Admissions Handbook 2012-2013

��Admissions Process 2

Admissions Guide 3

Application Materials 3

Application Process 3

Application Checklist 4

Admissions Policies 5

ESL Students 6(English as a Second Language)

Special Services 7

Student Departures 7

Position Holding Deposit 7

Wait List 7

Orientation Day 8

High School StudentSchedules 8

Open House 8

Parent-TeacherConferences 8

New Parent Breakfast 8

General Information 9

School Supplies 9

Transportation 9

Security 10

Vehicle Authorization 10

Cafeteria 10

Communication/Website 10

Parent Involvement 11

School Wide StudentServices 11

Special Events 11

Activities 12

Parking and Drop-off/Pick-up 12

Admissions Handbook 2012 - 2013 1

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Admissions Handbook 2012 - 20132

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Submit Application Formand Other Documents

Preschool - Kindergarten: submit the mainapplication, physical and health form

along with copy of passports.

Grades 1-12 see the Checklist on themain application form

Boarding students submitadditional supplemental

boarding application.

Receive Acknowledgementof Application

Parents will receive an acknowledgementemail. A reminder will be given for

any outstanding documents.No student s file will be reviewed

by the Admissions Committee untilall documents are received.

Student s File is Complete

Student s file will be reviewed only afterALL the supporting documents are received.

The Admission Committee is comprisedof Admissions Coordinator, Director,

Principals, Counselor, ESL Coordinator.Resident Life Supervisors and Special

Services Coordinator are calledupon when needed.

English as a SecondLanguage - ESL Students

(as needed)

All non-native English language speakersmay be required to take an English as

a Second Language (ESL) test.

Special Services(as needed)

Additional information is essential forstudents applying for Special

Services support.

Final Admission Decision is Made

If student is qualified and a seat is available parentsare notified of the acceptance offer via email.

If student is qualified and a seat is not available studentswill be placed on the waiting list. Parents are

encouraged to keep contact information up todate with the Admissions Coordinator.

Non-qualified students will be notifiedby email.

Fees Due

All other fees are due prior tothe start of the semester.

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Final Documents Neededfor Enrollment

Completed Physical Evaluation and Health forms(including immunizations) are required before the

student s first day of school.

Visas/Ministry of Education approval mustbe completed within the first 6 weeks of school.

Copy of visas must be submitted to theAdmissions Office.

All renewed passports mustalso be submitted to the

Admissions Office.

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education for life

Welcome to Dalat International School. Dalat is an American-

style, university prep, biblical worldview school that is accredited

by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)

and the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI).

Our campus is host to over 500 students from countries on every

continent around the world, and offers an exciting multi-cultural

environment for students to learn.

The purpose of this booklet is to assist parents in

making the admissions process as smooth as possible.

It provides information you need regarding the

enrolment process as well as services available at

Dalat.

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Application and other required forms are includedin the admissions packet found on our website, www.dalat.org,under the Admissions section. Please note that forms varydepending on the grade level of the child and other servicesyou may require. Your application will be considered completeand ready for review once all the application forms, documents,and the application fee have been received by the AdmissionsOffice. Please refer to the Application Checklist.

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We encourage parents who desire to enrol their child at Dalat

to contact the Admissions Office regarding spaces available.

We are happy to answer any questions.

�� Admissions CoordinatorDalat International School,Tanjung Bunga 11200, Penang, MalaysiaPhone : (60-4) 899-2105Fax : (60-4) 890-2141Email : [email protected]

Website : www.dalat.org

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1. All Students

✐ A non-refundable application fee of RM 300.00 is requiredwith the submission of all applications. Payment can bemade in cash, by check or wire transfer payable to DalatInternational School.

✐ Previous school records from each school attended previouslyduring the past two years.✏ School records, including any standardized tests scores

(ITBS, MAP, PSAT, Plan and Explore, etc.) must be translatedto English (if applicable) and certified.

✏ Preschool and Kindergarten students are not required to submitreports, although a progress report from the child s preschoolprogram is preferred.

✏ Any psychological, student support, or specialeducation records and evaluations.

✐ Teacher Reference Form✐ Principal/Counselor Reference Form✐ Current picture of the applicant (passport-size)✐ Student Physical Evaluation and Health Form,

including immunization✐ Photocopy of student s passport with at least 6

months validity showing the passport number anddate of birth

✐ Photocopy of student s birth certificate✐ Photocopy of father and mother s passport

2. Additional Boarding Requirements

✐ Boarding Application✐ A copy of the student s birth certificate✐ Four passport-size photos for the student visa

3. Malaysian Students Requirements

Dalat International School opens a world of possibilities forMalaysian students!

Malaysian students are required to submit a letter of approvalfrom the Ministry of Education. For a small fee DalatInternational School will provide the service of applyingto the Ministry of Education on behalf of our Malaysianfamilies. Those who wish to take advantage of thisservice must provide the following paperwork.

✐ Photocopy of Malaysian Passport and ID Card(father, mother and student)

✐ Photocopy of birth certificate✐ Transcripts from previous schools attended✐ Justification letter from the parents✐ Acceptance letter from Dalat International

School✐ Parent s employer and title

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Students are accepted under the following conditions:

1. Non Discrimination - Dalat International School admitsstudents of any race, religion, sex, nationality or ethnicorigin. Dalat students have equal rights, privileges,access to programs and activities generally accordedor made available to students at the school. Studentswill be accepted after proving their command of Englishis adequate to the learning situation and provided thatspaces are available. Dalat International School reservesthe right to establish waiting lists and to assign prioritiesfor enrolment as necessary.

2. American School - Dalat is an American curriculuminternational school accredited by North Americaninstitutions and does give priority to US citizens, studentswhose parents work for US companies, and nativeEnglish speakers.

3. Application Forms - A completed copy of theApplication Form, signed letter to request school records,confidential reference forms, Student Health Form,Supplemental Boarding Information (for boardingstudents), all pertinent school records and standardizedtest scores must be handed in to the Admissions Officebefore the application will be considered by theAdmissions Committee.

4. Physical Evaluation - The Physical Evaluation must bereceived prior to the student beginning classes. Studentswill not be able to start school if the Admissions Officehas not received the Physical Evaluation.

5. Availability - The program needed by the student isavailable.

6. School Records - The students previous school recordsmeet the academic requirements for admittance.

7. Transfer of Credits - High School students from non-accredited schools will have their credits validated byexamination or scholarship performance in DalatInternational School. The placement of such studentswill be on a trial basis until proper validation of theprevious credits has been attained.

8. Bible Classes and Chapel Meetings - The parent andstudent agree for the student to participate and attendBible classes and the chapel services in accordance withthe attendance policy. Dalat is an international schoolthat teaches from a biblical worldview.

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9. Interviews - The results of an interview between theAdmissions Coordinator and the parent and studentare satisfactory or, the results of an interview betweenthe Director, Principal, Residence Supervisor (for boardingstudents) and the parent and student are satisfactoryif deemed necessary.

10. Non-Malaysian Passport - Students with a non-Malaysian passport must be in compliance with theregulation of the Ministry of Education. It is the parent sresponsibility to apply for a Student Visa or StudentPass.

11. Malaysian Passport - Students with a Malaysianpassport must receive permission from the Ministry ofEducation. It is the parent s responsibility to get theappropriate permission.

12. Preschool and Kindergarten - Students entering pre-school must be three years of age before September30. Kindergarteners must be five years of age beforeSeptember 30. Kindergarten is a prerequisite foradmission to Grade 1.

13. Boarding Priority - Priority for boarding is given tochildren whose parents work for Dalat-approved missionorganizations.

14. Provisional Acceptance - When there is a concernregarding a student s academic ability, behavior orEnglish proficiency the student may be given a provisionalacceptance. Students admitted on provisional acceptanceare admitted for one semester. Upon arrival the studentwill be referred to the Student Services Team (SST) forreview. The student will be assigned a counselor/mentorwho will meet regularly with the student and reportback to SST. At the end of the semester the studentwill be required to complete a permanent acceptanceapplication. Once the application has been acceptedSST will make a recommendation to School LeadershipTeam regarding the continued enrollment of the student.The Admissions Committee will then send a letter tothe parents stating whether or not the student hasreceived official admission and outlining any additionalexpectations for the student.

15. Admission Deadline - Eight days after the semesterhas started no new students will be admitted thatsemester. Exception is given to US citizens enrolled andattending an American school.

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1. All ESL applicants applying to Kindergarten and above willtake an English language exam which is administered onour campus prior to admission. There is a fee for this exam.ESL applicants to Pre-School will be admitted at the discretionof the Admissions Committee in consultation with the ESLdepartment.

2. If a student is transferring from a non-English speaking educationalsystem (such as Malaysian, Taiwan, Korea, Japan or Thailand), heor she may need to sit for additional exams that will helpus determine his or her appropriate grade level.

3. Dalat International School does admit students with limitedEnglish subject to consideration of the following: past academicperformance, results of our English language proficiencytest and seats available in the appropriate grade level.Admissions criteria will differ in the different divisions ofthe school.

4. All students must have some level of English proficiency tobe accepted. Dalat does not accept students with no Englishproficiency.

5. Students applying for Grades 9 to 12 must be fluent in English.No ESL classes are available after Grade 8.

6. There are limited spaces available in the ESL program.

7. Additional fees apply for the ESL program.

8. Those coming from an English speaking school with less thantwo/three years instruction in English may be asked to take Dalat sEnglish test.

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education for life

��Parents are required to submit a withdrawal letter in writingas soon as possible. Parents will be asked to complete ashort exit survey upon notification. Payment of anyoutstanding financial bills is required before school recordswill be released.

��To properly evaluate and prepare to support the child,educational and emotional support documentation is needed.These documents include, but are not limited to, copies ofschool reports, copies of all diagnostic test reports andresults, Individualized Education Program (IEP) reports, 504plans, psychological educational evaluation or other learningsupport profiles, medical information related to your student slearning, notes on speech therapy and other therapeuticsupport, and recommendations from a specialist for furthersupport.

Without such information, Dalat International School cannotmake the educational choices for your student or providethe kind of environment that meets your student seducational needs. Our programs are designed to meet theinstructional needs of students with minor learning, language,emotional or behavioural difficulties. Admission is contingentupon a match between the student s needs and the levelof services available. Failure to provide this information putsthe child at risk and may result in a denial of admission ora reversal of a previously accepted student.

Students are placed on a wait list when a class is full if theparents are willing to wait and be contacted in the case ofa space opening up. Students on the wait list are notassigned a number and parents who call asking where theirchild is on the wait list will not be given this informationbecause it can be misleading. Parents are encouraged tomaintain current contact information with the AdmissionsOffice regularly and provide updated school records. In thecase of a sudden opening a decision can be made rightaway because all the required documentation will be available.

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A one-time Position Holding Deposit must be paid for allnew students at the start of the semester (one deposit perfamily). This deposit will remain with the school and will berefunded back to the parents when the last student in thefamily leaves Dalat for graduation or withdrawal provideda withdrawal notice is given by the notification date.

Notification Dates: Semester 1 - October 15

Semester 2 - March 15

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Upon acceptance into Dalat International School familieswill be sent information about new student and parentorientation to prepare for a smooth transition. Families areexpected to attend Orientation Day. Orientation is held theday before the start of each semester.

Elementary Orientation (P3-Grade 4):

9:00 am - 10:30 am

Middle and High School Orientation (Grades 5-12):

1:00 pm - 3:00 pm (4:30 pm if testing is needed)

Boarding families will have an additional orientation heldlater in the afternoon.

Our uniform store will be opened on Orientation Day aswell as the Thursday and Friday prior to the start of schooleach semester.

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Open House is held a few weeks after the start of the firstsemester in August. All parents are encouraged to attend.It is a great opportunity to meet your child s teacher, meetnew people, and find out more about our school.

High school students and their parents must attendappointments with the High School Academic Counselorprior to Orientation Day. This time with the counselor isnecessary to review your child s class schedule. You willreceive an appointment via email from the AdmissionsOffice. Reschedule requests may be made by contactingthe Admissions Coordinator.

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Conferences are held with parents of each child in middleschool and high school during the first semester. Preschooland elementary conferences will take place during the firstand third quarters. Parents may request a conference witha teacher at any time. Please contact the teacher via email,in writing or by calling the school office to request andarrange a meeting time.

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Parents of new students are invited to the New ParentBreakfast held one week after school starts each semester.This orientation includes information on school goals,transitioning into a new school, and an opportunity to askquestions of school administrators.

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education for life

��Elementary students are provided with the required paper,notebooks, pencils, eraser, crayons, ruler, and glue needed.Elementary teachers may require students to replace zipfolders (if needed) for protecting homework andcommunication from school to home.

Middle school students are provided with supplies at thebeginning of each semester. Students will receive anexpandable file folder to organize handouts, worksheetsand other school work. Students are given an Agenda fororganization (like a Day-Timer) and are expected to use itto write down all homework assignments and carry it toevery class. Classroom teachers provide students with somelined paper, notebooks, and other supplies needed for classassignments. Teachers may request that students purchaseadditional supplies to complete assignments.

High School - Scientific calculators may be required for someclasses. Apple iPads are required to be purchased. Teachersmay request that students purchase additional supplies tocomplete assignments.

��*�&��School Hours:

Elementary Preschool: 8:20 am - 12:00 noon

Elementary (grades K-4) 8:20 am - 3:05 pm

(with clubs 3:45 pm)Middle and High School : 8:20 am - 3:45 pm

Uniforms:

Students are required to wear the school uniform duringschool hours.

School UniformElementary: Red Dalat shirt with navy blue shorts or skort(half skirt, half shorts).Middle and High School: Red or blue Dalat polo shirt withkhaki Dalat shorts, skirt or long trousers.

PE UniformElementary: Blue Dalat PE shirt with school uniform shortsor skort.Middle and High School: Blue Dalat PE shirt and blueDalat PE shorts.

JacketsElementary, Middle and High School: Dalat school hoodiesweatshirts only.

FootwearElementary: Sports shoes or sandals with a back strap.Middle and High School: Smart looking shoes or sandals.

No other additions to the Dalat uniform can be made.

Parents must provide or arrange all transportation to andfrom school. Local school bus companies may be contactedto arrange for transportation.

The local school bus service is contracted outside of DalatInternational School. The school bus has both pick-up anddrop off times that vary according to your children s schoolschedule. Contact the school office for contact information.

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When you visit the campus prior to admission and enrollmentyou must stop at the main gate and check in with securityto be given a visitor s badge to wear during your visit tothe main office. We apologize for any inconvenience thismay cause you. Our priority is always the safety and securityof our students and staff.

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Students may bring their own lunch to school or sign upfor the Cafeteria semester lunch program. The buffet stylelunch provides a hot meal, a sandwich bar, salad bar, dessertand drinks with both Western and Asian options. The weeklymenu is posted in the Dalat News. If students choose notto sign up for the semester lunch program, he or she maybring his or her own lunch or purchase lunch on a dailybasis. The daily purchase of lunch is a slightly higher pricethan the semester lunch. Proper etiquette and behavior isexpected at all times in the lunchroom. Adults are on dutyfor assistance.

Please see the Fees Schedule for lunch pricing.

Each vehicle entering campus must stop for a security check.Once your child is enrolled at Dalat you may apply for ayearly vehicle sticker which should be displayed in the vehiclewindow for easier access through the security gate.Applications for car stickers are available at the main guardhouse.

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Communication between parents and the school is crucial.Dalat News, Dalat Website, Daily Bulletin, elementary classnewsletters, elementary student work folders, middle schoolagendas and email are all ways you can keep up to dateon your child s classroom activities and our school programs.

Families are expected to maintain current contact informationwith the Front Office.

Here are some details on the school s communication withyou:

Daily Bulletin - The Daily Bulletin is produced every weekdayfor students, staff and parents and is available for parentsvia email. Please ask for subscription details.

Dalat News - This weekly newsletter will inform you ofupcoming events, news about life on campus, opportunitiesfor parent involvement, and school-wide programs. It issent home via email every Friday and also available on theschool website. Every parent is expected to read the DalatNews each Friday.

Dalat Website - You can access information about ourcalendar, news items and photo gallery directly from thehomepage. There are links to elementary, middle and highschool to view curriculum, clubs, lunch menus, handbooks,course guides, counseling information and much more.

Dalat Directory - Dalat has a phone and email directoryonline that is accessible from all computers, smartphones,and tablets. The Dalat Directory and Market Place is a safe,secure environment and has many great features onlinethat include:

Family phone numbers and email addressesDalat Staff contact informationLocal and Malaysian business directoryEmergency phone numbersMarket Place to sell and buy items

The Dalat Directory is protected by a password and passwordswill be provided to parents early each semester.

Dalat App - The Dalat Hub (meaning a central location forinformation) is a free Dalat App through the App Store.You can find it by searching for Dalat Hub to use on anytablet or smart phone. It gives easy access to DalatInternational School s web services including: Dalat News,DIScourse, School Calendar, PowerSchool, Library services,Yogile Photo pages, Dalat Directory, and Dalat Alumni.

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Guidance and CounsellingSpecial ServicesTutoring by Students (Peer Tutoring)Health ServicesTechnology DepartmentLibrarySpiritual LifeCafeteria Services / Lunch Program

��*��Participation in Dalat s Parent Teacher Organization (PTO)is open to all parents. The PTO organizes school andcommunity activities throughout the year. Contact the officefor details on time and location of PTO meetings.

We believe that parents in our community have a great dealto offer in complementing the work that we do withstudents. Parents are encouraged to contact individualteachers or the principal to volunteer in their areas ofexpertise. Parents are also encouraged to help withlunch/playground supervision, to act as a class parent, andto help supervise field trips.

Open HouseSpiritual Emphasis Week (SEW)Missions Emphasis Week (MEW)Track and Field DayAnnual FundChristmas BanquetSchool Music ConcertsDrama ProductionsBattle of the BooksScience FairNational Junior Honor Society InductionNational Honor Society InductionJunior Senior BanquetFood and Fun FairGraduation Week

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At the End of the Day

KICS (Kids Interest Clubs) Grades 1-4

These are optional opportunities for elementary studentsto participate in enrichment activities.

Eureka Grades 5 & 6

Two times a week students participate in non-gradedenrichment activities. Other days students participate inintramurals, study hall and an all middle school activity.

Exploratories Grades 7 & 8

Two times a week students participate in graded enrichmentactivities. Other days students participate in intramurals,study hall and an all middle school activity.

X Block (Extra Curriculum) Grades 9-12

High School students are given opportunities to enrich theirlearning experience by participating in non-graded activities,study hall, or extended classroom opportunities. AP coursesand Journalism require more hours of instruction than thestandard class time allotted. Student enrolled in thesecourses will be required to take the corresponding X blocktime slot. When a conflict occurs adecision will be made by theinstructor, tutor, and principalwhich X block to attend.

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Upper Field Parking Lot

We encourage parents to use the Upper Field parking lotfor student drop-off and pick-up. There is plenty of roomto wait or park. Upper Field has quick and easy access tothe campus; usually providing a shorter trip to most of thecampus.

Morning Drop-Off and After School Pick-Up

In order to avoid congestion on campus please have yourstudents ready to exit and enter your car quickly so theydo not hold up traffic. Drivers must stay with their vehicleat all times unless the car is parked on upper field or in adesignated parking place on campus. Parking in undesignatedparking areas on campus makes the campus unsafe for thechildren.

Do not stop on the main road in front of the school.

It is dangerous and many accidents have occurred

there. Please take a few extra moments to keep our

children safe.

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Dalat International School educates children in

preschool to grade 12. Located in Penang, Malaysia,

Dalat is a leader in international education and

provides an ‘education for life’. Dalat started as a

school for missionary kids in Dalat, Vietnam 81 years

ago in 1929. Since then it has relocated to Bangkok,

Thailand for a year before moving to the Cameron

Highlands, Malaysia in 1966. The school has been

on its current location in Penang since 1971. The

school offers an American, college-preparatory,

Christian-integrated curriculum, and its academic

and boarding programs are fully accredited.

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