We have introduced the communication platform of Seesaw across all classes this year. This was in response to some excellent feedback we received from our community. Parents desired to have their students on one platform. We are now able to receive all messages directly to our device. Seesaw also serves as a portfolio platform for students and as a way for teachers to share lessons.
Each week I send a newsletter by email. I greatly appreciate it when parents respond to me with questions, suggestions or just to keep in touch. When you reply please remind me your child’s name and their class. This helps me get to know everyone.
I would like to suggest two ways to support your child. The first is by encouraging reading in the home. If we can develop a desire for reading in our children, they will have a much easier time accessing information. Please build reading time into your routine.
Last week, you should have received the PYP newsletter. This contains the knowledge, concepts, Approaches to Learning, Learner Profile Attributes and Action which your child will be learning in the current unit. Please take the time to discuss these at home to help your child to understand them and make them a part of her life.
The four Rs are: relationship, routine, rules and responsibility.
# Relationship
There is nothing more important than spending quality time with your child. A good idea is a Monthly Daddy Date. There should be absolutely no Cs during this time (criticize, complain, correct, condemn).
# Routine
A regular bedtime routine is beneficial for children. Taking time to read together at the end of the day is a lovely way to build the relationship.
# Rules
It is important to teach our children how to obey rules and to respect others. They should know that there is a consequence to breaking rules. Having students redo a situation when they make a mistake is very valuable. A redo actually effects the brain by connecting dendrites correctly allowing the child to learn the correct behaviour. (E.g. Would you please say that again, in a more polite way?)
# Responsibility
As our children grow we need to look for ways to give them more responsibility. They will be out on their own someday. A great way to do this is by giving your child chores to do around the house such as making their bed in the morning.
And finally the 3As
# Affection
I love with you no matter what is a message our children should receive from us.
# Attention
Spending real time together with digital devices away.
# Appreciation
Let your child know how much you appreciate them. We only have a short window of time with our little ones. Let us not waste it.
FAQ from Primary Students’ Parents
Q: What is the most effective way of family-school communication?
Please send any student learning related questions to your child’s homeroom teacher via email or Seesaw. We are committed to reply within 24 hours.
Q: Where can I find the teacher’s email address I need?
All our staff emails may be found in the Primary School Handbook. You may email me if you are unsure about who to contact.
Q: How can I get to know the curriculum arrangement in advance?
For the whole year plan you may find the planners on our school website. At the start of each unit you may find the PYP newsletter on our school website. This will give you an idea of what students will learn in the coming unit and is an excellent way to support from home. I suggest you discuss the concepts and learner profile attributes around the dinner table.
Q: How can I get to know my child’s periodical learning situation?
Every academic year, the students’ reports will be released on Managebac in October, January and June. In addition, you will also be invited to attend parent-teacher meetings at school in October and January and the student-led conference in May.
Q: Can I have a daily face-to-face communication with the homeroom teacher?
Yes of course, you may make an appointment with our homeroom teacher in advance via email and then you can come to school.
Q: How can I participate in parents training at school?
We hold regular PYP Parents Coffee Mornings at the school where we learn about our curriculum together. I look forward to meeting some of you at our first one on September 7th.
Q: I can not log in Seesaw or Managebac, what should I do?
For any technology related issues you may email our ICT department (ict@xalis.com). For that matter if there is any time you are unsure as to who to contact, you may email our Student Parent Center (pr@xalis.com) for support.
Q: How can I get to know the Primary school events in advance?
Please refer to the school calendar of 2021-2022 Academic Year on our school offical website.
Click here to check more details.
Author: Brian Lalor (Primary Principal)
