Howard Stribbell
A special ceremony was held at The International School of Macao (TIS), situated on the Macau University of Science and Technology (MUST) campus, to mark the official launch of the “Phase II” construction of the extension of the school.
The ceremony, held yesterday, included the unveiling of a banner, the burying of a time capsule, and a preview musical rendition by some 40 elementary school students of a song from the school’s upcoming musical performance, “Seussical The Musical,” inspired by children’s author, Dr Seuss.
“We are very excited to be taking the first step in constructing Phase II, a building which will complete the full school model and the original vision for the TIS campus,” said head of school, Howard Stribbell.
The new campus addition measures 12,500 square meters of classroom and school space that will be spread over five floors and will connect with the main school building. It includes a two-story library, purpose built classrooms for both kindergarten and high school students, a theatre/auditorium, and additional computer labs and music rooms. The expansion will also feature a “discovery center” and “covered playgrounds.”
“Some of the parents want a swimming pool… but we are lucky to be on the Macau University of Science and Technology campus,” Stribbell told reporters.
Stribbell added that the expansion was the result of increased demand for school places by both local and expatriate applicants. According to him, the completion of the second phase will increase the school’s capacity
from 1,200 students today – a figure that was reached in the 2013-14 school year – by a further 400 students.
The students themselves currently represent a diverse mix of nationalities, as to be expected from an international school. There are students from around 40 different countries from pre-kindergarten to Grade 12. Around 35 percent are from Macau, while another 20 percent are from other parts of Asia.
Phase II builds on previous developments made at TIS, including the renovation of existing buildings and facilities. A number of projects were completed in the previous academic year, including the addition of new chemistry equipment and storage units, a new waterproofing and rooftop, new fitness equipment and lockers kitted out with power outlets for easy charging of mobile devices.
Phase II is scheduled to open in August 2016, just in time for the 2016-17 academic year. Staff reporter
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