BPS Newsletter
Issue 33 - 15th May 2020
The 21st Century School
Dear Parents and Guardians,
This week has been a week of many firsts within the British Primary Section, further showcasing our commitment to ensure that we provide opportunity, and prepare our children for an ever changing and challenging world.
You will see within this week's newsletter, that all classes are currently supporting the drive in ensuring that the use of technology is seamlessly integrated into learning - not necessarily meaning that computers are just being used to publish or act as a replacement without thought for the more traditional tools such as paper and pen. Having looked at the very best practice in some of the highest performing schools across the globe, and speaking with high profile industry experts, we are committed in ensuring that our children will have the necessary skills to be successful as they move into adult life. Throughout the BPS this week, children have been developing data analysis skills and sharpening interrogation of data via Purple Mash. So what does this mean?
- Reception have created graphical representations to show how they travel to school
- Y1 have created animations to show the growth of a plant from seed to flower
- Y2 have utilised software to support numeracy skills and display data
- Y3 have created bar graphs to showcase discrete data
- Y4 have displayed scientific data, further analysing this to support predictions
- Y5 have created line graphs to display annual temperature
- Y6 have developed pie charts to integrate energy consumption in Taiwan
Whilst this has been happening, our Nursery Children have been preparing and performed our very first Zoom live show. This was a fantastic occasion, and although a physical audience was not possible, the reaction we had from the 'online' audience was greatly appreciated. I would like to thank all the parents who supported the various outfits, the nursery department for making this a memorable occasion, our outstanding children and the IT team for making this possible!
On Thursday, it was a great pleasure to welcome Dr C.V Chen and guests to our school as part of our Europe Day Showcase. It has been unfortunate that this year, the celebration has been minimised, but we wanted to mark the occasion, as our links to European Culture within the context of Taiwanese society resonates in all that we do. Our visitors had an opportunity to walk the campus, spend time with our students, and answer many questions. The children gave a great account of themselves, and we very much look forward to seeing Dr Chen and representatives from the various Europe Trade Offices again very soon!
Finally, I would like to again reassure you, that as a school, we will continue to ensure that we follow all protocols to mitigate against any potential health risk during this testing time. We are in continual dialogue with all relevant authorities, the wellbeing of your children is our priority! If at any point, a change in our current provision is required, we will notify you immediately - however, again, I would like to reiterate that your support has been greatly appreciated!
Best wishes
Luke Chaeter
Nursery Likes to Move It! - by Mrs Jennie Bonnalie
The Nursery held their End of Year show on Thursday. The show, entitled, "Nursery Likes to Move It', was a collection of fun, moving and energetic songs. The children were all dressed in 80's style, including neon and headbands.
We are all so proud of how much they have progressed over the year, and how hard they worked to learn the dance routines and songs. It was wonderful to give the Nursery students the chance to perform, as it is a unique learning opportunity which gives them confidence and poise.
Thank you to all of our supportive parents for the fantastic 80's-style exercise costumes. They looked fab!
Integrating computing in Maths with Purple Mash - by Mr Peter Groom
This week the children in Year 4 have enjoyed using Purple Mash to create graphs and charts in Maths. During the lessons, the children created their own question and followed the investigation process to find their answer. Investigations ranged from finding out the temperature of different children when they were checked each afternoon to the heights of classmates and even the amount of press ups they could do in one minute. Once the investigation was planned, the children completed their research to gather their data. Finally they used Purple Mash to create their graphs. Purple Mash is great for making graphs because the children can easily input the data they have found and choose the graph that they would like to use. It has enabled us to teach the children about using the appropriate graph to match the appropriate data. All of the children in school have a Purple Mash username and password, it is a great resource to help them continue their learning whilst at home, not just in Maths but other subjects too.
Year 6 Maths Geocaching Challenge - by Mr Thomas Myerscough
Reception and KS1 Calm and Connect by Ms Gillian Smith
在英國小學部,我們持續帶領學生走向成功之路。 由於目前天氣回暖、午餐時間的調整,以及持續保持適當的社交距離,我們將會在Reception和-、二年午餐時間將有Clam and Connect的時段 。這段時間,老師會透過一些簡單的心靈正向活動,讓孩子們能夠面對自己內心的感受,然後以15分鐘的故事或動話時間讓孩子們心靜下來。孩子們不但會有足夠的時間吃午餐和遊戲,他們的身心亦能為下午的學習做準備。
Alternative Handshake Competition by Mrs Rebekah Massey
Year 6 Leavers' celebration - by Mr Ale Massey and the Year 6 Team
As we approach the end of this challenging year we want to celebrate the successes of our Year 6 students as they prepare to move on to the next stage of their lives. This year's leavers' celebration will be slightly different but I hope that we can give the students the send off they deserve. On behalf of all the staff in Year 6, I would like to cordially invite you to celebrate with us on Thursday 18th June from 1:40pm. We will share more details with you nearer the time but we very much hope that you can join us for this special event.
A Trip down Memory Lane - by Mr Eamonn O'Callaghan
PSHE4Life Coming Soon by Ms Jeni Wong
A letter will be coming home with your Year 5 or Year 6 child this Friday. It is addressed to the Parent/ Carer and is regarding the Relationships & Sex Education (RSE) lessons which will be taught during the week of 1st June 2020.
You are invited to join the Zoom meeting regarding this programme on Friday 22nd May at 8.15am. The details of this meeting and other important information is in the letter.
Other exciting news @ #PSHE4Life- We have joined the PSHE Association (UK). The PSHE Association is the national body for Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) education, leading the effort to ensure that every pupil receives high-quality provision. It advises the government on PSHE matters and policies. We will now have access to a wide range of the resources, both teaching and for staff professional development.
www.gogivers.org is another resource we have chosen to use too. Gogivers.org support schools across the UK by providing topical resources to help teachers teach PSHE, Relationships Education, SMSC and Citizenship. Their online tools and teacher created content engages children and facilitates the delivery of a broad, balanced and relevant curriculum. No doubt, these additions will benefit everyone.
Online Workshop - by Ms Emily Rogers
Introducing a new workshop “4 Steps to Regain Calm and Control During Times of Uncertainty”. (https://expatparentingabroad.com/workshop/)
Designed especially for these times, this workshop is made up of 4 pre recorded video sessions, and a 1:1 coaching session using Zoom to ensure you are focusing on the right areas for you and your family. In addition, you will receive a workbook to support you through each step. And, two weeks of direct access to me via WhatsApp for support and questions.
As a result, you will have a customised action plan that is unique to you and your family. You will know the exact steps you need to take to manage through this uncertain time, and be clear about the actions you will take.
If you were to work through each of these key areas with me in one on one coaching sessions, the full price value of this workshop would be NZ$600. The time for you to reclaim your life is right now! With this package, for just NZ$149 (or US$90) you get:
- a customised action plan
- access to recorded videos to work through at your own pace
- two weeks of WhatsApp support and messaging
- a personal workbook
- and a 30 minute 1:1 coaching session with an expert coach
Imagine starting next week with great clarity on how to manage your home life during stressful times; knowing exactly what you have to do to regain calm and control in your life during these uncertain times; feeling inspired and committed to becoming more proactive; with the support you need for YOUR mental health so that you can continue to be the best parent you can be; and importantly laughing again!
New Office Member - by Ms Diana Doo
FRIDAY MUSIC CORNER - LET'S ENJOY THE MUSIC!
IMPORTANT REMINDER BY MR LUKE CHAETER
Polite Reminder - Communication
If you have any questions or queries that you would like clarification on, please can you direct these through the correct channels. If this is relation to your child's academic or pastoral needs, the class teacher is the first port of call. For any other information, please contact the BPS Office. We have noticed that recently incorrect information has been shared via various chat groups, which has resulted in unwarranted stress, all of which has been easily resolved once the correct channel has been contacted.
若您有任何問題及疑慮需要了解,請直接聯絡相關的教職員。如您的問題與孩子的學業或心身成長需要相關,請先跟班導老師聯絡。有關其他問題,請聯絡英國小學部辦公室。我們注意到最近有一些不實傳聞在家長間流傳及討論,已導致很多家長們有不必要的憂慮。因此,如果遇到問題時,能先向相關人員確認,就能避免不必要的擔心與煩惱。
Concern
If you have a concern about your child, and the relationship that they have with another child, we do not condone parents confronting other children or using social media as a tool to seek clarification. Please contact the school directly, this way we can resolve any conflict in a swift and supportive manner.
若您在孩子的人際關係上有所疑慮或擔心,學校不允許家長直接質問其他孩子或利用社交媒體尋求答案。請直接聯絡學校,讓我們儘快處理,並且把衝突化為協助孩子的助力。
Hot weather
夏天到了,最近天氣特別炎熱,在校園裡有許多的陰涼處及足夠的飲用水提供'給學生,還是請家長協助提醒孩子,每天要記得配戴帽子,降低中暑與熱傷害的情況發生。
Health and Wellbeing Newsletter
Thank you for your interest in our summer school program. Before you fill out the form, please pay close attention to the following message from our CEO office regarding summer campus access.
Attention!
Message from our CEO Newsletter sent to all parents on May 1 is as follows:
At this present time, we cannot possibly predict what may happen, including but not limited to travel restrictions around the world and local inbound quarantine requirements. So, if you plan to travel, please do plan ahead to ensure your child can return to school in a timely manner when school opens, ready to begin the 2020-2021 school year.
Based on the information we have from CECC and MOE, students should be back on island at least 21 days before school begins. As it stands, all inbound travelers are required to undergo 14 days quarantine plus a 7 days self-health management.
We ask all community members to respect this provision and plan your trips/travel with this in mind. We understand that the guideline from the Taiwan authorities may change, but the above is the latest guidance.
Please do check the regulations of your destination / present country as well as continue to follow the updates from the Taiwan authorities.
Should you travel this summer, please note the dates of entry required.
For Week 1 (Aug 3rd~7th): arrive in Taiwan by July 12
For Week 2 (Aug 10th~14th): arrive in Taiwan by July 19
We are looking forward to having you in Summer School. Please be assured the school has taken extra precautions to mitigate risk in this present situation.
Student Services
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/