Dear Parents and Caregivers,

The weather this week has shocked us a little, as we are not used to such a drop in temperature. Please be reassured that once the children are in their classrooms, they are cosy and warm as we have dual-temperature air conditioners. 30 children in a room means a room warms up pretty quickly. Teachers are of course also encouraging children to wrap up when they go out to play. I am sure the cold snap will pass soon and we will get beautiful weather for our sports days next week. We hope to see you all there!

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI)

As a school, we have focussed on these concepts and have formulated shared understandings and practices to help ensure that all members of our community feel a sense of belonging. At times, our students say or do things that don’t reflect this understanding. This highlights to us that we need to continue to emphasise the importance of personal responsibility and commitment to learning and growth in these areas. As parents, we encourage you to also speak to your child about the use of appropriate and inclusive language and behaviours.

We have adapted one of our Units of inquiry in each year group to ensure that these concepts are explored and taught. Here are some examples:

Year 1: Central idea: Knowing about ourselves and others helps us to learn.

Year 2: Central idea: Our personal histories shape our present identity and view of the world around us.

Year 3: Central idea: People’s identity contributes to the diversity of communities.

Year 4: Central idea: - Diversity, equity and inclusion can lead to peace within communities.

Year 5: Central idea: Our choices define who we are as individuals and as a learning community.

Year 6: Central idea: Changes people experience in their lives affect their developing sense of self.

DEI is an essential part of who we are at ESF. The ESF statement can be found here.

Parent Consultations

Thank you to the Year 1 parents for their active participation in the consultations over the last fortnight. Your involvement and support will greatly contribute to the learning progress of your child. Our next celebration of learning consultations will take place in an open-day style on Tuesday, 5 March 2024. More details and booking schedules will be shared over the next few weeks.

Chinese New Year

On Monday 5 February, we will run a Chinese Fun Carnival for all students. Children can wear casual clothes that day and bring in a $20 donation.

On Thursday 8 February, we will have our more formal Chinese New Year celebrations featuring our very own Lion and Dragon dance troop. Students should wear Chinese-inspired clothing or bright clothing on this day. More details to follow.

Emergency Evacuation

Our emergency evacuation exercise took place on Monday. The students responded positively and we were able to evacuate the school sensibly and responsibly within a relatively short time frame. Here’s how it went: Emergency Evacuation Video. We will move on to an unannounced evacuation over the next couple of months and will also practice our lock-down procedures.

Calendar for 2024/25

Please find attached the draft ESF Kennedy School Calendar for 2024/25.

Warm regards,

Brenda
顧仁達

Principal

Sports Days are Next Week!

Parents and Carers are very welcome to attend our annual Kennedy School Sports Days on:

Year 3/4 : Thursday 1st February morning 8.45 - 11.30 am

Year 1/2 : Thursday 1st February afternoon 12.15 - 2.30 pm

Year 5/6 : Friday 2nd February morning 8.45 am - 12.20 pm

If you can support the event to help score the activities, please message your child's class parent and class teacher to let them know.

As a volunteer, you will be instrumental in this very exciting day and be best placed to enjoy the events at the same time!

All information about the event and the simple scoring system are written in the Sports Day booklets below:

Year 1 and 2 Sports Day Information

Year 3 and 4 Sports Day Information

Year 5 and 6 Sports Day Information

Volunteers should meet the PE team at 8.45 am or 12.15 pm at the HKU running track for a briefing before the students arrive.

Important: There are no food options available at Stanley Ho so please bring your own food and drinks.

Good luck to our Year 3/4 Footballers

Next Tuesday, our young footballers will be playing in a tournament at Kings Park against other international schools from across Hong Kong. Good luck to all of the boys and girls involved!

Birthday Books

Join the Birthday Book programme hosted by our Library! Birthday Books are a great way to create a lasting memory of a student’s birthday and at the same time, grow our wonderful library collection.

How does this work?

• Send an email to Ms Chan and Ms Nina at library@kennedy.edu.hk one week before your child’s birthday, and make a $150 donation via Gateway.

• Parents can choose to donate a book of their child’s choice to the school library OR choose a book from a special ‘Birthday Book Box’ in the library on the day of their birthday (or a day close to their birthday).

• A special Birthday Book bookplate will then be adhered to the selected book so that future readers recognise it as a Birthday Book.

• The student can take their Birthday Book to share with classmates. Teachers can also read it aloud with younger students.

• Photos of students with their birthday books will be shared every month in the school newsletter.

• Please contact our School Librarian, Ms. Chan (library@kennedy.edu.hk), with any questions.

Yearband Dress-Up day

Last Friday, the school community joined the Year 3s to add Sparkle and Shine to their day! A huge thank you to everyone for their kind donations. Year 3 raised HK$10,560 which they will use to do something fun later this year.

The next Yearband Led Dress Up Day will be on 23rd February when Year 2 will be in charge. Stay tuned for details!

Hot Lunch Service

The hot lunch menu for February is ready and can be seen here:

February Menu

Today (25 January) is the deadline for orders. Meals ordered after today will incur an additional $8 charge per meal.

If you would like to enrol in the Hot Lunch Service, please register and order online directly with Zebratasty:

Zebratasty Hot Lunch Registration and Ordering

More information about the hot lunch service can be found here:

Zebratasty Hot Lunch Service

School Bus Service 

To ensure that the school buses leave school on time each day, please remember to inform Steven Chen (bus@kennedy.edu.hk) of any changes to your child’s bus arrangements. PTA does not manage the school bus service.

1. Chinese Weekly Learning Notices Links

   1. Year 1

   2. Year 2

   3. Year 3

   4. Year 4

   5. Year 5

   6. Year 6

2. School Uniform Guide

3. School Uniform Shop

4. Inclement Weather Procedures

5. Kennedy School Calendar 2023-24

Kennedy School Draft Calendar 2024- 25 (Draft)