From the Principal 11.03.2023

Dear KIS Community,

Hearty congratulations to all of our students and staff yesterday for celebrating our KIS Global Arts Day. A very successful collaboration across the school. I must extend my thanks and gratitude to everyone involved, in particular to Mrs Adams for coordinating the Primary School, Ms Yuen for Coordinating the Secondary School and to Ms Tretter for organising the musical concert yesterday evening (our students were fantastic). Thank you also to some of our parents who gave up their time yesterday to help inspire our students. These events are not only hugely enjoyable but they are an essential part of children and young adults’ education. So why is creativity so important at school, and to us at KIS?

Creativity is a vital aspect of our students’ education. Creativity is not limited to artistic expression or musical talents; it extends to all areas of life, including problem-solving, critical thinking, and innovation. Creativity encourages our students to think outside the box. It helps them to develop their own unique perspectives and ideas, which can lead to original solutions and approaches to challenges. Creativity also fosters a sense of curiosity and experimentation, allowing children to explore different avenues of thought and expression. It is this exploration that helps children discover new passions and interests, expanding their horizons and promoting lifelong learning.

Some education styles promote simple repetition, which can be effective for short term success. However, at KIS, creativity also plays a vital role in our students’ academic success. Research has shown that creative thinking is closely linked to academic achievement. When children are encouraged to think creatively, they are more likely to engage with their studies, retain information, and develop life-long critical thinking skills. Moreover, creative thinking can help students approach complex problems in innovative ways, leading to more effective problem-solving.

Another benefit of an education enriched by creativity is its ability to promote emotional well-being. Artistic expression, in particular, can be a powerful outlet for emotions and a tool for self-discovery. Engaging in creative activities can help our students express their feelings in a healthy way, build confidence, and reduce stress and anxiety. Moreover, it can help students build resilience and develop coping strategies, which I am sure we all agree, are essential skills for navigating the challenges of modern life.

Creativity is essential for preparing children for the future. As technology continues to transform the world, creativity will be an increasingly valuable skill. Creative thinking is essential for innovation, and it is often those who can think outside the box who come up with ground-breaking ideas and solutions. As parents and educators, there are many ways we can encourage our children’s creativity, including providing opportunities for artistic expression, encouraging exploration and experimentation, and valuing our children’s unique perspective and ideas. Together, we can foster a love of creativity that will benefit our children throughout their lives.

Thank you to everyone who was able to support the Eco-Warriors last weekend at Langkah Syabas for the Beach Clean. A very enjoyable morning was had by parents, students, staff, Board members, friends, and even visiting relatives. Next weekend is a bit closer to home, we have the return of our annual Family Fun Day. Save the morning and come to school for some fun, food, games, relaxation, and a chance to catch up with friends.

Finally, the creative theme continues this morning, at school today, the school’s leadership teams meet with our Board of Governors. We will be reviewing our strategic plans as we look to the future over the next few years and the ongoing development at KIS through Vision 25. In our last parent survey there was much agreement for reviewing the timeframe for our planning due to the prolonged impact of Covid. I am looking forward to the opportunity to help shape and drive the further success for KIS with such a supportive and engaged team.

Wishing you a lovely weekend,

Ian Gross
Principal