Dear Parents,
Happy New Year - 2026, and a warm welcome back to the second term of our academic year. Although this half term is just five weeks, it’s a joyful, fun‑filled five weeks with rich learning experiences for all.
Enrichment Trips
We got off to a flying start this morning as Year 1 launched their new topic, Dino Detective, at the Dinosaur Park. The children explored like real paleontologist—following clues, examining ‘fossils’, and completing a scavenger hunt linked to their classroom learning. The highlight of the morning was a mysterious object that we believe could be a dinosaur egg. Ms. Millington will send it to a contact at the Natural History Museum, who will help us investigate which dinosaur it might be from. This exciting discovery will be the perfect springboard for the children’s report writing, encouraging observation and hypothesis‑making.
Next week, Year 1 and Reception will visit KidsFest HK, Hong Kong’s beloved annual children’s theatre festival where popular books are brought to life on stage. In early February, our Nursery children will also attend a production perfect for our youngest learners. Experiencing live theatre is a special milestone: it nurtures listening and language skills, builds empathy and imagination, strengthens comprehension, and inspires a love for reading and storytelling. I look forward to sharing how these trips went—along with photographs, highlights, and what the children learned.
Chinese New Year Preparations
As we build up to our Chinese New Year celebrations, Lu Laoshi will be bringing this important festival to life in our Chinese lessons. Children will explore the zodiac story, traditional foods, and family customs, and we will be welcoming parents into class for special Chinese cooking activities. Look out for the sign‑up information.
Our Reception children will also make their annual visit to the Lam Tsuen Wishing Tree, a cherished local tradition. Children will write their wishes on red paper, tie them to an orange, and gently toss them toward the branches—if the wish sticks; folklore says it may come true. This trip is a hands‑on way for children to learn about Chinese New Year—discovering the stories, symbols, and customs behind making wishes, and the values of hope, family, and good fortune.
While these exciting trips are taking place, children across the school will be preparing for our Chinese New Year Celebrations—learning songs, poems, dances, and short drama pieces to retell and share the stories of this special festival. We hope many of you can join us on the morning of Friday, 13th February, when we welcome the Lion Dance to campus and enjoy the children’s performances and cultural activities. Traditional dress or red/gold is warmly encouraged!
Mid-Year Reports
During this term teachers will also be writing the children’s Mid‑Year Reports. These reports provide an overview of each child’s development in the EYFS (Nursery and Reception) or National Curriculum - Key Stage 1 (Year 1). They celebrate strengths and set out the next steps of development. Drawing on ongoing observations, learning journals and class work, the reports will also suggest simple ways we can work together to support your child—at school and at home. We look forward to sharing these with you.
Key Dates
Thank you, as always, for your support. This half term promises hands‑on learning, exciting performances, and meaningful connections to our local heritage. We look forward to celebrating with you and your children.
Yours sincerely,
Ruth Hanson
Head of Early Years Campus
