A typical CIS school day for secondary vice-principal Nick Kolentse

 

Have you ever wondered how a principal supports their students and teachers at Canadian International School? Here’s a sneak peek of what a day at school for Nick Kolentse, CIS’ secondary vice-principal, looks like.

7.30am: A time to plan and connect

Mornings start early for Nick. He uses this time to have conversations with teachers, check schedules, and attend meetings.

8.30am: Advisory

Nick meets his grade 7 advisory group students for a 50-minute session every morning. One key component of this time includes individual discussions around short-term and long-term academic goals that have been set at the beginning of the year. This helps students develop the skills essential for success, and feel confident they have someone to turn to if they need help or support.

11am: Meeting a new family

After morning meetings with teachers and leadership teams, Nick meets with a family whose daughter will be starting in grade 9 the next day. He gives them a tour of the campus and introduces the student to teachers and classmates to help ease any anxieties.

12pm: Planning/reflective conversations with teachers

Nick checks in with teachers on their specific yearly goals that will positively impact the teaching and learning happening in their classrooms. He provides feedback to them based on classroom observations and educational best practices. This process helps ensure the implementation of differentiated instructional methods at CIS and makes its teaching unique.

1pm: Interacting with grade 7s during lunchtime

As Nick catches up with students informally, he is able to learn more about them and what their hobbies are. It also helps students understand that they can share what is going on in their life at school and outside if needed.

2pm: Visual arts lesson

MYP/DP visual arts teacher Bryn Barnard has asked Nick to join him in a lesson on perspective drawing. Nick shares his knowledge, talks about his experiences and gives students his insights as a learner himself. These arrangements allow Nick to form a better picture of the overall student experience and aid him in planning for academic programmes to implement.

3.30pm: Supervision

All teachers and academic staff have supervision duties to ensure that student wellbeing is looked after. Supervision also provides a great opportunity to connect, get to know and have some meaningful conversations with students.

4pm: Staff meetings with various teams

Nick supports subject level teams as they plan for interdisciplinary learning units of study in the MYP. Collaborative meetings focus on updating assessment methodologies as well as the feedback strategies that teachers can put in place to drive academic growth. Assessment priorities ensure that feedback is data-informed, student-centered and teacher-led.

Ask the Dentist: How do I stop a toothache fast?

A toothache is commonly caused by various conditions such as tooth decay, dental abscess, cracked tooth, wisdom tooth impaction, gum disease, sinus infection and failed dental work. It is important to schedule an appointment with your dental specialist/ dentist immediately, if your toothache has the following characteristics:

• Lasts longer than one to two days

• Severely painful

• Accompanied by a fever or earache

• Pain on opening mouth

During the appointment, your dental specialist/ dentist will help you to alleviate the pain and treat the root cause of the pain in a timely manner to prevent it from worsening. A physical examination and dental x-ray will be carried out to determine the cause.

While waiting for your dental appointment, here are a few tips that you can use to help you feel better:

1) Take medication like ibuprofen or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to stop the toothache temporarily.

2) Sleep in an elevated position if lying flat worsens your toothache.

3) Avoid hard, acidic, cold food as these may aggravate your toothache.

4) Place an ice pack wrapped with cloth on the site of the toothache to dull the toothache.

It is important to avoid toothache remedies that are not clinically proven. These may do more harm than good and make oral conditions worse in the end.

DrTan Kian Meng is a Dental Specialist in Prosthodontics with Specialist Dental Group®. He is also a Clinical Lecturer at the National University of Singapore and Diplomate with the American Board of Prosthodontics. He was formerly a Consultant at Singapore’s Khoo Teck Puat Hospital and Fellow of Maxillofacial Prosthetics and Oncologic Dentistry Fellowship at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. Dr Tan has special interest in prosthetic and implant restorative dentistry.

www.specialistdentalgroup.com | 6734 9393

International Dot Day, an annual school-wide event at Canadian International School (CIS), is a special occasion that brings the CIS community together to celebrate positive values of creativity, individuality and kindness – messages that are inspired by the award-winning book, “The Dot”, by Peter H. Reynolds.

“The book truly emphasizes the importance of creativity and collaboration. I believe International Dot Day empowers students to unleash their potential and creativity, while emphasizing that making mistakes always takes us to a different level in our growth,” says teacher librarian Stojana Popovska.

She shares that the event, a school-wide celebration, engages kindergarten and primary students in fun experiences that revolve around the theme of dots and making connections.

Besides dressing up in their finest polka dot outfits, students participated in library reading sessions and art activities that encourage teamwork, creativity and imagination.

In a kindergarten integrated art class students modelled plastiscines into orbs, and learned the concept of volume and balance by creating an artwork with a spinning circular contraption. They poured paint into the cups hanging off the spinner and had to work together to balance it just right in order for it to work.

For grade 1 French students, the theme of dots and connections go beyond aesthetics. French language acquisition lead teacher Melina Lobos combined elements of art history and pointillism, a painting technique invented by famous Impressionist artists Georges Seurat and Paul Signac. Students observed, compared and drew different circular graphics to create their own interpretation of the theme, and expressed their emotions using colours and composition.

All of the students’ artworks were then displayed at the main foyers of both campuses to share with the whole community how International Dot Day has enriched learning experiences at CIS every year.

“All the masterpieces are a product of collaboration among grades and an example of the ‘unleashed creativity’ that lives in all our students and teachers. Creativity and kindness are contagious and this was evident in all classrooms across the campuses,” says Stojana.

Find out more about the CIS community by signing up for one of our open houses on 18 and 19 November. More information at cis.edu.sg/admissions/open-house.

Ask the Dentist: Is dental sealant necessary for my child’s teeth? Is it safe?

Dental sealants help to protect teeth which have grooved and pitted surfaces. These tiny grooves and pits are mostly found on chewing surfaces of the back teeth and can be difficult to clean. This results in food and bacteria building up in these crevices, increasing the risk of tooth decay.

Teeth that will benefit most from sealants include: 

• First permanent molars: These usually erupt between 6 to 7 years old
• Second permanent molars: These usually erupt between 11 to 13 years old
• Baby or permanent teeth with dental defects 

Other teeth may also benefit from the protection of dental sealants when children are at higher risk of developing dental problems. These include the premolars and baby molars. 

As every child is unique, you are recommended to bring your child to see a paedodontist or child dentist to check which teeth would benefit from dental sealants. 

Dental sealants are made of clear or shaded plastic. The procedure is safe and commonly performed. 

The application of dental sealant is also fast and comfortable for your child. After the tooth is thoroughly cleaned, the sealant is flowed into the grooves and crevices of the tooth and hardened with a special light. After the appointment, your child will be able to eat and drink as per usual. 

When properly cared for, dental sealants can last many years. It is important to note that a dental sealant is not a substitute for routine dental care. Hence it is important to continue brushing, flossing and making regular dental visits to keep your child cavity free.

Dr Tabitha Chng is a Dental Specialist in Paedodontics (Children’s Dentistry) with Specialist Dental Group®. She received her specialty training in Paedodontics from University of Toronto, Canada. She is currently the only Paediatric dentist to be dually certified by both the American Board of Paediatric Dentistry and the Royal College of Dentists of Canada. Dr Chng loves to see children smile and constantly strives to create a safe and relaxed environment for kids to enjoy their visits. Besides fighting cavities, she has a special interest in paediatric sleep medicine (eg. tooth grinding, snoring) and early management of crooked teeth without braces. 

http://www.specialistdentalgroup.com | (65) 6733 7883

Did you know that mother tongue development has two key benefits: it plays an important role in a child's learning and inspires a deeper understanding of one's culture. As mother tongues are an integral part of CIS' cultural makeup, primary vice-principal Tonia Whyte Potter-Mal decided to bring the community closer by highlighting the faces behind the different languages and dialects spoken at CIS.

And so, the Mother Tongue Voices initiative was launched last school year. Tonia began by approaching the different support teams for volunteers who would read a book in their native language to a virtual audience of Lakeside primary students.

One of the storytellers was Michael Joseph from CIS's security team, who read the book "The Snake and the Frogs" to 30 classes in Tamil via livestream. Chef Naveen also enjoyed a brief celebrity moment when his entire family in India tuned in to show their support during his Hindi storytelling session.

According to Tonia, students and staff seemed equally delighted by the sessions, a sentiment shared by Grade 6 lead, Ryan Sayer. "My class recognised Michael on their way to PE class later in the afternoon and they immediately waved happily to say hello and thank you to him. Even the entire grade 6 level, who was in the middle of preparing for the PYP exhibition, took the time to tune in for the storytelling session," he says.

These types of initiatives allow CIS educators like Tonia to support their students' literacy development by taking language learning opportunities well beyond the classroom, and into the real world. In fact, CIS was the first school in the world to be certified as a BML school – a testament to its commitment in building both linguistic skills and cultural understanding.

Find out more about CIS' languages programmes at cis.edu.sg/learning/languages.

Ask the Dentist: Should I use an electric toothbrush or a manual toothbrush?

A. There are a few factors to consider to decide whether an electric toothbrush or a manual toothbrush is better for you. They include your personal preference, age and general well-being. Each of these toothbrushes has its pros and cons.

  

Which toothbrush cleans better?

Some studies have shown that electric tooth brushes are better at cleaning away plaque, and that electric toothbrush users enjoy healthier gums overall. Nonetheless, it is also possible to brush effectively with a manual toothbrush. If you visit your dental specialist/ dentist for professional checkups regularly and he/she is confident that you are brushing well, then there is no need to switch to an electric toothbrush.
Which toothbrush is safer for teeth?

Electric toothbrushes can be very powerful, which is why they do a thorough job in removing dental plaque. However, too much power also means that it is more likely for an electric toothbrush to cause abrasions to exposed dentin (the layer below tooth’s enamel), increasing teeth sensitivity and risk of cavities. Therefore, it is very important to brush gently when using an electric toothbrush. Gently place the electric toothbrush on your teeth and the vibrating or rotating head will do the cleaning work for you.

An electronic toothbrush is generally recommended for older adults and younger children who have dexterity issues. Speak to your dental specialist / dentist if you are uncertain. No matter which toothbrush you choose, it is recommended to go for one with soft bristles to prevent damage to your teeth and gums.

Steven Soo is a Dental Specialist in Prosthodontics with Specialist Dental Group®. He was formerly a Clinical Lecturer at the Eastman Dental Institute and Clinical Teacher at the GKT Dental Institute, both of which are affiliated with the University of London. Dr Soo has a special interest in prosthetic and implant restorative dentistry.
www.specialistdentalgroup.com | (65) 6733 7883

Q: Should I brush before or after breakfast?

 

A: It is recommended to brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste in the morning, before breakfast for two main reasons.

1) Remove bacteria

When we sleep, salivary flow decreases. In addition, bacteria that causes dental plaque multiplies in our oral cavity. If not removed, these bacteria can produce sulphur compounds leading to bad breath. This explains the bitter taste as well as morning breath in our mouth whenever we wake up in the morning. Brushing has been shown to stimulate salivary production which has both cleansing and antibacterial properties.

2) Protect your teeth

Brushing with fluoridated toothpaste not only helps to increase the production of saliva but also coats your teeth with a protective layer of fluoride to prevent demineralization and promote remineralization of the tooth enamel.

3 Brushing immediately after breakfast is harmful

Research has shown that, whenever we consume food or beverages, the pH level in our oral cavity drops. When this happens, the mouth becomes acidic. As a result, there is some demineralization of the enamel. Brushing immediately after food will remove the already softened enamel layer, and result in loss of tooth structure. Thus, it is recommended to wait 30-45 minutes before brushing after a meal. This allows time for the pH level to be restored which in turn allows remineralization of the tooth surface. While waiting, you can rinse your mouth with fluoride containing mouthwash and/or drink plain water to help remove the food residues.

Dr Irene Sim is a Dental Specialist in Endodontics with Specialist Dental Group®. She received her specialty training in Endodontics from the National University of Singapore. Dr Sim has a special interest in dental traumatology, revascularisation, apexification, non-vital bleaching & cracked teeth management. For more information, visit www.specialistdentalgroup.com.

Specialist Dental Group® is a corporate sponsor of the Canadian Association of Singapore (CAS). CAS members enjoy a special rate for dental services.

Do children learn best through purposeful play? Find out at the CIS Kindergarten Open House.

 

Did you know that learning can be both fun and academically rigorous when children are taught through purposeful play? At Canadian International School (CIS), kindergarten students aged two to five develop strong foundational skills in areas like literacy and numeracy as well as 21st century skills like critical thinking, problem solving and creativity by engaging in interactive activities designed to stimulate their imagination.

So what does purposeful play look like in reality? 'Mat Man', an activity where children draw around wood pieces of varying shapes that make up his "body", is an excellent example of how purposeful play delivers meaningful and contextual instruction. As they copy the shapes, which form the letters of the alphabet, students are learning how to write at the same time – fostering fine motor skills, coordination and an awareness of how to formulate letters.

This inquiry and play-based approach to CIS’ kindergarten curriculum sees academic content coupled with real-world application, which nurtures a strong conceptual understanding of topics ranging from math and literacy, to STEAM (science, technology, environmental studies, arts and math) and the arts.

Come and experience the benefits of purposeful play for yourself at the CIS Kindergarten Open House on 1 and 7 October. Parents are invited to bring their child along for a morning of fun educational activities, as they chat with principals and teachers about CIS’ kindergarten programme and how inquiry and purposeful play are powerful learning tools in early childhood education.

Vice-principal of CIS’ Tanjong Katong campus, Tonia Whyte Potter-Mal, shares why attending the Kindergarten Open House is a great way for parents to understand the school’s learning approach.

“CIS’ kindergarten open houses are a delightful opportunity for prospective parents and students to observe firsthand how teachers ignite curiosity in our youngest learners. The Kindergarten pods at Lakeside is an inquiry based space that supports the environment as the ‘third teacher’ by fostering interactive and meaningful experiences, catering to each child’s developmental needs. One of my favourite open house experiences is witnessing the excitement and hope of One of my favourite open house experiences is witnessing the excitement and hope of new families while sharing tangible evidence of our CIS learning values.”

Join the CIS Kindergarten Open House on 1 and 7 October from 9-10am. To sign up, visit the CIS website.

CIS Student Sails to Victory

Canadian International School (CIS) grade 4 student Tiago sailed away with a win in his category at the recent Singapore Youth Sailing Championship 2021. He secured third spot overall. The regatta counted towards school rankings, resulting in CIS coming 7th in the Silver Fleet category! 

Tiago has always been active in soccer, rugby, hockey and tennis but he eventually decided to specialise in sailing. He trains twice a week on weekends and participates in national races on a regular basis with a long-term goal of being invited to train with the Singapore national team. 

Being an avid sailor means that Tiago devotes a significant amount of time to practice and competitions including the Singapore Youth Sailing Championship. Even so, he has never let his busy schedule get in the way of his studies. With the help of supportive parents, homeroom teacher (Ms Daisy Zhang) and his own diligence, he was able to ensure he was up to date with all his lessons by managing his time properly. 

According to his mum Cindy and dad Claudio, winning is really just a lucky by-product of his commitment to the sport. Tiago has also learned how to be independent and responsible, and how to face and overcome challenges calmly through sailing. In fact, his commitment and determination are exactly what helped him secure the top spot in his category this year. 

Want to know more about CIS and our programmes? Visit www.cis.edu.sg or contact our Admissions team on +65 6734 8088.

How to Prevent Cavities?

Cavities, or tooth decay, are formed when bacteria eat away a tooth, starting from the enamel (outermost layer) and towards the dentin (inner layer). A cavity is irreversible and would require treatment to prevent it from worsening. 

Here are some ways to prevent cavities from forming and worsening:

•    Avoid overconsumption of acidic drinks such as coffee, wine, alcohol and soft drinks as these would erode the enamel protecting our teeth. 

•     Reduce intake of sugary foods to reduce the amount and time sugar remains in our mouth. This would directly reduce the amount of dental plaque formed. 

•     Refrain from snacking frequently as each time we snack, plaque in our mouth uses sugar found in food to make acid that attacks our enamel.

•    Drink plenty of plain water to keep your mouth clean. If you must consume acidic drinks, sugary foods or snacks, remember to drink water or rinse well to dilute the acids produced by bacteria in your mouth.

•    Maintain good oral home care by brushing two times a day, for two minutes each with a fluoride toothpaste and floss once a day. This will help to remove food particles, bacteria and dental plaque.

•    Get regular check-ups with your dental specialist / dentist to ensure cavities are found and addressed before the symptoms (e.g. pain or sensitivity) appear. 

It is possible to be cavity-free. Prevention and early detection are crucial in avoiding costly and major dental treatments. And remember, it is never too young to start.

Dr Tan Kian Meng is a Dental Specialist in Prosthodontics with Specialist Dental Group®. He is also a Clinical Lecturer at the National University of Singapore and Diplomate with the American Board of Prosthodontics. He was formerly a Consultant at Singapore’s Khoo Teck Puat Hospital and Fellow of Maxillofacial Prosthetics and Oncologic Dentistry Fellowship at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. Dr Tan has special interest in prosthetic and implant restorative dentistry.

http://www.specialistdentalgroup.com | (65) 6733 7883

Specialist Dental Group® is a corporate sponsor of the Canadian Association of Singapore (CAS. CAS members enjoy a special rate for dental services.

Ask the Dentist: Can bruxism be cured?

Bruxism refers to excessive teeth grinding or jaw clenching, and can take place while one is awake or sleeping. The evidence for complete treatment of bruxism is relatively low, hence most of the treatment methods available are aimed at decreasing the level of bruxism and reducing the damage done to one’s teeth and jaw joints.

Occlusal splints

Occlusal splints such as mouthguards are the most common and effective treatment involved in preventing damage to your teeth. Mouthguard helps to absorb the force during grinding so that your teeth’s enamel does not get worn down. It is commonly worn at night, nonetheless, it can also be worn in the day if one grinds while awake. 

Behaviour modifications

You may be recommended to go on a soft diet and cut food into smaller pieces so as to reduce the amount of chewing, allowing your jaw muscles to rest. You may also be taught to constantly check that you breathe through your nose, close your lips while keeping your teeth apart. This will help relax the muscles involved in teeth grinding. If stress is the cause of bruxism, relaxation exercises like diaphragmatic breathing can be done.

Medications

Muscle relaxants, anti-inflammatory and/or anti-anxiety medications may be prescribed for a short period of time to ensure that you can rest better at night.

You are advised to share your concerns with your dental specialist / dentist so that he/she can share the treatment options suitable for you. 

Steam Teaching at CIS: Learn Wh It Is So Great For Kids

STEAM teaching is the new buzzword in education. Many schools are choosing to adopt this interdisciplinary teaching approach to help their students develop important skills like problem solving and critical thinking to be successful in the 21st century workforce.

STEAM teaching varies from school to school. At CIS, STEAM stands for Science, Technology, Entrepreneurship, Arts and Mathematics. It plays an integrated across the school from pre-kindergarten to secondary school. 

Solving real problems

We engage students in hands-on, minds-on STEAM activities where they are encouraged to make connections between the five STEAM disciplines and solve real-life, authentic problems. This not only helps our students to think critically and solve problems from multiple perspectives, it also keeps them motivated and excited to learn more.

Stimulating makerspaces

From Grade 1 onwards, our students are exposed to STEAM experiences in our stimulating makerspace rooms. These are part lab, part shop, part conference room, designed to foster a culture of teamwork, collaboration and design thinking. Students build and work on projects together using equipment that is both traditional (such as woodworking machinery and sewing machines) and cutting edge (such as makerbot 3D printers, GCC laser engravers and cutting machines).

STEAM in action

Lots of exciting and innovative projects are constantly happening across CIS. At the moment, grade 1 students are learning about forces and motion by designing and building their own movable toy, while grade 6 students are creating models using 3D computer software to study the math and science behind natural phenomena on earth. 

Want to learn more?

Sign up for CIS’ free virtual STEAM workshops to enjoy some fun hands-on STEAM activities for the whole family. There are four activities to choose from: create a drawbot, build a molecule mode, code a robot or design a cardboard sculpture. Which STEAM activity will you choose? 

Ask the Dentist: Water Flosser vs. String Floss

 

Q: Is a water flosser better than a string floss?

A: Flossing daily is an important part of our oral care routine and I am glad you are trying to decide which to use to clean in between the teeth.

Water flossers, are also referred to as dental water jets or oral irrigators. They use a pressurized pulsating stream of water to clean away food particles and plaque in between the teeth and gum line.

Compared to a string floss, water flossers are easy to use. The water gets into hard to reach areas and cleans between tightly spaced teeth. However, the rinsing action of a water flosser is not strong enough to remove plaque completely as plaque is a sticky biofilm on our teeth. It is recommended that you still use a string floss to scrape and loosen plaque first and then use a water flosser to rinse these residues out.

The string floss is a good, traditional method of removing plaque in between the teeth. You are able to control the floss to clean each tooth manually so that it is thoroughly cleaned. The main issue most people have is that they are unsure on how to floss properly. If that is you, visit your Periodontist/dentist so that he/she can guide you on how to floss.

When done in a right manner, string floss is an economical and efficient way to clean in between the teeth. However, you may prefer water flossers in addition to string floss if you wear braces, have non-removable bridgework, crowns or dental implant crowns. Share your concerns with your Periodontist/dentist and he/she will help to determine the best option for you.

Dr Daylene Leong is Dental Specialist in Periodontics with Specialist Dental Group® She received her training in the specialty area of Periodontology from the University of Michigan, USA. Dr Leong is a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology and a Fellow of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore. She has a special interest in periodontal regeneration, gingival aesthetic and plastic surgery and dental implants. www.specialistdentalgroup.com | (65) 6733 7883

The Power of the Pen: CIS student donates profits from her first published book to children’s charity

 

Shriya Asha Sharma may only be 10 years old, but she has big dreams — and an even bigger heart. In January 2021, she realised her dream of becoming a published author, with the release of her first book “Unicorn Adventures: The Dark Forest”. She has also pledged to donate book sale profits to the Singapore Children’s Society. We sat down with Shriya to find out more about how she harnessed her creativity to make a difference to society.

Tell us about your book.

This book is about friendship, skills and adventure. The story is set in the magical land of Unitopia and follows the adventure of three unicorn friends: Miso, Milky and Mocha. The three friends each have a special skill and, using their combined skills and smarts, they try to overcome the various challenges in the cursed dark forest.

Why did you decide to take such a big step?

I love reading and have always been fascinated by authors like JK Rowling and Shannon Messenger. I talked to my father about a story idea I had, and he encouraged me to write down my thoughts. When I started writing, I didn’t think we could get the book published. As I kept working, the story took shape and became a proper book. So, what seemed like a big step was actually just a series of small steps.

What inspired you to pledge your book sale profits to a charity that supports education for underprivileged children?

As I embarked on this writing journey, I became aware that many children around the world don’t know how to read because they don’t have access to education. The COVID-19 pandemic and school closures have sadly worsened the situation.

How long did you take to write and illustrate it?

The writing process took about nine months. Once I’d finished, the next step was publishing. My father did a lot of research to find a publisher and professional illustrator. I then worked closely with the editor and illustrator to create the final version of the book. This was a challenging but interesting process as I had to share the description of the characters with Rebecca, our illustrator, to really bring them to life.

To purchase Shriya’s book click here. For more information on CIS and our primary school literacy programme click here.

Ask the Dentist: Do I really need to use a mouthwash?

 

A: Mouthwash is used to rinse our entire oral cavity, including our teeth, gums and tongue. It helps to reduce the amount of bacteria in your mouth, which reduces the amount of dental plaque that forms. Regular use of mouthwash can help to prevent gum disease, and if the mouthwash contains fluoride, it can help to prevent tooth decay too.

However, it is important to note that mouthwash alone is not able to remove plaque from our teeth, only tooth-brushing and flossing can. Therefore, if you brush your teeth twice a day, for two minutes each with the right brushing techniques, and floss at least once a day, it is not necessary to use a mouthwash.

Your dental specialist/dentist may also recommend the use of different mouthwash for various purposes such as:

• antiseptic mouthwash to control plaque and gingivitis (inflammation of the gums), especially after a tooth extraction or surgery 
• mouthwash with fluoride to help control dental caries 
• natural, enzyme mouthwash to treat oral sores or dry mouth (also known as xerostomia) 
• desensitising mouthwash to protect against sensitive teeth 

You are recommended to check with your dental professional on whether you need to include a mouthwash as part of your oral care routine, and which mouthwash is suitable for you.

************** 

Dr. Tan Kian Meng is a Dental Specialist in Prosthodontics with Specialist Dental Group®. He is also a Clinical Lecturer at the National University of Singapore and Diplomate with the American Board of Prosthodontics. He was formerly a Consultant at Singapore's Khoo Teck Puat Hospital and Fellow of Maxillofacial Prosthetics and Oncologic Dentistry Fellowship at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. Dr. Tan has special interest in prosthetic and implant restorative dentistry.  www.specialistdentalgroup.com | 6734 9393

Specialist Dental Group® is a corporate sponsor of the Canadian Association of Singapore (CAS). CAS members enjoy a special rate for dental services.

CIS Students Win interschool French Debating Competition

Last November, two CIS teams participated in the interschool French debates aka Les Joutes oratoires. Competing via Zoom, both teams demonstrated expert communication skills and patience - even when some technical glitches happened. Debate topics this year were around the environment, migrants, and pandemic lockdowns.

Students Kieran L and Tom D B won the "native speakers'' category while Swara and Ericka reached the semi finals in the "language acquisition category. This is the second time CIS has won the cup. Our first was back in 2018.

“The competition was a stressful yet rewarding experience,” explained Kieran and Tom. We spent weeks before the debate researching and composing our arguments both for and against our 3 topics. Although the process was stressful, it enabled us to discover new, interesting ideas to argue our stand.

“When the day of the debate arrived, we were so nervous we jumped up and down, and screamed into our fists minutes before the event. In the finals we were against a single opponent (her partner was unable to join us at the last minute)." This, however, did not affect the quality of her points and the tenacity of her rebuttals, continuously challenging our points and team cooperation.

“Thankfully, we managed to respond to all her comments and pointed out her arguments' flaws. We were ecstatic when we found out that we had won and started to jump up and down again - this time out of joy and pride. All in all, it was a great opportunity to develop our analytical and persuasive skills. We are so proud of all the hard work we put into this day, and how it paid off. We are glad we undertook this opportunity as it allowed us to develop our French-speaking fluency through debating and arguing about a topic in French, an experience that we rarely have. Thank you to everyone involved in the process for helping us make this victory achievable. 

To find out more about CIS and our foreign language opportunities contact our admissions team on +65 73 8088 or visit www.cis.edu.sg/learning/languages