Footprints International School is delighted to share an exciting milestone with our cherished school community. On the 21st of October, 2023, we celebrated the grand inauguration of our new Early Childhood Programme (ECP) building, nestled within the beautiful Toul Tom Poung campus in the heart of Phnom Penh.
The occasion was graced by the presence of esteemed parents, dedicated students, our diligent management team, and our passionate staff. The morning included inspiring speeches from distinguished individuals. School Director, Mr. Andre Struve, ECP Principal, Ms. Natasha Johnson, and Dr. Rudi Labuschagne, Head of the Centre for Wellbeing and Career Excellence, addressed our community, underlining our commitment to holistic education and academic excellence.
The highlight of the morning was the official opening of our purpose-built ECP building. This state-of-the-art facility comprises three modern classrooms, a library, and dynamic indoor and outdoor learning spaces. These spaces are designed to nurture adaptability, offering flexible classrooms, playful learning environments, and a strong emphasis on critical thinking and problem-solving.
This new ECP building is not just a structure; it signifies an extension of the Footprints family. It reflects the trust and confidence our community places in us. The educational journey of our students is at the core of our mission.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who played a part in making this new building a reality. Our board of directors, parents, teachers, donors, and the construction team have been instrumental in this achievement. We must also acknowledge our students for their enthusiasm and active participation in bringing this new space to life.
At Footprints International School, our values form the foundation of our vibrant community. In October, we shine a spotlight on a value that radiates kindness, empathy, and understanding: Compassion.
Compassion:
Compassion is more than a feeling; it’s a way of life. It is the ability to understand and share in the feelings of others, to walk in their shoes, and to offer support when needed most. As we delve into the significance of compassion, we recognise its profound impact on our student’s lives and their journey towards becoming compassionate global citizens.
The Path of Compassion:
The path of compassion begins with acknowledging the emotions and experiences of others. Our students learn to put themselves in others’ shoes, fostering empathy and understanding. Compassion encourages them to reach out to those in need, lending a helping hand whenever possible. Footprints teachers and staff aim to nurture this value through modelling compassion in their behaviour, creating a classroom culture where empathy and understanding are appreciated, encouraging students to listen to and learn from others and helping students to develop conflict resolution skills by teaching them about different mediation and conflict resolution techniques.
Empowering through Kindness:
Compassion empowers our students to be agents of positive change. By demonstrating kindness and empathy, they inspire their peers to follow suit, creating a community where everyone feels valued and understood. Just like our other core values, we take the time to recognise and celebrate students who have demonstrated compassion throughout the month.
A Call to Embrace Compassion:
As parents, educators, and students, we hold the collective responsibility of nurturing compassion. We aim to embrace compassion as a way of life, where it is not just an action but an intrinsic part of our being. Cultivate empathy and understanding by stepping into others’ shoes and viewing the world from their perspective. Then, put that empathy into action by being kind and helpful, even in challenging situations. Compassion also entails speaking up against injustice and inequality, using our voices to advocate for a fairer world. As compassionate global citizens, let’s work collectively to make the world a better place for all. Let us foster an environment where empathy is celebrated, where we listen actively, and where we extend a helping hand without hesitation.
In part 3, we continue our University Spotlight series, shining a light on exceptional institutions in Melbourne, Australia. In this third instalment, we’ll showcase three outstanding universities that provide students with a diverse range of programmes and opportunities: La Trobe University, Australian Catholic University (ACU), and CQUniversity Australia.
La Trobe University stands as a leading public university with campuses spanning Melbourne, Bendigo, Albury-Wodonga, Mildura, and Shepparton. Renowned for its commitment to high-quality teaching and cutting-edge research, La Trobe University offers a comprehensive array of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across various domains, including arts, business, education, engineering, health, and science.
La Trobe University shines in fields such as nursing, engineering, education, and the arts. Its nursing programme ranks among the top 50 globally, while the engineering programme secures a spot among the top 100 worldwide. The university’s education programme is esteemed for its excellence, and its arts programmes foster creativity and innovation.
Australian Catholic University (ACU)
ACU is a prominent Catholic university boasting campuses in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, and Canberra. Committed to delivering a top-tier education accessible to students from diverse backgrounds, ACU offers a broad spectrum of programmes at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, encompassing arts, business, education, health, law, and theology.
ACU has gained recognition for its exceptional programmes in law, theology, and nursing. Its law programme ranks within the top 20 in Australia, and its theology programme secures a spot among the world’s top 10. The nursing programme is highly regarded, with ACU graduates in high demand by employers.
CQ University Australia is a respected public university with campuses across the nation, including Melbourne and Perth. Noted for its flexibility and affordability, the university is dedicated to equipping students with the skills and knowledge essential for success in their chosen careers. CQUniversity offers an extensive array of programmes at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, spanning arts, business, education, engineering, health, and science.
CQ University is particularly renowned for its programmes in engineering, business, and education. The engineering programme secures a place among the top 100 in Australia, and the business programme ranks within the top 50. Graduates from CQUniversity’s education program are highly sought after by schools and educational institutions.
Melbourne, a vibrant and cosmopolitan city, boasts a thriving education sector. With a rich tapestry of world-class universities, Melbourne provides students with a unique opportunity to pursue their academic dreams in a nurturing and stimulating environment.
As Footprints International School forges ever stronger alliances with prestigious institutions, we eagerly anticipate offering our students pathways that will sculpt their futures and open a realm of boundless opportunities.
Every September, primary and secondary students at Footprints International School begin their NWEA MAP assessments. But what exactly are these assessments, and why are they significant?
Understanding NWEA MAP Assessments
NWEA MAP assessments, which stand for Northwest Evaluation Association Measures of Academic Progress, are a vital component of our educational evaluation process. These computer-adaptive tests are designed to assess student growth in Mathematics, Language Arts and Reading. What sets them apart is their adaptability – the questions become more or less challenging based on a student’s responses, ensuring that each assessment is finely tuned to their level.
Why They Matter
These assessments play a crucial role in tracking student progress throughout the academic year. By taking the NWEA MAP tests at different intervals, teachers and students gain valuable insights into their academic journey. They become powerful tools for identifying areas where students excel and those that require additional attention.
Benefits at a Glance
The benefits of NWEA MAP assessments are multi-fold:
Why Teachers Value NWEA MAP Assessments
NWEA MAP assessments aren’t just valuable for students; they hold a special place in the hearts of our educators. Here’s why teachers at Footprints International School appreciate these assessments:
A Unique Perspective
While NWEA MAP tests are a valuable tool for assessing student progress, it is important to note that they do not form part of the termly or semestral achievement evaluations communicated through report cards or transcripts. These assessments offer a distinct perspective, focusing on individual growth and providing insights that enrich our teaching strategies.
Tracking Progress Over Time
Starting from Grade 3 for Footprints students, NWEA MAP test results are recorded over time, creating a comprehensive view of each student’s academic journey. These results are accompanied by progress graphics and explanations, which are shared directly with students upon release from the NWEA organisation. Parents, too, receive this valuable information through graphics and explanations accompanying the end-of-school-year report cards or transcripts. This ensures that everyone involved has a clear understanding of the student’s development and areas of focus for future growth.
Frequency of NWEA MAP Assessments
At Footprints International School, we value the consistency and depth of insight that the NWEA MAP tests provide. To harness the full spectrum of benefits, we conduct these tests twice throughout the year. This periodic evaluation enables both teachers and students to track progress over an extended period.
In essence, NWEA MAP tests are more than just assessments; they are our compass for academic growth. They empower our educators to make data-driven decisions, provide tailored support, and ensure that our students continue to thrive. As our students embark on this journey of learning and growth through the NWEA MAP tests this September, we wish them all the best of luck. May their dedication to growth and excellence shine brightly!
