From the Head of Secondary 30.09.2023
We are hugely looking forward to Care Week, which is happening from Monday 2nd to Friday 6th. ‘Caring’ is central to the KIS Mission and Values, and next week is an opportunity to focus on that, with a range of activities planned, including something new, a Wellness Walk on Tuesday afternoon organized by Mr Denyer. We also have a Child Protection and Safeguarding Coffee Morning on Wednesday at 8am in the multi-purpose room. These sessions were very well attended last year and we’re hoping to have a significant number of participants on Wednesday. We will be discussing Online Safety, a very relevant topic for all parents and students across Primary and Secondary. The session will be led by Ms Young, our Designated Safeguarding Lead, with support from myself, Mr Beresford, Ms Siti and Mr Denyer.
Hope to see you there!
We have recently seen a few of our students falling asleep in lessons. It is only a few, but we do know that many children are sleep-deprived and cannot be at their best at school, or at clubs and activities. Read on to find out more about this topic in an article written by Mr Bromley, our Head of Key Stage 4. We all need to value sleep, both for ourselves and for our children, and the article certainly gives us food for thought.
Many thanks to Tiggi Mornington Sanford for her thoughts on the use of plastics in Malaysia. It certainly is shocking [and somewhat shameful] to read that Malaysia is in the top 10 countries in the world for throwing plastic waste and rubbish in the ocean. Our collective conscience must be telling us that we all have a role to play in reducing this, and it is good to read in Tiggi’s article that Malaysia is now committed to ban the retail use of plastic bags across all business sectors by 2025. However, as individuals we don’t need to wait until 2025…..we can all reduce our use of plastics, starting now if we are not already doing so.
On Friday the Charity Committee will be raising funds to donate to the Red Cross appeal to support the people affected by the recent terrible earthquake in Morocco. There will be baked goods for sale at break and lunchtime, and a bucket cash collection. Please donate, either by purchasing a cake, or by dropping a few ringgits into the bucket.
Every little helps!
Have a wonderful weekend!
Mrs Margaret Renshaw
Head of Secondary / Deputy Principal
ECO UPDATE
First, the bad news…
But then, the great news…
From wet markets to Hawker stalls to supermarkets … throughout Sabah the use of plastic bags is ubiquitous and even if you buy just one small item then you will still be asked
“You want plastic?”
Unfortunately we then see an awful lot of these plastic bags thrown away at the side of the road and also into our incredible oceans causing great harm to both the planet and our wildlife.
At KIS we are taught to protect our planet; we are a single use plastic free school as well as being accredited with the Green Flag Award.
Thankfully Malaysia has now committed to ban the retail use of plastic bags across all business sectors by 2025.
Ruth Yapp from Zero Waste Sabah has launched a pilot project in Tuaran which is the hometown of our current Chief Minister. If it is successful then Ruth’s dream is that it will be replicated throughout Sabah and beyond!
The project is being sponsored by Yayasan Hasanah and Malaysia’s Ministry of Finance. Instead of using plastic bags you are encouraged to purchase or bring your own bucket or reusable bag.
Ruth and her team have created a number of videos to explain the concept:
Ruth is also trying to encourage the shoppers to bring their own bags by using a reward card system.
“You collect a stamp each time you use your own bags. 30 stamps on your card and you get to exchange the card for any of the bags on display.”
We really hope that this fantastic project is implemented throughout Malaysia as soon as possible!
Tiggi Mornington Sanford
Unlocking Potential: The Power of Sleep for Teenagers
In our fast-paced world, where teenagers juggle academic commitments, ECA’s, Sporting commitments, tuition, artistic interests and growing social life, it’s easy to overlook a fundamental pillar of good health and well-being…….sleep.
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine has recommended that children aged 6–12 years should regularly sleep 9–12 hours per 24 hours and teenagers aged 13–18 years should sleep 8–10 hours per 24 hours.
This was emphasised by the CDC (Centres for Disease Control and Prevention) who analyzed data from the 2015 national and state Youth Risk Behavior Surveys. Students were asked how much sleep they usually got on school nights. Students who were 6 to 12 years old and who reported sleeping less than 9 hours were considered to not get enough sleep. Teenagers aged 13 to 18 years who reported sleeping less than 8 hours also were considered to not get enough sleep.
Meanwhile,the Sleep Foundation reinforced this view with their recent article, “An overview of why teens face unique sleep challenges and tips to help them sleep better.”
Adequate, quality sleep is essential for teenagers to thrive academically, emotionally, and physically. The research is clear on the importance of sleep for teenagers and how we can support them at home in getting the rest they need to be successful students:-
- Cognitive Function and Academic Performance
Sleep plays a critical role in consolidating memories and enhancing learning. A well-rested mind is better equipped to focus, concentrate, and retain information. Teenagers who get sufficient sleep are more likely to perform well in school, grasp complex concepts, and exhibit improved problem-solving abilities.
- Mental and Emotional Well-being
Adequate sleep is directly linked to emotional regulation and mental health. Teenagers who consistently get enough rest are better able to manage stress, anxiety, and depression. Quality sleep fosters a positive outlook and equips them to cope with the challenges they face daily.
- Physical Health and Growth
Sleep is vital for physical development during the teenage years. It aids in growth, tissue repair, and the release of growth hormones. Additionally, a good night’s sleep supports a strong immune system, reducing the risk of illness and enabling teenagers to maintain an active lifestyle.
- Healthy Habits for a Lifetime
Teaching our teenagers the importance of sleep instils lifelong habits that contribute to overall health and productivity. By prioritizing sleep now, they develop the skills and awareness needed to maintain a healthy sleep routine as adults.
Tips to Encourage Healthy Sleep Habits at home:
- Consistent Bedtime Routine: Establishing a regular bedtime routine helps signal to the body that it’s time to wind down.
- Limit Screen Time: Encourage teenagers to power down their devices at least an hour before bedtime to allow their minds to relax.
- Create a Comfortable Sleep Environment: Ensure their bedroom is conducive to quality sleep—cool, dark, and quiet.
- Regular Exercise: Encourage physical activity during the day to help tire them out for a better night’s sleep.
- Educational Initiatives: Continue educating students about the importance of sleep and its impact on their overall well-being.
In supporting our teenagers to prioritize sleep, we are setting the foundation for a successful future. Let’s work together as a community to empower our students with the knowledge and habits they need to unlock their full potential through the power of a good night’s sleep.
Wishing everyone restful nights and productive days ahead!
Mr Stuart Bromley
Head of Key Stage 4
