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Dear all,

I hope this week’s newsletter finds you well. It has been another exciting and enriching week at JCSRS, filled with learning, adventure, and new experiences for both staff and students.

Last week, we were thrilled to welcome Doug Goodkin, who provided music workshops for our staff. These workshops focused on the Orff Schulwerk approach, which emphasises the power of music to connect, inspire, and create joy. It was a fantastic learning opportunity for our staff, and we are looking forward to incorporating these new strategies into our teaching practices. Most importantly, all our students enjoyed interactive music sessions with Doug, which were filled with creativity, joy, and collaboration.

This week, some of our secondary students embarked on a three-day camp, while others participated in a range of school-based activities. The outdoor camp and in-school activities were designed to develop independence, problem-solving, and organisational skills, while also providing students with new challenges to enrich their learning. These experiences are invaluable in helping our students grow, build confidence, and explore new opportunities in a supportive environment. Thank you to Mike and Jackie for taking the lead on this. Please watch out for highlights from the camp in the next newsletter.

I would also like to extend a big congratulations to Pia and Earl, our Educational Assistants, who have just completed their six-day ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistant) training. We are proud of their dedication to supporting the emotional well-being of our students.

A final reminder that today is the last chance to complete the ESF Stakeholder Survey, as it closes at the end of the day. Your feedback is invaluable in helping us understand what we’re doing well and where we can further enhance the educational experience for our students.

Please read on to find out more about many exciting things happening at school and, as always, thank you for your continued support.

Warm regards,

Anna

We are currently looking for parent representatives to take on office bearer roles and support us in establishing our PTA as an association to operate as a charity in Hong Kong. If you are interested in getting involved, just drop us an email at jcsrs.pta@jcsrs.edu.hk for more details.

We are thrilled to share that the new elliptical machines, purchased thanks to the incredible fundraising efforts during the PTA Christmas Sale and Walkathon, are now being put to great use! These machines are a fantastic addition to our school’s gym facilities, providing students with more opportunities to stay active, build strength, and improve their overall well-being.

A huge thank you to everyone who contributed to the fundraising efforts–your generosity has made a real difference in enhancing our students’ learning and physical development. It’s wonderful to see the equipment being used and enjoyed by our students already!

This term, students have embarked on a whole-school project to develop their Creative Thinking skills. Students will strengthen their ability to make connections, identify patterns and build knowledge while exploring themes of transformation through the medium of visual art. They will demonstrate their growing skills and understanding by producing a piece of work for the JCSRS Art Exhibition 2025.

We are delighted to invite families and friends to the opening night of the Art Exhibition, a special event dedicated to celebrating the incredible learning journey of our students. This exhibition will showcase the diverse and creative talents of our young artists, highlighting their hard work, dedication, and artistic growth throughout the year.

Date: Thursday, 24th April

Time: 5.30–7 pm

Venue: JCSRS

Our students have been working hard on their artworks, exploring various mediums and techniques to express their unique perspectives. From vibrant paintings to intricate sculptures, each piece tells a story.

We believe that art is a powerful tool for self-expression and learning, and this exhibition will be a testament to the creativity and imagination of our students. It is also an opportunity for parents to witness firsthand the progress and achievements of their children in the arts.

A key ingredient for all our school projects is ensuring that our work has a real-world application so that students can see the impact of their efforts. As part of the art exhibition project, we have commissioned an artist in residence, Eleanor McColl, to work with our students over the course of three weeks.

Together, every student will help create a mural that will be displayed in our newly renovated meeting room. Here we can celebrate the collective work of our students for all to enjoy. The artwork will be revealed at our exhibition.

We are thrilled to share the wonderful experience our students and teachers had with music educator Doug Goodkin! His visit to our school on the 13th of March was a resounding success, as he led engaging activities that included drumming, singing, and exploring instruments like xylophones and shakers. Students were fully immersed in the learning process, showcasing their creativity and enthusiasm while developing their musical skills.

Doug’s passion for music not only inspired our students but also provided valuable insights to our teachers with the Orff Schulwerk approach, enhancing their ability to incorporate music into their classrooms. We look forward to continuing this musical journey and celebrating the joy of learning through music!

Over the last few weeks, the staff at JCSRS participated in a valuable Continuous Professional Development (CPD) session focused on Team Teach. The session was expertly delivered by trainers Max and May, who facilitated the sharing of innovative techniques and strategies aimed at enhancing student engagement and de-escalation.

As part of our ongoing commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment, this CPD aligns with our school's focus on engagement. Staff members were equipped with practical tools to better support our students, ensuring that every learner feels valued and motivated in their educational journey.

We believe that continuous learning is essential for our growth as educators and for the benefit of our students. Thank you to Max and May for their insightful training, and we look forward to implementing these strategies in our classrooms!

The world is rich with diversity, which is reflected in the observances celebrated by its various cultures and populations. We hope that knowledge of the holidays and celebrations for diversity in this calendar can enhance our school's diversity and inclusion efforts.