The JIS Podcast: Recent Episodes
Jakarta Intercultural School
Join Jakarta Intercultural School for discussions about education, developing the whole child, learning in Indonesia, and more on the official JIS Podcast.
In the second installment of a two-part JIS Podcast series led by the Middle School JIS Studio, guest hosts Hana (Grade 8) and Nitya (Grade 7) explore the important issue of water management and sustainability. They sit down with Sabrina, the founder of start-up ReservoAir, to talk about her goals in providing greater access to clean water and implementing water sustainability practices across Indonesia to tackle flooding and drought. Join them for an inspiring conversation on how we can follow in Sabrina’s and Reservoir Air’s net-zero footsteps to promote ecopreneurship and contribute to mitigating Indonesia’s water crisis!
JIS Studio students are back, this time taking over the JIS Podcast microphones to present a two-part series on sustainability and ecopreneurship. Starting things off are guest hosts Fuad (Grade 8) and Dominic (Grade 7) as they speak to Abdul Kader, the CEO of a smart water dispenser company called Paus Biru. They discuss what it means to be an ecopreneur, how Paus Biru hopes to inspire schools to do their part in preserving the environment, what students can do to be agents of change, and more. Listen along and get inspired!
Once a Dragon, Always a Dragon! We went on a journey through time with Jamie Aditya Graham, a JIS alum whose story of resilience and global-mindedness resonates through the halls of JIS! Join JIS Podcast hosts Morgan Banino and Mindy Slaughter as they get to know this multitalented Dragon and his eclectic career in the field of entertainment. From his memorable stint as an MTV Asia VJ (and teen heartthrob) in the 1990s to his foray into music and acting, Jaime has made quite a name for himself across Asia and Australia. Today, he focuses mainly on music, blending blues, soul, funk, reggae, gospel, heavy metal, Brazilian, and jazz into a symphony of soul-stirring harmonies to defy genres. Don’t miss this engaging episode full of memories and tons of Dragon Spirit!
Get ready to be inspired by the voices of change on this episode of the JIS Podcast! JIS High School Associate Vice Principal for Student Life and Well-Being, Ryan Burke, sits down with three remarkable Grade 11 and 12 students who took the reins of their learning journey by advocating for the addition of two new courses to JIS High School’s academic program: Criminology and Advanced Placement (AP) United States Government and Politics. Find out what motivated them, why they chose these subjects, and how they tackled the challenging yet rewarding pitching process. Don’t miss out on a JIS Podcast episode that will make you feel empowered and determined to pursue your passion!
We have two very special hosts closing out this semester of the podcast! Grade 8 students Fuad and Abhiraj from the JIS Studio program are asking the question “What is Middle School” as part of their oral history project, and they are taking us on their journey in search of the answer. Joining them is Middle School Principal Noah Bohnen, who reacts to interviews they conducted with various teachers to offer his perspective. You won’t want to miss their insightful conversation!
We’re heading out for December break soon and will have more stories to share with you in 2024. Happy Holidays!
Our new Chief Advancement Officer, Emma Silva, takes over the mic for this episode of the JIS Podcast to speak to special guest Dino Vega, a leading entrepreneur, the Founder and CEO of fintech platform AdaKami, and a JIS Alum from the Class of 1980. He gives us his unique perspective as a JIS “lifer”, growing up as a “reverse third-culture kid”, and how he considers both experiences to have given him a great advantage in his successful career. Listen along as Dino takes Emma on a wistful trip down memory lane, recalling with fondness his days as a young Dragon at the Pattimura campus (shout-out to Roy), the lessons that have stayed with him to this day, and reconnecting with his classmates many years later.
This episode of the JIS Podcast follows guest host Dr. Jenny Sabin, our new Elementary Curriculum and Learning Coordinator, as she explores the fascinating world of science. Her expert guide on this journey is educator Paul Anderson, who is a YouTuber with over 1 million subscribers and a renowned consultant on Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)! Whether you're a science buff, an educator, a parent, or just curious about science education, you don’t want to miss this episode.
Welcome back to the JIS Podcast! We’re kicking off Season 4 with an enriching foray into the world of dance with JIS Dance Teachers Michael Cali and Amanda Seath as they shine a spotlight on our school’s immersive dance program. Speaking to our hosts, Morgan Banino and Mindy Slaughter, they give us an informative look into the program’s whole-child approach of exploring the role of dance in culture, creative expression, social-emotional learning, and athletics. How do JIS students discover the artist within through dance? And how does dance as an art form reflect the JIS values of respect, collaboration, and resilience? Listen to the full episode to find out!
Join JIS High School Principal Lauren Pool and High School student Cia as they sit down with our hosts to talk about JIS Peduli, our schoolwide service initiative. Learn all about the four pillars of JIS Peduli and how its vision to strengthen JIS’s ties to Indonesia through service has expanded to support community service projects and a range of social organizations. They also reveal how JIS Peduli has impacted its partners and communities, including orphanages, low-income schools, shelters, and hospitals. Don't miss out on this opportunity to discover how JIS Peduli is making a difference.
As an international school, JIS is committed to preparing students for a rapidly changing world as future-ready global citizens — but what does that mean in practice? To help answer this question, our JIS Podcast hosts speak with Pondok Indah Elementary (PIE) Principal Justine Smyth and Tania Lattanzio, an international educator, author, workshop leader, and consultant for JIS. They discuss inquiry-based teaching and methodology and how they nurture curiosity and a sense of wonder, motivate learners, and encourage them to ask questions and make discoveries. They also explore concept-based learning and provide examples of how all of these approaches to teaching and learning take place in JIS classrooms. Join us as we delve into what it means to be future-ready and how JIS is leading the way in preparing students for an unknown future.
Are you ready for a special episode? Listen along as JIS Head of School Maya Nelson and student Axel Hutapea sit down with Harvard University Professor David J. Malan to talk about CS50x, a renowned computer science course that recently concluded with a three-day educators’ conference at the Cilandak campus. Professor Malan tells us about the history of CS50 at Harvard, what inspired him to dedicate his distinguished career to the course, and how CS50 turned into a worldwide phenomenon in computer science education under his leadership.
Don't miss out on this unique chance to hear from a Harvard Professor and computer science education visionary!
Jill Bellamy is a familiar name and face in the JIS community; she’s a globetrotter, a passionate practitioner of globalized education, and a JIS Alumni parent — but most of us know and admire her for her role as JIS Pattimura Elementary (PEL) Principal. In this episode of the JIS Podcast, she sits down with our hosts , Morgan Banino (Middle School Vocal Teacher) and Mindy Slaughter (PIE Digital Literacy Coach), to talk about her journey of becoming a teacher and then transitioning from the classroom into school leadership. She tells us all about PEL, the school’s tight-knit community atmosphere, its emphasis on fostering the love of learning, how it stands out from its inner-city surroundings, and more! Listen along and get to know a valued member of our Dragon community!
Discover the magic of Middle School with Aimee Cleary, JIS Middle School Experiential and Service Learning Coordinator! She speaks to JIS Podcast hosts Morgan Banino (Middle School Vocal Teacher) and Mindy Slaughter (PIE Digital Literacy Coach) about the many things that make the formative years that span grades 6 to 8 so special and how JIS elevates that experience for students. Learn all about JIS Middle School’s “try everything” approach to engaged learning, as well as the student-favorite Extended Study Program (ESP). Don’t miss this episode and don’t forget to subscribe to the JIS Podcast!
Our school wide mission to be Best for the World can manifest in so many different forms and actions — all impactful in their own ways. JIS Alumna Valerie Guarnieri (Class of 1984) realized early on, especially after growing up traveling the globe and living in Indonesia for six years, that for her, it would be through service and humanitarianism. Today, as Deputy Executive Director for Policy and Development for the World Food Program (WFP), she dedicates her career to combating hunger and ensuring food equity worldwide. She recently sat down with JIS Podcast hosts Morgan Banino (Middle School Vocal Teacher) and Mindy Slaughter (PIE Digital Literacy Coach) to tell us all about the importance of food equity, the role young people have in the fight against world hunger, as well as her time at JIS. Don’t miss it!
JIS is widely known for offering academically rigorous university pathway programs, including the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma and Advanced Placement courses. But did you know that JIS High School students will soon have more options to fully prepare themselves for life after graduation? Listen along as JIS Podcast hosts Morgan Banino (Middle School Vocal Teacher) and Mindy Slaughter (PIE Digital Literacy Coach) learn all about an exciting new university pathway to start at JIS in the 2023/24 academic year: the IB Career-related Programme (IBCP). They are joined by JIS IB Coordinator Darren Seath and Ivana Modena, the Founder and President of the Sustainable Management School (SUMAS). What is the IBCP? Who is it designed for? How will SUMAS be part of the IBCP at JIS? Find out in this can’t-miss episode of the JIS Podcast!
In this episode of the JIS Podcast, hosts Morgan Banino (Middle School Vocal Teacher) and Mindy Slaughter (PIE Digital Literacy Coach) are joined by JIS Alumna Jyoti Rajan Gopal (Class of 1985) as they delve into an absorbing conversation about identity, multiculturalism, and what it means to be a third-culture kid. Ms. Gopal is a kindergarten teacher and the author of American Desi and My Paati’s Saris, “poetic and expressive” children’s books about South Asian children exploring their rich heritage.
Speaking to them all the way from New York, she gives us a glimpse into her own experience growing up and learning in different countries around the world, her time at JIS, and how her teachers helped her explore new interests. Listen along as she looks back at how her third-culture background helped her carve out a career in education, her unexpected yet “serendipitous” journey into writing, and how her daughter inspired her to write her first book.
Welcome back to the JIS Podcast, with our hosts Middle School Vocal Music Teacher Morgan Banino and PIE Digital Literacy Coach Mindy Slaughter! In this episode, the first of what will be a series of conversations with JIS Alumni, Morgan and Mindy welcome JIS Class of 1997 graduate Derice Sumantri. She is currently the President Director of Progress Healthcare, a JIS Board of Trustees (BOT) member, and a frequent service volunteer. Listen along as she reflects on how JIS’s values, her frequent involvement in varsity sports, and the school’s multicultural environment left a lasting impression on how she approached university life and then her career. Today, as both a parent and a business owner, she tells us why she is drawn back to Indonesia, especially its healthcare industry, and our Dragon community.
On this episode of the JIS Podcast, our hosts welcome a JIS Alum, writer, storyteller, world traveler, and lifelong learner. Listen along as Middle School Vocal Music Teacher Morgan Banino and PIE Digital Literacy Coach Mindy Slaughter speak to Sebastian Modak, the Editor-at-Large for Lonely Planet and a JIS graduate from the Class of 2006. He tells us about the twists and turns he’s faced on his journey of becoming a travel writer telling stories about little-known yet fascinating pockets of the world and the people he met along the way. How has he been able to navigate the uncertainties of life after graduation? What did he learn from being a third-culture kid at JIS and how does his experience continue to influence his work today? And what does hanging out with rappers in Botswana have to do with all this? Find out in this can’t-miss episode of the JIS Podcast!
The JIS Podcast is back for another academic year of insightful discussions about teaching and learning at JIS to be Best for the World! We’re delighted to welcome back our hosts, JIS Middle School Vocal Music Teacher Morgan Banino and PIE Digital Literacy Coach Mindy Slaughter, who have an exciting lineup of guest speakers from the Dragon community waiting for us.
In our very first episode of the season, Morgan and Mindy explore the practice of mindfulness and its potential benefits with Grade 2 Teacher Kailyn Fullerton. But what is mindfulness? What’s the science behind it? And how can it be used in the classroom to support student growth and learning? Listen along as Morgan, Mindy, and Kailyn look at mindfulness from an education standpoint and discuss how we can tap into its time-tested strategies to help students’ social-emotional development.
Exciting changes are happening in 9th Grade Science! Listen along as our JIS Podcast hosts, Middle School Vocal Music Teacher Morgan Banino and PIE Digital Literacy Coach Mindy Slaughter, speak with High School Science Teacher Jeff Clark about the revamped science curriculum for our Freshman class. Find out why these changes were made, how they’re designed to broaden the scientific literacy of JIS students, how Computer Science fits into the new program, and much more! This is a can’t-miss episode for science buffs and anyone with a passion for forward-thinking education.
The JIS Podcast is proud to present a series of episodes organized, produced, and hosted by Grade 8 students as part of their JIS Studio project titled “How Do We Tell Stories That Matter?” In this episode, Anna, Rahwia, and John discuss an issue that can affect people of all ages and backgrounds: mental health. While it has always been a matter of grave concern, mental and emotional wellness came under the spotlight during the pandemic as people struggled to cope with restrictions and isolation. Here’s a brief summary of the episode in their own words:
In this podcast, three teenagers went on a journey to have a conversation about mental health. While it required all of them to get out of their comfort zones, they were able to talk with each other, their peers, parents, and trained professionals. They found that talking about mental health is hard…. but not impossible. Join them on their journey by listening to this insightful episode!
The JIS Podcast is proud to present a series of episodes organized, produced, and hosted by Grade 8 students as part of their JIS Studio project titled “How Do We Tell Stories That Matter?” In this episode, Sangji and Richard find out what it means to be “addicted” to technology, especially in this digital era of working and learning from home. Here’s a brief overview of their discussion in their own words:
The pandemic has forced children and even adults to sit in front of a screen for hours upon hours a day, which has led some to casually use the word “addiction”. In this podcast, two middle students set out to explore their community’s relationship with video games and technology, with the hope of answering their big question: Are we really addicted?
The JIS Podcast is proud to present a series of episodes organized, produced, and hosted by three Grade 8 students as part of their JIS Studio project titled “How Do We Tell Stories That Matter?” In this episode, join Jessica, Finn, and Sabine as they explore what it means to have a sense of identity and how the road to self-understanding can be a long and bumpy one. In their own words, here’s a brief summary:
Many would think that going to and growing up in an intercultural school, surrounded by more than 1,900 students from over 70 different countries every day would make it easier to find your identity. Well, maybe it doesn’t. Three students went on a journey to find the formula for personal identity.
The JIS Podcast is proud to present a series of episodes organized, produced, and hosted by three Grade 8 students as part of their JIS Studio project titled “How Do We Tell Stories That Matter?” Join Aarushi, Leo, and Kirana as they deep-dive into issues relevant to today’s generation of global citizens with the help of guest speakers, and offer their own experiences and perspectives. Here’s a brief summary of their episode “Rays of Hope”:
Climate change, pollution, and poverty are topics that dominate our news headlines, but the world is making progress. For example, global poverty has seen a spectacular decline since the 1960s, and global emissions have continued to decrease by 30 percent. But these types of facts get lost quite often. So, this podcast is about four different people and their stories of how they have contributed to this progress: a CNN hero, an international aid worker, a middle schooler, and an aid organization cofounder — all of whom have had a positive impact.
From elementary schools to universities and giant corporations to startups — everyone is talking about Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). But what are SDGs? And how have they inspired schools across the world to take action for a better future? This episode of the JIS Podcast takes our hosts, Middle School Vocal Music Teacher Morgan Banino and PIE Digital Literacy Coach Mindy Slaughter, on a journey of sustainability as they learn about the role of SDGs at JIS. With the help of Middle School Health Teacher Rae Merrigan and Middle School Science Teacher Adam Fox, they take a closer look at how JIS students are taking part in this global movement as part of our mission to be Best for the World.
The JIS Podcast is back after a brief break! We resume our series of discussions on teaching and learning with Jodi Berry, JIS Service-Learning Coordinator, High School English Teacher, and CAS Coordinator. Her work at JIS and as an international educator inspired her to publish a research paper on translanguaging (the process of using more than one language in a classroom) and service learning. This week, she joins our JIS Podcast hosts, Middle School Vocal Music Teacher Morgan Banino and PIE Digital Literacy Coach Mindy Slaughter, to talk about her findings, as well as explore the complexities of multilingualism and how they affect students’ sense of identity.
If you’re a linguaphile or just fascinated by the role of languages in international education, this is not an episode to miss!
“Music is a universal language; it brings people together.” Ella Fitzgerald may have said this many years ago, but we only have to look at JIS Strings in Action (SiA), its talented members, and their many endeavors to find that her words ring truer than ever. Join our hosts, Middle School Vocal Music Teacher Morgan Banino and PIE Digital Literacy Coach Mindy Slaughter, as they take a closer look at a beloved service club that has flourished into a full-fledged foundation working to change the lives of underprivileged children through music. Joining them are the passion and drive behind Strings in Action: JIS Strings Teacher Simo Gonzalo and JIS Grade 11 student Alex, one of the original members of the club and now SiA President. Find out what inspired Simo to establish SiA at JIS in 2015 and how, in only a few short years, the club grew from having just three student members to leading orchestras, employing two local music teachers, and working with schools and organizations across Jakarta. You don’t want to miss this inspiring episode of the JIS Podcast!
At JIS, students are encouraged to explore their personal interests, discover their passions, and then pursue them through hands-on learning experiences. But how does that look like with younger students at JIS Elementary School? This episode of the JIS Podcast is all about the passion for learning, with our hosts, Middle School Vocal Music Teacher Morgan Banino and PIE Digital Literacy Coach Mindy Slaughter. Their guests this week are Pattimura Elementary (PEL) Digital Literacy Coach Jay Graham and Pondok Indah Elementary (PIE) Early Years Teacher Neal Murphy, who talk about the interactive ways students are engaged in activities that are meaningful to them, as well as driven by their own interests and curiosity. What are Passion Projects? What do children do during iTime? How do they benefit from the “joy of struggle”? Find out and listen to the JIS Podcast!
What does it mean to be an inclusive school? At JIS, inclusion is inseparable from the values of diversity and equity, and together, they represent our commitment to providing an enriching educational experience to a variety of learners. This includes children with neuro-diversities or cognitive disabilities who require specialized support in both academics and life skills. Join our JIS Podcast hosts, Middle School Vocal Music Teacher Morgan Banino and PIE Digital Literacy Coach Mindy Slaughter, as they explore what learning inclusion currently looks like at JIS and our plans for the future. They are joined by Interim Head of School Maya Nelson and Education Specialist Donise Lyons, who go into detail about JIS’s student support services and an exciting new program called the JIS Learning Center. Don’t miss out on this very inspiring episode of the JIS Podcast!
The elementary years are a formative time for children to discover the fun in learning, explore their growing interests, and build connections with both their classmates and teachers. At JIS, students are guided by a passionate team of educators such as this week’s JIS Podcast guests, Grade 5 Teacher Janice VanHaltren and Grade 1 Teacher Jen Profrock. They join our hosts, Middle School Vocal Music Teacher Morgan Banino and PIE Digital Literacy Coach Mindy Slaughter, to talk about what hybrid learning looks like at JIS Elementary School, why community building is especially important during these challenging times, and various ways both Elementary campuses ensure students’ safety and wellbeing. Get to know Janice and Jen, as well as JIS Elementary School, by listening to the latest episode of the JIS Podcast!
"Libraries store the energy that fuels the imagination. They open up windows to the world and inspire us to explore and achieve, and contribute to improving our quality of life." - Sydney Sheldon
A library is one of the greatest assets of any school, and the JIS community is lucky that we have not one but four extensive, up-to-date facilities and an amazing team of knowledgeable librarians. For this episode of the JIS Podcast, our hosts, Middle School Vocal Music Teacher Morgan Banino and PIE Digital Literacy Coach Mindy Slaughter, explore the magical world of libraries with Middle and High School Librarian Matt Schafer. They talk about the new information hub that is the revamped High School Library, the importance of media literacy and the role of technology in libraries, why we need libraries more than ever in an increasingly digital world, and much more! Don’t miss their discussion!
The JIS Podcast welcomes back Middle School Principal Noah Bohnen, a longtime International school educator with a passion for the crucial, developmental learning that happens in grades 6 to 8. What makes a great middle school program? What sets JIS Middle School apart? Listen along as he answers these questions and talks to our hosts, Middle School Vocal Music Teacher Morgan Banino and PIE Digital Literacy Coach Mindy Slaughter, about the new JIS Studio program, the JIS 2.0 learning model and its focus on students being “Future Ready”, as well as the silver linings of hybrid learning.
Did you know that Indonesia is home to nearly 200 international schools? And more than 60 percent of them are in Jakarta! The growing trend of international schools can be seen across the world, with more parents seeing them as the ideal environment for their children to develop and become more competitive as students and individuals. So, with so many options and possibilities, how can parents choose the right school for their children?
In this episode of the JIS Podcast, our new hosts, Middle School Vocal Music Teacher Morgan Banino and PIE Digital Literacy Coach Mindy Slaughter, discuss this very question and talk about the changing attitudes toward international schools. They are joined by JIS Head of Admissions Kathleen Ngkaion, who provides insights based on her many years of experience as an admissions officer, as part of a traveling expatriate family, and as a parent whose children have graduated from JIS.
So, sit back, relax, and enjoy this informative episode of the JIS Podcast!
Earlier this year, Indonesia witnessed the merger of two of its first tech unicorns, Gojek and Tokopedia, into GoTo. Instrumental behind this meeting of giants were Tokopedia and GoTo President Patrick Cao, Tokopedia Vice President and GoTo Head of Investments Randall Aluwi, and Gojek Co-founder and CEO Kevin Aluwi. Not only are they leaders of their field, all three are also JIS Alumni. In this very special episode of the JIS Podcast, host Joanna Sommers speaks to Patrick (Class of 2002), Randall Aluwi (Class of 2004) and Kevin (Class of 2005) about their time at JIS, how the school’s multicultural environment and comprehensive academic program continue to impact their lives and careers today, as well as how their new venture GoTo will change the tech ecosystem of Indonesia.
Don’t miss their absorbing conversation!
As part of our core mission of being Best for the World, JIS is dedicated to exploring new pathways to learning that can continue to meet the changing needs of 21st-Century students. Last year, JIS Middle School was thrilled to launch an exciting interdisciplinary program for Grades 7 and 8 called JIS Studio, led by Lead Designer and Facilitator Jordan Bowman and Administrator and Facilitator (and incoming High School Principal) Lauren Pool.
As guests of this episode of the JIS Podcast, Lauren and Jordan speak to host Joanna Sommers (Middle and High School Curriculum Coordinator) about this new learning pathway and how participating students receive an individualized learning experience through concept-based projects. They also discuss the ways the pandemic has impacted the start of JIS Studio, as well as the importance of looking at learning through different lenses and approaches.
Don’t miss out on this insightful episode of the JIS Podcast!
This episode of the JIS Podcast is all about physical fitness, and when it comes to athletics in education, there’s no one better to speak to than JIS Athletics Coordinator Jake Stockman. He joins our host, Middle and High School Curriculum Coordinator Joanna Sommers, in a discussion about exercising during the pandemic, his own personal journey as an international educator, and the future of athletics at JIS.
How does physical education apply to Early Childhood Education? How can parents motivate their children to get moving and exercise? What can we all do to maintain our physical fitness during the pandemic? Listen to this episode of the JIS Podcast to find out!
Welcome back to the JIS Podcast, where we talk about the latest innovations in 21st-Century Education, and living and learning in Indonesia to be Best for the World.
In this episode, we have a very special guest speaking to host Joanne Sommers about his over 30-year career in international education and the important role he now plays at Jakarta Intercultural School. Please welcome, JIS Head of School, Dr. Tarek Razik!
Listen as Dr. Razik gets candid about his early years as a teacher and his life-changing decision to move from the United States in search of new teaching experiences abroad. He also shares with us some of the most challenging aspects of working and living in a new country, an update on JIS’s current accreditation process and what it means for the school, and where the Dragon community is heading with a new strategic plan and the JIS 2.0 Learning Model.
Get ready to take a deep dive into the art and science of teaching and learning at JIS, with Middle School Assistant Principal Dan Machacek as our knowledgeable guide. Join us for an episode of the JIS Podcast that explores the fundamentals of education which take place behind the scenes and often go unnoticed, such as assessment principles and practices, re-accreditation, strategic planning, and the role of professional learning communities (PLC).
How do PLCs support teaching and learning at JIS as a collaborative community? What does it mean to be a learning-focused school? And how is the re-accreditation process a much-needed “disruptor”? Listen to this fascinating discussion to find out!
Teaching Assistants are the backbone of any classroom as they provide a tremendous amount of daily learning support, creativity, and encouragement. They are considered Jack-of-all-trades — teacher, tech support, manager, “mind reader”, and cheerleader all rolled into one — who ensure that classrooms run seamlessly while juggling a range of tasks and responsibilities. The JIS Podcast invites you to go behind the scenes at JIS Early Years and Elementary School with PEL Teaching Assistants Irma Yulinda and Heidy, who give us a unique look into how they help support our PIE and PEL teachers and students.
Speaking to host Joanna Sommers (Middle and High School Curriculum Coordinator), they speak about the different needs of children across the EY and ES classrooms, how they have become adept at reading the minds of their teacher colleagues, what they love about working at JIS, and how they have continued their support online this year.
Did you know that from birth up to the age of 6, children absorb information from their surroundings at a much faster rate and with far less effort than adults? Many important developments happen in this crucial phase of a child’s life, but misconceptions persist about Early Childhood Education. In this episode of the JIS Podcast, JIS Early Years Teachers Lisa Mandeville (PIE) and Allyson Puls-Dharmadji (PEL) provide their knowledge, expertise, and opinions on the matter, then give us a special glimpse at what learning looks like at JIS Early Years (EY).
With host Joanna Sommers (JIS Middle and High School Curriculum Coordinator), they paint a vivid picture of how JIS’s dispositions relate to early years, the many ways our youngest Dragons experience the inquiry-based approach, why play is so important for very young learners, and much more!
Let’s talk math! Why do many of us feel so intimidated by math? Do adults’ perceptions of math affect the way students respond to the subject? Join our host, Middle and High School Curriculum Coordinator Joanna Sommers, as she dives into the complex and often misunderstood world of mathematics with PIE Grade 2 Teacher Ranjit Narula and Grade 8 Math Teacher Dave Suarez. They talk about the importance for children to feel challenged and make mistakes, particularly when it comes to math; the different strategies we use to solve various mathematical problems; and how important it is to know that we are all math people!
Every child develops at a different pace and each student’s developmental journey is unique. But what happens when a child needs additional help in areas such as reading, speech, language, or motor skills? At JIS, this is where the Support Services Team (SST) steps in and provides their specialized, targeted support.
In this absorbing episode of the JIS Podcast, host Joanna Sommers (JIS Middle and High School Curriculum Coordinator) is joined by a very special guest who can boast about having been a JIS student, parent, teacher, and principal. She now has a key leadership position that oversees all our campuses and divisions: it’s Deputy Head of School Maya Nelson!
Follow their in-depth discussion about special education at JIS, neurodiversities in children, the role of the SST, and how our team of specialists, therapists, and psychologists identify and help students who may struggle with developmental delays.
Diversity and inclusion are values that international schools strive to uphold as multicultural communities, including JIS. But how do they hold up in the lens of today’s growing movements and conversations about anti-racism, representation, and equality? Does JIS truly exemplify the principles of diversity and inclusion?
In this episode of the JIS Podcast, host Joanna Sommers (Middle and High School Curriculum Coordinator) seeks to answer these questions and more with three special guests: High School Principal Clint Calzini, PEL Grade 3 Teacher Donise Lyons, and High School Math Teacher Susan Lee.
As co-chairs of JIS’s Focus Group Committee on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), they chat with Joanna about the meaning and importance of DEI, how more and more international schools are recognizing the need to review their approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and what JIS is doing to change the way we talk about this important issue and take action.
Changes and innovations are a common part of international education, but the COVID-19 pandemic has forced schools to adjust their approach to learning almost overnight. To learn about the ways the landscape of international schools has evolved in recent years, what it looks like today, and how JIS has responded, JIS Podcast host Joanna Sommers (Middle and High School Curriculum Coordinator) speaks to JIS Head of Admissions Kat Ngkaion, Middle and High School Therapist Kris Carlson, and Middle School Counselor Angie Machacek.
As JIS Dragons and as part of long-time expat families, they give us their professional and personal insights into the importance of social-emotional well-being in ensuring a smooth transition between schools for students, and how families can choose the best schools for their third-culture children.
Global citizenship is the theme of this episode of the JIS Podcast, which features JIS High School Social Studies Teacher Chris Calvert and Grade 12 Student Faye as guest speakers. They chat with our host, Middle and High School Curriculum Coordinator Joanna Sommers, about the interesting yet complex subject of social studies. How can schools effectively teach social studies in the context of today’s fast-paced world? How can social studies help us be Best for the World? They also discuss the High School Social Impact Project course and how it helps foster global citizenship in our students.
An important part of providing high-quality education is ensuring that students receive clear, constructive feedback to improve their learning. This involves assessments and grading — but do they really matter? In this episode of the JIS Podcast, host Joanna Sommers is joined by education author/ speaker and assessment expert Tom Schimmer, who is currently working with JIS leadership in the areas of assessment literacy, processes, and routines.
Their in-depth discussion touches on how schools are transforming the way they assess students and deliver feedback, why this topic often elicits an emotional reaction among both teachers and parents, and how better assessment literacy can foster more efficacious learners. What are there best practices for assessment and grading? And what is the COTE of armor? Listen to the episode to find out!
Explore the culturally rich world of wayang (shadow puppet) and gamelan (traditional orchestra) with host Joanna Sommers, JIS Middle and High School Curriculum Coordinator, and Pattimura Elementary School (PEL) Grade 5 Teacher Kitsie Emerson.
Educator, musician, and performer extraordinaire, Kitsie has been a respected staple of the Dragon community at PEL for 24 years as both a classroom teacher and creator of the after school wayang and gamelan program. Now, as a special guest of the JIS Podcast, she gives us a brief history of the treasured Indonesian art forms she has dedicated her life to. She also lets us in on a candid discussion about her professional background, how she became an advocate of wayang and gamelan, and what she plans to do after retiring from JIS this year.
This episode of the JIS Podcast is all about the rich and intricate world of languages. What can we do with language? How can we use it effectively?
To discover what it’s like growing up immersed in different languages and the advantages of this increasingly sought-after skill, host Joanna Sommers is joined by three guest speakers: Middle School Spanish Teacher Gaetan Boinet, Middle School Student and bilingual global citizen Erin, and Paul Sandrock, the Director of Education of language-teaching organization ACTFL.
They offer their advice for language learning and explore the connection between multilingualism and the way we process information, make decisions, and develop our creative and critical thinking skills.
In this can’t-miss episode of the JIS Podcast, our host, Middle and High School Curriculum Coordinator Joanna Sommers, speaks to a very special guest who was a valued part of the Dragon community for nearly 40 years. Her name is Beata Mirecka Jakubowska, but JIS Alumni will fondly remember her as Mrs. M, who taught ELA and English at JIS from 1983 to 2019.
She returns to offer us a fascinating glimpse into what it was like teaching at a growing Jakarta International School surrounded by paddy fields, traveling the city by becak, and the challenges of adapting to life in Jakarta before it developed into the modern megalopolis it is today. Learn more about what Mrs. M is doing now and what continues to inspire her to be Best for the World.
In a JIS Podcast first, host and Middle and High School Curriculum Coordinator Joanna Sommers is joined by a JIS student as guest speaker. In this episode, High School Senior Nelson tells us what it’s like experiencing his final year at JIS amid a pandemic and away from campus, staying motivated during Home & Online Learning, and how he pushes through the various related challenges to keep his Dragon Spirit up and continue his passion for service learning. He also gives us a special preview of his book, “Let’s Learn Basic English,” and how he was inspired to write it.
We’re all familiar with the importance of STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) in preparing students for the technologically driven world outside of school. But did you know that the learning approach has been expanded to STEAM to include the arts?
In this episode of the JIS Podcast, host Joanna Sommers speaks to Middle School Vocals Teacher Morgan Banino and Middle School Band Teacher Rick Beder on how the art of music fits into STEAM. They discuss the many cognitive benefits music is proven to have on a child’s development while promoting perseverance, responsibility, as well as balance and fun — all of which are part of JIS’s core values.
Also, get to know these two talented musicians as they look back on their respective teaching careers at international schools around the world!
In this episode of the JIS Podcast, our steadfast host Joanna Sommers, Middle School and High School Curriculum Coordinator, explores the various mental health issues and concerns that have affected students during the pandemic and Home & Online Learning.
Her special guests are Early Years/Elementary School Counselors Lyndsy Duet and Brian Krembs, as well as School Psychologist Hayley Edmonds, who have been working closely with JIS families and students to help them deal with loneliness, isolation, and sibling conflicts.
Please join Joanna Sommers, MS/HS Curriculum Coordinator, in conversation with Ryan Campbell, High School Vice Principal of Curriculum and Learning. Ryan shares his insights and understanding gained from extensive research into Cognitive Science and its role in education. How can we use and apply the evidence-based findings of cognitive science in the classroom to enhance the way our students learn? How can students better understand the way their brains work to improve the way they study for exams?
This week, Joanna Sommers is joined by Barbara Wiemers, High School Vice Principal of Student Affairs and Heather DeVore, High School Counsellor. Together they talk about Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) and how it informs all aspects of our students' development and educational experiences. Whilst SEL is not new, it has certainly come to the forefront this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and Barbara and Heather share their wonderful insights and experiences of working with our young people here in the JIS High School.
Join Joanna Sommers, Middle and High School Curriculum Coordinator, in conversation with JIS's new Middle School Principal Noah Bohnen. They discuss Noah's arrival at JIS during a pandemic; what makes JIS middle school - and middle schoolers - so special; some of the unintended benefits of online learning for our students and how parents can support their children at home.