On October 29, the Student Council organized and implemented 4 secret games across various locations that each member of each Dynasty would complete in collectively to win points. The activities were organized into four different stations: Red light, Green light, Tug of War, Musical Chairs, and ChamChamCham; in each one of them two dynasties were competing for first place. In the end, all Dynasties gathered to earn their final points with a costumes parade. The Halloween activity was a huge success! Students were allowed to show their strengths, creativity and communication skills.
The purpose of Dynasty is building relationships and having a sense of belonging in the XLIS community. The program puts students in charge where they collectively need to suggest, plan, create and implement events and activities. Events will occur weekly or bi-weekly and students will work together to try and achieve points for their Dynasty. When the Dynasty program was being formed, students were allocated to one of eight of the major, most influential Dynasties – Xia, Shang, Zhou, Qin, Han, Tang, Song, and Yuan.
Since the conception of the XLIS Dynasty program, it has brought our student population closer together across the year groups. We have witnessed many unlikely and amazing new friendships emerging and it provides a welcome support network for many of our students in a setting which provides an organic route to a ‘buddy system’.
In the past, Dynasties have done a plethora of different activities. For example, they helped fundraise for the Well Project by designing and selling SDG goods. They also made a school improvement design for the library and rooftop. And on the last day of school of 2021, each Dynasty was in charge of running a challenge booth for our first ever XLIS Fun Run. For this year, some of the activities we already had were: Riddle Challenge, Dodgeball Competition, Halloween, and Goose Chase.
On September 22nd, the secondary school at XLIS began their 2021-22 Dynasties with a team building riddle challenge. 17th November will see the first ever XLIS Mental Health Awareness event. Students have been brainstorming the common issues and how best to support their peers in SA (Service as Action) and CAS (Creativity, Activity and Service).”Our students have resoundingly said their mental health and wellbeing are important and the pressures faced by students require attention.
In the second semester, each Dynasty will be in charge of planning and organizing their own Dynasty afternoon. They will need to be creative and make sure their activity is purposeful, engaging and fun for all students. In addition to Dynasty run activities, the student council is also taking part in planning Dynasty activities.
Each year the momentum and enthusiasm for Dynasties grows. The students become more and more involved by taking ownership of activities. They are able to build connections with their peers and improve their interpersonal communication and collaboration skills. In addition, many students are given the opportunity to take on leadership roles as they guide their teams to victory. We are very excited for the Dynasties this year and believe that they help balance the demanding school week with some healthy competition and fun!
Click here to check the Halloween
Authors:
Sloane Hill (EAL and MYP English Language Acquisition Teacher, Language Acquisition Subject Area Leader, Co-Head of House)
Angelica Lopez (Secondary Enhanced Learning Teacher, Co-Head of House )
Kevin McGarry (MYP Physical and Health Education Teacher, CAS Coordinator, High School Lead Teacher)
