​Wesley College visit & drama performances
We welcomed a group of 20 middle school drama students from Wesley College in Melbourne, Australia to the school on Friday November 6th
They performed 2 shows for our students based on the well known Aesop’s Fables. All our students certainly enjoyed the performances, especially the acting, singing and costumes. This was Wesley College’s sixteenth year of visiting FIS .

Diwali
I would like to say a big thank you to Mrs Kumar and Mrs ........two of our Year 1 parents who told the story of Diwali the Indian festival of lights to Y1 students. The mums told the story through some clever props which entertained the students. They followed this up with a creative exercise to design an amazing mask to celebrate Diwali,, the Indian New Year.It was also interesting to see many students dressing up for Diwali in lovely colourful outfits.
The staff and I take this opportunity to wish those who celebrate in our community a very happy Diwali. May you all have awonderful time with your loved ones.
 
​Medical news
MMR/ HEP B Immunisations Year 1 and Year 6 (2015-2016)
Dear Parents,
Please be reminded, that the School Immunisation Team of the Health Department, will visit our School on the November 2015, to administer the Measles, Mumps, Rubella (years 1 and years 6) / Hepatitis B ( year 6 only), vaccination.
Would like to remind those, that have not given their medical records, with their consent forms, that they must bring their medical records on that day.
Please inform the teacher on the day of the vaccination, if your child is sick, or absent, or not fit for being vaccinated. Parents who have not received MMR/ Hep B vaccination consent forms, please contact us immediately. If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Uniform
We have clear expectations regarding our school uniform. Sometimes students may need to wear something different for a short period of time if they have outgrown a their T shirt/shorts  for example, but we encourage everyone to adhere to the uniform for all PE/Sports and Trips – The class teachers and I have noticed a handful of children not wearing PE kit for their PE lessons.  As the weather begins to cool down, please try to ensure you have the appropriate winter uniform ready. I appreciate your support in helping to ensure we maintain our strong identity and that all the children feel a sense of pride in wearing the FIS colours.

​School fair
Our thoughts now turn to the School Fair, which takes place on Saturday 5th December just a two weeks away. There are still opportunities to contribute or help out on the day. Please contact the Office if you can offer assistance and make sure you come along on the day to join the fun.
 Transition Programmes
There is always something special about learning in our Secondary School .One of our priorities this year is to review the processes we have in place to smooth the children’s pathway as they leave Chai Wan and Year 6 and move on to Year 7 and BPR and start their first year in secondary school.
As so many of our children transition to BPR /Year 7 our focus has been to review and develop the links we have with our colleagues in the  Secondary school . Monday November 23rd is the latest action for parent to hear about moving up to Year 7. We will also be highlighting other actions later e.g. Year 6 link with the BPR teachers/ subject/  lesson trials . Our children always get excited and are always enthusiastic to learn from the BPR teachers and students and to use their facilities.
Another focus area has been to review and develop the links we have with Year 4 move to Chai Wan and into Year 5 in addition there are projects we will be looking into: Curriculum continuity /Mentoring Programme/Chinese Language/website use /Music/joint performances/Student Voice and Action/ CAS
 
 
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​Last September two UK advisors visited FIS PRIMARY  Mr P Davies and Ms L Brown. The course that they ran was called ‘The creative  use of tablets’
Phil Davies ,the course leader ,  said 'I think we can learn a lot from children - their curiosity, playfulness and mindfulness inspires me to work in the way that we do. The best kind of learning comes from a place of empowerment and genuine interest and that's what we strive to see in the classroom. We want to inspire people - adults and children - to grow, create and celebrate our diversity. They worked with all the classes and teachers over a period of two weeks.
The film below is a record of their visit and work done by the classes.
Teacher comment :
 'After 20 years of teaching this was without doubt the most inspirational and interesting course I have ever attended.'
 'Learning is alive! The best training I have ever been on...
 

Diwali – or the Festival of Lights – is the biggest and brightest of all the Hindu celebrations.
An ancient festival to celebrate the triumph of light over dark and good over evil, Diwali – from the Sanskrit word deepawali – is also significant in other religions including Buddhism, Sikhism and Jainism.
It marks the homecoming of the God Lord Ram after vanquishing the demon king Ravana.
Diwali is also the Hindu New Year and therefore a major holiday in India, although it’s also celebrated by millions across the world, from India, Nepal and Malaysia to right here in the UK, with thousands attending Diwali lights switch-on events around the country.
The main festival night of Diwali takes place on the darkest, new moon night of the Hindu Lunisolar month Kartika – all the better to see the fireworks and enjoy the symbolic burning of lamps and candles.
When is it?
The date of Diwali changes from year to year – it varies according to the Hindu Lunisolar calendar – but it is usually in October or November. This year it started on November, 11th
This year the main festivities took place on Wednesday 11 November, but the preparations began on Monday 9 November and typically rituals and preparations went on for five days.
There are other festive days surrounding the main day of Diwali too. The main celebration is marked by Dhanteras (specific to some Northern and Western parts of India), Naraka Chaturdasi on the second day, Deepawali on the third, Diwali Padva (a day to honour married couples) on the fourth day and Bhau-beej, a day to honour siblings, on the fifth.
Dhanteras falls 18 days after Dussehra, which is how Diwali’s date is determined each year.

How is it celebrated?

Lights, lamps, fireworks, music, food, decorations – garlands of marigold-like flowers and jasmine will be sold on stalls all over India.
Homes are decorated with small clay oil lamps called diyas, lit in honour of Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth, while fireworks will be set off in celebration – often launched into the sky from the streets or snapped on to the pavement at your feet.

Rangoli patterns are created using rice, paint, coloured sand or flower petals – colourful geometric designs for the entrance ways, living rooms or courtyards of houses that encourage and welcome the goddess Lakshmi.

​Gifts and sweets may be exchanged, happy Diwali wishes and greetings are sent – increasingly via social media – and lavish festive
meals will be prepared, while people like to buy and wear new clothes – making this a huge date in the Indian shopping calendar too.
It’s also a time that sees people thoroughly clean their homes and gardens to welcome in the New Year.
Then windows will be opened so that Lakshmi can enter homes to bring prosperity. The day after Diwali is also the beginning of the new financial year for Indian businesses.
Read more: http://metro.co.uk/2015/11/10/its-diwali-heres-everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-hindu-festival-of-light-5490631/#ixzz3r8RUbow4