This stretch of the year always brings a noticeable shift in energy across the school. The arrival of snow, the seasonal celebrations, the performances and excursions, and of course the anticipation of the upcoming break all bring a mix of excitement and emotion. For many students, these moments are energising; for others, the number of changes can feel a little overwhelming. Through it all, teachers continue to keep learning at the centre, while making thoughtful use of the season’s opportunities.
The PS/ES Ceilidh is a wonderful example of this. It supports students’ physical learning while also reinforcing a sense of belonging through shared cultural traditions, something widely shown to strengthen wellbeing and motivation. Our Thanksgiving lunches are another example: they offered us all a moment to pause and reflect on gratitude, allowing the children to reflect on the people and the factors in their lives and environments that they appreciate. Research links gratitude practices like this with improved resilience, positive mood and emotional wellbeing in children.
Service learning is also very much alive in the school at the moment. The Grade 3 students have shown impressive initiative and stewardship as they organised the Cfine Food Drive; the generosity demonstrated across the school has been heartening. Experiences like this help children understand the value of contributing to their community and give them opportunities to take meaningful action, something that sits at the heart of our values and is well supported by educational research.
Of course, even with all the joy in the air, we know that this season can feel uncertain for some families. Changes in routine, upcoming transitions, and the sheer number of events can be a lot for children to take in. Child development research continues to remind us that predictability, clear communication, and strong relationships with trusted adults can make a significant difference. If you notice that your child is feeling anxious, unsettled, or unsure, please encourage them to speak with their teacher or another trusted adult at school. You are also welcome to reach out directly so teachers can offer support with awareness and sensitivity; as always, a quick heads-up can help us support children more effectively at school.
As there is a great deal happening across ISA at the moment, I encourage all families to check the Community Hub and Events Calendar regularly. We are working to ensure that relevant information, letters, and reminders are linked directly to the appropriate calendar entries for ease of access. Please also take the time to read the grade level newsletters/blogs.
A gentle reminder: any photos or videos taken during school events must remain for personal use only. With so many students and staff involved in upcoming activities, it’s likely that an image you take may include individuals you do not have permission to photograph or share publicly. Thank you for helping us maintain a safe and respectful environment for everyone.
Staying Healthy
A further word on health and wellbeing as we head into winter. This is the time of year when viruses and infections circulate more readily, so we ask families to reinforce healthy habits at home: for example, regular handwashing and coughing or sneezing into elbows, rather than hands, can make a real difference.
Most importantly, please err on the side of caution when deciding whether a child is well enough to attend school. Sometimes, keeping a child home for just one extra day can prevent a longer absence or the spread of illness to classmates and staff. This same guidance applies to all of us at ISA: we encourage staff to stay home until fully recovered.
Our illness guidelines remain the same: anyone with a fever above 37.5°C will be sent home and should return only when they feel fully better. Anyone who has vomited must stay off campus for 48 hours. These procedures support the health of our whole community and help ensure that students and teachers are able to engage fully in learning.
Important Dates - next two weeks (Please remember to routinely check the Daily Notices in the Community Hub and the Events Calendar)
Thursday, December 4
- Preschool Winter Show (QET, 8:30am)
Thursday, December 4
- Kindergarten/Grade 1/Grade 2 field trip to the Aberdeen Arts Centre pantomime
Friday, December 5
- Elementary School Winter Assembly (QET, 2:15pm)
Monday, December 8
- Grade 1 field trip to Duthie Park
Thursday, December 11
- Grade 3 field trip to Dundee
- Preschool field trip to The Lemon Tree
Friday, December 12
- Last day of school before the winter holiday break
- Festive Jumper Day (wear a festive jumper; donations welcomed)
- Morning assembly (QET, 11:15am)
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