From the Head of PE & Sport 03.02.2024

In our newsletter today, we hear from the captains of our U14 basketball teams on their thoughts and reflections following their tournament and what really resonates are their comments about setting goals and supporting each of their teammates, even in defeat. 

Being involved in sport, particularly competitive sport, presents students with so many opportunities to develop their character in regards to building empathy for others, strengthening resilience and learning first hand how their work ethic and commitment can directly aid them in achieving their goals. These are valuable lessons and applicable in more than just the context of sport, but also within the classroom and beyond their school lives as well. 

If you would like to know more about some of the opportunities we have at school available to students to get involved in physical activity and competitive sport then please do not hesitate to get in touch. 

19th Big Sky Tyre U14 Basketball Championships

Over the course of last week the final matches of the tournament were completed, and once again KIS teams demonstrated what can be achieved from consistent hard work & dedication as a result of the motivation & drive to improve. The games on Thursday night for the boys against Braverly, and then Sunday when the girls took on KK High School A were hugely exciting and whilst both games were losses for KIS, they showcased the growth in both teams and how the gap is closing.  

“I am very appreciative of the opportunity to be able to play in the U14 basketball tournament and I am happy to achieve 2nd place with my amazing team and am proud of each and every one of them. They each have shown the dedication and commitment to be on this team and have worked hard. We all had the same goal to get 2nd place in this U14 tournament and we were all more than happy to achieve that goal. Each has been able to show their skills on the court, Haylie and DaIn scoring quick shots, Mischa stepping up and scoring points in the first quarter in our first game. We were also thankful for the two players from Kian Kok for helping us to achieve this goal as well. It was a great experience for everyone as there were great moments of teamwork and im grateful to be a part of it all.” – Pui San (Captain)

“Just a week ago, I led the KIS boys basketball team in the KKBA BIG SKY TYRES CUP. We ended up in the top 6 from 12 teams. I am very proud of our performance in this tournament as we have only been training basketball as a team for around 4 to 6 months. One of the best matches is the game against Braverly Basketball Club. It was an intense 40 minutes with every moment being a close game. Even though we lost by 3 points at the end, it is still impressive knowing that their team destroyed everyone in their group. But what I’m most proud of is what everyone did after the loss. No one disrespected them and we took the loss as a lesson instead of a failure. The entire tournament was like this too. No one complained about their own personal achievements and everyone focused on the team.” – Leroy (Captain)

The girls were presented with their 2nd place medals and trophy at the closing ceremony. The trophy is so immense that we presently have nowhere to showcase it! 

Congratulations to the following students for their outstanding efforts throughout the tournament and representing KIS with distinction once again! 

Boys – (C) Leroy, Tony, Sebastian, Caleb, Ian Zi, Henry H, Kevin, Aldrich, Henry N, Aaron, Benson, Hei Ket

Girls – (C) Pui San, Ana, Haylie, Mischa, Olivia, Dashie, Melanie, Isabelle, Dain

Liga SupaRimau Season A – Weekend wrap-up

It was lovely to be down pitchside to support three of our Liga Vipers teams in their first matches of the new season last Saturday. The excitement scales were off the charts for our youngest footballers in the Under 8’s, many of whom were playing in their first official football match. 

With it being the start of a new year and subsequently many players moving up to a new age group, it was always going to be a tough first week as players learnt to work together and coaches were able to see their players strengths and weaknesses on the pitch for the first time.

I look forward to watching the progress that will come throughout the season. However, please remember that further development and improvement can only really be achieved with consistent application. Attendance at training as highlighted at the start of the year is compulsory for all players unless they are unwell or have an unavoidable clash of commitment. I do ask that if your child is unable to make training for any reason that you inform your child’s coach or myself so they are aware.    

Note: No games next weekend due to CNY 

Round 3 Saturday 17th February/Sunday 18th February Matches below: 

Parents, please make sure you either fill in the Match Unavailability form (click here) or contact your child’s team coach directly if they are unable to play in this match. It is vital that coaches know who will be in attendance for planning purposes and also to make sure that we have enough players to take the field. 

FOBISIA News

U13’s FOBISIA (19th-23rd February) – It’s the final countdown!

With our U13’s FOBISIA Team taking off for Thailand on the first day back after our break for Chinese New Year, they have their final week of training coming up. This includes a friendly basketball tournament on Sunday taking place at school. 

The girls should arrive by 7:30am for warm-up while the boys should arrive by no later than 10:00am (exception to this are players taking part in the U14 Liga SupaRimau match who should come to school following their match). Check the schedule of games below. 

Girls Competition:

Boys Competition:

Primary FOBISIA (29th April-3rd May) – Dates for your diary

All training next week will be onsite, but please make a note of the dates below for swimming sessions that will take place after CNY. 

• Tuesday 20th February
• Tuesday 5th March
• Tuesday 12th March
• Tuesday 19th March

For all sessions, students will leave school at 1:45pm and travel to Penampang Pool by bus with a teacher. Parents will then need to collect their child from Penampang Pool at 3:15pm at the conclusion of the session. 

For swimming sessions students will need to have with them: a swimming costume (please avoid loose swim shorts for boys), goggles, a swim hat (if they wish to wear one) a towel and slippers. 

If your child is not a confident swimmer, please send me a message on Dojo detailing their level of experience so that we can ensure that their needs are catered for and given the support they need.  

Are you a Proud VIPERS Fan? 

Something that I am always very proud of and frequently comment on is the amazing support that PE and Sport receives from our school community, whether that be from parents, students or staff.

We will soon be making it possible for all our Viper Fans to show their true colours with the purchase of ‘Viper Fan’ Shirts. We will be releasing more information about how you can get your hands on one of these amazing pieces of KIS kit in next week’s newsletter! 

Miss Catriona Watt

Head of PE and Sport