EYES NEWS

Early Years

Early Years & Elementary School Grade Level Meeting

Written by Ms. Kelly

The school year is officially underway! On Friday, 2 August 2024, the Early Years and Elementary School (EYES) department hosted our first parent meeting for the 2024-2025 academic year. This event was a wonderful opportunity to introduce our team, including new staff members, to both new and returning parents. The annual grade-level meeting provided valuable insights into updates and plans for the upcoming year. It was a delightful start to what promises to be an exciting academic year!

Toddler

Written by Ms. Ann

The first week of school is always special, especially for our youngest learners. For the toddlers stepping into the classroom for the first time, it marked the beginning of an exciting adventure filled with new experiences.

From day one, the toddlers eagerly engaged in hands-on activities, exploring colourful paints and sensory trays. Artistic expression quickly became a favourite, with their vibrant paintings turning the once bare classroom walls into a lively gallery. Circle time also became a cherished part of their day, fostering a sense of community through stories, songs, and simple discussions. 

By the end of the week, the classroom that once felt big and unfamiliar had become a second home. The toddlers had not only adjusted to their new surroundings but had also begun to thrive, making the first week a truly memorable experience.

Nursery

Written by Ms. Jill and Ms. Jillian

The first week of Nursery class has been an exciting and brave adventure for our young students. It was their first time attending class by themselves, and they handled it with courage. As they began settling in, they started to learn the routines and get comfortable with their new environment.

The children particularly enjoyed singing and dancing to familiar songs like "Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes" and "Wheels on the Bus." These songs helped ease them into the class and brought smiles to their faces. In addition to music, we introduced some fun activities that the children eagerly participated in. They got creative with playdough, building colourful houses and towers using mega blocks, and pretending to cook with beans in the play kitchen. These activities not only sparked their imagination but also helped them bond with their friends.

It's been a fantastic start to the school year, and we are excited to see what more adventures await with this wonderful group of little learners. We can't wait to continue this journey with them!

PreK

Written by Ms. Joy

The first day of school was a thrilling experience for our Pre-K children. As they entered the classroom, they were welcomed by engaging learning stations, melodious music, and cheerful smiles from everyone in the Wayang Early Years building. The atmosphere was filled with excitement and curiosity as they explored the same classroom with a new arrangement, complete with more fun attractions. Throughout the day, the children participated in a variety of activities, such as meeting their new teachers, engaging in story time, and participating in imaginative play in our little home corner and construction area. We eagerly welcomed our new friends, who instantly clicked with the group and followed the routine. Everybody blended in, each contributing uniquely to the class dynamics.

As the day came to an end, parents eagerly awaited their children’s return, and the kids went home from their long, joyful morning. This delightful beginning paves the way for an amazing year ahead—a year full of adventures, learning, and hope for AY 2024-2025 Pre-K HOPE!

K1

Written by Ms. Lorely and Ms. April

The first day of Kinder 1 is a significant m i l e s t o n e for both children and parents, marked by excitement, new experiences, and a few jitters. Upon entering the classroom, the kiddos were greeted by familiar and new faces, eye-catching decorations, and engaging activities designed to make learning enjoyable and memorable. Teachers worked hard to ensure the children felt welcomed, comfortable, and safe. Each day began with students choosing activities they enjoyed and singing songs to ease any anxieties. During Circle Time, they happily sang, introduced themselves to their new friends, and coloured their "First Day of School” hats. The kids also tuned in well to “The Kissing Hand” story and were excited to hear the sweet notes from their parents for their first B I G day!

By the second day, a sense of familiarity began to settle in as students found their rhythm, adjusting to their schedules and getting to know their classmates and teachers better. By the third day, the hallways were alive with the buzz of students who were becoming more comfortable with the school environment as they took a quick school tour to the library, canteen and their happy place - the playground! On the fourth day, routines became a bit more established and students navigated the school library with confidence and joy.  By the fifth day, the school was in full swing. A strong sense of camaraderie among peers and a growing connection with teachers had developed. 

The foundation for the school year was firmly laid, balancing academic focus with social interaction. The mix of anticipation and ease set the stage for a promising year ahead.

K2

Written by Ms. Klara and Ms. Czarina

Welcome back to school K2’s! Today is a special day as we are starting a brand new school year together. There were old faces and at the same time new faces that greeted students in class.  This is a week filled with exciting activities and time for our K2’s to adjust with a longer time to be with their teachers and friends in school.

Entering the new room was such a breeze as they became easily comfortable with their friends. The day started with songs and dance that they all enjoyed. Interacting with one another through group activities became their way to update each other and playing at the park was the highlight of the day!

Elementary School

SWA Buddies

Written by Ms. Lecya

Welcome to SWA! 

We are more than happy to welcome the new students to our community. We understand the first few months of entering a new school could be a challenging period. Therefore, to help the adjustment process, we present the buddy system! Several selected students are assigned to help the new student. They have been accompanying the new students and helping them for the past few days to learn the rules and routines, catch up on lessons, and make new social connections. 

Thank you, buddies!

Grade 1 English

Written by Mr. Robert

Our first week in Grade 1 was all about learning the importance of persistence and optimism. From the very beginning, students embraced challenges with enthusiasm. At the EX Fair, they dived into a sticky and squishy slime-making activity led by Ms. Evi. It was messy fun, but it also required patience and perseverance to get the slime just right.

One of the week’s highlights was reading Giraffes Can’t Dance, a story that perfectly illustrated our focus on persistence and optimism. Inspired by Gerald the Giraffe, the students faced a special challenge: cutting out their very own Gerald by hand—without using scissors. This task wasn’t easy, but it was the perfect opportunity for the children to learn that mistakes are okay. If the cut didn’t go as planned, they took a deep breath, tried again, and kept going until they succeeded. This activity reinforced the idea that trying our best is what truly matters, and that every mistake is a step towards success.

Beyond the classroom, students practised persistence and optimism on the playground, making new friends while swinging on the ropes and sharing laughs. They also had their first visit to the library, where they learnt how to treat books with care and respect.

It was a fantastic start to the year, filled with learning, fun, and the discovery that with persistence and optimism, we can achieve anything.

Grade 2 Science

Written by Ms. Shirley

Our grade 2 students recently explored the scientific method through a hands-on gummy bear experiment. They followed the steps of making observations, forming hypotheses, conducting experiments, and drawing conclusions to investigate what happens to gummy bears in different solutions. Using science tools such as beakers, rulers, petri dishes, and magnifying glasses, the students carefully documented the changes they observed.

This experiment not only introduced our students to the scientific method but also taught them how to use basic science tools effectively. Through this engaging activity, they gained a deeper understanding of scientific inquiry and developed essential skills, laying a strong foundation for their future explorations in science.

They began their investigation by carefully observing the specimen.

They learn to measure the volume of water

They prepare the solutions

They conduct the experiment

Grade 3 Bahasa Indonesia

Written by Ms. Farah and Ms. Ayu

The first week of Bahasa Indonesia class has been very exciting as students eagerly embarked on their language learning journey. We began by assessing their prior knowledge and understanding of Indonesian, which helped us gauge their starting point and tailor our approach. Students filled out an “About Me” form, which included an infographic to aid them in introducing themselves in Bahasa Indonesia. This practical activity not only allowed them to practice their new language skills but also provided a foundation for personal expression in the classroom.

Adding to the week’s excitement, our Grade 3 students participated in a delightful pre-Independence Day activity at the school’s activity corner. The corner featured traditional Indonesian games, including congklak and gasing, which captivated the students' attention and enthusiasm. As they gathered around the congklak boards, they engaged in friendly competition, strategising and learning the intricacies of this classic game. Meanwhile, the gasing stations had students excitedly spinning top after top, marveling at the skill required to keep them spinning. These traditional games not only provided fun but also offered a valuable opportunity for students to connect with and appreciate our cultural heritage. 

The excitement and enthusiasm displayed during these initial activities, both in the classroom and at the activity corner, set a positive tone for the rest of the course. It highlighted the students' readiness and commitment to learning Indonesian, while also fostering a sense of pride and anticipation for the upcoming Independence Day celebration.

Grade 4 PE

Written by Mr. Victor

In our first Grade 4 P.E. class, we emphasised the importance of quick and safe movement into different positions. We agreed that our success depends on everyone being in their designated spots promptly. By organising ourselves in a huddle, we can better receive coaching instructions. In our drill formations, our places provide the space needed for practicing and evaluating individual progress. Overall, this allows us to maximise our time learning new skills and playing games!

Grade 5 Music

Written by Mr. Freddy

Music plays a vital role in the development of children, especially during their elementary years. It is more than just a subject—it’s a pathway to creativity, self-expression, and cognitive growth. Exposure to diverse world music broadens children's cultural understanding and fosters an appreciation for global traditions. This early exploration is crucial, as it enhances brain development, improving skills such as memory, language, and emotional intelligence.

This year in Grade 5 Music, we are excited to build on our prior learning and take it to a higher level. Our students will continue to develop their musical talents by exploring new instruments and expanding their creativity. We’ll be reintroducing the hulusi, a beautiful traditional wind instrument, while also learning to play chords on the ukulele. Collaborative music-making will be a focus, with the kolintang ensemble providing a rich, collective experience. Additionally, students will delve deeper into the world of music creation and notation using Flat.io, with all Grade 5 students already equipped with their accounts.

Our Grade 5 class is brimming with talented musicians, singers, and artists. Last year, they played important roles in our performances, collaborating with all elementary students and showcasing their dedication and skill. While they are yet to perform a new project this year, it’s worth revisiting their impressive performances from last year, where they gave their all. Check out the video below, recorded by Mr. Ken from the SWA Design Team for a glimpse of their outstanding contributions.

This year, we are proud to announce that the Grade 5 class has been chosen to be the main choir for our upcoming Indonesia Independence Day Flag Ceremony on August 16, 2024. They will lead the singing of the national anthem, and a medley of Indonesian folk songs and independence-day theme songs specially arranged for them. This performance will highlight musical ornaments from Kalimantan, celebrating the new capital city of Indonesia, Ibu Kota Nusantara. This will be their collaborative project from the Music and Indonesian Department.