Dear all,

This week, we celebrated Kindness Week thanks to the organization from our Student Council. The students engaged in many activities to show kindness to one another.

We also had an assembly today. In the assembly, we were treated to a play by Grade 3 students and a Grade 3 student dance. Certificates were also given for Pride of the Principal and our new Fair Play award, which was presented to Aindrae (Grade 4), Philip (Grade 3), Mark (Grade 4).

We have been emphasizing the importance of students coming to school on time. Our school schedule allows for a short morning meeting every morning in the Elementary School. These meetings are important as they set the stage for the day, and also, it is when the teachers deliver important notices. We feel it is very important for students to be at school for this, these meetings start promptly at 8:30. The school bell rings at 8:20 allowing students to make their way to the rooms and be ready to start the day.

Have you purchased your ticket for the Gala yet? We would love to see you there.

See more information below.

Take care,

Ms. Sheppard

Developing Healthy Relationships with Food

Over the past several months we have been exploring and learning how to support our children’s growth regarding executive functioning.  With 3 skills left, we will pause in order to talk about another important topic, healthy relationships with food, in honor of Eating Disorders Awareness Week, February 26-March 1st.  

Children interact with food every day.  A healthy relationship with food allows a child to eat without fear or guilt.  Be able to listen to their body’s signals for hunger and fullness and enjoy eating with others.  As a parent, you can influence your child’s relationship in the following ways:

• Use Neutral Language: Try not to label foods as good or bad, but rather by their names.  
• Describe foods with sensory words: How do they smell, taste, texture, color or shape.
• Avoid Judgment: subtle comments about using food to change weight or body size.  Instead, talk about how food fuels the body and mind.
• Celebrate foods by welcoming a variety of meals.
• Provide opportunities in which your children can interact with the growth and development of food, like in a garden or on a farm.
• Enjoy family meal times.  Share traditions and cultural influences around the table.
• Avoid using food and snacks as rewards or to coax your child to do something.
• Support healthy routines like regular sleep and exercise.

This message relied heavily on a recent publication from Marble Psychological Services.  This local agency supports the mental health of Myanmar nationals and expat families.  You can find out about their services at www.marble-psychology.com.

The next article will return to our discussion about executive functioning. 

If you have any questions or concerns about healthy habits or executive function, please contact me at escounselor@isyedu.org.