It is very fulfilling to be able to see our students in a variety of different contexts and not just in class. For example in the last month we have had a wonderful assembly run by Grade 3 where the students presented their learning in the performing arts. They sang for us, danced, created machines and used pantomime and drama to express themselves. Sometimes our children look very different on a stage than they do in the classroom, and show strength and creativity in new areas other than the academic.

This was true for the children who came to our PTA sponsored Messy Art Day and spent the afternoon exploring the properties of Oobleck (cornflour slime), spinning on the tyre to create patterns, molding play-dough and tie dying t-shirts amongst other activities. Their focus and enjoyment of the occasion was great to see. I thank all the parents and secondary students and teachers who took part in the event to make it the success it was.

We also had a hugely exciting Sports Day where our students moved around from station to station practicing their agility, flexibility, ball handling and gross motor skills. We finished up with running races, relays and a tug of war. To great comic relief the rope snapped in half when it was the teachers' turn and we all tumbled to the ground in a pile! We have many students who shine in physical activity and who just love being active and stretching themselves to achieve in this area.

MEF IS wants your child's learning to extend outside the classroom and to be fun, creative and hands on. These past activities are some examples of how your children can express their learning in ways beyond the usual academic programme.

Due to visa issues for some, and family or health reasons for others, we have had some changes to our original staffing since the beginning of the year. I am pleased to be able to tell you that we have been able to find teachers for these positions. Katie Klinger is the new teacher in 5B. She comes to us from the US with a degree in elementary education and experience teaching grades 3-6. She and Ms Evelyn have been team teaching in 5B for the last week to help her transition well. My thanks to Ms Evelyn for stepping in and teaching Grade 5 till Katie could get here.

Kate Birch is coming back to us from London with her family, to take up the role of Learning Support teacher again. She will be with us in a few weeks once she has organised their move back here. While we are waiting for her Ms Emily and Ms Pelin have taken up her case load. I am very thankful to them for this extra load they are managing. Kate was working for us last year and is very happy to be able to come back.

Elif Cesar is the new teacher for 1B. Elif is usually one of our ELL teachers, but she has taken up the challenge to be homeroom teacher for these students this year and we are very thankful to her for doing so. She is an experienced teacher who has taught Grade 1 before, and the children are very settled and learning lots with her and Sila in charge.

Our final good news is that we will be opening a new PreK class when our new teacher arrives soon. Her name is Jianne Han. She is a UK citizen of South Korean descent and is an extremely experienced PYP teacher with Montessori knowledge and experience also. She and Ms Janeen will be teaching PreK classes and collaborating with Preschool for their units of inquiry.