SPH Kemang Village Parent's Portal

As university counselors, we witness the excitement and anticipation of our students preparing for university abroad. Starting a degree overseas promises incredible opportunities for growth and exploration. Yet, even amidst the excitement, there's an important element of this transition we must not overlook – the power of finding the right community. Why Community Matters Leaving the familiarity of home for a foreign country can be exhilarating, but it also comes with challenges, especially with being alone. A strong community during these times functions as an anchor, providing: A Home Away from Home: New friends become like family, offering a place to belong, share laughter, and tackle homesickness together. A space to share the ups and downs of your journey – both the celebrations and the challenges. Academic Support: Community members share resources, advice, and study sessions, helping you navigate the academic demands of a new university system. Practical Help: A community can always offer practical support, from finding housing to navigating local customs, or even where to get your favorite food. A Shared Faith Journey: Most importantly, a Christian community provides encouragement to maintain your faith and important values within a new country or setting. It offers a different level of support, understanding, and encouragement on your journey. Building Your Community Here are some practical ways students can proactively create a sense of belonging in their new environment: Campus Ministries: Universities often host faith-based student groups, providing an instant connection with like-minded peers. Local Churches: Search for congregations that resonate with you or offer ministries catering to international students or young adults. Volunteer and Serve: Giving back is a fantastic way to meet people and build a sense of purpose in a new place. Look for service opportunities both on campus and in the community. Stay Connected to Home: Maintain those vital connections with your SPH community and your family. Share your experiences and seek their support during challenging times. Guidance and Resources at SPH Kemang Village We recognize that finding community as an international student takes effort. As your university counselor, we are here throughout this process. We are always available for one-on-one conversations about your transition, including addressing any concerns about finding community. Written by: Jessica Adya - University Counselor (jessica.astari@sph.ac.id)

We would like to forward the message from Lentera Bagi Bangsa about Goods for Education. The goods will be sold at the coming garage sale on 25 March - 3 April 2024 at Pelita Hall, UPH Building B, 1st Floor. We invite you to donate new or used items in good condition and feasible for sale at the Lentera Bagi Bangsa Garage Sale. Donated items can be clothing, books, toys, electronic devices, sporting goods, bags, musical instruments, etc. Items can be sent to: 📍 SPH Kemang Village - Street Lobby (SL Level) Please write "LBB Donation" on every bag/boxes that you sent The KV collection period will run from 27 February until 21 March 2024. 100% of the proceeds from this Garage Sale will be donated to support the education of financially disadvantaged children in remote areas of Indonesia. Let's share the love & joy by helping children in Indonesia go to school! Please also help spread this information to your family and friends.

📌Cherish Parenting Podcast is SPH's parenting podcast in Bahasa Indonesia. You are welcome to listen and share it with your friends who might be blessed by it! Dibawakan oleh Soekarmini, seorang ibu dari tiga anak dan nenek dari dua cucu, Cherish Parenting podcast akan membimbing Anda untuk menyadari bahwa peran sebagai orang tua adalah panggilan tertinggi dalam kehidupan, di mana orang tua menjadi instrumen dalam tangan Tuhan untuk membentuk jiwa manusia. Di episode ketiga ini, Anda akan menyimak diskusi mendalam, praktis, dan menarik bersama Charlotte Priatna, seorang praktisi dan penulis buku pendidikan parenting terkemuka, dan juga pendiri dari Sekolah Athalia di Tangerang, mengenai tuntutan orang tua kepada anak; bagaimana tuntutan orang tua berpotensi untuk mendorong dan membangun diri anak, atau sebaliknya, menghancurkan jiwa anak. Nantikan episode-episode baru setiap bulannya dan mari bersama-sama belajar menyadari, memberikan makna, memahami lebih dalam, dan menghargai panggilan kita sebagai orang tua Kristen yang menghormati Tuhan! 🔗 Dengarkan di berbagai platform! Spotify | Apple Podcast | YouTube Salam hangat, SPH Parenting Department

Join us for a parent seminar focused on "Wellbeing and Anxiety.” Building upon our previous discussion, this follow-up session will delve deeper into how anxiety and stress directly influence executive functioning skills in children. This seminar will also look at anxiety and test-taking. 📅: Thursday, February 29th 🕗: 7:30 to 8:15 AM 📍: UG seminar room This session will be presented by Mrs. Jami and Mrs. Carol Together, we'll explore practical strategies to foster well-being in our children, equipping parents with tools to support them in navigating anxiety and stress effectively. Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and connect with fellow parents on this important topic. Please mark your calendars and join us for an engaging and informative discussion. We look forward to seeing you there! Register Now: bit.ly/sphkvparentseminar

Our annual STAD DAY (Staff & Teachers Appreciation Day) is this Friday! If any parents would like to share the joy to the fun afternoon dedicated to our staff and teachers, we welcome any contributions such as food, drinks, snacks, treats or you can even send in your products. Please contact your CPR & PAG.

Teenage years are a crucial stage of life, it’s a phase of self-discovery, social pressures, and the constant tug-of-war between fitting in and staying true to oneself. As parents or teachers, witnessing our children going through their teenage years can be both nerve-wracking and rewarding. More than anything, we often wonder what we can do to help. One of the biggest challenges they face is peer pressure, the influence of their peers to conform to certain behaviors, beliefs, or attitudes. Especially when they are exposed to so many different values shown by social media, movies, or society. From a Christian perspective, navigating peer pressure goes beyond just avoiding negative influences. It's about guiding them to make choices that align with their faith and values, drawing strength from God, the ultimate source of peace. It’s also about understanding their basic needs of acceptance and communication. Building a Strong Foundation: Root their identity in Christ:  Help them to understand that their worth and acceptance come from God, not their peers. Encourage them to pray and develop a personal relationship with Jesus. Open communication:  Foster a safe space where they can openly discuss their struggles and feelings without judgment. Listen actively and offer guidance only after understanding their feelings. Values-based decision-making:  Discuss your family's values and how they apply to everyday situations. Encourage critical thinking and help them identify potential pressure points. Positive role models: Surround them with positive influences, both within and outside the church. Encourage participation in activities that align with their values and interests. Equipping Them for Difficult Situations: Develop communication skills:  It’s beneficial for them to be able to express their feelings and opinions assertively, without being aggressive or defensive. Encourage them to ask questions and seek clarification before making decisions. Identify "safe havens":  Talk about trusted adults, mentors, or friends they can turn to for support and guidance when facing peer pressure. Encourage them to surround themselves with positive influences who will uphold their values. Remember, it's a Journey: Validate their struggles:  Acknowledge that peer pressure can be difficult and offer support without judgment. Listen actively and empathize with their feelings of confusion or frustration. Focus on growth, not perfection: There will be missteps and moments of weakness. Use them as learning opportunities to reinforce their faith and equip them for future challenges. Celebrate victories, big and small: Recognize their efforts to stand up for their values, even in small ways. This positive reinforcement will encourage them to continue making wise choices. Facing peer pressure is a normal part of growing up. By equipping them with the tools and support they need, we can empower them to make choices that reflect their faith and values, navigate the social landscape with confidence, and emerge as strong, independent individuals. Written by: Grace Kwee - Counselor (grace.kwee@sph.ac.id)

Last week, our SPH Kemang Village community was buzzing with the vibrant energy of the Lunar New Year celebration! ✨ Our outstanding teachers even surprised our students with “hongbao” filled with treats. They shared the deeper meaning of “Fu” (福), which is iconographically made up of four Chinese characters that tell of the original blessedness of man with God: one (一) man (口) in the garden (田) with God (礻). Adam, the first man created in God’s image, was appointed by God not only to care for but also to enjoy the Garden of Eden. He had a sweet fellowship with God! This was the true meaning of blessedness in the beginning 🥰 At SPH Kemang Village, we celebrate culture, connection, and learning together. Our diverse and tight-knit community fosters growth and unforgettable memories! Click the button below to view pictures from our Lunar New Year celebration week. (You will be required to sign in with SPH email to access the files)

Mark your calendars, families! On Saturday, February 24th, we're bringing back the beloved tradition of Parents vs. Teachers Sports Day. Get ready for a morning filled with friendly volleyball and basketball competition, and tons of fun! ️When: Saturday, February 24th Time: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Where: 7F Gym SPH Kemang Village Don't miss out on the fun! Register your team (parent or teacher) today at: https://forms.office.com/r/ptKuuipWRZ

Supporting vocabulary building at home is crucial for the language development and academic success of English as an Additional Language (EAL) learners. Recent research highlights several key points regarding the importance of vocabulary-building support for EAL learners. Firstly, vocabulary knowledge is strongly associated with academic achievement for EAL learners (Braze et al., 2018), particularly in reading comprehension. Additionally, it is fundamental to language proficiency and vocabulary size, which significantly predicts language proficiency among EAL learners. It contributes to excellent language proficiency (Chen & Geva, 2016). Building a robust vocabulary also enhances EAL learners' communication skills in academic and social contexts as they become more confident and proficient communicators (Mann & Foy, 2019). Moreover, learning English vocabulary related to cultural norms and everyday activities can facilitate their adjustment to a new environment (Zhou, 2020). Furthermore, utilizing the advancement of technology provides digital learning resources designed to support vocabulary development in EAL learners (Fujii et al., 2021). Active parental involvement in vocabulary-building activities at home has been linked to better language outcomes for EAL learners (Kuo et al., 2019). Some of the practical and effective strategies for supporting vocabulary building at home for English as an Additional Language (EAL) learners are the following: Interactive Reading: Engage in interactive reading activities where you ask questions about the story and discuss the meanings of new words encountered (Gibbons, 2015). Word Games and Apps: Use word games and educational apps designed to enhance vocabulary skills in a fun and interactive way (Larson, 2021). Labeling Household Items: Label everyday household items with their English names to reinforce vocabulary learning through visual cues (Johnson & Christie, 2020). Word Walls: Create a word wall with new vocabulary words learned each week and review them regularly with your child (Walters & Schafer, 2017). Cooking Together: Involve your child in cooking activities, discussing ingredients and cooking processes to introduce new vocabulary related to food and cooking (Kwok & Sullivan, 2018). Community Outings: Take advantage of community outings such as visiting the library, zoo, or museum to expose your child to new vocabulary in real-world contexts (Kuo et al., 2019). These practical strategies, supported by recent research, can help EAL learners build vocabulary at home, contributing to their language development and academic success. Written By: Ms. Alleli EAL (alleli.fajardo@sph.ac.id) Resources: Braze, D., Tabor, W., Shankweiler, D. P., & Mencl, W. E. (2018). Speaking up for vocabulary: Reading skill differences in young adults. Journal of Research in Reading, 41(4), 981-996. Chen, X., & Geva, E. (2016). Vocabulary knowledge and morphological awareness in Chinese-speaking young English language learners: Longitudinal associations. Applied Psycholinguistics, 37(6), 1261-1287. Mann, A., & Foy, P. (2019). The language and literacy skills developed by English language learners: Insights from a longitudinal study. International Journal of Bilingual Education and Bilingualism, 22(3), 271-285. Zhou, H. (2020). Vocabulary Learning Strategies Employed by Chinese Learners of English as a Foreign Language in a High School Setting. Frontiers in Psychology, 11, 579797. Kuo, L. J., Uchikoshi, Y., & Kim, A. Y. (2019). English vocabulary development among bilingual Chinese-English preschoolers: A longitudinal investigation. Reading and Writing, 32(9), 2285-2307. Fujii, Y., Kitaoka-Higashiguchi, K., & Kitamura, K. (2021). Developing EFL vocabulary skills with technology: A review of mobile applications. CALL-EJ, 22(1), 1-25. Cunningham, A. E., & Stanovich, K. E. (1997). Early reading acquisition and its relation to reading experience and ability 10 years later. Developmental Psychology, 33(6), 934-945. Gibbons, P. (2015). English learners, academic literacy, and thinking: Learning in the challenge zone. Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann. Larson, L. C. (2021). Enhancing English vocabulary learning through the use of educational apps. Journal of Educational Technology & Society, 24(1), 44-56. Johnson, J., & Christie, F. (2020). Supporting young English language learners' language development: A whole-child approach. International Journal of Early Childhood, 52(2), 145-160. Walters, J., & Schafer, P. (2017). The effect of interactive word walls on vocabulary development: A systematic review. Literacy Research and Instruction, 56(1), 34-50. Kwok, E., & Sullivan, A. (2018). Multimodal representation in digital cookbooks: Understanding the potential to support English language learners. International Journal of Multilingualism, 15(4), 399-416.

To celebrate the 2024 Lunar New Year, we cordially invite you to join us at the Whole School Lunar New Year Assembly. The event is scheduled for Wednesday, February 7, 2024, from 9:30 to 10:30 am in the 7F Gymnasium. We encourage students to embrace the festive spirit by wearing traditional attire such as the cheongsam (Chinese) or hanbok (Korean). Alternatively, they may opt for clothing in Lunar New Year colors, such as red, yellow, or gold. Your presence will contribute to the joyous atmosphere as we come together to celebrate this special occasion. We look forward to sharing this festive moment with you.

Dear Parents, We are excited to share that episode 4 of Rooted Parenting Podcast is now available for you to enjoy! In this episode, we will be talking about breaking the cycle of unhealthy parenting with our guest, Stephen Metcalfe, Executive Director of UPH Sport & Head Coach of the UPH Men’s Basketball Team. 🔗 Listen now on your favorite platform! YouTube | Spotify | Apple Podcast Hosted by Natalie Mann, a mother of six, this podcast aims to help parents honour God and raise their children to know and love Jesus. Stay tuned for a new episode every month. Feel free to share this podcast with your friends and family as we explore essential aspects of Christian parenting together. We hope that you enjoy and are blessed by this podcast! Warm regards, SPH Parenting Department

Ever wondered about supporting your child's English writing skills in a way that's both enjoyable and beneficial? Many parents find themselves pondering this, especially when it involves academic writing. Writing holds a significant place in English development, enabling effective communication and expression. It goes beyond school assignments—it's a skill that empowers children to convey thoughts clearly, persuade, and leave a lasting impression. One delightful approach to enhancing a child's English writing is through journaling. Encouraging them to maintain a daily journal not only fosters writing skills but also becomes a canvas for self-expression. As discussed in previous articles, practice beyond the classroom is key to language improvement. Even writing a few sentences each day can make a noticeable difference. Often, the challenge for young writers lies not just in vocabulary but also in finding engaging topics. Journaling becomes an excellent practice ground, allowing them to express familiar experiences, thoughts, and feelings. Beyond language development, journaling brings additional benefits. It helps build a richer vocabulary as children explore translations, thesaurus, and dictionaries to find the perfect words. The act of expressing themselves through daily journaling also contributes positively to mental health—processing thoughts, reducing stress, and providing a space for emotional regulation and positive self-talk. Moreover, it aids memory recall as children revisit events and feelings documented in their journals. Now, how can parents encourage their children to start journaling? The acronym below offers a helpful guide: J - Jot Down Thoughts: Begin by jotting down thoughts, feelings, and experiences. O - Open Up: Encourage children to express themselves freely in their journals. U - Unleash Creativity: Let the journal become a space for creativity to flourish. R - Reflect: Promote reflection by taking time to ponder on the day's experiences and emotions. N - Note Special Moments: Encourage noting down special moments or things they're grateful for. A - Allow Mistakes: Remind them it's okay to make mistakes; there are no strict rules in journaling. L - Let It Flow: Emphasize the importance of letting thoughts and emotions flow onto the pages without judgment. It does not have to be lengthy; starting with 3 to 5 sentences daily is a wonderful beginning. Setting aside just 5 minutes a day can make a significant impact. The key is consistency and making it a daily habit. For example, five minutes a day, when done regularly every day, is better than an hour a week. Over time, children will see their entries naturally expand as they get into the flow of expressing thoughts. Parents can also utilize tools like Grammarly to check their children's writing. As parents embark on the journaling journey with their children, it's essential to remember that this creative process is more than just honing writing skills. It's a celebration of each child's unique voice and a testament to their growing self-expression. By fostering a daily habit of journaling, parents not only contribute to their children's language development but also create a space for creativity, reflection, and gratitude. As you witness your children's daily entries evolve, take joy in the profound impact this simple practice can have on their overall well-being. Happy journaling and cherishing the beautiful journey of language and self-discovery! Written by: Ibu Gabriella Wu - EAL Teacher (gabriella.wu@sph.ac.id)