From the Head of Primary 17.06.2023
What a busy week….!
Y1 had their Showcase of Learning on Monday. It was fabulous to see how much progress the students have made during their time in Y1. A big thank you to all the parents that came to share in their children’s learning…
On Monday, Year 1 had their Showcase. They started off with performing the song ‘Cook little Pot’ that they had been learning with Mrs Bryant in their music lessons. The children were very excited to do their performance. This involved singing, acting and using musical instruments.
Next the children invited the parents into their classroom to see all the amazing learning they have been doing this term. The children got to show their bean diaries they have been keeping as part of our science project, to observe and record changes.
Miss Siddall
Tuesday was Bomba Day! The students had lots of fun with the water hose and they also got to sit inside the fire engine. As well, Y3 visited Cheshire Home for their community service initiative. Read more about this in the Community News section of the newsletter.
On Wednesday, Y4 headed off on their Residential Trip to Outward Bound Sabah. Find out more about how they got on in next week’s newsletter.
Mari Mari was the destination for Y1’s class trip…
As part of our final topic for this academic year, Traditional Tales. Year 1 visited the Mari Mari Cultural Village, as we are going to be reading some of the traditional tales told about the tribes. At the Mari Mari village, the children got to learn and discover the traditions and customs of North East Borneo’s 5 main tribes; Dunsun, Rungus, Lundayeh, Bajan and Murut. While we were there, the children got to explore many of the traditional long houses. At each house was a different activity for us to do, usually getting to taste something sweet! At the Bajun house, the children got to climb into a smaller house, with very steep steps, where they kept the Congkak (rice). Next they tried some Linapak, cooked in bamboo, at the Dunsun house.
Before they entered the Rungus home, they tried some of the honey that the Rungus people are known for. Inside they all sat around with the head of the house and he showed them how to make a fire. One of the most exciting and fun houses was at the Murut house. They all got to have a bounce on the Lansaran, it is like a trampoline made from wood. The children thoroughly enjoyed this! Along the way round the children got to taste many of the traditional snacks that the tribes would eat, some of the favourites were the Kuih Jala, which looks a little like noodles and the Panjaram which is a pancake. As we were going around the village the children were told many stories, and they had to meet the Chief! This made some of them a little nervous but the Chief was very impressed with them and welcomed us all into his house. To finish the day we got to see a wonderful cultural performance, including bamboo dancing. I was so proud of the children who were brave enough to go up on stage and have a go in front of a big audience. It was a fantastic day, the staff at the village were very impressed with the children and they were beautifully behaved all day. They asked many questions, got involved and had lots of fun! Well done Year 1!
Miss Siddall
On Thursday, Y6 held their Final Assembly and Showcase of Learning…
It was quite an emotional one and I saw a few tears among the parents. The assembly detailed many of the interesting things they have learnt about this year. There were various role play performances about the human body, graffiti art, evolution and World War II to name but a few. The children scripted everything themselves and it was just fabulous! Afterwards, their parents got to share in all the fabulous learning the students have worked so very hard on this term. A huge well done to them and their teachers for all the hard work that went into the assembly and the showcase. We are sad that the Y6 students are shortly leaving the primary section but we all know they will continue to achieve their full potential as they move onto the next part of their educational journey.
To round off the week, Y5 held their Assembly and Showcase on Friday.
Our brilliant Year 5 students showcased their amazing speaking talents, during their ‘Eco Tourism’ assembly and showcase this week. The children presented their TED talks and poetry, beautifully and with such confidence. They should be incredibly proud of themselves and their achievements over the last few weeks of preparations. Finally, parents were treated to a fayre of stalls on eco friendly hotels, designed, created and presented by the Year 5 students.
It is clear that they have put a huge amount of effort into their work and were true experts in their fields. It is always wonderful to showcase how brilliant the students at KIS are – the Year 5 students and staff have proved this once again.
Mr Beresford
In our weekly assembly, we discussed transition, how change makes us feel and what things we can do to alleviate our worries over changes that are happening in our life.
Earlier this week, I sent out a letter regarding the transition arrangements for this term. They key events happening next week that you need to be aware of are:
Y6 Transition
Y6 students will be completing their transition to secondary. This will consist of three transition days and the students will be expected to run to secondary hours, 07:45am – 3:00pm during these days. There will be a meeting for parents on the 19th June. A separate letter with more detail has been sent out by Mrs Renshaw, if you have not received it, please speak to Mr Beresford.
F2-Y1 Transition Meeting
This will take place on Tuesday 21st June. Mrs Garrick, Miss Gibbons and I will meet with the current F2 parents at 1.30pm in the MPR.
Transition afternoon for Primary
On Wednesday 21st June, primary students will have the opportunity to meet their new class teacher and teaching and learning assistant to find out what next year has in store for them. If their new teacher is not yet in the country, they will be introduced to them via a video/powerpoint. Children will also have the opportunity to ask questions about the next academic year.
Class Lists
The class lists for the academic year 2023/2024 will be sent home on Wednesday 21st June.
Please remember if your child has any concerns about the move to the next year group/key stage then encourage them to speak to their class teacher and/or help them to prepare a list of questions for their transition sessions.
This week’s Trashless Class winners are: Y2K. Well done to them.
Check out our Stars of the Week.
Next week, we have a whole host of fun activities. As well as our Transition afternoon, EYs and Y2 will hold their Showcases of learning, Y3 will be going on a trip to Dino Land and on Friday we will have our annual Science Day. Remember to check Class Dojo for updates.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Take care
Karen Hitchen
Head of Primary
