Welcome Back 2025

Welcome Back to ISB (almost). As we prepare to launch into another exciting academic year at International School Brunei, I’d like to extend a very warm welcome to all our families, both returning and new. Whether you’ve been with us for years or are joining ISB for the first time, we’re delighted to have you with us.

Final preparations are well underway, and our dedicated academic staff will return next week to ensure everything is in place to provide the very best possible provision for every child. We’re looking forward to a fantastic year beginning Monday 18th August 2025.

📝 Seesaw: Your Communication Hub

A reminder to all families that Seesaw remains our primary method of communication between school and home. It provides a streamlined and secure platform where:

• Teachers and students can share learning via individual journals

• Families receive announcements and notices

• Direct messages can be sent to myself or any of your child’s teachers

Each child’s journal will continue to grow as new items are added from their new classes. At the top of each journal, you’ll find a pinned note with useful links. This is your go-to for:

• Curriculum overviews

• Learning topics

• Calendar dates

• Specialist subject details

• Timetables and schedules (coming soon)

• Seesaw guides

• Device information

• Book bands

• Birthday guidelines

• Canteen food ordering…and much more.

Please take a few minutes to revisit this pinned note at the start of term. If you require any assistance in accessing Seesaw, please do not hesitate to contact the Primary Office. A full overview of the different ways we use Seesaw is available 🔗 here.

🚗 Car Passes & Traffic Information

New car passes for 2025/26 will be issued to students on the first day of school. For day one collection, please use your existing pass.

The switch to the new passes will take place from Tuesday of the first week back. We appreciate your continued support in keeping traffic moving smoothly and safely during drop-off and pick-up. Full details of how it all works 🔗 here.

👕 Jumpers, Cardigans & House Shirts

Ordering for jumpers, cardigans, and house shirts will open in the first week of school, giving new and returning families time to place their orders. All other uniform items are available from the school shop.

For students in Year 1 to Year 6, you’ll notice in Seesaw that you are part of both your class group and your House group. If you notice any errors, please do let us know.

For our youngest learners in Pre Kindy, Kindy, and Reception, a coloured dot will appear next to your child’s name in Seesaw to show their House colour. Please note: House shirts are optional for students in year levels below Year 1.

🎯 Extra-Curricular Activities (ECAs)

Please note that there will be no ECAs during the first two weeks of term as we settle into the new school year. The full programme and sign-up information will be shared shortly, allowing students and families time to review the options and register for their preferred activities. We’re looking forward to another fantastic term of enrichment and opportunities beyond the classroom.

🎽 Meet Our New House Captains

This year’s House Captains, selected from Year 6, will be easy to spot in their special shirts on the first day of school. These students are here to support the entire school community, particularly our new students and families.

Whether you’re unsure where to go, need a friendly face, or simply want to ask a question, our House Captains are ready to help and happy to welcome you to life at ISB.

📱 Yr 5 & Yr 6: Device Information

For families with students entering Year 5 or Year 6, please note that your child will require a device to support their learning. Details about specifications and setup can be found via the link that will be posted in the Year 5 Notices message thread on Seesaw and also 🔗 here.

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

• 📱 Seesaw is our main communication platform – check the pinned note in your child’s journal for key info, including curriculum overviews, timetables, device guidance, and more.

• 🚗 Car Passes: Use your existing pass on the first day. New passes will be issued and used from Tuesday.

• 👕 Uniform Orders: Jumpers, cardigans & House shirts available to order in Week 1. House shirts are optional for students below Year 1.

• 🎽 House Captains: Look out for our Year 6 House Captains on Day 1 – here to welcome and support all students.

• 🎯 ECAs: No ECAs for the first two weeks of term – full programme and sign-up info coming soon.

• 💻 Year 5 & 6 Devices: Students need a device – details will be shared in the Year 5 Notices thread on Seesaw.

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🗓️ Monday 18th August - First Day of School (date may vary for some in Pre Kindy)

🗓️ Friday 5th September - Public Holiday (TBC)

🗓️ Friday 12th September - New Parents' Coffee Morning

🗓️ Tuesday 23rd September - Public Holiday (TBC)

🗓️ 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.