Teachers as Lead Learners

As school leaders our core focus is student learning.  However, according to recent research by Leithwood et al., (2007), “leadership is second only to teaching in its impact on student outcomes”.  Surely, at some point you have heard Dave McMaster, Head of School, refer to his priority to recruit highly qualified teachers. However, being hired [...]

Read the full article →

“I will write peace on your wings and you will fly all over the world” Sadako Sasaki

The recent earthquake and tsunami in Japan has left a path of devastation yet, people have joined together in local, national and global communities to provide aid, support and genuine kind-heartedness. I believe one of the greatest lessons we can teach our children is to help them find their place; role and responsibilities in our [...]

Read the full article →

Student Led Learning Reviews: April 29

Dear Prep-Grade 6 Parents:

Our student-centered reporting cycle continues with the Student Led Learning Review (SLLR) on Friday 29 April. Normal school and class schedules will be suspended. Students from Prep-Grade 6 classes will only attend school on this day specifically to complete the SLLR.  Students should be in school uniform for their appointment.
The purpose [...]

Read the full article →

Primary students asking, ‘Who am I’?

Just over ten years ago, some heads of IB schools in Europe met to discuss the possibilities of an International Baccalaureate Programme in the primary years.  They wanted students to be able to extend the IB experience throughout their academic schooling as opposed to it being just in the last two years, as it was [...]

Read the full article →

Lifelong Learning

I frequently review other schools’ websites and promotional literature, looking for nuggets of wisdom and examples of “best practice” that will inspire my own work as a school administrator. In my cyber search I have noticed a growing incidence of this phrase – lifelong learning. It is one that has intrigued me for some time.
Schools [...]

Read the full article →

Gong Xi Fa cai

The most important event of the Chinese lunar calendar has arrived.  If you’ve been in this part of the world during Chinese New Year you will no doubt be familiar with fireworks, dragon dances and red packet money.  But what does it all mean?  And what are some of the less well-known aspects of this [...]

Read the full article →

‘PYP Drop-In’ #2

The next ‘PYP Drop-In’ will be held in the drama pit of the library on Thursday 20 January, 1:45–2:30pm and repeated on Friday 21 January from 8:00–8:45am. The focus will be the 5 Essential Elements that make up the PYP. These are very informal sessions aimed at educating parents about the progamme we offer here [...]

Read the full article →

The Importance of Taking a Break

Since we have all just returned to session from a two week hiatus and prepare to celebrate a ten day holiday for Lunar New Year in just four weeks time, I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to blog about the importance of taking quality time off to unwind, rejuvenate and reconnect. In actual [...]

Read the full article →

‘PYP Drop-In’ #1

It was great to see so many parents at our first PYP information ‘Drop-In’ sessions last week.  During these initial sessions we asked for feedback and questions.  Some responses require in-depth explanations and will guide us in how we shape future drop-in sessions.  Other questions can be answered more succinctly.  The following is a sample [...]

Read the full article →

Blog adventures!

This year our Lower School Teachers launched their very own class blogs. Blogs come in all shapes and forms. The common elements to our classroom blogs may include:

Updates on the week ahead
Reviews of the week that was
Important events and dates
Media including images and video
Classroom program information
Home Learning
Useful resources including websites

As we venture down this bold [...]

Read the full article →

← Previous Entries

Next Entries →