Message from the Head of Primary
I cannot believe how quickly this term is flying by, it is Week 6, and I am already feeling as though I belong at AISHK. Thank you to the students, teachers and parents who have so warmly welcomed me to this vibrant community.
Camps
In a few weeks, Year 3, 4, and 5 students will be heading out on camp, and we hope your child is looking forward to this fantastic opportunity. We understand that some families may feel apprehensive about their child staying away from home.
There are many benefits to school camp, and I would like to highlight a few here. Camp provides students with the chance to connect more deeply with their teachers and friends. Through various camp experiences, students broaden their friendship groups as they see people in different settings and roles. Additionally, camp leaders can become wonderful mentors for students.
Camp is an opportunity to disconnect from technology and learn new skills. It offers real-life experiences that help children develop independence, whether it's through packing their own bags, gathering the items they need, or remembering to apply sunscreen. In Hong Kong, where children often spend a lot of time indoors, camp allows them to explore and appreciate nature. It is an authentic opportunity for hands-on learning.
When reflecting with older students about their time at school, camp is often a topic that comes up. The deepest memories we make are those where we feel intense emotions; feelings of joy and triumph are ones we will remember for a lifetime. As we approach camp time, take a moment to reflect with your child on your positive camp experiences. Personally, I remember a time on camp in Australia, when I was a child when a kangaroo came right up to our cabin. We all froze and watched it hop past; this memory is etched on my mind and without this camp experience I would not have this incredible memory.
NAPLAN (National Assessment Program - Literacy and Numeracy)
In Week 8 students in Year 3, 5, 7 and 9 are undertaking NAPLAN assessments. NAPLAN is an Australian nationwide measure through which parents, teachers, schools, education authorities and the broader community can track the literacy and numeracy development of Australian children over time. These tests support monitoring and evaluating the performance of students in fundamental capabilities. The results can assist teachers by providing additional information to support their professional judgement about students’ literacy and numeracy progress.
NAPLAN is made up of tests in 4 areas:
Reading
Writing
Conventions of language (spelling, grammar and punctuation)
Numeracy
NAPLAN is not an assessment that can be studied for, you can support your child by reassuring them that NAPLAN is a part of our school program and every school in Australia. Teachers have ensured that students are well prepared for these tests by exposing them to the types of questions and conditions they will experience.
As a school we see NAPLAN as part of our day-to-day assessment practice and will support students to do their very best. If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to reach out to either the Primary or Secondary office.
Saasyan Assure – wellbeing alerts
In assembly I reminded students in Upper Primary (3-6) that it is a privilege to have access to devices and the wonderfully engaging IT platforms that are available at AISHK, with this privilege comes responsibility. All students in Years 3 – 6 have agreed to our ICT agreement, with Year 6 bringing the document home to sign.
This year our IT department has implemented a new filtering system, along with our fire wall at school that helps us monitor what students are searching for online. This is a wonderful step towards keeping our students safe online and ensuring that as a school we are taking a proactive approach to cyber safety.
Jane Thomas - Head of Primary
