Dear Elementary Families,

Months back, my family was touring around the hidden curling alleyways in Sai Kung and came across a used bookshop. Finding gems like this is always thrilling for us, but this specific place reminded me of Harry Potter’s bookshop in Diagon Alley, so it was uniquely memorable. It had dark wooden floors, old shelving that still looked dusty even after cleaning, rickety old chairs to be sat in carefully, and all the nooks and crannies you would imagine in a place like this. We spent ample time scanning through books and eventually found a few to purchase. We were most excited about a book my husband reached from the top shelf. The title escapes me, but it was published so long ago, its age made it worth buying! It was quite delicate and smelled a century old. It sounds like an embellishment, but I truly did have a moment while holding it where I wondered about the journey of this book. How many people throughout the decades had turned the pages? How many libraries, bookshops, and park benches had it seen? My husband and I excitedly approached the owner to pay for the book, but were unfortunately met with an apology. “I’m so sorry, the books on the top shelf are not for sale,” the shopowner said. It was disappointing, but alas, we were thankful to know he loved this old book enough to at least share it on the shelves! 

In a digital and fast-paced world, it felt like a rarity to stumble upon this nestled-in bookshop full of physical books to be loved. This is my favorite part about being a school librarian… a front-row seat to witness the simple but profound joy students exhibit when they excitedly collect the books they will take home. Followed by all the “book surgeries” we perform when the books are so beloved they are falling apart and awaiting replacement!

As our school begins to highlight and implement facets of classical education, I deeply appreciate the emphasis of learning by reading and using tangible books to do so. This year, our library team has a goal to expand our book collection to mimic the plethora of additional titles available through online platforms. We aim to provide our students with increased access to engaging, imaginative, and informative books they can physically interact with. We hope this initiative will enhance comprehension and retention, nurturing students’ love for reading as they grow throughout adolescence. 

While there will undoubtedly be a place for digital and audiobooks in the future, I am thankful to know, at ICS, our students will continue to engage with the enriching tradition of enjoying the feel of real books!  

As a separate note, here is a list of my favorite books as of late that you may enjoy reading with your children: 

A Reminder on School Outerwear

With the temperature fluctuating, we all want to make sure that our children are sufficiently warm.  Please be reminded that students must wear school uniform outerwear (sweatshirts, hoodies, fleece vests/jackets & and shells) at school.  

Please also be sure that your child’s name is written on their uniform outerwear so that it can be returned to them if left behind.

The Elementary School has a provision in the handbook for cold-weather days (12 degrees or below) where students may wear their cold-weather parkas from home.  In the classroom, however, students must wear the uniform and uniform outerwear.