Schoolgramme - September 2010/2011

Dear Parents,

Welcome to Small World! A new school year is just about to start and we trust that you all had a wonderful summer.

Class Themes

This year each class will cover different themes related to our Foundation Curriculum including studies about our world. To make sure you know what your child is learning and focusing on each month, please look at the class calendar provided for you in your child’s art folder or on the school’s web site www.swck.edu.hk.  Please remember to check the calendars for any special days, field trips or special items the children need to bring to class. Kindly post this on your family notice board so you can be prepared for any special days coming up.

Each class starts with a first foundation unit for the school year highlighting the uniqueness of each child, ensuring they feel welcomed and know they belong in their new class and new school! We will be learning that “I’m glad you’re here and God our Father is glad you’re here.” The memory verse is as follows:-

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” Genesis 1:1

Preparation for Coming to School
This is an exciting time for the whole family when your child starts school. To prepare in these last few days it would be good to talk about this exciting time, read books about starting school, talk about your own days at school (only the good things please!!) and get lots of rest.

School Calendar/ Class Calendar
The annual school calendar and class calendar will be distributed during your child’s orientation day. Please find these in your child's art folder.  Kindly empty the art folder and return it to school the following Monday.

Notice Boards
Please take note of the notice boards upstairs and downstairs in the front hallways where some important information for you is posted.

Snack
Kindly include a small snack and drink for your child to bring each day.  The snack containers and bottles need to be clearly labeled with your child’s name and class so that they can be returned home.  Water will be available for the children to drink during the day.
Please ensure your child’s snack is healthy - fruit, crunchy vegetables or similar foods are particularly encouraged.

Cubby
Each child will have his own cubby for storing personal belongings. Please bring the following items on Orientation Day:

• complete change of clothes stored in a ziplock bag (underclothes, socks, play clothes etc labeled clearly)
• 1 large box of tissues
• 1 big bottle Off Mosquito Spray

School Bus
Please note that the school bus starts running on Monday, 30th August. We would like to advise you to take public transport on the orientation day. Please contact Mr Robert Mui as soon as possible if you have not signed up for the school bus.  His contact number is 9032 7434.

Parking
• Please take considerable care when dropping your child at school.  The police frequently patrol this area and issue tickets. 
• Please do not park on the road leading up to the circle.
• To avoid practicing those 3-point turns when leaving the circle, please proceed up Borrett Road, and go round the upper circle before coming back down again.
• Please do not use Borrett Road as a car park while you run personal errands in town.

Parent Topic Evening
There will be a Parent Topic Evening on Wednesday 29th September at 7:30-8:30 p.m. for all parents at the Island School hall at 20 Borrett Road. This is an introduction to the school and opportunity to meet your child’s class teachers.

Dad’s Dates
Dad’s date is a special evening for both children and their Dads with activities in the classroom designed to show Dads what happens in a typical day at school. This is not a compulsory event.  Dads, if you cannot make it we understand.  Sign up sheet will follow later.  Dates will be as follows:-
• October 7     Thurs. Dad’s Date for AM classes [6:30-8:00 pm] - Please come on time.
• October 8     Fri. Dad’s Date for PM classes [6:30-8:00 pm] - Please come on time. 
o No school for all afternoon classes.

Parenting Course- Boundaries with Kids
Barbara Whitehead, Masters in Counseling, will run the course ‘Boundaries with Kids' starting September 8th from 9:30-11:30am for six Wednesdays. This is a very practical and helpful course for parents with children of all ages. Through the course you will view segments from a DVD and participate in group discussions. It is a wonderful time to learn together in a relaxed atmosphere. The course fee of $700 (please make a cheque payable to SWCK) includes the textbook, other notes, materials and morning tea.  Full details will be sent under separate emails.

Schoolgramme by Email
In the interest of good communication with families the school produces regular schoolgramme to provide you updates and school information. New and existing parents who have not been receiving the schoolgramme by email must subscribe by following the instructions found in the school webpage http://www.swck.edu.hk/communication. The schoolgramme is also published on the website. Please contact the office if you have any problem receiving the newsletter by email.

The annual school calendar and monthly class calendar can be downloaded from the Communication page on the website.  The Parent Handbook with useful information about school life at Small World can be downloaded from the Parent page of the website.

We look forward to working together with you and seeing the children grow and develop through the coming year.

Gail Maidment - Principal