COMMUNICATORCOMMUNICATORCOMMUNICATORTHE

A WORD FROMMR. COLE & MR. HERRING

WEEK WITHOUT WALLS PHOTO HIGHLIGHTS

COMMENCEMENT2011

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I N T E R N A T I O N A L C O M M U N I T Y S C H O O L ( S I N G A P O R E )

S I N C E 1 9 9 3 V O L . 3 I S S U E 4J U N E , 2 0 1 1

Tools in the hands of teens? Absolutely! Paint, cement, sledge hammers, shovels, sand, gravel, baskets, buckets, mops, and scores of water bottles; grimy faces, tired smiles, blisters, exhausted teens, and laughing children, sweat:

whether in the Philippines, China, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, or India, (most students discover they are able to produce an abundance of the fluid!) name a few of the images that characterize the Week without Walls experience of the ICS High School students each spring as they work to serve others.

This year’s trips allowed students to serve others by painting classrooms, teaching English, building fences and walls, working at orphanages and

in gardens; to give the “cup of cold water” in the name of Christ. (Matt. 10:24) ICS students saw their character shaped as they briefly entered the world of another. They learned new skills; they communicated, gave and received care and compassion. “Diversity in the tasks we encountered,” “moments to ‘chill’”, “hard work”, “a profound realization of the importance of helping others”, “meaningful encounters of service”, and “awesome people”, are just a few of the phrases that

students use to describe their trips.Steep mountains, lush valleys,

pristine sea shores, teeming cities, and exotic vistas provided a stark contrast to the four walls and typical days on the ICS campus! Stepping outside the comfort of Singapore creates a greater awareness of the much larger world God has created and of which He calls us to be a part. Week without Walls, one more opportunity to build character and change lives.

CONTACT USTEL: +65 6776 7435FAX: +65 6776 7436EMAIL: info@ics.edu.sgwww.ics.edu.sg SEE PHOTOS PAGE 4

WEEK WITHOUTWALLS 2011

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When I was approached a year ago about coming to Singapore as interim Director at ICS, I had no idea what this would mean or what the experience would be like. Now, as the school year comes to a close and I look back, I am very pleased that I was able to have this experience.

I have enjoyed the day to day interaction with the students at ICS. I enjoy the youngest of our students who are always smiling, waving and so excited. I enjoy the hugs and handshakes from older students, and the very polite

dialog we often have. It has been rewarding for me to see students grow (literally!) and to get to know them on a personal level.

Parents have been so friendly and gracious. I have been amazed at all the PTF does and how much our parents love and support ICS. Thank you.

ICS is a great school with a great faculty and staff. It has been a special privilege to be involved with them. We established some goals and initiatives throughout the year, and it has been rewarding to see what has been accomplished. I hand the baton to Mr. Chris Herring and ask you to be as gracious and kind to him as you have been to me.

God leads us on…to different countries, continents and ministries. I wish His best for you and your family, and look forward to hearing great things about ICS next year!

Singapore! What an exotic-sounding location in such a distant place from Orange County, California, USA. A long-time friend of ours, Don Cole, called us last summer to tell Mrs. Herring and I that he was seriously considering going to Singapore to be the interim director of an international school - at ICS. Mr. Cole later invited us to join him, and after much prayer and consideration, we decided to accept his offer. Mrs. Herring, Micah, and I landed in Singapore the first week in January, 2011.

We quickly discovered a wonderful Christian school, filled with many amazing staff, students, families, and now, many new friends! It has been wonderful to work with our school families who share a common desire for a Christian Education based on the precepts found in the Bible. Our family feels privileged to be part of the incredibly strong academic program that also is an effective ministry to our school families and to our community.

We have had a wonderful semester working under the vision, leadership, and spiritually mature guidance of Don Cole. He has done many wonderful things to improve our campus, our programs, and our professional performance. It is obvious that Mr. Cole desires to the honor the Lord in every aspect of our school.

As Mr. Cole shared with our ICS Seniors at graduation last week: “...may all of our students, in all of their ways acknowledge God, and He will make their paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:6). May our students remember to honor God as they continue on in life’s journeys.

I truly hope you and your family have a wonderful summer break as we prepare for the coming school year.

THE COMMUNICATOR J U N E 2 0 1 1 | V O L 3 . I S S U E 4

International Community School (S) Ltd. is a member of the Network of International Christian Schools.For more information, please visit www.nics.org

DIRECTOR’S NOTE

Interim-Director, International Community School

Director, International Community School

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR ACCOMPLISHED TEACHERS!

MR. ZACHARY SMITH

MRS. BARB & MR. BOB BROSIUS

MRS. HOLLY & MR. STEVE SMITHMRS. NOELLE & MR. SAM FLEISCHMANN

MS. KARA FOERGERMR. DON COLEMS. ERIN ALARY

MRS. KRISTINE YIM

MRS. ANELA MATHEW

MRS. PAULA STAKES

MS. HELEN BROWNELLAfter four fulfilling years at ICS, I will begin a graduate program at the National University

of Singapore. From teaching high school social studies, I am going to transition to

studying human geography, specifically for issues that relate to international

development. The software used most in this program is called geographic information

systems (GIS), and is one of the most important new technologies in managing cities and countries,

as well as planning for their development. Singapore’s government has invested money through NUS to study GIS

applications. I will join that research team beginning in August 2011. I am thankful that I was able to nurture my professional

interests in the social sciences while at ICS, and will always carry our community spirit with me!

I am stepping out to pursue a Master’s degree in Diplomacy and International Commerce! In March I was accepted into the small but globally linked “Patterson School of Diplomacy and International Commerce” at the University of Kentucky. This fall I will be joining a new class of 34 other students from across the globe to study and prepare for a possible life of service in diplomacy, conflict resolution, intelligence and regional development.

During my time as a student I will have the opportunity to study under current ambassadors, visit some of the largest corporations for international commerce in the world, discuss ethics in leadership, solidify a second language, and explore international security. I am excited to be catching of glimpse of how God may wish to use my international experience for His glory! Please pray for safe travels, good housing connections, favor in this course, and wisdom as I take this next step into the future!

We will surely miss these lovely faces around campus.

May God continue to richly bless and keep each of you. Thank you for all you’ve done in the lives of students and staff during your time here at ICS.

“I thank my God in all my remembrance of you...” -Philippians 1:3

GONEbut not forgotten

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR ACCOMPLISHED TEACHERS!

WEEK WITHOUTWALLS 2011

One of the topics that we have been talking to the students about this year in chapel is being a bold witness for the cause of Christ. During the Easter week, I thought it fitting that the Grades 2- 5 perform an Easter musical called Nic at Night, based on the story of a Pharisee who was too afraid to approach Jesus during the day. Under the cover of night, Nicodemus came to talk to Christ about beingî born againî and in the process came to trust in God. At the end of the play, Nicodemus openly praises God and steps out boldly to be a witness of the Good News.Throughout the whole period of rehearsals and practices, we really encouraged

the students to be bold in their beliefs and not be secret disciples. Students invited their friends and families to come and hear the gospel message. There were two performances, which was tiring for the students but about 600 people came to watch and listen.We praise the Lord for His resurrecting power and for the opportunity to share

the good news with so many.About a week later, one of our students announced during bible class that she had

been talking to a friend who lived in the same neighborhood as her about Jesus and this friend wanted to know more and eventually prayed the sinnerís prayers. What a thrill to know that God is faithful to our own prayers and teaching.As the school year ends, may we be ever more bold in speaking the truth in love

and seek first His kingdom! ICS

ELEM

ENTA

RY

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Speaking the truth in love

OH! THE PLACES YOU’LL GOThe commencement of our largest senior class to date

“Trust in the Lord... and He will direct your paths.”

The Griffith family was honorably recognized for their many years of service and involvement at ICS.

Cash

Check made out to:International Community School (S) Ltd.(Singapore or $US checks)

Online: www.ammado.com/nonprofit/international-community-school-singapore

Visit our website:www.ics.edu.sg/support www.ics.edu.sg

We are thrilled to work with you in fulfilling your desire to invest in student’s lives at ICS!

Donations are essential to the school's long-term growth and success. Donations help us continue on the path of excellence at ICS - adding programs, improving facilities, keeping pace with technology and providing faculty with professional development opportunities.All contributions are acknowledged with sincere gratitude while maintaining donor information in strict confidence.

Ways to give:

International Community School (S) Ltd. is a member of the Network of International Christian Schools. For more information, please visit www.nics.org

WHO’S KEEPING SCORE?

Thanks to ICS’s Parent-Teacher Fellowship, we were able to purchase a brand new, state-of-the-art scoreboard for our gymnasium. It is through such acts of kindness and generosity that we remain connected as a community. We owe a special thanks to the PTF for their generous gift to our students.