Newsletter Term 2 - Week 7

Dear Parents,

We are rapidly approaching the end of another busy term. Where does the time go? 

A huge thank you to all parents who were able to assist us with the excursion. We had a great time and learnt more about the culture of Singapore.

Unit of Inquiry

What a fantastic time we are having learning about the cultures of Singapore as well as connecting with our own heritage. There have been many different activities happening in classrooms over the past three weeks including - our personal time lines, culture bags and a wonderful 'cultural talk' and demonstration by the Teacher Assistants last week.



Mrs Teo, Ms MJ and Ms Maylyn presented information about the Chinese culture in Singapore.

Ms Nisah, Ms Shidah and Ms Nazreen presented information about the Malay culture.

Ms Juliet, Ms Emily and Ms Jean presented to Year 2 about the Indian culture in Singapore.

The Year 2 team of Teacher Assistants  with children who dressed for the culture talks.

This week all Year 2 classes went on excursions to explore the cultures of Singapore. To find out more about the places we went to, click on the links below the pictures.



The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple - Chinatown  http://www.btrts.org.sg/Index_Eng.html



Sultan Mosque - Arab St http://www.sultanmosque.org.sg/



Sri Veeramakakiamman Temple - Little India http://www.sriveeramakaliamman.com/



Class of the week - 2 CO

2CO have commenced their new Unit of Inquiry, "Where We Are in Place and Time” by exploring the concept of culture.

Students made a “culture bag” at home and the class had to guess whose bag it was. Some were easy to guess but others proved more difficult. 2CO came to the realization that people can share the same traditions and experiences in life despite their different cultural backgrounds.

Our inquiry then focused on the three main cultures in Singapore, being Chinese, Malay and Indian. Culture boxes were used as a tuning in exercise promoting discussion amongst the students about what the items were, what they were used for and which culture they belonged to.

Can you guess what these items are and whether they belong to the Indian, Chinese or Malay Culture?



Can you guess who's culture bag this belongs to?

Can you guess who's culture bag this belongs to?

Can you guess who's culture bag this belongs to?

Dian’s culture bag from South Africa.                           

Amy’s Culture Bag from Australia and Scotland








 

House Leaders

Murray -       369  points

Lachlan -     300 points

Fitzroy -       279 points

Derwent -    212 points,

Meet the Staff -   Jen Kennedy

5 Facts about me

• I come from the Blue Mountains west of Sydney in Australia. All my family still live there. As I’m from the lower mountains, it has similar a temperature to Sydney (really, it’s true), unlike further up the mountains, say Katoomba which can sometimes get snowfall in Winter.
• We have been living in Singapore on and off for 9 years! I’ve also taught in Australia and China
• I have 2 children in the Preschool.  Luca is in the Bilbies and Dominique is in the Wallabies.
• I love to travel, although that has lessened since we’ve had children!
• A few students are still here who were in the first classes I had at AIS.  They are now in Year 10 and 11 so that makes me feel very old!! It’s quite special to see them all grown up.

    

Y2 Learning - Caught on Camera

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Excursions to Little India, Chinatown and Arab St

First step - Boys and parents from 2RY getting on the MRT

Niamh, Shayla and Stephanie from 2RY with a Priest at the Sri Veeramakaliamamman temple in Little India

Dylan and Jayden from 2RT in the Sultan Mosque in Arab St



William and Ethan from 2TU in Chinatown



Sarah and Ellie from 2HS explore the markets in Chinatown

Ethan from 2KE enjoying the smell of chempedak (not)



Ian in the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum in Chinatown




Year Two  CCA News 

Website Design CCA

During this semester, a team of dedicated students has worked tirelessly to create the website aissfunline. These students worked collaboratively to determine the format of the page. Each week they have worked in teams to create the content for each page. To visit the website please go to http://aissfunline.weebly.com. The password is aissfunline. Please take the time to add your thoughts to the comments page. The children are particularly excited to receive suggestions and comments from others. Kerryl Howarth and Darren Campbell

Dates to Remember

• June 11    Fish and Chips Parent's Association  Night
• June 14    Junior  Ensemble  Night
• June 16    Cultural Celebration Day   - note coming

 Parent Education

This week's parent education focuses on the changing face of Education. I have recently had some interesting discussions with parents about the use of technology for children. The safety of children is paramount and as educators - both teachers and parents -we need to give our children the skills necessary to assist them to be safe.

This clip from Sir Ken Robinson helps us to understand the changing world of education. It is the world that our children are facing. I hope you find it informative.

Ms Elle Ryan and the Year 2 Teaching Team.