IES Schools SA Tag

It has been an “out of the normal” sort of start to term 1, however it has been nothing short of fun and exciting.

As a teacher, these times are never easy. We are always worried about whether our students are receiving the tools they need to grow or getting enough of us as we try to stretch ourselves between numerous tasks. As daunting as it is to be teaching during a pandemic, it amazes me how strong and committed our students are. They remain eager to learn and excited for each new day. They never falter to take on a new challenge.

Today I tasked my students with a research activity and before I could guide them on which search engines to use or how to go about starting their research they were already absorbed in the activity and enthusiastically writing down facts. They were guiding each other and sharing advice with their peers. I was so proud as I watched them and listened to the helpful chatter that filled the classroom. Except for the masks and distance between each student teaching and learning continued.

This reminded me that as teachers we are changing the world and we do make a difference. To be able to keep your classroom running as normal when you are still trying to figure out what the ‘new normal’ is and to see the little faces of eager students that excitedly walk through the door each morning wanting to learn and then actually partaking of the knowledge you have to give is remarkable. We can all take from that, that we are making a difference. Pandemic or not, we are still doing what we love… TEACHING and GROWING young minds.

Nadia Mahomed
Year 5 Teacher

The Pre-Reception and Nursery students are starting to settle in beautifully into the class routine. This week we are learning about “All about me and my family”. The theme is to help children learn about each other and each other’s families and to realize that every person is unique and special. All our activities help them get to know the special and unique things about themselves and each other.

During creative activities we painted hands to make their handprints to decorate their art files and to see that all their hands and finger prints are different. The students were also encouraged to build their houses out of blocks. Circle Time was used to learn about the social skills of being together as a group and to learn more about the theme.

All our activities are centered around the theme the students are really having fun learning about themselves, their little friends and their families!

Cindy Nunan
Pre-Reception & Nursery Teacher

The first day of year 1 is always very exciting, it is the beginning of the students formal schooling. The students arrived at school full of anticipation for the big day and the year ahead. This is what they want to learn about this year.

I want to learn to read books. – Keona
I want to learn about animals. – Wany
I want to learn about rainbows. – Juliana
I am excited to learn more Maths. – Tilda
I want to learn Maths. – Pearce
I want to learn to read books on my own. – Hayley
I want to learn about reading. – Ifunanya
I want to learn about pets. – Mataio
I want to learn harder sums. – Jaanae
I want to learn more Maths. – Eva
I want to learn about science. – Muhammad
I want to learn about growing up. – Neveah
I want to learn about my friends and my teacher. – Defne

I am confident that by the end of the year they will have learnt these things and so much more.

Ann Cordner
Year 1 Teacher

It has been such a pleasure welcoming all the new little faces to Reception Year this week. They all came to school excited to meet their teachers, make new friends and tell everyone their holiday news. Everyone enjoyed sharing and hearing about the fun things their families did together during the holidays.

We start our learning journey in Reception with practicing to write their names and numbers. It is such a privilege seeing the pride the little ones take when they are able to show what they can do. We look forward to a fun filled and exciting year in the Foundation Stage.

Monique Meyer
Reception Year Teacher

This term the Year 6 students learnt about electrical insulators and conductors. As part of their Design and Technology project they needed to design a board game that incorporated an electrical circuit.

Students completed and submitted a planning page that showcased a design sketch, a list of the various materials they needed to build their game and an explanation of how their game would work. Once their idea was approved, the Year 6’s started creating their board games in class. It was wonderful to see the students apply their creativity and critical thinking skills while creating their board games.

Students presented their board games in front of the class. They needed to explain the following in their presentation:

• How they created their board games.
• What materials they used.
• Who their target audience was.
• Lastly they had to demonstrate how their game worked.

On Friday, 4 December, the Year 6’s displayed their board games to the rest of Key Stage 2. They demonstrated how their board games worked and gave the other classes an opportunity to play their game.

We are incredibly proud of the hard work, ingenuity and effort the Year 6s put into their designs.

Katherine Nel
Year  6 Teacher

“Play, while we cannot change the external realities of children’s lives, can be a vehicle for children to explore and enjoy their differences and similarities and to create, even for a brief time, a more just world where everyone is an equal and valued participant.” – Patricia G. Ramsey

Even though it was a short week, the Year 2 teachers found it important for our students to wind down after a fun Term together in what has been a trying year.

They enjoyed teaming up from all three classes to get involved in relay races. The students ran their little hearts out with the biggest smiles on their faces. The fresh air created endorphins, which made them feel great. Challenging oneself in running and races helps build confidence in our abilities and what one can achieve, which helps us develop self-belief and happiness. It is unbelievable that the year has come to an end, I speak for all three Year 2 teachers when I say we could not be more proud of our students for getting through this year and still manage to keep a bright and positive attitude.

We look forward to watching you all grow in 2021.

Something to keep in mind this December Holiday is that, “Children cannot bounce off the walls if we take away the walls.” – Erin Kenny

Erin Hierse
Year 2 Teacher

Our Nursery students have really been enjoying their last few days at Nursery before school closed for the year.

We have relished playing together with Lego, puzzles, stickle bricks, peg-boards and games. We learned about so many topics this term and look forward to what next year brings. We also loved our private garden where we played, ran and sometimes just rested on the grass and put our feet up.

Due to Covid we encouraged our littlest students to social distance, wear their masks and continue to keep their toys, activities and little hands sanitized. We are so proud of how they adapted to all the changes since we opened the classrooms after the hard lockdown. They have been super stars through these trying times and I commend all the parents for raising such brave, strong, loving and independent children.

They have been a real blessing to all of us in the Nursery this year.

Jacky Billings
Nursery Teacher

Dear Parents

We have come to the end of the 2020 academic year.  This has been a year of great challenges, but also a year of great opportunity.   The difference for each and every one of us is the point of our perspective.

However, the future rewards those who press on.  There is no time to feel sorry for ourselves and to complain, we need to just keep going and press on. Thank you to each parent, for your support and commitment towards the school.

Thank you to our staff who relentlessly learned new methods and inspired our students.  Your hard work is always appreciated.

In the words of Barak Obama: “If you’re walking down the right path and you’re willing to keep walking, eventually you’ll make progress.”

We are sadly saying goodbye to Alexia Holmes in year 3.  Mrs. Holmes and her husband are relocating to Betties Bay.  We wish her all the best in her future endeavors.  Mrs. Wendy Menton will replace Mrs. Holmes in year 3.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR TERM 1 2021

A letter has been sent today via the Engage platform with information regarding our drop off and collection times and points for 2021.

I wish all our families a great festive season and may you and your families be blessed with good health and prosperity!

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” – Eleanor Roosevelt

Festive greetings
 
Edna