Glenealy School Newsletter
21st August 2019
Message from Chris
Dear Parents and Caregivers,
It has been a really busy successful week and the school is already in full swing.
It is always good to see the children engaged and excited in their learning, and it has been a pleasure to visit classes this week - and to get to know the children.
Thank you to all the parents who came to the coffee morning last Friday - it was a pleasure to meet you and receive such a warm welcome from the community. I am looking forward to seeing more of you over the coming days. In particular, we are looking forward to greeting you all this Thursday for the Meet the Teacher Evening. You can find more details about the event below.
As many of you know, each week we introduce a key Social Emotional theme, within our Social Emotional Learning programme. This week’s focus is the concept of ‘empathy’. We have been having some great discussions about empathy, and how we can show this in our daily lives. It is particularly important at the start of the school year to support students forming new friendships as they transition into their new school or class.
Supporting Children at Glenealy
We have been asked by a number of parents about how we are supporting children who may be feeling anxious during the current period of civil unrest in Hong Kong. We would also like to provide parents with some strategies they may be able to use to support their children, should they show any signs of anxiety at home.
At Glenealy, and across all ESF schools, student safety is our top priority. This includes keeping our students safe from emotional anxiety or stress. We have lots of systems in school to support children, and the teachers have received guidance on how to ensure children feel supported if other children talk about the current unrest in HK, or if they have seen something that unsettles or worries them. These systems for support are similar to those used when children are upset for other reasons. All staff are ready to use their professional expertise to support the children in should they present signs of anxiety or distress.
In terms of our practical response to any unexpected events in HK, we would like to reassure parents that as a school we have very well established systems to notify parents should there be any issues with transportation or collection from school. Should you have any issue with transportation around HK, or in collecting your child from school, please do not hesitate to contact us through the usual channels. In addition to our Glenealy procedures, we have the support of ESF as a whole, who are in close communication with the school about any potential disruption that may occur and I will report this to you as soon as it is received.
We will monitor the support that we are providing for our students regarding any anxiety they may feel, and will continue to adapt our support to the individual needs of children.
How can parents help support children who feel anxious?
Feelings of uncertainty, anxiety about the future may be caused when hearing the news about events in Hong Kong and other places. Our children may be affected by such news and it is important that parents are aware of ways they can help their children manage, should this happen.
Parents can help provide opportunities where feelings can be discussed within a safe context, as well as maintaining a sense of normality, routine and calm. Supporting children will enable them to process and manage their feelings and build resilience. The suggestions below are equally relevant to anything that may cause a child anxiety.
The following suggestions may be helpful:
1. Reassure children that they are safe and are genuinely valued by the adults around them.
2. Let children know that it is alright to be upset – all feelings are OK, but not all behaviours.
3. Maintain a normal routine and spend time listening to what your children need to tell you.
4. Emphasize resilience: Focus on the child’s competencies, in terms of their daily life. Help them see they have many strengths to help them cope if feeling anxious or upset.
5. Note the healing nature of sharing feelings. Sharing worries or feelings of upset with other family members reduces a sense of vulnerability and isolation and raises optimism and self esteem.
6. Create opportunities for strength building: Be aware of your child’s strengths, the activities your child is good at and encourage them to take part
7. Provide opportunities for children to share their feelings. Consider books or artwork that will allow opportunities for the discussion or expression of feelings.
8. Provide opportunities for physical exercise. Exercise is valuable in developing natural chemicals in the brain to help us cope with feelings such as shock or worry.
9. Communicate any concerns with school. If you have any worries or concerns about your child’s emotional behaviour please do let the school know. There will be things the school can do to help further.
10. Look after yourself. A time of stress can mean less energy and more potential for illness for you, as well as others. So please take care of yourself.
If you have any concerns about your child please do get in touch with your child’s class teacher or any member of the Senior Leadership Team here at Glenealy.
Island School Principal Stephen Loggie - Coffee Morning at Glenealy
Friday 30th August
Stephen Loggie, Principal of ESF Island School will be holding a coffee morning at Glenealy on Friday 30th August at 8:30 am in the Library. This will be an opportunity for parents of Year 5 and Year 6 children to informally meet him and have coffee.
It will be an opportunity to ask questions and find out more about Island School and the open day for parents which will be held in September.
Let’s have a safe and enjoyable week.
Chris
Dates for your Diary
Thursday 22nd August 6:00 pm
Meet the Teacher Evening
Monday 26th August 8:00 am
Tetrapaks collection - Playground
Wednesday 28th August 8:30 am to 9:00 am
PTA Welcome Coffee Morning - Playground
Friday 30th August 8:30 am
Stephen Loggie to meet Year 5 & 6 parents- Library
Thursday 5th September 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
PTA Bingo (Save the date, more information to follow)
Friday 20th September 3:00 pm
PTA Year 6 Bake Sale Fundraiser - Playground
Thursday 26th September
PTA AGM (Save the date, more information to follow)
Monday 30th September
ESF CPD Day- no students in school
Tuesday 1st October
National Day public holiday
Wednesday 2nd October 3:30 - 7:00 pm
Three Way Conferences
Thursday 3rd October 3:30 - 7:00 pm
Three Way Conferences
Monday 7th - Friday 11th October
Mid Term Holiday
Friday 22nd November
PTA School Fair
Friday 29th November
Sports Day
Friday 13th December
End of Term 1 - school closes at 12:00 noon
PTA News
Welcome Coffee Morning
The PTA are hosting a Welcome Back to School Coffee Morning on Wednesday morning, 28th August. New and returning parents are warmly encouraged to join us in the playground to celebrate the new school year and to welcome Chris Briggs to the Glenealy community. Join us for tea, coffee and a chat straight after drop off at 8:30 am in the Playground.
Family Bingo Night – Everyone welcome!
The ever popular Family Bingo night is coming! This is always a sell out event and tickets are limited. Tickets are $90 each which includes entrance and 1 slice of pizza. Additional pizza, popcorn, cake and drinks can be purchased on the night.
How to order tickets
Step 1) Complete Google form
Step 2) Send payment - Send your cheque (payable to Glenealy School PTA Ltd.) to school in your child’s diary or leave it in the PTA tray in the school office. All payments must be clearly labelled with child's name and class.
Step 3) You will receive a confirmation email on receipt of payment
Step 4) Bring confirmation email with you on Bingo night to receive your pizza token
Please note: There will be no hard copy tickets issued.
Old School Uniform
Donations of old uniform for re-use and recycling can be dropped off at the PTA Uniform Shop on Friday 23rd August - 8:15 am.
Looking to get involved? Opportunities in the new school year
Why not join the PTA and bring your skills, ideas and enthusiasm to the heart of our school community. This highly rewarding role offers the opportunity for you to provide your input and help organise some fantastic events. We welcome all new ideas and thoughts.
Please contact Becky at pta@glenealy.net if you are interested in hearing more.
PTA Subscriptions
Thank you to all families who have paid their PTA Subscriptions for the 2019-20 school year. If you have not yet done so, please forward your payment as soon as possible. Your family will have received an invoice from ESF Centre for PTA Subscriptions. Payments can be left in the PTA Tray in the office or posted directly to ESF Centre (details on the invoice). The PTA thanks you for your support.
Tetrapaks Re-Cycling
Please scan for more information about the initiative and how to prepare your packaging:
Or click hereExtra Curricular Activities
Note:
Mr Mok's Tae Kwon Do class is offering a special free trial lesson on Friday 30th August 2019 from 3:00 - 3:30 pm.
Important Reminder
Has your child's visa status changed?
As a reminder, all children attending an ESF school need the appropriate and valid visa status to do so. Please inform the school if your child's visa status changes. For more information, you may refer to the Immigration section on the ESF website.
Useful School Forms
Medical Authorisation Form - required should your child need to take medication whilst at school, on a school trip or camp
ESF Calendar for 2019-20
Extra Curricular Activities Term 1 2019-20
Disclaimer Notice: Glenealy School does not endorse or represent the accuracy, truthfulness or reliability of these advertisements placed by outside agencies.
- ESF EDUCATIONAL SERVICES - Soccer
2711 1280
- BANANA ART CLUB (Art)
Michelle - 6020 5476
- FOUNDATION ACADEMY (Film Makers)
Vivian Chan -3107 8810
vivian.chan@foundationge.com
TUESDAY
- ESF EDUCATIONAL SERVICES - Tennis
2711 1280
Website: http://www.esf.org.hk/index.asp
- Brownies
Penny Donowho - 9181 7318
- CHESS CLUB
Yin Ping Ho 2884 1420 / 9215 2682
- CENTER STAGE STUDIOS (Musical Theatre)
Imogen Taylor - 5236 7960
admin@centrestagestudioshk.com
WEDNESDAY
- ESF EDUCATIONAL SERVICES - Basketball & Gymnastics
2711 1280
website: http://www.esf.org.hk/index.asp
- THE CLASSROOM BY MG (Litteracy)
Mary Godridge - 9103 4378
THURSDAY
- ESF EDUCATIONAL SERVICES - Tennis
2711 1280
Website: http://www.esf.org.hk/index.asp
- ACTIVE KIDS (Science Adventures)
Elsie - 3480 4199
FRIDAY
- ESF EDUCATIONAL SERVICES - Tennis & Gymnastics
2711 1280
Website: http://www.esf.org.hk/index.asp
- MOK'S TAEKWONDO SELF-DEFENCE (Tae Kwon Do)
Charles Mok - 9494 7636
- ACTIVE KIDS (Stormy Chefs)
Elsie - 3480 4199
- APPDEV-X (Coding)
- BRILLIANT LEARNING (Sanskriti)
Geetnajali Dhar - 9830 0612
geetanjali@sanskritiglobal.org
SATURDAY
- ESF EDUCATIONAL SERVICES - Tennis, Gymnastics & Fencing
2711 1280
Website: http://www.esf.org.hk/index.asp
- READ FOR MEANING (Reading)
Mary Barker - 2523 0062 / 9401 4559