Dear Parents,

I hope you all had a very enjoyable Hari Raya break and welcome back to the second part of Term 1. It is going to be a very exciting term ahead with many interesting learning activities planned for the children.

Looking back….

Visit by the High Commissioner for Malaysia
Earlier this term we had a visit by the High Commissioner for Malaysia. As his flight arrived in the afternoon, his scheduled time of arrival at school was 2.15pm. As school had finished then we had to arrange for a special early evening performance from children in 3 different classes so that he could get a real flavour of all the things that happen here! Some children from P4K introduced themselves to the High Commissioner and spoke about where they come from and what they like doing. P5 children gave a super presentation of their fashion entry point to the International Primary Curriculum (IPC). Then Mihir from P8 spoke eloquently about the history of the school and Mr. Nic and Miss Julie explained all about the IPC that we follow. He was most impressed to know that we had achieved the accolade of learning focused school at the highest level and congratulated us on all we have done. A huge well done goes to all those children and staff involved – you did a great job!

Parent board member
I am pleased to welcome Lesley Dillon to the School Board as representative for the parents. Lesley joined the school in May 08 and has Ross in P5G. She is also the class parent for his class. Lesley will attend all the PTA meetings should you wish to speak to her there.

Looking forward….

Interschool Swimming Gala
On Saturday 11th October a team of 20 swimmers from our school will be competing against other local schools at the annual Interschool Gala. We wish them every success and thank the teachers and parents for their support.

Car parking
Next week, part of the wall behind the parking area outside the new school building will be replaced. This will mean there will be reduced parking around the school for a few days. If you could cycle or walk to school instead of bringing your car, you would find it a lot easier as well as more enjoyable!

P8 School residential trip 20th – 24th October
Our P8s accompanied by Mr. Stuart and myself will be spending 4 nights in Kuala Lumpur on their annual residential trip to visit the capital of Malaysia. Highlights of the trip will be a visit to the National Mosque and Merdeka Square, walk climbing/abseiling and a cultural evening with the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra. A trip not to be missed!

Parents’ evening 28th October
Shortly, lists will be displayed outside the new office in the new building, where you can sign up for an individual consultation with your child’s teacher to discuss his/her progress, targets and how you can support his/her learning. Meetings will be for 10 minutes. As some teachers will have many parents to see, one after the other, I ask you to respect the 10-minute time slot and also to be punctual. If you are late for your appointment then your time slot will be reduced. Thank you for your co-operation with this. Please note – there will be no after school activities on this evening.

New culture sessions – ITALY
On 29th October we will start our new culture focus, which will be Italy. The display board near the “old” entrance to school will have the theme of Italy and you are warmly invited to come and add items of interest from Italy to the display. As part of our “culture in focus” we will sing happy birthday in Italian to those children celebrating their birthdays each week. If anyone can help me with the pronunciation of this I would be very grateful! Grazie!

Kids’ duathlon 15th November
Please note the new date for the Kids’ duathlon. We have had to change the date to fit in with low tide!

Book week
As we will be having the annual whole school performance in Term 2 now and not at the end of this term, we have brought “Book Week” forward to this term and will celebrate this on the week beginning 24th November. Our theme this year is “Journeys”. There are many fun events planned for the week including a Book Fayre on Friday 28th November, when children will have the opportunity to set up a stall and sell books or just come along to buy them. This year we will have Early Childhood Publications from Brunei coming to the Book Fayre displaying a selection of new books for purchase. As always the teachers will transform their classroom doors into a scene from the book they have chosen to read that week. The children will need to dress up for the Friday assembly as a character from their favourite book. They will then be able to show everyone in school as we end the week with the Book Week parade, to which you are invited. There will be more details about the things happening during that week and timings a little closer to the event.

Sports Days
Please note that sports days will happen at the end of this term and not in term 2. Lower school sports day will be held on 3rd December and Upper Sports day on 4th December.

Science morning
On Tuesday 9th December we are having a science morning at school. The children, from nursery to P8, will be undertaking a selection of stimulating science activities throughout the morning.

As always, should you have any concerns or compliments to give, then do not hesitate to contact us at school.

Yvette and the staff