Elementary Principal’s Blog

May 3rd
Blog Post

Sandy Sheppard, Elementary School Principal

 

Dear all,

It is hard to believe it is May already. Lots of things are happening in May, starting with our Parent BBQ event this evening from 5PM, followed by a movie night next Friday night. Please read the Friday Notices to keep up-to-date with all events. I hope to see many of you tonight, or maybe at the Myanmar Breakfast Expo, see more information below.

Have a great weekend!

Ms Sheppard

Myanmar Breakfast Expo – Starting from Monday, April 29, between 7:30 – 10:30 AM, come and enjoy a traditional meal on our Covered Court. All parents are welcome!  Every week on a Monday, Wednesday, and Friday until May 31. The price is only 3,000 kyats per serving. Breakfast is also available until 10:30 AM for students! 

  • Monday – Mohingar 

  • Wednesday – Wai Wai Shan Noodles 

  • Friday – Coconut Noodle soup  

Why not enjoy a variety of refreshing coffees, smoothies, and soft drinks available from Gusto and Nourish at ISY? Come along and enjoy a social breakfast with our community!

MOVIE NIGHT

The Elementary Student Council Movie NightFriday, May 10th at 5:30 PM.  This indoor event invites students and their families to watch Kung Fu Panda 3.  An admission donation is requested and snack sales will be available.  All proceeds will support the Chinthe Fund.  Come and join us for a night of fun.

IMPORTANT

FOOD AT SCHOOL

Several of our students have been bringing candy to school to eat during snack and lunch time. They are also sharing with other students. While this is a lovely gesture, we try to promote healthy eating at school and would prefer that candy be left for a treat at home that parents monitor. Thank you in advance for ensuring that your child/ren do not bring candy to school.

    SUN CARE

    It has started to get very hot outdoors. During these warmer periods, to play outdoors, our students are required to wear sun hats and sunscreen. We ask your assistance to apply sunscreen to your child before they come to school and also to send a named sunscreen bottle to school so that sunscreen can be reapplied before break times.

    Chinthe Cubs

    For 2024-25, we will be offering a 3-year-old program. The current 4-year-old program and the new 3-year-old program will be called Chinthe Cubs. Please complete this sign-up form to register your interest in finding out more information about the new Chinthe Cubs classes. As a reminder, admissions for the next academic year, 2024-25, will be accepted from 15th February 2024. The information session has been completed, but you can get information at any time by contacting our ISY Admissions Office.

    Dates to Remember

    3rd May – Parent’s Connecting Parents, Parent Association event – see more information below

    10TH MAY – ES Movie Night

    22nd May – NO SCHOOL

    7th June – Last day of school – school finishes at 11:30

    PARENT ASSOCIATION EVENT

    The Parent Association invites all parents this afternoon for relaxed fun, food, and drinks to meet other parents and have a good time. The event will be held at ISY on May 3rd from 5-8 pm. The entry fee gives you access to free flow barbecue, salads and beer. If you would like to pre-book wine this is also available. Please help us to plan by registering using this link.

    Executive Functioning Skill: Mental Flexibility 

    Mental flexibility is the ability to change and adapt when situations or strategies don’t work as planned and one needs to find an alternative.  Good problem solvers have mental flexibility because they are able to look beyond the first idea and pursue other ideas with enthusiasm.  Being mentally flexible allows us to manage stress better and bounce back faster when obstacles hinder our path to success.  You can help your child develop mental flexibility by:

    • Letting them fail.  Children need opportunities to fail in safe environments so that they can practice managing their feelings, learn from their mistakes and understand that some things need multiple attempts before they can be successful. 
    • Teach them that problem solving isn’t done with one idea.  Problem solving takes time and effort.  Many failures may occur before the problem is truly resolved.
    • Provide differing points of view.  Every situation has multiple perspectives.  Helping your child understand that will open a new world of empathy and understanding.
    • Use mindfulness strategies to help your child build stamina for the present.  Stress is often worrying about the future.  Remaining present allows your child to see the process and not get overwhelmed by possible mistakes or failures.

    If you would like to talk with Ms. Patty about this or any of the executive functioning skills discussed in previous weeks, please contact her at escounselor@isyedu.org.

    Warm regards, Ms. Patty