Beaconhouse School System Harley Street Campus Rawalpindi THE EARLY YEARS NEWSLETTER Term II | June 2021 | Issue II
Inside the Issue Professional Development Activities Rejoining School Parental Involvement Matters Healthy Competition Festivities in the air Celebrating Achievements
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From the HM’s Desk “I never teach my pupils, I only attempt to provide the conditions in which they can learn.”
~ Albert Einstein Dear Parents, All praises to Allah. I congratulate you all on the successful completion of this eventful but challenging year. This year Beaconhouse HSCR, you as parents and our valuable students displayed exemplary co-operation and did not leave any stone unturned to continue the learning process of our children. I extend my heartiest gratitude to the valued parent body to make BSU a successful mode of teaching and learning. It was, indeed, a great support from our parents that we could make online teaching possible during this uncertain situation of Covid 19. The motivation of our students is our strength. The appreciable performance of our young learners throughout the year in face to face activities as well as online contests such as Virtual story Telling Contest, Math Quiz, Mothers’ Day, Earth Day, Pakistan Meri Pehchaan Quiz, Star Reading Programme and many more have made us realise that they are ready for 21st century challenges. Mission of Beaconhouse is to make our children prepare for the challenges of the New Era. We believe in continuous improvement and keep on improving our ways and tools of teaching. Thank you so much for your continuous support. Good luck my dear students for your new session. I wish you all to stay safe and healthy! Mrs. Sumairah Naveed
Heartiest congratulations to our hard working students for getting promoted to the next levels. Now get ready to embark on an exciting journey towards the school world that will be filled with amazing stock of new learning, hands on experiences, knowledge , curricular and co curricular activities which will help you to identify and develop your talents.
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Professional Development Activities
“In learning you will teach, and in teaching you will learn.” ~ Phil Collins
Interactive Whiteboard
Interactive whiteboard (IWB) is a very useful teaching tool. It increases students' engagement and promotes peer collaboration. It's varied features help teachers to plan and use interactive activities to make the learning process more fun-filled. To ensure enhancement of teachers' professional skills, a school based professional development session on the use of interactive whiteboard was held for Early Years’ teachers by the Subject Lead Ms. Maleeha Naseer. Teachers enthusiastically participated during the session. They explored different features of IWB and developed an understanding of creating flip charts and presentations.
PRISM
A fully functional education system is one that equips its students to become contributing members of society but the values, character, capacity, and complexity of the instructors in the education system determines whether such goals can be achieved or not! Teacher training therefore is a key factor in educational excellence. Maintaining its high standards on professional development of its staff, BSS HSCR arranged such a session for its subject coordinators, subject leads and level coordinators. The SM and PDSI Lead, Ms Zainab Hussain, in her enlightening and interactive presentation provided the participants an insight into using BSS’s new professional development platform - PRISM.
Ms Hussain guided the staff on the available mandatory and optional courses available on this forum, not only for effective pedagogical teaching practices but also with a very strong emphasis on character development of the educators. The trainees would in turn collaborate with their colleagues to improve classroom learning as they meet new challenges in education.
SIP
As a part of the regular professional development activities held on campus, a training session was held for the school faculty. The purpose was to ensure active involvement of the teachers to contribute to the School Improvement Plan (SIP). Using her well designed, step by step, training resources, Ma'am Zainab Hussain, SM, informed the participants about the four focus areas of the SIP module and guided the teachers how to effectively use the module to evaluate and reflect on the current practices and accordingly come up with action plans.
“Be a lifelong student. The more you learn, the more you earn and more self-confidence you will have.” ~ Brian Tracy Facebook: www.facebook.com/BSS.HSPR
Instagram: bss.harleystreetcampus
Contact: 051-5523229
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Rejoining School “I’ve always loved the first day of school better than the last day of school. Firsts are best because they are beginning”
Back to School
School is the foremost fountain of knowledge children are exposed to. It provides a chance for them to acquire knowledge and contributes to cultivation in the thought process. After weeks of school closure our tots of Early Years joined back on 11th January 2021.They were super excited to meet their teachers and friends. The readiness and enthusiasm of the parents, children, and administration to adapt to the new set of in-school rules made the safe management of the learning process possible. The students were warmly welcomed by their loving teachers. Teachers engaged them in different fun filled activities including art and craft as well as physical activities and games.
~ Jenny Han
BSU Attendance Certificate Ceremony
BSS ensured the continuity of teaching and learning process in difficult times of COVID 19 by introducing the BSU platform of online classes. Early Years' students from Pre Nursery to KG were awarded with certificates to appreciate their responsible attitude towards attending online classes regularly.
COVID Marshals, Class & Language Monitors
“The quality of a leader is reflected in the standards they set for themselves” ~ Roy Kroc
The position of the class representatives is an important part of students’ personal growth. It plays a dominant role in a child's education and can have magnanimous influence over their attitudes about school and learning. They set behavioral standards for other students to consider him or her as a role model. Keeping this in view students from early and lower primary were nominated as Covid Marshals, Class and language monitors. They were nominated with respect to the given criteria and were entrusted with a number of responsibilities to maintain discipline, standard and ensure proper compliance of COVID-19 SOP’s.
“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes, you can steer yourself any direction you choose.” ~ Dr. Seuss Facebook: www.facebook.com/BSS.HSPR
Instagram: bss.harleystreetcampus
Contact: 051-5523229
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Parental Involvement Matters “Cherish your visions and your dreams as they are the children of your soul, the blueprints of your ultimate achievements.” ~ Napoleon Hill
Coffee Morning
HSCR arranged a coffee morning for mothers of Pre-Nursery. The distinguished guests were apprised about the ongoing BSS curriculum by SHM, Ms. Sumairah. The interactive session included valuable feedback from mothers while enjoying a cup of coffee. The event was made even more colorful with a game whereby mother's answered different questions pertaining to their children. Before calling it a day, a photoshoot was held of every mother with their child.
Workshop on Healthy Diet in Ramadan
A very informative and interactive virtual session, entitled "Healthy Diet in Ramadan'' was organized by Ms. Mehwish Imran for teachers and parents of Early Years students. The guest speaker Ms. Maryam Zahid, (Clinical Dietitian) the mother of Muhammad Ali from Pre Nursery Jasmine shared valuable information with the audience. She addressed to parents' queries effectively by giving detailed answers. At the end of the session, Ms. Maryam was awarded with a Thank You card as a token of appreciation by the School Coordinator Ms. Almas Naeem.
Workshop on Dental Hygiene Awareness
“Brush your teeth every day, to keep dentist away” ~ The Fresh Quotes HSCR organized an informative and interactive session entitled "Dental Hygiene Awareness" for parents, teachers and students from Pre Nursery to grade two. The guest speaker, Dr. Huma Umar who is the owner of Farid Family Hospital & Dental Center, Chief Dental Surgeon , Orthodontist & Endodontist as well as the founder of “ifixSmiles“ Cosmetic & Esthetic Dentistry graced the virtual session with her presence. She shared valuable information related to dental care, underlying issues and remedies. She responded to numerous queries raised by students as well as by parents and gave them detailed answers.
“I believe the children are our future. Teach them well and let them lead the way. Show them all the beauty they possess inside.” ~ Whitney Houston Facebook: www.facebook.com/BSS.HSPR
Instagram: bss.harleystreetcampus
Contact: 051-5523229
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Healthy Competitions “Winning doesn’t always mean being first, winning means you’re doing better than you’ve done before.” ~ Bonnie Blair
COVID and Climate Activity
Star Reading Program
A Quiz on Pakistan Meri Pehchaan
“Today a reader, tomorrow a leader.” ~ Margaret Fuller.
“Winning means you’re willing to work longer, work harder, and give more than anyone else.”
~ Vince Lombardi COVID and Climate’ planned a Climate Project as a unique home-based online activity offering a mix of MCQs, Creative Writing and Climate Puzzle Games with its enormous capacity to inspire young people to play their vital role as leaders. The winners from Pre- Nursery to Grade II were awarded medals. A Green Angel Palwasha Eshaal Azhar from Pre Nursery Jasmine was awarded with silver medal, two green angels Muhammad Musab Zahid Class Nursery Jasmine and Abdul Ahad Bin Fahad Class KG Tulip won the Green Ambassador’s Insignia award. However, Certificate of appreciation was given to all the participants.
HSPR celebrated the achievements of young readers who enthusiastically participated in the Star Reading programme thus motivating them to make reading fun, interactive, and highly rewarding.
“Nations who love and sacrifice for their countries, find an honourable place in history" ~ Quaid-e- Azam
“Meri Pehchaan Pakistan” Week was enthusiastically celebrated by Kindergarten students. They actively participated in the Pakistan Day Quiz. They exhibited their love for their motherland by signing national songs. Students of KG Jasmine paid tribute to our leader Quaid e Azam and shared their views in the form of poetry and short speeches about Pakistan.
“All your dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.” ~ Walt Disney Facebook: www.facebook.com/BSS.HSPR
Instagram: bss.harleystreetcampus
Contact: 051-5523229
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Festivities in the Air
“The best way to make children good is to make them happy.” ~ Oscar Wilde
Mother’s Day
Women’s Day
Father’s Day
“All that I am or ever hope to be, I owe to my angel mother." ~ Abraham Lincoln
On 7th of May'2021, Early Years students celebrated "Mother's Day" virtually. They made beautiful "Thank You "cards, shared their feelings for their mothers and paid them tribute in their innocent way. Mother's Day sessions were made interactive by engaging mothers through fun filled mind games including riddles and tongue twisters. Kindergarten students presented speeches and rhymes to exhibit their love for their mothers. Ms. Sumaira (SHM) and Ms. Almas (SC) visited the virtual sessions. They appreciated students and encouraged them to always be obedient and respectful to their parents.
“No nation can rise to the height of glory unless your women are side by side with you.”
~ Muhammad Ali Jinnah International Women's Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women identifying, celebrating and increasing visibility of women's achievements. HSCR celebrated the day, acknowledging the women on its team. Maintaining her tradition of carrying out sweet, meaningful ways to acknowledge her team, Ma'am Sumairah Naveed welcomed the staff in the morning with a surprise token of appreciation.
"A father's tears and fears are unseen, his love is unexpressed but his care and protection remains as a pillar of strength throughout our lives". ~Ama H. Vanniarachchy
Early Years' students celebrated Father's Day enthusiastically. They made beautiful craft and cards exhibiting gratitude, love and respect for their fathers.
“The best way to make children good is to make them happy.” ~ Oscar Wilde Facebook: www.facebook.com/BSS.HSPR
Instagram: bss.harleystreetcampus
Contact: 051-5523229
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Creativity at its best Believe in yourself and all that you are. Know that there is something inside you that is greater than any obstacle.” ~ Christian D. Larson
Earth Day
Earth Day was celebrated virtually by Early Years HSCR, on 22nd April 2021. Students exhibited their love and care towards their beloved “Earth”. They suggested ways and talked about their role in making the earth a clean, green and safe living place. They developed an understanding of 3Rs (reduce, reuse, recycle). Using their imagination and creativity, they made impressive posters and shared their views on the significance of plantation and conservation of electricity and water.
Winter Celebrations
The students of Nursery class enjoyed a virtual celebration of the winter season. They listened to the story ‘SNEEZY The Snowman' attentively and answered the story related questions. They related the winter stuff shown in the story with their real life and discussed their favourite winter food & clothes. They made a snowman craft as well.
Animal Day
Students of Pre-Nursery class celebrated "Animal Day". To help students develop a better understanding of animals and their habitat, 3D models were prepared. The enthusiastic young learners identified and sorted pet, wild and farm animals. Filled with inquisitiveness, they asked and answered questions about the animals displayed in 3D models. They enjoyed listening to the sounds of a variety of animals and guessed the relevant ones. It was a fun filled learning experience.
“Children are not only innocent and curious but also optimistic and joyful and esentially happy. They are, in short everything adults wish they could be.” ~ Carolyn Haywood Facebook: www.facebook.com/BSS.HSPR
Instagram: bss.harleystreetcampus
Contact: 051-5523229
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Celebrating Achievements “Every child is a different kind of flower and all together make this world a beautiful garden.
Virtual Eid Milan Party
On 21st of May'2021 Early Years' students celebrated the Virtual Eid Milan Party. The sessions began with recitation proceeded by supplications for Muslim Ummah. Students were dressed up in their Eid dresses. They appreciated each other’s attire. They participated in Show and Tell Activity enthusiastically and sang their favourite rhymes as well as eid songs. They enjoyed listening to interesting moral stories and played a variety of fun filled games such as "Wearing Bangles” and "Scavenger Hunt" etc. "Artists of The Week "were also announced for making beautiful Eid Cards. May Allah bless the world with peace, harmony and happiness.
Virtual Story Telling Contest
“The most powerful person in the world is a storyteller." ~ Steve Jobs The word "Story' carries the connotation of wonder and enchantment. This age-old art has been revered for its magical ability to transport the listener into the world of fantasy. HSCR held a “Virtual Story Retelling Contest '' on 4th June 2021 for kindergarten students to enhance their speaking skills as well as to enable them to be effective and impressive speakers. Students enthusiastically participated in the contest and made the event more interesting; engaging and fun filled by retelling their favourite stories using expressions and intonation. To appreciate the hard work of students they were awarded with certificates.
Graduation Ceremony
On 23rd and 24th of June, Graduation and Certificate Ceremony was held at HSCR to acknowledge students' efforts, dedication, commitment and their hard work throughout the academic session 2020- 2021. The programme was honoured by the presence of Ms. Sumairah Naveed Senior Headmistress HSCR. Dressed up in their graduation gowns and caps, students of kindergarten thoroughly enjoyed the celebrations. It is evident that each child has varied potential that deserves individual recognition. To acknowledge each one’s individuality all the students of Pre Nursery and Nursery were awarded certificates.
There are only two lasting bequests we can hope to give our children. One of these is roots; the other. Wings.” ~ Hodding Carter Facebook: www.facebook.com/BSS.HSPR
Instagram: bss.harleystreetcampus
Contact: 051-5523229
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Random Activities
“There are no seven wonders of the world in the eyes of a child. There are seven million.” -Walt Streightiff
End of Year Party
Remote Learners
Early Years' Students enthusiastically celebrated the End of Term Party with their friends. Dressed up in their favourite clothes, students participated in fun-filled mind games, had movie time and shared their feelings of happiness as well as excitement. They made lovely cards to express love and respect for their respective teachers.
Learning has no boundaries. Our students living abroad taking their online classes regularly through live streaming. They are motivated, proud beaconite and surely deserves appreciation for being an inspirational remote learner. We wish them all the best for their future!!
Floating and Sinking ~ KG Activity
Kindergarten students eagerly participated in experiential learning to develop an understanding of objects that float or sink.
Mathemania
Students of KG class actively participated in Math Quiz entitled as "Mathemania". They were asked questions related to different Mathematical concepts including addition, subtraction, skip counting, properties of 3D shapes and time etc. The virtual contest helped students sharpen their skills of mental calculations.
“Learning by doing is the only way I know how to learn.” ~Tony Fadell Facebook: www.facebook.com/BSS.HSPR
Instagram: bss.harleystreetcampus
Contact: 051-5523229