Welcome to our first newsletter of the new school year! We're thrilled to embark on this exciting journey with you and your little ones. As we settle into our classroom routines and begin our adventures in learning, we want to ensure that you stay connected with all the wonderful experiences happening in our kindergarten class.

This monthly newsletter is designed to be your window into our vibrant school community. Each issue will provide you with important updates, celebrate our achievements, and offer insights into our school activities.

We believe that strong communication between home and school is crucial for your child's success. This newsletter is just one of the ways we'll keep you informed and involved throughout the year. We encourage you to reach out with any questions, concerns, or insights you may have about your child's experience.

Thank you for entrusting us with your child's early education. We're looking forward to a year filled with curiosity, discovery, and plenty of fun!

Happy reading, and here's to a fantastic year ahead!

Our enthusiastic 3 Year Old Class students embarked on an exciting adventure to Ngau Chi Wan Park as part of their "Who We Are" unit, focusing on healthy lifestyles. The young inquirers displayed their natural curiosity as they explored the park's facilities and engaged in various games designed to promote physical activity. With boundless energy, they climbed, slid, and swung in the playground, developing their gross motor skills and fostering a love for outdoor play. The children demonstrated their risk-taking abilities by trying new equipment and games, all while learning about the importance of exercise in maintaining a healthy body. This hands-on experience not only reinforced their understanding of healthy habits but also encouraged them to be active and balanced individuals.

Meanwhile, our 4 and 5 Year Old Class students took a trip to Road Safety Town, aligning with their "Who We Are" unit on responsibilities in different places. These young thinkers and communicators actively participated in various scenarios that simulated real-life traffic situations. They practised being principled pedestrians, learning to look both ways before crossing streets and understanding traffic signals. As they rode tricycles around the miniature town, the children demonstrated their developing sense of caring and respect for others by following road rules and considering the safety of their peers. This immersive experience helped our students become more knowledgeable about road safety and reflect on their responsibilities as community members, fostering a deeper understanding of how their actions impact those around them.

They also embarked on an exciting trip to the local supermarket, putting their newly acquired knowledge about responsibility into practice. As principled shoppers, they carefully followed their self-created shopping list, demonstrating their skills as thinkers by making decisions about which items to select. The children communicated effectively with each other, showing confidence in navigating the aisles and locating the items they needed. This real-world experience allowed them to be risk-takers by interacting in a new environment. Throughout the excursion, the students remained open-minded, learning about different products and brands while staying focused on their task. This hands-on activity not only reinforced their understanding of responsibility but also fostered independence and decision-making skills, crucial attributes for these young learners as they continue to grow and explore their world.

The kindergarten was abuzz with excitement as our young learners celebrated the Mid-Autumn Festival, embracing the spirit of cultural appreciation and community. The classrooms were transformed into a sea of colourful lanterns. As they presented their unique lanterns, the students demonstrated their communication skills and confidence, explaining the designs of their lanterns. The children gathered to sample mooncakes, pomelos, and other seasonal delicacies, fostering a sense of unity and shared experience. The highlight of the celebration was the riddle guessing game, where our little inquirers put their thinking caps on, collaborating with classmates to solve puzzles and riddles related to the festival. This engaging activity not only enhanced their problem-solving skills but also deepened their understanding of the cultural significance of the Mid-Autumn Festival. Throughout the celebration, the children embodied the IB learner profile attributes of being open-minded and knowledgeable, embracing diversity and gaining insights into this important cultural tradition.

Our kindergarten students were treated to an enlightening and heartwarming experience as we welcomed a special visitor – a trained guide dog and its handler from The Hong Kong Guide Dog Association. This unique opportunity allowed our young learners to develop empathy and understanding towards individuals with visual impairments. The children listened attentively as the handler explained the crucial role guide dogs play in providing independence and safety to their human partners. Our curious students asked thoughtful questions, demonstrating their growing awareness of diversity and inclusion. They were fascinated to learn about the extensive training guide dogs undergo and the special bond they form with their handlers. The visit not only educated our students but also inspired them to be more caring and considerate towards others with different abilities. We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the families, staff, and community members who generously contributed to our guide dog donation drive. Your kindness and support will help provide essential training and care for future guide dogs, making a significant difference in the lives of visually impaired individuals. This experience has truly embodied our school's commitment to fostering compassion and social responsibility in our young learners.

Our youngest learners in the Playgroup and 2 Year Old Classes have embarked on an exciting journey as they experience school life for the first time. These little adventurers are gradually settling into their new routines, showing remarkable adaptability and resilience. Each day brings new discoveries as they explore their classroom environments, filled with colourful learning materials and engaging activities. The children are developing their social skills, learning to share, take turns, and make new friends. Their natural curiosity shines through as they participate in age-appropriate activities designed to stimulate their senses and encourage early learning. From messy play to storytime, music sessions to outdoor exploration, our little ones are absorbing a wealth of experiences. They're also beginning to understand more about themselves, identifying body parts, and expressing their likes and dislikes. It's heartwarming to see their growing independence as they learn to put away their bags, put on their shoes, and follow simple instructions. The dedicated teachers are nurturing these budding learners with patience and care, creating a warm, safe environment where each child feels valued and supported. This first taste of school life is laying a strong foundation for their future educational journey, fostering a love for learning that we hope will last a lifetime.

Our 3 Year Old Class students have enthusiastically dived into their first IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) unit, "Who We Are," exploring the central idea that the choices we make affect our health and well-being. These young inquirers have been on an exciting journey of discovery, learning about the importance of healthy eating and lifestyle choices. Through interactive activities, such as sorting pretend foods into 'healthy' and 'less healthy' categories, and engaging in simple cooking experiences, the children have begun to understand the impact of their food choices on their bodies. They've also been exploring various forms of physical activity, from outdoor play to simple yoga poses, fostering an appreciation for active lifestyles. Alongside these health-focused inquiries, the students have been developing their social skills and learning how to build positive relationships with their classmates. Through collaborative games, sharing activities, and guided discussions, they're beginning to understand the importance of kindness, sharing, and cooperation in maintaining emotional well-being. It's been wonderful to observe these young learners making connections between their choices and their overall health, embodying the IB learner profile attributes of being balanced and reflective. This unit has laid a strong foundation for our students to become more aware of their own well-being and the well-being of others around them.

Our 4 and 5 Year Old Class students have been deeply engaged in their "Who We Are" unit, exploring the central idea that there are different responsibilities in different places. These young inquirers have demonstrated impressive growth in understanding their roles and duties across various contexts. At home, they've been reflecting on how they can contribute to family life, from tidying their rooms to helping with simple chores. In school, they've embraced classroom responsibilities, such as being line leaders. The unit extended to the wider community, where students considered how they could be responsible citizens. Taking meaningful action, the children enthusiastically took on the role of "greeters" at the school gate, warmly welcoming and farewelling their peers, embodying the IB learner profile attributes of being caring and communicators. Their learning culminated in planning a class party, where they exercised their decision-making skills by choosing party foods, collaboratively creating a shopping list, and responsibly purchasing items at the supermarket. This real-world application of their learning showcased their developing skills as thinkers and risk-takers. Furthermore, the students demonstrated remarkable empathy and leadership by assisting younger students during snack time, reflecting their growing sense of responsibility and care for others. Through these varied experiences, our students have not only grasped the concept of responsibility but have also actively lived it, setting a strong foundation for their future roles in society.

It’s not uncommon for young children to bite, hit, or scratch as they navigate their feelings and interactions with others. These behaviours can stem from frustration, curiosity, or simply trying to communicate when they lack the words. At our school, we are dedicated to supporting children through this stage by teaching them how to express their emotions in healthier ways. Our caring educators provide guidance through activities that promote sharing and empathy, and we set clear, gentle boundaries to help children understand acceptable behaviour. Parents can play a vital role at home by encouraging open conversations about feelings and modelling positive ways to handle frustration. Together, we can help our little ones learn to express themselves without resorting to physical actions, ensuring they feel safe and supported both at school and at home.

Here are some books that you may consider reading with your child at home.

As educators and facilitators at Kingston, we are continually inspired by the diverse talents and achievements of our young learners. We believe that every accomplishment, whether inside or outside the school environment, contributes significantly to the growth and self-esteem of our children.

We know that many of our students are engaged in a variety of activities beyond their academic life, such as dance, music, art, sports, and more. It is with great excitement that we invite you to share these wonderful experiences and victories with our school community.

To better celebrate and acknowledge these achievements, we kindly request that you complete the Student Talent Form posted in Google Classroom with any notable successes your child has had outside of school. This could include anything from winning a medal in a dance competition, participating in a community art exhibition, performing in a violin recital, or any other accomplishment that makes you and your child proud.

Please include photos of your child taking part in this activity and any awards they have received so that we are able to share this with our school community!

7-11 October - Mid Term Break

11 October - Chung Yeung Festival

14 October - 4 Year Old Class Extended Day Class trip to Brighter Smiles Playland

18 October - 2 Year Old Class Parent Information Session

23 October - 4 & 5 Year Old Classes Trip to Ocean Park

24 October - Dress Casual Day

25-26 October - Teachers Professional Development Days (no school for students)

29 October - 3 Year Old Classes trip to Urban Oasis

31 October - Halloween Party

We're excited to announce the launch of our new school website! Visit us online to explore upcoming events, access important resources, and stay connected with our vibrant school community.

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!