year 2 for Grade 12 students from 2022/23 and onward.
CAIS will offer IB Diploma Programme (DP) to Grade 11 -12 students, in addition to its current Canadian (Alberta) curriculum and Advanced Placement (AP) courses.
The IBDP is an academically challenging two-year pre-university program for students in Grades 11 and 12. It is recognised as one of the most influential international education programs in the world and develops students intellectually, socially, emotionally and physically.
“We are thrilled that the school will offer this highly recognized diploma curriculum to our students who are aspiring leaders looking to make a positive impact globally,” said Richard Vanderpyl, Head of School at CAIS.
“The IB Diploma Programme will be built on our Christian-based education and it will strengthen our work connecting students to leading universities worldwide with our emphasis on students’ personal and character development.”
CAIS has officially become one of the 5,200+ IB World Schools and 3000+ IB Diploma schools.
“Our uniqueness is that it is the only international school in all of Asia that offers three curricula and qualification pathways: World-renowned Alberta curriculum, International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme and Advanced Placement courses”.
In line with the IB mission statement, CAIS also strives to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.
CAIS will benefit from a variety of teaching resources and support from the IBO. This includes participation in world-wide teaching forums, and sharing information/ resources with other IB institutions around the world.
CAIS Innovates: Digital Literacy Program
CAIS Innovates: Digital Literacy Program
December 2, 2020
The coronavirus pandemic has changed every aspect of our lives and the world has turned to technology to provide solutions and gain new insights to help us fight the virus. But even before the pandemic hit, technology has influenced many facets of life and has successfully diffused across industries. A comprehensive technology education that invites children to be curious and enjoy the process of learning new ideas is pivotal for children of all ages.
The power of technology and innovation is indeed immense and the two areas are often intertwined.
For instance, virtual learning is made possible and becomes the new normal during the pandemic.
The rise of telemedicine is another form of digital transformation, allowing patients to get medical advice through telecommunications technology in a Covid safe way.
Technology innovation is constantly evolving, and as such, the academic programs at CAIS need to adapt to its evolving nature.
Digital Literacy is a new program that CAIS offers to Grades 7-9 students. It aims to equip students to build life skills and resilience. It offers an enabling environment for students, to explore, connect and engage with their community. Students learn to be creative and open-minded to acquire digital skills that are essential for their personal development and to be “future-ready”.
The CAIS’s Digital Literacy Program is one of the first steps students are taking to experience their “Tech Future” and grasp the opportunity laid open to them by digital technologies.
We invited CAIS teachers Mr Hanani Cha and Mr Chris Siu to talk about the program.
What is Digital Literacy Program?
Digital Literacy program focuses on developing students’ 21st century skills such as critical thinking, logical thinking, and collaboration using digital technology.
New equipment and learning tools such as 3D printer and software are introduced alongside a redesigned curriculum to help spark students’ interests to explore and develop digital skills.
The student-centered learning approach is another highlight of the program providing ample opportunities to engage in the use of these skills.
Teachers and students keep learning throughout their lives as change is a constant in technology, and keeping up-to-date with technology can help us at home, school and at work.
How did the idea come about?
As a school that’s dedicated to preparing students to take on challenges in the future, providing students an education that harnesses digital technology is essential. The Program is not theory based but very practical in terms of application.
Digital skills are as important as academic skills, enabling students to be agile and flexible. This year we have experienced the biggest shift to remote learning and working due to the pandemic. The adaption of new technology has been accelerated at an unprecedented speed.
By embracing digital technology, we are able to accommodate and adapt to changes.
Furthermore, since students are exposed to technology daily, it is important for them to learn how to use the technology ethically and safely.
What are the expectations?
Students are exposed to a curriculum that equips them with transferrable digital skills, as well as problem-solving, creative and communication skills.
The Program covers a wide range of topics such as Digital Citizenship, coding, 3D printing, robotics, and applying digital technology to solve real life problems.
Besides 3D printer, what other learning tools will be used in the Digital Literacy program?
We will be using robotics, Micro:bit (tiny circuit board designed to help kids learn to code and create with technology), Makebox (DIY tech kit), and a variety of software for programming.
What are the benefits of using 3D printing technology in education?
This helps students to learn about 3D environments, spatial intelligence, logical thinking, creative thinking, visualization of ideas, and is applicable as a collaboration across subjects.
Advent
Advent
November 27, 2020
When our children were very young, we lived in a different part of New Zealand to where their grandparents lived. I can still remember their reaction when my wife and I would say ‘Grandma and Grandpa are coming to visit.’ They would be so excited and eagerly look forward to their arrival. I do suspect part of their joy was because Grandma and Grandpa always brought presents with them!
This Sunday (29 November) marks the beginning of the ‘Advent’ season, in the lead up to Christmas. It is celebrated over the next four Sundays, and there are many traditions associated with it.
The word ‘Advent’ means “coming” or “arrival”, which for Christians refers to the coming of Christ as a child, and to the return of Christ in the second coming.
I am sure you have seen Christmas wreaths in stores, maybe you even hang one on your door! The wreaths usually hold four to five candles in them. The candles represent hope, love, joy, peace and Christ. Each of the four virtues is perfectly represented in Christ, and indeed, He is hope, love, joy and peace.
The first coming of Christ gives hope to people in that God was willing to give of himself to save his people. If God was willing to give his only Son to save us, then surely we can trust and place our hope in God that he will save us. But it also means that we can hope (trust) in the promises of God too. He promises to watch over us, to guide us, to protect us, to comfort us.
Today, even in the midst of turmoil and uncertainty we can have our hope in Christ, both for temporal and eternal needs.
We have seen how futile it is to place our hope in things that are never guaranteed, such as wealth, job security, health or even in people. The most amazing hope that is guaranteed, that is sure, is a hope placed in Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ removes hopelessness and gives us the fulness of hope.
As we draw near to Christmas, think about the hope that Christ alone gives to you.
“Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord his God”
– Psalm 146:5
Richard Vanderpyl
Head of School
The heart of Christian Education
The heart of Christian Education
November 20, 2020
Last Saturday, if the Parent Teacher Interviews were taking place at school, I was to give a talk on “The heart of Christian Education.” Christian education is absolutely dear to my heart because I believe it is the only authentic education a child can receive. It is an education that does not deny or ignore God, instead, Christian education firmly places God at the center, the foundation, indeed over every aspect of teaching and learning. It an education that proclaims the Lordship of Christ over every part of the school, including student and teacher (Colossians 1: 17-18).
Today, however, I want to talk a little about my heart, and then yours! Several weeks ago I suffered a mild heart attack but put it down to tiredness, work, diet, and lack of exercise. Yes, it was all of those things but I thought I could just soldier on and keep going with the same routine. Unable to shake off the fatigue, shortness of breath I thought it would be wise for a medical check-up. Three days later I found myself having two stents inserted to clear up a severely blocked left anterior descending artery, which I am told is quite an important one! Hoping that was the end of the drama, I then had an allergic reaction to the most important medication! After coming out in a head to toe itchy rash, the new medication seems to be much more acceptable to my body!
From the bottom of my heart, which now beats well, I would like to give my thanks to the many parents, staff and students for your messages of encouragement and prayers. That was such a blessing for me and my wife Linda. As it says in Proverbs 12:25 “Anxiety weighs down a heart, but a kind word cheers it up.” My heart has certainly been cheered, and for that I give God the praise and you my thanks.
But, it would be remiss of me to merely speak of my ‘healed physical heart’ without addressing the type of healing the heart really needs, and that is spiritual healing. Just as cholesterol blocks the heart, so too does sin block the heart from beating as effectively as God intended it too. When God created us, he did so to have a loving relationship with us. But sin, our rebellion against God got in the way and has blocked this relationship. Just as we cannot operate on ourselves, we cannot by our own strength remove that sin either.
I am very grateful to the cardiologist who removed the blockage in my artery, but I am indebted to the Great Physician, Jesus Christ, who alone has healed my ‘spiritual heart.’ As Jesus said in Mark 2: ‘Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners’ (v. 17).
An essential part of an authentic Christian Education for your children is for them to see their need for healing. We teach the students about the importance of ‘healing’ the world by caring for the environment, and we also teach them about the importance of a right heart relationship with God, one that has been healed.
All of us, especially me now, need to care for our physical hearts. We need to be disciplined to eat the right food, exercise well, sleep and rest. The same goes for our spiritual hearts. We need to feed it God’s Word, to pray for forgiveness (healing) of our sins and spiritually exercise the heart through prayer. I could have pretended that I did not have a problem with my physical heart, but the blockage would have still remained. Ignoring it won’t have made it go away. And the same goes for our sin. Pretending it isn’t there, or just ignoring it, will not make it go away.
Once we see the need for the Great Physician, Jesus Christ, to remove our sin, he will do so, with his own blood, to fully cleanse our heart of sin, and have it beating as God intended it to be! It is my prayer that you ask the Great Physician for spiritual healing, that your sins against God would be removed. Then you have a heart that will beat for the glory of God for all eternity!
Blessings in Christ
Richard Vanderpyl
Head of School
Grammy Award Winner motivates CAIS community to be the best version of themselves
Grammy Award Winner motivates CAIS community to be the best version of themselves
November 19, 2020
Internationally renowned musician Paul Phoenix visited CAIS on 11 Nov and shared his musical journey to inspire the CAIS John Rutter Choir.
Featuring 165 voices, the CAIS John Rutter Choir comprised of 129 students and 36 staff who came together to spread positive vibe through their performance of the choral piece “Look at the World”.
Paul joined the choir rehearsal and gave an insightful coaching session to motivate the choir ahead of the recording of the performance which was sent to an online choral music festival.
Speaking to CAIS after the rehearsal, Paul explained his early musical career not only afforded him the opportunity to perform on the global stage, but also opened up doors for him to start his own coaching and engagement consultancy business ‘Purple Vocals: Perform and Engage’ in 2017.
Reflecting on the biggest lesson he has learnt throughout his journey in the music industry, the 2-time Grammy Award winner quipped “Success is not about talent, albeit it is still important. A career in the music industry is about having the right set of skills, temperament and a right attitude.”He was also grateful that he had the opportunity to work with people who shared the passion for music just like he did.
In addition, the former tenor at King’s Singers suggested students looking to pursue a career in music to “be the best version of themselves” and acknowledge the fact that everyone should “develop at their own pace” when making decisions in education or career, and everyone should discover their strengths and seek opportunities to develop them further.
Paul got involved with music since the age of 9 and began his musical career in the 1970s when he became a Chorister in St Paul’s Cathedral Choir in London. In 1997, he joined the King’s Singers and traveled the world with them to sing on the international stage until 2014 when he launched his personal enterprise.
He continued to work across the globe, with regular visits to China, (coaching, performing and speaking in Beijing, Shanghai, Nanjing and Shenyang), Hong Kong (as a frequent ‘Artist-in-Residence’) across Europe, the USA (coaching and performing as Artist-in-Residence for Arizona Cantilena Chorale and as a guest coach with the Philadelphia Boys Choir.)
Late 2018 and 2019 saw him in Germany (as guest soloist with the Reutlingen Philharmonie), Finland (as coach and performer with the Sibelius School and Kuopio Youth Choir), further visits to Hong Kong, Philippines,USA and Switzerland (where he runs a PurpleVocals Summer Choral Academy). In 2019, he also established his namesake, Paul Phoenix Academy, in Hong Kong.