From the Head of PE & Sport 09.03.2024

It’s been another tremendously busy and buzzing week for PE and Sport at KIS, so get comfortable with your coffee or tea and read all about it here! 

Primary Sports Day – Sapi reigns supreme, again! 

On Tuesday morning, students from Years 1-6 were back at Borneo Sports Arena bright and early together with Primary staff for our much anticipated Primary Sports Day! The music was pumping and thanks to a fabulously efficient team effort setting up all the amazing activities we were ready and set to GO! Students had been busy preparing for the days events in their PE lessons during the first half term and were incredibly excited to show off their sporting skills and perform their best efforts to support their House teams.  

The day began with the Key Stage 1 students participating in their circuit activities. Our youngest athletes showed off their growing confidence and coordination when moving in a range of games and activities to test their athletic prowess. Javelins were thrown to test their strength, while the egg and spoon race required more finesse and great powers of concentration. Students appeared to have springs in their legs as they performed the standing long jump and showed great cooperation and teamwork in the crossing the river challenge. 

At the same time, Key Stage 2 were busy with their events. Years 3 and 4 were taking part in field events some of which had been modified for our Indoor Sports Day. In place of javelins, students tested their throwing range by using Nerf’s. Run-ups were eliminated for the standing long jump and students were put to a test of speed and agility with the speed bounce challenge jumping side-to-side over a hurdle. The final throwing events included the chest push where a basketball was sent sailing and measured for distance.

Years 5 and 6 were tearing up the track in their running events on the ‘Track Court’. With the House Sprint being only 30m, there were quite a few close finishes requiring an eagle eye. Thankfully, our judges were aided by technology and could review any close calls to make sure all results were official! Students then took part in either a ‘middle distance’ event running 8 laps of the track, or, an obstacle course. 

It was a wonderful atmosphere with so many children engaged in activities challenging themselves and cheering for both their teammates and friends in other houses. The walkways between courts were full of parents supporting the children and getting into the competition.

(Slideshow: Click the ‘next’ button on slideshow to view more or click on the title to access full photo gallery)

Mr Beresford was kept very busy presenting glistening medals to the successful athletes complete with celebratory ‘high 10’s’ for all! By mid-morning, many children were already sporting a lot of ‘bling’ around their necks while others waited patiently for their opportunity to jump on the podium. 

We took a short break halfway through the day for an extra special event. the House Cheer competition. Our Year 6 House Captains had prepped some motivational chants, complete with props and after some final practice time ‘let rip’ in an effort to win some valuable bonus points. It was a great example of team cooperation and house spirit with outstanding leadership by our young House Leaders. All three houses presented creative and spirited chants, but it was Sulug who were deemed to be the best as they sang loud and proud to pick up 30 valuable points to add to their total. 

Following the snack break and chants, it was back to the courts for Round 2 of events. KS1 switched to their track events and I have to say it was brilliant to watch them so focussed as they ran like ‘the Flash’ through their lanes to the finish. Some then had to slow down as they attempted to make their way down the track whilst balancing a bean bag on their head, while for some seemed to just fly down the lane completely unphased by the challenge. I think some staff were asking for students to be tested for ‘performance enhancing glue’ given how quickly some of them moved without losing the bean bag. Finally, it was the hurdles race where our little superstars of KS1 did a brilliant job of leaping over the hurdles as they sprinted down the track. There were certainly some tired little legs at the end of those races, but as soon as the words tug-of-war were mentioned they quickly recovered! 

Year 5 and Year 6 moved on to their field events and were very impressive in their performances. It was great to see so many of our Primary FOBISIA athletes performing well ahead of their competition next term. Our staff running fielding events did a superb job and they were aided greatly by selected Year 10 students who put into practice what they had been taught during the Sport Leader unit during their PE lessons. It was fantastic to see this collaboration between Secondary and Primary in action.

Over on the track court, Year 3 and Year 4 took part in both sprints and a middle distance race of 4 laps as well as the obstacle course race. To complete the running races we finished with House Shuttle Relays. This involved teams of 10 runners attempting to get their baton from one end of the track to the other as quickly as possible. Lots of teamwork was needed to complete the task successfully and we again saw some wonderfully close competitions with the winners not only collecting a gold medal but also double points for their team’s tally!

The day concluded with all students assembling back together in the central court for everyone’s favourite Sports Day event – The Tug-of-war! Not to let the kids have all the fun, parents were invited onto the court for a chance to show their athletic prowess by taking on the staff. Round 1 went conclusively to the parents, so for Round 2 the staff ‘big guns’ were called up with Mr Richie, Mr Denyer and Mr Gipson brought in to help even the score. Thankfully, pride was restored and everyone walking away with a win! 

Finally, it was time for the big points reveal and the crowning of the champion House. Regardless of the overall winner, it was clear to see that all the students had done their very best throughout the day and shown just how well they can use their ‘Head’, ‘Heart’ and ‘Hands’ in sport!

It was extremely close between 2nd and 3rd place, with Sulug just edging out Gaya to take the runner-up position. But finishing in 1st place, for the second year running it was the Sapi Sunbears who let out a mighty victory roar!

All the students who attended Primary Sports Day deserve huge amounts of recognition and respect for their efforts throughout the day. They were SIMPLY THE BEST!!

On behalf of the PE Department, I would like to again thank all those who contributed to making the day such a success. Special thank you to our awesome Primary Staff team who made sure the day ran seamlessly and all other support staff with Nurse Suzanie on first aid and the ground staff and IT teams for all their assistance. 

Thank you once again to the large crowd of parents who attended the day to support all the children and to the PTA for supplying drinks and snacks to keep the staff happy and well hydrated.

A very special thank you and recognition to our very mature and capable Year 10 Sport Leaders who did a brilliant job of making sure the field events ran so smoothly. We will report more next week about the Sport Leader course that all Year 10 have been undertaking this term, but it was clearly evident that this particular group of students have learnt well from Mr Bromley and Mr Denyer during the term. Not to forget the hard work of our Key Stage 3 House Ambassadors who did a marvelous job working patiently with our smallest athletes in Key Stage 1.  

We will look forward to doing it all again next year and seeing if Gaya or Sulug can break Sapi’s successful sports streak in 2025!

U13 FOBISIA Games – What do students think about it?

If you have ever wondered about what your child might get out of taking part in a FOBISIA games and what they take away from it, then read below about some of the amazing insights from our U13 Vipers and what they saw as the highlights and memorable moments from their trip. 

Liga SupaRimau Season A – Weekend wrap-up

Last Saturday three of our four teams completed their final matches for Liga SupaRimau Season A. Sport is full of highs and lows, and at the junior level, it is also full of a lot of fun with friends & growth and development. This was evident each and every week for the 60+ students from Years 2 to 9 involved in this past season, that and a tremendous amount of Viper spirit and fight! 

Under 10’s Report

Saturday saw us play our final liga match of Season A. Follwoing a very successful season with 2 wins we looked to go out on a high against tough opposition in KKFC A Team who had beaten us earlier in the season. The match didn’t start well as we conceded a poor early goal but the team stuck to their roles and gradually clawed their way back into the game. Isaac was able to equalise and at 1-1 we had a number of chances. Unfortunately, KKFC got a second goal to make it 1-2 at the interval. Early in the next period Arlo superbly slotted home an equaliser as we started to dominate field position. Sadly, KKFC managed to take the lead with a thunderous drive from distance to make it 2-3 at the break. By this time the team was believing they had more chances and pushed hard to gain the equaliser which duly came when Xavier curled a free kick around their wall and into the bottom corner to tie the game. What ensued was a manic few minutes with chance at both end. Unfortunately, we didn’t convert ours and KKFC did for a 3-4 lead. Very late in the game as fatigue set in the stole another goal and the match ended 3-5 but it was a much-improved performance and shows how we are now competing with these club sides. Player of the match was Benji for some excellent saves in goal. – Coach Bromley

Under 12’s Report

As we wrap up this year’s U12s Vipers football season, it’s a pleasure to reflect on the progress and learning achieved by our young athletes. This season, though short, has proven to be a significant period of growth, particularly for those players who transitioned from the U10s. The shift to a larger pitch and the introduction of more intricate positional play presented a challenging but invaluable learning curve for our budding football stars.

Despite the commendable efforts on the field, the team faced some challenges in terms of attendance. With FOBISIA commitments and various other factors, we observed lower-than-usual participation, impacting the team’s cohesion. Nevertheless, the resilience and dedication displayed by those who were present are truly commendable.

Looking forward to the next season, we anticipate that consistent attendance will be key to the team’s success. We believe that with a full roster, the U12s Vipers will further develop as a cohesive unit, showcasing the skills they’ve acquired and, undoubtedly, achieving both progress and success. The experiences gained this season will undoubtedly contribute to the team’s growth, and we’re excited to witness their continued development.

In the face of a polished and experienced opponent this Saturday, Charlotte from our U12s Vipers exhibited exceptional resilience, earning her the well-deserved title of Player of the Match. Her unwavering spirit, displayed through steadfast defense and an unyielding attitude, truly embodies the Viper ethos. – Coach Clifford

Under 14’s Report 

Vipers U14 are improving. The defeat was less heavier than the previous games despite playing against one of the top teams. We are getting better as a team, we are showing more commitment, getting into more challenges, and our spirit stays high, the heads are kept up. Great display from many players with a special mention to Seth, our player of the match. – Coaches Ben, Anthony and Arius.

At the conclusion of this season, I would like to express my thanks and appreciation to our coaching staff for their hard work and dedication to the players. Things have not always played out smoothly this past season, but at all times the coaching team have risen to the challenge and kept the players well-being and football progress at the forefront of everything they did. 

Thank you also to the Viper Fan base of parents for being there on the sidelines week in and week out, taxing children through traffic to training and going above and beyond with the care you show in sorting ice, drinks and often even ice cream on match days! 

Whilst we take a short break over the next month before Season B commences, teams will continue to train during the regular Thursday times at 4:00-5:00 for our 8’s/10’s/12’s and then 5:00-6:00pm for our Under 14’s. 

This period of focused training is extremely valuable moving into the next season and I cannot stress enough how important consistency in attendance is for building future growth and development. 

We have a few open places in 3 of our age groups, so if your child would like to join for Season B in any of the age groups below then please email me (cwatt@kis.edu.my) 

Under 10: Born 2014 or 2015   

Under 12: Born 2012 or 2013

Under 14: Born 2010 or 2011

FOBISIA News

Primary FOBISIA (April 29-May 3) 

The final payment of RM1800 is due on Friday 22nd March. 

The first swimming training session will take place on Tuesday 12th March. Students will leave school at 1:45pm and travel to Penampang Pool by bus. Students should be collected from the pool at 3:15pm. 

A reminder as well that training will continue in the last week of term when other ECA’s have finished, with the exception of boys Football on Friday 22nd March due to it being a half day. 

KIS Community on the podium at the BUTM

This weekend saw a large number of KIS community members take part in the Borneo Ultra Trail Marathon over various distances. Some were ‘veterans’, both in terms of number of races previously completed, and in terms of age groups! While others were ‘rookies’ and taking part in their first trail run event. Regardless of previous experience, it was an incredible event to be a part of with all competitors stepping out of their comfort zone, challenging themselves and . What’s not to enjoy about taking advantage of Sabah’s natural environment with some little gentle exercise!  

After the run of high temperatures the past couple of weeks, the slightly overcast skies were a welcome relief for those tackling the longer distances of 30km and 50km on Saturday.  

In the 9km event on Sunday it was a KIS onslaught with runner after runner crossing the finishing line, with some sprinting to shave every second off their time, some strolling and others dancing and skipping merrily through the finish chute, but all smiling!

Congratulations to all the following runners – 

Special mentions have to go to Raphael and Arthur who finished 2nd and 3rd place in the Youth category, while Ms McPherson also ‘ran’ away with a prize pack after also taking out 3rd place.

What do you like to do for your health and well-being? In Term 3, we will be running our Get up and Move challenge and as part of that we will be calling for volunteers from the community to share what they like to do to keep physically active. Watch this space!    

Miss Catriona Watt

Head of PE and Sport