Primary Newsletter 17/11/2023
Dear Parents and Carers,
I hope everyone had a good holiday although it seems a long time ago now.
When we got back to school we went straight into our Maths and Science or STEAM week. The theme was ‘time’ and the activities were linked to this as far as possible. STEAM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Maths. Some of our teachers in Primary chose to move away from pure maths and science and move to STEAM. Next year we will all be following STEAM. The students had a great time with different activities each day and they really learnt a lot. Sometimes it is much more engaging to really focus on a different approach for a week.
On Friday the 10th November we had our Armistice assembly where we showed our gratitude and respect to all those soldiers who gave their lives in the 1st World war and all wars since. We thought about the tragedy of war, listened to the poem ‘Flanders Fields’, heard the ‘last post’ and had one minute’s silence. Afterwards anyone who wanted to, could buy an item with a poppy motif or a poppy to show their support. The money raised went to support old or injured soldiers.
This week has been anti-bullying week. Thankfully we don’t have many instances of bullying in our school but when it does happen we take it very seriously. One of the best preventions is education. If all our students understand how their actions or comments can cause hurt or harm we have a better chance of reducing bullying. The theme this year was ‘Make a noise about bullying’ meaning speak out don’t let people suffer in silence. Students had activities in their classes all week. We finished the week with Friendship Friday where our focus was on being a good friend and an anti-bullying assembly. THe students enjoyed making a noise with their noisemakers and understood the symbolism.
The festival of lights is fast approaching and this year we are asking for a charity donation of winter coats (in good condition and clean) to give to needy families this winter. They would particularly like coats for children up to 12 and women, but as children come in a variety of shapes and sizes I am sure any warm coat or jacket will be well received. Mrs Harwood will be sending out more information as soon as possible.
The weather is still very wet and cold and it will probably get colder. Please make sure your children have warm clothing for playtimes and outside lessons. Thanks.
I look forward to seeing you all next Saturday, 25th November at the Festival of lights, where we celebrate Diwali, Hanukkah and Christmas all together. It has been an amazing event the last couple of years and well worth the effort to get to it. It will start at 3.00pm. There will be food trucks and drinks for sale and lots of fun activities. Father Christmas will make an appearance at 5.00pm for photo opportunities. Please buy your tickets for purchasing as you enter. Cash is the best option but we can also take payment by phone in an emergency. Keep your fingers crossed for dry weather! (Please remember this will not be the time to discuss your child’s academic progress or school related issues)
Have a great weekend.
Sharon Short
Head of Primary
Safeguarding Leader.
primaryhead@isbedu.be
+32 (0)3 271 09 43
www.isbedu.be