Head of Primary Message Week 5

🧱 Foundations in the Early Years

I would like to begin this week by offering my thanks to Ms Vikki and Ms Amy for their excellent presentation to our Pre Kindy and Kindy parents earlier today. Their session was a timely reminder of the importance of our Pre Kindy and Kindy provision and the critical role it plays in the wider context of Primary. They explained so clearly how every child is valued as a unique learner, how positive and secure relationships are the foundation of all growth, and how carefully designed environments create the conditions in which children can thrive.

At the centre of this is play, which is not simply a pastime for young children but the very means by which they explore, discover, create and develop the skills that will serve them throughout their education. These elements come together to provide the strongest of foundations for all future learning. When the right foundations are in place, children develop confidence, resilience and a love of learning that ensures they are well prepared for the challenges that lie ahead.

👥 Parent Teacher Consultations

Before we reach the half term break, we are also preparing for our Parent Teacher Consultations. These will take place during the week prior to the break, and the dates are shared below. More information to follow...

These consultations are a key point in the year. They provide the opportunity for a detailed and focused discussion about your child’s progress so far in their new year group. They are not simply about academic results, but also about how your child has settled socially, how they are developing as a learner, and how their unique strengths can continue to be supported and stretched. The conversations are designed to be open, supportive and collaborative, helping us to build a shared understanding of your child’s journey and how best to ensure they continue to flourish.

🌟 Student Leadership in Action

I would also like to give a big thank you to Ms Florence and our House Captains, who recently hosted a series of games for our younger students in Year 1 and Year 2. It was wonderful to see older students stepping into leadership roles and creating such positive, engaging experiences for the younger children. Opportunities like this are an important part of our approach, as they not only develop confidence and responsibility in the leaders themselves but also create a strong sense of connection and inspiration across different age groups. 👏

🌿 Year 5 Camp to Temburong

Final preparations are also underway for the Year 5 camp to Temburong, which is always a highlight of the year. These kinds of residential experiences are an essential part of the wider educational pathway at ISB. They provide children with the chance to develop independence, teamwork, resilience and a sense of adventure in a safe and supportive environment.

Our approach is carefully planned so that each stage builds upon the next: Year 3 students begin with an overnight stay at school, Year 4 then take part in a one-night residential at our Seria campus, followed by the Year 5 camp in the rainforest of Temburong. This journey culminates in Year 6 with an international adventure, ensuring that by the end of Primary, students have experienced a rich and meaningful progression of opportunities that extend far beyond the classroom.

🌏 International Day 2025

Looking a little further ahead, I am pleased to share that preparations are now underway for International Day 2025, which will take place in the week immediately following the half term break. This is always one of the highlights of the school calendar and a much-loved occasion for students, staff and families alike. Parents and the wider community will soon receive full details of the plans, which include music, performances, food, cultural stalls and the ever-popular Parade of Nations.

International Day is such a significant event for us because it captures the very essence of our community: a celebration of diversity, identity and belonging. It provides a wonderful opportunity for our children to feel proud of who they are and to learn from the cultures and traditions of others in a spirit of joy and unity.

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

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📌 At A Glance

• 🧱 Early Years workshops: strong foundations through play, relationships, and carefully designed environments.

• 👥 Parent Teacher Consultations coming soon before the half term break.

• 🌟 Student leadership: House Captains hosted fun and engaging games for younger students.

• 🌿 Year 5 preparing for Temburong camp, part of our progression of residential experiences.

• 🌏 International Day 2025 planning underway, a true celebration of identity and community.

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🗓️ Tuesday 23rd September - Public Holiday (confirmed)

🗓️ Tuesday 7th & Wednesday 8th October - Parent Teacher Consultations

🗓️ Monday 13th - Friday 17th October - Half Term Break

🗓️ Friday 24th October - International Day 🌏

🗓️ Friday 7th November - Celebration of Learning (Open Morning for all)

🗓️ Friday 21st November - Reception, Yr1 & Yr2 Sports Day 🏃

🗓️ Tuesday 25th November - House Games

🗓️ Friday 28th November - Sports Day Yr3, Yr4, Yr5 & Yr6 🏃‍♀️

🗓️ Friday 5th December - Final Day of Term 1

ℹ️ In addition to the events listed above, individual Year Groups will share specific details about trips and activities relevant to their cohort. Please stay up to date by checking the Year Group Notices thread in Seesaw Messages.