Dear Primary Families,
Welcome back! It has been wonderful to see our campus come back to life this week and to welcome our returning students, as well as those joining the ABIS community for the first time. From our youngest learners beginning their journey in KG1, right through to our Grade 6 students embarking on their final year in the PYP, the start of a new school year is always an exciting time, full of opportunities and possibilities.
Throughout the week, I have enjoyed visiting classrooms and seeing students and teachers beginning the important work of building their class communities. The first days of school are about much more than simply getting started with lessons. Time is spent developing relationships, establishing routines and expectations, and creating class agreements that help everyone understand how they can contribute to a positive and successful learning environment. It has been great to see this work taking shape across the Primary School.
Making Your Mark
In our end-of-week assembly, we enjoyed the story The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds. It is a simple story with a powerful message about having the courage to try, even when we are unsure whether we have the skills to be successful. It connects beautifully with the IB Learner Profile attribute of being a risk-taker.
Sometimes taking that first step, or making that first mark, can be the hardest part. The Dot reminds us that being willing to have a go can lead to learning, growth, and achievements we might not initially have thought possible. I hope all our students carry some of this spirit with them into the new school year: be willing to try, make mistakes, learn, and see where that first step might take you!
Looking Ahead
Next week, we look forward to welcoming parents to our Meet the Teacher Night on Tuesday, 1st September, from 5:00–6:30 pm. This will be an opportunity to meet teachers, visit learning spaces, and find out more about the year ahead. A Newsflash containing further details will be shared with families.
Our After School Activities (ASAs) will also begin on Sunday, 6th September, bringing another exciting element to the start of our new school year.
Thank you for all your support during this first week. I hope everyone enjoys the long weekend, and we look forward to seeing students back at school on Sunday.
Best regards,
Matthew
Primary Principal
Dates Ahead
- Tuesday, 1st September (5:00–6:30 pm): Meet the Teacher Night
- Sunday, 6th September: After School Activities begin