Head of Campus
Hello!
We hope this newsletter article finds you in a steady place as we ride this rocky road together. It seems as though we will be seeing this term out learning remotely across both the Kindergarten and the Primary School. Please always remember that we are here to listen, understand the challenges and want to continue to help find solutions to support you through. Relationships are at the heart of our school philosophy, and we strive to ensure that everything we do honours this. The capacities technology offers us at the moment are a mixed blessing as we seek to balance our electronic existences with the here and now.
Parent Teacher Interviews
The Parent Teacher Interviews were a success! We hope that these provided you with the opportunity to check in with your child(ren)’s teachers to share observations with regards to learning from home and for the teachers to share their observations of the child(ren) at school and whilst learning remotely.
At Preshil, communicating student and learning needs from all perspectives creates the foundation on which success can be built. These positive conferences are vital in forming the fundamental supports that underpin potential student accomplishment and are an opportunity for families, students and teachers alike to connect in a celebration of learning.
Play, PYP and Preshil
At Preshil, whether on-site or learning remotely, we love to play and know that play is an important part of the learning and development of children. There are many different types of play and play can be serious work!
The Committee on the Rights of the Child (2013), states that 'play promotes the development of creativity, imagination, self-confidence, self-efficacy, as well as physical, social, cognitive and emotional strength and skills. Furthermore, because play is highly adaptive, it involves choice, promotes agency and provides rigorous opportunities to inquire into important concepts and personal interests.'
Play at Preshil is woven through the PYP's emphasis on inquiry-based learning and focus on independent learning. The PYP’s transdisciplinary themes offer authentic contexts for students to learn increasingly complex ideas about themselves and the world around them.
All families have access to their child's SeeSaw portfolio. This is a wonderful opportunity to join your child on their learning journey through the PYP Transdisciplinary Themes. These themes provide the opportunity to incorporate local and global issues into the curriculum.
Who We Are
Inquiry into the nature of the self; beliefs and values; personal, physical, mental, social and spiritual health; human relationships including families, friends, communities, and cultures; rights and responsibilities; what it means to be human.
Where We Are In Place and Time
Inquiry into orientation in place and time; personal histories; homes and journeys; the discoveries, explorations and migrations of humankind; the relationship between and the interconnectedness of individuals and civilizations, from local and global perspectives.
How We Express Ourselves
Inquiry into the ways in which we discover and express ideas, feelings, nature, culture, beliefs and values; the ways in which we reflect on, extend and enjoy our creativity; our appreciation of the aesthetic.
How The World Works
Inquiry into the natural world and its laws, the interaction between the natural world (physical and biological) and human societies; how humans use their understanding of scientific principles; the impact of scientific and technological advances on society and on the environment.
How We Organise Ourselves
Inquiry into the interconnectedness of human-made systems and communities; the structure and function of organisations; societal decision-making; economic activities and their impact on humankind and the environment.
Sharing The Planet
Inquiry into rights and responsibilities in the struggle to share finite resources with other people and other living things; communities and the relationship within and between them; access to equal opportunities; peace and conflict resolution.
This natural way of learning develops the whole child as an inquirer, both at school and beyond.
Kindergarten Information Session & Arlington Open Morning
A Kindergarten Information Session was held on Friday 27 August and the Arlington Open Morning was held today. These sessions albeit online are proving to be a successful introduction to our wonderful school. We are really pleased with the growing enrolments for 2022.
We are thrilled with the unprecedented level of interest in our unique approach to the PYP and progressive education. Given our current circumstances, it is a shame that new families can’t experience the meaningful relationships between the teachers and the children at face
value. We are looking forward to conducting these on-site in the near future.
5s 2022 Prep Orientation
Coming up we have two 2022 Prep Orientation Sessions which will be conducted via Zoom:
- 5s 2022 Parent Information Session:
Wednesday 8 September
11.00am - 12.00pm
This information session will cover aspects of our 5s program; our curriculum and school readiness. It will be an opportunity to hear and ask questions about how we transition our children into the early years of the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), the importance of our Play Worlds approach as well as how we ensure that children flourish in significant learning areas such as literacy, numeracy and science.
We encourage all families to join us as it is another great opportunity to ask detailed questions, meet other parents online and ensure that your child has a wonderful introduction to school. We will be joined on this Zoom by Cressida Batterham-Wilson, Interim Principal, Clinton Morgan, current 5s teacher and Poppy Woodhouse, Kindergarten Lead Educator.
2. 5s 2022 Parent Information Session - Introduction to specialists:
Thursday 16 September
10.30 - 11.30am
This session will let you know more about specific programs such as art, music, philosophy and second languages. We will be joined by our current 5s Parent Representatives who will talk about special events and the beauty of our Preshil community.
2022 enrolments
As we finalise 2022 enrolments and classes across all levels of the school, please let us know as soon as possible if you have a sibling who intends to enrol for next year. Furthermore, as per the terms and conditions of your enrolment agreement, a term's notice is required should you not be intending to return next year.
Victor Toufas
Acting Head of Campus