From the Preschool/Elementary School Principal

 

*This week's photos are taken from the Grade 3 transdisciplinary unit of inquiry (How We Express Ourselves - linking art, music, PE and literature), the carrot harvest at Veg Club, the Buddy Bench (now covered with comments and suggestions from the children), the Grade 1 trip to Dunnottar Woods and some amazing building/balancing in Preschool.

It’s amazing to think that we’ve already reached the end of the first quarter of the 2025-2026 school year. It feels like only yesterday that our students were stepping into classrooms for the first time this year, curious, eager, and full of anticipation about new friends, new routines, and new learning adventures. Yet, when we look at how much they’ve already grown (academically, socially, emotionally, linguistically, and physically) it feels right to pause and celebrate this milestone together.

Over the past few weeks, many families have had opportunities to meet with teachers and learn more about how their children are settling in and developing as learners. Soon, you’ll have more chances to reflect together on progress and next steps. The Quarter 1 Progress Reports will be available on PowerSchool on Friday, October 24, and Parent Teacher Conferences will take place the week of November 3-7. Further details about conference sign-ups will be shared soon. Some teachers may also arrange an alternative meeting time if needed.

Just as our students learn to be reflective thinkers, our teachers also engage in regular reflection about their teaching and learning practice. Each member of staff sets personal professional goals and meets with colleagues and leaders to plan for growth, modelling the same lifelong learning and self-management skills that we nurture in our students every day. Together, we consider where we are in our learning, where we hope to be, and what steps will help us get there.

In our classrooms, goal-setting helps children take ownership of their learning and build a sense of agency. Whether it’s learning a new skill in math, improving handwriting, managing time better or showing kindness on the playground, our students practise setting goals that are meaningful to them and learning how to work steadily toward them. Parents can support this at home by asking questions like:

“What’s something you’re really proud of this quarter?”

“What’s something you’d like to get even better at?”

“How could you plan or practise to make that happen?”

Conversations like these help children develop the Approaches to Learning (ATLs) that support success in and beyond the classroom, especially thinking, communication and self-management skills. They also strengthen the ISA Values of being reflective, principled and caring.

As we head into the October break, we hope all our students and families find time to rest, play and explore together. Often, the best learning happens through experience, whether it’s discovering something new outdoors, helping at home or sharing stories with family and friends. When school resumes on Monday, October 20, we look forward to hearing some wonderful “October tales” from the children!

Health notes from our School Nurse (Fran Sibbett)

As we head deeper into the autumn months, we thought it would be helpful for you to have some additional information about health-related items. 

Head lice - ISA would advise a weekly check for all students;

Ticks - General information after trips and for during autumn months;

When to keep your child off school?

The general advice is: do not send your child unwell to school. Common ailments for autumn and winter include norovirus, hand foot and mouth and general viral symptoms. Remember, if you're not sure, please contact the class teacher, the nurse or Diane McBain as needed. But, if your child is unwell, they should not come to school. If a child presents as unwell in school (even without a fever), parents/carers will be contacted to take the child home as soon as possible. Taking this approach helps to keep the entire community safe and healthy; please remember that it isn’t fair on the rest of the families and teachers if a child is sent to school unwell and, possibly, contagious;

Flu immunisation for all grade levels is happening on the 27th and 28th of October;

For your information - Health Protection Newsletter (NHS Grampian) - Autumn edition (link). This link contains some important information about visiting pumpkin patches.

Wishing all our families a safe, happy, and refreshing holiday!