This week, our primary Chinese classrooms have been bustling with creativity as students celebrated the Mid-Autumn Festival. We've been immersed in a variety of hands-on activities to explore the rich traditions of this important holiday.
Students channeled their inner artists by making their very own paper lanterns. Each colorful lantern was a canvas for their hopes, as they wrote down their best wishes for their families and community. It was a beautiful way to connect with the spirit of the festival and spread goodwill.
We also designed traditional round fans and enjoyed coloring pages that captured the essence of the Mid-Autumn Festival. These activities not only gave students an opportunity to get creative, but also helped them learn about the beautiful customs associated with the festival.
Beyond the crafts, we delved into the enchanting legends of the festival. We learned the famous story of Chang'e, the Moon Goddess, who is said to reside on the moon. Sharing these stories helps students understand the deep cultural significance behind the celebrations.
Through these activities, our students are gaining a deeper appreciation for Chinese culture and the traditions that make the Mid-Autumn Festival so special.
We have had a wonderful start to the new academic year. As students settle into their school routines, we would like to update you on our approach to mobile device use for the year ahead and to seek your support.
As part of our ongoing commitment to supporting effective learning conditions and community building, we would like to remind you of the expectations of all students in relation to mobile device use during the school day, specifically, mobile phones and laptops.
Mobile Device Expectations:
Students are required to power off their mobile phones and store them in their school bags prior to entry and until departure from the school campus at the end of the day (3.30pm), with the following exception: Students may pay for food in the cafeteria if they only have a digital octopus on their phone. After completing their purchase, the phone must be powered off, and placed back in their bag.
Students are permitted to use their laptops only as a learning tool when instructed to do so by their teacher.
To help each student stay focused during each lesson, they are required to have only one browser window open on their laptops, and it must be relevant to the learning taking place at the time.
Parent-Student communication during the school day.
If you need to communicate with your child during the school day, please call or email the front office, and the message will then be relayed to them. Similarly, if a student needs to contact you, they can do so through the front office. We understand that this approach may differ from what you are accustomed to, and we appreciate your understanding as we implement this change. These steps are a key part of our broader strategy to create the best possible learning environment, free from unnecessary disruptions.
Please note that direct messages to a student's phone will not be received until the end of the school day.
We would be grateful for your support in having a conversation with your child about the expectations above, and to help them plan their day without the need to use their mobile phone whilst on the school campus. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact your child's Learning Advisor in the first instance.
On 10 September, our MYP Coordinator hosted an interactive and hands-on MYP Introduction Parent Workshop, bringing together a group of engaged and thoughtful parents to explore the core elements of the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP). The session offered an opportunity to explore the core elements of conceptual learning and inquiry that make the MYP such a dynamic and effective curriculum framework.
The workshop was designed to give parents a taste of what their chidlren experience within the MYP framework. Through hands-on activities mirroring actual classroom methods, parents experienced how the MYP's inquiry-based approach helps students connect concepts across subjects and to real-world contexts.Key Questions Raised by ParentsA highlight of the session was our "Hopes and Questions Wall," where parents shared their aspirations for their children on yellow sticky notes and asked thoughtful questions about the MYP on pink ones. As I reviewed these contributions, several key themes stood out:
One common misconception that was addressed was the idea that specific textbooks form the backbone of the curriculum. In reality, the MYP takes a much more dynamic approach, with teachers pulling resources from books, current events, articles, and beyond to create a learning experience that is both flexible and relevant.
- The MYP Grading System: Many parents were curious about the 1–8 scale and how it compares to traditional grading systems.
- Future Preparation: Questions about how the MYP prepares students for academic success, including university admissions, were common.
- Parental Support: A recurring question focused on how parents can support their children at home to help them thrive within the MYP framework.
If you're interested in learning more about the MYP grading system and assessment practices, please join us for the MYP Assessment Parent Workshop on 23 October, from 8:30–9:50am. During this session, these important topics will be thoroughly explained.
Meeting Your Hopes for Your Children
It was wonderful to see the aspirations that parents shared for their children. Themes like independence, confidence, resilience, and problem-solving stood out across many of the submissions. These qualities align perfectly with the MYP's goals to foster independent learning and develop lifelong skills.
The MYP focuses on inquiry-based learning and conceptual understanding, giving students the ability to think critically, make connections across disciplines, and apply their knowledge in real-world situations. It is an approach that prioritises both personal and academic growth, ensuring your children are well-prepared for whatever paths their futures may hold.Looking Ahead
Thank you to all parents who participated in this workshop. These sessions provide great opportunities to strengthen connections and build mutual understanding between families and the programmes that support our learners.You can view the slides for the MYP introduction workshop along with an MYP Assessment One-Pager.We encourage you to mark your calendars for the Assessment Parent Workshop on 23 October as we continue this conversation and deepen your understanding of the MYP framework.
Please note: If a student chooses to wear their ESF PE shorts as part of their regular school uniform, they must bring an additional pair of black shorts to change into after their PHE lesson.
Thank you for your support in helping students be prepared and comfortable for physical activity.
For more information on uniforms and dress code, please refer to our parent portal.
Ready for a life-changing learning experience? The Limitless Programme for Year 9 students is now accepting applications! This exclusive six-week journey takes ESF students to the Australian Outback to build confidence, resilience, and teamwork. Join us for a powerful information session to learn more and hear from last year's students and parents.
Find out more and sign up for a session by visiting the programme website.
You can also click on the video to watch parents and students recap their experiences through before and after interviews.
Apply for Limitless before 29 September and unlock your child’s potential!
The Student Health Service and the School Dental Care Service of the Department of Health are pleased to introduce the E-enrolment System for the 2025/26 academic year. The enrollment period will run from 1 September 2025 to 14 September 2025.
Parents may enroll from 1 September by clicking the access link or scanning the QR code below to access the online portal, complete the enrolment form, and submit directly through the portal. If you encounter any issues while completing the form, you may view the demonstration videos linked below or contact the Health Department directly at 2856 9133 for assistance.
Online Registration Guide
Watch video here. (English version)
Watch video here. (Chinese version)
For more details on the Student Health Service, please read here.
For Secondary students, information regarding the same will be sent via Explorer in due course.
Please note that the QR code and access link will be activated only during the enrollment period (1 September to 14 September 2025)
The Student Health Service and the School Dental Care Service of the Department of Health are pleased to introduce the E-enrolment System for the 2025/26 academic year. The enrollment period will run from 8 September 2025 to 21 September 2025.
Parents may enroll from 8 September by clicking the access link or scanning the QR code below to access the online portal, complete the enrolment form, and submit directly through the portal. If you encounter any issues while completing the form, you may view the demonstration videos linked below or contact the Health Department directly at 2856 9133 for assistance.
Online Registration Guide
Watch video here (English version)
Watch video here (Chinese version)
For more details on the Student Health Service, please read here.
Please note that the QR code and access link will be activated only during the enrollment period (8 September to 21 September 2025).
