ISB Primary Newsletter – Issue 10

Dear Parents

The week started off on Sunday as students from Year 3 to Year 6 took part in the annual Brunei Schools Swimming Competition 2012. It was a long day in the sun but our children represented the school with pride and distinction. Despite competing with 11 other schools from all over Brunei we managed some very creditable results with many medals being won. A huge well done to those students who took part and the parents and staff who were there on the day to ensure everything ran smoothly.

I would also like to announce a change to the way we collect cans in the Primary school from next week. Up until now cans have been brought in and weighed on a Friday with rewards going to the house that collects the most cans over a monthly period.

From now on cans can be brought into school on any day of the week not just on Friday. There will be three colour coded bins (one for each house) by the stairs that lead up from the school hall for the students to place their cans in. The classes in reception will be each allocated to a house so they can also participate in this competition.

The cans collected by each house will be weighed on a weekly basis and the totals recorded each month. The house with the highest amount each month will be rewarded with a non-uniform day for their house.

Darren Sibley
(Primary Principal)

Energy Saving Competition

The eco action team has decided that we as representatives will organise an eco competition. This will be about conserving energy. This competition will see how much energy that we can save every day for a month. This will help us see which class can conserve the most energy.

We will:

• switch off the lights when we are not using them.
• shut down the computers when not in use.
• only use one air-con when we have come back from break and we are not too hot.
• turn off the projector and interactive whiteboard when not in use.

The winning class will win some awesome prizes from our school shop and get a special mention in the Newsletter and on the school TVs.

Perhaps you can find ways of saving energy at home too and help us make a real difference.

Nicholas 5i

Jenn Hao 6i

Primary Eco Action Team – ‘’Growing Green Minds’

Year 1 Malay Technology Museum Visit

On Tuesday 17^th January the Year 1 children from ISB excitedly boarded buses to participate in a unique field trip.  They were off to investigate materials and toys from today and long ago.  But where should they go?

Loaded with children buses left the school in search of places to explore.  Their first stop was The Brunei Arts and Handicraft Training Centre.

Hearing about the children’s desire to investigate how different materials were used, staff at the centre was eager to help.  They had arranged an adventure for children! Children were able to investigate materials in action, and meet people who were using these to create traditional forms of art.

 As they began their tour, children’s attention was attracted by the sounds of banging metal and whirl of machines.  Following their guide, children entered the silver shop.  Here students were able to watch as artists used simple tools to create detailed designs on silver bowls and then used a polishing machine to shine their work as if by magic!  A fantastic start, children happily moved throughout the centre investigating a range of materials, tools and crafts.  They
watched as bamboo was used in weaving, creating baskets, bags and placemats.  They modeled hats that had been made prior to their arrival and even watched as traditional fabrics were woven on large looms. While the children loved all they saw, the opportunity to try batik painting and see the variety of swords being made were true highlights to their adventure.

Following a special tea provided by the Handicraft centre, Year One students once again boarded buses to continue their journey.  Next stop was the Malay
Technology Museum!  While the handicraft centre was a time for lots of questioning, the museum offered children the opportunity to explore toys from long ago.  From bamboo rope puzzles to wooden trucks to thrown spinning tops, children were delighted with the demonstrations of how these unique toys worked.  With a few gentle directions students were then given the chance to try these from themselves.  What fun!

Tired but content children said good-bye and boarded buses for the return to ISB.  Eager to share experiences with families and wondering what tomorrows’
adventure would be!

Montessori Education at ISB

Every Saturday a group of children and staff take part in a Montessori session at school, here is a little more information:

Q. Where did Montessori come from?

A. Montessori (pronounced MON-tuh-SORE-ee) education was founded in 1907 by Dr. Maria Montessori, the first woman in Italy to become a physician. She based her educational methods on scientific observation of children's learning processes. Guided by her discovery that children teach themselves, Dr. Montessori designed a "prepared environment" in which children could freely choose from a number of developmentally appropriate activities. Now, nearly a century after Maria Montessori's first casa dei bambini ("children's house") in Rome, Montessori education is found all over the world, spanning ages from birth to adolescence.

Q. Where can I find a good, brief, introduction to Montessori from birth through the school years?

A. At the Michael Olaf Montessori "text"site, which is actually an E-book of Montessori philosophy and practice: www.michaelolaf.net.

Q. What is the difference between Montessori and traditional education?

A. Montessori emphasizes learning through all five senses, not just through listening, watching, or reading. Children in Montessori classes learn at their own, individual pace and according to their own choice of activities from hundreds of possibilities. Learning is an exciting process of discovery, leading to concentration, motivation, self-discipline, and a love of learning. Montessori classes place children in three-year age groups (3-6, 6-9, 9-12, and so on), forming communities in which the older children spontaneously share their knowledge with the younger ones. Montessori represents an entirely different approach to education.

Q. Can I do Montessori at home with my child?

A. Yes, you can use Montessori principles of child development at home. Look at your home through your child's eyes. Children need a sense of belonging, and they get it by participating fully in the routines of everyday life. "Help me do it by myself" is the life theme of the preschooler. Can you find ways for your child to participate in meal preparation, cleaning, gardening, caring for clothes, shoes, and toys? Providing opportunities for independence is the surest way to build your child's self-esteem.

At the school level many homeschooling and other parents use the Montessori philosophy of following the child's interest and not interrupting concentration to educate their children.

In school only a trained Montessori teacher can properly implement Montessori education, using the specialized learning equipment of the Montessori "prepared environment." Here social development comes from being in a positive and unique environment with other children -- an integral part of Montessori education.

 
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