From the Preschool/Elementary School Principal

 

*This week's images include the Night Dome (for Grade 1 and Grade 5's space units), the Language & Cultural Advocates during a planning lunch, ISA students at the Print Room screenprinting workshop, a Grade 2 artist learning about tesellations and M.C. Escher and, lastly, a snow sculpture from this week's recess times.

In-service Day

Next Wednesday, 14 February 2024, while your children are at home, starting off a “6-day weekend” to recharge their batteries at mid-term, the staff at ISA will be involved in an in-service day. This is a chance for us to take the time to have conversations with one another around a range of vital topics, all centred around the idea of maximising the learning opportunities and positive experiences of the children in our care. As part of the upcoming in-service day, we will be carrying out work in preparation for an upcoming accreditation visit; holding discussions about the ways in which we support the development of active, global citizens; sharing strategies and practices to support all students' progress; and much, much more. We firmly believe in the idea that we should all be “lifelong learners” (staff and students alike), and the work that we do during our in-service days is an expression of that idea in practice. 

Car Park Etiquette

We have noticed that some drivers are not taking sufficient care at drop off and pick up times, particularly in the upper car park, where our youngest children are most likely to be. We would like everyone to please take care to observe the speed restrictions. There is no need to rush into or out of the car park, putting people's health at risk. Even if you are running late or are in a rush to get to another appointment, we must insist that all drivers proceed "dead slow" in the car park. We appreciate your help in making sure all areas of ISA are as safe as possible. 

Swim Gala

The Grade 4 & Grade 5 Swim Gala will take place on Friday, February 23, starting at 10:15am in the pool. More detailed information will be forthcoming for parents & carers.

World Book Day is coming

This year, World Book Day is Thursday, March 7, 2024. At ISA, the Preschool and Elementary School will celebrate World Book Day with a range of exciting activities. There will be a brief introduction to World Book Day as part of the usual Monday morning assembly in the QET. However, there will also be a special assembly on Thursday morning (March 7 at 8:30am in the QET) that will launch our special day of activities focused on the joy of reading (with a particular emphasis, this year, on the value of reading aloud). To help us know whether we can accommodate everyone or not, we ask that you complete a form on PowerSchool to indicate your interest in attending. Based on numbers, we might have to limit guests to one representative per family. This letter was sent out early today to give everyone advance notice of the planned World Book Day events.

A Call for Volunteers

If any parents/carers are interested in volunteering some of their time in the very near future to help with an art project, we would be most grateful. Please let Mr. Kajiwara (mkajiwara@isa.aberdeen.sch.uk) know if you are interested.