Primary eNews – February 7, 2020

Parents are asked to view upcoming events on the BIS Calendar of Events

International Schools’ Assessment (ISA) Testing

A reminder to all families that our Grade 3 – 5 students will set the ACER ISA on the mornings of Tuesday 11 February and Wednesday 12 February. It is important that students participating in the assessment get a good night’s sleep the nights before the assessments, eat healthy breakfasts and arrive at school on time on the morning of the assessments. While these assessments provide the school with valuable information, it is important that any student who is unwell or is exhibiting any new flu-like symptoms are not sent to school.

Thank You For The Music

Our students and teachers are working hard in preparation for the Primary Musical, Thank You For the Music which will be performed on Tuesday 3rd and Wednesday 4th March in the MPR. We brought our Grade 2 – 5 students together last Friday to sing some of the songs together and worked on some dances. This morning saw us bring all students from Preschool 3 to Grade 5 together for a successful  first run through of the whole show. I believe that students have lyrics and script to practice at home over the coming weeks. Below is a short video from our rehearsals.

Parents are welcome to attend any of the three shows (10am & 5pm on Tuesday 4th and 10am on Wednesday 5th) and we ask that all students be present for the 5pm show on Tuesday 4th.

 

 

Upcoming Parent Information Sessions & Workshops

We have a Parent Session on  Play based learning & inquiry in the early years from 8 – 9 am on Wednesday 26th February (previously advertised as Monday 24th February). Instead of a presentation in the Library, we’re inviting parents to join our Preschool, Kindergarten and Grade 1 students for a session in our Outdoor Learning Space which is outside the Kindergarten & Grade 1 classrooms. We have been working to develop this space over the last few months and would like to show parents how play and inquiry supports our younger students’ learning and development. We will also set up each class’ garden bed so parents are invited to bring in seeds or plants for us to use. 

 

Mr Ferris, the Secondary Principal will lead the Parent Information Session focusing on  Grade 5-6 Transition from 8 – 9am on Monday 9th March. This will be a chance for parents to learn more about the difference between Primary school and Secondary school. We will also share details of workshops we will run for our Grade 5 students leading up to the end of the school year to support them as they prepare for this exciting change

We have a PYP Parent Workshop focusing on the PYP Exhibition from 8 – 9am on Monday 27 April. This will be a great opportunity for all parents, not just those of Grade 5 students, to come and learn about the culminating inquiry in the Primary Years Programme, the Exhibition. The Grade 5 students would have been working on their inquiries for 7 weeks by this stage and will be starting their presentations the following day. Come down and get an overview of the Exhibition from Ibu Alison, our Grade 5 teacher and the Grade 5 students. 

I am also aiming to re-scheduled our postponed Parent Workshop on Inquiry in the PYP Classroom to early Term 4.

Mother Tongue Celebration 

Bali Island School will celebrate International Mother Tongue Day from 8 – 8:45am on Tuesday 25th February. Parents are welcomed and encouraged to join (especially if they speak more than 1 language to help our PYP leaders with our reading and writing activity). More details will follow. 

The Importance of Sleep for Young Children 

Research has shown a direct correlation between sleep and attention, learning, behaviour and memory. Children who get adequate amounts of sleep are generally healthier, both physically and mentally. Conversely, a lack of sleep can lead to moodiness, irritability and weight gain. 

How much sleep is enough?

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends:

• Children 3-5 years old: 10-13 hours
• Children 6-12 years old: 9-12 hours
• Teenagers 13-18 years old: 8-10 hours

What can I do if my child can’t fall asleep?

• Establish a consistent, calming routine before bedtime: eg. take a warm shower & read a book
• Cosy up the bedroom with comforting family pictures and a stuffy or two to snuggle with 
• Dim lighting
• No electronics or screen time of any sort at least 30 minutes before bed
• Limit caffeinated and sugary drinks
• Ensure your child has had adequate physical activity during the day.

Parents are encouraged to communicate with their child’s teacher about their child’s sleep habits, or lack of sleep on a night before an important school day. A lack of sleep will likely affect a child’s performance on tests and assignments. Adequate sleep will help your child be mentally alert and physically relaxed, and set them up to get the most out of their day. Parents of children with a pattern of poor sleep habits, such as an inability to fall asleep, waking up regularly, or having nightmares, should consult their paediatrician.

By Jackie Wyncoll – Primary Student Support

References:

• kidshealth.org (Nemours Kids health)
• hopkinsallchildrens.org (Johns Hopkins Hospital)
• naeyc.org (National Institute for the Education of Young Children)