BRADBURY NEWSLETTER – 13 SEPTEMBER 2019
致白普理學生家長
Greetings to the Bradbury School Community
Happy Mid-Autumn Festival! On behalf of all staff at Bradbury School, we wish you and your family love, peace and happiness in this very special season of reunion.
In this newsletter, you will find the candidate statements from three parents who have put their name forward to sit on the school council. The school council is the governing body of the school. The purpose of the council is to provide the best education for all of our students, which at Bradbury is a diverse group of children, with around 30 nationalities represented, as well as those students with special learning needs. Bradbury caters for 21 students who have been identified as needing a modified curriculum, and we have an extra staffing provision to provide for these students. The council is made up of the stakeholder groups of school: community representatives, staff representatives, support staff representatives, parent representatives, including a PTA representative. (Monica Brennand has recently been elected to this post) as well as a Chair, an ESF ex officio representative and myself.
In your child’s school bag today, you will find a ballot paper for you to vote for two new members of our School Council. Please be sure to mark your ballot paper with your vote and return it to school in the special envelope provided by Friday 20th September.
Our wonderful Bradbury School Family Picnic is next Friday 20th September, 5-7pm. This is one of the best nights of the school year! Please come along with a rug, a picnic, and your lanterns ready to enjoy the night, including the first ever performance of the Bradbury Band! Please note that this is a social event, teachers are “off duty” and will not be providing supervision for students, all children must be looked after by their parent. Also, please note that helpers are welcome to attend, however, they must attend with the parents of the children they care for, and not on their own. Please remember to bring your lantern!
Sandra Webster
Principal
Candidate Statement: Bhawna Shetty
Candidate Statement: Fiona Fung
Candidate Statement: Catherine Hufton
Important Dates
N.B. Dates and Activities may change from time to time. Please check the online calendar for the weekly updates on www.bradbury.edu.hk calendar. Thank you.
| DATE | EVENT | TIME |
| 13 September 2019 | Open Day at Island School (Y6 Parents) | 8:30 a.m. |
| 17 September 2019 | P.T.A. ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING | 6:00 p.m. |
| 20 September 2019 | Deadline to turn in Ballots for the Election of Parent Member of School Council |
By 6:00 p.m. |
| 20 September 2019 | 6H/6G Class Assembly | 9:00 a.m. |
| 20 September 2019 | SCHOOL PICNIC | 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. |
| 25 September 2019 | P.Y.P. PARENTS INFORMATION SESSION | 9:00 – 10:30 a.m. |
| 27 September 2019 | 5C/5B Class Assembly | 9:00 a.m. |
| 30 September 2019 | E.S.F. / BRADBURY CPD DAY
(No classes for students) |
——– |
| 01 October 2019 | National Day Public Holiday (No Classes) | ——– |
| 03 October 2019 | Year 2 Botanical Trip | 9:30 – 11:00 a.m. |
| 07 October 2019 –
11 October 2019 (inclusive) |
Half Term Holidays (No Classes) | ——– |
| 14 October 2019 | Back to School | 8:30 a.m. |
| 16 October 2019 | World Food Day | |
| 16 October 2019 | Parental Consultations 1 | 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. |
| 18 October 2019 | Community Gardening Day | |
| 18 October 2019 | 2T Class Assembly | |
| 21 October 2019 | Year 1 DTaP-IPV Immunizations | |
| 24 October 2019 | Year 5 Cake Sale | 10:00 – 10:30 a.m. |
| 24 October 2019 | Parental Consultations 2 | 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. |
| 25 October 2019 | Bradbury CPD Day (No Classes) | ——– |
| 30 October 2019 –
01 November 2019 |
Book Fair | 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. |
Shoe and uniform reminder:
A reminder that school uniform shoes are black. These need to be sturdy school shoes, not party or slip-on shoes, which may be hazardous in the wet or on stairs. Sports shoes should be white or black. If you have difficulty locating these, a small coloured insert is acceptable. No coloured laces, lights or wheels. Sports shoes should only be worn on timetabled specialist PE days. We encourage our students to take pride in wearing the correct uniform and additional, non-uniform items should be left at home. No nail polish, stick on tattoos or
jewellery is to be worn.
What is Action
By Amanda Bremner, PYP Coordinator
Action is integral to the Primary Years Programme (PYP). Through taking individual and collective action, students understand the responsibilities associated with being internationally minded and to appreciate the benefits of working with others for a shared purpose. When students see actions that they can choose to take to make a difference, they see themselves as competent, capable and active agents of change (Oxfam 2015). Through action, students develop a sense of belonging to local and global communities and they understand the interconnectedness and interdependence of issues, while being able to consider these from multiple perspectives (Oxfam 2015, UNESCO 2015).
Initiated by students, PYP action is authentic, meaningful, mindful, responsible and responsive. Action could be:
- a change in attitude
- a consideration or plan for action in the future
- a demonstration of responsibility, or of respect for self, others and the environment
- a commitment to leading or participating in a youth advocacy group
- an engagement in school decision-making or an expression of support in community, local and global decision-making.
Taking action
Students take action in response to their inquiries or motivation to make a positive difference, bring about positive change (Boix Mansilla, Jackson 2011) or further their learning. As an integral part of the learning process, action can be embarked upon at any point and can take many forms, depending on individual development, learning and experiences.
Action can be short or long term, revisited or ongoing. It may be individual or collective, small or large scale and may take place at home, at school or in local or wider communities. Some actions may not always be visible or immediately impactful; they might appear in the form of impressions left on students, or small things that go unnoticed because they are part of the daily life of the learning community.
For early years students, the foundation of action comes from an understanding of self and a responsibility towards relationships with peers and the wider community. Members of the learning community support this understanding by modelling the appropriate use of language and social behaviors. At this stage of development, action may start with small adjustments of behaviour, which may include the development of responsible dispositions towards themselves and others, and in making appropriate choices. Action is responsive to experiences that are personally meaningful and, as with all action, is authentic, reflective and mindful.
Supporting action
Teachers and other members of the learning community can support student action by:
- acknowledging the various forms of action that occur
- helping students connect action with lived /personal experiences
- engaging students in dialogue around what action is
- analysing the scope of possibilities for action
- encouraging students to consider the appropriateness and impact of their actions
- guiding students to reflect on their actions and adjust their course of action when necessary
- planning for inquiry that supports making informed choices
- providing opportunities for skills development that facilitates action
- collaborating as needed, to plan and carry out action
- allotting time for students to apply their learning about action
- supporting students in establishing and maintaining connections to local and wider communities by providing service learning
opportunities, in response to need, such as volunteering.
Upcoming Action Opportunities at Bradbury
- World Food Day Collection – 16th September to the 18th October
- Redress Asia Clothing Drive – 14th October to 25th October
- Get Redressed Day – 23rd October
- Feeding People in Need for families – 29th Oct 6-7.30pm Nam Cheong MTR stop
- Hike for Hunger with Sunshine Action – Sunday 17th November
- Box of Hope collection – December
- More information will follow shortly through the newsletters and class emails.
Student Health Service, School Dental Care Service, and Y1 Immunisation
By Lauren Lau, School Health Professional
Please note that Student Health Service & School Dental Service Application forms have been distributed to all of the classes. Please fill in the form and hand it in before the 16th September 2019 (Monday).
If you are interested in applying for the School Dental Service for your child, you are required to submit the completed application form together with a cheque of HK $30, made payable to Bradbury School. Please write your child’s name and class on the back of the cheque.
Year 1 Combined Diptheria, Tetanus, acelluar Pertussis, Inactivated Poliovirus Vaccine (DTaP-IPV)
The immunisation team of the Health Department will visit our School on the 21st of October (Monday). They will provide the DTaP-IPV for Year 1 students. The vaccination that the nurses provide is funded by the Hong Kong Government, and does not require a fee.
The forms have been distributed in class. Please fill in either the consent form/ refusal form, and return it to the medical room before October 14th Monday.
Please complete the form, and attach your child’s immunisation records. The medical records will be returned to you immediately after the immunisation. ( Copy or Original is acceptable).
If there are any queries, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Student Council 2019/20
By Mike McKee, Vice Principal
We are pleased to announce our Student Council representatives for 2019/20.
| Junior Council | Senior Council | ||
| 1C | Ivy Fang | 4B | Melody Chan |
| 1R | Ethan Taylor | 4V | Selwyn Hui |
| 1P | Lana Parker | 4A | Elizabeth Lang |
| 1Z | Haris Rusu Boca | 4S | Erin Tse |
| 1B | Annabelle Leung | 5C | Trisha Cheng |
| 2A | Imelda Cockayne | 5M | Grace Cook |
| 2T | Natalie Lai | 5B | Anushka Dutt |
| 2E | Georgia Lowe | 5T | Kathleen Sylvester |
| 2F | Phoebe Simmons | 6P | Cadman Strid |
| 3G | Mini Yau | 6H | Charlize Cheung |
| 3C | Sarah Chen | 6G | Taylor Foote |
| 3B | Emily Hill | 6T | Aidan Fu |
| 3L | Amber Stokes | ||
This year the Student Council will work as separate junior and senior groups, being mentored by Mike McKee and Amanda Bremner respectively. This will enable us to create opportunities at an appropriate level where we can grow leadership skills and capabilities.
We are looking forward to meeting regularly with our leaders, gathering voice from peers, leading action, as well as unpacking the art of leadership.
Year 4 Outing
By Steve Allan, Year 4 Leader
Year 4 students visited a supermarket and wet market in Wan Chai to find out where our food comes from and how it is packaged. We then met with representatives from Plastic Free Seas to discuss the effects of all this plastic packaging is having on our environment.
Library News
By Jane Thompson, Teacher Librarian
FUN TO READ
Once again the Library is looking forward to hosting our annual Book Fair. This year we are inviting Fun to Read to Bradbury to sell their books in the Library. The Book Fair will be open from 8.00 am until 2:30 pm on Wednesday 30th October, Thursday 1st November, and Friday 2nd November. Parents are welcome to browse at any time.
Students will have an opportunity to browse and make purchases during their assigned class time.
If you would like your child to purchase one or more book/s on their allocated day please send them with an appropriate amount of money in a secure purse or container. The cost of most paperback books will be around $100 and hardback books are generally priced between $150-$220. Please remind your child to be responsible for both their money and purchases. If you are concerned about your child handling money, please feel free to do your own browsing and purchasing together in their allocated class buying time.
Reminders and the class schedule will be sent out closer to the date of the book fair.
West Island School Open Day
West Island School will host the annual Open Day on 18 September. Please follow the link for details and to sign-up: https://www.wis.edu.hk/open-day-wednesday-18-september-2019/
Sibling Applications
Reminder for parents regarding Sibling applications for Year 1 (born in 2015) Central Applications application period is from 1-30 September 2019. Online applications: https://www.esf.edu.hk/esf-admissions/
Mid-Autumn Festival Eco Tip:
PTA Picnic Recycling
By Amanda Bremner, PYP Coordinator
This year we will be recycling any empty bottles and cans at the school Picnic. Ms Bremner will be monitoring this along with some Action Agents. Labelled bags will be located in the undercover playground area where your empty bottles and cans can be placed. Troughs of water will also be set up as any bottles and cans must be rinsed before they are placed in the collection bags.
Any other waste brought into the school for this event must be taken home with families.
PYP Introductory Workshop
By Amanda Bremner, PYP Coordinator
Parents are invited to a workshop on the elements of the PYP (Primary Years Programme) which underpins all our teaching and learning at Bradbury. We will be looking at the IB’s philosophy, assessment in the PYP, teaching and learning and agency. This will be held on:
WEDNESDAY 25th September from 8.30am to 10.00am in the School Hall.
This workshop is aimed at new families to Bradbury school and those that would like to find out more about the core parts of the PYP framework.
Please register with Ms. Fritzi in the office if you plan on attending. fritzi.yu@bradbury.edu.hk or 25748249
PTA News
By Monica Brennand, Acting PTA Chairperson & Lin Gong, PTA Administrator
PTA Shop hours are from 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM.
Year 1 Cake Sale
The Yea One cake sale was a huge success where we raised $6,340. Thank you for everyone who volunteered to help and for all the cakes!
P.T.A. ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Our AGM will take place next week on Tuesday 17th September followed by WINE & TAPAS. Please join us if you can!
CLASS PARENTS
Thank you to everyone who has volunteered to be a class parent this year. We really appreciate your support and look forward to working with you all throughout the year!
| Class | Class Parent |
| 1B | Kelly Xu |
| 1C | Felicia Goy |
| 1P | Sarah Hamilton |
| 1R | Swati Mehta |
| 1Z | Veronica Booth |
| 2A | Monica Brennand |
| 2E | Winnie Wong |
| 2F | Melissa Tung |
| 2T | Laura Ferrington |
| 3B | Julia Broad |
| 3C | Lynda Taylor |
| 3G | Bhawna Shetty |
| 3L | James Reeves |
| 4A | Fiona Pang |
| Carol Ip | |
| 4B | Catherine Hufton |
| 4S | Roberta Di Fazizo |
| Tina Volking | |
| 4V | Marjolein Graper |
| 5B | Elise Phillipson |
| 5C | Helen Choi |
| 5M | Saman Rizvi |
| 5T | Khyati Mehta |
| 6G | Nyree Chung |
| 6H | Lia Farrow |
| 6P | Cherry Strid |
| 6T | Jodie Coutts |
LAST DAY FOR RAFFLE DONATIONS – Winter Night Market
Today is the last day for you to submit your donations to the Winter Night Market raffle. Remember we don’t need the physical prize, just the details to complete our license form. Thank you to everyone who has already donated, we’ve got some fantastic prizes this year!
Third-Party Organised After School Activities
Dear Parents,
The following companies are currently hiring our facilities to provide extra curricular activities for students. You may browse the school website under “LIFE AT BRADBURY” for their programs and enroll your child directly to the company:
ESF Sports, contact 2711 1280 or sports@esf.org.hk website: www.esf.org.hk
Soccer & Basketball Training – Adventure Sports Academy Ltd, contact Eilis Cheung at 3998 4042
or info@adventuresportsacademy.com
website: www.adventuresportsacademy.com
Fabric Art, Fabric Design, Crafting & Creative Sewing – Alifya Kasubhai, contact at 9281 5290
or contact@fabricart-hk.com
website: www.fabricart-hk.com
Sanskriti/Hindi Language Class – Brilliant Learning
International Ltd., contact Geetanjali Dhar
at 3563 4300 or info@sanskritiglobal.org
website: www.sanskritiglobal.org
Singing, Acting, Dancing – Ballet, Jazz, Tap Dance – CentreStage Studios HK Ltd., contact Imogen Taylor or Kaijah Bell at 5236 7960 or 2689 2272
or admin@centrestagestudioshk.com
website: www.centrestagestudioshk.com
Swedish Language and Culture – Swedish Cultural
Society, contact Linda at 9316-6599
or svenskaskolanhongkong@hotmail.com
website: www.svenskaskolan.hk
Chess Class & Camp – HoYinPingChess, contact Yin Ping Ho at 9215 2682 or hoyinpingchess@gmail.com
website: https://www.hoyinpingchess.com/
N.B. Bradbury School is not responsible for the quality and safety of programmes offered by third parties. However, please note that all hirers are required to provide third party liability insurance. Parents are urged to take steps to ensure that they are satisfied with any and all aspects of the after school programme(s) they elect to opt in to.
