

Kindergarten Newsletter
English Version December 2024 & January 2025

Issue #4 (2024-2025)
Dear Kingston Families,
As we reflect on December's festive celebrations and January's fresh beginnings, we're grateful for all the wonderful moments of learning, growth, and creativity we've shared together. The winter months have brought exciting opportunities for indoor and outdoor discoveries!
In this newsletter, you'll find highlights from our holiday activities in December, updates on our current projects, and a peek into our wonderful Chinese New Year preparations. As we welcome the Year of the Snake, our students have been immersed in cultural celebrations, traditional crafts, and festive performances that celebrate this important holiday.
恭喜發財 (Gong Xi Fa Cai)! We wish all our families good fortune, happiness, and prosperity in the Year of the Snake! Thank you for your continued partnership in making our school community so special. Here's to a bright and successful 2025 as we continue our learning journey together!
Field Trips 🚌
Water Save Carnival (4 & 5 Year Old Classes) 🚰
Our 4 and 5-year-old classes had an exciting morning at the Water Save Carnival organised by the Water Supplies Department. The purpose of the trip was to further the children’s understanding of their Sharing the Planet Unit of Inquiry. The children engaged in a variety of fun and educational activities designed to teach them about the importance of water conservation. They participated in interactive games and learned how to use water wisely in their everyday lives. In addition, they got to make their own water filter. The carnival provided a wonderful opportunity for the children to explore the importance of protecting our water resources while having a great time with their classmates.
School Trip to Happy Garden Farm 🌼
Our annual school trip was a delightful experience for our 2-5 Year Old Classes, as parents and students came together for a day filled with joy and laughter. The children enjoyed a variety of fun games alongside their families and classmates, creating memorable moments together. They had the chance to feed goats, which brought smiles and excitement, and spent hours bouncing on the bouncy castles, playing in the playground, and digging in the sandpit. We were especially grateful for the lovely weather, which made the day even more enjoyable.
In-School Activities
🎄Winter Concert 🎄
Before the Christmas break our Kindergarten classes stole the show at our annual Winter Concert! From joyful holiday songs to heartwarming performances, our talented young students filled the school with cheer and smiles. Families gathered to celebrate the season and support our little stars, who worked so hard to make the event magical. it was truly a day to remember!
Parent Workshop - Introduction to the PYP 🏫
We would like to thank all the parents who were able to join us for our Parent Workshop, "Introduction to the PYP." It was a wonderful opportunity to share insights into the Primary Years Programme and how it supports our children's learning journey. Your participation and engagement made the event truly special. We are excited to welcome more parents to our next Parent Workshop, "Mathematics in the PYP," that will take place February 13. We look forward to seeing you there as we continue to explore and deepen our understanding of this enriching educational framework together!
Christmas Party 🎅
Our Christmas party was a delightful celebration filled with joy and laughter! The children had the wonderful opportunity to meet Santa, who brought smiles to their faces as he handed out gifts. The excitement in the air was palpable as each child received a special surprise! To add to the festive spirit, the students enjoyed a shared snack with their classmates, creating a warm and cheerful atmosphere.
World Vision Talk 🌍
Our 4 and 5 Year Old Class students recently attended a talk provided by World Vision called "Charles' Gift." The story introduced them to Charles, a young boy in Zambia, who receives a special gift that brings him immense joy. However, as he discovers that his classmates have begun to go missing one by one, he faces a challenging situation. This heartwarming narrative guided the children on a meaningful journey, highlighting the beauty of sharing and the joy of helping others through acts of kindness. The talk inspired thoughtful discussions among the students, encouraging them to reflect on the importance of empathy and community, leaving a lasting impression.
Flower Market 🐍
Our Chinese New Year Flower Market, held on the last day before the break, was a vibrant and joyous celebration! The children put on a fantastic concert, showcasing performances from all classes, with our oldest students leading the way down to our youngest Playgroup members. The excitement continued as they watched the lively Lion and Dragon Dance teams, performed by our 4 and 5 Year Old Classes, captivating everyone with their energy and skill. In addition to the performances, the students had the opportunity to "buy" beautiful Chinese New Year decorations from our in-school Flower Market, immersing themselves in the festive spirit. It was a wonderful day filled with laughter, culture, and community, marking a memorable start to the holiday celebrations.
Staff Spotlight
Justine Rice (Rabbits Class Teacher)
Hello! My name is Miss Justine Rice, and I am an English teacher at Kingston. Originally from Brisbane, Australia, I have spent nearly twenty years living and working in Hong Kong. I began my journey here at a local kindergarten, but after a while, I sought a change and moved to England to teach for a year. However, I felt a strong pull to return to Hong Kong, which led me to apply for a position at Kingston.
Many of my former colleagues from my previous school had transitioned to Kingston, and after nearly ten years working here, I understand why! Kingston is a wonderful school with small class sizes that foster one-on-one learning, creating a close-knit family atmosphere. I've had the pleasure of teaching not only students but also their siblings, and all the families we work with are incredibly lovely.
I truly enjoy teaching the IB programme, as it allows children the freedom to inquire and explore. My passion for teaching stems from my experiences working with children ranging from six weeks to six years old, alongside my studies in Certificate III in Children’s Services in Australia. I aim to cater to their developmental needs while creating joyful, memorable experiences in learning English.
In my personal life, I love to travel, especially to colder destinations, and I'm working on improving my skiing skills. I also enjoy going to the theatre and recently completed a Diploma in makeup for film and television, delving into the fascinating world of special effects makeup.
I am so grateful to be a part of such a great team of Teachers at Kingston and it has been a joy to teach such wonderful children and work alongside their supportive Parents.
Grade Level Updates 📣
Playgroup and 2 Year Old Class
In our Playgroup and 2 Year Old Class, the students immersed themselves in a delightful exploration of Christmas and Chinese New Year, while also engaging in a separate unit focused on Animals. During the holiday units, they discovered the joy of the season by creating festive crafts and singing Christmas and Chinese New Year songs. The children learned about Christmas and Chinese New Year through vibrant stories and activities, fostering curiosity and appreciation for these festivals.
In their Animals unit, the students are exploring various animals through hands-on activities and interactive play. They learned about different habitats, sounds, and characteristics of animals, enhancing their understanding of the natural world.
3 Year Old Class
Our 3 Year Old Class has embarked on an exciting new unit titled "How We Organise Ourselves," with the central idea that people use transportation systems to move around. To kick off their inquiry, the children have been exploring how families traveled during the Christmas holiday, discussing various modes of transport, including how they travel to school and navigate different areas of our campus. This exploration has sparked engaging conversations and curiosity about transportation in their everyday lives. Additionally, the students have been having a blast playing in their new class role-play areas, where they can creatively act out their experiences and deepen their understanding of the unit. It's a wonderful start to a journey filled with discovery and fun!
4 & 5 Year Old Class
Our 4 and 5 Year Old Class has enthusiastically begun their new unit, "Where We Are in Place and Time," centered around the idea that celebrations and traditions can be connected through place and time. The students kicked off their exploration by delving into the different seasons, discussing the unique characteristics that define each one. They also engaged in comparing and contrasting familiar festivals using Venn diagrams, fostering critical thinking and collaborative learning. A highlight of the unit so far has been their deep dive into the rich celebrations and traditions of Chinese New Year, allowing them to connect their own experiences with cultural practices from around the world. This engaging journey encourages the children to appreciate the diversity of celebrations while understanding their significance across time and place.
Parent Tips 📒
Literacy Development
Supporting your child's literacy development is crucial for their overall learning and success. Here are some effective tips to enhance your child's literacy skills:
- Utilise Everyday Experiences: Incorporate literacy into daily activities. Discuss experiences, show pictures, and tell stories to build background knowledge. Label objects around the house to emphasise the importance of language and print.
- Read Aloud Regularly: Reading aloud to your child is one of the most effective ways to foster early language development. Choose a variety of books that align with their interests to keep them engaged.
- Encourage Interaction: While reading, ask your child questions about the story, such as what they think will happen next or their favourite part. This interaction makes reading a more engaging and thoughtful experience.
- Incorporate Rhymes and Songs: Nursery rhymes and songs are excellent for developing phonemic awareness and language skills. Singing together can make learning fun and memorable.
- Create a Literacy-Rich Environment: Surround your child with books and reading materials appropriate for their age. Model good reading habits by letting them see you read regularly.
- Play Word Games: Engage in games that involve words, such as rhyming games or vocabulary-building activities. This can help expand their language skills in a playful manner.
- Celebrate Progress: Provide positive feedback and celebrate your child's achievements in early reading and writing. This encouragement can boost their confidence and motivation to learn.
For more in-depth information on literacy development and strategies for parents, consider exploring the following resources:
These resources provide valuable insights and practical strategies to support your child's literacy journey. Further reading in Chinese is available on the Chinese version of this newsletter.
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⭐
Lindy Hui (Angelfish Class)
We are excited to announce Lindy Liu from the Angelfish Class as our Star of the Month! Her beautiful artwork not only showcases her incredible talent but also serves as the stunning background image for our newsletter, adding a splash of creativity and inspiration for everyone.
Upcoming Events 📅
25 January-5 February - Chinese New Year Holiday
6 February - Term 2 Begins
6-17 February - World Vision Red Packet Donation Drive
10 & 12 February - 3 Year Old Class MTR Field Trips
13 February - Parent Workshop - Mathematics in the PYP
14 February - 2 Year Old Class Ocean Park Trip
21 February - Pyjama Party
25-26 February - School Photos
27 February - 3 Year Old Class Train Museum Trip
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。