Head of Primary Message Week 15

Sports Day (Part 2.5)

As we reach the end of term, it has been another memorable week in Primary. One of the real highlights was our rearranged Year 5 and Year 6 Sports Day: Sports Day Part 2.5. The atmosphere was fantastic, with students competing with energy, determination and great sportsmanship. By the end of the events, the final House totals (for Yr5/Yr6) stood as follows: Ingkat (Red) finished on 71 points, Sangang (Blue) took a strong lead with 125 points, Beruang (Yellow) followed closely with 104 points, and Penyu (Green) finished on 59 points. Well done to every student who took part, and a big thank you once again to Mr Morley and the PE Team for their exceptional organisation across all of our Sports Days this term.

Shared Snack and School Culture

Yesterday, all Primary students enjoyed an incredible shared snack, and I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to every family who sent in food. The tables were overflowing and it truly felt like a feast. More importantly, events like this are about much more than simply enjoying something to eat. Food is an integral part of how we build and sustain a positive culture across the school. When children bring and share food from different countries and cultures, sit together, talk together and try new things together, it deepens their sense of belonging and helps them see our diversity as a strength. Thank you for supporting this so generously.

Looking Ahead to 2026

I also want to take a moment to look ahead. I am particularly looking forward to continuing as Head of Primary into 2026. As many of you know, this will be my final academic year at ISB before I return to the UK in July 2026. Much of my work in Term 2 and Term 3 will therefore include a detailed handover to our new Head of Primary, Georgina, who I will be working very closely with over the coming months. I am extremely confident that the strong culture and identity we have built together over the last six to seven years will continue to flourish and grow under her leadership. ISB Primary is the school it is today because of the exceptional work of the staff team, who consistently go above and beyond to ensure that every child excels in their learning, their wellbeing and their wider personal development.

Looking Back on the Term

This also feels like the right moment to briefly look back at what has been a full, purposeful and uplifting term. We began the year by welcoming children back into classrooms filled with warmth, high expectations and a genuine love of learning, as well as new colleagues who have already become an integral part of our community. Parent workshops in Reception and Early Years, the Year 5 Temburong briefing, and our Celebration of Learning mornings have all strengthened the partnership between home and school. We have shared with you more about how we approach reading and maths at ISB, highlighting the research-informed practice that underpins our curriculum. International Day once again showcased the diversity and unity of our community, while House Games, Barvember, the Talent Show preparations, residentials, ECAs and countless classroom experiences have given students rich opportunities to grow academically, socially and personally. Week by week, through all of these messages and events, a consistent story has emerged: ISB is a school that never stands still, always learning and always striving to provide the very best for every child.

Thank You and End-of-Term Wishes

As we bring this term to a close, I want to offer my sincere thanks for your continued support, trust and partnership. It is a privilege to work with your children and to lead such a committed, caring and ambitious community. I wish all our students, families and staff a very restful and enjoyable break, and I look forward to welcoming everyone back for the start of Term 2.

If you have any questions about any aspect of school life, please do not hesitate to message in Seesaw.

Mr Michael Everett | Head of Primary