House Sports Day
By Samantha Lung
On October 31th, XIS held its first House Sports Day. The different sports students were involved in were basketball, soccer, volleyball, picnic games and badminton. Prior to the House Day, each House had already assigned members to each game and had practiced their House cheers again and again. Production of House flags, House mascots and House posters also took place during House meeting. On the day of the event, as students entered the upper school building, red, yellow, blue and green were seen everywhere. Just a few minutes before the opening ceremony, students busily painted each other’s faces with House colors, and practiced their distinct House chants once again.
Once all House members had gathered in the green circle, Mr. Wagor started the opening ceremony while welcoming each House to the center and presenting each House’s House cheer. After a few announcements, students head towards their assigned activities.
In the morning, Badminton, Basketball and Picnic Games were played. Laughter was heard from the playground, while some serious talking and chatting went on in the basketball courts. One game after another, finally, the championship games were held for each respective activities. While games were being played, Mr. McGrath along with other student and teacher helpers also began preparing for lunch. Lunch was served at noon, as sweaty and tired student lined up and grab sandwiches. Students from different Houses came together and talked about the competitions in the morning and were definitely looking forward to some more games in the afternoon.
In the afternoon, volleyball, soccer and picnic games were held. Students once again split up into teams and headed towards the gym, playground and green circle.
During the volleyball games, cheering and shouting were heard. As student’s excitedly cheer for their team, the score board determined the winning teams. In the soccer field, although it was a steamy hot day, players work together as a team to break through defensive lines.
Finally, as all games ended, students were once again gathered back for the final placing. With drum rolls and clapping, the champion Houses were revealed for each sport. At the end, all the House members held their breaths and awaited the final standings for the first House event. After a long drum roll, Yellow House led by Captain Rebecca Xu and George Youn captured their first House championship.
By Samantha Lung
On October 31th, XIS held its first House Sports Day. The different sports students were involved in were basketball, soccer, volleyball, picnic games and badminton. Prior to the House Day, each House had already assigned members to each game and had practiced their House cheers again and again. Production of House flags, House mascots and House posters also took place during House meeting. On the day of the event, as students entered the upper school building, red, yellow, blue and green were seen everywhere. Just a few minutes before the opening ceremony, students busily painted each other’s faces with House colors, and practiced their distinct House chants once again.
Once all House members had gathered in the green circle, Mr. Wagor started the opening ceremony while welcoming each House to the center and presenting each House’s House cheer. After a few announcements, students head towards their assigned activities.
In the morning, Badminton, Basketball and Picnic Games were played. Laughter was heard from the playground, while some serious talking and chatting went on in the basketball courts. One game after another, finally, the championship games were held for each respective activities. While games were being played, Mr. McGrath along with other student and teacher helpers also began preparing for lunch. Lunch was served at noon, as sweaty and tired student lined up and grab sandwiches. Students from different Houses came together and talked about the competitions in the morning and were definitely looking forward to some more games in the afternoon.
In the afternoon, volleyball, soccer and picnic games were held. Students once again split up into teams and headed towards the gym, playground and green circle.
During the volleyball games, cheering and shouting were heard. As student’s excitedly cheer for their team, the score board determined the winning teams. In the soccer field, although it was a steamy hot day, players work together as a team to break through defensive lines.
Finally, as all games ended, students were once again gathered back for the final placing. With drum rolls and clapping, the champion Houses were revealed for each sport. At the end, all the House members held their breaths and awaited the final standings for the first House event. After a long drum roll, Yellow House led by Captain Rebecca Xu and George Youn captured their first House championship.
The Winter Concert
By Melissa Lung
The Annual XIS Winter Concert took place on December 20th, 2013 in the school cafeteria. Performances were given by MYP students as well as music students in the Diploma Program. This year, the music department curtailed the winter concert and placed further performances in a series of January concerts. A selection of Grade 7 performers are the youngest in the group, who played “Silent Night” with Grade 8 band members. Individually, Grade 8 performers played “Bad Weather” while a combination of Grade 8 and 9 musicians performed “Libertango”, a renowned tango piece with a dance-like melody. “Overture” was performed by Grade 9 players, and together with a few tenth grade students who played on the saxophone, clarinet and piano, performed “Tango” from the movie “A Scent of a Woman”. A song related to the theme of the holiday- “White Christmas” was played by the group of 10th grade students, which concludes the MYP section of the concert. From the Diploma Program, various music types could be heard, such as contemporary pieces performed by Melissa and Samantha Lung on violin and piano –“Reverie” and “All in Me” by Judy An in 11th grade. Other pieces on the piano include Shiu Rou Quek’s “The Crave”, succeeded by Sonia’s “Czardas” on the violin, which is a traditional Hungarian folk dance. The last piece performed by DP students is a Cuban dance piece by Hsin-Han- “Habanera”. The winter concert was a great success, and it will be followed by separate music concerts in January that will give music students another chance to showcase their hard work.
By Melissa Lung
The Annual XIS Winter Concert took place on December 20th, 2013 in the school cafeteria. Performances were given by MYP students as well as music students in the Diploma Program. This year, the music department curtailed the winter concert and placed further performances in a series of January concerts. A selection of Grade 7 performers are the youngest in the group, who played “Silent Night” with Grade 8 band members. Individually, Grade 8 performers played “Bad Weather” while a combination of Grade 8 and 9 musicians performed “Libertango”, a renowned tango piece with a dance-like melody. “Overture” was performed by Grade 9 players, and together with a few tenth grade students who played on the saxophone, clarinet and piano, performed “Tango” from the movie “A Scent of a Woman”. A song related to the theme of the holiday- “White Christmas” was played by the group of 10th grade students, which concludes the MYP section of the concert. From the Diploma Program, various music types could be heard, such as contemporary pieces performed by Melissa and Samantha Lung on violin and piano –“Reverie” and “All in Me” by Judy An in 11th grade. Other pieces on the piano include Shiu Rou Quek’s “The Crave”, succeeded by Sonia’s “Czardas” on the violin, which is a traditional Hungarian folk dance. The last piece performed by DP students is a Cuban dance piece by Hsin-Han- “Habanera”. The winter concert was a great success, and it will be followed by separate music concerts in January that will give music students another chance to showcase their hard work.
PTSA Holiday Bazaar
By Melissa Lung
The PTSA Holiday Bazaar took place on December 14th, 2013 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; it was a Christmas holiday oriented event that was sponsored by various businesses outside of school as well as parent and teachers. Numerous booths were set up around the green circle area as well as in the Lower School and Upper School playground. Christmas sales such as teddy bears, gift baskets, handmade crafts, baked goods were incorporated, while food booths from varying nations provided participants with snacks and lunch. Photo-taking with Santa, movie corner in the library, interactive games and raffle tickets were additional activities during this event.
The National Honors Society organized a simultaneous event- the Work of Art Exhibition. The Art Exhibition was an art competition for the XIS community, as well as an auction sale for participants to bid for their favorite artworks. The display took place in the library, where all of the submitted artwork was set up. A total of 67 artworks; some were paintings, while others were photographic works and sculptures. The silent auction began at 10 a.m. in the morning, and lasted until 2 p.m. The information desk at the front of the exhibition was managed by NHS members, who were responsible for recording the bids made as well the contact information of the bidders. There were a few artworks that were repetitively bided on, and many bidders constantly came to the information desks to “check” that their bids are secure. Most of the bidders were teachers at XIS, while parents and several students also took part in the auction. All of the money earned from the Art Exhibition, a total of 2000 RMB, will be donated for the victims of the Haiyan Hurricane.
By Melissa Lung
The PTSA Holiday Bazaar took place on December 14th, 2013 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; it was a Christmas holiday oriented event that was sponsored by various businesses outside of school as well as parent and teachers. Numerous booths were set up around the green circle area as well as in the Lower School and Upper School playground. Christmas sales such as teddy bears, gift baskets, handmade crafts, baked goods were incorporated, while food booths from varying nations provided participants with snacks and lunch. Photo-taking with Santa, movie corner in the library, interactive games and raffle tickets were additional activities during this event.
The National Honors Society organized a simultaneous event- the Work of Art Exhibition. The Art Exhibition was an art competition for the XIS community, as well as an auction sale for participants to bid for their favorite artworks. The display took place in the library, where all of the submitted artwork was set up. A total of 67 artworks; some were paintings, while others were photographic works and sculptures. The silent auction began at 10 a.m. in the morning, and lasted until 2 p.m. The information desk at the front of the exhibition was managed by NHS members, who were responsible for recording the bids made as well the contact information of the bidders. There were a few artworks that were repetitively bided on, and many bidders constantly came to the information desks to “check” that their bids are secure. Most of the bidders were teachers at XIS, while parents and several students also took part in the auction. All of the money earned from the Art Exhibition, a total of 2000 RMB, will be donated for the victims of the Haiyan Hurricane.
Halloween Dance 2013
By Samantha Lung
As we entered the month of October, XIS’s annual Halloween Dance was also underway. After both the High School Student Council and PTSA members carefully planned and discussed all details and materials together, the Halloween Dance finally took place on October 25th 2013. The decorations of both the cafeteria and Haunted House took place a few days before the dance. Halloween pumpkins, bats, skeletons, spiders, torn toilet paper were seen everywhere.
Participating students arrived at around 6:00, while the Student Council completed their last minute checks. In the basement, where the Haunted House was held, the Student Council members rehearsed many times to make sure that every member was clear about his or her job. Some were in charge of opening doors, others of unplugging lights, and yet others of following students. In the cafeteria, the PTSA set up the food tables, including cakes, sushi, bread, cookies and other goods. As students excitingly enter the cafeteria, music began playing, marking the start of XIS’s 2013 Halloween Dance. Not long after all students had arrive, students gathered into groups, with mixed gender and grades and danced along with the music. The dance featured two DJs who were Jonah Klinghoffer and Andrew Choi.
At around 6:30, the Haunted House opened for students to enter. Even though the Haunted House has always been held in the basement, the Student Council members are confident of being able to scare the students. As the Student Council members hurriedly get back into position, the first groups of student enter and eerie music began to play. The members of the Student Council were nervous yet excited about the Haunted House and tried their best to complete their job assignments. Since verbal communication was to be avoided between the members, it was important that they understand the situation in the other areas of the basement. In this manner, the Student Council members scared group after group until 9:00 when joined others to the dance.
By Samantha Lung
As we entered the month of October, XIS’s annual Halloween Dance was also underway. After both the High School Student Council and PTSA members carefully planned and discussed all details and materials together, the Halloween Dance finally took place on October 25th 2013. The decorations of both the cafeteria and Haunted House took place a few days before the dance. Halloween pumpkins, bats, skeletons, spiders, torn toilet paper were seen everywhere.
Participating students arrived at around 6:00, while the Student Council completed their last minute checks. In the basement, where the Haunted House was held, the Student Council members rehearsed many times to make sure that every member was clear about his or her job. Some were in charge of opening doors, others of unplugging lights, and yet others of following students. In the cafeteria, the PTSA set up the food tables, including cakes, sushi, bread, cookies and other goods. As students excitingly enter the cafeteria, music began playing, marking the start of XIS’s 2013 Halloween Dance. Not long after all students had arrive, students gathered into groups, with mixed gender and grades and danced along with the music. The dance featured two DJs who were Jonah Klinghoffer and Andrew Choi.
At around 6:30, the Haunted House opened for students to enter. Even though the Haunted House has always been held in the basement, the Student Council members are confident of being able to scare the students. As the Student Council members hurriedly get back into position, the first groups of student enter and eerie music began to play. The members of the Student Council were nervous yet excited about the Haunted House and tried their best to complete their job assignments. Since verbal communication was to be avoided between the members, it was important that they understand the situation in the other areas of the basement. In this manner, the Student Council members scared group after group until 9:00 when joined others to the dance.
House Update
By Alex Farrell
Starting this month, the Houses at XIS (Blue, Yellow, Red and Green) began to compete for points that will determine who wins the House Cup. On the 23rd of November the Houses competed in the first Sports Day of the year, the winner of which was Yellow house, Red house came in 2nd, Blue was 3rd and Green came last. Congratulations Yellow house! The day altogether went off without a hitch and everyone had a great time, except the organizers of the picnic games who were driven mad by malicious sixth graders. The next House event will take place in the 2nd trimester and will be an academic based event.
Bo Bing
By Alex Farrell
To welcome in the new moon, Chinese people often play a game called Bobing, a dice game invented in the early 1900’s by a Chinese general. For the same purpose, XIS held its annual Bo bing tournament on the start of the new trimester. Houses competed for the grand price of 1000RMB for the use of their house. The game lasted all afternoon with lots of dice flying around the room. In the end, it came down to a single player from each house, a fight to the final roll! The Blue House won and was awarded 1000 RMB to spend however they liked. All in all, it was a great way to spend two hours.
By Alex Farrell
Starting this month, the Houses at XIS (Blue, Yellow, Red and Green) began to compete for points that will determine who wins the House Cup. On the 23rd of November the Houses competed in the first Sports Day of the year, the winner of which was Yellow house, Red house came in 2nd, Blue was 3rd and Green came last. Congratulations Yellow house! The day altogether went off without a hitch and everyone had a great time, except the organizers of the picnic games who were driven mad by malicious sixth graders. The next House event will take place in the 2nd trimester and will be an academic based event.
Bo Bing
By Alex Farrell
To welcome in the new moon, Chinese people often play a game called Bobing, a dice game invented in the early 1900’s by a Chinese general. For the same purpose, XIS held its annual Bo bing tournament on the start of the new trimester. Houses competed for the grand price of 1000RMB for the use of their house. The game lasted all afternoon with lots of dice flying around the room. In the end, it came down to a single player from each house, a fight to the final roll! The Blue House won and was awarded 1000 RMB to spend however they liked. All in all, it was a great way to spend two hours.
The School Picnic and Open House
By Anna Cox
The School Picnic and the Open House took place on the 30th of August in XIS. The Open House was for parents to see what their children are up to and to get to know the teachers better. The picnic allows for our whole community to gather together after the Open House; there are not very many times where we get to join Upper School, Lower School, Parents and Teachers at the same time.
The Picnic was definitely successful. Elizabeth Overby said “I think the picnic is great. I like that we have a time at the beginning of the year to celebrate the school year. The best part of all the picnics is watching different families getting the chance to talk with each other and enjoy a meal that we all helped prepare.” Ms. Overby contributed by ordering the food, writing the letter that went home to parents, getting the tables and chairs set up, taking care of the schedule and job duties of volunteers, and organizing all the food that the families brought in.
Mr. Belter also helped organize; he also thought that it was a great way to connect everyone. He was surprised about how many people came. He found it hard to serve so many people so quickly, since there was such a long line. He also said that it was nice to “have fun, and get to know each other.”
The Open House was a success too. It helped the parents get an idea of what their children would be doing for the next few months. Mr. McGrath said that he thought the Open house helped the parents learn about the children’s education so they could help their children. Everything in general was successful.
By Anna Cox
The School Picnic and the Open House took place on the 30th of August in XIS. The Open House was for parents to see what their children are up to and to get to know the teachers better. The picnic allows for our whole community to gather together after the Open House; there are not very many times where we get to join Upper School, Lower School, Parents and Teachers at the same time.
The Picnic was definitely successful. Elizabeth Overby said “I think the picnic is great. I like that we have a time at the beginning of the year to celebrate the school year. The best part of all the picnics is watching different families getting the chance to talk with each other and enjoy a meal that we all helped prepare.” Ms. Overby contributed by ordering the food, writing the letter that went home to parents, getting the tables and chairs set up, taking care of the schedule and job duties of volunteers, and organizing all the food that the families brought in.
Mr. Belter also helped organize; he also thought that it was a great way to connect everyone. He was surprised about how many people came. He found it hard to serve so many people so quickly, since there was such a long line. He also said that it was nice to “have fun, and get to know each other.”
The Open House was a success too. It helped the parents get an idea of what their children would be doing for the next few months. Mr. McGrath said that he thought the Open house helped the parents learn about the children’s education so they could help their children. Everything in general was successful.