Dear Families,

As part of ongoing Covid-19 prevention measures, schools are required to update the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) on an ongoing basis about incidences of student medical concerns within year levels. Today, similar to many other schools in Hong Kong, as a result of several cases of Upper Respiratory Tract Infection (URTI) symptoms occurring among Year 1 students, we notified the CHP and received their decision that Year 1 students need to stay off from campus during the period 15-17 September. 

While we know this will come as disappointing news, I am sure we are all aware of the need for continued vigilance around COVID. What is clear from our discussions with the relevant authorities over time is that the government’s approach to URTI-related closures is to prevent hidden transmission of Covid-19, and certainly it is vital that we continue to adhere to government requirements and ensure the safety of the whole community.  

No action is required for parents and families of students in Year 2-6.

As shared in the newsletter last week, we are well prepared for any move to online learning, and more information can be found about this on Velocity under the ‘Parents’ tab. 

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us via the Parent Referral Form or directly via email. 

Having our students spend time away from campus is the last thing that any of us will have wanted. However, by acting with caution we put our students, and our whole community, in the best position to ensure learning continuity going forward. We are grateful for your support and if you have any questions about the specific arrangements outlined above please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Best wishes,

Rehana Shanks
Principal

Dear Year 1 Parents,

As part of ongoing Covid-19 prevention measures, schools are required to update the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) on an ongoing basis about incidences of student medical concerns within year levels. Today, as a result of several cases of Upper Respiratory Tract Infection (URTI) symptoms occurring among Year 1 students, we notified the CHP and received their decision that Year 1 students need to stay off from campus during the period 15-17 September. 

While we know this will come as disappointing news, I am sure we are all aware of the need for continued vigilance around COVID. What is clear from our discussions with the relevant authorities over time is that the government’s approach to URTI-related closures is to prevent hidden transmission of Covid-19, and certainly it is vital that we continue to adhere to government requirements and ensure the safety of the whole community. 

Testing Requirements

The Centre for Health Protection has indicated that it will issue a compulsory testing notice for our Year 1 Students as they are subject to a URTI closure. This is because the symptoms of URTIs are similar to those of COVID-19. Please consult this notice for further details once it is issued by the CHP.

Testing can occur at any Community Testing Centre (CTC).  CTCs offer free service for persons subject to compulsory testing. Booking and walk-in services are available. Testing centres will give priority to individuals who make advance bookings. You can also call a CTC to check on walk-in quotas before visiting a centre. In addition, walk-in mobile specimen collection stations are also an option, and details can be found here.

It will be necessary for Year 1 parents to send the school proof of a negative test result prior to their child returning to school on 20th September and beyond. This can be submitted to the school via this Gateway eNotice. Reminders will be issued throughout the week. Students cannot return to campus without a notification of a negative test result being shared with the school.

Online Learning Arrangements

Year 1 students will move to online learning for the remaining three days of this week for which they are required to stay off from campus - Wednesday 15, Thursday 16 and Friday 17 September. 

Online learning timetables for each class will be live on Velocity by 5pm today, Tuesday 14 September. 

All online learning will be through Zoom and Seesaw. Home learning codes for Seesaw and instructions on how to use these have been issued to student email accounts.

Should you need to borrow any technology to enable your child to engage with online learning, please complete the Parent Referral Form. 

Online Learning Support

Each morning this week, there will be an Online Learning Support ‘drop-in’ webinar for families at 8am. This is a chance for supporting adults to ask any questions or seek support with online learning platforms. 

This webinar will be held via Zoom using this link: https://zoom.us/j/98259037370 

The Parent Referral Form can also be used for any queries or requests throughout the period of online learning, and this document outlines how to access the online tools used for Year 1 online learning.

Returning to campus on 20 September

Again, it will be necessary for Year 1 parents to send the school proof of a negative test result prior to their child returning to school on 20th September and beyond. This can be submitted to the school via this Gateway eNotice.  

We are very grateful for your understanding and know that having our students spend time away from campus is the last thing that any of us will have wanted. However, by acting with caution we put our students, and our whole community, in the best position to ensure learning continuity going forward. We are grateful for your support and if you have any questions about the specific arrangements outlined above please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Best wishes,

Rehana Shanks
Principal

Dear Families,

We are looking forward to a new week of learning ahead. 

As we continue our inquiries across year groups, there are always great opportunities to support learning at home. Here are some ways you can support your child’s learning and broader development at home.

Supporting Learning at Home

Build Independence

Encourage your child to take responsibility in preparing for the next school day by packing their bag, talking about what their lunch will be, and what they are looking forward to for the day ahead.

Ask Questions 

When talking to your child about their day, ask them about the successes and challenges they had, they learned throughout the day, and make use of the Unit of Inquiry Overviews for other possible questions that might connect with their units of inquiry. 

Read Together

One of the most influential experiences a child can have in their language development is being read to by a significant adult. If you can, spend some time each day reading to and with your child. Talk about the story, predict what may happen next, what ideas are emerging from the story, and what they think of the characters or setting.

Make Time to Socialise and Problem Solve

Time playing with friends and family can help build your child’s social skills, creativity and problem solving when challenges arise. Encouraging your child to try to solve their social conflicts independently, seeking an adult for support if that does not work.

These ideas are part of what your child experiences at school, and we hope are useful reminders for continuing and extending this learning at home.

Parent Teacher Conferences

We are writing to invite you to attend your child’s Parent Teacher Online Conference on one of the following dates, these will again be hosted via Zoom. Click here for the Zoom Links for the Conferences.

• Monday 27 September

• Tuesday 28 September

• Wednesday 29 September

• Thursday 30 September

The conferences are an important opportunity to meet with your child’s teacher(s) to discuss how your child has settled in, and their social and emotional development. This will also be an opportunity to share the learning they have engaged in since the start of term, and their next steps in learning.

Please book an appointment on our Gateway [Web Link] .

With warm regards,

Trudy McMillin

Lead Teacher Curriculum

Dear Families,

We are looking forward to a new week of learning ahead. 

As we continue our inquiries across year groups, there are always great opportunities to support learning at home. Here are some ways you can support your child’s learning and broader development at home.

Supporting Learning at Home

Build Independence

Encourage your child to take responsibility in preparing for the next school day by packing their bag, talking about what their lunch will be, and what they are looking forward to for the day ahead.

Ask Questions 

When talking to your child about their day, ask them about the successes and challenges they had, they learned throughout the day, and make use of the Unit of Inquiry Overviews for other possible questions that might connect with their units of inquiry.

Read Together

One of the most influential experiences a child can have in their language development is being read to by a significant adult. If you can, spend some time each day reading to and with your child. Talk about the story, predict what may happen next, what ideas are emerging from the story, and what they think of the characters or setting.

Make Time to Socialise and Problem Solve

Time playing with friends and family can help build your child’s social skills, creativity, and problem solving when challenges arise. Encouraging your child to try to solve their social conflicts independently, seeking an adult for support if that does not work.

These ideas are part of what your child experiences at school, and we hope are useful reminders for continuing and extending this learning at home.

Parent Teacher Conferences

We are writing to invite you to attend your child’s Parent Teacher Online Conference on one of the following dates, these will again be hosted via Zoom. Click here for the Zoom Links for the Conferences.

• Monday 27 September

• Tuesday 28 September

• Wednesday 29 September

• Thursday 30 September

The conferences are an important opportunity to meet with your child’s teacher(s) to discuss how your child has settled in, and their social and emotional development. This will also be an opportunity to share the learning they have engaged in since the start of term, and their next steps in learning.

Please book an appointment on our Gateway [Web Link] .

Unit of Inquiry

During our Who We Are Unit our students are beginning to look at aspects of the Relationship and Sexuality Education curriculum. At the end of last year, Mrs Draeger and Miss McMillin led an introductory evening to share information about this area of the curriculum. You can find the recording under the “2020-2021 PARENT EVENINGS” tab on the Parent Page on Velocity. 

To enable you to best support your child and to be aware of areas of conversation that may arise or questions that may occur with the students we would like to share with you the learning outcomes that will be addressed in this area of the curriculum. 

Over the next three weeks, Year 3 students will engage with the following learning outcomes.

• understand there are safe places to go to access information and appropriate resources to help us learn about our feelings and our bodies.

• know where and how to seek help if they or someone they know is being bullied (repeated intentional harmful behaviour)

• identify which parts of the body are private

• name parts of the body, specifically including the penis, scrotum and vulva 

• identify trusted adults and describe how they would talk to a trusted adult if they are feeling uncomfortable about being touched

• understand the difference between ‘safe and unsafe touch’ and ‘wanted and unwanted’ touch

• understand the benefits and potential dangers of online behaviours 

• identify and demonstrate ways to talk to a trusted adult if something they have done or seen online makes them feel uncomfortable or scared

If you have any questions please feel free to contact Miss McMillin. 

With Warm Regards, 

Trudy McMillin

Lead Teacher Curriculum

Dear Families,

We are looking forward to a new week of learning ahead. 

As we continue our inquiries across year groups, there are always great opportunities to support learning at home. Here are some ways you can support your child’s learning and broader development at home.

Supporting Learning at Home

Build Independence

Encourage your child to take responsibility in preparing for the next school day by packing their bag, talking about what their lunch will be, and what they are looking forward to for the day ahead.

Ask Questions 

When talking to your child about their day, ask them about the successes and challenges they had, they learned throughout the day, and make use of the Unit of Inquiry Overviews for other possible questions that might connect with their units of inquiry. 

Read Together

One of the most influential experiences a child can have in their language development is being read to by a significant adult. If you can, spend some time each day reading to and with your child. Talk about the story, predict what may happen next, what ideas are emerging from the story, and what they think of the characters or setting.

Make Time to Socialise and Problem Solve

Time playing with friends and family can help build your child’s social skills, creativity and problem solving when challenges arise. Encouraging your child to try to solve their social conflicts independently, seeking an adult for support if that does not work.

These ideas are part of what your child experiences at school, and we hope are useful reminders for continuing and extending this learning at home.

Parent Teacher Conferences

We are writing to invite you to attend your child’s Parent Teacher Online Conference on one of the following dates, these will again be hosted via Zoom. Click here for the Zoom Links for the Conferences.

• Monday 27 September

• Tuesday 28 September

• Wednesday 29 September

• Thursday 30 September

The conferences are an important opportunity to meet with your child’s teacher(s) to discuss how your child has settled in, and their social and emotional development. This will also be an opportunity to share the learning they have engaged in since the start of term, and their next steps in learning.

Please book an appointment on our Gateway [Web Link] .

Read Write Inc Evening

A reminder that tomorrow evening from 5-6pm is an introduction and overview to the Read Write Inc phonics programme that is being taught in Year 1. This evening will give you practical ways in which you can support the learning of sounds at home. 

Date: Tuesday 14th 

Time: 5pm - 6pm

Location: Zoom Link 

With warm regards,

Trudy McMillin

Lead Teacher of Curriculum

Dear Families,

We are looking forward to a new week of learning ahead. 

As we continue our inquiries across year groups, there are always great opportunities to support learning at home. Here are some ways you can support your child’s learning and broader development at home.

Supporting Learning at Home

Build Independence

Encourage your child to take responsibility in preparing for the next school day by packing their bag, talking about what their lunch will be, and what they are looking forward to for the day ahead.

Ask Questions 

When talking to your child about their day, ask them about the successes and challenges they had, they learned throughout the day, and make use of the Unit of Inquiry Overviews for other possible questions that might connect with their units of inquiry.

Read Together

One of the most influential experiences a child can have in their language development is being read to by a significant adult. If you can, spend some time each day reading to and with your child. Talk about the story, predict what may happen next, what ideas are emerging from the story, and what they think of the characters or setting.

Make Time to Socialise and Problem Solve

Time playing with friends and family can help build your child’s social skills, creativity and problem solving when challenges arise. Encouraging your child to try to solve their social conflicts independently, seeking an adult for support if that does not work.

These ideas are part of what your child experiences at school, and we hope are useful reminders for continuing and extending this learning at home.

Parent Teacher Conferences

We are writing to invite you to attend your child’s Parent Teacher Online Conference on one of the following dates, these will again be hosted via Zoom. Click here for the Zoom Links for the Conferences.

• Monday 27 September

• Tuesday 28 September

• Wednesday 29 September

• Thursday 30 September

The conferences are an important opportunity to meet with your child’s teacher(s) to discuss how your child has settled in, and their social and emotional development. This will also be an opportunity to share the learning they have engaged in since the start of term, and their next steps in learning.

Please book an appointment on our Gateway [Web Link].

Best wishes,

Paul Campbell
Lead Teacher (Curriculum) (Y4-6)

Year 6 to Year 7 Transition

Below are some reminders relating to the transition process for Year 6 students transitioning to Year 7 from an ESF Primary School (for Year 7 entry in August 2022).

From previous communications, you will be aware that ESF is introducing a new 'Associated School Model' this year for transitioning to Year 7. The ‘Associated School’ refers to the secondary school allocated for transitioning students from a particular ESF Primary School. For Sha Tin Junior School, the ‘associated school’ is Sha Tin College. 

This is set as the default option for all Year 6 students transitioning to an ESF Secondary School.

Completing the Form

When completing the form on Gateway, you will be asked:

'Do you wish to opt out?' 

• If your answer is 'YES' 

  • Your child’s Year 7 allocation will be determined by the residential address.
     

• If your answer is ‘NO’

  • Your child’s Year 7 allocation will be by ‘associated secondary school’, which for SJS is Sha Tin College.

Deadline for submission is 17 September 2021

All Year 6 students are required to submit a transfer form even if he/she does not require a Year 7 place for next academic year.

All submitted forms cannot be modified. Please email at admissions@sjs.esf.edu.hk if you have any queries about your transfer form.  

For details of the application process, please refer to the below document and link:

Year 7 Transfer Application document

Y6 to Y7 Key Dates

Dear Parents, 

We are writing to invite you to attend your child’s Parent Teacher Online Conference on one of the following dates, these will again be hosted via Zoom. Click here for the Zoom Links for the Conferences.

• Monday 27 September

• Tuesday 28 September

• Wednesday 29 September

• Thursday 30 September

The conferences are an important opportunity to meet with your child’s teacher(s) to discuss how your child has settled in, and their social and emotional development. This will also be an opportunity to share the learning they have engaged in since the start of term, and their next steps in learning.

Specialist Teachers

Meetings with Specialist teachers are always in high demand given that they teach each year group and work with a very large number of students. As such, not every parent will be able to meet with specialist teachers during this round of parent conferences.

Parents who were not able to book a slot with a specialist teacher, but still want to discuss their child's progress can contact them via email. Their emails can be found in the Contacts button in the ESF App.

Reserve a booking

Please book an appointment on our Gateway https://sjs.tg.esf.edu.hk/ .

Friday 10 September (4 pm) - Open bookings for parents with more than one child at SJS

Monday 13 September (4 pm) - Open bookings for all parents

Friday 17 September (4 pm) - Open bookings for all parents to book with specialist teachers

Wednesday 22 September (12 noon) - Booking pages close on Gateway

We are very much looking forward to seeing you online via Zoom at the conference and hope that you will find the experience enjoyable, worthwhile and informative.

Best Regards,

Rehana Shanks

Principal

----------------------------

To make a booking:

1. Login to the Gateway

2. Under Parent Consultation, 'Click to book or update'

3. Select one child

4. Select a specific date

5. Click on any available slots in white, those reserved by others are in grey; Your bookings are in purple, you may click on them again to remove booking

6. At the top right you will see a list of bookings that have been made

Dear Parents, 

Thank you to all those parents who joined us for the meet the teacher sessions last week. It was a pleasure to see you all and to share with you information about the year group, specialist subject areas and the homeroom as well. Please be reminded that if you missed the sessions the slides can be found on Velocity under the Year group of your student, Chinese and Parent tabs. 

Awards Scheme

During the parent webinars and our school assembly last week we learnt more about the ESF SJS Awards scheme. Your child's booklet should have come home for you to see. The aim is to complete all of the challenges within the school year. Once you have completed a challenge you can mark off that this has been completed. Year groups will be sharing an online space where students can share their successes. Students will also be completing their school challenges during school time. If you have any questions about the awards scheme please contact your child's class teacher or Mr Thomas (dylan.thomas@sjs.esf.edu.hk).

Other reminders

• Ensure your child brings a hat to school each day.

• Remember not to bring any foods with nuts in them to school. 

• Students are not to wear or have electronic devices with them in school. This includes smart watches and smart phones. 

With best wishes,

Trudy McMillin

Lead Teacher Curriculum

Dear Parents, 

Thank you to all those who joined us for the 'Meet the Teacher' sessions last week. It was a pleasure to see you all and to share with you information about the year ahead.

Please be reminded that if you were not able to attend any of the sessions, the slides can be found on Velocity under each year group, Chinese and Parent tabs. 

Awards Scheme

During the parent webinars and our school assembly last week we learnt more about the ESF SJS Awards Scheme. Your child's booklet should have come home for you to see. The aim is to complete all of the challenges within the school year. Once you have completed a challenge you can mark off that this has been completed. Year groups will be sharing an online space where students can share their successes. Students will also be completing many of the challenges during school time. If you have any questions about the awards scheme please contact your child's class teacher or Mr Thomas (dylan.thomas@sjs.esf.edu.hk)

Other Reminders

• Please ensure your child brings a hat to school each day.

• Remember not to bring any foods containing nuts into school. 

• Students should not wear or use electronic devices at school. This includes smart watches and smart phones. If they do choose to bring them, they should be stored in their school bag, and the school cannot accept any liability for them.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch. 

Best wishes,

Paul Campbell
Lead Teacher (Curriculum)

Dear Parents, 

Thank you to all those parents who joined us for the meet the teacher sessions last week. It was a pleasure to see you all and to share with you information about the year group, specialist subject areas and the homeroom as well. Please be reminded that if you missed the sessions the slides can be found on Velocity under the Year group of your student, Chinese and Parent tabs. 

Awards Scheme

During the parent webinars and our school assembly last week we learnt more about the ESF SJS Awards scheme. Your child's booklet should have come home for you to see. The aim is to complete all of the challenges within the school year. Once you have completed a challenge you can mark off that this has been completed. Year groups will be sharing an online space where students can share their successes. Students will also be completing their school challenges during school time. If you have any questions about the awards scheme please contact your child's class teacher or Mr Thomas (dylan.thomas@sjs.esf.edu.hk)

Other reminders

• Ensure your child brings a hat to school each day.

• Remember not to bring any foods with nuts in them to school. 

• Students are not to wear or have electronic devices with them in school. This includes smartwatches and smartphones. 

Y1 & Y2

PIPS

PIPS is a standardised assessment that is used to identify a child’s individual developmental levels when they enter Year 1 and Year 2, tracking their progress through their first year of school. The PIPS P1 assessment covers the following specific areas of learning and development; Maths, Reading and Phonics. Both Year 1 and Year 2 will be undertaking this assessment over the next week and a half. 

With best wishes,

Trudy McMillin

Lead Teacher Curriculum

For Year 7 entry in August 2022

Starting with this year's Year 6 allocation for Year 7, ESF will process and allocate according to an 'associated secondary school' for Year 7 placement.

​Primary School: Sha Tin Junior School

Allocated Secondary School: Sha Tin College

​

Parents wishing their child to transfer from an ESF Primary school to an ESF Secondary School need to submit a transfer application form for Year 7​ on Gateway. ​ 

Application period: 1 to 17 September 2021

​Allocation for secondary school will be by 'associated secondary school' and NOT determined by the residential address.​  

For details of the application process, please refer to the below document and link:

Y6 to Y7 Key Dates

Year 7 Transfer Application document.

Dear Parents,

We hope this update finds you well, and that you were able to enjoy the great celebration of learning shared at the SJS Assembly last Friday.

New Units of Inquiry

We are excited to be getting started with our new units of inquiry this week. Across the school we will be exploring and inquiring into a range of themes. You can find out more about what your child will be learning over the coming weeks and how you can support at home via your child’s Year Group Page on Velocity. The ‘Unit of Inquiry Overview’ linked next to class timetables gives you an overview of the unit of inquiry, key learning throughout the unit, and questions to support learning and discussion at home. 

Zoom Meet the Teachers Evening & Parent Information

This week, Meet the Teacher webinars will be held via Zoom and will take place in the evenings between Monday to Thursday. This will be an opportunity for you to meet members of the leadership team as well as your child's class teacher to gain an overview of the school year ahead.

Details: Schedule & Zoom Links

• Monday 30 August (Year 1 and 2) and (Y1 Mandarin)

• Tuesday 31 August (Whole School Music) and (Year 3 and 4)

• Wednesday 1 September (Whole School PE) and (Year 5 and 6)

• Thursday 2 September (Year 2-6 Mandarin)

Seesaw Reminder

By way of reminder, we will be continuing to use Seesaw as an online learning platform for the students to share their learning with you at home. To connect into seesaw please use the Seesaw Family app or select “I’m a family member” when signing in through the website. 

New parents: Create your account by using your email address that is registered on gateway. This will ensure that you are connected with your child and their class. 

Returning parents: sign in with the email address that is registered on gateway.

If you have any further problems please contact Victor Fan (victor.fan@sjs.esf.edu.hk). 

With best wishes,

Paul Campbell
Lead Teacher (Curriculum)

Dear Parents,

We hope this update finds you well, and that you were able to enjoy the great celebration of learning shared at the SJS Assembly last Friday.

New Units of Inquiry

We are excited to be getting started with our new units of inquiry this week. Across the school, we will be exploring and inquiring into a range of themes. You can find out more about what your child will be learning over the coming weeks and how you can support at home via your child’s Year Group Page on Velocity. The ‘Unit of Inquiry Overview’ linked next to class timetables gives you an overview of the unit of inquiry, key learning throughout the unit, and questions to support learning and discussion at home. 

Zoom Meet the Teachers Evening & Parent Information

This week, Meet the Teacher webinars will be held via Zoom and will take place in the evenings between Monday to Thursday. This will be an opportunity for you to meet members of the leadership team as well as your child's class teacher to gain an overview of the school year ahead.

Details: Schedule & Zoom Links

• Monday 30 August (Year 1 and 2) and (Y1 Mandarin)

• Tuesday 31 August (Whole School Music) and (Year 3 and 4)

• Wednesday 1 September (Whole School PE) and (Year 5 and 6)

• Thursday 2 September (Year 2-6 Mandarin)

Seesaw Reminder

By way of reminder, we will be continuing to use Seesaw as an online learning platform for the students to share their learning with you at home. To connect into seesaw please use the Seesaw Family app or select “I’m a family member” when signing in through the website. 

New parents: Create your account by using your email address that is registered on Gateway. This will ensure that you are connected with your child and their class. 

Returning parents: sign in with the email address that is registered on Gateway.

If you have any further problems please contact Victor Fan (victor.fan@sjs.esf.edu.hk). 

With best wishes,

Trudy McMillin

Lead Teacher Curriculum

Dear Parents,

I hope this finds you well.

By way of reminder, you are warmly invited to the webinar taking place today, Monday 23rd August at 5:30 pm, where the leadership team and I will be introducing ourselves and sharing the school’s objectives for the coming year. 

All are welcome to join using this Zoom link.

I look forward to seeing as many of you there as possible.

Best wishes,

Rehana Shanks
Principal

Dear Families,

Many thanks to those who were able to join our Family Webinar with the School Leadership Team this evening.

Please find the recording and the slides for this webinar on Velocity under the 'Parent' tab, and linked below.

• Slides
• Recording

In the meantime, should you have any questions or comments, please do not hesitate to get in touch via the Parent Referral Form, the Padlets on Velocity, or by getting in touch with me directly.

Best wishes,

Rehana Shanks
Principal

Dear Parents, 

We are looking forward to welcoming our students back to school tomorrow, Thursday 19th August. 

Please be reminded that children and parents should not arrive at school before 8:00 am. We request that adults do not enter the school campus unless absolutely necessary. All parents must have completed the Health Declaration Form before entering the school premises, without exception, including collecting children from school. This has been sent through the app already. 

All adults and visitors will have their temperatures checked at the main office. All visitors to the school must wear a face mask. 

Please find the specific details of this outlined in the ‘Parent Version - SJS LEARNING & ENGAGEMENT - Full School Resumption August 2021’.

Temperature Entered on the ESF App and Health Declaration Form

Please remember that all parents must check their child's temperature before school and ensure this is recorded on the ESF app, without exception. 

Please also complete the health declaration form for parents and students which has been sent to parents via the ESF app. This must be completed at the beginning of term before entering school premises. 

Timetables and Communication

The primary means of communication with the whole community will be via the ESF app. For information on how to download and use the app, please see the Parent Guide here.

On Velocity, you will find Year Group pages with  information on how to get in touch with class teachers, access weekly timetables (which outline PE, Music and library times), and post any questions on the Year Group Padlet which will be monitored by Ms McMillin (Y1-3) and Mr Campbell (Y4-6). 

Should you have any questions or concerns and want to reach out to the school, please do not hesitate to use the Parent Referral Form, and a member of the leadership team will get in touch with you as soon as possible.

Each week, you will receive the school newsletter via the ESF App on Friday, and a weekly update each Monday from Ms McMillin (Lead Teacher (Curriculum) (Y1-3)), and Mr Campbell (Lead Teacher (Curriculum) (Y4-6)). 

Meet the Teacher

Meet the Teacher webinars will be held via Zoom, and will take place between Monday 30th August and Thursday 2nd September in the evening. This will be an opportunity to meet members of the leadership team and your child’s class teacher, and get an overview of the year ahead.

You can find the programme here, and zoom links will go live the day before. 

Below this message, please also find an update from Mrs Niermeier about music learning this year.

In the meantime, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Best wishes,

Paul Campbell
Lead Teacher (Curriculum) (Y4, 5, & 6)

--

Dear Y5 families,

Welcome back!!!!

I hope you have had a wonderful summer.  We are looking forward to seeing you later this week.  Exciting year ahead!!!

Just a few MUST dos below.

1. Please note that a Dood (plastic clarinet) will be given to students on the first day of music class.   They will be labelled along with a music booklet.  Please bring your personal instrument and booklet to school every music class (please check class timetable).  No school instruments can be loaned to students due to covid.

2. The Dood and the book are rather light.  We encourage you to leave the Dood and the book in your backpack at all times.

3. Daily practice:  please practice for 20 mins. every school day.  

4.  Please refrain from taking your instruments out at school unless you have music.  You will only be allowed to play during music time.  According to the EDB’s restrictions, students will need to be 1.5 meters apart when playing.   We will reinforce this during music time.  

5. Google classroom:   Please find ‘Music’ under topics in your class (there is no standalone Music Google Classroom) starting in the second week!  Materials and announcements will be posted periodically.  We will use this platform to send out updates and announcements.  
 

Orchestral auditions:
Please note that orchestra auditions will be held in mid to the end of September.  More details will be sent out.

We can’t wait to have great fun with you all!!!!


Kind regards,

Mrs. Niermeier

Dear Parents, 

We are looking forward to welcoming our students back to school tomorrow, Thursday 19th August. 

Please be reminded that children and parents should not arrive at school before 8:00 am. We request that adults do not enter the school campus unless absolutely necessary. All parents must have completed the Health Declaration Form before entering the school premises, without exception, including collecting children from school. This has been sent through the app already. 

All adults and visitors will have their temperatures checked at the main office. All visitors to the school must wear a face mask. 

Please find the specific details of this outlined in the ‘Parent Version - SJS LEARNING & ENGAGEMENT - Full School Resumption August 2021’.

Temperature Entered on the ESF App and Health Declaration Form

Please remember that all parents must check their child's temperature before school and ensure this is recorded on the ESF app, without exception. 

Please also complete the health declaration form for parents and students which has been sent to parents via the ESF app. This must be completed at the beginning of term before entering school premises. 

Timetables and Communication

The primary means of communication with the whole community will be via the ESF app. For information on how to download and use the app, please see the Parent Guide here.

On Velocity, you will find Year Group pages with  information on how to get in touch with class teachers, access weekly timetables (which outline PE, Music and library times), and post any questions on the Year Group Padlet which will be monitored by Ms McMillin (Y1-3) and Mr Campbell (Y4-6). 

Should you have any questions or concerns and want to reach out to the school, please do not hesitate to use the Parent Referral Form, and a member of the leadership team will get in touch with you as soon as possible.

Each week, you will receive the school newsletter via the ESF App on Friday, and a weekly update each Monday from Ms McMillin (Lead Teacher (Curriculum) (Y1-3)), and Mr Campbell (Lead Teacher (Curriculum) (Y4-6)). 

Meet the Teacher

Meet the Teacher webinars will be held via Zoom, and will take place between Monday 30th August and Thursday 2nd September in the evening. This will be an opportunity to meet members of the leadership team and your child’s class teacher, and get an overview of the year ahead.

You can find the programme here, and zoom links will go live the day before. 

Below this message, please also find an update from Mrs Niermeier about music learning this year.

In the meantime, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Best wishes,

Paul Campbell
Lead Teacher (Curriculum) (Y4, 5, & 6)

--

Dear Y6 families,

Welcome back!!!!

I hope you have had a wonderful summer.  We are looking forward to seeing you later this week.  Exciting year ahead!!!

Just a few MUST dos below.

1. Please note that a Toot (plastic flute) will be given to students on the first day of music class.  They will be labelled along with a music booklet.  Please bring your personal instrument and booklet to school every music class (please check class timetable).  No school instruments can be loaned to students due to covid.

2. The Toot and the book are rather light.  We encourage you to leave the Toot and the book in your backpack at all times.

3. Daily practice:  please practice for 20 mins. every school day.  

4.  Please refrain from taking your instruments out at school unless you have music.  You will only be allowed to play during music time.  According to the EDB’s restrictions, students will need to be 1.5 meters apart when playing.   We will reinforce this during music time.  

5. Google classroom:  Please find ‘Music’ under topics in your class (there is no standalone Music Google Classroom) starting in the second week!  Materials and announcements will be posted periodically.  We will use this platform to send out updates and announcements.  

Orchestral auditions:
Please note that orchestra auditions will be held in mid to the end of September.  More details will be sent out.

We can’t wait to have great fun with you all!!!!


Kind regards,

Mrs. Niermeier

Dear Parents, 

We are looking forward to welcoming our students back to school tomorrow, Thursday 19th August. 

Please be reminded that children and parents should not arrive at school before 8:00 am. We request that adults do not enter the school campus unless absolutely necessary. All parents must have completed the Health Declaration Form before entering the school premises, without exception, including collecting children from school. This has been sent through the app already. 

All adults and visitors will have their temperatures checked at the main office. All visitors to the school must wear a face mask. 

Please find the specific details of this outlined in the ‘Parent Version - SJS LEARNING & ENGAGEMENT - Full School Resumption August 2021’.

Temperature Entered on the ESF App and Health Declaration Form

Please remember that all parents must check their child's temperature before school and ensure this is recorded on the ESF app, without exception. 

Please also complete the health declaration form for parents and students which has been sent to parents via the ESF app. This must be completed at the beginning of term before entering school premises. 

Timetables and Communication

The primary means of communication with the whole community will be via the ESF app. For information on how to download and use the app, please see the Parent Guide here.

On Velocity, you will find Year Group pages with  information on how to get in touch with class teachers, access weekly timetables (which outline PE, Music and library times), and post any questions on the Year Group Padlet which will be monitored by Ms McMillin (Y1-3) and Mr Campbell (Y4-6). 

Should you have any questions or concerns and want to reach out to the school, please do not hesitate to use the Parent Referral Form, and a member of the leadership team will get in touch with you as soon as possible.

Each week, you will receive the school newsletter via the ESF App on Friday, and a weekly update each Monday from Ms McMillin (Lead Teacher (Curriculum) (Y1-3)), and Mr Campbell (Lead Teacher (Curriculum) (Y4-6)). 

Meet the Teacher

Meet the Teacher webinars will be held via Zoom, and will take place between Monday 30th August and Thursday 2nd September in the evening. This will be an opportunity to meet members of the leadership team and your child’s class teacher, and get an overview of the year ahead.

You can find the programme here, and zoom links will go live the day before. 

Below this message, please also find an update from Mrs Niermeier about music learning this year.

In the meantime, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Best wishes,

Paul Campbell
Lead Teacher (Curriculum) (Y4, 5, & 6)

--

Dear Y4 families,

Welcome back!!!!

I hope you have had a wonderful summer.  We are looking forward to seeing you later this week.  Exciting year ahead!!!

Just a few MUST dos below.

1. Please bring your personal recorder and the recorder book to school every music class (please check class timetable).  No school instruments can be loaned to students due to covid.

2. The recorder and the book are rather light.  We encourage you to leave the recorder and the book in your backpack at all times.

3. Daily practice:  please practice for 15 mins. every school day.

4.  Please refrain from taking your recorder out at school unless you have music.  You will only be allowed to play during music time. According to the EDB’s restrictions, students will need to be 1.5 meters apart when playing.   We will reinforce this during music time.  

5. Google classroom:  Please find ‘Music’ under topics in your class (there is no standalone Music Google Classroom) starting in the second week!  Materials and announcements will be posted periodically.  We will use this platform to send out updates and announcements.  
 

Orchestral auditions:
Please note that orchestra auditions will be held in mid to the end of September.  More details will be sent out.

We can’t wait to have great fun with you all!!!!

Kind regards,

Mrs. Niermeier

Monday 9th August 2021

Dear Parents,

Welcome Back!

We hope this finds you well as we reach the end of what I hope has been a restful and relaxing summer break.

Below are a few updates I wanted to share with you in advance of  all students returning to school starting next Thursday 19th August. 

Full Days on Campus

Families will have received a message from ESF CEO Belinda Greer on Wednesday 4th August sharing that all ESF schools will start the academic year as we finished last year under the same arrangements approved by the EDB.

This means our arrangements for full days on campus will remain as they were in Term 3 last year. Please find the specific details of this outlined in the ‘Parent Version - SJS LEARNING & ENGAGEMENT - Full School Resumption August 2021’.

Please be reminded that children and parents should not arrive at school before 8:00 am. We request that adults do not enter the school campus unless absolutely necessary. All parents must have completed the Health Declaration Form before entering the school premises, including collecting children from school. All adults and visitors will have their temperatures checked at the main office. All visitors to the school must wear a face mask. 

Communication

The primary means of communication with the whole community will be via the ESF app. For information on how to download and use the app, please see the Parent Guide here.

On Velocity, you will find Year Group pages with information on how to get in touch with class teachers, access weekly timetables, and post any questions on the Year Group Padlet which will be monitored by Ms McMillin (Y1-3) and Mr Campbell (Y4-6). 

Should you have any questions or concerns and want to reach out to the school, please do not hesitate to use the Parent Referral Form, and a member of the leadership team will get in touch with you as soon as possible.

Each week, you will receive the school newsletter via the ESF App on Friday, and a weekly update each Monday from Ms McMillin (Lead Teacher (Curriculum) (Y1-3)), and Mr Campbell (Lead Teacher (Curriculum) (Y4-6)). 

On Monday 23rd August, the leadership team will be hosting a webinar in the evening via Zoom that will be open to all parents to introduce ourselves and to share the school’s objectives for the coming year. 

Meet the Teacher webinars will also be held via Zoom, and will take place between Monday 30th August and Thursday 2nd September in the evening. This will be an opportunity to meet members of the leadership team and your child’s class teacher, and get an overview of the year ahead.

The programme and Zoom links will be shared with you early next week.

Welcome Year 1 Families

We are delighted to welcome our new Year 1 students and families to the SJS community. We look forward to sharing in your child’s learning journey. 

As shared at the end of last year, Year 1 students will begin the year with a staggered start. Information on which groups of students will attend when can be found on the Velocity transition page as well as the slides here SJS Y1 Parent Induction (Session 3) - Beginning of the Year Logistics.

In the meantime, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to be in touch. 

Best wishes,

Rehana Shanks
Principal

Dear Parents,