Dear XLIS Secondary Families,
As we reach Week 4, it has been wonderful to see our Secondary School settling into a positive rhythm. Students are building routines, engaging in their learning and forming new connections, while our staff continue to work together to create a supportive, learning-centred environment.
I have particularly enjoyed seeing the strong engagement of our parents through recent events and workshops. The partnership between home and school is an important part of student success, and I would like to share a few highlights from the past couple of weeks.
A Leadership Partnership for Secondary
I am delighted that Ms. Julia has taking on the role of Secondary Principal Assistant. Ms. Julia brings extensive experience at XLIS and deep knowledge of our students and community.
Ms. Julia will focus particularly on Homeroom, student behaviour and restorative practices, break times, student voice and work experience, while my role as Secondary Principal focuses on learning, wellbeing, complex or ongoing concerns and the strategic direction of the Secondary School.
For concerns, we encourage families to begin with the staff member closest to the issue. For example, the Homeroom teacher for Homeroom matters or the class teacher for learning concerns, before seeking additional support from Ms. Julia, the Academic Subject Leader, IB Coordinator or myself as appropriate.
Ms. Julia and I will work closely together as a leadership team, and we are both committed to listening carefully and working in partnership with our students, staff and families.
Learning Together
Thank you to the families who joined Ms. Bella Yang for our Secondary Language Centre Parent Session. Parents gained a clearer understanding of the SLC curriculum structure, academic expectations, assessment arrangements and how ManageBac can be used to support their children’s learning. I encourage our SLC families to continue this open communication and collaboration with Ms. Bella as the programme develops.
Thank you also to Mr. Sunil Pusluri for leading our AI in Education & Student Learning parent workshop. It was encouraging to see such strong interest in understanding how AI can support learning while ensuring students continue to develop their own thinking, language, research skills and independence. We look forward to continuing this important conversation with our families.
Understanding Student Learning
Students are completing their NWEA MAP assessments across Weeks 4 and 5, with M2, M3 and M4 testing this week and M1 in Week 5. MAP provides teachers with valuable information about student achievement and growth, helping us identify strengths and plan appropriate next steps for learning.
Beginning the DP Journey
Our DP1 students recently travelled to Xiamen for a four-day DP Programme Retreat with Xiamen International School. The retreat provided an opportunity to step outside the classroom, build friendships and begin their Diploma Programme journey together. Students explored areas including Theory of Knowledge, CAS, the Extended Essay, Approaches to Learning, academic integrity, university planning and digital wellness, alongside a range of activities and opportunities to explore Xiamen.
It was a wonderful balance of learning, exploration and connection, and we are very proud of how our students embraced the experience.
International Day of Peace – 19 September
Finally, I warmly invite all our families to join us for International Day of Peace on Saturday, 19 September. Peace is something we build through how we listen, respect different perspectives, resolve differences and create a sense of belonging.
I would love to see our whole community come together for this special day as we celebrate our diversity and our shared commitment to creating a peaceful and inclusive community.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership. I look forward to seeing many of you at our upcoming events.
Warm regards,
Ms. Gill Presland
Secondary Principal
