Ever wondered how the Athletic Conference of Singapore International Schools (ACSIS) became part of Middleton International School and what it means for our students? Our newsletter team spoke with Mr Juan Viola, Physical Education teacher and ACSIS Coordinator, who has been instrumental in building our competitive sports culture. In the conversation that follows, he shares how ACSIS was introduced to our school, the journey from friendly matches to full league participation, and the positive impact this has had on student wellbeing, confidence and school spirit.
1. Can you tell us a little about yourself and what you like to do?
I’m from South Africa and have been teaching for almost 20 years- eight of those here at Middleton. I love playing rugby, participating in sports, spending time with friends, and being with my family.
2. Where did you go to school? What’s your best sporting victory from school?
I finished school in South Africa, where the culture strongly emphasised respect for teachers, sport, and the community. I later completed my master’s degree in Melbourne. My best victory was winning a rugby tournament in 2000, where my team earned a trophy. More recently, I won a gold medal in third-division touch rugby with a team that barely trained!
3. How did you implement ACSIS at Middleton?
It was challenging because competitive sports were new to Middleton. In 2023, we presented our ideas to Ms Atima and Mr Adam for internal approval before submitting them to the ACSIS board.
4. How does the ACSIS Board approval process work?
We present our proposal to a board of 40 voters, and a unanimous decision is required. Fortunately, Ms Atima supported the proposal and recognised the importance of sport in students’ lives. We received the votes in less than a day. Approval usually takes a week but the board was impressed with our facilities and the variety of sports we could offer.
5. How long have you been working with ACSIS, and what changes have you seen?
Since joining Middleton in 2017, we initially only had friendly matches. With ACSIS implemented, student morale has soared. Participation has grown from about 50 –100 students in 2023 to nearly 400 in 2025. Students are more focused, more confident, and more excited to play.
6. How does ACSIS reflect Middleton’s values?
ACSIS aligns with nearly all of Middleton’s values: Respect, Mindfulness, Adaptability, Teamwork, and Resilience. Students learn to handle wins and losses, show commitment through practice, and develop important character strengths.
7. Your best moment from last year and your wish for this year?
Best moment: Seeing the athletics programme run so smoothly this year.
Wish for this year: To involve even more Early Years students in ACSIS, as many parents are eager to see their young children participate in a competitive sporting environment.
Explore more about the ACSIS programme and past participation!