Dear WIS Community,
It has been an eventful and enriching short week in the Primary School at WIS, filled with remarkable achievements, parent involvement, cultural celebrations and field trips!
Congratulations to our incredible Grade 5 students on their performances during the Grade 5 Exhibition. They truly shined as superstars! The students' exhibits and presentations showcased their growth as learners, demonstrating their understanding of global issues. It was wonderful hearing many students express their sense of pride and achievement. Well done, Grade 5 students!
Thanks also to all the parents who attended the Grade 4 and 5 Parent meeting on Tuesday evening- which was intended to share with parents our findings of the weeks we worked with the Grade 4 and 5s on acceptable behaviour and what it means to be a WIS student. As a team, we found the engagement and insights shared by our upper primary learners to be enlightening and caused us to take action to make sure students continue to have open spaces for sharing, but also to critically look at our digital and media literacy instruction to support students making the right choices. We discovered that media use plays a significant role in shaping their experiences, and our aim was to involve parents in a discussion on how we can best support our learners in the digital age. We want to continue involving parents as much as possible so that school and home are working towards the same goals. For those who couldn't attend, the slides from the meeting are available here.
Another highlight this week was the celebration of Africa Day. As I stepped into Grade 2 this morning, I was greeted by the vibrant atmosphere created by Ms. Shanice. She shared a captivating story from the Caprivi region in both her home language and English. Moreover, Ms. Johanna wore a stunning Damara traditional dress while the children learned about local customs and traditions. This celebration followed a professional development day where we critically evaluated our curriculum, aiming to include more local history and culture. Witnessing the teachers bring this element alive with an immediate effect made me a #proudprincipal!
From the Grade 2 teachers, “Grade 2 students recently celebrated Africa Day by immersing themselves in the rich and diverse cultures of the continent. Africa Day commemorates the founding of the Organisation of African Unity (now known as the African Union) on this day, 25 May, in 1963. The students listened to different African stories, drew pictures of African scenes and cultures, and even wrote their own stories. The highlight of the day was when Ms. Johana and Ms. Shanice shared stories from their respective cultures with the students. The students were engaged and excited to learn about the different cultures, and the event left them feeling proud of their own Namibian heritage. It was a wonderful opportunity for the students to broaden their horizons and deepen their appreciation for the diversity that makes Africa such a special place.” |
Our youngest learners in Early Years 3 also had a great experience this week. They embarked on a field trip to the Naankuse wildlife sanctuary. Children had the opportunity to observe and learn about various animals and their natural habitats. I am quite sure this trip not only sparked their curiosity but also fostered a deeper appreciation for the wonders of the animal kingdom. I am grateful to our dedicated EY3 team who organised this enriching excursion.
Looking ahead, please do not miss the upcoming Music through the Decades concert, which has been a labour of love for our students and dedicated teachers. The concert promises to be a spectacular showcase of musical talents and hard work. We are all eagerly anticipating this grand event, where our students will transport us through time with their renditions of iconic songs from different eras. As the concert draws near, next week will be filled with rehearsals, ensuring that every performance is a testament to their commitment and passion for music. Get ready to tap your feet and sing along as we embark on a melodious journey through the decades!
As the end of the school year is fast approaching, I am glad to see the WIS spirit remains unwavering and that together we continue to create a nurturing and inspiring learning environment at WIS.
Warm regards,
Marcelle van Leenen
Primary School Principal