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Final Bulletin of the Year
Dear Parents,
The final bulletin of the year is marked by recognising the impact that we have all had during the academic year – both as a driver of change for next year and, equally important, appreciating the journey we have been on.
Our impact in school can be seen as both a summary of the year, i.e., as evaluated assessments or an outcome at the end of a unit of work or year, and formative, i.e., ongoing and can be used to inform next steps in learning, often ‘in the moment’. We would do well to recognise that both play an important part in helping us to reflect, celebrate and identify the next steps.
Our impact on children can be seen from both a balcony and dance floor perspective. That is, we can step away from the day-to-day to see the big picture, and sometimes, we are on the dance floor, making things happen and being involved in the action. We see our children daily at home, in class, when they participate in ECAs, in extra clubs outside of school, on the pitch, or in the swimming pool. In those moments, we may see the immediate impact of our decisions or guidance on the children. The children may use this feedback to improve or show better understanding. However, it is by reflecting on their progress over time from the balcony that we can truly appreciate the impact of our daily interactions with our children. From the balcony, we can also see what may be ahead. Indeed, this is true for many aspects of learning for both adults and children alike; it is the product of marginal gains.
So, a good place to start the process of recognising impact is to take yourself back to the beginning of the school year. Way back to Monday, 19th August, and take a moment to remember what you would have hoped for your child and family this year. Now, take a moment to reflect on your child’s developmental progress, which should be considered holistically to encompass academic, pastoral, social, and emotional aspects. The final step is to recognise the impact of the school and home in your child’s development over this year. While a simple mechanism, it is helpful to consider what has been achieved and what may be in store for children at home and at school next year.
In fact, I can assure you that as a school, we have already been moving onto the balcony perspective as the year comes to an end. We are now planning a strategy for our moves on the dancefloor at the beginning of next year – one in which we will welcome all families and children.
On that note, I want to thank our entire parent community for their support of our children, teachers, teaching assistants, facilities, IT, and administrative teams throughout the year. I know that we would also like to extend our thanks to your class coordinators and our Parent-Teacher Representatives – with their help, our school is a much richer place.
Finally, as Rita Pierson espouses, “Every child deserves a champion: an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection and insists they become the best they can possibly be”. Here at NAIS Hong Kong we recognise that our whole school community have played a part in championing our children.
I look forward to welcoming new and returning families in the new academic year and wish all families moving to new adventures all the best.
A sincere and heartfelt thanks for your support of our school community. Wishing everyone a great summer break ahead.
Looking Ahead
Please see the below dates that will be of interest this week:
Take care,
Stephen Sharma
Head of Primary