A short month, February, has been a very busy one at ISS.

Literacy Week had many activities organised daily. The Literacy Blog has many photos of the week, displaying the enthusiasm shared between children and adults who were engaged with stories and texts. We also had special visits from authors and storytellers, Sarah Mounsy, Sarah Brennan and Roger Jenkins who ignited students’ creative passion for storytelling. Book Dress up day, was the finale of the Literacy week. We saw some great costumes that reflected the breadth of student reading.

It is special weeks like this that students will look back upon fondly in the years to come and serve to engender the love of learning that is so apparent at ISS.

Chinese New Year Assembly was also held on the last day of Literacy week. Students performed so well and showcased their Mandarin skills. This celebration was extended till the end of the month with a visit from a Lion Dance Troupe to the great excitement of all of the children.

Outside the school gates I am pleased to report that the ongoing construction is having no negative impact on learning at ISS. Apart from the presence of a 7-metre sound reduction fence, we are not really aware of all of the work going on.

I wish you all a Happy and Prosperous Year of the Goat

Derek Pinchbeck
Elementary School Principal

How to help your child to be more reflective?

• Ask them about what they liked most about the day just past?
• Focus on the process and the effort put in not the achievement made.
• Encourage them to view learning as fun and not knowing as exciting.
• Listen to what they have to say and show interest in their interest.
• Praise your child’s perseverance, hard work and enthusiasm to take risks not their intelligence.