The children in K4B have been very interested in ‘money’. They have enjoyed bringing in and sharing with one another currencies from various countries, especially ones they have been to. We had discussions on the history of money, the similarities and differences between different currencies as well as different values of money. The children have set up a bank and made their own automated teller machine (ATM) in the classroom. A couple of children even came up with the idea of having a police dog in the bank, so that nobody could steal the money. We also set up a store where we could buy and sell things using the money we have. Through the store roleplay, we learned about counting money as well as giving change. Recently, we went on a Field Trip to China Minsheng Bank. We had a real experience of withdrawing and depositing money using the ATM. Some of us even opened a bank account with them. We also had the chance to see more currencies and learned how to differentiate between a real and fake Chinese note.

K4B Co-teachers – Evie HUANG & Kiwi CHEN

 

In May 2017, the K3 and K4 classes at Hongqiao Campus held special Physical Activity events. Children took part in various interesting and challenging sports activities, supported and encouraged by their parents. Parents were eager to join the tug-of-war, which made the perfect ending to the morning.

ECE Chinese Coordinator – SONG Lin

ECE Acting Coordinator – Doug ARNOLD

 

On the 3^rd of May, Year 5 went to Nanbei Hu for their annual overnight trip.  The students were given their activity groups before the trip and were given their roommates when they arrived at the hotel.  The students were introduced to their Insight Adventure Company instructors.  They had a quick lunch then off to their first activity.  The activities they had were:

• Rock Climbing
• Leap of Faith
• A short hike
• Wilderness Skills
• Team building games

All the students and teachers got something out of it.  The night activities were just as popular.  On the first night, each team created a team name, a team flag and a team chant.  On the last night, each team presented a short skit about their experiences on the trip.  It was a great trip!

Y5A Class Teacher and Team Leader – Leon WEEKS

At the end of April, the Year 6’s went to Sanshan Island for their yearly class Adventure Trip. It was a super busy 4 full days of fun, laughter and learning.  Some of the most popular activities were Kayaking, Archery and the Leap of Faith. The students were encouraged to work together through many team building activities which enabled students to support each other and push themselves to achieve feats they would never have imagined. Many new friendships were forged and many theatrical talents were realized. It was a great experience for all involved.

Y6A Class Teacher – Ruth Ferguson

The teachers will soon start to consider the formation of classes for the next school year.

A number of different factors are considered with the formation of new classes, and these include: friendships; gender; nationality; new students; academic and social/emotional needs.

A balance of the above elements is required in each class and this is quite a complex task that takes considerable time and effort from our teachers. Our classes are of mixed ability and are not based just on academic skill.

There are a number of steps taken to forming new class groups which include:

• Primary children completing a ‘Hands Activity’ where they are given the opportunity to indicate 5 other children, from their class or Year level, that they would like to be with in their new class. The intention is for children to be placed with at least one student from their friendship list where possible.

• Co-teachers from the Year Level analyse the data on the hands and prepare new class lists, also taking into consideration the factors mentioned above regarding gender, nationality, academic needs, etc.
• The Primary Vice Principal and Coordinators then check, and if need be, modify the draft class lists and place new students.
• The final step, often completed once school has ended for the Semester, is for us to appoint co-teachers to classes.

Please note that parents cannot request specific teachers for their child and that all teachers here are qualified and competent.

The task of forming new classes is completed very thoroughly and carefully, as the intent is to generate classes where children are able to readily learn.

Class lists and co-teachers will be made available to you on Monday 21 August, the day before school commences.

APM is a charity programme that has been active in China since 1999.  They act as a bridge between private individuals and/or foundations wishing to become involved in China with projects aiding the poor. They support former lepers, orphans and disabled adults living in fragile situations.

Between 24^th April and 5^th May we held a collection of used clothing for the APM organisation.

On Tuesday, 9^th of May, we delivered 55 boxes to the APM Qingpu depot where they will sort and distribute the items to 6 different school communities currently in need of clothing.

A heartfelt thank you for your generous support of this clothing drive.

For more information on APM please visit www.apleinesmains.com.

 

Character Education Coordinator – Jana van Zyl

Where are you from?

I am from India.

How long have you been at YCIS HQ?

2 years

What do you enjoy most about learning here?

I enjoy learning Math.

Tell us an interesting fact about you?

 I like lemons.

Can you share a favourite quote or some words of wisdom?

“We were born with two ears and one mouth because it is better to listen than to speak.”

 

Interviewed by:

School Captains – Deeraj SIVAKUMAR & Shuyu (Sophie) SHEN

Where are you from?

I am from England.

How long have you been at YCIS HQ?

4 years.

What do you enjoy most about teaching here?

I enjoy working with and learning about the students I teach from many countries and cultures.

Tell us an interesting fact about you?

I’m a huge football fan.

Can you share a favourite quote or some words of wisdom?

‘Spend less than you earn and invest the rest.’

 

Interviewed by:

School Captains – Deeraj SIVAKUMAR & Shuyu (Sophie) SHEN

 

Our bamboo interest began when some children noticed bamboo shoots had been pulled out of the garden and they wanted to save them.  We researched how to do that and they have been sketching, asking questions, and analyzing different bamboo species ever since.

Tina first drew a sketch of a limousine and began our class discussion about how a car and limousine are different, what is inside and outside of a limousine, and how can they role play a limousine in the classroom.

We have been supporting these interests in numerous ways and recently had a two-part field trip. We invited a limousine to our campus and then visited the Hong Qiao Flower Market, for each child to take home a bamboo to analyse its development and to practice their gardening knowledge.

 

K4A Class Teacher – Traci RAPP & Daisy XU