

Kindergarten Newsletter
English Version November 2024

Issue #3 (2024-2025)
Dear Kingston Families,
As November unfolds, we’re embracing the cooler days and the many opportunities this season brings to learn, grow, and create together. This month, we will continue to explore the wonders of the world around us, spark curiosity through fun hands-on activities, and encourage kindness and teamwork in all that we do.
In this newsletter, you’ll find updates about what we’ve been working on, important dates to keep in mind, and a glimpse into some of the exciting activities covered this month. From games to outdoor exploration, we’re dedicated to making each day in kindergarten both meaningful and memorable for your children.
Thank you for your ongoing support and for being such an important part of our school community. We look forward to another wonderful month of learning together!
Field Trips 🚌
Angelfish Trip to Exotic Creatures 🦎
Our 3 Year Old Angelfish Class embarked on an exciting expedition to a local exotic pet store as part of their IB PYP 'How the World Works' unit. After learning all about different reptiles, they helped choose our very special classroom pet. The children were absolutely mesmerised by the chameleon and unanimously decided to name their new scaly friend 'Rainbow'!
It's wonderful to see our young inquirers developing care and responsibility while observing Rainbow's fascinating behaviours. Stay tuned for more adventures with our colourful companion!
💧 H2OPE Centre 💧
Our 4 & 5 Year Old Classes had an exciting and educational trip to the H2OPE Centre in Tin Shui Wai, where they explored the many ways we use water in our daily lives. Through interactive exhibits and hands-on activities, the children learned about water conservation, its importance in nature, and how it supports communities. This trip encouraged them to think like inquirers, asking thoughtful questions and making connections to their own experiences with water. They also demonstrated the caring attribute of the PYP Learner Profile, as they reflected on how they can help protect this vital resource for the environment and others. It was a wonderful opportunity for the children to develop their knowledge and understanding of the world while fostering a sense of responsibility and action!
Animal Watchers Talk 🐕
Our kindergarten students had the wonderful opportunity to participate in the Animal Watchers Programme (AWP) talk, where they learned about the importance of caring for animals and preventing cruelty. Delivered by members of the Animal Watch Scheme (AWS), the talk highlighted the various ways we can protect animals and raise awareness about animal welfare in the community. The children were encouraged to be caring by understanding the needs of animals and treating them with kindness and respect. They also demonstrated the principled attribute of the PYP Learner Profile by discussing how to take responsibility for protecting animals and reporting any acts of cruelty. Through this engaging session, our students began to see how their actions can make a positive difference, showing that even at a young age, they can contribute to creating a more compassionate world for all living creatures.
Open House 🏫
Our latest Open House was a vibrant celebration of the Kingston community spirit! The campus buzzed with excitement as current families, alumni, and prospective parents came together to experience the magic of learning at Kingston. From interactive storytelling sessions to hands-on art projects and outdoor play, every corner of Kingston was alive with engagement and discovery. The day truly embodied what makes Kingston special - our strong sense of community and commitment to joyful learning.
HKHERP Talk 🐍
As part of their IB PYP Unit How the World Works, our 3 Year Old Class students had a fascinating visit from the Hong Kong Herpetology Foundation. The foundation held an engaging talk where the children learned all about reptiles and amphibians, discovering how these creatures live, move, and adapt to their environments. The highlight of the visit was the opportunity to interact with a tortoise, gecko, toad, and snake! The children showed the inquirer attribute of the PYP Learner Profile by asking thoughtful questions about the animals and their unique features. They also demonstrated risk-taking as they approached and gently touched the animals, learning how to respect and care for them. This hands-on experience not only sparked curiosity but also deepened their understanding of the natural world and its amazing diversity.
Staff Spotlight
Irene Leung (Kindergarten Chinese Head Teacher)
Hello everyone!
I am Irene Leung, the kindergarten Chinese Head Teacher. I have been part of the Kingston family since 2002. I am an experienced, mature, caring, and responsible early childhood educator. Working in Kingston for many years, as a competent Chinese language coordinator, I have also developed strong perseverance, especially in the promotion of the IB curriculum. With the accumulation of experience, I have integrated IB teaching into the school's curriculum to promote the development of the school. Over the more than 20 years I have been at Kingston, I have been willing to take responsibility for school affairs and love my work. I have a good attitude, am optimistic, and have clear judgment and thinking. I can accept different opinions, propose effective action plans, and constantly improve myself to achieve the current goal of an excellent learning environment in Kingston.
Engaging in education has been my dream since childhood, and I am grateful that my wish can come true. To cultivate the growth of teachers and students, I focus on promoting teaching and cultivating students' learning environments. In addition to grade meetings with teachers, I will often collaborate with teachers in class to lead activities and observe children's learning status. What I love most is to lead students on outdoor visits or field trips and bring learning from the classroom to the surrounding environment of the community, so that every child can find more fun in classroom learning.
I look forward to continuing to accompany Kingston’s children as they grow up one by one in the days to come. Especially on the annual school Open Day, seeing the grown-up graduates come back with their families to visit the school and teachers, the joy is indescribable! Although I have become "old" as I watch them grow up, the magical power of "rejuvenation" surrounds me and our lovely children every day!
Grade Level Updates 📣
Playgroup and 2 Year Old Class
In the Playgroup and 2 Year Old Classes, we’ve been exploring the Me and My Family unit, which has been an exciting journey of discovery for the children. They’ve been learning about body parts and exploring the five senses through hands-on activities like playing with goop and playdough, which encourage sensory exploration and creativity. The dollhouse and furniture have also been a wonderful way for the children to role-play and connect with the concept of family life.
The 2 Year Old Classes have taken their learning a step further by exploring their body parts and what they can do with them. Through fun songs and engaging books, the children are beginning to understand how these body parts work, sparking their curiosity and laying the groundwork for deeper learning. It’s been a joy to see their enthusiasm as they discover more about themselves and their world!
3 Year Old Class
Our 3 Year Old Class students have been enthusiastically continuing their exploration of the IB PYP Unit How the World Works through hands-on learning in their class gardens, which are thriving under their care. As they observe the growth of plants, the children are becoming increasingly knowledgeable about lifecycles and the conditions needed for living things to grow and survive. Building on their understanding, the students presented their own research about the lifecycle of a living thing to the class, showcasing their developing communicator and knowledgeable attributes of the PYP Learner Profile. These presentations allowed them to share their discoveries, ask questions, and deepen their collective understanding of the natural world. It has been inspiring to see their curiosity and confidence blossom alongside their gardens!
4 & 5 Year Old Class
Our 4 & 5 Year Old Classes have been making incredible progress in their IB PYP Unit Sharing the Planet as they continue to explore the importance of water. The children have become knowledgeable about how water travels from sources to our homes, even designing and building their own pipe systems to understand the process better. They also learned about water filtration and the effort it takes to make water clean and safe to use. Through the story The Water Princess, the children gained insight into the challenges faced by communities that need to transport water over long distances, fostering empathy and a deeper appreciation for this vital resource. To encourage water conservation, the students have been designing creative bookmarks with important messages about saving water, showcasing their caring and principled attributes of the PYP Learner Profile. It has been inspiring to see their understanding of water's value grow, along with their commitment to protecting it for the future!
Alumni Corner
Kylie Wang and Liana Tang
We are very excited to report that two Kingston Alumni co-wrote and published a multiple-award winning Young Adult novel entitled Stuck in Her Head. Kylie Wang is based in San Francisco and Liana Tang is living and writing in Toronto. The novel is about a near-fallout when two lifelong friends in Hong Kong find themselves competing in the same coding contest. The book is targeted toward an older audience, but parents may want to have a look: https://www.amazon.com/Stuck-Her-Head-Kylie-Wang-ebook/dp/B0CCK2Y9GY
Ernest Chung
Kingston Alumnus (Class of 2018) Ernest Chung dropped by on Open Day to have a look around his old stomping grounds and to chat with some of his previous teachers. He is now in Y13 at Malvern College HK, where he leads the Drama Club and is also in a band called ‘Inside Joke’, who are releasing an album soon!
Parent Tips 📒
The Importance of Routines
Routines play a vital role in the lives of young children, providing them with a sense of security, stability, and predictability. Consistent routines help children understand what to expect, which reduces anxiety and helps them feel more in control of their environment. They also support the development of self-regulation skills, independence, and time management, as children learn to transition smoothly between activities. Whether it’s a morning routine, bedtime ritual, or daily schedule at school, these structured moments help build a foundation for healthy habits and emotional well-being. Establishing routines not only benefits children but also strengthens family bonds and reduces daily stress for everyone.
Further reading in Chinese: https://ecourse.familyhealthservice.gov.hk/tc-ver/developmental-stages/3-6-years-old/good-habits/
Book Suggestions 📙
The Going to Bed Book
Llama Llama Red Pajama
How Do Dinosaurs Clean Their Rooms?
Celebrating Our Students' Talents Beyond the Classroom 🙌
We are delighted to showcase our students' remarkable achievements beyond our classroom walls. At Kingston, we believe in celebrating the diverse talents and interests of our young learners as they explore and excel in various activities. Please join us in congratulating our students who have demonstrated their skills and passion in sports, arts, music, and other extracurricular pursuits.
If you would like to share your child’s talents with us please fill in the Google Form below:
⭐Star of the Month⭐
Peterson Hui (Year 4)
The "I'm a Star Athlete" series, organised by the Kowloon Chamber of Commerce, the Asia Sports Technology Development Association, and the Hong Kong Actuarial Rotary Club, officially launched on November 9. We are proud to share that our kindergarten graduate and current KIS student, Peterson Hui, took part in the event, demonstrating outstanding skill and sportsmanship in the table tennis competition. The opening ceremony, held at the Kowloon Chamber of Commerce, was attended by notable guests, including Chris Sun, Secretary for Labour and Welfare, and Sze Chun Fai, Under Secretary for Education. The event highlighted the integration of technology and sports, encouraging young people to stay active and contribute to the growth of sports in Hong Kong.
Parent Workshop - Introduction to the PYP 📖
On Thursday, December 12, 2024 from 8:45am to 9:45am we will hold a Parent Workshop in our Music Room. The focus of the workshop will be an introduction to the IB Primary Programme that Kingston implements from our 3 Year Old Class and will be conducted by Ms. Michelle and Ms. Irene. The workshop is open to parents from all grade levels and is a great chance for parents to understand the PYP framework and its benefits for your child's learning journey. We hope to see many of you there.
If you would like to attend, please complete the Parent Workshop Sign Up Form by December 6. Please note that there is a maximum of 20 participants.
Upcoming Events 📅
6 December - Winter Concert (3-5 Year Old Classes)
11 December - Water Save Carnival (4 & 5 Year Old Classes)
12 December - Parent Workshop - Introduction to the PYP
13 December - Christmas Party
14 December to 5 January - Winter Break
6 January - World Vision Talk (4 & 5 Year Old Classes)
8 January - KIK & KCC School Trip (2-5 Year Old Classes)
23 January - Flower Market
24 January - Parent-Teacher Conferences
25 January-5 February - Chinese New Year Holiday
Stay connected with our school community by following us on social media! Join us on Facebook, Instagram, and Xiaohongshu for updates, event highlights, and a glimpse into our daily activities. We love sharing our exciting moments with you and fostering a vibrant online community!
Email: enquiry@kingston.edu.hk
Website: www.kingston.edu.hk
Address: 12-14 Cumberland Road, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong
Phone: 23379049
向學生提供具挑戰性和啟發性的雙語環境 (英語及普通話),培養他們全面而均衡的發展,並使他們能以個人獨特的方式成為活躍主動、具責任感的世界公民。