BPS Newsletter
Issue 37 - 12th June 2020
The Penultimate Week
As we edge ever closer to the end of the 2019-20 Academic Year, it is easy to forget the many events which have taken place, as although this year has had many challenges, I do truly believe it has made our learning community stronger.
I look back at the various festivals, excellent learning opportunities and the engagement with our community as real examples of success, which are key ingredients in ensuring that all children flourish. I am also proud to be part of an organisation which puts opportunity at the core, and am particularly proud of the professional development opportunities which are enabling many of our staff to further develop as professionals - a key driver in enhancing standards in our continual improvement cycle, critical in maintaining and driving standards!
I would like to personally thank our Playground Leaders for the commitment that they have shown this year. They are a highly motivated, positive and mature group of Y5 and Y6 students who have made the break and lunchtimes a far more pleasurable experience for all. Many thanks!
Thursday, I was particularly impressed and further reflected on our community - having attended the PTA AGM. On behalf of all present, I would like to thank all who attended, again, your dedication and support to the school is highly commendable - without such community spirit, we would not be the success that we are. It was also nice to share a few future developments with the group, which will be implemented next year, to hopefully further positively impact our school.
Finally, I would like to wish you a restful weekend, and look forward to welcoming you next week for the final time of this academic year.
Best wishes
Luke Chaeter
New Staff 2020-2021
Reports available - by Mr Aidan Stallwood
Dear Parents and Guardians,
We are happy to share that your child's last report and Individual Learning Record (ILR) are being prepared for you.
The ILR will be available from 4pm on Tuesday 16th June 2020 through the TESmile platform. It is the final report which focuses on your child's progress and achievement for the 2019-2020 academic year. Please do take the time to download this for your records.
We have made some adjustments this year to what we report and continue to welcome feedback on this through our PTA, PTC, or alternatively, you can choose to email directly to ptcfeedback@tes.tp.edu.tw or me. To help explain some of the information you will receive you may wish to refer back to the Parent Assessment guide, which aims to outline our school approach to assessment (https://taipeieuropeanschool.com), but should there be any queries feel free to contact me.
We do hope you will celebrate with your child the progress and achievements they have made so far this year. As ever, if you have any questions regarding the report or the Individual Learning Record then please contact your child's teacher.
Year 6 Leavers' celebration - by Mr Ale Massey and the Year 6 Team
Everything Begins with an Idea - by Mr Eamonn O'Callaghan
The students in year six have learnt about the creative process. Everything begins with an idea. Once the students had a starting point they began researching, that is collecting imagery related to their idea that could inform and support their work. They used exploratory drawing to create a range of ideas based on their research. Once they had several possible options they reviewed them and selected their best idea. They refined it further by making a practice version of their artwork in their sketchbook. Now the students were ready to start making their artwork. This process allowed the students to make art that is more developed and deliberate.
The last step in the process is to reflect on their finished artwork and consider what was successful and what could improve for next time. This is important to ensure that they continue to improve.
Transitioning from Nursery to Reception, ‘Reception Experts’ visit Nursery - By Mrs Jess Gosling
This week, several Reception children volunteered to visit Nursery to talk about what it is like as a student in Reception.
The discussion began with Reception children highlighting their favourite things in Reception, which included sand play, the marble run and a floating and sinking experiment. The Reception children showed confidence when speaking to the younger children and were excellent role models. The Nursery children listened very attentively and raised their hands to ask further questions. The main focus of the questions were ‘What is the day in Reception like?’ and ‘Do you have fun in Reception?’. The Reception children answered these questions very confidently and all confirmed that we have a lot of fun in Reception! One Reception child discussed how he had learnt to write and now he can even write dinosaur names! Another Reception child confirmed that there is play in Reception alongside learning. The Nursery children were also interested to learn about the cafeteria, especially how Reception children can also choose a school cooked meal. The Reception children explained that these were very delicious. We also discussed whether there was a nap time or not in Reception. The Reception ‘experts’ explained that there was a rest time, where we are calm and listen to music. Later in the year we listen to audio stories and read books! It was fantastic to see the Reception children leading a discussion and reaching out of the comfort zones.
Both Reception and Nursery children were so sensible and attentive, it was a pleasure to experience. Reception teachers are really look forward to welcoming the new Nursery children next academic year.
Year 5 Show Performances
Year 5 have been extremely busy preparing their end of term shows. Unfortunately, due to the COVID19 measures we are unable to have live audiences, however with our love of integrating technology, 'the show must go on,' we will bring the show to you in a variety of ways: shadow puppetry, green screen, Stop Motion, video recordings. Children have been involved with using their knowledge of myths by creating their own class myth or rewriting a myth and then producing the playscripts, costumes and props to bring their show to life. Look out for your completed version coming soon.
For 5.4, their show decision was to perform and video with a sound system in place. Created by the class through a whole-class shared writing session, 'The Siblings 3' bears all the elements of a myth created to entertain with its host of characters: greedy Kings, heroes and heroines, Goddesses and creatures, navigating adventure, problems and triumphs.
Peak Challenge - by Mr Thomas Myerscough
PTA AGM - by Mr Luke Chaeter
On behalf of the entire British Section, I would like to thank all who attended on Thursday. It has been evident, and further highlighted in the meeting, the fantastic work and commitment of the PTA to ensure our community continues to flourish. All of the BPS look forward to next year supporting the great effort and positive impact the PTA has on our school!
家長會 年度會議
謹代表歐洲學校英國部,感謝所有星期四到校參加會議的每位家長。在會議報告中,這一年家長會與學校合作無間,完成和據半許多精彩的活動,家長會也承諾,未來將持續協助學校推動校務,讓學校事務繼續蓬勃發展。英國小學部相信,在家長會的協助下,將為學校帶來更多正面的影響力。
Full STEAM ahead thanks to the PTA - by Mr Craig Gamble
Thanks to a very generous donation from the PTA, students at BPS will be moving full STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Maths) ahead next year and creating their own Arcade Games using BrainPad. Students will be able to create a game linked to an area of study in their integrated curriculum, explore coding, tinker with electrical circuits and use 3D Printer technology to design and create cases for the BrainPad, truly integrating technology to enhance their learning experience.
Unlike many other STEAM products, which are often one sided toys with limited potential, meaning that Students quickly “hit the wall,” and run into the limitations of the device.
BrainPad is an exciting STEAM mini computer for learning and coding games, robots and electronics meaning that students are only limited by their own creativity.
FRIDAY MUSIC CORNER - LET'S ENJOY THE MUSIC!
IMPORTANT REMINDER BY MR LUKE CHAETER
Friday 19th June - Tribe Shirt Dress Down Day
6月19日星期五- Tribe便服日
下星期五是學期末的最後一天,請各位學生穿上所屬部落的上衣來上學。但請注意,當天應搭配適當的鞋子,為了安全不宜穿涼鞋、高跟鞋和拖鞋。
No Gift Policy
Having the opportunity of teaching your children and working closely with families is an absolute pleasure, and an incredible gift in itself.
We have a strict 'No Gift Policy' and as such, cannot accept gifts. Please do not be offended, we are grateful for your support, which is a gift in itself!
Lost and Found
Taipei European School British Primary Section
Website: https://taipeieuropeanschool.com/index.php?id=120
Location: No. 99, Fuguo Road, Shilin District, Taipei City, 111
Phone: +886-2-8145-9007
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/British-Primary-Section-Taipei-European-School-1781787432102978/