From the Head of Primary, 19.01.19

Cooking in Year 3
Year 3 have had an excellent start to their cooking topic this week. I would like to say a very big thank you to Mrs Shirley Yu for giving time over the next few weeks to help teach the Year 3 students about cooking and introducing the students to some local ingredients. This week the children made sandwiches so that they can begin to understand more about food hygiene. In the coming weeks the students will progress to making a Spanish Salmarejo (a cold Spanish tomato and bread soup), before their trip later this term to UMS where they will be learning more about food and nutrition and making treats with chocolate. I am looking forward to sampling some of the food that our budding Masterchefs will be making!

Appropriate Language in School
Unfortunately it has been brought to my attention that many of the Primary students have been using language in the playground that is not suitable for school. There have been instances when both students and parents have been offended or upset hearing the words used. I have spoken to the students about their use of language in school and told them that the words they use at break time should be the same as the words that are used in the class. I have reminded the students that they should only be using language in school (whether it is the classroom or playground) that they would be happy for their parents or teachers to hear.

Please can I ask all parents and guardians, when you are talking with your children at home, to reinforce the fact that people should be speaking to others as they would like to be spoken to themselves, with dignity and respect. Unfortunately some of the Primary students are not doing this and they are causing upset due to the inappropriate language they are using.

Social Media
Children today are living in an ever changing technological era. The opportunities and technology available to our students is changing dramatically. However, along with these opportunities are also the chances for children to be exposed to greater outside influences, not all of which are positive. Children today are having greater access to websites and social media than ever before. Social media can be an excellent way to keep in contact with family who live far away, but also it has to be monitored closely by parents and other adults as recommendations are that children under the age of 13 should not use sites like WhatsApp, YouTube, Instagram or Facebook. If your child does use these site, please do monitor their usage and ensure that they are looking at appropriate content.

TA JAWS – PASS Club
Next week KIS is hosting 30 Teaching and Learning Assistants from around the region at the FOBISIA TA JAWS (Job Alike Workshops). We will have delegates joining our TLA team from all over the region for two days of informative workshops. This is an exciting opportunity for all our TLAs to attend. Due to the JAWS happening, unfortunately we will only be able to offer PASS Club on Friday until 3pm. Please can you ensure your child is collected promptly at this time. Thank you.

Mrs Nicky Russell
Head of Primary