Dear Parents and Caregivers,

We look forward to seeing everyone in their pyjamas tomorrow morning in support of our first Year band-led whole school Dress-Up Day! We're asking for a suggested donation of $20 which the PTA uses to fund special experiences and equipment for students in their year group.

Parent Engagement: Upcoming Events

Thank you so much to everyone who joined our "Meet the Year Group" online sessions! We also appreciate those of you who came to the live workshop to learn more about the PYP and our curriculum. It was wonderful to connect with so many of you.

Here are a couple of upcoming events we'd love for you to join:

• Strategic Focus and Direction Webinar - Tonight, Thursday, 4 September at 6.00 pm, our senior leaders and the Chair of our School Council will host an online webinar to discuss our strategic focus and direction for the future. Sign up HERE and join HERE.

• Technology and Child Development Workshop - Next Tuesday, 9 September at 6.00 pm we invite you to a special session with our learning and innovation team. We will be exploring the effects of technology on child development. We'll start with a discussion of the teaching theory that informs our school practices before sharing some practical tips for managing device use at home. At the end, we'll open the floor for a Q&A to hear your thoughts and answer any questions you may have about the year ahead. Sign up HERE.

For the list and details of upcoming talks and webinars, please visit the Parent Information Workshop Series. We will also link any recording of the session on this document too.

Mid Autumn Lantern Competition

We hope families are getting together to work on their submission for our Family Recycled Lantern Competition! Contest details HERE.

Kind regards,

Brenda

顧仁達

Here is the next installment of the PYP in Action Newsletter. Today, we are focussed on Exploring how we develop the attributes of the Learner Profile

All these issues will be stored in and accessed from this folder called PYP in Action.

In addition, we also have a library of online presentations on a number of topics related to learning and how you can support your child. You can find access to these presentations HERE.

Staff-Run Extracurricular Activities (ECAs) Information

Many of the Staff-run sports ECAs will be starting next week. Please note carefully where and when the clubs will be taking place. In the case of poor weather we aim to give everyone as much notice as possible.

We will do our best to let everyone know by 6.15 am on the morning of a before school club if it needs to be cancelled.

Term 1 Sports Clubs

We have received a fantastic response to our Term 1 Sports Club registrations. Most of our clubs are now full with only limited spaces available in:

• Tuesday Y5/6 AFL + Tag Rugby

• Tuesday Y5/6 Netball

• Tuesday Y3/4 Football

Mr Bogaerde and I are not able to register your child for the clubs, this is done by parents through Gateway. See guidance HERE and HERE. Registration closes on 8 September at 12 noon.

Swimming

Swimming has already begun in school for students in Year 2 to Year 6. Our swimming coaches have noted lots of improvement from students who have been practising over the summer months. Students may change their swimming group according to their ability as they are assessed by the swimming coaches.

Please note that we regard swimming as a key part of our curriculum and a valuable life skill that we want to ensure all our students have the opportunity to develop.

If your child is in school they are expected to swim . If for any reason they are unable to swim, please inform the class teacher in advance and send in any medical notes for our reference. This allows the teacher to arrange appropriate supervision and alternative activities for non swimmers during the session.

This is the swimming schedule for the next 2 weeks:

Year 5 / 6 Swim Squad Training

Students in the swimming squad met in the gym today to discuss all of the important details of our swimming training programme at West Island. We look forward to seeing how our students progress from the twice weekly morning sessions and hope that this will help our coaches to select students ready to compete in inter school swimming events. Training starts this coming Monday morning.

Child Protection Declaration for Parent Volunteers

During the course of the year, teachers will run activities and trips that might require support from parent volunteers. Details about these events will be shared by teachers. Before coming in to help, ESF requires that all volunteers complete the Child Protection Declaration in Gateway which is valid for the current academic year only. Please click here for a guide on how to do this. The Child Protection Declaration needs to be completed BEFORE the activity. Thank you for your cooperation.

Please see below for information about 2 clubs:

HK Young Writers Club

HK Young Writers Club is for children who would like to enter the HK Young Writer's Competition and would like some help with their writing. The club is now open to Year 5 and 6 students. It runs on Thursdays and starts after the half term break on 16 Oct. Please sign up on Gateway.

Cub Scouts of Kennedy School

The 28th Cub Scouts of Kennedy School is an entirely volunteer-run group with a few spaces available for new members, primarily for Year 4 students. We meet on Mondays right after school, with pick-up at 4:15 pm.

We offer a wide variety of activities, from weekly sessions to some weekend events like hikes, community service projects, and overnight camp. To make these experiences possible, we require a commitment from parents to assist on a volunteer basis.

If your child is interested and you are able to commit to helping out, please email us at kennedycubshk@gmail.com with your child's name, year and class, and any other information you'd like to share. The annual fee is HK$1,500 per Cub (from September to June), which helps cover some of our off-site activities throughout the year.

Please note that we have an existing waiting list, and we will contact those families first. If you believe your child is already on the waiting list, please email us again to ensure you are included or we will assume you are no longer interested.

On September 15, author Jean Lau will visit our Year 1 and Year 2 students.

About Jean Lau
Jean Lau is an ESF parent and a talented children’s author known for her engaging storytelling and vibrant illustrations. With a background in education and a passion for inspiring young readers, Jean has dedicated her career to creating imaginative stories that resonate with children and spark their love for reading.

About "The Super Quirks"
Jean's latest book, The Super Quirks, follows a group of quirky characters who each possess unique abilities. Through their adventures, they learn valuable lessons about friendship, teamwork, and celebrating differences. This delightful tale encourages creativity and self-acceptance, making it a perfect fit for our young readers.

Order your copy HERE

Dress Down & Snuggle Up Day – Friday 5 September!

Don’t forget tomorrow is our first Whole School Dress Up Day of the year!

Every year band gets to choose a dress up day theme for the whole school. For our first Dress Up Day of the year, Year 5 is leading the way with a cozy, story-filled kick-off

✨ Wear your favourite pyjamas

✨ Bring a book to share or enjoy

✨ Donate $20 to help fund a magical Year 5 experience

Let’s start the term with comfort, imagination, and a whole lot of reading joy!

Coffee Morning - Supporting Your Child's Social and Emotional Development

Date: Wednesday, 17 September 2025

Time: 8:30-9:30 am

Place: Staff Room, 3rd Floor, East Wing

Join us for a key presentation on how we help our students with behaviour management and conflict resolution. We'll share our whole-school approach, which is built on our mission that students Belong, Learn, and Thrive.

What We'll Cover:

• Our School-Wide Approach: Learn about the strategies and expectations we use to encourage positive behaviour.

• The Restorative Approach: Discover how we resolve conflicts by repairing relationships, not just punishing students.

• Defining Bullying: We'll clearly explain how we identify and address bullying at school.

• Tips for Parents: Get practical advice on routines, organisation, and how to help your child use their words and strategies to solve conflicts at home.

We look forward to seeing you there to discuss how we can partner to help your child thrive.

Please sign up HERE.

Year 2 to 6 Parent Volunteers Needed:

Help Us for Our Open Days on 11 and 16 September

We’re gearing up for two more exciting Open Days and would love to invite parent volunteers from Year 2 to 6 to help us welcome prospective families.

Volunteering is a wonderful way to see the school in action, admire recent renovations, and share what makes our learning community so special. Don’t worry—you won’t be doing it alone! Each volunteer will be paired with a staff member and a knowledgeable Year 6 student to help guide the tour and answer questions.

If you’d like to be part of this warm, welcoming team, please add your name to the volunteer list. We’d be thrilled to have you with us! Sign up here if you can spare 1 hour of your time.

☕ We’d Love Your Feedback!

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us for our PTA Coffee Mornings so far. It was wonderful to see so many familiar faces and new ones too!

Your thoughts matter to us. By sharing your feedback, you’ll help us make future coffee mornings even more enjoyable and meaningful.

Please take a moment to fill out the form below. We truly appreciate your input!

Feedback Form

Preloved Uniform Shop Now Open!

Drop by “The Space by the PTA” to browse a wide selection of gently used uniform items. Most pieces are priced at just $30 or $50, making it a budget-friendly way to stock up.

Please note: CASH only.

Whether you're replacing lost items or preparing for growth spurts, we’ve got you covered. Come take a look!

Opening Hours for The Space

Monday to Thursday: 8:30 am to 2:45 pm

Want to Get Involved with the PTA?

We’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help out with events and other PTA activities throughout the year!

Join our WhatsApp Volunteer Chat Stay in the loop and hear about upcoming opportunities to lend a hand: https://chat.whatsapp.com/BzSFFPE9bmHF4oErLWCN6R

Note: This chat is for event announcements only—not for planning or ongoing discussions.

Let’s make this year amazing together!

PTA Office Hours next Monday, Wednesday, Thursday 8:30 am to 2:45 pm, Friday 8:30 - 10:30 (The PTA office will be closed Tuesday, anything urgent please see Ms Julie at reception.) If you need to reach us, feel free to email PTA@kennedy.edu.hk or call 2579 5699.

1. Bus Service Overview & FAQs

2. Birthday Book ordering

3. Chinese Weekly Learning:

Year 1 Year 2 Year 3

Year 4 Year 5 Year 6

4. eLibrary platform (For Years 4,5,6)

• Login: Your child’s school email address

• Password: KSbooks1

5. Gateway Log-in

6. Hot Lunch Service & Hot Lunch Order Portal

7. Medical Updates NEW!

8. Parent Information Workshops 2025/26

9. PYP In Action NEW!

10. Inclement Weather Procedures

11. Seesaw Log-in

12. School Calendar 2025/26

13. School Uniform Guide & School Uniform Shop