News
25th November 2011
Dear Parents,
It has been a very busy week in the primary school, with rehearsals for ‘Peter Pan’ in full swing and the preparation for, and celebration of ‘Thanksgiving’ on Thursday. I have a feeling you will really enjoy this year’s concert, as whilst it is early in the rehearsal schedule I have already heard some wonderful songs and music. I would kindly ask you to support and help your children in learning any lines they may have and with the lyrics of the songs.
I myself have had an interesting week around school finally having found time to start to observe some lessons; this week I really enjoyed lessons with years 3,4,5,6 ESL, year 2 and year 6. Our ESL class was busy learning vocabulary related to the theatre and plays, which will help them greatly in understanding and participating in the Christmas concert. Year 2 had a numeracy lesson and astounded me with their newly acquired division skills, and I was also impressed with the improved English of the students who joined our school this year and by the concentration and good behaviour of the class as a whole. In year 6 we studied about the human-rights movement in the USA during the 1960’s, with an emphasis on Dr. Martin Luther-King and his ‘I have a dream’ speech’. The students read out their own ‘I have a dream’ speeches and delivered some fantastic dreams about their futures. Wonderful concepts such as re-unification of divided countries, religious tolerance and the need for compassion and non-violence were expressed; I feel that if the entire world’s children think along these lines then the future will be safe in their hands. All in all it was great being in the classroom observing exactly what education is all about.
I’ve just remembered an event from last weekend, Saturday to be precise when our boys and girls basketball teams were involved in competitive matches against other schools in Wroclaw. It was a great morning which saw in particular our girls winning two out of their three matches; a big well done goes to them for that achievement. Whilst we had many parents supporting their children, others of you may wish to catch some video highlights on youtube or on the Polish Basket.wroc.pl. You could direct your friends and family in your home countries so they can enjoy it too, and keep up to date with the teams’ progress.
On Thursday, as stated, the primary school had their ‘Thanksgiving’ celebrations and year 6 was quick in giving their invitation for me to join in with theirs. When I arrived I was met by tables full of Indians and Pilgrims and tables laden with traditional foods. Miss Joanna then informed me about one of my ancestors who travelled on the Mayflower, namely one Francis Billington and the tale that he had nearly blown up the ship during the journey, once by setting-off firecrackers and once by firing a musket next to a barrel of gunpowder. Francis is also remembered for something less mischievous and that is for discovering what is still known as the Billington Sea, and Nicolas in year 6 kindly read out some interesting facts and figures about it for me. I left the Indians and Pilgrims to start their feast and travelled the oceans to the small villa to see how the celebration was going there. I must thank the teachers and you the parents for helping make this event a success enjoyed by all the children.
Wishing you a pleasant weekend,
Best regards,
Wayne Billington
Head of School
