Elementary News
Monday 15 and 16 October saw the entire staff of ISS meet at the Paterson Campus for two exciting Professional Learning days. Our guest speaker was Murugaian Nirmala, the founding director of Child at Street 11, a not-for-profit early childcare centre based on student agency and inquiry. Nirmala reminded us that we should focus on the ‘image of the child’ and should never under-estimate what our children can do. She is also the author of the 2014 book, Old War, New Methods - the fight against terror. All the staff were mesmerised by her talk and inspired by her passion for education. The students returned on Wednesday to a vibrant campus and eager teachers. During the short break James (our expert ‘handyman’) has painted a road track in the early years play area and Mr Aik our security guard, has nurtured the garden into bloom. Thank you gentlemen! In the coming weeks the Grade 1s are going to beautify the environment as part of their Unit of Inquiry. Together with these students I would like to make a ‘Sound Garden’ in the play area. This will involve the students planning the garden, building the structure and obtaining the ‘instruments’. These ‘instruments’ are pots and pans, wooden pipes, old drums, hanging chimes and just about anything that will make a sound. If you have any old kitchenware (Metal, plastic or wood) we would be grateful for your donation - please leave these items with Sharon in our office. Thank you in advance! Next Friday 26 October there will be a Free Dress Day and afternoon dance party at Paterson. We will begin directly after school and students may bring masks to wear or anything that creates an atmosphere of fun. The PTA will be sending out more information on this. On 1 November Linda Du and I will be presenting a session on the PYP in Mandarin. If you would like to know more about our programme here at ISS please make sure you attend this event. The session begins at 8.15 am. If there is anything you wish to know about the PYP at our school please do not hesitate to let me know and we can organise more information sessions. Thursday 1 November - PYP in Mandarin 8.15 am. Tuesday 6 November - Deepavali (school holiday) Middle School So it begins! Welcome to Term 2 and already we are one week down. Things move fast around ISS and before you know it, we will be heading into the December break. Already there is lots happening and it is only Week 1. Professional Learning The entire teaching staff commenced Term 2 with two days of professional learning. Teachers reflected reflected on why failure is an important element in growth in the learning process. They then applied this and clarified their concept of feedback and how this has a major impact on student achievement. These refreshed ideas were then applied to various aspects of an IB education, whether it be report writing, Personal Project, Extended Essay or Global Citizenship. As the final element, after a full two days, all staff took a collegial opportunity to share in a BBQ and mix on the one campus. A very rewarding few days. Mid-Semester Reports Mid-Semester Reports went out via ManageBac on Wednesday 17th October. This report contains important insight into how your child has started the school year. The report has a comment from their Kampong teacher and Approaches To Learning (ATL) assessment for each of their subjects. Their is Key on the report to guide you on how your child is progressing in the ATLs on the report. Swim Gala After a rainy start we got underway our first ever K-10 Swim Gala, held at Toa Payoh Swim Complex. Wonderful to see all the school competing. Many opportunities for risk taking, being balanced and reflection through the gala. Week Without Walls The practical part of WWW is done for another year. Wonderful stories have come back from our students educating to make a difference in South-East Asia. It seems like they have all grown up a little in a such a short period of time. Now, the deeper learning continues from these trips. Students will begin to reflect and consider their impact on the world in sessions with their teachers and other students. Overall a significant growth experience in their education. Have a great weekend Comments are closed.
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Susan Tilney
Paterson Principal Archives
April 2020
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