General

 

Dear parents,

 

Informal PTA coffee meeting

I was pleased to welcome into school a group of parents for an informal coffee meeting this week. Thank you to the PTA and those parents who are driving this initiative to reconnect parents, rebuild community and promote wellbeing through social contact in school. Please watch the newsletter for further opportunities to join a coffee meeting at school.

 

Year 6 camp

It was a pleasure to accompany the Year 6 students to Outward Bound in Sai Kung last week. The camp challenged the students to step out of their comfort zones in a variety of ways - high ropes, hiking, team challenges, water activities and being away from home for three nights. I was proud to receive positive and encouraging feedback from the Outward Bound staff about the Year 6 student cohort. It has been a difficult two years for young people and Kennedy students stepped up to the physical and emotional experiences with courage, commitment and a positive attitude. I would like to extend thanks to Mr Crompton, Mr Roscoe, Ms Noakes, Ms Simpson, Ms Worrington and Ms Sheward for the unwavering dedication to the students last week during their first primary camp experience.

 

Further details will follow in the new year about camp arrangements for Year 4 and Year 5.

 

Year 5 Chinese assembly

I was delighted to join parents this week when our Year 5 students performed their Chinese assembly. The students were confident and having fun as they shared their learning from Chinese lessons. Thank you to all of the Year 5 parents for coming into school to enjoy the resumption of face-to-face assemblies. Well done to the hard working Chinese team. These 12 colleagues encouraged the students to use their Chinese language skills in a fun and creative way during the assembly.

 

Year 4 mini exhibition

Congratulations to all of the Year 4 students on last week’s mini exhibition where they showcased their learning about natural disasters. The feedback from parents has been positive and we thank you for the support. Thanks to all of the Year 4 team for their effort in recent weeks as students completed their group projects for the exhibition.

 

Junior Choir

Three cheers for the Year 4 students in Kennedy School's Junior Choir. They did a fantastic outdoor performance in Tai Koo on Thursday evening for the general public. They were energetic and happy as they performed a series of Christmas songs. Thank you to Mrs Mak, Mrs Wood and Mrs GG for supporting the students and making this opportunity possible.

Watch their performance on Youtube HERE.

Next week, watch performances by the Junior Choir and Orchestra on our live stream.

Tuesday, 2.30pm

Junior Choir Livestream

Thursday. 2.45 pm

Orchestra Livestream

 

Thank you Mr Ivan Wong

Mr Ivan Wong, Community Representative, on the Kennedy School Council stepped down last month after six years of service to the community. Mr Wong has been a valued member of the financial subcommittee on the school council. Community representatives volunteer their time as members of the school council and Mr Wong’s contributions will be missed. Mr Wong’s replacement will be confirmed in the new year.

 

Farewell to Mr Luck and Ms Bhaskar

At the end of the term, we will bid farewell to two valued teachers. Mr Luck and Ms Bhaskar are leaving Kennedy and relocating with their families. Ms Bhaskar has been teaching at Kennedy School for 5 years. She has been a dedicated, caring and child-centred teacher. Staff and students will miss her. Mr Luck has led the PE department at Kennedy for 13 years. His commitment to the development of physical education for students is widely renowned in the international school sector. Mr Luck will leave a positive legacy for the Kennedy community to build upon in the future and his professional contribution will be greatly missed by everyone.

 

With Regards,

Mina Dunstan

Principal

 

 

 

Diary Dates

6 Dec: Kennedy Christmas postal service begins

6 Dec: Dialogue in the Dark - 6C

6 Dec: Year 4 Talk by HK Shark Foundation

7 Dec: Webinar: Plugged In Parents - Keeping Children Safe, Happy & Healthy Online (5.30 - 6.30pm)

7 Dec: Dialogue in the Dark - 6R

7 Dec: Junior Choir Performance - Live stream (2.30pm)

9 Dec: Christmas Plant sale

9 Dec: Year 2 show for 2B, 2S, 2A (half class) (9.00am)

9 Dec: Orchestra Performance - Traditional Christmas carols (2.45pm)

10 Dec: Year 2 show for 2E, 2W, 2A(half class) (9.00am)

13 Dec: Dialogue in the Dark - 6W, 6S

13 Dec: Senior Choir Performance at El Charro (6.00pm)

14 Dec: Dialogue in the Dark - 6N

15 Dec: End of term celebration - Year 1 & 3

16 Dec: End of term celebration - Year 2, 4, 5 & 6

17 Dec: Christmas Jumper Day

17 Dec: Last Day of Term 1 (student dismissal at 12 noon)

Term 2 Staff-Run After School Activities

i) TERM 2 STAFF-RUN AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

Registration for staff-run after school activities for this term will open on Monday 6 December 2021 at 12 Noon. All registration will take place on Gateway. Please see the following important notes before registering:

Registration for a club is complete when payment is made on the epayment system.

 

• Please note that activities and fees are for one term only. You must register every term for an activity. Some activities are offered in both Term 1 & Term 2 (e.g. Junior & Senior Choir) and you must register your child for activities each term, unless it is specified otherwise.

• Please note we are unable to accommodate any late registrations or extend club sizes. Please be sure to register promptly for any clubs for your child(ren).

• Some clubs are “Invitation only”. If you are interested in those activities or if you have any questions about registration for those activities, please contact the teacher in charge.

• Please note the start and end dates of the activity and the equipment needed. No reminders will be sent about these.

• There is no school bus service for after school activities.

Guide to registering for staff run, after school activities

ii) WEBINAR: PLUGGED IN PARENTS - KEEPING CHILDREN SAFE, HAPPY AND HEALTHY ONLINE

Dear Parents,

We are pleased to invite you to the forthcoming webinar: ‘Plugged-in Parents: Keeping children safe, happy and healthy online’.

This will take place on Tuesday 7th December 2021 from 5.30-6.30pm.

The presentation will demonstrate how families should use digital media in balance, help find quality content, set expectations around healthy and appropriate use, and raise media-savvy children.

We will share research regarding students' online user habits, practical advice and resources for parents of all primary age children to consider at home.

Please find the sign-up form here. We look forward to seeing you online soon.

 

Kind regards

Rudi Dray

 

VP & ICT Coordinator

General

iii) KENNEDY CHRISTMAS POSTAL SERVICE

 

The Kennedy School Christmas Postal Service will begin on Monday 6 December. Practise writing and drawing skills by sending greeting cards to teachers and friends throughout the school! Make sure all cards are labeled with the name AND class of the recipient so our Year 5 elves know where to deliver the cards to.

 

iv) CHRISTMAS JUMPER DAY

On 17 December, we are asking students to wear a Christmas jumper (or red, green, festive clothes or Christmas mask) to school and make a $50 donation to SAVE THE CHILDREN. You can make your own jumper by adapting an old top or t-shirt with tinsel and baubles. Be creative and have lots of fun UPCYCLING your own jumper.

The funds raised will contribute to their Children’s Emergency Fund (CEF) to respond to humanitarian emergencies around the world. CEF helps the charity respond quickly to emergencies like these, so children stay safe, healthy, and can rebuild their lives.

Learn more HERE.

 

v) SCHOOL PHOTOGRAPHS

The order forms for student photographs were sent home last week. Please note that the deadline for cheques and online orders is Monday, 6 December. 

 

vi) PREFERRED NAMES ON GATEWAY

This is a reminder for parents to check and as needed, update the preferred names of their child on Gateway. This is the name that is used by teachers and other students in and out of the classroom.

 

vii) LOOKING FOR LEGO

Our Counsellors are looking for LEGO pieces. These can be old or new LEGO of any sort - Duplo, Bionicles or any kind. If you have pieces you’d like to donate, please send them into Reception.

 

Christmas with the PTA

 

Feeling Festive with the PTA!

Jingle those bells!

 

1. SENIOR CHOIR CHRISTMAS CONCERT

Monday 13th December 6pm - 7:30pm

El Charro & Delaney's, Cyberport

We have an evening of entertainment lined up for our Kennedy School community.

Dust off those festive outfits and bring a little extra special sparkle to the final week of school this term!

The parents of our Senior Choir are invited to watch their children perform at El Charro! (Details have been sent and the PTA will be in touch again shortly)

For everyone else - the performance will be beamed across to the TV screens at Delaney's, Cyberport. You can enjoy a bite to eat, have a drink and be merry.

We hope to see lots of our Kennedy School community there!

**We have a fabulous prize for the best, festively dressed family - a fabulous dinner for four at Fini's Italian American restaurant - very kindly donated by one of our Kennedy School parents**

 

2. SPREAD SOME CHRISTMAS CHEER - WITH KENNEDY SCHOOL CHRISTMAS CARDS

The cards featuring all 30 winners of the Kennedy School Christmas Card competition are now in stock and selling fast. These are perfect for sending to friends and teachers through the Kennedy Christmas Postal Service!

If you would like to order a pack of 30, priced at $150, please follow the link below.

First come, first served!

2021 Christmas Cards Order Form

 

3. WRAPPING PAPER

Our gorgeous Christmas wrapping paper has been designed by students and is still on sale at 20% discount!

5 sheets reduced to $40

10 sheets reduced to $80

If you would like to purchase some please email us in the PTA office pta@kennedy.edu.hk

 

4. DING DING! THE KENNEDY TRAMS ARE COMING!

We are so excited that the Kennedy School Tram Christmas Decorations will be arriving by the end of next week, ready to be delivered to everyone who has pre-ordered and paid. 

We have less than 20 that haven't been ordered, so if you would still like to place an order, please email the PTA office pta@kennedy.edu.hk

 

 

5. KENNEDY COMMUNITY COFFEE MORNING

This morning, fellow parents Fiona Bulmer, Cath Dannoui and Natasha O'Connor hosted a coffee morning here at Kennedy School. It was wonderful to connect with parents and take time out to listen and support one another.

Having had a break of almost two years, we have found these mornings to be a popular addition to the PTA calendar and will aim to host more after the Christmas holidays.

 

F. ZUBIN CRACKERS

I'm pleased to let you know that next week we will be taking delivery of the Zubin Foundation Christmas Crackers that you have ordered.  As soon as they are in school, I will send parents a message with details on how to collect them.

Chinese Weekly Notice

Chinese Weekly Notice

 

Please click on the links below to access the Chinese learning for the week. You can also bookmark these links which are updated weekly.

Year 1 Chinese Weekly Notice

Year 2 Chinese Weekly Notice

Year 3 Chinese Weekly Notice

Year 4 Chinese Weekly Notice

Year 5 Chinese Weekly Notice

Year 6 Chinese Weekly Notice

General