Dear Primary Parents,
October has been an incredibly productive month in the Primary School, with both students and teachers deeply engaged in learning and growth. Students have been busy with their learning, while our dedicated teachers also took significant steps in their own professional development.
Earlier this month, ten of our primary teachers attended the latest IB Asia-Pacific (IBAP) workshop. This was a wonderful opportunity for our staff to connect, collaborate, and exchange ideas with expert workshop leaders and peers. Their insights and resources from this workshop will no doubt enrich the learning experiences in our classrooms.
Additionally, a representative of each grade level and members of our leadership team were represented in Harvard University's Universal Design for Learning (UDL) course. This course focuses on identifying and removing obstacles to learning, helping us create more inclusive and accessible learning environments for every student. The insights gained from this course will support our teachers in planning effectively, keeping the needs of our diverse learners in mind.
As I reflect on the past month and the many upcoming events where students will proudly share their learning with other grade levels and guests, I am reminded of the quote, “In learning you will teach, and in teaching you will learn.”(Phil Collins) This truly reflects the reciprocal and interconnected nature of teaching and learning, a dynamic we are excited to foster and celebrate within our Primary School.
Here are some suggestions for supporting UDL at home:
Create a Flexible Study Environment:
Allow your child to explore where and how they work best, whether at a desk, a quiet corner, or in a room with soft background music. Sometimes we learn standing up, and sometimes on a bean bag.
Use Multiple Resources:
Expose children to use various resources, like visuals, hands-on materials, or audiobooks, to suit their learning preferences.
Encourage Self-Reflection:
Ask your child to reflect on their learning strengths and areas for growth. Simple conversations during car rides home or at the dinner table about what they enjoy or find challenging can help them understand themselves as learners.
Celebrate Small Successes:
Recognizing achievements, no matter how small, can build confidence. Do not miss any opportunity to celebrate growth and learning.
Promote Independence in Learning:
Allow children to explore problems on their own before offering help. Observe how they overcome this or what help they may need.
Thank you for your ongoing support as we strive to ensure both students and teachers continue growing and succeeding.
Upcoming Events
November
2 - Kidbublish Writing Competition
5 - Coffee Morning
6 - Half Day Professional Learning
7 - Reception Field Trip
7 - Year 4 Field Trip
8 - Year 5 Assembly
8 - Art competition for Heros Day
11 - Whole School Heroes Day Upacara
14 - Year 3 Field Trip
14-15 - IB Day (Visitors on campus)
15 - Wellness Break
16 - IB Dunia Conference
18 - Primary House Meeting - Cheering
18 - CAT 4 Parent Meeting with Pak Howard
20 - 22 - Year 6 Camp
22 - Primary Assembly - Y4
22 - Open Day
25 - Primary House meeting - Cheering
25 - Teachers’ Day
25 - Dec 6 iReady
28 - Music Open Mic during lunch
27 - Election Day
28 - Global History Day (INS)
28 - CAT 4 (Year 5)