13 September 2019 - Message From The Head Of Secondary - TISPC In Touch: 13 September 2019

13 SEPTEMBER 2019 - MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD OF SECONDARY

With the second of the three short weeks now upon us, it is a priority for us to ensure all learners are preparing for the busy weeks ahead. All learners have been informed of the term 3 examination process and the timetables have been arranged accordingly. The information for this is available in the respective Google classroom and via the Engage portal. The IGCSE extra classes have continued and there is a good feeling from learners that this is bringing greater reassurances of what is required to help them reach their grade targets.

We have also had learners that have been on an educational exchange visit to Japan, and we have asked some learners who went to give us a special report on their experience.

Cultural Exchange Trip, Japan

Written by: Alicia Tan Wei En and Alyna Tan Wei Yan (9U)

On Sunday 1st September we embarked on our first ever exchange program trip to Japan. Upon arriving at Narita Airport, our tour guide Mr Lew gave us several lectures on Japanese culture, economy, and politics, all of which gave us an overview of this country and helped us better understand where we were staying.

We toured several of Tokyo's wards, all of which had their own unique culture. We experienced the anime culture of Akihabara and Asakusa, an ancient Buddhist shrine where people prayed under enormous red lanterns and burnt incense for their ancestors. I quickly noticed that this dramatic juxtaposition between the old and the new is what most characterized Japan: pop culture and technology contrasted yet blended with traditional customs and culture. We also visited Mount Fuji to view the impressive and ferocious mountain scenery.

After enjoying all of the chaos and craziness in Tokyo, we moved on to Kyoto via Bullet train. It was a great and exciting experience as this was the first time taking a bullet train for most of us. We visited the deer park located in Nara, although it was raining and the floor was slippery, we still had a fun time feeding the deer.

The next day we set off from our hotel to Osaka. In the morning, we visited the Osaka Castle, a stunning sight, rising up and commanding the skyline of the entire east side of the city. After that, we departed to Higashi Yodogawa high school. They welcomed us with a Japanese tea ceremony and some traditional games. We also participated in a few activities like kendo and kyudo. We spent our afternoon interacting and communicating with our new friends. Besides that, we performed a cultural dance and exchanged gifts with the students there. It was an unforgettable experience.

As the trip ended and we headed back to Malaysia after six days, it was terribly bittersweet. We were grateful for this wonderful opportunity and amazing experience, but also was heartbroken to leave such a beautiful and interesting country.

Mr. Mike Moreton (Head of Secondary)
Email Contact : moreton.michaeldavid@pc.tis.edu.my