From the Head of PE and Sport 15.10.2022

As I sit here and write this week’s action packed sports round up, I am reflecting on how wonderful it has been to see so many of our students engaged in competitive sporting events once again, and just how much it has been missed over the past two and half years. As Head of PE and Sport, I am so pleased to be sharing news each week not just on the amazing learning that is going on as part of the PE curriculum, but beyond that in our sport programme which provides students with additional opportunities to challenge themselves and learn so much about strength of character, resilience, the value of teamwork and importance of hard work and commitment in the pursuit of achieving one’s goals. All valuable life lessons that can be transported both into the classroom and out of it. 

KIS U15 Basketball Tournament

Our week of sport began early on Saturday morning as the school welcomed visitors from Jesselton International School, SMK St Francis and Maktab Nasional to take on our U15 FOBISIA Vipers Squad in a series of friendly matches. 

Whilst ‘friendly’ in name, competition in all games was extremely fierce. The tournament was set up to provide our U15 FOBISIA Vipers team with the opportunity to experience competitions against unknown opponents and a chance to implement what they have been learning in training. 

It was a wonderful atmosphere with benches around the courts, full of athletes and supporters from all schools cheering for their respective teams as players ran from end to end, shots dropped into the basket and tough tussles on defence saw many a turnover of possession. 

The girls competition was a fairly even affair between all three schools. The Vipers in their first game together had some strong attacking play and created a lot of scoring opportunities. Defensively at times the team were a little timid, but this area of their game definitely improved in their second game as they were able to keep SMK to a much lower score despite playing two games back to back in quick succession. A tremendously valuable learning experience for the team going into the FOBISIA competition next month with a lot of positive takeaways as well to give them more confidence next time they take the court. 

The boys team were a little nervous before taking the court in their first game of the day, but soon settled and some speedy work moving the ball around the court put pressure on a more physical Jesselton team. There was a lot of excitement following the final whistle as KIS won the game sending the team and supporters bench into small hysterics. Maktab Nasional put on a classy display of skill and finesse in their opening match against JIS and the Vipers had to refocus and learn quickly about how to absorb pressure when under threat from a very experienced basketball team. Whilst I know the boys may have been disappointed in the score they learnt a lot about how to be resilient and showed excellent grit and determination throughout the game. 

Both teams will now travel to Thailand with a little more knowledge and understanding about how to put into practice in games the skills and strategies they have been taught, as well as being better prepared for the equally important mental side of competitive sport in how to handle themselves in different situations. 

Thank you to the many parents and students who came down to support the Vipers, the teams really benefited from having some very loud supporters in their corner!

I would like to extend a massive THANK YOU to the many members of the Charity Committee who were led brilliantly by Pik Yen (10K). An army of volunteers were present throughout the day selling drinks, snacks and ice-creams ensuring that throughout the competition athletes and supporters alike were kept well hydrated and fuelled up. Their efforts resulted in over RM1300 being raised which they will be donating to assist with relief efforts of the Pakistan floods, demonstrating what a caring and global minded student body that we have.

Another group of student leaders who were relentless in their efforts on the day, were four of our Year 12 students who took on responsibility for officiating the games. Refereeing is one of the most difficult jobs in sport, and they are rarely thanked, but Keith, Marc, MJ and David did a superb job in managing the running of the games – so thank you for giving your time and showing what well rounded A-level students we have here at KIS. 

Congratulations to the following students on their efforts in the tournament. 

Girls: Sophie, Keira, Ana, Haylie, Dasha, Pui San, Amanda, Juah, Miky, Isabella, Yi Chen, Dania, Sofia

Boys: Leroy, Tony, Jayden, Mathew, Sebastian, Ken Zi, Myko, Daniyal, Vayne, Ian, 

FOBISIA News

Primary FOBISIA Games Registrations are due by Friday 11th November. This includes completing the Google Form found here as well as paying the initial deposit of RM1500. Please note, this deposit will be fully refunded in the event we do not get enough students to run the trip. 

I will be holding a FOBISIA Information session on Monday 7th November for any parents who wish to know more about the event. I will have just returned from attending the U15 FOBISIA Games and will be able to share details on what the set up is like at the new venue at Pattana Sport Resort and also what is involved generally with the FOBISIA Games. 

The meeting will take place in the Multipurpose Room at 7:30am. All parents of Year 5 and Year 6 students who are interested in learning more about the FOBISIA Friendly Games are welcome to attend. 

Secondary Sports Day – Full report to follow after half-term

With so many big events going on in school this week, I will be holding off on the full report from Secondary Sports Day that took place at Penampang Stadium on Wednesday until after the break. 

Just to say at this stage that we were delighted to see the return of one of our favourite school sports events with a phenomenal turnout from students and parents alike which created a wonderful competitive, yet supportive House Spirit. 

The athletes did themselves proud in how they worked together, challenged themselves and kept their housemates going throughout the day. 

Check back in the next edition for ALL the many HIGHLIGHTS!

KIS CUP Returns!

It has been an incredibly busy half-term in PE and Sport, and things are only set to continue with many more exciting events to get the blood pumping and the legs moving. Starting with the return of the KIS Cup Football Tournament for KS2. This lunchtime tournament will take place in November and if your child would still like to sign up then please click the link to the relevant Google Form to register. 

Year 3 and Year 4 – Register here

Year 5 and Year 6 – Register here

Deadline for registering is Monday 24th October

Have a fabulous half-term break KIS! 

Miss Catriona Watt

Head of PE and Sport