April Principal Letter
Dear parents,
“April showers bring May flowers” is an English expression that perfectly describes this time of year. We are moving into warmer weather though still have the occasional chilly day and rain. However, do not let the clouds get you down because the rain is what helps nature grow and we will see more beautiful flowers and full leafy trees.
This last month was full of high energy and kindergarten fun! We had a few special events that I would like to talk to you about, first being the Parent Open Classes. Once a year we open our campus for a half day and ask parents to come observe routine, lessons, playtime and the features of the school that their children experience every day. This event is important for parents and students because it provides an openness and understanding to parents. We do many things to show this openness, such as write progress reports, notices, and sending home USBs to communicate with parents and share with them what their child does each day. However this Open Class is special and welcoming parents to the school allows them to observe their child in the classroom environment and see them as a student. Children can share with their parents all the exciting things they have made and the things that they play with every day. In this year’s Open Class we planned lessons and activities that involved the parents so everyone could enjoy a kindergarten day together. Another important aspect of this activity is it brings families and the school closer. When we spend this time together we are reminded of how we are a supportive team that is raising the children. We need to be completely inline with ideals and educational needs. This being said, I want to say thank you to all the families who arranged someone to participate in this activity! I know it is not always easy to schedule this much time but it is of upmost importance that you join these activities. I saw many parents who I don’t get to see often because they are busy and I appreciate this effort, however I did see quite a few grandparents. We are grateful for grandparent support because they are important to the family team raising the child, but I would like to remind you that the parent participation is more impactful for your child. Please consider more ways that you can make time to spend with your children. These early years of life go by so quickly and we hope that you can experience and honor every important moment.
The next April event I want to talk about was the Earth Day activities. As I just mentioned, in an effort encourage family time, we “assigned” a little at home work for families. We wrote home asking families to get together, gather some recycled items and get creative! Parents and children were able to work together to make their own toy from reused materials. Let me say how very impressed I was! We saw so many unique and interesting inventions. Great work everyone, we hope you can keep this fun going and inspire your child’s imagination. I want to remind you all that though we did not put any limitations on what you could make we saw a few toys that indirectly promote violence. Tanks and guns, while fun to make are not sending the best message to our little ones, and since they are not allowed at school as real toys we hope you can agree that handmade versions are also not appropriate. We suggest helping your children think more about ways to be kind to one another and how sharing a homemade baby doll or interactive board game is a better way to make friends than with guns and tanks. In the vein of learning kindness, we have hung information about endangered species around the school, and suggest that you use this topic as a way to bond and teach your kid. You can read through the posters we have and do your own research to explain to kids that over time, without consideration and respect from humans many plants, animals and bugs will cease to exist. Relate it to why we recycle and try to achieve sustainability. The more damage we do to the Earth through inconsiderate waste, the more we hurt our plant and animal friends.
With only a few months left we still have many events to look forward to. Next week we will have the parent assisted Field Trip to Suzhou Amusement Land Forest Town. I have seen that most of you will join and hope you enjoy all the fun the park has to offer. Please be sure to read through the field trip form carefully so that you are on time and have prepared everything you need so we can have a successful day. This is a good opportunity to spend that family time with your child that I have been discussing and I hope to see more parents in attendance. Next, at the end of the month (May 30th international, May 31st domestic) we will celebrate our Children’s Day. This is a half day activity that parents will join. Classroom parents should work together to prepare a performance to present to all the children on this day. Keep in mind that in the name of this event is what it is about… Children! Think about their interests, something educational, what they would like to see from you. Though you all are beautiful families, no sexy sassy dances or costumes, but have fun and put on a show. More detailed information for this event preparation will be sent home soon so please check for notices, respond when necessary and communicate with your classroom families.
This month’s letter is a bit longer but I hope you can understand my points and agree with what we are working towards for your child at kindergarten. We are so proud of all our families and look forward to continuing the rest of the year as a strong team. Before we know it summer will be here but we must enjoy each day as special and slow down so the precious moments don’t move too quickly. Thank you again for your support and appreciation!
Sincerely,
Ms. Joanne
Principal Bayside CampusPrev:2019 Spring Field Trip
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