Head of Primary Message Week 36

Getting Set Up

It's that time when we make sure everything is set up for the next academic year. With just three weeks of learning left of 25/26, we will shortly turn our attention to August. We know some families will inevitably be leaving us at the end of the year, some leaving ISB and some leaving Brunei too. It is important for us to maintain high quality teaching and learning until the very last day of the school year.

For those continuing next year, you will now see that Seesaw is expanding to include your new class groups, and connections are being made with the new teaching teams. As I will be leaving ISB in a few weeks, you will also start to see information posted by Ms Georgina Cochrane, the new Head of Primary. Within Seesaw, there is already a welcome video message and more information will continue to be shared.

I hope that this smooth handover gives you every confidence that our core purpose remains the driving force behind everything we do. Firstly, children need to feel safe in school, then they need to be happy. Then, and only then can they learn. And it is in that precise order that we approach everything.

The Sound of Music (everywhere)...

A special congratulations to Reception and Year 1, who performed on stage today. For some this was their very first experience of the music, lights, microphones, stage and audience. Music is like a full-body workout for a young child’s brain. Engaging with music doesn't just teach a child how to sing or play an instrument; it fundamentally rewires their brain to make all other types of learning easier.

Early music exposure directly fuels academic success:

• Language & Literacy: Rhymes, rhythms, and lyrics sharpen a child's ability to hear and process distinct sounds. This directly accelerates reading readiness and vocabulary building.

• Maths & Logic: Counting beats, recognising repeating patterns, and understanding tempos naturally strengthen spatial-temporal reasoning, the exact brain functions used to solve complex Maths problems.

• Focus & Memory: Learning a song or keeping a beat exercises executive function. This builds the mental muscle memory kids need to focus, follow multi-step instructions, and retain information in the classroom.

Early music experiences don't just teach notes; they build the foundational cognitive scaffolding that helps children learn faster, remember longer, and excel in school.

Cinema (Lights, Camera, Action)

We are always looking for innovative ways to extend learning into the real world. And this week, Year 5 had the amazing experience of screening their own short films at the cinema. Complete with the usual pre-show ads, students across Year 5 enjoyed watching and sharing their creations on the silver screen. Such a wonderful experience. 👏

Camping Out (in school)...

Year 3 will be enjoying their very first 'residential' this weekend. Camping out in school overnight is amazingly exciting. And for some, this could be a first experience away from home. This is an important step, as in Year 4 they are invited to sleep over in Seria and in Year 5 it's all off to the jungle for a three-day adventure.

There is still plenty to come this term, please see below for the main events with further details and reminders regularly posted to Seesaw.

Thank you for your continued partnership. If you have any questions about these upcoming events, please do not hesitate to message us in Seesaw.

Mr. Michael Everett

Head of Primary

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Week 37

Monday 15th June: Year 6 Music Concert (evening). NEW DATE

Tuesday 16th June: BJSL Netball and Rugby (selected members of the BJSL squad will be informed through Seesaw).

Wednesday 17th June: Public Holiday (TBC).

Date TBC: Year 5 Art Exhibition.

Friday 19th June: Kindy Parents meet Reception Staff Team (time TBC).

Friday 19th June: Pre Kindy to Kindy Parents Stay and Play (8 - 8:45am)

Friday 19th June: ISB Primary Achievement Awards 🏆 NEW

Week 38

Monday 22nd June: New Pre Kindy (26/27 cohort) Stay and Play (1pm - 1:45pm).

Friday 26th June: Year 6 Ceremony and Parade.

Week 39

Tuesday 30th June: Year 6 Bowling trip.